Nimitz News Daily Digest - July 13, 2012

July 13, 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 37

Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, commander, combined task force, is piped aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes.

3 Star Visits 5 Star Crew During RIMPAC Story by MC3 Dustin W. Sisco

Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, commander, combined task force, visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise.

After arrival, Beaman toured the ship and greeted the crew and presented three Sailors and one Marine with his coin for their exceptional job performance.

While on board he discussed important topics with the crew including the importance of RIMPAC and the final evaluation phase Nimitz is currently going through as part of carrier qualifications in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

“The first thing I’m going to say is thank you for serving your country,” said Beaman. “The second thing I’m going

to thank you for is being a part of the RIMPAC 2012 team.

You are a part of history - this is the largest RIMPAC ever and we are doing things in this exercise that we have never done before. It makes me very proud standing here before you and be considered your shipmate.”

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 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.

USS Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day

Story and photos by MCSN Jess Lewis

different in my life.”

Schwartzmeyer Since joining the Navy, almost was the single three years ago, Schwartzmeyer point-ofcontact between says it’s definitely been different Nimitz’ Five and she’s enjoyed living on the Star HAZMAT west coast. While in port, she and VAQ 142 enjoys outdoor activities such as and organized hiking, biking and camping. She also enjoys taking photographs, the command Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Heather Schwartzmeyer performs maintenance on the landing gear wire harness of an EA-6B Prowler Authorized Users listening to music and spending assigned to the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ ) 142.

List (AUL) while time with her three nieces. While Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd completing more out to sea, Schwartzmeyer spends Class Heather Schwartzmeyer, than 238 man hours of corrosion her free time watching movies or corrosion control technician control and cold work related reading. assigned to Electronic Attack painting. A native of West Seneca, “Being Sailor of the Day is pretty Squadron (VAQ) 142 attached N.Y., Schwartzmeyer is the 2nd exciting,” she said. “I definitely to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz generation in her family to join the didn’t expect it though since the (CVN 68) was selected as the ship’s Navy. Since joining, her younger whole squadron is new to the ship Sailor of the Day July 12. Prior brother has expressed an interest so we’re still getting used to ship to the squadron’s pack out from in joining the Navy as well and life and it’s our first time doing sea Whidbey Island, Schwartzmeyer her sister is interested in the Peace operations in a long time.” took charge and ensured the Corps. hazardous material (HAZMAT) “My grandpa inventory was compatible with was in the Navy shipboard requirements. In doing and he always this, it allowed for the squadron talked about how to complete the transition from great it was,” said expeditionary operations to the first Schwartzmeyer. carrier based operations in more “He was one of the than 21 years and also allowed for main motivations Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz, and Cmdr. Edwin successful carrier qualification for me to join plus I Grohe, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ ) 142 commanding officer, shortly after departing San Diego. wanted something named Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Heather Schwartzmeyer Sailor of the Day, July 12 in the Pilot House.

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.

Hydration Leads to Health, Safety at least 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water in any environWith the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) ment, but if you are in a high risk heat stress environment continuing to make its way through tropical waters for then water intake should be raised accordingly.

Some Sailors such as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the crew is feeling the heat now more than ever. Hydration during these severe (Handling) 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Turk, assistant conditions is paramount and without the proper hydration fly petty officer with air department’s V-1 division, pushed throughout the day, all service members can become a their limits too far and fell victim to heat stress. Turk now stresses hydration to his personnel due to his own personal victim of heat stress.

With Nimitz being homeported in the cooler climates experience.

“I didn’t drink water all day-long, I was outside-working of Everett, Wash., many Sailors on board are unsure of how to handle the weather. Crew members can prepare properly on the flight deck and passed out,” said Turk. “That’s why I always stress lots and lots of water to my guys and to by hydrating continuously throughout the day.

Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Jonathon remain hydrated throughout the day.”

If crew members can maintain their body temperature Dilbeck, medical division’s leading chief petty officer, describes how to remain cool while experiencing these and maintain proper hydration, they will lessen their chances of getting heat stress. warmer climates constantly.

According to OPNAVINST 5100.19D, heat stress is “Your body is going to be sweating more with the warmer temperatures,” said Dilbeck. “We’ve seen more people with any combination of air temperature, thermal radiation, dehydration, not preparing themselves. Hydrating helps humidity, airflow and the workload that may stress the you maintain your body’s core temperature but it also body as it attempts to regulate body temperature. will help your body maintain proper balance.”

Dilbeck stressed hydrating throughout the day to maintain your body temperature.

