Nimitz News Daily Digest - Oct. 16, 2013

Oct. 16, 2013

Sailors wear FMF PIN WITH PRIDE Story and photos by MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen

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n Nov. 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress declared two Marine Corps battalions be created in order to support Colonial forces fighting against the British. These two Marine units worked closely with the Colonial Navy and played a vital part in securing multiple victories during the Revolutionary War. Since then, the relationship between the United States Marine Corps and Navy has been closer than that of any of the other branches of the military.

It is not uncommon for Marines to serve with Navy units, and vice versa. In every single major war in American history, the Navy has been able to rely on Marine units to fight ferociously on land, while the Marines have utilized Navy ships and Sailors to provide the transportation and coverage necessary to launch their attacks.

In both branches, Sailors and Marines have various awards and symbols of success; a pin or ribbon worn on the chest that says that service member has worked hard to become an elite member of the military. One of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Vol. 2 Issue 123

Sailor of the Day

Story and photo by MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen

lumbus, Ohio. Nimitz is Wallace’s first command, and he added that he felt as though joining the Navy was the right choice for him.

“It’s interesting to see how much recognition you get when you’re Sailor of the Day,” said Wallace.

“It’s good to hear people congratulate you for working hard.”

Wallace encouraged others to take pride in their work.

“Never feel like you’re better than your job,” Wallace said. “Whatever work you have to do, do it well.”

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lectrician’s Mate 3rd Class Lucas Wallace, from Reactor Department, was selected as Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day, Oct. 15.

Sacrificing off–duty hours, Wallace worked tirelessly to restore the #1 Main Engine Emergency Lube Oil Pump. His efforts guaranteed availability of vital equipment and saved the Navy more than $20,000 in repair costs. Wallace was also instrumental in completely resurfacing the deck in central control.

Wallace said he joined the Navy in November 2010 in order to get away from his hometown of CoCommanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth

Executive Officer Capt. John Cummings

Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke

Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski

Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III

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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most coveted devices available for Sailors serving with Marines is the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) Warfare Specialist qualification.

“It’s very humbling to be able to wear the FMF pin,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Richard Estevez, Jr. Estevez earned his FMF pin while stationed with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division in Hawaii. To him, the pin is a symbol of the sacrifices of those who have gone before him in the service. Estevez said he joined the military hoping to be more like the selfless super heroes he read about in comic strips as a kid. The FMF pin represents Sailors and Marines who have given their lives to serve their country.

Before reporting to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Estevez attended Field Medical Training, an eight-week course teaching corpsmen how to assimilate into Marine life. Though the course is not required to earn the FMF pin, Estevez said it was helpful. Sailors at Field Medical Training learn the basics of Marine culture, such as how to march, how to wear a Marine uniform, and the customs and courtesies of the Marine Corps.

“You have to know how to straddle both cultures,” Estevez said.

Most FMF pins are earned by Navy hospital corpsmen, and there are nearly a half-dozen enlisted Sailors who work in Nimitz’ Medical Department who wear the FMF pin. However, the pin is not restricted to corpsmen. Nimitz’ Assistant Reactor Officer, Cmdr. George Floyd earned his FMF pin while serving alongside Marines in Iraq in 2006.

Floyd went to Iraq to teach Marines and soldiers how to use ‘jammers’ to prevent Iraqi insurgents from using radio programmed improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As an electronic warfare officer, Floyd had the expertise necessary to help teach his brothers in

arms how to protect themselves from IEDs while traveling in caravans across Iraq. Thanks to the training Floyd and other naval officers provided, only one Marine in his unit died because of a radio programmed IED. While in Iraq, Floyd said he noticed a group of Sailors routinely meeting up to do physical training.

Finally, he approached them and asked what they were training for. The answer: the FMF pin. Floyd decided to join them, and quickly found himself preparing for one of the most physically difficult and unique tests offered in the Navy.

Similarly to other warfare specialist pins, the FMF requires Sailors complete a signature book, take a written test and an oral board. There are also several requirements relating to safety and survival in the field, including the ability to operate multiple types of firearm, transportation and communication equipment.

