The Nimitz Five Star Report Volume 12, December 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1–2 3 4 5–6 7–8
“It is a great responsibility and I will do my
utmost to meet it.”
From the Captain’s Cabin; Chaplain’s Corner ; CMC’s Message Ombudsman Information
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, December 16, 1941, on receiving word he would take command of the Pacific Fleet
Saving Money at the Pump FRG Information; Helpful Contacts; December Events; Transition Assistance Management Program for Families Holiday Stress and Depression; Family Separation Allowance; Fireworks in Housing; Nominate a Young Hero
From the Captain’s Cabin A Message from the CO
Captain Paul Monger
Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz
Greetings Family, friends and loved ones, It has been another highly productive month aboard NIMITZ here in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Your Sailors have done some tremendous work this month to finish up some of the more demanding jobs and start to shift their focus to the training and
Capt. Paul Monger Commanding Officer
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qualifications necessary to get this ship underway and on over to Everett to complete our availability. We are all very excited at the upcoming underway and opportunity to get back to being a normal ship again. First let me say Happy Holidays to all of you. This is a wonderful time of year and we hope that you have an opportunity to get together with your Sailors and enjoy some holiday cheer. We started off the month of December with our Holiday Extravaganza which was a big success and had over 1400 in attendance. It was a chance to relax with our shipmates and their loved ones and enjoy their company outside of the normal ship environment. Our Supply Department and MWR did a fantastic job of putting together this event and I think made it a memorable occasion for all. The next day we followed it up with our Children’s Christmas party where over 160 of our kids got to see Santa and enjoy a great start to the season. A big thanks goes out to the FRG President, Rachel Augustine and her team, aided by Brandie Hayden as well as the Supply Department. Their outstanding efforts and hard work made this a great event for our families. As we finish up our time here and move to Everett, we hope that you all have had all your questions answered about the home port change. It is never easy to make this go smoothly, but we will continue to make every effort to answer your questions and get you any information you need to make the transition smoothly. Please don’t hesitate to look on the HPC portion of our website or to ask any questions you may have. We want to make sure you know exactly what you are entitled to and to be able to make well informed decisions about your future. Our next goal is to continue to press with the work needed to get the ship out of the shipyards while we all prepare for some down time over the holidays. Most importantly we hope that you have a safe and Merry Christmas and that, if you are traveling, you do so safely. Thanks for the support you give to your Sailors so that they may continue to do their jobs in the same superb manner they always have.
Chaplain’s Corner CDR Brent Johnson, CHC, USN
Deposed Royalty When you were a little kid did you ever have one of those minutes when you wondered if you were in the right family? Did you fantasize that you were secretly the child of some royal family and the people currently raising you were merely kind peasants who took you in out of the cold on some dreary, dark night long ago. Then you would look forward to the arrival of some Court Herald who would announce you had finally been found and are needed immediately at the Palace. Many people have experienced that dream. Where does it come from? Blaise Pascal, a famous French mathematician and philosopher, considered humanity “deposed royalty” awaiting a restoration to God’s full divine image. We hunger Continued on pg. 3
A Message from the Command Master Chief NIMITZ FAMILY,
Has it been a year already? As the year draws to an end, I look back on all that your Sailors have accomplished and I couldn't be prouder of all the hard work and dedication that each and every one has put into this maintenance period. Being in a shipyard can be one of the most trying times for a crew, for quite frankly no one joins the Navy to be in dry-dock - we join to see the world and that time is fast approaching. I want to thank you all for your support over this past year. I, for one, could not do what I do without the support of my lovely wife Shari (ILYAAFE). I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Happy Holidays,
AVAG'DAY! Respectfully, CMDCM William "Aussie" Lloyd-Owen Command Master Chief
CAPT Paul O. Monger Commanding Officer USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) 2
