June 9, 2011
Nimitz News
June 9, 2011
Page 1
Vol. 36, No. 23
SRB program changes By MC3 Robert Winn
Midway survivor speaks to Sailors Retired Cmdr. Harry Ferrier, a Battle of Midway survivor, speaks to nearly 200 officers and chief petty officers assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during their Battle of Midway Remembrance Dinner. The dinner commemorated the sacrifice of all who served at the Battle of Midway, which was the turning point in the Pacific campaign during World War II. Photo by MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II. See related story Page 6
June 17, marks the date new changes to the Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB) program go into effect. According to NAVADMIN 166/11 , SRBs have been adjusted for the new fiscal year. Under the new changes some rates will no longer receive SRBs, or the amount each receives has been reduced, while a few have been increased. The new changes for those receiving an increased SRB went into effect on May 17, while the changes for those whose rates have a decreased number of SRBs
will go into effect on June 17. SRB eligibility is based on certain rates and which NECs Sailors have, and the amount given is based on how long Sailors have been enlisted. The years of service are grouped into zones. Zone A covers all Sailors from zero through six years of service, Zone B covers Sailors from six years and one day through 10 years and Zone C covers Sailors from 10 years through 14 years of service. Cryptologic Technician Interpreters (CTI) are losing all SRBs for Zone B and will take significant decreases for Zone A. Explosive Ordnance Disposal See SRB, page 7
Physical readiness requires year-round upkeep By MCSA Alexander Ventura II Sailors who exceed Physical Readiness Test (PRT) standards don’t always pass the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The PFA is comprised of the PRT and body circumference analysis (BCA). BCA is determined for males by subtracting the circumference of their neck from their waist in inches to gain a numerical value. For females, neck circumference is subtracted from waist and hip circumference. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors who exceed their allowable body-fat are deemed “overweight.” They are screened by medical personnel, and then entered into a mandatory
weight-loss program. While in overweight status, Sailors are ineligible for promotion, volunteer assignments and schools, and are not eligible to reenlist. “More than 130 Sailors failed the PFA,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Brett E. Baldwin, command fitness leader. “More than 80 of the PFA failures were from failing the BCA.” With the spring PRT completed, Sailors should not slack off or stop exercising and continue to be active, added Baldwin. Being physically in shape is a year-round job. For the fall PRT, Sailors should focus more on making healthy lifestyle choices in order to reduce body fat.
Naval Base Bremerton Concourse west Gym offers a class Mission Nutrition taught by Fitness Specialist Therese Deal. Individuals interested in taking the class must sign up at the gym. The course teach Sailors to incorporate weight training large muscle groups such as legs with cardiovascular exercises to increase fat loss and help stay leaner. Weight-lifting increases muscle mass, metabolism, balance and strength, said Deal. The more muscle an individual has, the more calories his or her body needs to function, increasing their metabolism and their body’s calorie-burning capabilities, said Deal. See Trimming Fat, page 7