Feb. 1, 2013
Vol. 38, No. 4
Respond With the Heart Story by Cmdr. Emile Moured, Command Chaplain
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer Capt. Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief Master Chief Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media Division Officer Lt. Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC (SW) Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 (AW/SW) Michael Cole Editor MC3 (SW) Ryan Mayes Lead Designer MC3 (SW) Renée L. Candelario Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Ashley Berumen MC2 Nathan Gomez MC2 (SW) Robert Winn MC2 (SW) Glenn Slaughter MC2 Andrew Jandik MC2 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield MC2 (SW/AW) Ian Cotter MC3 (SW) Thomas Siniff MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 (SW) Devin Wray MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 (SW) Alexander Ventura II MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Linda Swearingen MC3 (SW) Jess Lewis MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Vanessa David MC3 George Penney MCSN Phillip Ladouceur MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Nathan McDonald MCSN Joshua Haiar
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. 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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In a retelling of Homer’s epic war story, the movie Troy provides us with a short but memorable exchange between Achilles and King Agamemnon. As Agamemnon’s Greek army lines up for battle, the Thessalians send out their warmongering brute, Boagrius, to fight one man from Greece in a “winnertakes-all” match. Agamemnon yells for Achilles to come out and fight for him and for Greece. After King Agamemnon chides and threatens Achilles for arriving late, Achilles replies “Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?” and then quickly kills the Thessalian champion without hesitation. Not too distantly separated by time or space, a similar but real-life story played out in the Middle East. The Israelites were lines up for battle against the Philistines. The Philistines were larger and their weapons were stronger. They sent out their own champion, Goliath, to fight any Israelite in a winner-takes-all match. Saul was not only the Israelite King, but he stood head and shoulders above everyone else in Israel. Saul should have fought Goliath. But instead, Saul sat back in his camp not because of what he saw but moreso because of what he had become. Somewhere along the way, we know Saul became focused on his own abilities and power rather than nurturing a humble heart that trusted in God’s provision. And so Saul remained paralyzed by fear of his enemy and doubt in himself.
You know the rest of the story. A young shepherd named David stepped up and said, “I’ll take Goliath down.” It took a young, scrawny boy with a faith in God (and a slingshot) to win the day. David did not see the fight as a physical engagement but as an opportunity to allow God’s holiness and power to be on display that day. He truly loved the Lord – so much that his heart was ready and the choice was clear. I think when David saw Goliath, he saw a small man. He saw Goliath’s unimpressive character rather than his physical size. I think David saw a man whose heart was in such rebellion against God, that Goliath might as well have been an ant that was about to get squashed. We focus an inordinate amount of time on ensuring others perceive us is a good light. We are typically more concerned about the outward stuff – our looks, our influence and our reputation – than we are our character. But imagine if people could see our innards on our ‘outterds’ ? That is, when they looked at you, instead of seeing your face or physique, they saw your heart? Imagine, no matter how much time you spent getting ‘swol’ or making yourself look good in front of the mirror, we all looked outwardly ugly or outwardly good-looking based strictly on our character? Do you think that would change what was important to us?
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Nimitz Family Chooses Naval Tradition Story and photo by MC3 Vanessa Y. David
A christening ceremony took place in the ship’s chapel on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Jan. 25. Continuing one of the Navy’s oldest traditions, the threemonth-old infant daughter of Legalman 1st Class Michael Lightsey and Jennifer Lightsey, was baptized by Cmdr. Richard Townes, Nimitz’ principle assistant chaplain. The custom of baptizing a child using the ship’s bell as a christening bowl originated in the British Royal Navy where baptisms were carried out in foreign ports or for infants born at sea. It is considered an honor since the bell is engraved, after the ceremony, with the names of the children baptized and establishes a symbolic link between the ship’s crew and its families. “I’ve baptized probably 200 people, both adults and infants, but this is the first time I’ve done so on board this ship or any ship,” said Townes. “To baptize a person is one of the top things that a pastor gets to do. In the Lutheran faith, that’s when the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon someone. It’s God’s action through my hands, and that’s always an exciting thing to happen to a mere mortal.” “She’s our first child, so everything’s new and different,” said Michael. “It was a unique experience for us, since we don’t really have a church “We decided to pick the ship’s chapel and Cmdr. Townes to baptize Elizabeth for us.” The ceremony was made even more special with the presence of Michael’s parents who flew in from San Antonio to witness the baptism. “When they called and told me that they were going to come see the ceremony, I was shocked,” said Michael. “This was the first time they got to see their granddaughter.”
