Oct. 25, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 130
ELECTRICAL SAFETY:
SAILORS PERFORM VITAL TASK Story and photos by MCSN (SW) Derek A. Harkins
making sure that nothing “ We’re [you’re] using is frayed and that all
”
the equipment you’re using is safe. -DUPONT
I
n the civilian world, people may not worry about the appliances they plug into power outlets. Factories inspect the electrical security of equipment before it is shipped for sale; aboard a U.S. Navy ship, this is not enough. On naval vessels, a large number of electrical appliances might be stored and utilized in the same spaces. The compartments can be constrictive and equipment must often share a small number of power outlets. While this can potentially aggravate electrical problems,
equipment itself can also provide issues, even under ideal conditions. An electrical cord malfunction can potentially lead to damage to equipment and personnel injury. “If you plug in unauthorized equipment, like hair dryers or curling irons, they can start a class charlie [or electrical] fire,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class John Shook, a Sailor aboard Nimitz qualified to perform these inspections. “We have to make sure everything that could be plugged in on the ship is authorized and safe.”
Because of the dangers of using electrical equipment aboard a ship, the cord of every appliance must be thoroughly inspected through a process called an electrical safety check. Electrician’s mates provide these inspections in the hangar bay periodically, while other electrical safety checks generally require a visit to Nimitz’ power shop. According to Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Valerie Dupont, these inspections are simple and quick to perform, with two important areas requiring attention. Continued on page 3
Sailor of the Day
Story and photo by MCSA (SW) Kelly M. Agee
A
viation Ordnanceman Airman Joshua Burns, a native of South Saint, Minn., assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, was named Sailor of the Day Oct. 24. “It’s surprising, I never saw it coming,” said Burns. Demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and keen attention to detail, Burns expertly directed the efforts of nine ordnancemen in the arming and de-arming of multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons while supporting 45 aircraft during the 2013 Western
Pacific deployment. Burns ensured 100 percent weapons reliability and guaranteed Carrier Air Wing 11 aircraft were outfitted with 15 tons of precision guided combat weapons in support of numerous deployment operations. Additionally, he assisted the Black Knights ordnance work center in the rapid reconfiguration of its aircraft during numerous load and download evolutions, making him a key player in the expenditure of 274 tons of training ordnance.
Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Jeff Ruth
Capt. John Cummings
CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.
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.
2
Continued from page 1
“It’s all pretty easy,” said Dupont. “I haven’t come across anything that’s [too difficult] to check.” During an electrical safety check, an inspector uses a multimeter to read the electrical voltage and resistance of equipment. The inspector uses the multimeter to measure resistance while visually scanning the equipment for damage. “The higher the resistance between two points, the less likely that voltage will travel between those two points,” said Shook. Electrical Safety Checks are performed on professional equipment, personal equipment and extension cords. Personal equipment is the simplest to handle, requiring only one inspection. This can include cords for electrical toothbrushes and cell phones. Some professional equipment, such as laptop chargers, also receives a “personal” designation. “There’s too much of it on
EM3 Valerie Dupont fills out safety tags for electrical equipment in the hangar bay.
the ship and it’s generally safe,” said Shook. “It’ll never have to be checked again as long as you keep the safety tag on it.” Equipment designated as “professional” is slightly more complicated, requiring an electrical safety check every three months to ensure that the equipment is safe to operate. Finally, electrical extension cords require an inspection when issued and again annually. When Dupont performs these inspections, she spreads the cord out from the plug as her eyes scan
HELP THE FIGHT
AGAINST
every inch of the equipment. She inspects the cord and its structure for damage before attaching and labeling a tag to designate the equipment safe. “We’re making sure that nothing [you’re] using is frayed and that all the equipment you’re using is safe,” said Dupont. While it may be a simple process, each electrical safety check helps keep equipment, personnel and the ship safe from the dangers of class charlie fires.
2013
SEXUAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVEY
ASSAULT
3
NEW ON
THE SHIP’S
INTRANET
NAVY AWARDS CONTRACT FOR EX-FORRESTAL SCRAPPING By MCCS Melissa F. Weatherspoon
From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication
The decommissioned aircraft carrier Ex-USS Forrestal departs Naval Station Newport for a three-day cruise to Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy awarded a $0.01 delivery order Oct. 22 for dismantling and recycling ex-USS Forrestal (AVT 59). The delivery order was made under an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to All Star Metals for the towing, dismantling and recycling of conventionally powered aircraft carriers stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. The price of the delivery order reflects the net price proposed by All Star Metals, which considered the estimated proceeds from the sale of the scrap metal to be generated from dismantling. In May 2012, the Navy solicited proposals for the award of up to three contracts for the dismantling and recycling of inactive conven-
tionally-powered aircraft carriers. All Star Metals is the first of three successful offerors to receive its facility security clearance, which is required prior to contract award. After the initial award of one carrier to each successful offeror, the Navy has the capability of scrapping additional conventionally-powered aircraft carriers over a five-year period under delivery orders competed between the three contractors. All Star Metals will now develop its final tow plan for the Navy’s approval for the tow of ex-Forrestal from its current berth at the Navy’s inactive ship facility in Philadelphia to All Star Metals’ facility in Brownsville. The ship is expected to depart Philadelphia before the end of the year. Navy civilian personnel will be on site full time to 4
monitor the contractor’s performance during dismantling of the ship. Forrestal was decommissioned Sept. 11, 1993, after more than 38 years of service. On June 16, 1999, the Navy announced the ship would be available for donation to an eligible organization for use as a museum or memorial. However, no viable applications were received and the vessel was removed from donation hold in December 2003 and redesignated for disposal. The first of the “supercarriers,” Forrestal was launched Dec. 11, 1954, by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., and commissioned Sept. 29, 1955. The award of contracts for two additional conventional carriers ex-Saratoga (CV 60) and ex-Constellation (CV 64) - are pending, as they are contingent upon the two other successful offerors receiving their facility security clearances. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www. navy.mil/local/navsea/.
AROUND THE DECKPLATES
“What keeps you motivated while on deployment?”
MM2 Daniel Sullivan“Talking to my friends and family back home and hearing how they appreciate what we are doing out here.”
SH1 Melvin Mallety“By looking forward to the port visits.”
ABE3 Danny Villarreal“I keep my eye on the prize.”
ABH3 Edward Lee“I set certain goals I want to accomplish during deployment. Being extended has given me more time to achieve my goals.”
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By MC3 (SW) Nathan R. McDonald MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Nimitz transits through the Mediterranean Sea.
By MCSN (SW) Derek Harkins
MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen
AZAN Rolando Casana looks on as Lt. Cmdr. Sara Lawson cleans a brass fitting during cleaning stations as part of the CFC fundraiser.
An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of VFA154 launches from the flight deck.
Sailors and Marines participate in a FOD walkdown.
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O N THE COVER: EM electrica l safety ch 3 Valerie Dupon t conduct ecks on in the ha s electrica ngar bay. l equipm ent