August 15, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 53
Nimitz Sailors Complete RAS Story by MC3 Derek Volland
USS Nimitz completed a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) Aug. 14, taking on more than one million gallons of JP-5 fuel. The fuel is the shipboard standard for all aircraft as well as support equipment, tractors and generators. The replenishment was necessary following the ship’s participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 and its current participation See RAS Page 6
Gunner’s Mate Seaman Marissa Ramos (right) signals the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler Yukon (T-AO 202) from a fueling station aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a replenishment at sea. (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)
FRSCQ Brings Unique Crew to USS Nimitz Story and photo by MC3 Ryan Mayes
As the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) provides a platform for fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications (FRSCQ), the crew supporting the flight operations has a unique addition. As evidenced by the facial hair of many of the members, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 is heavily supported by civilian contractors stationed out of Whidbey Island, Wash.
Many of the workers are prior service with experience on an aircraft carrier, said Jason Ebans, who left the Navy in 2005. The civilian crew of 39 brings prior experience in most aviation rates such as aviation electrician’s mate (AE), aviation machinist’s mate (AD) and aviation electronics technician (AT). “We are mostly all prior Navy,” said Ebans. “The company that hires us looks for the experience we
already have in our former rates. It’s a very good transition for anyone coming out of the Navy.” The contractors are here to support VAQ 129, a training squadron for the E/A-6B Prowler and the E/A-18G Growler, both of which are electronic attack aircraft. During most FRSCQ cycles five to eight pilots will be qualified and the crew will support flight operations See VAQ 129 Page 5
Nimitz Recognizes Sailor of the Day Story and photos by MCSN Jess Lewis
Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski Editor MC3 Ryan Mayes Lead Designer MC3 Renee L. Candelario
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.
Seaman Apprentice Quindarin Taylor, Deck Department’s 2nd Division’s underway replenishment technician and leading seaman, was selected as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day, Aug. 14. Taylor is responsible for ensuring the safe operations and Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) complete maintenance of three fuel named Seaman Apprentice Quindarin Taylor Sailor of the Day, receiving stations and four cargo Aug. 14 in the Pilot House. receiving stations. He verified each many qualifications he can get as a seaman station had received a full complement of before he strikes for Boatswain’s Mate in emergency tools and safety equipment, Sept. 2013. allowing for the safe and expeditious While out to sea, Taylor spends his transfer of more than 2.5 million gallons of off-time studying for the enlisted surface fuel, 180,000 gallons of bio-fuel and more warfare specialist (ESWS) qualification, than 250 cargo lifts during Rim of the working out and stays busy working on Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Taylor also leads anything productive that will help him five other Sailors in the daily upkeep and advance in the Navy. When in port, he preservation of five departmental spaces enjoys playing basketball, shopping and leading to four of the spaces receiving hanging out with friends. outstanding grades during their most “Being Sailor of the Day feels good,” said recent zone inspection. Taylor. “I didn’t really expect it to happen Taylor is working towards achieving as but I’m excited about it.”
Seaman Apprentice Quindarin Taylor, a native of Houston, wipes excess fuel and grease from a double probe receiver at a fueling station on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Page 2
Navy Health Risk Assessment Survey Story and photo illustration by MCSN Jess Lewis
The Medical Department on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has released a Health Risk Assessment, a required annual survey which assesses the overall health of the crew based on the answers received. The assessment measures a Sailor’s overall health by asking questions for about 10 different categories. The categories cover topics such as diet, smoking habits, alcohol abuse, work safety, stress management, sexual health precautions and sleeping habits. “It’s important for the entire crew to participate in the assessment,” said Lt. Douglas R. Santillo, Nimitz’ Physical Therapist and Health Promotions Officer. “The results will help the ship as a whole see where we’re weak and what specifically we need to work on.”
The assessment is also part of the annual Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness Award, also known as the Blue H Award. The Blue H award also ties in to the Battle Efficiency, also called Battle E award, which applies to the entire ship. “Last year we received the Blue H silver eagle award,” said Santillo. “This year we’re working to hopefully achieve the Blue H gold star award, which is the top-level award.” The assessment is currently available on the Nimitz intranet homepage. The link is also being distributed to departmental chiefs to disburse to their respected department so progress can be tracked at a departmental level.
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Former Sailors currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ 129) take a group photo in ready room one.
VAQ 129: Civilian Sailors Join the Crew Continued from Page 1
most of the time they are on board. “We are sent out to the ship once or twice a month at the most,” said Ebans. “We come out to brush up on our carrier qualifications. The pilots have certain requirements they have to meet and the crew also maintains all the same safety and flight deck qualifications as the Sailors on board.” Despite the abnormality, the presence of these skilled civilian Sailors is not uncommon. “We will embark any ship that will take us,” said Ebans. “I have personally been on most of the carriers either while I was in the Navy or now that I have been with the company for four years. [VAQ] 129 is a training squadron so we come out anytime the pilots need to train.” “They only sent us one pilot this time,” said Sean Slattery, a former AE who left the Navy in 2006. “They normally keep us pretty busy with their schedule but this underway has allowed for a little more free time.” In that free time these former Sailors explained some improvements they noticed to shipboard life and gave a few recomendations. “I was glad to see there seems to be a lot more females on board,” said Rebecca Miller who transitioned from
the Navy in 2003. “This particular ship seems to be very health concious,” said Jarett Slough, a former AD. “It’s good to see that emphasis on fitness.” “The Navy has changed a lot since I was in,” said Slattery. “This is still a great platform to build your resume and get the education you need. The Navy as a whole is looking to keep those Sailors with degrees and advanced education. Looking back now, the Navy was the easiest job I have had.” All of these former Sailors agreed that taking advantage of the Navy’s education benefits while you are still in is the best way to go. “I’m working on my degree now and I wish I had worked on it more while I was still in,” said Slough. “Maybe I will join the Navy again as an officer.” Although the civilian crew may not be active duty, they still get a little taste of days gone by while on Nimitz and most have an appreciation for their time spent while in the service. “It’s a lot like it used to be,” said Ebans. “Not much has changed. We still participate in the man overboard drills and eat the food on the mess decks; it’s just this time we don’t have to stand any watches,” he said smiling.
