Oct. 4, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 116
DAILY DIGEST
OF PERSONNEL THE OXYGEN THE
S
Story by MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Photos by MCSA (SW) Andrew W. Price
oaring through the air at incredibly high speeds, the aviators of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 have thousands of important items to think about, from aircraft instrumentation to the dangerous mission at hand. One vital piece of equipment that is often overlooked is the oxygen needed to survive in such harsh environments created at 30,000 feet. The aviators need not be afraid, as responsibility for that oxygen lies with the men and women of the O2N2 shops. “Our primary responsibility is support of the air wing,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Zachary Barber, “but we also support, Medical/Dental Department
SHOP
and any department that may require the use of oxygen or nitrogen.” According to Barber, the process from creation to implementation contains multiple intricate steps and involves a good amount of patience. “The process is actually quite lengthy,” said Barber. “The high-pressure air compressors within the O2N2 pressurize the air contained within to around 3,000 pounds per square inch. Forcing it through a very small orifice and a series of expansion valves then expands the highly pressurized air. As it travels through the expansion valves, the pressure and temperature of the air drop significantly through a process CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Sailor of the Day
Story and photo by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
A
responsible for delivering the daily air plan and hot area sheet totaling 310 documents to 55 spaces throughout the ship on a nightly basis. As a boundary man in Repair Locker 7B, his enthusiasm and attention to detail throughout numerous general quarters exercises directly contributed to command readiness and mission capability. Lara’s undoubtedly proven himself to be a shining example of a Sailor and an irreplaceable team player. “Stay humble and always be respectful,” said Lara.
ir Traffic Controller 3rd Class Luis A. Lara, of Riverside, Calif., was named Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day Oct. 3. “It feels good,” said Lara. “I didn’t think I’d be chosen out of all the Sailors and Marines on board.” Lara’s superb leadership and technical expertise directly contributed to the safe operation of more than 5,500 sorties and 4,321 carrier arrested landings. Lara assisted in more than 45 air traffic control qualifications. While he was assigned to the Air Operations mid-watch, he was Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth
Executive Officer Capt. John Cummings
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke
Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions are subject to review and screening. ”Nimitz News” is an authorized publication for the members of the military services and their families. Its content does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
known as the Joules-Thompson Effect.” Joules-Thompson Effect – In Thermodynamics – describes the temperature change of gas or liquid when it is forced through a valve or porous plug while kept insulated so that no heat is exchanged with the environment. Also known as a throttling process. At room temperature, all gases with the exception of hydrogen, helium and neon cool upon expansion by the Joules-Thompson Effect. Once created and liquefied through the JoulesThompson effect, the oxygen then needs to be stored. “The liquid form of the gas is then stored in a 1,000-gallon storage tank prior to distribution,” said Barber. “After which, TMU-70 containers are filled and distributed to the air wing and PR [Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen] shops.” Barber added that safety within the O2N2 shop is paramount, especially when dealing with such an involved process. “The workspace itself is incredibly loud, so hearing protection is a must,” said Barber. “When you add in dealing with temperatures reaching as low as negative 292 degrees Fahrenheit, it is vital that the proper protective equipment be worn, including cryo-gloves, LOX coveralls and LOX boots.” Machinist’s Mate Fireman Paul Koop ratifies the importance of safety, noting that reckless handling of the material is a dangerous game. “Safety is very important in the workplace,”
PR1 Galo Juradotapia weighs an oxygen tank.
said Koop. “Any contact with the dangerous materials used within the process could cause any number of accidents.” Although the job is inherently dangerous, Barber adds that watching the job come to fruition is worth the risk. “Knowing that so many departments depend on our production, and being able to meet that production is incredibly rewarding,” said Barber.
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THE
AVIATORS
NIMITZ TO HOST AIR SHOW Story by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
S
ron (VRC) 30 will perform aerial stunts for the crew of Nimitz. Sailors and Marines should expect to see fly-bys, a supersonic pass, and choreographed maneuvers. They will get the chance to see the flying capabilities of the different aircraft as well as the coordination between Nimitz and the air wing teams. Out of the different maneuverers that will be performed at the airshow, the supersonic pass, is sure to be the highlight of the event. “It is going to be loud, so I recommend everyone wear hearing protection,” said Lt. Nathan O’Kelly, assigned to CVW-11. The pilots spent yesterday practicing and
aturday, Nimitz will host an air show featuring aircraft from all squadrons in embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11. Pilots from the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the “Black Knights” of (VFA) 154, the “Blue Diamonds” of (VFA) 146, the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, and the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squad4
An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to VMFA-323 launches, while an F/A18C Hornet assigned to VFA-146 prepares to launch on the flight deck. - Photo by MCSN Siobhana R. McEwen
will continue today to refine their particular part in the show. They have also been studying their events with briefs and coordinating with the other squadrons about their timing for the event. “It’s to show the transition from how the pilots first start out to the end product, which will be held during the Tiger Cruise,” said O’Kelly. According to O’Kelly, the best view of the event will be from the bow to the midship of the flight deck. Nimitz launches numerous aircraft daily, and the show will demonstrate to the crew the purpose of Nimitz’ mission. “Sailors should come out because it shows
all the hard work we have been doing and what we are capable of doing,” said O’Kelly. “This shows the crew the reason why we are here.” Some Sailors are already looking forward to going to the air show Saturday. “I can’t wait to see how spectacular their performance is going to be,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class John Leyson. “It’s going to be cool to see aircraft do maneuvers that we normally don’t get to see every day,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Marshall Boykin. There will be another air show in the next couple of weeks to show the crew the progress the pilots have made over time. The date of the next event is still to be determined. 5
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By MCSA Kelly M. Agee
SN Mike Johnston signals Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) during a replenishment-at-sea. By MC2 (SW/AW) Jacquelyn Childs
By MCSN Eric Butler By MCSN (SW) Kole Carpenter
An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to HSC-6 takes part in a vertical replenishment-at-sea between Nimitz and the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7).
SN Vanessa McClelland operates the sliding pad-eye during a replensihment-at-sea.
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O N THE COVER: PR2 Jess empties ica Orm an oxyge an n tank.