Story by MCSN Nathan McDonald
Cover photo by MC2 (SW) Robert Winn
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he process of launching and recovering aircraft is equal parts industrial precision and complex choreography. There are many moving parts involved, and the aviation boatswain’s mates (equipment) (ABE) are tasked with keeping those parts running smoothly. “In a nutshell, we maintain the equipment that land and recover aircraft,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Electrical) 3rd Class Whitney Cloud. “It’s what we do all day, and our days are long.” Although she chose her rate in a bit of an unorthodox way, Cloud has found her niche.
“They laid out a list of jobs for me when I was at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Service),” she said. “They said this rate wears a blue shirt, that rate wears a purple shirt. I like the color green, so I picked ABE.” She finds the most satisfaction in completing the work with her fellow ABEs. “I like the maintenance – turning wrenches, getting greasy, working as a team,” said Cloud. “Those are the best parts of the job.” The job is not without its challenges, however, and the demands of her work can be taxing. Continued on page 3
OF SAILOR THE
Lance Cpl. William C. Gilbert
MCSN Nathan McDonald
Story and Photo by MCSA Victoria Ochoa
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Story and Photo by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
ance Cpl. William C. Gilbert from Greeley, Colo,. was named USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Marine of the Day May 24. “I had no idea that I had been chosen to be Marine of the Day until after the crossing the line ceremony,” said Gilbert. Gilbert was recognized for coordinating with the ship’s Weapons Department to ensure accountability and acquisition of the required ordnance ammunitions as the Ammunition Stock Recording Section Non-Commissioned Officer (ASRS). Gilbert also inventoried and stowed all ordnance items to allow Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 to be ready for flight operations on day one of Nimitz’ deployment. “My advice to anyone who wants to be Sailor of the Day is this, it’s good to have goals but you shouldn’t want to be above anybody, just work hard to advance in your career,” said Gilbert. Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
DAY
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ass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan McDonald, a native of Oswego, N.Y., was named Sailor of the Day, May 27 on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). “It feels very surreal,” said McDonald. “I wouldn’t have seen it coming in a million years.” Since deployment he has written 22 stories, four of which were highly visible regarding the ship’s departure for deployment, major exercises and port visits. McDonald has captured over 1,000 photos in support of the ship’s mission, six of which were published Navy-wide. For those Sailors who are looking to be nominated by their departments in the future as Sailor of the Day, McDonald has some advice. “Stay on top of your qualifications,” said McDonald. “It’s a lot easier than you think. Work on a little bit every day. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll get them done.”
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 “The hours are long,” said Cloud with a resigned sigh. “Yesterday, I got off work at 2 a.m. and I had to be back in by cleaning stations.” Stifling temperatures are also a constant condition green shirts grapple with. “Heat is also an issue, especially going into the Gulf,” said Cloud. “The catapults we work on operate on steam. The spaces we work in get up to 120 degrees easily and we get covered in grease.” Cloud and her fellow ABEs find support from past experiences, camaraderie and of course, junk food. Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno “We stay sane with snacks. I like to indulge in sweets,” she said. “It helps that we’re going A sense of pride also unites and motivates Cloud through this together so we can joke around with and her fellow ABEs. each other. Our 2nd classes have been through it “Usually ABEs are very prideful,” said Cloud. before, so they try to make things easy on us and “We work long hours and we work hard. We’re probably in the top two rates that work the hardest.” give us advice.”
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HERITAGE & TRADITION Story and Photos by MCSA Kelly Agee
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ailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month May 25 during a ceremony held in the hangar bay and mess decks. “Events like these are important because everyone in the Navy comes from different cultures,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Woody, of Tallahassee, Fla., a member of Nimitz’ multicultural committee. Sailors celebrated in the hangar bay by performing traditional dances, putting on a fashion show of Asian-Pacific traditional clothing and performed songs with traditional Asian-Pacific instruments. “I went to the event because it gets you out of the work center to do something that brings people together in a positive way,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Dabney, of Charleston, N.C. The multicultural committee on board Nimitz also served cake on the aft mess decks and culinary specialists served a special meal that was AsianPacific American Heritage themed.
“Coming here and seeing so much culture and everyone working together is amazing,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kalia Vang, of Fresno, Calif., a speaker at the event. May is recognized Navy-wide as Asian-Pacific Heritage Month. Nimitz is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security corporation efforts.