In addition, the FMF has a physical requirement as well: Sailors must pass a Marine physical fitness test (PFT), consisting of a three-mile run and pull-ups.

Floyd said his test also included a five-mile hike across the desert in Iraq, while dressed in full battle gear.

“It was incredibly physically demanding,” said Floyd.

Both Estevez and Floyd agreed that it is an honor to wear a pin representing service to a different branch of the military. They also agreed that earning the pin gave them a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Marine Corps.

“Many naval battles have been won at the expense of Marine lives,” said Floyd. “It’s humbling to wear the pin, and professionally rewarding to know that my work helped save lives.”

“It’s a big deal to wear the same decoration as these real-life heroes: these guys who gave their lives serving their country,” said Estevez.

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CSS

CENTER FOR SERVICE SUPPORT REVAMPS COURSES FOR LOGISTICS AND ADMINISTRATION RATINGS

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs

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According to Colette Rupero, CSS curriculum manager the Navy demands that Sailors be more technically proficient and well-versed in all aspects of their jobs prior to joining their command.

“Graduates from these courses of instruction have a better understanding of the many technical elements of their ratings and will, as a result, be more efficient and effective members of the commands they join,” said Rupero.

“The transition from computer based training (CBT) to a blended learning approach is a result of the Human Performance Requirements Review (HPRR) and feedback from the fleet.

The feedback indicated that students would benefit more from interaction and guidance with instructors.”

HPPRs are conducted every three years and are designed to revalidate individual training requirements and/or identify new training requirements as they apply to a rating, grade, community, course, systems configuration, or fleet operating procedure. They also provide stakeholders an opportunity to review exist-

raining specialists from the Center for Service Support (CSS) and Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian implemented the improved and modernized Yeoman (YN), Personnel Specialist (PS), Ship’s Serviceman (SH) and Logistics Specialist (LS) courses Oct. 10.

The updated course blends computerbased training with traditional classroom instruction to bring the course up-to-date and in step with the ever-changing world of administration and logistics.

“As the work environment changes and evolves, so too must the training and the curriculum we use to train the fleet’s newest Sailors,” said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Roger Drumheller, PS rating manager.

“In developing curriculum, it is the responsibility of CSS and its learning sites to support the Navy’s forward-deployed and widely distributed force by delivering Sailors who are already proficient in their future jobs,” said Drumheller. “This new course is designed to do just that.”

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PS3 John Vonhandorf, right, checks-in CSSN Joe Gutkowski in the admin office aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Montere.

ing training, identify redundant or unnecessary training, and ensure proper alignment of training based on new or revised requirements.

“Although the students use online courses, it’s no longer self-paced,” said Recupero.

“Our courses are much more focused and our students learn to work together in a group.”

Mike Buechel, CSS learning standards officer said the courses incorporate synchronous CBT which allow learners to interact with an instructor via the internet or face to face as they go through the curriculum.

“This will allow our instructors to become more familiar with the material they instruct,” said Buechel. “Our instructors will take more ownership of these classes and provide our new Sailors with guidance. Mentorship from seasoned Sailors who have already performed the job in the fleet is a great benefit.”

During synchronous CBT the instructor and students are all logged on at the same time, viewing the same content. The students

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can ask questions by raising their hands, via e-mail, a discussion board or chat room.

“Our courses will also streamline the street to fleet process,” said Buechel. “This new system allows our students to graduate together which will ease the order writing process which will result in a cost savings to the Navy. Fleet units will also receive their Sailors more quickly.”

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of Cmdr. Brett St. George, NTTC Meridian commanding officer or the NTTC military and civilian staff,” said Buechel.

“Their teamwork and help have been remarkable.”

CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet’s warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities.

Sailors park an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to HSC-6, on the flight deck.

By MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr. ADAN Erika Stewart, assigned to VFA-147, performs maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay.

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By MCSA Kelly M. Agee

By MCSN Eric Butler

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