Volume 12, December 2012
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"The Navy has both a tradition and a
From the Captain’s Cabin; Chaplain’s Corner
future--and we look with pride and confidence in both directions."
CMC Teri McIntyre Chaplain and CMC’s messages continued; USS Nimitz Mailing Address “Get the Word Out”; Useful Information; Important Contacts; Overcoming Holiday Blues Budget Friendly Holiday Fun
Admiral George Anderson
NORAD Tracks Santa; Your Ombudsman Team
From the Captain’s Cabin A Message from the CO
Captain Jeffrey Ruth Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz
Greetings, family and friends of USS NIMITZ, The holidays are upon us, topping what has been a truly impressive, busy and productive year for everyone on board. Although our mission this year has been one marked with a high
Captain Jeffrey Ruth Commanding Officer
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Chaplain’s Corner CDR Emile Moured Continued from page 1
Managing Stress through Holiday Routine
tempo, it’s the holiday season that lets us all pause and remember why we are here – why we put so much emphasis on getting the job done right. We do what we do for our families and our nation and I thank you for your continued support and understanding. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate this holiday period - advancement results from the September enlisted advancement cycle, for example. The frocking ceremony is one of those events I look forward to. It’s an honor to share that moment and present the frocking letters to your advancing Sailors. They’ve earned it through their hard work and study. Congratulations. With celebrations in mind, I cannot stress enough the need for everyone to be safe over this holiday season. National statistics are alarming, to say the least. It’s my wish that Nimitz does not add to any of these metrics. Just as I charge the crew: have a plan in whatever you do. And finally, as we close a successful 2012, we look forward to 2013. I ask that you continue your outstanding vigilance in all things OPSEC. The rumor mill has a knack for being inaccurate, and sometimes ends up playing out on the walls and message boards of our favorite social media outlets. Do not give the bad guys any assistance by discussing ship’s schedule information via these channels. Please continue to utilize your Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group channels for any and all questions or concerns you have. I sincerely wish you the Happiest Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Ahhhhh, at last -- here we are. The holidays! While all of our experiences are unique, for almost everyone this is a time infused with memories and emotions. Being blessed with this time in-port, many of you will be able to spend the holidays with family. Perhaps you’re newly married, trying to negotiate for the first time how you’ll split your time between your parents/ families for years to come. Maybe you have duty this Christmas and you’re already feeling the holiday blues a little bit. Possibly, you’ve been married for years and you have been able to establish a “holiday routine” that brings a sense of normalcy to our sometimes chaotic lives. The holidays should be a time of rest and recovery, celebrating, reflecting on our walks with God, and/or renewal of relationships with friends and family… and watching reruns of “A Christmas Story” while laughing at all the same silliness you’ve seen every year. Sounds great, right? At the same time, have you ever found that by the time the holidays are over you have experienced enough tension and conflict that you feel fatigued instead of refreshed? Clearly, you’re not the only one; otherwise, people would have never bothered writing parodies like “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” or the plethora of movies about dysfunctional families enduring the holidays. Let me offer an idea – a “tool” – that I have seen some of our older, experienced families use that can help promote holiday cheer year after year, as well as help avoid the exhaustion brought about by different expectations and family conflict. Establish a set of family traditions for your family. It doesn’t have to look like Christmas at your mom and dad’s. In fact, while you might incorporate some aspects of your parents’ traditions, it will likely not look exactly like Christmas at your mom and dad’s simply because you are a different family with your unique blend of experiences and personalities.
Warm Regards, CAPT Ruth
Discuss what activities you would like to incorpoContinued on Page 4 2
FROM THE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Happy Holidays to our NIMITZ families and Congratulations to our 350+ new Petty Officers. This month’s focus is TRICARE Dental Program, Winter Safety and the new pre-deployment briefing dates. Back in May the TRICARE Dental Program premium-based dental insurance shifted from Delta Dental to MetLife. Those already enrolled in Delta Dental were automatically transferred to MetLife. If you were not previously enrolled or are unsure, please contact TRICARE Dental Program MetLife at the following numbers to check status or enroll: CONUS: 1-855-638-8371 OCONUS: 1-855-638-8372 TDD/TTY: 1-855-638-8373 Under MetLife your dependant coverage is the same as or in some cases better than that provided by Delta Dental. Also, if a dependant was under care of a dentist and was involved in a procedure that overlapped with the transition to MetLife and your dentist does not accept MetLife, there is a claim process that can be filed to receive support...for more questions on this or to find out exactly what your dependant dental coverage is, please visit the listed web site or call the numbers listed above. http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ (under the dental tab scroll down to "TRICARE DENTAL PROGRAM") The Navy Safety Center’s Winter 2012 Campaign: The winter season is upon us, which often means snow, ice, sleet, rain and freezing temperatures. Although it may be pretty to see snow blanketing the landscape, it can also be dangerous. With that in mind, we would like to share some of our best tips and resources so you may have an enjoyable and safe winter season. Visit our website for more winter advisory materials at www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/seasonal. NIMITZ pre-deployment briefs are scheduled for: 21 Feb 13 1800-2100 (attendees last name starting with A-G) 25 Feb 13 1230-1530 (H-M) 27 Feb 13 1800-2100 (N-S) 28 Feb 13 1230-1530 (T-Z) All sessions will be conducted at the Grand Vista Ballroom, The Commons, NSE. Speakers to include FFSC, NMCRS, Legal, Ombudsman, FRG and the Chaplain along with booths sponsored by TRICARE, PSD, American Red Cross, MWR and United for Reading.