Ask an Ombudsman Selected by the commanding officer (CO), your Navy Family ombudsman is a spouse of a command member who voluntarily serves as the official liaison between the command and its families. The ombudsman is a vital resource to assist the command in discharging the CO’s responsibilities for the morale and welfare of the command’s families. The ombudsman is the link between the command and the Navy family. This is especially true in deploying commands, where the ombudsman is the primary point of contact between the families at home and the command during deployment. As a spouse, it is important to get acquainted with your local ombudsman. The ombudsman is not a counselor or a social worker, but can show you a direct route to getting the assistance you need to find solutions and resources. From CNIC’s Family Connection, 2-2011
USS NIMITZ OMBUDSMAN TEAM
JEANINE NEIMAN KRISTIN CROW LINDSAY BALDWIN AMY CLEGHON
EMAIL:ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo.com OR CALL US DIRECT: 360-340-7040 NIMITZ CARELINE MESSAGE: 1-877-600-NAVY (6289) OPTION #3 HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHEN TO CALL YOUR OMBUDSMAN TEAM: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
OFFICIAL COMMAND INFORMATION RESOURCE & REFERRAL CHILDBIRTH GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT USS NIMITZ TRANSFER INFORMATION AT RISK PREGNANCY FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES MARITAL DIFFICULTIES DEATH IN THE FAMILY LOCAL AREA ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO ANYTIME YOU NEED ASSISTANCE! IT IS OUR HONOR AND OUR PRIVILEGE TO SERVE AND ASSIST OUR NIMITZ SAILORS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Deposed Royalty
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for what we lack, he said. Just as we hunger for food and drink, and air to breathe, we also desire something greater for our condition of existence. These deposed, in Pascal’s eyes, were not waiting to rule over realms. They were waiting for the inherent dignity all humans can expect to receive. Because we hunger for a higher order of living we also look for heroes, men and women to emulate. It seems like we are often disappointed in many of our heroes these days. They get accused of mistreating kids, or having affairs, or using designer drugs to enhance their athletic skills. I think we people often end up looking at the outward appearance of people and are blind to character traits that really are worth emulating in unlikely heroes all around us. When the Prophet Samuel was sent out to find the next King of Israel, as recorded in the book First Samuel found in the Hebrew portion of the Bible, almost overlooked David because he was impressed with his big brother Eliab. Samuel is reminded to use another set of standards by God. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Who are some of these “hearty” heroes? One man recently named one of the twelve greatest preachers in America is a “hearty” hero. His name is Fred Craddock, and he is a quiet, short old man. He was born into a poor home in Tennessee, grew up in a shack with a dirt floor and no running water, and had to wear clothes donated by other people. He nearly died as an infant because his family could not afford proper medical care. Fred became a preacher but could not raise his voice and yell like the preachers he heard in Tennessee so he developed a quiet story telling style compared to the more academic intro, three points, and conclusion style common in his day. He later wrote a book about his style that became very influential in the 1980s and he went on to teach at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1996 Fred and two of his students were included in a list of the twelve most influential preachers in America. He changed the way American preachers communicate from their pulpits and most people have never heard his name. When you look for a hero to imitate I hope you look closely around you. There may be many folks near you who are “hearty” heroes worthy of your attention. It would be a mistake to merely go by outward appearances. They usually mislead us. As deposed royalty awaiting the restoration of dignity who are you imitating? 3
Saving Money at the Pump: Tips to Stretch Your Gas Dollars Whether driving cross-town or cross-country, everybody wants to save money at the pump. Regardless of the make and model, your car's estimated gas mileage is just that — an estimate. An important variable is how you fuel, drive, and maintain your car. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, offers these bumper-to-bumper tips to help you get the most mileage out of your gas purchases: At the Pump Check your owner's manual for the most effective octane level for your car. For most cars, the recommended gasoline is regular octane. In most cases, using a higher octane gas than the manufacturer recommends offers no benefit — and costs you at the pump. Some cars do require premium fuel, so before you fill up, check your owner's manual to find out if the higher-priced gas is required or just recommended. Looking for more information on selecting the right octane level for your car? See The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline. Shop around. Specialized phone apps and websites can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area. Also, many gas stations advertise regular weekly specials at their locations. Charge it. Consider a credit card that offers cash back for gas purchases. Some offer two to five percent rebates, but it's wise to read the fine print. Fees, charges, interest rates, and benefits can vary among credit card issuers. On the Road