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SURVIVAL GUIDE W
PH U K E T
elcome to Phuket, one of Thailand’s most accessible island destinations, which should make a well-deserved getaway for all of us hard working Sailors and Marines. Here is a basic guide to help you, as a foreign traveler, enjoy Phuket’s many desirable attractions. There is a guide to help with the currency exchange rate, transportation details, basic phraseology in Thai and lastly some interesting places of interest you may want to venture to. Remember have fun, relax and be safe.
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TRANSPORTATION There are three main forms of public transportation offered on the island of Phuket: buses, tuk-tuks (3 to 4 wheeled mini vans), and motorbike taxis. Buses (rot mair): 15-40B from hotel to town/240B for 5-6hr duration Tuk-tuks (duk duk): 150-200B hotel to town Motorbike taxis (mor-deu-sai rap jahng): 25-50B hotel to town
CURRENCY CONVERTER
$1 $5 $10 $50 $100 $250 $500
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B 29.94 B 149.2 B 299.43 B 1497.15 B 2994.3 B 7485.75 B 14971.5
Language of Thailand
Hello so-wat-dee Goodbye lah gorn Yes chai No Mai Please kor Thank you korp kun Your welcome yin dee Excuse me kor a-pai Sorry kor toht
Bathroom horng nam Hotel rohng raam Restaurant rahn ah-hahn Water nam deum Tea chah Coffee gah-faa Beer bee-a Help choo-ay-doo-ay Call a Doctor! ree-ak-more-noy Page 5
Call the Police! ree-ak-dam-roo-at-noy I’m lost pom/di-chan Morning chow Afternoon bai Evening yen How much? tow-rai Story by MC3 Christopher Bartlett
EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police 1155 Fire 199
Senior Shore Patrol 085-146-7325
Hospital 1719 Ambulance/Emergency 1554
Asst Shore Patrol 085-146-7517
OOD/QD 085-324-5619
Places of Interest
Sirinat National Park: Comprising the beaches of Nai Thon, Nai yang and Mai Khao, as well as the former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao wildlife reserve. (www.dnp.goth; admission 200B; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Bang Pae Waterfall: Located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park 22 kilometers north of Phuket Town on the way to the airport. Waterfall is 18 meters high and is also located by “Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.” (no fee) CUT HERE
Phuket Aquarium: Displays a varied collection of tropical fish and other marine life including a walk through tunnel. (phuketaquarium.org; adults 100B; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Phuket Zoo: A small zoo with lush tropical gardens, giant trees and bridges connecting onto islands containing all kinds of strange animals. (www.phuketzoo.com; adults 500B; 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Big Buddha: Is an important and revered landmark, located on the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and
Kata. The Buddha is 45 meters high, and can easily be seen from a great distance. You will notice it from Kata beach, and from Chalong area.
Thai Boxing at Patong Boxing Stadium: One of the most popular sports in Thailand, and now gaining world renown, is martial art of Muay Thai. (www.boxingstadiumpatong.com; Matches are every Monday & Thursday night starting at 9 p.m. till later; adults 1,300-1,800B) Cobra Show Phuket: Show and snake farm. Learn that snakes do not deserve a reputation as killers but as
adorable wonders of nature. Take the chance to hold or get near these often misunderstood creatures. (www. phuket-shooting.com/10_cobra/cobra.shtml; adults 400B; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Phuket Town: Also known as Old Town, offers an infusion of relevant art, music and food that attract a
very hip crowd foreign and Thai. There is plenty of shopping, dining and opportunities to interact with the locals. (www.phuket.com)
Wat Chalong Temple: Of all the temples in Phuket, the Wat Chalong Temple is the largest and most revered. It is richly decorated with beautiful colors and countless images of Buddha and icons from Thai and Buddhist mythology. Located about 10 kilometers south of Phuket Town and just east of Kata Beach. (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no admission, donations welcome). Cable Jungle Adventure Phuket: If you’re the thrill seeker sort, harness up at this maze of eight zip lines, linking cliffs to ancient trees, tucked away in hills. The zips range from 6m to 23m above the ground and the longest run is 100m. Closed-toe-shoes are a must. (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 1950B; www.ziplinephuket.com) Page 6