Nimitz News Daily Digest - July 10, 2012

July 10, 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 34

Sailors from the Chilean and U.S. Navies share a joke in a planning room aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Nimitz Welcomes International Navies Twenty-two sailors from four countries embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) July 6 to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise.

The sailors from Chile, Columbia, Peru and Australia range from the E-7 to O-6 pay grades and are part of the 25,000 personnel participating in RIMPAC which hosts 22 nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft who are participating in the exercise from Jun. 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

“This is my first time on board a carrier,” said

Lt. Rodrigo Daneck, a Chilean national assigned to Command Task Group (CTG) 170.1. “It’s amazing to see the coordination of having all these ships and commands working together, it’s all quite impressive.”

Daneck and other members of the Chilean navy experienced opportunities to observe, first hand, the process and procedures of Nimitz and her crew in a fully operational capacity. It’s this cooperation, explained Lt. Cmdr. Jorge Ibarra, which further strengthens the ties between these nation’s maritime forces.

With these advanced interactions, the various nations will have a greater understanding of procedures and operations of the U.S. Navy which will be incorporated in future training scenarios.

CTG 170.1 will be acting as a Carrier Strike Group commander and it’s staff during RIMPAC, overseeing logistics, operations and public affairs of functional units.

USS Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Steven R. Hernandez, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146’s maintenance control clerk, was selected as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day July 9. Hernandez realigned the squadron’s aviation armament equipment program and streamlined forecasted turn-ins on more than 450 equipment history records. He also ensured all weapons suspension equipment were administratively fit for use, minimizing the maintenance impact on Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) personnel on board Nimitz.

While assisting maintenance control in daily flight preparations, he performed 50 aircraft discrepancy book verifications, ensuring 553 maintenance actions and 216 Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz, named Aviation inspections for nine aircraft were properly accounted Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Steven R. Hernandez, Strike for. Additionally, he contributed in the documentation Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146’s maintenance control clerk, Sailor of the Day, July 9 in the Pilot House. and validation of 60 naval flight records encompassing 55 flight hours, 107 catapults and 116 arrestments.

While out to sea, Hernandez goes to the gym, watches movies and emails his girlfriend. When in port, he’s stationed in Lemoore, Calif., and spends a lot of time with his family, goes to the gym and the batting cages. A native of Springfield, Miss., Hernandez joined the Navy just over a year ago for a steady job, a chance to see the world and education benefits. “This job is very precise and there’s no room for error,” said Hernandez. “All of us [AZ’s] work together to make sure everything gets done correctly.”

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Steven R. Hernandez, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146’s maintenance control clerk, maintains and verifys the squadron’s aircraft records.

Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski

Editor MC2 Robert Winn Lead Designer MCSA Ryan J. Mayes

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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.

Story by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon

The life of a Sailor on a mighty Navy warship can be taxing, especially on an aircraft carrier such as USS Nimitz (CVN 68). An average work day can easily last from 6 a.m. to as late as 10 p.m., and sometimes later.

Stress can stem from different causes such as a normal work day, financial and family concerns or even off duty education. Nimitz’ Health Services Department can help Sailors keep their stress on a manageable level.

Sailors can explore several avenues to help manage their daily stress; one way is to schedule an appointment with medical.

“I’ll speak with them, see what’s going on in their lives, figure out their stressors and try to develop a plan of how they can better manage their stress,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW) Jason Aguilar.

By simply eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle, Sailors can expect to have less daily stress.

“By eating right, you’re always going to feel much better than when you eat greasy food,” said Aguilar.

“You always want to eat right and exercise even though you may be under a lot of stress; you still have to take care of yourself.”

Sailors can go through a wide range of stressors being away from home on a consistent basis. By speaking with medical personnel, Sailors can expect their daily stresses to become much easier to deal with.

“Just remain calm, don’t get too overwhelmed, and take one problem at a time,” said Aguilar. “Once you get through one problem, just move on to the next one and that will make it easier for whatever else you have going on instead of going through a whole onslaught of problems which can be very un-motivating.”

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Torrance Davis, assigned to S-2 division, spoke about how he gets through daily stressors living aboard Nimitz.

