May 21, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 28
Tactical Tailor Story and Photos by MC3 (SW) Devin Wray
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pilot walks off the flight deck and heads down the corridors one deck below. Helmet in hand, he opens a door and enters a space that resembles a walk-in closet. Helmets, similar to the one he removed moments ago after a successful flight, line the walls, along with green vest-like equipment and a few sewing machines. This is one of many hole-in-the-wall shops where Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen (PR) work day and night to ensure pilots have the gear they need to return safely. “We’re here to make sure their stuff works when it should,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Shaun Narine, the night check supervisor in the 13A PR shop for Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142.
After putting away his helmet, the pilot takes off his vest. It’s filled with tools the pilot would need if he were stranded after ejecting. Equipment like strobe lights, a radio, and flares for signaling can be found in some pockets, as well as a whistle or a small mirror. Other pockets have gear like a knife for combat, a hook blade for cutting parachute cords, a compass, small bottle of water, or utility tool for survival. “We make sure the pilot is equipped with the basics they need to survive if they ever need to eject,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3rd Class Mark Borkowski, a Sailor assigned to VAQ 142. Next, the pilot removes his harness, which, upon entering the aircraft, is hooked into the parachute. In the PR shop, the equipmentmen conduct a “hang test,” simulating strain on supporting straps and cords as if a pilot were hanging from their parachute, Continued on page 3
OF SAILOR THE
ABF3 Peron Hampton
YN3 Jesus Garcia
Story by MC3 (SW) Devin Wray eoman 3rd Class Jesus Garcia of Garden Grove, Calif., was named USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day May 18. “It’s a little bit surreal,” said Garcia. “I’m surprised I got it.” As a Yeoman in the Administration Department with Carrier Air Wing 11, he expertly helped manage the administrative requirements of more than 1,400 air wing Sailors. Garcia was responsible for coordinating the review of more than 250 officer biographies and was involved in the flawless execution of more than 100 pieces of official correspondence and more than 20 awards. His tireless work ethic certified that the processing of more than 100 pay and personnel transactions in coordination with three geographically separated support detachments were discrepancy-free. “You have to always thrive to excel and keep yourself well rounded,” said Garcia. “Even when you’re under pressure, just know what needs to be done.”
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Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
DAY
Story by MCSA Andrew Price viation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Peron L. Hampton of San Diego, was named USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day May 20. “I just do my job,” said Hampton. As Quality Surveillance Sentry, V-4 Division, Air Department, Hampton consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Hampton played a vital role in the collection, analysis, and meticulous administration of 800 aviation fuel samples. His efforts enabled the safe receipt and expenditure of 6.6 million gallons of JP-5 fuel to support 2,600 Carrier Air Wing 11 missions during Nimitz’ f light deck certification, sustainment exercise, and current 2013 Western Pacific deployment. “Go above and beyond when you can,” said Hampton. “Always look out for your shipmates.”
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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.
Continued from page 1
to ensure the equipment is secure. Regularly scheduled checks are conducted on all equipment to guarantee the best results. Cleaning the pilot’s mask every 30 days is one regular check done in the shop to ensure the pilot’s mask receives air and has working communications. Everything is checked and maintained; even the reflective tape on the pilot’s helmet is replaced once a year. “If we weren’t here they’d have to take care of their own gear and wouldn’t have time for anything else,” said Narine. “It can be a time-consuming job.” Waiting to receive the gear, the equipmentmen stand against the wall as the pilot switches position in the tight space to remove the last piece of gear from his legs, the gravity suit (G-suit). PR3 Masha Beard tests the air flow of an MBU-23P oxygen mask
PRAN Shaun Wert sews crew equipment.
“The G-suit’s purpose is to protect the pilot from blackout,” said Borkowski. Upon entering the jet, the pilot plugs in the hose on his G-suit. When he or she is in the air pulling strong maneuvers, air taken in by the jet’s engines goes through the hose and inflates the G-suit, putting pressure on the pilot’s legs. “It keeps the blood in the pilot’s legs so it doesn’t all go to his head and they black out,” said Narine. “Everything we do here has to be precise because if we miss the tiniest thing, it could endanger their life.” After removing about 50 pounds of gear, the pilot’s job is done. However, the equipmentmen’s work is just beginning. Maintaining this gear daily, these Sailors will make sure their pilots will return safe again tomorrow.
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Story and Photos by MC3 Christopher Bartlett
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his is a story about the folks that might not always get the credit they deserve. You see the different colored jerseys of red, blue, green, yellow and white. Then there’s brown. There is nothing glamorous, flashy or cool about the color brown. Almost like someone hand picked the color to meet the job title, but this is far from the truth. Meet the plane captains. Only an elite group gets to have their names and hometown put on the belly of an aircraft. It’s an honor that doesn’t come easily. A plane captain’s job is the overall responsibility of the security and safety of the aircraft. It means long hours, hard work and an overall pride to ensure that the pilot flying their plane makes it safely back to the flight deck. “If someone would’ve told me five years ago that I would have be launching EA6B aircraft off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, I would’ve told them they were full of it,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Brian Aster, assigned to the Grey Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142. A typical day for a brown shirt can be somewhat like Groundhog Day. They are the ones doing the servicing, washing, fueling, and daily inspections of the aircraft day in and day out. Daily inspections include checking tire pressure, making sure the jet has enough hydraulic fluid and engine oil, and inspecting the aircraft for anything that could pose a hazard to the pilot or the plane. “Not only do we sign off whether or not the jet is safe for flight, but we also launch and recover the aircraft,” said Airman Krystal Audain, assigned to VAQ-142. “The most
E H T PLANE
CAPTAINS important thing about being a Plane Captain is knowing that when you’re sending that jet off, those lives are in your hands.” Working with an ever-changing flight schedule regardless of weather conditions doesn’t make the job any easier. “The toughest part of my job would also be the best thing sometimes and that is having to be outside no matter rain or shine,” said Audain. Aspiring plane captains must spend a minimum of 90 days learning the ins and outs before they can receive the prestigious title and have their names and hometowns stenciled on the aircraft. Since day one of showing up to the command, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Ian Yates, also assigned to VAQ-142, has worked tirelessly to get his name on aircraft 503. “It’s a source of pride to make sure that when aircrew walk your jet it looks the best,” said Yates. Yates’ highlight of his Navy career was when he was selected as plane captain of the year 2012 for a VAQ-142. “That was a big honor to me,” said Yates. Yates says he is proudest when he sees his
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We make it possible for these aircraft to launch off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. - ASTER
aircraft in action. “My favorite part of the job is launching jets,” said Yates. “When you run through the launch sequence and pass the jet to the yellow shirts, saluting the pilot makes it worth it.” The hours of effort, knowledge and experience that each plane captain puts forth toward each multimillion dollar aircraft is immeasurable. “It’s a lot of responsibility but we accept the challenge and meet it head on,” said Yates. “Cream to the butter.” The men and woman who wear brown are an essential part of each and every mission the aircraft encounter. “We make it possible for these aircraft to launch off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier,” said Aster.
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AROUND THE
DECK PLATES
MC3 Raul moreno (Top Left) MCSA Victoria Ochoa (Right) MCSN Nathan McDonald (Bottom Left)
Sailors are lowered into the water during rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) launch and recovery operations.
Hull Maintenance Technician Seaman Sheka M. Parson and Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Jessie R. Lindsay hot bend a pipe in the pipe shop. Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jared Dayoub collects weather information. Page 6
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