Nimitz News
June 2, 2011
June 2, 2011
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Vol. 36, No. 22
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pauses to remember Battle of Midway By MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pause to remember the service and sacrifice of all who fought during the Battle of Midway which took place 69 years ago this week. The battle, seen as the turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II, centered around the tiny atoll runway. Retired Cmdr. Harry Ferrier will be the guest of honor at a remembrance dinner this evening hosted by Nimitz Officers and Chiefs at the Olympic Lodge here at Naval Base Kitsap. Ferrier, then a 17-year-old Radioman 3rd Class, was among the very few survivors of the first wave of attacks during the battle. Additionally, the crew will be able to learn more about the historic battle through an interactive display set up on the barge next week. The Nimitz Facebook page will also carry articles, photos and videos of the ship’s remembrance.
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Nimitz News
June 2, 2011
Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT John Ring Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Layout/ Designer MC3 Robert Winn Editor MC2 Nathan Gomez Media Dept MC2 C.J. Amdahl MC2 Scott McCall MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Matthew Patton MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Ashley Berumen MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSA Renee Candelario MCSA Alexander Ventura II
“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.
Nimitz Sailors frocked during ceremony in drydock Approximately 150 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors were frocked to new ranks during a ceremony in the forward area of the dry dock. Frocking marks the point at which Sailors assume the rights and responsibilities of new ranks after having been selected for promotion following fleet-wide advancement exams. (Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.)
Shipboard fire watch vital to safety of ship and crew By MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II
They are dispersed all around the ship wherever there is a chance of fire. They can be found standing underneath the ship down in dry dock, on the side of the ship on scaffolding, on the flight deck and in reactor spaces crammed into pitch black tanks in danger of toxic gas. They stand vigilant with their polarized goggles, flash gear, hard hats, 24-pound carbon dioxide bottles, 27-pound water bottles and respirators watching over shipyard workers welding on the ship. They are Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) standing fire watches that last from seven to seven and a half hours. Comprised of Sailors from the Operations Department and duty section they stand watches all around the clock, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. “Some of the reasons why we have fire watch is not only to watch and protect for fires, but also to protect the welders in case their equipment fails and we protect the regular ship’s force walking around
by creating barriers for people in case there is a hazard of material falling off the ship,” said AirTraffic Controller 1st Class (AW) Brian J. Gardiner, fire watch leading petty officer. While Nimitz is in Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA), shipyard workers are trying to finish one and a half years of welding on the ship in nine months, said Gardiner. The increased hot work aboard the ship increases the need for there to be a fire watch. “Fire watch is important to the ship because of the resources that are being protected,” said Gardiner. “We could put out fires right away instead of letting the fire spread which could extend DPIA, and could cause damage to equipment in reactor spaces. It’s really important that we let the welder concentrate on what they are doing by letting them know there is somebody there ensuring a fire is doesn’t start.” Three fires have been put out by fire watch standers since Nimitz has been in DPIA, said Gardiner. “Fires can be caused by See Fire watch, Page 7
June 2, 2011
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Nimitz News
Chaplain’s Corner Sharing the Cape
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aft sponson was attached on to the port side of the ship May 27. (Photo by MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II)
Aft CIWS Sponson welded to ship By MCSA Alexander Ventura II Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) workers successfully attached the aft sponson on the port side of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) May 27. A close in weapons system (CIWS) is slated to be attached on to the sponson in September. The attachment of the sponson and CIWS are part of a vital upgrade to the ship’s self defense weapons system during Docking Planned Incremental Availability, said Cmdr. Colin A. Bowser, combat directions center officer. According to Andrea Curry, CVN 68 non-nuclear assistant project supervisor, plans for the sponson were drawn up in February 2010. More than 30 PSNS workers were involved in the project. “When the ship was originally built, it was configured with CIWS gun mounts,” said Curry. “Ten years ago when the Nimitz was getting refueled, the sponson and CIWS gun mounts were removed. Because of events like the attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67), the Navy decided to put those guns back on
the ship for better protection.” Terrorists pulled a vessel alongside Cole while the ship was refueling in Yemen in October 2000. The vessel, carrying 400 to 700 pounds of explosives, detonated on the port side of the ship killing 17 and injuring 39 Sailors on board. The ship will receive a CIWS One Bravo, developed as a last line of defense, which fires at a rate of 4,500 armor-piercing rounds per minute, and can explode an incoming missile’s warhead. “The CIWS will give us improved capabilities against small boats and air launched cruise missiles,” said Bowser. The addition of a second CIWS will place the Nimitz as one of the most deadly aircraft carriers in service, said Bowser. “The CIWS One Bravo is the most modern version of the CIWS systems, combined with our Ship Self-Defense-System and the two installed missile systems we already have, we will be one of the most capable aircraft carriers in the fleet in terms of self-defense,” said Bowser.