“I try to have fun while I’m at work while getting my job done at the same time,” said Davis. “I believe it’s my personality that gets me through. I try not to get too down on myself or serious because if you do then you wouldn’t be productive.”

For more about stress management speak with your chain of command or Lt. Angel Lugosteidel at medical, 2-117-3-L. Page 3

Airman Cristina Mays uses a tractor to move an F/A18 Hornet of the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 across hangar bay two. Photo by MC3 Jacob Milner

Awareness Key to Staying Safe in Hangar Bay Story by MC3 Jacob Milner

With aircraft now aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and constant activity around them in its hangar bays, personnel need to be very mindful of their surroundings when transiting these areas.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class (AW) Sog Yang chains down a spotting dolly in preparation for maintenance in the hangar bay. Photo by MCSN Jess Lewis.

As Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 picks up, the movement and maintenance of aircraft will happen more frequently, making the movement of personnel through the hangar bays different and ever changing.

“The number one safety precaution is chains,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class David Hernandez, Air Department’s V-3 division assistant safety petty officer. “Personnel are aware now that there are aircraft on board but are so used to transiting the hangar bay without looking on the deck to see if there are chains.

We have a lot of people who trip and even though most of the time they catch themselves, the danger is still there.”

Chains are not the only obstacle for personnel to be aware of, they also need to be aware of all parts and pieces of aircraft and their Page 4

respective squadron’s maintenance equipment for safety.

“We also need to be aware of the aircraft themselves,” said Hernandez. “There are a lot of things on the aircraft that just stick out and can cause problems. We have to watch out for things like wings, tail hooks and fuselages that sometimes personnel just don’t pay attention to. Our squadrons try to attend to safety by putting soft foam bumpers on wings edges that help, but people still just aren’t paying attention and get hurt.”

Some lessons are learned the hard way about hangar bay safety.

Hernandez found this out first hand, during a foreign object damage (FOD) walkdown in hangar bay one.

“I was looking at the deck during a FOD walkdown and didn’t look up in time,” said Hernandez. “I was walking toward the aft end of

an aircraft and looked up and the (GSE) for V-3. “The fact is, when it how to stay out of the way. stabilizer was at eye level so I didn’t goes dark, we can’t see anything. If “When we’re moving aircraft, see anything. I managed to stop there is someone moving through some personnel don’t know that myself just in time. I still hit the our paths and we can’t see them it they’re not supposed to walk stabilizer, but it wasn’t hard enough will be trouble, so to prevent that, between the plane and its director,” to break my nose or cut myself.” we will not switch the lights while said Hernandez. “When those At night, prior to darken ship, we have equipment or aircraft in aircraft are moving, even though each hangar bay will switch from transit.” they aren’t moving that fast it does white lights to the soft red sodium Another hazard to be aware of not mean that it is ok to go ahead oxide or SOX lights that personnel when moving through the hangar and start running around it to get use at night to maintain or move bays is liquids. Even though the where they need to go. We just aircraft through the hangar bays. hangar bay decks are covered in need personnel to be vigilant and The softer red lights reduce non-skid coating, a slip hazard still try to stand clear of the bay where visibility and make movement for exists wherever liquid is present. we are currently moving aircraft personnel more dangerous.

“A big thing we try to watch and definitely don’t walk between “We try to switch over the lights out for is liquid FOD,” said Beard. the aircraft and its director.” in the hangar bays 30 minutes prior “Liquid FOD is fuel or other liquids With so many aircraft and to darken ship,” said Hernandez. that have come from the aircraft operations being conducted in the “That way it’s not too dark outside that people might slip on.” hangar bays, safety is of the highest because we still have the elevator While being aware of the priority when transiting through door open, letting light in. Once hazards in the hangar bays when these spaces so personnel need we switch over and there is no light personnel are moving, there is even to be aware of their situation and coming from outside, it gets pretty a bigger hazard when the aircraft keep their heads on a swivel when dark with just the SOX. “ are moving, and some don’t know transiting these areas.

During the switch over from white light to SOX light many of the operations currently taking place in the hangar bays will stop to ensure that no one is working in the dark.