“Don’t wait to the last minute to drink water, especially if you have a big drill during the day such as GQ (general quarters),” Dilbeck added.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW) Steve W. Augustine, leading petty officer of safety department, explained that everyone on board should limit their intake of beverage products that will dehydrate their body such as energy drinks, soda, and coffee. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (handling) 1st Class Mario Walls, temporarily assigned to Nimitz from the aircraft Crew members should drink carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), hydrates during a lull in flight operations.

Story and photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon

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JEA Hosts Ice Cream Social Attended By C3F Story and photos by MC3 Renee L. Candelario

Members of the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) put together an ice cream social for the crew during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on the ship’s mess decks July 12.

The social included a visit from Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, commander, combined task force, who is on board for a tour and a “meet and greet” with the ship’s Sailors and Marines.

The ice cream socials are a great way to keep the morale opportunity to take time away from our busy schedule to of the crew up, especially while they are hard at work meet some of the members of the crew at the social was during the Final Evaluation Phase and Tailored Ship’s great. I think it’s awesome the JEA takes time out of their day to put together an event for the whole crew to enjoy.

Training Availability during RIMPAC. “It gets everyone away from the work environment and I’m just glad to be a part of the mission.”

At the event, Beaman recognized one Marine and three gives the crew an opportunity to meet a lot of different Sailors and Marines,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Sailors for their exceptional service and commitment by Carisa Whitehurst, JEA’s secretary. “We all get to hang out presenting his RIMPAC challenge coin.

“I’d like to thank each and every one of you for what for a little bit even if it is for five minutes or so. It still feels good to have a little break and get some good ice cream in you do and you do it for the love of your country and for the love of your shipmates,” said Beaman. “I know you raised the process.”

The JEA put everything together especially for the crew your right hand and volunteered to serve your country and you are here now. I thank you for that.” of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines.

The JEA has events lined up for the crew during “We always have a huge turnout at these types of events,” said Whitehurst. “I would say a good 60 to 70 percent of RIMPAC and future deployments. To submit your own the ship showed up. We went through a lot of ice cream idea, or to become a member of the JEA, anyone is welcome this time around. It’s great to have Supply S-2 Division’s to attend one of the scheduled meetings held regularly on the first class mess decks. support with these events and it helps a lot when we have the crew volunteer and help out setting up and serving the ice cream like they did. ” Even though members of the embarked Carrier Air Wing Eleven are busy on the flight deck and hangar bays making sure the aircraft launch and land safely during flight operations and maintenance, they still had the opportunity to have some fun below decks.

“Being a part of RIMPAC on board this ship is phenomenal,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Clevis Burris, a member of Helicopter Sea Combat Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, commander Combined Task Force, addresses the crew of Nimitz on the aft mess decks during a Junior Enlisted Association sponsored ice cream social event.

Squadron (HSC 6). “Getting the Page 4

Rimpac Update

www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac

RIMPAC Offers RCAF Crews Real-World Scenarios

By Holly Bridges

The largest maritime exercise in the world, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, taking place off the coast of Hawaii for the next five weeks, is as close to reality as it gets.

With 22 nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel moving around the Hawaiian islands, responding to scripted and surprise scenarios, you might say “practice makes perfect” is the unofficial theme of the exercise.

For the Royal Canadian Air Force, which deployed 400 personnel from almost every aircraft fleet in its inventory, the opportunity to train alongside “a coalition of the willing,” is invaluable.

“Any time you get to practice your craft away from home is a tremendous opportunity,” says Brigadier-General Mike Hood, the air component commander for this year’s RIMPAC. “Take our CF-18 fleet, for example. Not everyone deployed to Libya last year for Operation Mobile so RIMPAC offers the RCAF the opportunity to send a six-pack of CF-18s, with all of their integral support and maintenance, half way around the world and then operate in

combat-like conditions, which will only make our people that much more effective in real-world coalition operations. The same goes for all the fleets that have deployed.”

The RCAF has deployed CF-18 fighter jets, CC-130 Hercules transport aircraft, CC150 Polaris tanker aircraft for air-to-air refueling, CH-124 Sea King helicopters and the CP-140 Aurora to train with air assets from the other nations. In fact, the RCAF has sent two of its newly-upgraded Block III Aurora aircraft, with a team from the Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit from 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., who will be conducting the final phase of the operational testing and evaluation of the aircraft in real-world conditions.

“The Aurora will have the opportunity to train alongside six submarines, for example, in an anti-submarine capacity,” says BGen Hood. “There will also be over-land training for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, which is what this Block III Aurora was developed for.”

The theme of RIMPAC 2012 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners”.

The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range Page 5

of capabilities and demonstrate the flexibility of maritime forces.

These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The training includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defence exercises as well as counterpiracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

The RCAF will be participating in most of these scenarios in one fashion or another.

