VOL. 8 | ISSUE 4 October 15, 2017
Back to the Ring 1
CONTENTS Vol. 8 | Issue 03 3 OIR WRAP-UP
By MCSN Kennishah Maddux
NIMITZ NEWS
Capt. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Jimmy Hailey Command Master Chief
MEDIA DEPARTMENT
Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Donnelly PAO Ens. Meagan Morrison DIVO MCCS Ahron Arendes Media DLCPO MCC Grant Probst Media External LCPO MCC Porter Anderson Media Internal LCPO MC1 Jose Hernandez Media LPO MC3 Weston Mohr Phojo WCS
Nimitz spent 91 days in the Arabian Gulf. Read on to find out a few things the crew accomplished.
6 NIMITZ CANCER 5K By MC3 Weston Mohr
More than 250 Sailors and Marines Read about how uses boxing participated in this a 5KSailor to support friendstoand relieve familystress backwhile home.Nimitz is underway.
10 BACK TO THE RING
By MCSN Emily Johnston
Read about how this Sailor uses boxing to relieve stress while Nimitz is underway. 2
MC1 Marcus Stanley MC2 Austin Haist MC2 Holly Herline MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Elesia Patten MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 Kenneth Blair MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Marc Cuenca MC3 Deanna Gonzales MC3 Ian Kinkead MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Cole Schroeder MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MCSN David Claypool MCSN Cody Deccio MCSN Emily Johnston MCSN Kennishah Maddux MCSN Jose Madrigal
14 NIMITZ JET SHOP
By MCSN Kennishah Maddux
It takes alot of work and attention to detail for the Sailors of Nimitz’ Jet Shop to keep the aircraft of CVW 11 flying.
HEADING
HOME
NIMITZ CONCLUDES SUPPORT OF OIR
STORY BY MCSN KENNISHAH MADDUX
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The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) performed a vital role in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) since July 25, having launched 1,322 sorties and dropping 903 pieces of ordnance in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Throughout more than three months of operations in the region, the ship and its crew have worked hard supporting the mission by building 1,112 pieces of ordnance and working day and night on the flight deck. It’s a team effort by the entire crew, air wing and embarked staffs aboard the ship. “Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, DESRON 9, Nimitz, the air wings… all of us work together very closely,” said Capt. Michael Spencer commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11. “The teamwork that we have here is really amazing to see. The enthusiasm throughout the operation
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is inspiring to watch. It’s a pleasure to work with them every day.” Thanks to the hard work of each individual aboard, whether on the flight desk or inside the skin of the ship, Nimitz’s time in the Arabian Gulf has been a successful one, according to Spencer. “We really have done some amazing things,” said Spencer. “When it’s over, I will look back fondly at how well this team worked together and how effective we were when we were over here.” It takes an immense amount of provisions to sustain the crew while performing in the U.S. 5th Fleet area
of operations. So far, the Nimitz crew has received more than 7,597 pallets of supplies. Of these provisions, the hungry Marines and Sailors have consumed more than 12,000 pounds of hamburgers, 69,000 cookies and washed it all down with over 16,000 gallons of milk. Hungry not just for food but also for a taste of home, the team has received 1,462 pallets of mail. Weighing in at over 160,820 pounds, the deliveries consist of care packages and letters from friends and families, boosting the morale of the crew aboard. While in the region, Nimitz Medical
“Carrier Strike Group 11, DESRON 9, Nimitz, the air wings; all of us worked together very closely. The teamwork that we have here has been really amazing to see. The enthusiasm throughout the operation here has been inspiring to watch and it’s a pleasure to work with them every day.” -Capt. Michael Spencer commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW 11).
Department has treated 3,071 Sailors and Marines, and they also performed 40 surgeries on board. Despite the department’s busy schedule, they still found time to get 436 Sailors CPR certified. The crew spent time in Bahrain and Dubai during port visits. For these ports, the Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department sold approximately 1,400 tour tickets to the Sailors and Marines onboard. These tours included adventures such as: riding camels in the desert, experiencing the world’s fastest roller coaster and gazing out the window of the tallest building in the world at 2,722 feet. The crew took advantage of the hotel services coordinated through MWR, booking an estimated 2,000 hotel rooms while in the two ports. Sailors and Marines have taken part
in 13 volunteer events during their time in the region helping those in need. This outreach included helping local schools, as well as providing assistance to a dog kennel and a horse farm. “Operating in this region in the middle of summer presented some extreme challenges, but every single member of the crew not only stepped up but exceled beyond any expectation I could have set,” CVW 11 Command Master Chief Petty Officer Brian Happli. “I feel fortunate to be part of such a resilient crew while carrying out our role in Operation Inherent Resolve. We would not be a successful air wing without the tremendous support we receive from the entire Strike Group 11 team. I know the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that has been demonstrated since we left
San Diego will continue as we move forward in this deployment.” Sailors and Marines are continuing to focus on the mission and what they must accomplish going forward. “The work isn’t over,” said Happli. As the days continue to pass and the role for Nimitz CSG evolves, the focus for the crew remains the same; to safely and efficiently perform each task in accordance to their unyielding commitment to the mission. Nimitz deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to provide maritime security and support OIR. While in this region, the ship and strike group have conducted strike missions to annihilate ISIS as well as operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce.
