July 14, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 38
USS Nimitz Dives Into Final Problem Story by MC3 Devin Wray
“This is a drill, this is a drill!” These words have become part of a daily routine aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), as the Afloat Training Group (ATG) from San Diego is on board grading the crew as part of the ship’s Final Evaluation Problem (FEP), which began this week. After a month-long phase called a Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA), Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) members have taken the training wheels off and let the crew take control during drills to test their Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participate in a fire fighting skills in damage control situations exercise during a general quarters drill. Photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon including combating damage Cmdr. Chris Webster, Nimitz’ training Despite tackling two major control casualties and training new officer. “Not only are our watch evolutions such as FEP and RIMPAC, repair locker members. FEP is the final evolution before standers heavily involved in RIMPAC, a feat rarely attempted simultaneously being certified as an independent but they are also getting the training by aircraft carriers, Sailors are doing everything they can to stay motivated unit ready for mission tasking. This they need.” Usually scheduled to be a two-day to do their part. evaluation is required every 32 months “We need all hands to help find or after every Docking Planned evolution, RIMPAC’s busy schedule Incremental Availability (DPIA), has expanded FEP to last for four discrepancies throughout the ship,” days. said Aviation Support Equipment which Nimitz completed early 2012. As part of TSTA, Webster said Technician 1st Class Reyjenald Tence, While in DPIA, the crew’s focus was on repairing and upgrading the ship. the crew also fit in an anchor drop, a Nimitz DCTT member. “Anything Now, all departments on the ship must and multiple replenishment at sea from missing dogging wrenches focus on training for these evolutions, evolutions. To accommodate the to fire hoses and improper door while taking on a lead role in Rim of ship’s flight operations, which run classifications.” almost every day, damage control drills The FEP grading process can be the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. “There are a lot of departments were moved to earlier times to prevent hindered by the material condition of involved in this evaluation,” said Lt. interference.
See FEP page 6
USS Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day Story by MCSN Jess Lewis
Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes
Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Ian L. Wightman, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), was selected as the ship’s Sailor of the Day July 13. Wightman is an E-2C plane captain, a corrosion control apprentice, a fuel surveillance sampling technician, an oil consumption technician and a CVN deployable squadron flight deck observer for VAW Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
117. Prior to the squadron’s Candidate School (OCS). While in port, Wightman enjoys embark on Nimitz for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) hiking, reading, drawing and 2012, he supervised the spending time with his wife, who is movement of more than 300 also an Aviation Electrician’s Mate, tools. Wightman has also stationed out of Hawaii. While out directly contributed to the at sea, Wightman enjoys reading, safe launching and recovery drawing, playing video games and of more than 40 sorties and meeting new people, both in and 114 safe flight hours. He out of his squadron. “Being Sailor of the Day is an also helped two shipmates qualify as plane captains, 20 honor,” said Wightman. “We all do various support equipment a lot of hard work and I wouldn’t be licenses, eight CVN squadron here without the support of the rest flight deck observers, 10 of the squadron. It’s a teamwork fuel surveillance sampling evolution every day and the mission technicians and 12 corrosion wouldn’t get accomplished if we didn’t work hard together.” control apprentices. A native of Waconia, Wis., Wightman is the oldest of three children and second generation in his family to join the Navy. Since joining in January 2011, Wightman has decided to apply to the Naval Flight Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz, named Aviation Officer program Electrician’s Mate Airman Ian L. Wightman Sailor of the Day, July 13 through Officer in the Pilot House. Photo by MCSN Jess Lewis.
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.
Nimitz’ Library Offers 2,200 Reasons to Relax Story by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon
While Sailors and crew members on Crew members of Nimitz take a moment during their day to check their email and connect the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with loved ones in the ship’s library. Photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon. are busy training in multiple drills, there are times where it would be nice to relax. The ship’s library gives you a place to calm down, feel the cool air, and take a break out of your day. The ship’s library has many relaxing activities to offer such as more than 2,200 books to read, magazines, paperbacks, 25 computers, and a classroom that is available for studying and meetings. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Isaac Atkins, temporarily assigned to the ship’s library from Air Department’s V-2 division, expressed how the ship’s Misner, ship’s librarian, enjoys helping people who library is a great place for Sailors to unwind. come to the library to find that quiet moment. “We offer a relaxing place for Sailors to take a break “I love to help my fellow Sailors find whatever they from their stressful working environments,” said Atkins. may need throughout the library such as referring “It’s a place for our Sailors to study for CLEP (College books to them. If we don’t have it then I will tell them Level Examination Program), and warfare pins, read something similar to that book and just do what I can books, magazines, or contact family members on the to help them out ,” said Misner. computer.” Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Chino Cooper, assigned Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Zachary to Weapons Department, described why he enjoys coming up to the ship’s library to take a break. “I like being able to take a break from work, come out of the heat, and relax here for a bit,” said Cooper. “Coming in here to read books and talking to the people in here… they make me want to come back.” The ship’s library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from 7:10 p.m. to 11 p.m. while underway. “I encourage more people throughout the ship to come in here and take a look at our library,” said Misner. For more information about the ship’s library contact Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Smith at joshua.r.smith@cvn68.navy.mil. The ship’s library is located at 03-118-10-Q. Aviation Electronics Technician Airman David Weaver browses the library’s selection of novels available for check out. Photo by MCSN Jesse Monford.