I am a chaplain, and have been one for over 20 years. The word chaplain came from the Latin word cappellani, which translates as cape keepers. I need to tell you about that cape. It belonged to a warrior named Martin, and eventually became a holy relic for the Kings of France who were descended from Charlemagne. You see, one day Martin rode into a town called Amiens and he saw a beggar shivering by the road. Martin cut his cape in half and gave it to the beggar. Then he went to his barracks. That night Martin had a dream and it was about Jesus. Jesus was wearing the cape the beggar received, and he said to Martin, “As you did this to the least of these, you did it to me.” That dream changed Martin’s life. He left the Roman cavalry and became a monk. It appears he kept his half of the cape too, and it eventually became a venerated object. This story makes me think about “the least.” Who are these people Jesus talked about in Martin’s dream? The Bible passage where the story of Jesus talked about caring for the least and where the quote in Martin’s dream came from is Matthew 25. Jesus talked about feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the imprisoned, and comforting the sad. A lot of us ask who fits that description around us. In the Navy there are very junior enlisted members, who we could call the least, but they at least get a room in the barracks, meals served on the mess decks, and there is water available in the scuttlebutts. I think we overlook some obvious candidates. No matter what our position in life people can feel like strangers in a new command or community. They could use a visit by a friendly soul. No matter how good the condition around us there is often someone laboring hard near us who would like a cool drink of water, but just cannot get away from their duties to get themselves a drink. I know there are families who are sad or suffering from depression who simply need someone to stop by and spend some time with them, even if there is nothing to say. I bet if you looked around there is a home where the bills have been high and unexpected emergencies have occurred and they would like a gift basket of food or at least an anonymous gift card from a local grocery store. There are plenty of ways for us to practice the discipline of caring for the least of these people that dwell near us, and in that way minister as Jesus explained in the book of Matthew. Drop me a line some time at chap@cvn68.navy.mil and tell me of ways you have found to be a blessing to someone near your home. You will be Sharing a cape just like St. Martin of Tours did.
Chaplain Brent Johnson
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Nimitz News
June 2, 2011
A couple at the 40th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival sit in the lawn and play their instruments as people spectate and walk by. The festival is held every year at the Seattle Center to celebrate folk, ethnic and traditional arts from various different cultures.
A visitor at Seattle’s Crypticon takes a seat in the prop electric chair for a local vendor for a shocking experience. The vendor was for a local haunted hayride tour held in October. Many vendors from the area set up shop at the Crypticon to display talents like tattoo and make-up art, photography, and a celebrity meet and greet of actors.
M wee
By MCSA R
Ring. The alarm on my cell ph Memorial Day morning to wak through the ghost town of the on my way to work that morn weekend circled in my head. I smile ear-to-ear because, even t past weekend was amazing. Crypticon, a horror-movie Comic-Con except … there we heroes and fake blood instead of of going but my friend asked me what to expect, but that Saturd surprising. I walked into Seattle Hilton seeing anything out of the ordin sets or sounds … nothing out mind to the hearse or the asylum as I walked past them, but the ma his head as I entered caught my e to myself “this is odd,” and kept into a sea of stands and people d style costumes. I felt out of place, to say the le cargo shorts. To my left, people up done to resemble character To my right, the stands were fi photographers, and even a set where visitors were in for a “sho Halloween had arrived some fiv
June 2, 2011
Nimitz News A local vendor called “Little John’s Broom’s” weaves classic handmade brooms made out of tree branches and straw to sell to visitors at the 40th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival. The festival is held every year at the Seattle Center to celebrate folk, ethnic, and traditional arts from various different cultures.