“During any movement of aircraft through the hangar bays we will not switch the lights over,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Nicholas Beard, tractor king for V-3 division, or petty officer Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Enrico Rabina directs an F/A18 Hornet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 across hangar bay in charge of general two. Photo by MC3 Jacob Milner. support equipment Page 5

NCPACE: Your School at Sea Story by MC3 Ian A. Cotter

Each day aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) can be busy and fast-paced, Sailors and Marines may find that anything outside of typical Navy work can be too daunting to undertake.

However, Nimitz’ Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) makes it simple and easy for hard working personnel to make strides toward earning a degree.

“Each NCPACE term lasts 90 days,” said Ensign Matt M. Long, Nimitz’ educational services officer.

“Students pick the classes they want to take, and Navy College provides the material.”

NCPACE’s current distance learning program allows enrolled students to take classes on their own and meet the requirements for the course, all while working underway.

“We have about 30 students enrolled in our current term, which ends July 16,” said Long. “During deployment, we will have both normal distance learning, like the current courses, and instructor-led NCPACE courses, where an actual college professor embarks with the ship and offers classroom-style courses.”

Through the NCPACE program, students enrolled are not required to pay for anything the course provides except books for

each class they take.

“Students can’t use TA (tuition assistance) for books and will have to pay out of pocket,” said Long. “But students can buy books through Navy College or on their own or rent books for a rental fee.

They can also sell books back when they are done with the course.”

Unlike many civilian college distance learning programs, NCPACE uses courses from a variety of schools rather than just one, giving students a broad spectrum of degree options to choose from.

“When you take courses, college credits are added to your transcript, and through NCPACE, different schools agree to accept each others’ credits,” said Long.

“Instead of taking classes from just one school, the degree-oriented student can mix and match courses.”

First time NCPACE students will only be able to enroll in one course, and after successful completion, can take two classes at a time in later terms.

“The Navy typically recommends taking college courses while on shore duty, but you can use NCPACE while on sea duty,” said Long. “A degree could take a while to earn, but NCPACE is a way to progress towards your degree while on sea duty.”

NCPACE allows for credit transfer from previous college courses taken toward earning specific degrees.

“Students can submit previous Page 6

transcripts through Navy College and they can evaluate what classes they need to take to earn their degrees,” said Long. “A lot of the NCPACE colleges are willing to accept previously earned credits through other schools, and your Navy work experience also counts for college credits, which is logged by your SMART transcript.”

Nimitz’ next NCPACE term is slated to begin in September.

Rimpac Update Australian Forces Join Multilateral Exercise www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac

Story and photo courtesy of Austrailian Department of Defense

countermeasure activities.

Also participating in the exercise are two AP-3C Orions, a S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter and the E7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control supported by Air Force personnel from Number 2 Squadron.

Additionally 150 Army personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) with engineer, artillery and support elements are working with US Navy and US marine elements in the Hawaii operating area.

RIMPAC 12 is the world’s largest multilateral livefire maritime training exercise held around the islands of Hawaii.

The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability of the combined forces and involves war-fighting exercises, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief and maritime security operations.

Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and women have joined defence forces from 21 other nations, including France, Canada and Russia, for Exercise RIM-OFTHE-PACIFIC (RIMPAC 12) in the islands of Hawaii.

Approximately 1100 Australian Defence personnel are among 25,000 personnel participating in the USsponsored exercise.

For the first time in the history of RIMPAC, Australia will lead the maritime component. The Commander of the Australian contingent, Commodore Stuart Mayer says it’s the first time the United States has provided another country with the opportunity to plan and execute the maritime aspect of this exercise.

“The opportunity to command the maritime force is a tribute to the trust in which the Australian Navy is held. It is also a great personal challenge,” Commodore Mayer said.

HMAS Darwin alongside Pearl Harbor on Exercise RIM-OF-THE-PACIFIC 2012 (RIMPAC 12) “Australia is coordinating an extraordinary number of assets including seven Combined Task Forces consisting of 40 surface ships and six submarines.”

Two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) war ships HMAS Darwin and HMAS Perth, and the submarine HMAS Farncomb will be conducting a range of exercises and live firing, while the Australian Clearance Diving Team will be working with other nations conducting explosive ordnance disposal and mine Page 7

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