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Giving just a little time...
can change someone’s whole world. Sailors volunteering fosters good relationships and builds stronger communities.
To learn how to get involved in community relations projects contact the Religious Ministries Department at J-6450 or visit the RPs in the Ship’s Library located at 03-118-10. Page 4
A Unique Perspective...
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class James Bohnet inspects an engine in the hangar bay on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 Devin Wray.
Rimpac Update
A Mexican Marine teaches proper fast roping techniques to U.S. Marines aboard the ARM Usumacinta (A-412) during RIMPAC 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Seeber/Released)
www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac
Mexican marines fast rope from a Mexican MI-17 helicopter during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Seeber/Released) Page 5
FEP: Motivation Is Key to Success Continued from page 1 the ship. Tence said discrepancies found throughout the ship can hinder the grading process, and urges all Sailors to work together. Webster also noted material condition can be a deciding factor in the evaluation, and warns Sailors that quick fixes, such as taking items from other spaces, will not help the ship pass FEP.
Probably the biggest aspect that helps the crew in passing FEP is motivation. Tence says if the crew can show motivation and pass the evaluated basic drills, the ship will be able to move on to their next phase after ATG leaves the ship. “Everyone is coming together,” said Webster. “I know we’re going to pass.”
Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Jacob Sorenson helps Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jake Lourcey don chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) gear during a CBR general quarters drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC2 Eva-Marie Ramsaran.
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Voluntary Sea Duty Program Update From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -Navy released additional guidance for the Voluntary Sea Duty Program (VSDP) which provides incentives to Sailors who extend at sea or return to sea duty early officials said, July 13. "This program allows Sailors and their families to stay in their same duty location or relocate to a duty location of their choice," said Capt. Kent Miller, director, Enlisted from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 move ordnance across the flight deck Distribution Division, Navy Personnel Sailors of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 Ian A. Cotter. Command (NPC). "Applicants may also be * VSDP requests for Sailors who have completed eligible to defer Perform-to-Serve (PTS), providing an opportunity to enhance their record with less than 24 months on their current shore tour will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on orders operational duty." VSDP was announced in January to support the requested and current command manning. * Sailors serving overseas, or in a DoD-area tour, Navy's war-fighting mission of operating forward can request to extend their current sea tour, curtail and maintaining readiness. The program encourages their current shore tour if they remain in the same highly trained and motivated Sailors to voluntarily extend their enlistment in their current sea duty billet geographical area, or request back-to-back sea duty in beyond their prescribed sea tour, to terminate shore any area of their choice with a valid billet. Consecutive duty and accept new orders to a sea duty billet or to Overseas Tour requirements may apply. Volunteers will not be required to accept a billet accept back-to-back sea duty orders beyond their prescribed sea/shore flow. The sea duty assignment they do not desire. Detailers will work with volunteers may be on board ships, squadrons, or other qualified during two Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) cycles to find desirable orders. If sea duty assignments. NAVADMIN 205/12 clarifies 15 items from the no match is found during this time period their VSDP application will expire and Sailors still desiring VSDP initial message. Among the updates: * Sailors in the PTS eligibility window who wish must reapply. This program does not change eligibility or benefits to apply for VSDP must have their VSDP application for the Sea Duty Incentive Pay, which provides submitted for consideration no later than the last day eligible Sailors an additional $500 to $1,000 a month of the month, two months prior to their final PTS for extending their sea tour or returning to sea duty application. * VSDP orders will not be cancelled for Sailors who early. Sailors may take advantage of both programs subsequently receive a PTS quota after VSDP orders concurrently. Requests will be accepted until Sep. 30. All 1306/7 requests should be forwarded to NPC via have been negotiated. * Sailors on shore duty must submit their VSDP the chain of command. Sailors interested in applying for VSDP should read request no later than 12 months prior to their projected NAVDMINs 043/12 and 205/12 for complete details rotation date. and talk with their chain of command. Page 7
Channel 5 Channel 6 Channel 7 Channel 29 0800 / 2000 Get Smart
The Bourne An American Werewolf In Identity Paris
A-Team
1000 / 2200 Hancock
Swordfish
Pir ates Of The Caribbean
Iron Man 2
1200 / 0000 Step Brothers 10,000 B.C.
Lar a Croft: Tomb R aider
Gone
1400 / 0200 Swing Vote
Forbidden Kingdom
Tor a! Tor a! Tor a!
Safe House
1600 / 0400 Tropic Thunder
Ocean’s Eleven
X-Files: I Want Star Trek To Believe
1800 / 0600 Wall-E
Blade
Journey To Center Of The Earth
Alice In Wonderland
TV LINEUP 2 - AFN Sports 3 - AFN NEWS 4 - AFN XTRA 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 7 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10-FLIGHT DECK 11-CNN 29-DVD MOVIES