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A local vendor squeezes a lemon to make fresh lemonade to sell to a customer at the 40th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival. The festival is held every year at the Seattle Center to celebrate folk, ethnic,
Memorial day ekend festival
Renee Candelario
hone went off bright and early ke me up for duty. I strolled e Controlled Industrial Area ning as memories of the past couldn’t help myself to not though I was exhausted, this
convention comparable to ere monsters instead of super fake lasers. I had no intention e to come along. I had no idea day afternoon was pleasantly
n’s Convention Center not nary. No props, no elaborate of the ordinary. I didn’t pay m ambulance parked outside an with an axe driven through eye for some reason. I thought t walking into an open lobby, dressed in various Halloween-
east, in my red shirt and black were getting their face makers I’d seen in scary movies. illed with tattoo artists, artsy with a realistic electric chair ocking” experience. It was like ve months early, just without
From eccentric artwork, Capoeira (Brazilian martial art/ the additional shrieks and blood splatters. This place was an unforgettable experience that left me scared to sleep with the dance), and signs around people’s necks stating “free hugs.” It was an “anything goes” type of atmosphere. light off Saturday night. Seriously. Although the sun remained stubbornly hidden that day it Sunday morning I woke up in the wee hours of the afternoon to attend the 40th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival, a was as beautiful as if it was out. As a matter of fact it felt as if the festival held at the Seattle Center to honor the liveliness of sun had followed me all weekend chasing my trail. I laughed, folk, ethnic, and traditional arts. Hands down, this was one danced, and created memories to talk about during the work of the rarest “only in Seattle” experiences I have encountered week. I tried food from all around the world, discovered since I arrived in Washington. There were crowds of uniquely- different cultures, and most importantly celebrated Memorial dressed people everywhere. It was as if everyone from near Day weekend in a meaningful way that I won’t soon forget. and far had come together to do one thing: smile and enjoy life. The sound of music coming from every instrument known to man hit my ears. The aroma of exotic cuisine from every culture under the sun made my mouth water. This festival had so much to offer I didn’t know where to begin. I felt like I’d walked into an amusement park where I wanted to run around crazy, experiencing every drop of fun this place had to offer. A large dome-shaped water fountain sat at the festival’s center. It shot streams of water into the sky as the artists below practiced their various skills waiting to be discovered or simply heard. Guitar cases lay open on the ground for donations and daisies from people passing by. People danced barefoot Dancers practicing the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira set up ground in the middle of the to the music in the grass of the Seattle Center. lawn at the 40th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival to display their talents. Capoeira is a combination of martial arts and dance. The festival is held every year at the Seattle Center to celebrate folk, ethnic, and traditional arts from various different cultures.
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Nimitz News
June 2, 2011
Nimitz documentary reaches iTunes By MC3 Devin Wray
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) documentary ‘Dry Dock’ is now available for download from iTunes. Apple’s popular media service began offering the Nimitz-based series as a free download May 28 and will continue to carry each episode as they are released. Additionally, episodes will continue to be accessible through the ship’s Facebook page and via YouTube. The fourth episode of the series was released on the command’s Facebook page Memorial Day. “Dry Dock: A Year In the Yards with USS Nimitz (CVN 68)” focuses on what the crew undergoes while in the ship is in dry dock at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF).
Episode 4 of the series goes into the lives of Sailors as they balance work and their personal lives, and volunteer in the community. Nimitz was featured on the PBS miniseries “Carrier” during its 2007 deployment. Nimitz’ Media Department wanted to do a documentary to highlight what the crew does while on shore. “After seeing “Carrier” and now this, it gives our families and friends an opportunity to see what we do on a daily basis,” said Gunners Mate 1st Class Kirk Elliano, a Sailor aboard Nimitz. Since the ship is in the Controlled Industrial Area (CIA) at PSNS, few people get to see what happens to a carrier while in dry dock, and how it affects the crew. The series will also highlight what
Sailors do to get involved and get active in their new community. The first two episodes have received tens of thousands of views since their release, and have recently been released on iTunes. “My entire family loves it,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Jarrod Brouillette, a fan of the series “They’re on the other side of the country and it keeps them informed on what we do in today’s Navy.” The next episode will focus on the how some Sailors deal with operations of the command moving to the barge, and their personal lives outside of work. Dry Dock is the first documentary told and produced entirely by Sailors. To follow the story of USS Nimitz and its crew over the next year, visit www. facebook.com/cvn68.
Multi-cultural Committee hosts cultural luncheon By MC3 Robert Winn USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Multi-cultural Committee hosted an Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month luncheon on the mess decks May 26. The lunch, held to honor Asian/Pacific islanders, informed crewmembers about their history, tradition and culture. “We had a table set up with historical facts and information,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Joanna Obermiller. “What we were trying to accomplish with this luncheon was to expose the crew to things from different parts of the world, this time it’s Asia and the Pacific Islands.” The culinary specialists from Nimitz’ Supply Department cooked up a variety of foods with an emphasis on eastern-cultured foods. “The luncheon was pretty good,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Rafael Cisneros. “I had a lot of new foods and really liked a lot of the stuff they had out.”
