June 2, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 32
A Force for Good S
Story and Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno
ailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visited Ban Tee Tae public school for a community service project (COMSERV) in Phang Nga, Thailand, May 30. Nineteen Sailors visited a school to help paint a classroom and spend time with the children. The school has approximately 80 students, and according to Brad Kenny, Phuket region Navy League coordinator, this is the first Navy COMSERV to be organized at the school. “The Sailors come here and spend their time off the ship to meet and get to know the local people. They become much more involved doing these kinds of projects,” said Kenny. After painting the classroom, the Sailors spent the
rest of the day learning the local culture and playing with the children. “The time we had was great. I felt like we had a positive impact in their lives,” said Cmdr. George Floyd, a volunteer from Nimitz. For some Sailors, this was their first COMSERV. Most of them agreed that this project was the best way to truly experience the Thai culture. “It was a lot of fun getting to talk to local people,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael Waltich, a volunteer from Nimitz. “I’m definitely doing another COMSERV in the future.” The Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
VIP TOUR Story and Photo by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
T
he Chief of Phuket Provincial Office, members of the Thai military and Thai nationals visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), May 29. Dr. Prajiad Aksornthamakul, Chief of Phuket Provincial Office, toured Nimitz during a routine port call visit in Phuket, Thailand. During their time on Nimitz, the visitors met with Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, to learn more about the capabilities and assets of Nimitz and CSG 11. White escorted Aksornthamakul and guests through the ship to view the hangar bays, flight deck, bridge and flag mess while describing the ship’s history and thanking their hosts. “We know it’s a lot of work for Phuket to host us Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CDR John Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, gives a tour of the flight deck to Thai military members and nationals.
and we are grateful the Chief of Phuket Provincial Office visited our aircraft carrier,” said White. Aksornthamakul expressed his and the local Thai community’s appreciation for Nimitz choosing to visit Phuket as one of their port calls during the current deployment. “I feel that Thailand and the United States Navy have a good relationship,” said Aksornthamakul. “The Phuket Provincial Office always welcomes Sailors to visit us. We would like to ensure that everyone who visits Phuket enjoys it. I would like to express our appreciation during Nimitz’ port call to the Sailors that are taking a vacation in Phuket. The tourism is very good for our economy and we appreciate it. We welcome the U.S. military to Phuket not only as Sailors, but also as tourists. We are very happy you came to Phuket.” Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke Lead Designer MC3 George J. Penney III
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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.
INTERNATIONAL Story by MC3 (SW) Devin Wray Photos by MCSA Andrew Price
Members of the Royal Thai Navy’s Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Division Ordnance Department received a demonstration from members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 while visiting the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) May 27. The tour showcased a joint effort to exchange knowledge of each other’s operations. “We combine with U.S. EOD every year for the Gara Exercise and Cobra Gold Exercise,” said Lt. Cmdr. Somkuan Sungtsont, Commander of Diver and EOD Division. “This meeting was to prepare for those exercises.” While on board, the Thai guests saw fast roping, equipment and the EOD small unmanned ground vehicle (SUGV). “We had a great time,” said Sungtsont. “I liked their weapons. We have about the same equipment, but theirs is newest of the new.” Members of EODMU 11 visited their Thai counterparts earlier that week to learn from them as well. “A couple days ago we taught them about homemade bombs since that’s what they’re encountering most right now,” said Lt. j.g. Thomas Rollow, EODMU 11 Platoon 11-0-1 officer in charge. “They’re disarming bombs every day. They’re real experts in the sense of the word.” Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Members of EOD Platoon 11-0-1 demonstrate uses of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment to members of the Royal Thai Navy’s Diver and EOD division ordnance department.
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A TIME
to PLAY
Story and Photos by MC3 Jacob Milner
S
ailors assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11 came together Wednesday, May 29, at the British International School (BIS) to play an exhibition soccer match with the school’s instructors. The game-ending goal, scored by Craig Greene, the BIS team’s captain, closed the door on the American Sailors making the final score four to zero. “We didn’t get the win,” said Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Oscar Gonzalez, “though it was a really good opportunity for these guys to get off this ship and
play somebody.” The opposing team has had more opportunity to compete in recent weeks, giving them an 11-0 record. “We play against lots of different teams,” said Greene. “Thai teams, experts and alike, and this was a good team. We’ve won 11 in a row now, so they were coming up against a team in form. They did well to hold us to four.” For the Sailors, the game was about much more than an afternoon of soccer. “It builds good relations with them,” said Gonzalez, “regardless of what happens, we have to
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keep relations up with our host nations.” The organization of the matchup between the two teams was not an easy task to complete. “These things are not easy to put together,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve also had one game in Korea, and one in Hawaii and it’s a lot of email and work that boosts morale around each of the ships.” More than good relations and boosting morale, the opportunity to have such an exhibition can also change minds. “When we do these, it shows other nations that their normal perception of U.S. Sailors isn’t accurate,” said Gonzalez. “We’re real people who
like to have fun, and play.” Though the game was a loss, the winning BIS team commended the Sailors on their skill. “It was a great game,” said Greene. “They were very tough. They gave us a hard first half, keeping us to one goal, and I think we did well to win.” Even though the Sailors lost the match, they may have proved to the BIS team at least, that U.S. Sailors are more than they seem. Carrier Strike Group 11 is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
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AROUND THE
DECK PLATES
Photos By MCSN Nathan McDonald (Top Left) MCSN Derek Harkins (Right) MCSA Victoria Ochoa (Bottom Left)
AM3 Algeron Gross and AMAN Robert Williams manufacture air conditioning line for an F/A-18 Super Hornet.
BM1 Angel Anton instructs a Sailor on the appropriate way to lower a heavy object to a barge.
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BMSN Justin Carter participates in a sea and anchor detail.