Nov. 14, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 140
DAILY DIGEST
THROUGH THE GLASS SAILORS CONDUCT FLIGHT OPERATIONS FROM THE BUBBLE Story by MCSA (SW) Kelly M. Agee
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t makes you feel like a fish in an aquarium. It shows a different perspective of the flight deck that makes you feel like you are in a different world. This location is the Integrated Catapult Control System (ICCS), often referred to as “the bubble.” There are two bubbles below
the flight deck: one forward and one aft. The forward bubble is the one most commonly used. It is located on the bow between catapults one and two. There are three modes of operations the ship can be in. There is panel mode, deck edge mode and emergency mode. It
is the emergency mode that requires the shooter to be located in the bubble. There are two people who work in the bubble, an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment) (ABE) and a shooter. The job of the ABEs is to monitor the aircraft and verify with the panel operator control to make sure everything is set properly and the catapult is ready to fire. The job of the shooter is to push a button that helps launch the plane and to tell the ABE when they can lay Continued on page 3
SAILOR OF THE DAY
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Story and photo by MCSN (SW) Kole E. Carpenter
nformation Systems Technician 3rd Class Andrew R. Vargas, from Palm Desert, Calif., was named Sailor of the Day Nov. 13. Vargas administered and managed more than 800 user accounts on the Carrier Air Wing 11 network. As the go-to helpdesk technician, he brilliantly resolved more than 170 trouble tickets while simultaneously maintaining an inventory of all HSC-6 Information System assets valued at more than $250,000 with zero discrepancies. “It feels pretty good to be recognized,” Var-
gas said. As a joint mission planning system administrator, he provided critical administrative support to more than 75 users spanning six squadrons directly enhancing the mission capabilities of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11. His advice to others is simply to master the basics. “Stay squared away,” Vargas said. “Know where you’re supposed to be, and what you’re supposed to do.”
Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Jeff Ruth
Capt. John Cummings
CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski
Editor MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.
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
everything down on the panel. There are three sides of panels in the bubble that contain buttons that control each catapult. Catapult one panel operates catapult one, catapult two panel operates catapult two and the shooter panel can control both catapults. Each side has various buttons that need to be pushed including water tension, combat fire button, retract and advance, steam pressure and hydraulic pressure. All those buttons correspond to bringing the aircraft aft onto the catapult to launch the aircraft off the ship. “You have to be a fast thinker because if you aren’t on
your toes something could go wrong,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Anthony Jackson, who worked in the bubble for a year. Only a handful of ABEs are currently qualified to work in the bubble. The ABEs have to be great at troubleshooting, know the equipment they work with, be qualified in all the catapult and steam qualifications and be a fast thinker. “It’s good to work here because it lets people know that no matter where you are from or what you do, you are able to get to this place,” said Jackson. Working in the bubble gives the ABEs a chance to use their
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skills to the best of their ability while getting to experience a different side of the flight deck. “When you raise up to the flight deck in the bubble you get that breath of fresh air and then you release, now it’s time to start the mission,” said Jackson. “No matter if you are out there training or doing an actual launch you realize that you are the one that is about to help launch the plane.”
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You have to be a fast thinker because if you aren’t on your toes something could go wrong. - Jackson
”
George Washington Strike Group to Support Philippine Recovery Efforts By Defense Media Activity
S
ecretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and other U.S. Navy ships to make best speed for the Republic of the Philippines. The aircraft carrier, which carries 5,000 Sailors and more than 80 aircraft, is currently in Hong Kong for a port visit. The crew is being recalled early from shore leave and the ship is expected to be underway later this evening. In company with the carrier will be the cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Cowpens (CG 63), and the destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89). The supply ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) is already underway and will rendezvous with the group as they get closer. USS Lassen (DDG 82) got underway yesterday for the region. Embarked on board USS George Washington, is Carrier Air
Wing Five (CVW-5). CVW-5 is a collection of aircraft designed to perform various functions including disaster relief and includes the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk; and the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 flying the MH-60R Seahawk. As needed, these ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care in support of the ongoing efforts led by the government and military of the Republic of the Philippines. The ships should be on station within 48-72 hours. The Defense Department is continuing to work closely with the Philippine government to determine what, if any, additional assets may be required. 4
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By MCSN Eric M. Butler
USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) sends supplies to Nimitz.
Sailors direct incoming cargo during a replenishment-at-sea.
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By MCSN (SW) Kole E. Carpenter By MCSA (SW) Kelly M. Agee
An SA-330J Puma helicopter, assigned to USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), places cargo on the flight deck aboard Nimitz.
By MCSN Eric M. Butler
QM3 Tesia Braswell, left, and ABF3 Elmari Parks, prepare to hoist flags from the signal bridge.
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- Photo by MCSN (SW) Siobhana McEwen