Upcoming events: • Liberty’s 12 Days of Christmas Contest • Santa’s Workshop at PB 22 Dec 1200-1400 • Liberty’s The Night Before Christmas Party 24 Dec, 1900-2300 • Holiday Meals at The All American 24, 25 Dec 1000-1700 • Casino Night NYE Bash (Liberty & Tremors) 31 Dec., 1900-0100
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rate into your family’s “holiday routine.” If you have children, consider asking them for their thoughts and try to do things that bring the whole family together. Some can be simple and relaxing (watching movies at home, decorating cookies, or reading the Christmas story) and some a bit more robust (serving at a food shelter, skiing/snowboarding for a day, or rigging up a house Edison would be proud of); but the idea is that you do it together. I could give you dozens of ideas; but there’s much more value in sitting down and communicating with your own family and your family owning their traditions.
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Developing these traditions may take some negotiation and planning. But have fun with it! It will help you and your family approach the holidays with some shared expectations amidst the stress and chaos (creating less conflict), and you’ll develop some great memories for decades to come.
Open Swim at Tsunami Pool 22, 29 Dec 0900-1200; 26-28 Dec 1300-1900 NYE Bash at PB 31 Dec PB—Razor Clam Digging available through remainder of year including NYE. Info on facebook and Navigator article coming. 25 Feb- 2 Mar 2013 – FFSC Military Saves Week Partnerships in Education – North Middle School; AVID Tutors needed POC Jason.gooding@navy.mil Easter Festivities – 30 March Commissary Hours – Open Sunday 11: 0800-1600 and Open Monday Nov 19 0900-1900
The Holiday season is in the air at Pacific Beach Resort and Recreation Center! From Dec. 1-20, 2012, enjoy 50% off of your stay during that time for the month of December. Includes cottages, hotel rooms, king suites, and Jacuzzi suites. Special is for new reservations only and excludes holiday time periods. (Subject to change; must stay at Pacific Beach Dec. 1-20 for special rate).Call 877-NAVY-BED to book your reservation today! http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/68/PacificBeach.aspx
May God richly bless each of you, Chap. Mo E. G. Moured Command Chaplain USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) emile.moured@cvn68.navy.mil
Very Respectfully, CMC Teri McIntyre
Hearing rumors? Call the Rumor Busters (Nimitz Ombudsmen) at 360340-7040!
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SPOUSES & FAMILIES: PLEASE HELP US “GET THE WORD OUT!” IF YOU KNOW A NIMITZ FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS NOT RECEIVING THE NIMITZ FIVE STAR REPORT MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS COPY WITH THEM. PLEASE REMIND THEM TO CONTACT US VIA EMAIL AT USSNIMITZOMBUDSMAN@YAHOO.COM AND ASK TO BE ADDED TO OUR DISTRIBUTION LIST! THIS EMAIL TREE IS ALSO HOW WE IMMEDIATELY DISTRIBUTE IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM THE CO TO OUR NIMITZ FAMILIES. PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE SAILOR’S NAME & RATE SO WE CAN VERIFY ELIGIBILITY.