Start driving as soon as the engine is started. Modern engines don't need much time to warm up. The engine actually warms up more quickly once the car is operating, and will stay warm after stopping. Don't speed. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour. According to Fueleconomy.gov, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait. Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve fuel economy when you're driving on the highway. Minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights. Anticipate bends and turns on familiar roads. Letting up on the gas often eliminates the need for braking. Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Avoiding these can increase your mpg and prolong the life of your brakes. Use the air conditioner only when you absolutely need it. Air conditioning dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most air conditioners have an "economy" setting that allows the circulation of unchilled air. Many also have a "maximum" or "recirculation" setting that reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be chilled. Both settings can reduce the air conditioning load — and save gas. Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce a typical car's fuel economy by up to two percent. Avoid packing items on top of your car. A loaded roof rack or carrier creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel economy by five percent. At the Garage Keep your engine tuned. Tuning your engine according to your owner's manual can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. It can increase gas mileage up to three percent, improve handling, and prolong the life of your tires. Check your owner's manual or the door jamb for the proper level of inflation (not the tire itself, which shows the maximum tire inflation pressure); check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, because internal pressure increases when the car has been on the road for a while and the tires heat up. Change your oil. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can improve your gas mileage by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute contains frictionreducing additives that can improve fuel economy. When Shopping Be skeptical about any gizmo that promises to improve your gas mileage. The EPA has tested supposed gassaving devices — including "mixture enhancers" and fuel line magnets — and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits. Those devices that did work provided only a slight improvement in gas mileage. In fact, some products may even damage your car's engine or cause a substantial increase in exhaust emissions.
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USS Nimitz Family Readiness Group (FRG)
USS NIMITZ MAILING ADDRESS: YOUR SAILOR’S RATE AND NAME SAILOR’S DEPT/DIVISION USS NIMITZ (CVN68) FPO AP 96620-2820
Being an active part of your FRG is a great way to make friends, support our sailors and their families, and have Fun!
Here a few of the things the FRG has done in the past few months (details can be seen on the Facebook page): Day trips to Seattle & Everett; Informal “Getting to Know You” meetings at local coffee & pottery shops; Crafting and Scrapbooking groups; an “Extreme Couponing” Class; “Helping Hands” assistance for a soon-to-be New Mom needing help getting back and forth to her Dr. appointments; a Town Hall Meeting; assisting in the distribution of Information during the Family Fun Day Picnic; Participation in the Family Day at PSNS, and MUCH, MUCH more!
Important Contact Information Naval Hospital Bremerton Tricare Regional Appointment Center: 1-800-404-4506 Hospital Information Desk: 360-475-4000 Pharmacy Refills: 360-475-4217
The FRG is all about CONNECTING - connecting with other Nimitz families and discovering that while our Sailors are ON the same boat, we are all IN the same boat! Some family members love to volunteer, others like to attend; some like to craft, others to read; some have children, others don’t or they are all grown up; some attend school, others have advance degrees; some stay at home (choose domestic pursuits), others have outside careers - although we are all different, we all have one thing in common: WE ARE THE FAMILIES OF THE USS NIMITZ!
Primary Care Clinics: Family Medicine: 360-475-4379 Internal Medicine: 360-475-4206 Pediatrics: 360-475-4216 Link to Website or Visit NHB's Official Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NavalHospital-Bremerton/163929576969000
Have Children? That’s what “Family” is all about! Bring them along; many times the children make “life-long” friends as well! Don’t have children? That’s great, too! Please come help encourage “grown-up” discussions for those who have been limited to conversations with the “under 5” crowd.
USEFUL INFORMATION NAVAL BASE KITSAP FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER (NBK FFSC): 1.866.854.0638
If child attendance is discouraged during any formal event or meeting, The FRG Executive board makes the effort to locate group childcare.
