4 April 2014|VOL. 40| ISSUE 12
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NIMITZ NEWS
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth Executive Officer Capt. J.J. Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Greg Renick Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media DIVO Ensign John Mike Media LCPO MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 Michael Cole Editor MC2 Phillip Ladouceur Lead Designer MCSA Kole Carpenter
Media Department
MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Devin Wray MC2 Ryan Mayes MC2 Jacob Milner MC2 Jess Lewis MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 Vanessa David MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Sam Souvannason MC3 Nathan McDonald MC3 Joshua Haiar MC3 Kaitlyn Haskett MC3 Eric Butler MC3 Siobhana McEwen MC3 George J. Penney III MCSN Aiyana Paschal MCSN Andrew W. Price MCSN Kelly Agee MCSN Victoria Ochoa MCSN Eli Buguey MCSN Lauren Jennings MCSN Derek Volland Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening. “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.
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INFORMATION THE NAVY WANTS TO HEAR YOUR ALCOHOL THOUGHTS From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
USE & ABUSE
Take the survey: TIME TO COMPLETE: less than five minutes https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KWYE The anonymous survey asks Sailors about their personal use of alcohol and changes they have noticed in use of alcohol among their peers and shipmates. “The survey will help us determine how effective the ‘Keep What You’ve Earned’ campaign has been in encouraging responsible drinking habits among Sailors, and what recommendations they have for future campaign activities.” -Dorice Favorite, director of Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RESPONSIBLE DRINKING:
www.nadap.navy.mil.
Stay active in Next april with fitness Week in programs on base Athletics and on board. April 7 / 9
XTRAIN
1600-1700
The Commons
April 8
ZUMBA
1030-1130
Hangar Bay 2
April 9
April 10
1130-1230
1600-1900
SPIN4LUNCH RUN CLUB Nimitz Spin Room
Pierside Plaza
April 8
SNOWSHOE 5K Prizes for All
BEGINNERS ENCOURAGED
Story by MCSN (SW) Aiyana Paschal
ON BOARD
BACK IN BUSINESS
Photo by MC1 (AW/SW) Michael Cole.
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hen Nimitz takes part in underways, Sailors new to sea duty, and even those with experienced sea legs, may find the idea of getting underway daunting. Trying to take care of things at home while underway may add unneeded stress to an already stressful environment. A power of attorney might be one of the most important documents you complete before going underway. Simply put, a power of attorney is a written document where one person appoints another to act on his or her behalf in a legal capacity. Powers of attorney can be written to either general (full) or limited to special circumstances. A power of attorney can be revoked at any time. Mortgage payments, tax audits and motor vehicle concerns are some examples of situations that might require a power of attorney. Sailors on board are encouraged to visit Nimitz’ legal office to get free advice on power of attorney and other legal issues. “You never want to grant someone a general power of attorney unless you very much trust the person that you are granting the authority to,” said Lt. Jim Mosimann, from Kansas City, Mo., Nimitz’ mini judge. “Really, that rule applies to a special power of attorney too, but it’s especially true with general powers of attorney.” Nimitz Legal Department is open for customer service hours from 8 a.m.
to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday. “It’s a really easy process,” said Mosimann about granting powers of attorney. “All the legalmen in here are very well trained. They’ll knock this stuff out for you.” Bills are another commitment you cannot ignore while underway. Not following through on a contract can mess up your credit along with various other repercussions. “Sailors will not be able to get out of any sort of contract just because we’re getting underway,” said Mossiman. “Sometimes that is the case, however that will not be the case right now.” Automatic payments are a service in which a bank allows an account holder to pay personal bills by transferring funds out of an account and to a vendor. Even though Nimitz’ upcoming underways are not very long, it is still important to make sure your bills are getting paid. Prior to going underway, it is important to always establish a plan with your dependents beforehand so you are not struggling to do so while at sea. “Make sure your dependents are squared away,” said Mosimann. “If you’re going to be gone for a while make sure they have money to buy groceries and pay the rent. When we’re out to sea, don’t assume that there will be communication. Don’t assume that there will be internet to where you can solve these problems. Plus, people are busy when we’re underway so the last thing you want to do is become frustrated by trying and figure out how
to provide to put food on the table for your kids back home.” While it can be stressful for Sailors underway, dependents at home can also become overwhelmed if left with too many things undone. That is why it’s important too take care of as much as you can together before an underway. “My family likes to take care of all the business things first, such as day care for our children, enrolling our daughter in kindergarten, setting up doctors appointments and taking care of bill payments,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Deborah B. SanGregory, from Port Angeles, Wash. “That way, if an issue does come up while you’re underway, your spouse will only have that issue to deal with, instead of that issue and all the other little things. When you prepare early, your time before an underway can be spent having fun with your family instead of stressing about what your plans are.” Sailors shouldn’t forget their pets when going underway, but sometimes kennels can be expensive or finding a dog/cat sitter for an extended period of time can be tough. For those service members with pets, websites like dogsondeployment.org help find responsible pet lovers who volunteer to take care of service member’s animals while they are away from home. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful underway period can boil down to something as simple as preparedness. Taking care of things at home will ensure you are taken care of underway.
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HERITAGE
1 “Crackin’ the Kraken” Original Artwork by MC3 (SW) Joshua D. Haiar
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121 Nimitz Celebrates Creation of CPOs Story by MC3 (SW/AW) Nathan R. McDonald
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ailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated the 121st birthday of the creation of the chief petty officer rank April 1. The event carried special significance this year as the khaki ball, an event celebrating newly promoted chiefs, will be held April 4. The event is usually held in the Fall following CPO 365 Phase II. Nimitz’ celebration was postponed due to its 2013 Western Pacific deployment. “There is no greater or more distinct transition point in your career than when you go from first class petty officer to chief petty officer,” said Nimitz Command Master Chief Greg Renick. “One of the big things that comes along with that is the distinct sense of heritage and understanding that you’re joining a body that as of this year is 121 years old.” For newly promoted chiefs, this year’s birthday celebrations carry the added weight of history due to its proximity to the khaki ball. “This is the first year I will be able to celebrate this date,” said Chief Electronics Technician James Corris. “It gives a real sense of history to know that for 121 years chiefs have been a part of this world’s greatest Navy.” The dual celebrations align well with the importance chiefs place on maintaining a sense of heritage. “It’s incredibly important to each chief,” said Renick. “We pay homage to those who started all the way back in 1893. It’s a huge part of the transition we instill in our new selectees every year. We preach the message that ‘this is bigger than you.’ That’s why we take the time to keep the heritage and history alive.”
Keeping a proud past in mind while pivoting toward the future has long been a tenet of chiefs and continues to provide motivation. “When I think about the fact that I am part of a brotherhood that has been leading and bringing up Sailors for this long, it makes me very proud to say I am and always will be a part of it,” said Corris. “The job doesn’t end when you leave the ship for the day. Many days I go home and will continue to think of how to help my Sailors.” Celebrating the chiefs’ birthday is more than simply celebrating a rank. “This is more than just about a group of professionals that we take the time every year to celebrate,” said Renick. “I thought this would be the perfect time to celebrate our khaki ball. Obviously because of our operational schedule and deployment last year’s group of chief selectees didn’t get to enjoy their khaki ball. We owed them a makeup and it’s also important to socialize outside the ship. That component is important, and it works really well doing it around the chiefs’ birthday because it allows us to celebrate being a chief in that setting.” The sense of camaraderie in the chiefs’ mess is more than an ideal celebrated once a year, it is a palpable aspect that has helped make chief petty officers the deckplate leaders they are today. “I didn’t realize the weight that being the chief would be,” said Corris. “We were always told that it is a tough job. Finding every answer for my Sailors can be challenging at times. I am able to call on any of my fellow chiefs any time, day or night, and they will be there for me.”
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Nimitz CPOs Celebra
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ate 121st Anniversary
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FITNESS
Nimitz Fit Boss Ashley Alford (right) leads ET2 Qifa Zhou (left) and OSC Travis Lovegrove (center) explore Everett on foot.
RUNC step up to the
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Story and Photo by MC3 (SW) George Penney
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he world blurs at every step down the unfamiliar trail. Your heart rate rises with each passing mile. This is the farthest you’ve ever run and your body wants to give up. But the person next to you won’t let you quit. Together you push the limits of your cardiovascular system, and the will to go on continues to triumph. This is the essence of running. This is Nimitz’ run club. Every Thursday at 4 p.m., a group of running enthusiasts meet at Pierside Plaza to venture out into the world with Nimitz’ Fit Boss Ashley Alford. A different location is chosen each week to keep runners guessing and ensure that a change of scenery is never in doubt. “It’s a way to get Sailors off base and explore the world around them while also enjoying a good run,” said Ashley Alford, Nimitz’ Fit Boss. Alford painstakingly researches each possible location, making sure to include a challenging cardio workout, while also spotlighting the beauty of Washington’s Snohomish County. “A lot of research goes into choosing each location,” said Alford. “The best part about the journey is exploring while you run. You are not only getting in a great cardio session, but also taking in the beauty around you. It is the best of both worlds.” Sailors who’ve participated thus far have enjoyed the unique locations and company offered by the run club. “The run club takes me to a different location each time,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Qifa Zhou. “It helps me discover the area, fun places to run and a good
group of people to run with.” This positive outlook is shared throughout the group.“I have never liked running on treadmills,” said Chief Operations Specialist Travis Lovegrove. “The change of scenery is good motivation to get me running and enjoying the fresh air.” Alford hopes that running with other people will motivate Sailors and foster a love of running that is sometimes hard to come by. “My goal is to put a positive spin on running,” said Alford. “Sailors will get to socialize with other running enthusiasts, and really help motivate each other to keep moving.” Although fitness is the name of the game, exploration and a sense of community help to strengthen the focus behind run club and ensure a lasting future as part of Nimitz’ Sailors’ fitness regiment. “Yes, we want to get Sailors ready for the PRT [physical readiness test],” said Alford. “But on top of that, I want Sailors to have fun and enjoy their time away from the base, and away from the ship.” Alford is always looking for suggestions, and hopes that those familiar with the area may provide new and exciting places to run. “Suggestions are always welcome, and will not be turned away,” said Alford. ”I want Sailors to feel comfortable thinking outside the box, providing suggestions and knowing that those suggestions will be researched for future runs.” Sailors can sign up for Nimitz’ run club by visiting the Fit Boss page, located on the intranet.
CLUB
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COMMUNITY
Nimitz Sailors Volunteer for Adopt-A-Stream Story and Photo by MCSN (SW) Aiyana Paschal
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group of Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in an Adopt-A-Stream community relations (COMREL) project at McCollum Park, March 27. The Adopt-A-Stream program is constructing a path for a “boardwalk” type walkway so visitors can enjoy a Northwest wetland. Nimitz Sailors have been helping out at the site for more than a month now. “We meet with the Navy personnel about once a week,” said Marian Hanson, a volunteer with a master’s degree in landscape architecture. “When ever they help, we get so much done. They’ve helped tremendously.” Sailors helped by removing indigenous plants from the muddy trail and replanting them off of the trail. Invasive species were also removed from the trail and surrounding area. Boots, rain jackets and gloves were issued at the beginning of the COMREL and were much needed for work in this wetland. For Air Traffic Controlman Airman Elegia Hendricksbulado this isn’t her first time helping out here. “I came back because one, it’s fun, two, COMRELs are a big thing for our division, and three, it’s just a good way to give back and be a part of the community,” said Hendricksbulado. The group meets once a week, on Thursdays from 8 to 12. For information on how to become involved in the Adopta-Stream COMREL, contact Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Ricky Williams or Air Traffic Controlman 2nd Class Joseph Wagner by email.
AC3 Yusuf Egal relocates a tree off the beaten path.
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On The Cover photo by MC3 (SW) George Penney III
Nimitz Media Department captures day to day life
CTTC William Jaeger poses for a photograph celebrating the 121st birthday of the chief petty officer.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
photo by MCSN (SW) Aiyana Paschal
CMC Greg Renick and the Nimitz CPO mess observe morning colors on the flight deck to commemorate the 121st anniversary of the CPO rank.
DEEP CUTS
photo by MCSN (SW) Kelly Agee
HT3 Sheka Parson cuts a pipe in the hangar bay.
FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
photo by MCSN Derek Volland
Sailors man the hoses during a firefighting drill in the hangar bay.
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