Important Contact Information Naval Hospital Bremerton USEFUL INFORMATION Tricare Regional Appointment Center: 1-800-404-4506
FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER: 1.866.854.0638 NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS): www.nmcrs.org
Hospital Information Desk: 360-4754000 Pharmacy Refills: 360-475-4217
NAVY LEGAL SERVICE (NLSO): www.jag.navy.mil
Branch Health Clinics: Bangor: 360-315-4391 PSNS: 360-476-2508 Everett: 425-304-4060 Link to Website or Visit NHB's Official Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NavalHospital-Bremerton/163929576969000
MILITARY ONE SOURCE: www.militaryonesource.com AMERICAN RED CROSS – NATIONAL: (877)272-7337 SAFE RIDE TAXI - YELLOW CAB: (206)622-6500
Overcoming the ‘Holiday Blues’
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The holiday season has arrived. For many this is an exciting time of decorations, feasts, folly and family. These folks are socially motivated and inspired by the connection with others that they adore. But, this is not the case for all. For some, the holidays bring stress and sorrow. The holidays are a reminder of their deceased loved ones, possible separations from their spouses due to deployments and managing life stressors of living in a military environment. How do we offer support to someone who is experiencing the “Holiday Blues”? First we must acknowledge that this is a common occurrence and we all experience feelings of sadness at a given time. This ability to experience the emotions that accompany life events is what makes us human. Our second course of action is to observe when we or others are having issues such as: Insomnia or over sleeping Fatigue Weight gain or loss Physical pain and illness Lack of self-care or composure Withdrawal Work problems Relationship problems Statements of hopelessness or being trapped Statements of being worthless These are indicators that we or someone we know may be struggling with the blues and needs support. Once we recognize these feelings, we must reach out and ask for support from experienced trained professionals to help during these difficult times. The Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) have professionals who can support those struggling with the “Holiday Blues.” As the holiday approaches, be mindful of your needs and those of the people around you. Allow the FFSC to provide you with the roadmap to getting back to enjoying and managing the upcoming holiday season. 5
Budget Friendly Fun For Families Winter break is coming up for the kids and with the additional spending that can result from holiday shopping, many of us will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while not breaking the bank. Here are some ideas: Get to baking – The winter holidays are a great time to fill the house with the smells of homemade cookies and breads. Find an easy recipe and get the kids involved. To make it easier for the younger children, try pre-measuring ingredients and letting them pour and mix. Decorating sugar and gingerbread cookies can also be fun for the whole family. Family movie nights – Choose a family friendly film (maybe a friend has a video your family has not seen and you can borrow). Make popcorn, get in your pajamas, and enjoy the show. If you want to plan a day around it, make “cars” for everyone and turn it into a night at the drive in. Get big cardboard boxes, have each child use markers, crayons, craft supplies, etc. and they can each decorate their own vehicle. Use a pillow for a seat and use small bags (plastic zipper bags will work) fill them with popcorn, candy, trail mix, and set them up at a concession stand where everyone can pick out their favorites. This is a great idea for sleepovers as well. Create your own story – Start a “once upon a time” story. First person sets the scene and then you can roll the dice to see who goes next. This way everyone can add their own plot twists and characters until the story is done. You can set a time limit per person and the story ends how and when you and your family decide. Go to the library – Public libraries are an inexpensive way to get the kids out of the house and interested in reading. Check your local library schedule for special events and story times. You can usually check out videos from the library too. Start a family project – Start a family scrapbook or message boxes for each member of the family. You can use shoe boxes that each child can decorate using crayons or by gluing pictures from magazines or photos. Label each box with the owner’s name and seal them. Make an opening on the top like a mail slot. Everyone can place notes in each other’s boxes throughout the season and they can be opened after a certain period of time (after winter break, New Year’s Day, at the end of the month). Have a fashion show – have the kids put together the craziest outfits they can using their clothes and accessories and have them model for mom and dad. This is also a great time to see what fits and what doesn’t. Scavenger hunts – have a scavenger hunt in your house. Make lists of items for the kids to find. If you don’t want things pulled out of place, have them tell you where the item is located instead. For older kids with camera phones, a picture scavenger hunt works too. You can make it an ongoing event and list things you may see during your outings (all red holiday lights on a house, Yield sign, purple car). Prizes don’t have to be expensive. You can make certificates and decorate them with stickers, etc.
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The "NORAD Tracks Santa" website at http://www.noradsanta.org is up and running. The site features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from students around the world and more, officials said, and it is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese. Official apps also are available in the Windows Store, Apple Store, and Google Play so parents and children can count down the days until Santa's launch on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus. Santa followers just need to type "@noradsanta" into each search engine to get started. Starting at midnight Mountain Standard Time on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make the preparations for his flight. Then, at 4 a.m. Mountain time, trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa's whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.comhttp://www.defense.gov/news/mailto:noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.
Your Nimitz Ombudsman Team With the ship’s schedule this year being anything but certain, your ombudsman is an important resource to have. But who are these people and what exactly do they do? Currently, the Nimitz has a team of five ombudsmen; Jeanine Neiman, Carol Morales, Amy Cleghon, Elizabeth Erler and Lindsay Baldwin. We have been appointed by the Commanding Officer and are volunteer spouses of active duty sailors of the USS Nimitz. We are part of the chain of command and have the job of supporting the command mission by taking care of its families so the service members can focus on their jobs. Our actions are guided by Navy Instruction (OPNAVINST 1750.1G) and a strict Code of Ethics. We are the information link between the Command and its families. A large part of our job is to disseminate official Department of the Navy and Command information up and down the chain of command. We are continually training to stay abreast of current issues affecting our families and resources we can use to help. The ombudsman team has a close relationship with Fleet and Family Support Center and other Navy and local community agencies in order to provide families with information and appropriate resource referrals. The referrals we provide are in an effort to empower families to resolve issues on their own before they require command intervention. We cannot provide counseling, child care, transportation or money, but we refer to those who can. To contact us, you may call 360-340-7040, email us at ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo.com, or find us on Facebook at USS Nimitz Ombudsmen. Our business hours are from 0900 to 2100, but we are available 24 hours for emergencies. When you contact us, you will be treated courteously and professionally and your call will remain confidential (unless you are reporting domestic violence, child abuse, a homicide or suicide). We do our best to answer calls as they come in, but, if we are unable to answer your call and you would like a return call, you must leave a voicemail. We will return your call as soon as possible. As always, it is our please to serve the Nimitz families! 7