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS): www.nmcrs.org
WANT TO KNOW MORE? To subscribe to their Monthly Newsletter please email: teamnimitz@yahoo.com Or request to join the official Nimitz Family Readiness Group Page on Facebook: USS NIMITZ FAMILY CONNECTIONS GROUP
NAVY LEGAL SERVICE (NLSO): www.jag.navy.mil MILITARY ONE SOURCE: www.militaryonesource.com AMERICAN RED CROSS – NATIONAL: (877)272-7337 AMERICAN RED CROSS – BREMERTON :( 360)377-3761 SAFE RIDE TAXI - BDCC BREMERTON :( 360)782-2378 SAFE RIDE TAXI - YELLOW CAB: (206)622-6500
Look for the “LADIES IN PINK” at Command activities to find out how YOU can be part of the action!
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. 5
The Transition Assistance Management Program: It’s Not Just for Sailors
DECEMBER 2011 SPECIAL EVENTS
As a family member, you should take an interest in the services available to you and your Sailor as you consider transitioning out of the Navy. Whether you are affected by the recent Enlisted Retention Board, nearing the end of an enlistment, or sneaking up on retirement, Navy transition assistance programs are available for all separating Sailors and their families.
NBK BANGOR CHAPEL CHRISTMAS CAROLING PLACE: BANGOR NAVY EXCHANGE DATE/TIME: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1800-2000 CAROLERS MEET AT CHAPEL AT 1800, DEPART FOR NEX AT 1815. AFTER CAROLING, REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED IN THE BANGOR FELLOWSHIP HALL.
The full spectrum of separation benefits available to all Sailors leaving the Navy are designed to help them succeed in civilian life. Transition Assistance Management Program services are available through your local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). Learn about employment initiatives, permissive travel for job hunting, post-military benefits such as VA health care and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PLACE: BANGOR CHAPEL DATE/TIME: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 0900-1200 PANCAKE BREAKFAST, PHOTO WITH SANTA AND CRAFTS. PLEASE BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH SANTA.
Additionally, there are some enhanced transition benefits especially for Sailors not selected for retention by the recent Enlisted Retention Board. These include: involuntary separation pay; transitional TRICARE coverage; continued ID card possession for two years to access medical and other benefits; and commissary and exchange benefits for two years after separation.
HOLIDAY MEALS PLACE: THE ALL-AMERICAN NS EVERETT DATE/TIME: 24-25 DECEMBER, 1430-1700 ENJOY A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY MENU, INCLUDING ALL THE TRIMMINGS.
$10.95 PER PERSON. CALL 425-
304-3175 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
For more information on these and other services available to Sailors who are being involuntarily separated through the Enlisted Retention Board, check out the NPC website. Be sure to contact your local Fleet and Family Support Center while preparing to transition to civilian life.
ROLL-IN 2012 PLACE: OLYMPIC LANES, NBK BANGOR DATE/TIME: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2130-0030 $20 PER PERSON INCLUDES 3 HOURS OF FIREBALL BOWLING AND SHOES, FINGER FOODS, SODA, SPARKLING CIDER, PARTY FAVORS AND DOOR PRIZES.
CALL 360-535-5917 FOR RESERVATIONS.
From CNIC’s Family Connection December 2011 Newsletter Saving Money at the Pump
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For a full list of tested products, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm. For more information on energy efficiency at the gas pump and throughout the house, check out Saving Starts @ Home: the inside Story on Conserving Energy.
There are many websites that help find the lowest gas price in your area. Try www.gasbuddy.com or www.fueleconomy.gov. Gas Buddy has a free app for Smart phones. Remember not to drive too far from your route when looking for the best price. Try the calculator at www.computegassavings.com to determine if the savings are worth the drive!!!
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/index.shtml to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
You Can Save Money on Fuel!
Printed from the Federal Trade Commission's website: www.ftc.gov
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Military marriage: The holidays and depression, anxiety and stress By Summer Watson, San Diego Military Marriage Examiner Being in a military marriage brings with it some very unique experiences. When in the midst of holiday season, many military couples are far from extended family. As a matter of fact, many spouses of active military members are by themselves and living in unfamiliar communities, during the holiday season, due to the active duty member being deployed. This can cause some sadness and depression for the couple or for either person in the relationship.
Coping with depression, anxiety, and stress: • •
• • • •
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; 2010), approximately 20.9 million adults in America have been diagnosed with a mood disorder. This number translates into 9.5 percent of the U.S. population, ages 18 and older, diagnosed with a mood disorder in a given year. A mood disorder includes a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.
•
Assess your attitude Be realistic about your situation (e.g., marriage, living arrangements, financial situation, holidays…) Exercise (e.g., walk, yoga, muscle relaxation…) Meditate Message Therapy Communicate your feelings (e.g., talk about how you are feeling) Spend time with family and/or friends (make new friends)
How to get help for your depression, anxiety, and/or stress: • •
It is important be aware that no human being is immune to having periods of anxiety or depression. The holidays, being alone and away from family, financial stress, genetics… are all contributing factors for stress, anxiety, and depression.
• • • • •
Some symptoms of depression and mania: • Persistent feelings of sadness and angst • Feeling helpless • Decreased energy • Insomnia and oversleeping • Decreased or increased appetite • Thoughts of death and/or suicide; history of suicide attempts • Restlessness and irritability • Elevated mood (excessive elation) • Increased talking • Pressured speech • Racing thoughts • Increased energy • Poor insight and judgment • Inappropriate social behavior
Camp Pendleton Counseling Services: 760-725-9051 Naval Medical Center San Diego: 619-532-8552 Camp Pendleton Chaplain Services Naval Hospital Bremerton Mental Health: 360-475-4466 Nimitz Chaplains: 360-627-2826 Military OneSource: 800-342-9647 TriWest On-line Counseling: 1-888-874-9378 (no cost, private and confidential, and available 24/7/365 days a year)
This holiday season take care of yourself and your military marriage. If you or your spouse is feeling depressed, overly anxious, or just feeling out of sorts and could use some help, please seek support by calling or connecting via the internet with one of the above resources. There are people that care about your well-being and are available to help you at any time of the day or night. Make this a mentally and physically healthy holiday season! 7
FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCE With the upcoming home port change to Everett, there have been many questions about who is eligible for Family Separation Allowance (FSA). FSA eligibility is determined on a case by case basis. There is no one rule that applies to every family. However, there are some guidelines to help determine if you might be entitled to FSA. If you ARE NOT entitled to a Home Port Change Certificate (HPCC) and forced to leave your family in Bremerton, you will be entitled to FSA on the Change of Home Port (COHP) effective date if you are not commuting daily. Personnel will be required to sign a NAVPERS 1070/613 stating they do not commute daily between Everett and Bremerton to receive FSA. Commuting daily is defined as remaining in the area of the ship 4 days out of the week. Personnel who declined an HPCC from San Diego to Bremerton will lose their FSA entitlement upon their dependants relocating to the member’s location or upon the COHP effective date to Everett, whichever comes first. If you are currently receiving FSA based on denying an HPCC to Bremerton and you are not entitled to an HPCC to Everett, then you will continue to draw FSA unless your dependants relocate to the member’s location. If you have any questions about your FSA entitlement, please have your sailor contact their HPC coordinator.
Fireworks in base housing If you live in Jackson Park or a Forest City neighborhood, think before you decide to buy fireworks and sparklers to celebrate the New Year. In all of those neighborhoods fireworks are prohibited. The manufacturing, sale, storage, possession, transporting and/or use of fireworks and all incendiary devices are expressly prohibited on the premises or in the neighborhood. Violation of the provisions of the fireworks policy is cause for immediate termination of the lease and eviction from the premises.
Navy Region Northwest Fleet & Family Support Center Here is a link to the navylifepnw website with a list of upcoming webinars for many months to come. You can see that the staff at Fleet and Family is trying to make a wide variety of classes easily available to all. Visit them at: www.navylifepnw.com or on Facebook.
Operation Homefront: Nominate a Young Hero Who doesn't love to see the excitement of young children at Christmas? Their starry-eyed wonder is one of the highlights of the season. This time of year is special for us because we get to give toys to military kids throughout the country and provide meals for families. It's a privilege to support those who give so much in service to our country. Another reason we love this time of year is we open the nomination period for The Military Child of the Year Award. This award recognizes military children who stand out among their peers in their community. Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities. Like last year, the award will be given to an outstanding military child from each branch of service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. If you know a terrific military kid (and we know you do), please nominate them for this prestigious award. 8