Nimitz News Daily Digest - Oct. 9, 2013

Oct. 9, 2013

Vol. 2 Issue 118

DAILY DIGEST

NIMITZ’ SNOOPIE TEAM SAILORS PROVIDE CONSTANT VIGILANCE AND VITAL INFORMATION Story by MC3 (SW) Nathan McDonald

As Nimitz continues to operate thousands of miles from home in strange and sometimes unfriendly waters, constant vigilance remains a crucial component of success. The Ship’s Nautical or Otherwise Photographic Interpretation and Examination (SNOOPIE) team provides visual documentation of foreign and unknown contacts operating around the ship.

“We take photographic and video documentation of different events,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Robert Weatherholt, a SNOOPIE team leader. “We do SNOOPIE evolutions whenever the

Tactical Action Officer (TAO) calls us away, during strait transits, pulling into or out of ports or when contacts of interest are nearby.”

The information collected by the SNOOPIE team must be processed and disseminated quickly to the fleet Nimitz is operating in.

“If something happens, we have to be the first people to get it out,” said Information Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Thacker, a SNOOPIE team member.

“We want to make sure our version of events is seen and heard and the fleet stays informed. It also provides a visual about any potentially hostile intent or CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Sailor of the Day

Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Phil Ladouceur

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rochel S. Roque, from Guam, was named Sailor of the Day Oct. 8.

Her initiative and technical acumen led to the removal and installation of 13 turbofan engines, three auxiliary power unites, two airframe mounted accessory drives, and the timely repair of a complex fuel cell discrepancy, totaling 2,230 maintenance man hours.

“It feels good to be recognized for the work I do,” said Roque.

In addition, as a Carrier Air Wing 11 foreign object debris team member, she was instrumental in the timely response to two hazardous material spills Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth

and the routine prevention of foreign object debris hazards to aircraft.

Roque had a simple explanation for why she won Sailor of the Day. “I work hard,” she said.

Joining the Navy is part of a broader plan for Roque.

“I wanted an education and at the same time I wanted to gain some independence,” she said. “My family couldn’t afford to send my sister and I to college at the same time, so I joined to help them out and to better myself.”

She plans on getting out of the Navy and using her benefits to attend college and get her degree in nursing.

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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surveillance.”

Each team is comprised of five watch stations.

“There is a lookout, who uses a zooming camera lens, big eyes and binoculars to identify a ship and pick out specific features,” said Thacker.

“There’s a recorder who logs all activity and the time it occurs. We have a photographer who takes photos and videos and a team leader who oversees the whole thing and supplements any of the other positions as needed.”

A number of factors, particularly the weather, can affect the success of a SNOOPIE evolution.

“We’re always affected by weather, visibility and the time frame we have to get the information out to the fleet we’re operating in,” said Weatherholt.

Operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility has its own set of challenges, as well.

“Visibility in this area is really limited,” said Thacker. “Out here we can see out about six miles maximum, whereas in 3rd Fleet we can see up to 12 miles.”

Being on SNOOPIE team also has its benefits, however.

By MCSN Eric Butler

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SA Matthew Malm stands watch on the signal bridge during a SNOOPIE team evolution.

“It’s nice to get sunlight and get outside,” said Weatherholt. “If it wasn’t for that, all I would see is my shop and the insides of the ship. You get to see some cool stuff sometimes like a foreign aircraft flying low or a Russian warship.”

While the teams are mostly comprised of intelligence specialists and mass communication specialists, other rates can become members as well.

“We’re always looking for volunteers as long as they have a valid clearance and can clear it with their chain of command,” said Thacker.

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FUN IN THE SUN SAILORS AND MARINES ENJOY STEEL BEACH PICNIC

Sailors and Marines watch a performance during a talent competition on the flight deck.

S

ailors and Marines aboard Nimitz participated in a steel beach picnic while underway Oct. 7.

The steel beach picnic took place on the flight deck aboard Nimitz to enhance morale for Sailors and Marines.

Each Sailor and Marine enjoyed freshly cooked hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Nimitz’ Supply Department on the flight deck.

“I think the steel beach picnic was really a good idea,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Stephon Deas. “I truly believe it boosted morale and the people who haven’t played any sports in the past two months finally got a chance to play some basketball and football.”

Several activities for the crew were set up on the flight deck, including golfing, live musical

performances by the crew, a dunk tank, basketball courts and a water balloon toss competition.

“I love it so much. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” said Airman Cory Ryder, still laughing from getting soaked in the dunk tank.

For some Sailors and Marines, the steel beach picnic provided just the right atmosphere to socialize with friends and relax.

“It’s been real nice,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jason Hoy. “I was hanging out in the pools for a while and it’s a beautiful day for it. My favorite part was socializing with all my friends who are in different rates who I don’t get to see normally since I’m in the galley all the time.”

The steel beach picnic went on until sunset.

After finishing their hamburgers and hotdogs, the crew called it a day and returned to their normal duty.

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By MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.

Story by MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.

CSSN Robert Williams enjoys a dip in an inflatable pool on the flight deck.

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By MCSN Eric Butler

By MCSN (SW) Kole E. Carpenter

Sailors take a break from a working party on the flight deck.

By MCSA Kelly M. Agee

Sailors and Marines play basketball on the flight deck.

By MCSN Eric Butler

Volunteers prepare food on the flight deck.

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By MCSA Kelly M. Agee

AD3 Jordan Merchant, center, and AD3 David Hernandez work on the rotor of an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, assigned to HSM-75, in the hangar bay.

By MCSN (SW) Kole Carpenter

By MCSN (SW) Derek Harkins

By MCSN Siobhana R. McEwen

SHSR Antwan McNair gives a haircut to FCC Enrique Padua.

AD2 Steven Maxwell performs maintenance on the engine of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to VFA-147 in the hangar bay.

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