Oct. 26, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 131
CARPENTER SHOP:
A JOB, A HOBBY Story and photos by MCSN Eric M. Butler
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or craftsmen like hull maintenance technicians (HTs), woodworking in the carpenter shop is basically a paid full-time hobby. Only a few HT’s work in the shop at a time on board Nimitz. Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Chase T. Prosser, from Apache Junction, Ariz., currently acts as head of the shop and said it’s a nice change of pace. “You get to the carpenter shop by working hard in the weld shop or pipe shop,” said Prosser. “There are only two of us that work up there at one time, so when one of us leaves, chief asks people if they have had prior experience in carpentry and if they would like to work up there.” Most of the time, the work can be routine, but enjoyable. “We make all of the departmental picture boards, door plaques, Nim-
itz carrier skateboards, display cases and any other things like going away gifts,” said Prosser. “I enjoy my work very much. The only thing that separates this from being my hobby is the
fact we are on a ship and I have deadlines for my projects.” One of those projects included a large file shelf that Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Justin C. Taylor, from Springerville, Ariz., helped create from scratch. Wood gift boxes to hold salmon jerky and carriershaped cribbage boards have also been made in the shop. “It’s an awesome work environment, just me and one other guy and all the things that we make,” said Taylor. “I thought I was going to stay in the [welding] workshop the whole time, but I ended up coming over here. It’s pretty nice, getting this experience.” Taylor chose his rate as a step into underwater welding. While that career path did not manifest, his previous schooling at a tech school and his time and experience in the Navy has helped him line up welding Continued on page 3
Sailor of the Day
Story and photo by MCSN Eric M. Butler
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ulinary Specialist Seaman Robert D. Williams, from Houston, was selected to be Sailor of the Day Oct. 25. “It feels good,” said Williams. “I feel accomplished. I feel like I’ve been recognized for everything I’ve done thus far.” As lead Zumba instructor, he instructed 150 fitness classes to include 28 fitness enhancement program sessions supporting 5,000 Sailors and Marines. As a program assistant to the Fun Boss, he aided in the man-
agement of the command fitness program by scheduling seven fitness challenges, 12 flight deck runs, and numerous sporting events to enhance the morale of the crew. Additionally, as the divisional training petty officer, he managed training records for 11 personnel and ensured all required training was complete. For anyone else looking for recognition of their hard work, Williams offered some advice. “Always be yourself,” said Williams. “It’ll get you places. If you want something, go for it.”
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.
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Continued from page 1
jobs back home. After the Navy, Taylor thought he could use wood working skills to create household items for himself. Prosser also joined as an HT. When he asked what the difference was between hull maintenance technicians and damage controlman, the recruiter told him they did a lot of the same work except HTs could weld. Prosser thought welding would be a good trait to learn. He hopes to get a firefighting job when he separates. While carpentry may not be something Prosser and Taylor are planning to use professionally, they have both expressed how they wish to use it for their own personal gain and enjoyment back home. In addition, the carpenter shop has provided the opportunity for hard-working HTs to trade the emergency head engineering jobs for the fairly relaxed pace of expertly hand-crafted woodwork and the pleasing aroma of fresh cut wood. The HT rate has provided many Sailors like Prosser and Taylor an opportunity to get time and experience in craftsmen skills like welding and woodwork. They can be valuable job skills while military service looks good on any resume.
“It’s an awesome work environment.”
-Prosser
HT3 Chase T. Prosser, left, and HT3 Justin C. Taylor prepare a board for cutting in the carpenter shop.
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By MC1 Rafael Martie A static display of the new flame-resistant variant (FRV) coveralls is on exhibition in U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquarters building at Naval Support Activity Norfolk.
Flame-Resistant Coveralls Coming to the Fleet Soon From U.S. Fleet Forces Command
NORFOLK (NNS) -- U.S. Fleet Forces and Pacific Fleet released a joint message Oct. 24 detailing the use and wear of the new Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls, which will begin being distributed to Sailors in the fleet before the end of the year. Scheduled to start arriving in December, the new coveralls will initially be provided to the crews of ships scheduled to deploy in early 2014. “We made the decision to supply flame-resistant coveralls to all Sailors assigned to ships as an added safety precaution,” said Adm.
Bill Gortney, commander, USFF. “The information provided in the manner wear message will ensure everyone understands what is expected in the wearing of this new organizational clothing.” According to the message the FRV will be distributed to several fleet units before the end of the year. Early shipments will focus on next deployers and forward deployed naval forces. The type commanders will hold a series of show and tell roadshows in November and December in fleet concentration areas to ensure sailors have an opportunity to see and feel the 4
FRV. The goal is to provide an understanding on the basics of where, when and how to wear the new coverall. Based on production schedules, initial fleet outfitting should complete by October 2014. Flame resistant organizational clothing had previously been limited to Sailors working in engineering departments, on flight decks and in other high-risk areas, but the Organizational Clothing Working Group recommended every Sailor afloat be outfitted with the additional protection. Once outfitted, Sailors are directed to wear the FRV while
underway. The NWU type I and other polyester and poly blend uniforms are no longer authorized for wear while underway except for special events such as manning the rails, change of command or receptions held at anchor. Exceptions: (1) Personnel assigned to submarines will continue to wear the poly/cotton utility coverall due to its low lint characteristics. Once a long-term, all-purpose coverall solution that is flame resistant and low lint version is available, it is expected that it will be made available to the submarine force. (2) The FRV
will not be worn in place of organizational clothing mandated for specific operational environments such as flight decks or while performing work on electrical systems requiring arc flash protection. The new coveralls are expected to maintain performance properties, durability and appearance for typical deployments of six to nine months, with an optimal wear life of 18-24 months. Like other organizational clothing, the FRV coveralls will be replaced by each ship over time based on normal wear and tear. The name/rank configura5
tion of the FRV coverall will consist of a Velcro-backed name tag and metal collar devices. To build unit esprit de corps, each unit CO has the discretion to authorize the wear of the embossed leather name tag (same as worn on the Vneck sweater) or develop a fabric embroidered unit specific name tag similar to those worn on green Nomex flight jackets. Command ball caps are authorized for wear with the FRV. Materials making the coveralls flame-resistant are incorporated into the fabric fibers. Wear life is dependent on many factors, including wear and cleaning frequency, cleaning method and environmental exposure. The joint message from Adm. Bill Gortney (USFF) and Adm. Harry B. Harris (PACFLT) emphasized the Navy’s commitment on safety. “We operate in an environment that contains inherent risks. Given what has been learned through the organizational clothing working group analysis and NWU type I burn test, we are striving to make shipboard environments safer. We have made initial progress toward that goal and believe that providing the FRV coverall to all afloat sailors will help reduce the risk of injury aboard ship. When worn properly, the FRV offers significant protection from flame and flash fire. We are committed to always improving safety.
MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen By MCSA (SW) Kelly M. Agee
MCSN (SW) Siobhana R. McEwen
AM3 John Alden cleans the canopy of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Argonauts” of VFA 147.
BMSN Gregory Mitchell rigs a fuel recieving station.
By MCSN Eric M. Butler
ABEAN Lamain Boone performs maintenance on a catapult shuttle.
A fixed-wing aircraft performs a fly-by over the flight deck.
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O N THE COVER: HT3 Cha measure se T. Pro s boards sser, rig before cu C. Taylo ht, tting while r assists in the ca rpenter sh HT3 Justin o p.