BGen Hood describes the battle rhythm, or pace of training, that will occur over the next three weeks as a “walk, jog, run”.

“The walk phase is where all of us will get to know one another and how we operate in the environment with the other coalition members. The jog phase is a bit more scripted with higherend activity and combat-type scenarios and then the run phase is a 24/7, all-out combat scenario which will test everyone’s skill sets. Those are opportunities that we, as airmen and airwomen, all crave because we don’t get that many of this magnitude.”

Financial Management Eases At Sea Time Story and photo by MC2 Robert Winn

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are encouraged to have their finances in order, especially before and during their underway periods.

Sound financial planning can lead to less day-to-day stress while underway and allow Sailors to commit more focus to the jobs at hand.

“I’m looking to buy a motorcycle when we get back,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Tripp.

“I’ve been preparing for it by putting what I expect the monthly payment to be into my savings account. This is so I know beforehand that the payments won’t cut into my budget. I’ve done this for about four months now, and I can use the money I put aside as a down payment and help lower my interest rate.”

Maintaining financial stability is important in numerous aspects of being a Sailor. Certain assignments require a review with your current command financial specialist (CFS) and private indebtedness can lead to the loss of a Sailor’s security clearance, which may in turn lead to a loss of rating.

“I had to speak with the CFS before I could complete my recruiting package,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Paul Robertson, assigned

to Weapons Department’s G1 division. “I want to go recruiting in North Carolina, so they want to make sure I’ll be okay on my own. I won’t have any exchanges or commissaries nearby to help me.”

Maintaining a comfortable budget should be at the forefront of a Sailor’s mind, said Nimitz’ CFS Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Scott Thrasher.

“A key to financial success is to manage your debt as a first priority,” said Thrasher.

Thrasher continued to explain that one must overcome their debt before moving into savings or investments.

“Placing money in savings or IRA’s is pointless if you carry an equal amount of debt on which you’re paying interest,” said Thrasher. “The net is always negative.”

Sailors are encouraged to speak with both command financial specialists and private financial planners to help them achieve their goals, whether it’s getting out of debt, buying a car or house, or investing in the stock market.

“When looking for financial advice, Sailors should consider a certified financial planner (CFP),” said Thrasher. “Before hiring a CFP, you should research their background and look at critiques of their business.

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CFPs will help you allocate your investments and weigh risks.”

For more information on personal finances, speak with your chain of command or HMCS Thrasher.

Army Gives Royal Canadian Navy Subs Sight

By Sgt. Gaelen Lowers, 8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs

sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Although, the Royal Canadian Navy seamen described being taken aback when they learned that they would be working with the U.S. Army and not the U.S. Navy, the LSV and crew quickly proved more than capable.

The LSV's primary mission supports U.S. military operations worldwide by providing necessary equipment, supplies and troop movements. Their support is as far reaching as Southwest Asia, the Caribbean and as close as the neighboring islands of Hawaii.

"Typically we support all aspects of infantry equipment from Oahu to the big island and beyond in support of the war fighter in Afghanistan," added Garcia.

This day, the LSV crew saw something completely different, but was up to the challenge.

"Usually when we work with navies, we work with navies," said Royal Canadian Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John Casey, weapons engineering technician.

"We're not used to seeing Soldiers at sea, so it has been a unique experience for us. But, the guys and girls here have been great, and it has been great working with them. They understand what we need and what we're doing. If given the opportunity we would want to work with the Army again!"

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- When members of the Royal Canadian Navy learned they would be working closely with American forces participating in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or RIMPAC, they didn't anticipate that it would be the U.S. Army.

Soldiers of the 605th Transportation Detachment, 545th Transportation Company, 524th Combat Service Support Battalion, 45th Sustainment Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, employed the unique capabilities of the Army's logistical support vessel (LSV) in a joint sonar exercise Monday, July 9, with the crew of the Royal Canadian Navy' HMCS Victoria, a Victoria-class submarine. The joint exercise marked the first sonar-sea test for the recently fielded sub.

"We picked up one of their extended sonar cables to extend the reach of their sonar capabilities," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Garcia, of 605th Trans.

Det., vessel master of LSV-2 Chief Warrant Officer 3 Harold C. Clinger. "It was a great opportunity for our Soldiers to see something different and to experience some real-world training. We overcame obstacles to get the mission completed. We enjoyed facilitating our neighbors to the north and if given the opportunity, we would do it again."

Photo courtesy 8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs Every two years, more than 20 countries across the Pacific coast participate in RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. This year's exercise being held in Pearl Harbor began in June and runs through July. It marks the 23rd biennial exercise since its inception in 1971. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of Page 7

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