Nov. 15, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 141
DAILY DIGEST
SEA AND ANCHOR O SAILORS CONTROL THE SHIP FROM THE FO’C’SLE
Story and photo by MCSN Eric M. Butler
ver the last month we’ve heard the call over the 1MC for the sea and anchor detail numerous times. It occurred during the straits transit and when we anchored off Naples, Italy. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jacob M. Brill, from Whittier, Calif., and Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Kyle J. Baker, from Montevideo, Minn., explain the process that takes place in the fo’c’sle, what it takes to move
a large and expensive nuclear aircraft carrier through narrow straits, and what keeps it parked in place when anchored. “Basically when we set the sea and anchor detail, that’s when we make all the preparations prior to pulling into port or dropping anchor,” said Brill. “That’s when we make our manned and ready reports.” Using the anchor is an important part of sea and anchor detail. Baker said that using the anchor is an emergency method
of turning the ship in case there is a loss of steering, especially during a strait transit. Baker explained how the anchor can steer the ship. “Just in case of an emergency, dropping anchor is the last line of defense if everything fails to slow the ship down,” said Baker. “Let’s say there will be a contact on the starboard side. We would drop the port anchor so that the ship will veer to the port side and vice versa.” Brill gave an example from two Continued on page 3
PROFESSIONAL
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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
days before leaving for our 2013 Western Pacific deployment. A short distance from Nimitz’ pier, a freighter leaving Everett experienced a loss of steering and had to drop both anchors to stop from running aground or into the carrier. “We always get one anchor to be the ready anchor,” said Brill. “So in an emergency, we have to drop one anchor for the last stopping method.” Brill described how the anchor was safely paid out when pulling into Italy. “Dropping the anchor, we use the free-fall method,” said Brill. “Each shot of chain is separated by a detachable link. The goal is to stop every detachable link in between the stoppers or on deck. If we just paid it all out at once, we run the risk of too much momentum, and the brakes not setting correctly. Each shot is 90 feet, or 15 fathoms, so
depending on how deep the water is, we will always pay out at least 15 fathoms above the sea bed, and then from there we will just drop it.” With calm waters in Italy, however, staying in place was not a problem for Nimitz. Even though the recommended amount of chain could not be paid out, the anchor did its job. “What actually holds the ship in place is the anchor chain,” said Brill. “We drop the anchor and we’ll back up and pay out the chain as we go. So it’s the weight of the chain that actually holds us in place.” “It’s exhilarating,” said Baker. “When we anchored out in Italy, I was fo’c’sle petty officer in charge for the first time.” Nimitz had a safe and successful transit and port call in Italy. The ship transited, anchored and transited again
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without incident due the skillful handling of the sea and anchor detail. There are a number of jobs boatswain’s mates can use their skills for after the Navy. Baker and Brill mentioned a few jobs that may interest Sailors who enjoy working on the waters. There are plenty of positions on cargo ships such as the USNS Rainier that we have often pulled alongside for replenishments-atsea. You could also operate tugs and help guide large ships into ports. If you qualify as a master helmsman, you could also drive cruise ships. Even though Baker and Brill did not enter the Navy to be boatswain’s mates, they both said they have thoroughly enjoyed one of the oldest rates in the Navy. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else though,” said Brill. “I love it.”
PROGRAM OFFERS CLEAR PATH FOR SEPARATING SAILORS
T
By Wm. Cullen James, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office
here is a rhythm to Navy service. You wake up at a certain time. You wear a certain uniform. These things are givens and over the course of a career, they can become defining characteristics. So, what happens once that career comes to an end; how does a Sailor jump to civilian life? The answer is with Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success). The program was created in response to the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. It is mandatory and provides a variety of pre-separation assistance for separating Sailors. According to Tom Albert, management analyst, Navy Family Readiness office, Transition GPS is a five-day workshop that ensures Sailors are ready to make the transition to civilian life. “There are career readi-
ness standards - a common core that has to be met,” Albert said. “We want to see that you have a budget, are prepared to take care of your family, that you’ve done an assessment of your certifications and skills. It benefits you to make sure you’re ready to apply to the civilian workforce.” Before the workshop, there are prerequisites. Preseparation assessment and counseling is mandatory, but Albert suggests that Sailors also have a budget worked out and post-military goals set. “We have set up career readiness standards. Whether your goal is employment or education, we have standards in place to help you succeed,” Albert said. After taking care of the prerequisites, Sailors can attend the Transition GPS workshop which includes Veterans Affairs benefits briefings, financial planning 4
support, a Department of Labor job search skills building workshop and more. Each Sailor develops an Individual Transition Plan and has that plan assessed during a capstone event. The capstone occurs no less than 90 days prior to separation/retirement, although, according to Albert, Sailors can do this earlier. “Sailors can go through the course 12 months out if they want to and can also access the Transition GPS virtual curriculum on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO - http:// jko.jfcom.mil) any time after that for a refresher,” Albert said. Additionally, the JKO virtual courses offer smart phone applications. For more information, visit the Navy Personnel Command Transition Assistance website at http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/ CAREER/TRANSITION/ Pages/TAP.aspx.
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By MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen
ABH2 Justin Chavez directs an aircraft during flight operations on the flight deck.
An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, assigned to HSM-75, launches an AGM-114 hellfire missile.
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By MCSA (SW) Kelly M. Agee By MCSN (SW) Kole E. Carpenter
Sailors and Marines push a “killer tomato� off of the fantail to be used as target practice.
By MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to VFA-147, prepares to launch from the flight deck.
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ON THE COVER: BM3 Jacob M. Brill and BMSN Kyle J. Baker hold sea-and-anchor tools in the fo’c’sle.