Sept. 18, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 104
DAILY DIGEST
PRT
EXCELLING THROUGH THE
F
or many Sailors, surpassing the minimum standards of the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) may be the only goal they have in mind for the event. They might hit their marks for push-ups and sit-ups while completing the 1 1/2 mile run quickly enough to achieve a passing score. This could be the only goal they have in mind: avoiding the consequences of failing. Why not strive for more? “I personally don’t believe that a Sailor should just aim to score above the minimum,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Gregory Celia, an assistant command fitness leader aboard. “I encourage all of my Sailors to strive to do the best that they can for themselves.“ But for some Sailors, the benefits of going beyond the basics of simply completing the PRT may not be immediately clear. “On your evaluations, [or evals], there is no longer a mark of good, excellent or outstanding,” said
Story by MCSN Derek A. Harkins Photos by MCSN Eric Butler
Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Martin Flemig, a command fitness leader aboard Nimitz. “The only mark on your eval you get is in block 20, which shows if you passed or why a member didn’t perform their PFA.” While a Sailor’s eval may not reflect specific elements of their PRT performance, it does influence his or her career in other ways. “There are many different benefits of excelling on the PRT,” said Celia. “Just a few of the benefits for scoring ‘outstanding’ on the PRT can include setting the example for your fellow shipmates [and allowing you to] qualify for certain special programs.” PRT scores may also impact the way a Sailor is viewed by others. “It is each Sailor’s personal responsibility to maintain their own physical fitness,” said Celia. “When a Sailor scores high on the PRT, it demonstrates to the command that they have the integrity to maintain their own physical standards. A Sailor who holds himself to Continued on page 3
Sailor of the Day
Marine of the Day
Stories and photos by MCSN (SW) Kole Carpenter
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Holly Noack, a native of Challis, Idaho, was named Sailor of the day Sept. 17. As plane captain in the line division, her direct mentorship led to six personnel achieving their brake rider qualification, eight qualifying as duct divers, and four new plane captains. Her efforts greatly improved the efficiency in the work center and the squadron as a whole. Often assuming the role of a more senior petty officer, she directed the day-to-day tasking and scheduling of seven plane captains and six trainees. “I’m excited,” Noack said. “It’s great to be recognized for all the hard work put in as a plane captain.” Her leadership and guidance ensured that the demands of a constantly changing flight schedule are met. Additionally, as the work center training petty officer, she meticulously tracked and maintained 35 training records. Her unrelenting drive and positive attitude have been instrumental in the squadron’s success during WESTPAC 2013. “Keep working hard,” she advised her shipmates. “And keep long-term goals in sight.” Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth
Lance Cpl. Jason Gibson, from Des Moines, Iowa, was named Marine of the Day Sept. 16. Displaying superb work ethic and unsurpassed organizational skills, he ensured the procurement of valuable assets required to maintain the squadron’s 10 F/A-18C aircraft by ensuring the expedient delivery of 700 individual material readiness list items. Specifically, he procured two vital parts that enabled the correction of 22 downing avionics discrepancies and 10 egress downing discrepancies. “It’s good to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve done,” Gibson said. “And I’m definitely excited to drive the ship.” Additionally, as the most junior metrology and calibration manager in the squadron, he ensured the readiness and calibration of more than 180 maintenance assets. Gibson continues to seek ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency, lending to the “Death Rattlers’” ability to deliver. Gibson said to his fellow Marines, “Keep up the hard work. Don’t get complacent; we don’t know how long we’re going to be out here.”
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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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 a higher standard physically can usually be held to a higher standard in other aspects of their jobs as well.” However, according to Celia, some Sailors face obstacles to high PRT scores and physical fitness goals in general. Among those issues is free time, which many people in the military may have a shortage of. “Fitness is a commitment and the only way that it will work is if you dedicate yourself to it,” said Celia. “I know finding time underway can be hard, but Sailors must find time. I have a tough watch cycle, which rotates throughout the day. Sometimes, I end up going to the gym at odd hours, but I have a specific schedule, and I do my best to stick to it.” Another issue some Sailors can face is the environment of a naval vessel at sea. For those Sailors who primarily engage in outdoor exercise and recreation to stay in shape, being aboard a ship for months can create a challenge. “It can be difficult transitioning your workouts and training from shore to sea, but if fitness is important to a Sailor, they will adapt and overcome,” said Celia. “Personally, I don’t care for running on treadmills, so I try to mix up my cardio by doing sprint work in the hangar bays and using the row machines. Even though I don’t like running on treadmills, I still have to suck it up every now and then just to stay proficient.” Some Sailors may also neglect training themselves for PRTs because they are often waived during deployments. However, PRTs are not the only reason for a Sailor to exercise, and deployments don’t last forever. “I also encourage my Sailors to keep healthy goals throughout the year, not just during PRT cycles,” said Celia. While PRTs are not likely to be held in locations like mess decks or dining rooms, these are the locations where preparing for the test begins.
Sailors and Marines stretch before participating in a 5k fun run on the flight deck.
“Eating right and physical fitness work hand-inhand,” said Flemig. “You need to [take in] the right amount of nutrition, which enables you to reach those fitness goals. According to Flemig, to ensure progress toward their goals, Sailors need a plan. “There are so many programs and options out there,” said Flemig. “Start with one and stick to it. Do lower repetitions to begin with, then increase every other week.” Following a plan, budgeting time and practicing good nutrition can help motivated Sailors move past barriers and accomplish PRT scores that exceed basic standards. “The biggest thing that I see people who have fitness and health issues struggle with is asking for advice,” said Celia. “Sailors who struggle with the PRT should know that they have an excellent support system and plenty of people around who have lots of fitness experience, who can help them get where they want to be.”
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SPEAKING with the FOOD SERVICE OFFICER Story and photo by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
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F
ood is more than just a substance to help sustain our bodies, it can also help raise the spirits of the crew and build camaraderie throughout the command. The Food Service Officer (FSO) helps the culinary specialists achieve this goal. The new FSO on board is Lt. Vivian Maner. Maner arrived on board July 22. She currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. She came from her previous command, Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NSCITTS), where she was a supply and weapons officer. Maner grew up in Allendale, S.C., with her family of 14 brothers and sisters. According to Maner, family is one of the most important things in life. “The Navy is your family but after this you go home you have to make sure to take care of your family first,” said Maner. “If your family is happy then you are happy and can come to work in a good mood.” Maner is prior enlisted, which included 15 years as a culinary specialist (CS). Her hard work and dedication to the Navy has earned her two Navy commendations, one Army commendation and four navy achievement awards. The West Coast is a change of scenery for Maner after living on the East Coast for most of her time in the Navy. Maner served at commands including the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Cuba and Afghanistan. The most rewarding command Maner has been stationed was in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, because of how grateful they were even though they were in some of the harshest living conditions. “It was the most rewarding command because they were out fighting in Afghanistan,” said Maner. “Even the smallest thing we got for them they were grateful for. They were living out in tents all day in the hot desert so I would jump through hoops to get them the items they needed.” It was Maner’s dedication that helped her build a love for her job, which is a trait Maner believes is important to a CS. “Love your job because when you make food you’ve got to put some love into it,” said Maner. “It makes it that much better.” When CSs put love into their food it makes for a great meal that helps build the morale of the command. “For each meal everyone comes to the galley and talks, it helps build camaraderie,” said Maner, “If Sailors and Marines have a great meal that day, it can make their day so much better.” Helping build camaraderie isn’t the only goal that Maner hopes to accomplish while on board, she also hopes to improve the variety of products. “I’m trying to spice it up a bit,” said Maner. “With the products they send us I would like to get my team to make something extraordinary. Sailors and Marines don’t want the same food every day.” Maner hopes to improve food services by listening to suggestions from each Sailor and Marine who puts a note in the suggestion box and raise the morale of the crew by taking those suggestions and trying to put to into place. 5
THROUGHTHELEN
By MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.
S
AD1 James Bohnet performs maintenance on a jet engine.
“
YOU DON’T TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS, YOU MAKE THEM.
”
- ANSEL ADAMS
ABEAA Zachariah Topham holds a weight board on the flight deck.
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By MCSA Kelly M. Agee
By MCSN Derek A. Harkins
Nimitz Strike Group sails in formation.
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ON THE COVER: Sailors and Marines participate in a 5k fun run on the flight deck.
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