May 22, 2013
“
It’s a very proud rate, we do a lot out there.
”
LEARNING
Story and Photo by MCSN Nathan McDonald Cover Photo by MCSN Kole Carpenter
E
BLUES
THE
- Phillips
Vol. 2 Issue 29
ven the greatest predatory birds have to come back to their nest to roost, and for the “birds” aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the aviation boatswain’s mates (handling) (ABH) are tasked with making sure they’re properly secured. “To sum it up, what we have to do is secure the aircraft to the flight deck,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Sean Phillips. “We’re walking right behind the aircraft with chocks,
adjusting them, taking some chains and tying the bird down so nothing goes flying off. We keep the aircraft safe.” When he first enlisted, Phillips said he was unfamiliar with his rate and what it entailed, but he has grown to love the work. “It was the only job I was offered, and I didn’t really know anything about it at first,” he said. “Once I started working, I Continued on page 4
OF SAILOR THE
His maintenance and upkeep of damage control equipment in the main machinery spaces help to ensure the safety and well being of Sailors on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68). “Moore is eager to work hard and is quick to respond to various trouble calls around the ship, I’m proud of him,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Michael A. Ladd. When Moore isn’t focused on working in the ship Reactor Department he enjoys working out in the ship’s gym and playing ping-pong with his shipmates. His advice to shipmates; “Don’t give up, keep going at it even if you don’t get the recognition you deserve, one day it’ll pay off,” said Moore.
MMFN Quentin T. Moore Story and Photos by MCSA Victoria Ochoa
M
DAY
achinist’s Mate Fireman Quentin T. Moore, a resident of Charlotte, N.C., was selected as Sailor of the Day for
May 21. “I feel really special because everyone’s been congratulating me today,” said Moore. Moore performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Having been on board less than one year, he has completed multiple qualifications and is 90 percent complete with his ESWS qualifications. Moore joined the Navy in March 2012 to obtain a secure job and to pursue future career opportunities. Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
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.
Page 3
Continued from page 1 started loving it. We get to be outside working with aircraft on the flight deck. It’s a pretty good gig.” The fast-paced, complex work environment is one of the aspects of the job Phillips said he finds most appealing. “I just like seeing how flight operations work,” said Phillips. “From the higher-ups all the way down, it’s a huge group effort. Sometimes it seems chaotic, but I like figuring it out as we go. I like being out in the mix of things.” The work comes with some hazards, however, and constant vigilance is crucial to sustained and safe operations. As Phillips describes his work, he grows more animated. His words come out quicker and he begins gesturing with his hands, mirroring his actions on the flight deck. “Everything is done on the fly,” said Phillips. “We don’t have walkie-talkies, so we rely on hand signals. Your head has to be on a swivel. The second you stop paying attention is when someone gets hurt or you leave someone hanging out to dry.” Their schedule revolves around the aircraft they’re responsible for, and teamwork is essential.
ABHAN Matthew Vilga and ABHAN Jordan Dunn
“We start when the aircraft launch,” said Phillips. “We recover the aircraft all day. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. is a pretty normal day for us. There are a few breaks here and there because we have a good rotation going for our team.” As a blue shirt, Phillips takes pride in what he does, and when asked about it, his face breaks into a wide grin. “I’m very proud of the work we do,” he said. “It’s a very proud rate. We do a lot out there.”
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T
Story by MC3 (SW) Devin Wray
hroughout the ship there are posters that advertise, “lifting the ship.” You might think the strike group is coming to an impassable body of water, and that all hands are required to carry the ship across land; don’t worry, this is not the case. Melissa Patterson, Fit Boss aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), has challenged crewmembers who lift weights regularly to “lift the ship.” “You go to the gym every week and lift, and keep track of the amount you lift,” said Patterson. “That goes towards the weight of the ship.” After logging your hours, submit them to the Fitboss. The goal is to lift the approximate weight of the ship. Patterson said she set the bar at 92,000 tons, or 184,000,000 pounds. “Say you bench 200 pounds five times, that’s 1,000 pounds,” said Patterson. Patterson said she acquired the idea from Sailors who approached her looking for a challenge. “It builds camaraderie in the division,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Robert Michalcik, who entered the competition with some of his Sailors. “I can’t lift with them, but I can do my part and ask if they lifted that day. It gives everyone something to take their minds off work.” Along with other contests on board like
the Iron Goat or 1,000-Pound Club, this trial is meant to give Sailors a goal to work on during deployment, but only verified through an honor system, so you’ll have to be honest with yourself to get the full feeling of accomplishment. “It gives Sailors who lift, something to work towards in the gym,” said Patterson. “Maybe they’re not satisfied with their own program or want to feel challenged.” Although one might want to feel challenged, Michalcik said this is one challenge that may require extra hands to accomplish. “On day one I logged 25,000 pounds,” said Michalcik. “Every lift counts. It adds up pretty quick but there’s no way one person can do it alone.” Although the challenge has already started, Patterson said anyone looking to take part could still join. The challenge is expected to continue through the end of deployment, after which, the conquerors will be announced and awards given.
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AROUND THE
DECK PLATES
Photos By
MCSN Derek Harkins (Top Left) MCSA Victoria Ochoa (Right) MC3 Derek W. Volland (Bottom Left)
Sailors clean equipment on the flight deck.
BMSN Chantell P. Patton prepares to perform routine maintenance in the hangar bay.
Lance Cpl. Joseph R. Stinson Jr. performs maintenance on a heads up display. Page 6
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