Nimitz News Daily Digest - Aug. 7, 2013

Aug. 7, 2013

DIRECTING THE

T

SKIES

Vol. 2 Issue 76

Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Nathan McDonald

wo figures sit in the dark, illuminated only by a soft, blue glow overhead as they hunch over their monitors. They speak short, staccato phrases into headsets as they monitor a series of blips and dots on their screens. Miles away, fighter jets scream overhead, traveling at supersonic speeds in a deadly and delicate ballet. This is the work of the air intercept controllers in the Combat Direction Center (CDC) on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

This is a training exercise in defensive counter air, unit level training with the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 and the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA -146 in two versus two air intercept.

“For the air intercept controller (AIC), he’s

obligated to paint the picture for the fighters so they know what tactics to employ,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Katrin Menthe, air intercept controller supervisor, level five. “A mission will take six to eight hours from start to finish for 30 minutes of talk time on the radio.”

For the operations specialists, correctly phrasing a sentence can mean the difference between providing much-needed information to their pilots or muddying the situational waters.

“Radio time is crucial,” said Menthe. “When you have two jets executing a mission with a closure rate of one mile every three seconds you have to keep it short and to the point. Controlling is similar to speaking a foreign language using brevity, format and following CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Sailor of the Day

Story and photo by MCSA Aiyana Paschal

E

lectrician’s Mate 2nd Class David J. Lannholm, originally from Phoenix, was named Sailor of the Day Aug. 6.

“It feels good to be recognized for my hard work, but I couldn’t have done it without my chain of command,” said Lannholm.

Lannholm was recognized for his outstanding performance as weapons elevator electrical technician in G-4 Division. He was dispatched to USS Princeton (CG 59) July 29 as part of an elevator repair team. His technical ability and electronic skills were essential in promptly identifying the problem and creating a plan of action to conduct the necessary repairs.

Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff Ruth

With the Princeton unable to move ordnance, he quickly trouble shot the fault down to a broken proximity switch that had shorted out the system. His actions ensured Princeton was mission capable and could continue supporting operations in Fifth Fleet.

“The Navy offers better on the job training for what I want to do,” said Lannholm. “I want to be an electrical engineer.”

Lannholm is working toward his degree in electrical engineering. Lannholm offered some helpful advice to Sailors who wish to receive the same type of recognition as he has.

“Work hard and spend your time wisely,” said Lannholm. “Make sure you’re always working toward qualifications. Set goals and stick to them.”

Executive Officer CDR John Cummings

Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke

Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre

Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski

Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III

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

rules. Saying the right words in the right order makes a world of difference.”

The controllers’ hands are a flurry of activity, as well. They press a dizzying variety of buttons, writing on panels over their screens and typing while their eyes stay fixed on their monitors. Menthe’s focus is absolute.

Like the pilots, the controllers are evaluated in a number of different areas during these exercises.

“There are 40 things to evaluate a controller on for each mission in accordance with TOPGUN (United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program) recommendations and our governing instructions,” said Menthe. “As a controller you want to enhance situational awareness rather than detract from it.”

Whether in port or at sea, the work of an air intercept controller is never easy.

“Working through radar and communication issues, training while in-port without the air wing and funding for training due to sequestration – it’s affecting flight hours and in turn our training,” said Menthe.

The operations tempo is still grueling, however, and readiness is a top priority.

While supporting OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) there is, on average, one to two AIC missions per day that get assigned to either Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, Nimitz or the guided-missile cruiser Princeton (CG 59), said Menthe.

A number of factors affect the training schedule, according to Lt. Ryan January, an AIC instructor assigned to VAW - 117.

“It really depends on things like aircraft availability, training need and the flight schedule,” said

January. “We’d like to do one a day, and we’ve been good about doing that, but it depends on if there is a need for it and the flight schedule.”

January also identified areas that tested the skill of the air intercept controllers.

“Noticing threat aircraft maneuvers can be tricky,” said January. “It would be nice if enemy aircraft just traveled in a straight line, but the reality is that this is a 3-D world where they’re going to do what they can to trick up our fighters and catch them off guard.”

The Nimitz AIC team performed well despite the inherent challenges involved in their work.

“We had good communication format and cadence,” said January. “Cadence is important because if you say something too fast the pilot may ask for a repeat back, or simply disregard the information. We also had good voice inflection, which is important because it emphasizes the most important information for the pilot.”

The unique opportunities and distinct sense of pride that accompanies the work is its own reward.

“It’s challenging and rewarding all at once,” said Menthe. “No two missions are the same and controllers always chase the perfect hop, which doesn’t exist. In the past six years controlling has given me many opportunities, from backseat rides in both F-16s and F-5Fs to TAD (temporary assigned duty) orders to Alaska.”

Menthe keeps an eye to the future, as well.

“The opportunity to train and professionally develop the next generation of air intercept controllers for the fleet is truly a privilege,” said Menthe.

By MCSA Kelly M. Agee

THROUGHTHE LE NS

By MCSA Aiyana Paschal

AE2 Alyssa Poole works on an MH-60S Seahawk in the hangar bay.

HM3 Jessica Bureau cleans a patient’s teeth.

AM3 Chiquittia Mahaley performs maintenance on an ejection seat.

By MC3 (SW) Nathan McDonald

By MC3 Chris Bartlett

Sailors take a break in-between flight operations on the flight deck.

TV

30 nel 29 Ch annel 6 Channel 7 Chan Channel 5 Channel 0800 / 2000 I Lov e You, Bet h Cooper 1000 / 2200

Goodfellas

Funny People 1200 / 0000 Austin Pow ers 3: Goldm ember 1400 / 0200 I Don’t Know How She Does It 1600 / 0400 The Propos al 1800 / 0600 500 Days Of Sum mer

Batma n Begins

Ides of M arch

Abduction

The Help

Don’t Be Afr aid of The Da rk

Sha ngh ai Kiss

Public Ene mies

Money ball

My Sist er’s Keeper

Tw elv e Monk eys

Promised Land

Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away

42

Wa nderlust

Oblivion

Poltergeist The r the pfa Ste

The Box

ON THE COVER: OS2 Jacob Shatz, left, and OS1 Katrin Menthe stand watch in the Combat Direction Center.

Sav ing Pri vat e Rya n

The Town

Tr aining Day

The Vow

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