A display, on the enlisted mess decks, informs Sailors about Asian and Pacific Islander culture. (Photo by MC3 Robert Winn.)
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Joanna Obermiller places cookies on a cookie sheet to be baked, as Aviation Maintaince Administrationmen 3rd Class Nichole Mcnamara works behind her. (Photo by MC3 Matthew Patton.)
“I never realized how much of an influence Asian culture has had on other cultures,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman (SW/AW) Cedric Davis. He’s discovered a few foods came from different parts of the world than he originally thought. Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kalia Vang explained she’s learned why we have a month dedicated to a culture such as Asian/ Pacific Islander heritage month. “I’ve learned that they picked this month in particular because it marks when the Japanese first set foot in America.” Cisneros said the luncheon helped open his eyes to new things. “They have a very rich history. I’m a big fan of the fortune cookies. They’re brilliant and it’s a cool staple food. You don’t hear about Italy’s fortune pasta.” The luncheon was a success in the eyes of the multi-cultural committee, said Obermiler. Cisneros said he looks forward to future multi-cultural luncheons. “It’s always good to be open-minded and try new things.”
Nimitz News
June 2, 2011
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Fire watch: Sailors save lives, vital spaces Contined from Page 2
lagging, debris inside of a tank, electrical equipment over heating, trash left in dry dock and steel getting so hot that it starts to flame,” said Gardiner. “There are also incidents where some of the welders got caught on fire from the sparks landing on their clothes.” Watch standers not only look for and put out fires, but also watch for potential hazards that can harm ship’s force, said Gardiner. “In my opinion one of our fire watches saved a life,” said Gardiner. “A watch stander recently saved someone from being hit by debris from the flight Operations Specialist 2nd Class Lawrence D. Lowe stands fire watch aboard the USS Nimitz deck.” 68) in order to prevent a fire from breaking out or spreading, while Rob Moser, Shop 26 Air-Traffic Controller 3rd Class Marilyn J. Brewer (CVN Puget Sound Naval Shipyard worker, welds. (Photo by MCSA Alexander Ventura II) was on the pier watching a shipyard worker weld on the side of the ship from a lift. It was cold and the and ran out the way and the scaffolding fell and crashed.” weather started changing from hailing to raining and then being The debris from the flight deck also fortunately missed the sunny within 20 minutes. Soon the wind picked up and Brewer shipyard worker on the lift by a few feet. No casualties have been noticed there was unsecured scaffolding on the flight deck. reported. “There was a hush in the dry dock,” said Brewer. Everyone Fire watch standers have to be focused at their job, said Gardiner. saw the scaffolding about to fall. Then there was a guy in the dry Fire watch is just like any watch on the ship. There is no reading dock walking underneath the path of the falling scaffolding. The or listening to music. scaffolding soon fell. It took me a second for me to say anything “A good watch stander has to be aware of their surroundings,” because I was waiting for someone else to. So finally I reacted said Brewer. “If I hadn’t had looked up, I never would’ve seen and yelled out ‘Hey move! Get out the way! Run!’ He looked up the falling scaffolding.”
This WEek’s MWR EVENTS Thursday (2nd):
* Bruno Mars & Janelle Monae, WaMu Theatre * Spin, West Concourse, 0830, FREE * Yoga, West Concourse, 1645, FREE * Spin, West Concourse, 1800
Friday (3rd):
Sunday (5th):
* NASCAR Weekend, Bremerton Liberty Centre, ALL DAY * Movie at the Bowl, Bangor Liberty Center, 2130
Monday (6th):
* FREE Bowling, Bremerton Rec, 1800 * Mariners vs. Tampa Bay, 1900, Safeco Field
* National Yo-Yo Day, Liberty Rec Centre, ALL DAY * Step, 1645, West Concourse, FREE
Saturday (4th):
Tuesday (7th):
* U2 Concert, Qwest Field, 1900 * Titled Thunder R ail Birds Roller Derby, Comcast Arena * Wenatchee River R afting Trip, 0630-1900 * Whitewater R afting in Leavenworth, 0700-2000 * Hard Cidery & Farm Tour, 0800-1830, $56 (includes: tr ansportation, lunch, tastings, & farm tour) * Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix, Key Arena, 50% off tickets with Military ID
* “Get Motivated”, Key Arena * AMC/Regal Premier Movie Night, 1800, Bremerton Rec
Wednesday (8th):
* Premier Movie Night, 1900, Bremerton Rec Centre * NOFFS, 0600, West Concourse Gym, FREE * Step, 1645, West Concourse Gym, FREE * FREE Bowling at Bremerton Rec, 1800
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Nimitz News
Editor’s Note: The following is the third in a three-part series about the Battle of Midway: the turning point of the Pacific Theater campaign during World War II.