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RAS: Toppin’ Off the Tanks Continued from Page 1
with fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications (FRSCQ). Fleet replacement squadrons are the Navy and Marine Corps’ training squadrons for new pilots and pilots who need certification on new aircraft. “This was a needed refuel for us,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Christian Cruz (left) gives instructions to Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Edward Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Justin Huskey aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Bevan. “This gives us some time (CVN 68) during a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler Yukon (T-AO 202). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray) until we need to top off the tanks again.” Yukon safely and timely.” The combat grapes as they are known, worked With two ships maintaining precise speed side-bytirelessly to ensure the ship had all the fuel it needed side connected by fuel lines, a replenishment at sea for any future flight operations. (RAS) can be a long process for the crew. However, “Everything was a success,” said Aviation the RAS took just a few hours. Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Wilbert Ty. “We “It was a good morning,” said Aviation Boatswain’s had all pump rooms running at capacity. Our crew Mate (Fuel) Airman Seag Moore. “I’m just glad we got did an outstanding job bringing on the fuel from the it done quickly and everyone stayed safe.”
1845 - The U.S. Naval Academy is established at Annapolis, Md., on former site of Fort Severn. 1895 - Commissioning of USS Texas, the first American steel-hulled battleship. Texas served off Cuba during the Spanish-American War and took part in the naval battle of Santiago. Under the name of San Marcos, she was sunk in weapon effects tests in Chesapeake Bay in 1911. Her hull continued in use as a gunnery target through World War II. 1908 - First Navy post offices established in Navy ships. 1944 - Operation Dragoon, Allied invasion of Southern France. 1953 - First naval officer appointed Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff, adm. William Radford. 1958 - USS Lexington (CVA 16) arrives in vicinity of Taiwan during Taiwan Straits crisis. Page 6
Sailors and Families Navigate RoughTimes From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
Deployment work-ups, a sick child, four-section duty, marital trouble can all cause stress levels to rise. Stress is a fact of life but resiliency helps make stress manageable, said Navy officials. “Stress is normal and can help you excel and succeed, but there is a point when stress may impact your ability to meet life’s challenges,” said Capt. Kurt School, director Navy Behavioral Health. According to Scott, the Navy’s goal is to help individuals identify stressors and develop the skills and tools to be resilient and handle the curveballs life may throw. Navy leadership has implemented the Operational Stress Control (OSC) program to help Sailors and their families recognize and navigate stress. OSC defines resilience as the capacity to withstand, recover, grow, and adapt in the face of stressors and changing demands. Scott discussed four skills that can help Sailors and their families improve resilience. - Maintain your body for its unique optimal performance. Balanced and nutritious meals with moderate portions help fuel the body. Getting enough sleep is critical to physical and emotional well being. Regular exercise helps you physically and improves your mood. - Develop positive relationship. Nurturing at least one trusted friendship can help individuals achieve personal and professional success. “A friend can provide support, influence personal growth and provide a source of strength during difficult time,” said Scott. - Manage your finances – Don’t let them manage you! “Financial strain is a top stressor. It can cause personality changes in an individual and has been linked to depression which can impact duty performance and interpersonal relationships,” said Scott. Fleet and Family Support Centers, NavyMarine Corps Relief Society and command financial
specialists can help Sailors examine their finances and develop a budget. - Consider spiritual wellness. “Talking with a mentor, trusted advisor or chaplain can be a great outlet for stress reduction and resiliency. When stress becomes overbearing to your wellbeing, ask for assistance. “Asking for help is a sign of strength and a commitment to yourself to perform at your optimal level,” said Scott. “Friends, families and co-workers can be your support network, but there may be times when someone with more experience, knowledge and skill is better suited to provide the help you need.” The OSC Continuum can help individuals determine what level of support is needed. The continuum is a color-coded guide for Sailors and leaders to measure their stress as it relates to one of four color-coded zones: green is ready, yellow is reacting, orange is injured and red is ill. “The green zone is where we want to be but the green zone is not stress free,” said Scott. “It means you have the skills and the tools you need to really be able to manage what life is throwing at you. Learning from life lessons makes you stronger and more resilient – and that is our goal.” To learn more visit the Navy’s official OSC blog at www.navynavstress.com .
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TV Guide 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10 - FLIGHT DECK 11 - CNN 13 - ESPN 14 - FX 15 - HISTORY 16 - ABC
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29
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CBS TNT FOX AMC TRU COMEDY CENTRAL FOX NEWS DISCOVERY DVD MOVIES
Channel 5 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
Just Go With It Night at the Museum Take Me Home Tonight Hall Pass Talladega Nights Mars Needs Moms
Channel 6
Adjustment Bureau Limitless United 93 The Guardian Jumping the Broom Chronicles of Narnia
Channel 7
Battle: Los Angeles Red Riding Hood Scream 4 Sucker Punch V for Vendetta Hannah
Channel 29
0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
Zombieland Mirror Mirror A Thousand Words The Rookie Up Inception
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Zachary Stamper takes a fuel sample aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler Yukon (T-AO 202). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)