Legalman 1st Class Michael Lightsey , Jennifer Lightsey and their daughter Elizabeth pose for a photo following the christening Jan. 25 in the ship's Chapel.
During the ceremony, Michael and Jennifer acted as their daughter’s sponsor. When candidates are unable to speak for themselves, the sponsors answer the questions on their behalf. “To our family, this signifies that Elizabeth will be in God’s protection,” said Jennifer. “I was brought up in a Catholic household, so to have her baptized means something special. We only hope that she grows up healthy, strong, and lives a happy life.” A ship’s bell traditionally never leaves the vessel. It travels with the ship throughout its service and remains aboard when the ship is decommissioned. “It’s something special because she’ll definitely know that her father’s second ship is now her ship because she’ll be forever attached to the history of Nimitz,” said Michael.
Deck Doctors Nimitz Family Chooses Naval Tradition
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Sean Phillips from Chicago, Ill., and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Cody Willows from Panama City Beach, Panama, are cutting a grate on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The grate was cut to fit on the port side catwalk. (Photo by MC3 Chris Bartlett)
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Chief petty officers and petty officer first classes from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participate in a CPO 365 physical training session at Seismos Gym at Naval Station Everett.
CPO 365:
Taking Leadership to a New Level Story and photos by MC3 William Cousins
The first phase of the newly revamped Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 training program kicked off aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 23. “Phase one has just begun,” said Chief Machinist Mate Joshua Jackson, the co-chairman for CPO 365. “Phase two will begin when the Chief selectee list comes out.” This is a change from last year when there were three phases to the program. Phase one included all first classes, phase two involved only board eligible first classes and phase three was only the chief selectees. Jackson said it’s no longer focused on being a sixweek process for selectees. It’s important not to lose focus on the Prospective Chief Petty Officers (PCPOs) that were not selected for Chief and those who aren’t board eligible yet. This gives them a better opportunity to keep the first classes engaged. “Really, what changed was the name,” said Jackson. “The term induction is not used anymore. The new term is CPO 365. It’s a little more fine-tuned, and it helps us not forget about the first classes who aren’t selectees or board eligible.” During phase one Prospective Chief Petty Officers (PCPOs), as per the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) will conduct training, teambuilding evolutions, physical training, participate in community service events and Career Development Boards (CDBs) which will prepare them for phase two. Phase two PCPOs will conduct CDBs, assign charge books, complete a CPO Selectee Leadership Course (CPOSLC), perform fundraising necessary to cover phase two selectee expenses, complete heritage training, conduct official BCA and PFA on all FCPOs selected for advancement, conduct meet-and-greets with selectee spouses and families, perform a final test and a pinning ceremony. “Phase two is the same thing, training and physical fitness but there will be events that selectees will do
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in addition to the other training events they do,” said Jackson. Jackson said using the CPO 365 guide, they will cover everything from Navy Individual Augmentee to the history of the Chief Petty Officer. “It [CPO 365 training] was very informative,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Cameron Fisher, a PCPO. “It brought some heritage and brought to light some [Naval Instructions] so we can be more informed for our Sailors. It offers better leadership skills and better understanding of a command’s history and the Navy’s history and how to better guide our Sailors and produce quality leadership.” Jackson said CPO 365 not only helps PCPO’s for the exam, but it’s going to help them if they decide to go further in their career. “It helps get the heritage [of the chief] ingrained into the prospective chief petty officer,” said Jackson. “The discussions that we are having now used to only happen during induction. Now these first classes are getting awareness when they are not even selectees, it’s only going to help them. At some point in their career, the lessons they are going to learn in these discussions are going to be important to them.”
Chief petty officers and petty officer first classes from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participate in a CPO 365 physical training session at Seismos Gym at Naval Station Everett.
USS Nimitz Leaders Serve Community Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Ryan Mayes
During phase one of CPO 365, 17 chief and first class petty officers from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteered to clean their local senior citizen center in downtown Everett, Wash., Monday afternoon. The Carl Gipson Senior Center of Everett is a 28,000 square foot, modernized facility for the senior citizens of Everett. The center offers an abundance of activities to the seniors throughout the week including bingo, crafts and even virtual bowling. With only four paid staff, the center relies on about 200 volunteers to host programs and activities. The Gipson center can accommodate hundreds of senior citizens daily and with the minimal staff, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility can require a little help. Nimitz’ volunteers arrived ready to work. For the next four hours the Sailors wiped, scrubbed and disinfected the facility’s upholstery, supply rooms, billiard room, bingo hall, kitchen and coffee bars. “This is our second visit to the center,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Ignatius Okeiyimor, Nimitz’ Chief Mess community service coordinator. “We are trying to instill a culture of giving back.” Many of the senior citizens asked the Sailors why they had come. When they were told the Nimitz Sailors were there to help clean, many smiled with a little bit of surprise. “It’s always nice to get a good name for the Navy out there,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Jeffrey Williams. “What are a few hours of work to us
Hull Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Lovell Cooper cleans the upholstery of one of the senior center's sitting rooms during COMSERV Jan. 28.
Chief and first class petty officers from Nimitz gather in the sun room of the Carl Gipson Senior Center to recieve their volunteer assignments for the afternoon.
when it means so much to them?” January 2013 marks the master chief petty officer of the Navy’s official push and endorsement of CPO 365, which is designed to prepare the future Chiefs of the Navy with the leadership tools, mentorship and camaraderie needed to lead their fellow Sailors. Community service projects like this one are included in the program for this reason. “This is our first visit during the new CPO 365 program,” said Okeiyimor. “This is phase one of the program where we try to integrate the first class petty officers with the Chiefs leading up to the training phase.” Deb Loughrey-Johnson, the Gipson center director since 2009, explained that without the help of volunteers, like those from Nimitz, they would have a hard time operating the facility. As the liaison between the Sailors and the senior center, Loughrey-Johnson was busy coordinating the efforts of the volunteers by splitting them into teams and providing the cleaning supplies necessary. Over the sound of the nearby vacuum cleaner, Chief Information Systems Technician Josh Murphy explained that the trip away from the command provided a good perspective to everyone involved, even if they were outside their element. When it came time to leave, the team from Nimitz had left a noticeable and lasting impression on the senior center, one that reflected not only the values of the Navy but also those of the individuals who offered their time. With more projects scheduled for later this year, the Chiefs and first class petty officers of Nimitz are sure to build a lasting connection with each other, as well as the community around them.
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Story and photos by MC3 Vanessa Y. David
“All the safes were completely outdated,” said the ship for his training. “Ninety-eight percent of the U.S.’s locks, safes and Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Andrew Elliot. “After Sept. 11 happened, our government decided to adopt a vaults come from that area,” said Elliot. “It is a regular really high-classified lock program. This is an old ship, trade school with very few military around. It was a unique so the lock system was still out of date. We had to drill experience that made me have to think outside of the box, through and fix every lock to bring and I’m very thankful for it.” them up to standard with the General Upon their return to the ship, Persek “It was a unique Elliot discovered that all of the Security Administration.” experience that made and safes were outdated. In the duration of A job usually reserved for me have to think eight months, there were 125 job orders contractors, two Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) outside of the box, and to reset 75 safes on board. “Each job would cost the Navy undertook the daunting task of updating I'm very thankful for it." $1,000 if a civilian contractor had to do all the locks on board. - MR2 Elliot it,” said Persek. “We fix a lock, have Nimitz’ very own enlisted locksmiths are Elliot, a Roanoke, Ind., native, and the facilitator make a new combination, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Justin and fill out a standard form that lists the Persek, a Fort Pierce, Fla., native. Their duties include combos, location of the safe, and the facilitator.” The skill set they achieved as machinery repairmen making keys, fixing locks, cracking and resetting safes. and locksmiths on board has opened doors to multiple “We’re called Ocean’s 68,” said Elliot. Elliot was the first one to be sent for a month to opportunities inside their shop. “Not too many people in the Navy can experience the locksmith “C” school in Nicholasville, Ky. During Nimitz’ Composite Training Unit Exercise, Persek was flown off Machinery shop and locksmithing,” said Elliot. “It helped
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me make rank really quick.” Before joining the Navy Jan. 25, 2011, Elliot lived on a farm and worked a job similar to the one he holds on board. “I worked third shift at a machine shop and did pretty much the same things I do here,” said Elliot. “It was a good deal, and I got paid pretty well, but I just had to change my lifestyle.” Elliot resolved to live a life independent of his family. “I needed to live on my own,” Elliot said. “Back at home, my whole family lives on the same road. My wife and I moved out here to do things on our own, but I never pictured becoming a locksmith on board an aircraft carrier. I just saw myself working with machines and fixing stuff.” Determined to create a better life for himself in a difficult economy, Persek joined the Navy Jan. 10, 2008.
“I worked in a mom and pop pizzeria for about two years,” said Persek. “I cooked pizza at night and went to graphic design school full time in the mornings. The job markets were crashing and nothing was going on in my town, so I decided to get out and try something new. As a result, I learned a lot of stuff that I wouldn’t have if I had stayed home.” Their experiences since joining have created opportunities in and outside of the Navy. “When you’re in our rate, you can come out of the Navy with any job you want,” said Persek. “You can be a machinist, an engraver or a locksmith. You learn a lot.” Within the past year and a half, they have saved the Navy an approximate $125,000, and they will continue to work toward a more consolidated lock system on board Nimitz.
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For Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), maintaining shipboard readiness can be as simple as checking off items on a list. However, maintaining mental health readiness can sometimes require assistance from a licensed professional. Lt. Lara K. Myers, Psy.D., originally from State College, Penn., Nimitz’ new psychologist, is ready to help Sailors with their mental health needs. Prior to joining the Navy, Myers worked as a psychologist in the public school system and at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Honolulu. Myers joined the Navy and was commissioned as an officer on the ‘surrender’ deck of USS Missouri (BB-63) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in January 2010. “I joined the military because I kept hearing on news outlets that soldiers were returning from Iraq with PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder] and I wanted to help,” said Myers. “I heard there was a deficit of psychologists in the military and I love the ocean so that’s why I joined.” Nimitz is Myers’ second duty station. Her first duty station was Naval Air Station Jacksonville, in Jacksonville, Fla. While stationed there, Myers was deployed to GITMO to work in detainee operations. Myers says her job as a psychologist in the Navy differs from when she was a civilian because in addition to her job as the ship’s only psychologist, she has daily tasks to perform such as standing watch and overseeing 3M maintenance. During her time on board Nimitz, one of Myers’ goals is to assist Cmdr. Emile Moured, Nimitz’
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command chaplain, with Nimitz’ suicide prevention program. “I encourage Sailors and their leaders to work on suicide prevention before something happens by trying to take precautions with early intervention and to not wait until everything falls apart” said Myers. “I want to remove the stigma attached to suicide prevention. I always use the analogy of your body being like a car. If you stop maintaining your car and putting oil and gas into your car it’s going to break.” Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jason K. Aguilar, a psychiatric technician, works with Myers to help Nimitz’ Sailors with various psychiatric needs such as suicide prevention, dealing with stress and anger management. “I see emergency patients for psychiatric issues as well as administer some counseling and make appointments for Sailors to see Lt. Myers,” said Aguilar. “Working with Lt. Myers is going well and I am learning a lot from her. We are working together to implement some new programs including anger management and group therapy. Anger management is a major issue that many Sailors have expressed an interest in doing group therapy to learn how to deal with.” Lt. Myers explained she is looking forward to her time on board Nimitz working with fellow Sailors and wants everyone to know there are people here to help and listen no matter how small someone may think their problem is.
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Newspapers from Around the Globe Available at Navy General Library Program on NKO By Patrick Foughty, Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
The service 'Library Press Display' is now available through the Navy General Library Program (NGLP) and offers free access to over 2,200 newspapers from 97 countries in 54 languages. By logging onto the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO), either through user name and password or their Common Access Card (CAC), all Department of the Navy employees, Sailors (to include reservists), retirees and their dependants can now have access to many of the world's newspapers - in just a few clicks. "Whether you're into world politics and foreign affairs, fashion or just want to catch up on what's happening in your hometown, this service is another great resource to help you fill your information needs," said Nilya Carrato, program assistant for Navy General Library Program, "and you don't have to pay any subscription fees." Once onto the Library Press Service site, which is found on the Navy e-Library News section of NKO, users are then able to navigate through various subject headings or geographical locations. From there they find the newspaper or periodical they're interested in reading and read it as though they're
reading a traditional hardcopy newspaper. "The newspapers even have hyperlinks embedded that allow the user to jump through them with ease," Carrato explained. The service can be used on all forms of digital devices, to include personal computers, tablets and smartphones, all that's needed is an internet connection and authorized access. Navy Library patrons may register for this and many of NGLP's services by logging into NKO (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil) clicking on the "Reference" heading in the upper right part of the screen. Then click on "e-Library - news". Once on this NKO page Sailors and their families can explore the vast array of newspapers. Interested patrons are also encouraged to visit the YouTube (http://youtu. be/nKer1nyh_kk) and Slideshare (http://www. slideshare.net/NGLP/library-pressdisplay-on-nko/) tutorials for more information on how to find and use the service on NKO. The Navy General Library Program has existed for nearly a century and is a service of Commander, Navy Installations Command.
On the Cover:
ESWS CLASSES WILL BEGIN FEB 6. EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 0900 IN THE FIRST CLASS MESS
Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Justin Persek and Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Andrew Elliott. (Photo by MC3 Vanessa David)
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