June 2, 2011
Yorktown. Three blasts rocked the mighty carrier, knocking out her boilers. Damage control efforts proved so successful that the second wave of Japanese torpedo planes mistook her for Enterprise. The second strike proved fatal. Yorktown, dead in the water, began to list to port. As all hands prepared to abandon ship, Photographer’s Mate By MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones 2nd Class William Roy clicked away. Sensing the historical significance of his images, he grabbed two life vests: one for himself and one for the Against all odds Not a single ship was in sight. The steady rumble of the SBD rolls of film packed tightly in waterproof containers. U.S. dive bombers returned later in the afternoon and delivered the Dauntless’ props churned through the calm Pacific clouds 15,000 feet knockout punch to Hiryu. By nightfall, both sides began to withdraw. above. All they could see was blue. Every break in the clouds revealed Yorktown had absorbed two devastating attacks, yet remained afloat. an enemy that wasn’t there – nothing, no trace of whitecaps, a ship’s Hiryu, little more than a smoldering shell of its former glory, was trail – nothing. They had to be there, thought Squadron Commander scuttled the next day. Lt. Cmdr. Wade McClusky. Dive bombers, launched earlier from USS Efforts to save Yorktown began in earnest. USS Vireo (AT-144) Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Yorktown (CV 5), evaded detection from the prepared to take Yorktown in tow as USS Hammann (DD-412) Japanese fleet – the chaos below consumed their complete attention. pulled alongside to provide auxiliary power. Salvage efforts showed The course headings received must be incorrect – the ocean below promise. Yorktown, it seemed, would heaved and swayed as slowly as ever live. Optimism grew on the surface since time began. Nothing. while the Japanese submarine I-168 Fuel was running low. Something approached undetected below. Seaman needed to be done, or the mission would Jim Cunningham was finishing lunch have to be abandoned. on the Hammann’s mess decks when Trusting his gut, McClusky turned his something caught his eye. A picture was squad North. Suddenly, there it was: hanging there that he had never noticed a trail – the lonely foam wake of the USS Yorktown (CV 5) following torpedo attacks from the Japanese submabefore. It was a small drawing of a devil Japanese destroyer Arashi as she raced rine I-168 . (Photo courtesy of the Navy History and Heritage Center) holding a pitchfork riding on a torpedo. to rejoin the rest of the Japanese fleet. Painted on the torpedo was the word Within minutes, the Japanese ships “HAMMANN.” A small chill went up his spine. Just then the alarm Soryu, Akagi, Kaga and Hiryu were in sight. Their flight decks and for General Quarters was sounded. A torpedo fired from I-168 was hangars were packed with aircraft, fuel and ammunition – each was spotted in the water and closing in fast. Cunningham barely made it to now a floating arsenal. his GQ station on the fantail when the torpedo hit. The blast rocked the Shocked eyes turned skyward as the bombers ripped through the ship and Hammann disappeared beneath the waves only minutes later. clouds. Lt. Dick Best released his 1,000-pound bomb and watched as Cunningham was lucky. He and the other survivors were picked up it tore through Nagumo’s flagship Akagi. The blast ignited the fuel and quickly. Moments later, another torpedo was spotted heading directly ordnance which crowded the ship’s flight deck and hangar bays, ripping towards Yorktown. Akagi in two. Simultaneous direct hits to Soryu and Kaga turned the That final strike rendered all efforts to save her useless. She began to Pacific blue into an orange inferno. Within a matter of minutes it was take on water much more quickly, and early the following morning, she over. Neither side realized it at the time, but it marked the end of the slipped beneath the waves. Japanese offensive in the Pacific. The battle’s injured arrived to Pearl Harbor to receive treatment. Some Yamamoto watched in horror as his once mighty fleet crumbled before rejoined the war effort immediately – three more years of hard fighting him. Akagi, Soryu and Kaga were out of action. Hiryu, fighting in vain lay ahead before Japan finally and formally surrendered to Nimitz to remain formidable, immediately launched torpedo raids against any aboard the battleship Missouri. For some, the rehabilitation would American carriers they could find. They had one objective: destroy the continue years after the war ended. For all, the memories of those June U.S. Pacific Fleet. days around a tiny atoll in the Pacific would never fade. Japanese torpedo bombers zeroed in on the first carrier in sight: