Volume 3, March 2012
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1–2 3 4 5–6 7
“That is not to say that we can relax our readi-
From the Captain’s Cabin; Chaplain’s Corner Farewell from CMC Lloyd-Owen; Introducing CMC Teri McIntyre; Mailing Address Useful Information; FRG; Contact Information; eKnowledge Donation “Get the Word Out”; Knee Deep in Debt; Vacation OPSEC; Everett Area Easter Activities Deployment Readiness; Your Ombudsman Team
ness to defend ourselves. Our armament must be adequate to the needs, but our faith is not primarily in these machines of defense but in ourselves.” Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
From the Captain’s Cabin A Message from the CO
Captain Paul Monger Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz
Greetings family and friends, Well, it has finally happened. We were actually able to escape from the shipyard, conduct our sea trials and return to Everett, Washington to make it our new home. I can’t tell you how great it is to finally finish up with the shipyard maintenance and get to sea
Capt. Paul Monger Commanding Officer
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Chaplain’s Corner
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CDR Brent Johnson, CHC, USN
where your Sailors get to do the things they joined the Navy to do. It was an impressive sight to see this great ship making her way out of the Puget Sound and the crew did a fantastic job. Sea trials are designed to test all the equipment that has been worked on or replaced during the maintenance availability, as well as ensuring the crew can operate and run the ship in a safe, effective manner. Your Sailors did a superb job of executing an extremely busy schedule testing equipment and systems throughout the day and night. In addition they performed necessary drills, exercises and briefs that were all professionally and expertly done. There were a few hiccups with a few of the machines, as to be expected, but overall things worked surprisingly well. As for your Sailors, you would never have known that they had not been to sea in 15 months. They were well prepared and far more proficient at their jobs and procedures than we ever expected.
The Nurse’s Husband
Do you feel small and unappreciated because people get excited about what the Sailor in your home does, but overlook your contribution as a spouse? I know that my wife has one problem with being a military spouse, the fact that all her identity with the military is tied to my “last four.” For several years she was the “Chaplain’s wife” and rarely had a name for herself. That table got turned on me when we were stationed in Japan. Dawnette got a job as the school nurse at the grade school at Marine Corps Base Iwakuni, which is just a few miles south of Hiroshima. She got to know all the kids on base, and she had a great way with her little patients. It wasn’t long before everyone came to address me as the “school nurse’s” husband, or as Dawnette’s husband. It was a nice break once I got used to it. People like recognition. Sometimes we get noticed for the wrong reasons. When I was in High School I loved to run long distances, and during P.E. the gym teacher would allow students to run extra laps rather than practice drills. I always took him up on the offer. One day a group of students cheated on their run and were caught. I had been running for a while and could complete a mile pretty fast and came in at the same time as the cheaters (except that I ran the full course) and was punished along with them. I didn’t enjoy that recognition. There is an interesting passage in the Book of Numbers in the Bible that military families will appreciate. In it the tribes of Israel are moving from Egypt to the Promised Land and have fought some enemies that tried to prevent them from travelling through their territories. Israel won and the King of Moab was worried. He hired a prophet named Balaam to come and curse the Israelites. Balaam refused to do so and blessed them instead. At first he only saw the army of Israel. Then the King of Moab showed Balaam the whole nation of Israel, including all their families, the first Family Readiness Group and Ombudsman team, thinking this would scare the prophet since they were a huge group. Balaam still blessed the people he was hired to curse. In chapter 24 of Numbers, found in the Old Testament portion of most Bibles, Balaam says this about the families of Israel, “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! Like palm groves (a vision of beauty in a dry region) that stretch afar, like gardens besides a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedar trees besides the water.” Palms gave Middle Eastern people cooking oil, gardens provided food, aloes were soothing, medicinal plants, and cedar was good for construction. Everything a person needed to run a home. All of you families are blessed. No one is inconsequential; everyone has a role, even if they do not benefit from a personal call out. In the recent movie Hugo a little boy who sets the clocks in a
This crew has worked hard for the last 15 months, enduring two homeport shifts and an ever changing schedule only to come out with a ship in better shape and a crew better trained than anyone had seen in a long time. Thank you for all the support you give them so they can do their jobs so well. This will be my last addition to the newsletter. CAPT Jeff Ruth will be taking over as CO at the end of the month. I know that he will do everything in his power to take care of your Sailors and keep them safe so they can come back home to you in good shape. It has been an unbelievable experience to be associated with so many great Sailors and to see the impressive things they can accomplish. Thank you for sharing them with us. Best Wishes, CAPT Paul O. Monger COMMANDING OFFICER USS NIMITZ (CVN-68)
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Farewell from CMC Lloyd-Owen
Introducing CMC Teri McIntyre
NIMITZ Family,
Good Day,
This will be my last address to you all as I will be leaving for Patuxent River, Maryland the beginning of March. My relief CMDCM Teri McIntyre comes to us from Naval Forces Iraq and brings with her a wealth of experience; I know she will receive the excellent support I have enjoyed during my tour, and will serve you all well. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as your CMC, I wish you and yours all the best for the future.
I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am CMDCM(SW) Teri McIntyre, the new Command Master Chief. My commitment to the crew and their families is priority one! Family readiness is part of our mission. It is a cornerstone of war fighting readiness. Educated, networked, resilient families positively impact everything from our sailors’ ability to focus on the mission to quality of life and retention. It is our job to ensure every Sailor and their families are well educated on support services and how to utilize them. This month I would like to focus on the Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group. The Ombudsman is the families’ main link to the command. The Ombudsman acts as a communication avenue between the Commanding Officer and the command families as well as professionally trained information and referral specialist. The Family Readiness Group (FRG) is set up to plan and conduct social, informational, care-taking, and morale building activities that will increase family readiness. Our FRG team can be contacted at teamnimitz@yahoo.com. These two programs are key components to helping us achieve and sustain family readiness.
Mahalo & AVAG'DAY! Respectfully, CMDCM William "Aussie" Lloyd-Owen
Command Master Chief USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)
V/R, CMDCM(SW) Teri McIntyre Command Master Chief USS Nimitz (CVN68) The Nurse’s Husband
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Paris train station watches people come and go around the station all day. He is good with repairing machines; his father was a clock maker, who taught him well, and he sees the world as a big machine. No machine comes with extra parts; every piece has a function he tells his friend. We all have a part to play in creation. We need to find our function. I want to thank the Ombudsmen for allowing me to write articles in their newsletter during my tour here on NIMITZ. I will depart in April and go to Bahrain for one year. CDR Emile Moured, also known as Mo, is taking my place and will be leading the Religious Ministry Team. He can be reached at emile.moured@cvn68.navy.mil, and our new phone numbers in Everett are 425-304-5196 and 425-3042152. Call us if you need anything.
Hearing rumors? Call the Rumor Busters (Nimitz Ombudsmen) at 360-340-7040!
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USS Nimitz Family Readiness Group (FRG)
USEFUL INFORMATION NAVAL STATION EVERETT FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER (NBK FFSC): 425.304.3367
Being an active part of your FRG is a great way to make friends, support our sailors and their families, and have Fun!
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS): www.nmcrs.org
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!
AMERICAN RED CROSS – NATIONAL: 877.272-7337 AMERICAN RED CROSS – SNOHOMISH COUNTY: 425.252.4103 COMMUNITY TRANSIT: 800.562.1375
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.
Important Contact Information Naval Hospital Bremerton
NAVY LEGAL SERVICE (NLSO): www.jag.navy.mil MILITARY ONE SOURCE: www.militaryonesource.com
Tricare Regional Appointment Center: 1-800-404-4506
If child attendance is discouraged during any formal event or meeting, The FRG Executive board makes the effort to locate group childcare.
Hospital Information Desk: 360-4754000 Pharmacy Refills: 360-475-4217
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
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/Na val-HospitalBremerton/163929576969000
Look for the “LADIES IN PINK” at Command activities to find out how YOU can be part of the action!
EKNOWLEDGE DONATES $200 SAT AND ACT TEST PREP PROGRAMS TO MILITARY FAMILIES Please contact the provider directly at support@eknowledge.com or call 1-951-256-4076 for questions or assistance. This program is available to all service members, including members of the Reserves, Active Duty, and their families this offer is made possible because of donations from NFL/MLB players. This program has been extended to military families and veterans for a sixth consecutive year through the eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance, NFL and MLB players, and over fifty other organizations. Military personnel can obtain SAT and ACT PowerPrep programs at cost ($13.84 to $72.00). The retail value of these programs is $199.99 to $599.00. The SAT and ACT PowerPrep programs are available as a DVD-ROM set and/or books.
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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.
Knee Deep In Debt
FROM: MC&FP Weekly (March 2, 2012)
Financial Tip of the Week - Having trouble paying your bills? Getting notices from creditors? Are your
accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? You're not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. Your financial situation doesn't have to go from bad to worse. If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Debt settlement is yet another option. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Developing a Budget:
The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your "fixed" expenses - those that are the same each month – like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary such as entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize.
Contacting Your Creditors:
Contact your creditors immediately if you're having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it's difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don't wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Dealing with Debt Collectors:
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 AM, after 9PM, or while you're at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn't approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.
Managing Your Auto and Home Loans:
Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services. Most automobile financing agreements allow a creditor to repossess your car any time you're in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can't do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You'll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report. If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you're acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time until a plan is worked out.
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Practice OPSEC While On Vacation From the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff Newsletter, Feb. 2012
Even though it is still winter in the U.S., we can nonetheless discuss summer vacations. Not so many years ago, summer meant the kids would leave the house at 0700 and be out all day playing football, swimming, fishing, riding bikes, etc. But those days are gone for the most part. Today most kids think nothing of never leaving the house, and spending the entire day on a computer. Now might be a good time to talk to your kids about OPSEC and the Social Media. Go to the IOSS website at http://www.ioss.gov and check out our Library Resources section for OPSEC Community Briefings and Media. There are three different links for OPSEC and Social Media/Social Network training. It might be good for your kids….or even you. Consider the following scenario: If you looked at your neighbor’s house and there were a stack of newspapers on their front step, the grass was 6 inches high and the mailbox door wouldn’t even shut because of the overflowing mail, would you think they were home, or maybe on vacation? Criminals look for these types of indicators (something that points to your critical information) that could help identify an empty house. Before leaving on vacation, think like the adversary. Look at your own home as a criminal would. Here are some suggestions to help protect your home and possessions while you are gone; 1) Be careful not to post your upcoming vacation plans on Social Media sites. Also be careful where you talk about your plans in public spaces. You don’t always know who might be listening. 2) Have someone pick up your mail and newspapers daily. 3) Make sure garbage cans are taken out and returned to their normal location after pick-up. 4) Use timers for a few outdoor and indoor lights. You can even use timers to turn on a TV or radio. Make sure your timers don’t turn on/off at fixed times. Many manufactures have models that have settings for random times. 5) Have your lawn cut.
Everett Area Easter Activities April 7 - Easter Eggstravaganza 10 am, The Commons Egg Hunts: 10 am ages 1 and under; 10:15 am 2-4 years of age; 10:30 am 5-7 years of age; 10:45 am 8-11 years of age. Raffle prizes during entire event! No reservations needed. April 7 - Underwater Easter Egg Hunt 1 pm, Tsunami Pool 1-1:15 pm 5-7 years of age; 1:20-1:35 pm ages 4 and under (shallow) & ages 11 and older (deep end); 1:40-1:55 pm 8-10 years of age. 2-2:30 pm is open swim. 425-304-3388 April 7 - Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt 8:30 pm, Jackson Plaza Ages 12-17, Hunt for candy and prizes in the dark. Bring your own flashlight and bag to Jackson Plaza. No registration necessary. April 7 - Easter Bunny Brunch 10 am-1 pm, The All American $12.95/adults, $7.95/children, free/3 and under. Find the 'golden egg' and win a prize. For reservations call 425-304-3906/3918/3175 6
Deployment Readiness Part Two: The Emotional “Spiral” of Deployment—Stage 2 In our February edition of the Nimitz Five Star Report, we started a series discussing the Emotional Spiral of Deployment with a focus on Stage One, Anticipation of Departure. This month we will be looking at Stage Two, Detachment and Withdrawal. From the OBT Manual: Stage 2: Detachment and Withdrawal Time Frame: This stage occurs in the final days before deployment and can be the most difficult stage. Emotion/behaviors: *Couples: The sailor begins to psychologically prepare for deployment and focus more on the command mission. Sadness and anger occur as couples attempt to protect themselves from the hurt of separation. The couples stop sharing their thoughts and feelings and begin to withdraw from each other. This is a natural response, but can be especially difficult if it is seen as a rejection rather than a reaction to the circumstances. *Children: May be confused and upset with the deploying parent. Younger children may feel their behavior caused their parent to leave. *Single Sailors: Are often working extremely hard and trying to get their affairs in order before deploying. Through this stage it is helpful to be actively preparing for the upcoming deployment. Ensure that items on the pre-deployment checklist are completed. Try to be active in helping the sailor prepare for deployment. If you are having a particularly difficult time through this stage, Fleet and Family Support Center and Military OneSource can provide counseling. As always, you can contact your ombudsman team with any questions.
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 three ombudsmen; Jeanine Neiman, Amy Cleghon 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 or email us at ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo.com. 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!
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