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FLIGHT DECK 5K FOR CANCER AWARENESS STORY BY MC3 WESTON MOHR PHOTOS BY MCSN EMILY JOHNSTON
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#NIMITZCANCER5K
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U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in a cancer awareness five kilometer (5K) run on the ship’s flight deck, Oct. 26. The 5K run was held to raise awareness for all those who have been affected by cancer. “Cancer has touched so many people that many of you know,” said Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz, executive officer of Nimitz. “Chances are someone you love has been touched by cancer and has affected your family. This is a good chance to be a part of something that shows support.” More than 250 runners showed up to participate in the race, which consisted of 15 laps around the flight deck with nothing on the horizon but the open ocean. A DJ played music through speakers that could be heard across the entire flight deck. Before the run started, guest speakers spoke about their personal experiences with cancer and how it has affected their lives. “My mom had cancer,” said Nimitz’ Command Master Chief, Jimmy Hailey. “You know how cancer is, unfortunately, we still don’t have a cure. She passed on the day before my birthday in 2014. I’m a big believer in the fact that one day we’re going to find a cure. This is a god-awful, terrible disease and little things like this make a difference.” The Chiefs Mess aboard Nimitz purchased, donated and handed out T-shirts to the first 100 runners across the finish line. The Chiefs Mess donated $700 towards cancer cure research. “We wanted to get the Nimitz up here on the flight deck today to run a 5K for cancer awareness,” said Chief Legalman Misty Masters, from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. “They’re running for those they love, those they’ve lost, and to help find a cure.” The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. 8
“They’re running for those they love, those they’ve lost, and to help find a cure.” -LNC MISTY MASTERS
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The arena is packed and the sounds of excited fans resonate off the walls. A nervous, tingling sensation fills your stomach. It’s all chaos. The bell rings, and everything instantly falls into place. You remember your technique, you remember everything you trained for, and it all makes sense.
Back to the Ring STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCSN EMILY JOHNSTON
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HIS IS HOW AVIATION BOATSWAIN’S MATE
(Handling) Airman Erick Dennis, from Jacksonville, Florida, describes how it feels to be in the boxing ring. Dennis started boxing when he was 11 years old. Initially, he did it through an anger management class because his teacher thought it would be a good way to release stress in a healthy way. “When I first started boxing, I didn’t like it,” said Dennis. “I thought it was pointless. I felt like the people I was going up against weren’t the people I was mad at, so it was hard to take out the stress on them.” When he was 14, Dennis met a trainer in Orlando, Florida. Dennis wouldn’t work with him at first, but was the trainer advocate for Dennis when he got into trouble. He told the authorities that he would keep Dennis in check, and has been training Dennis ever since. “He taught me discipline and selfcontrol, two things I struggled with as an adolescent,” said Dennis. After boxing for a few years, Dennis began doing amateur boxing competitions around the United States, and started to enjoy the sport more and more. When Dennis first joined the Navy, he was stationed on the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in Sasebo, Japan. There, he competed with American and Japanese fighters in local gyms. Now that Dennis is stationed on USS Nimitz (CVN 68), he 12
has friends aboard that help him train. One of them is Airman Johnathan Mack, from Norfolk, Va. He helps Dennis with mitt training, heavy bag training, and perfecting various punches and techniques. “Not being able to compete regularly really dampens my chances to be a major contender outside of the military,” said Dennis. “Mitt drills and heavy bag workouts are great, but nothing can compare to the experience of sparring with another person. Anyone can look good hitting a punching bag because it doesn’t hit back.” Dennis said that generally, most boxers come up with a strategy to defeat their opponent before any fight. He, however, never makes a plan. “Once you’re in the ring and you get hit hard that first time, all of your plans go out the window, and you’re just focused on not getting hit like that again, so you fight scared,” said Dennis. “I never get into a fight expecting not to get hit. As a matter of fact, I welcome it, because it lets me see what’s open when my opponent extends their arm.” The hardest part, according to Dennis, is working on the flight deck and then going to train for such a rigorous sport. The long hours of flight operations drain key energy that is necessary to train. The desire Dennis and his trainers share is the only thing that motivates them. They do their best to never lose sight of what’s important, and what’s most important to them is that they don’t lose.
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He puts his blood, sweat and tears into every moment he trains and competes.
“We all have a common goal and that is to win, no matter the cost,” said Dennis. “We don’t do this for fun. Our mission when we come to the ring is simply this: beat our opponent mentally and physically until they submit by knockout. We never want to leave it in the hands of the ringside judges.” Though it’s challenging at sea, Dennis’ trainers onboard do their best to keep him in shape and prepared at all times. Dennis said they keep him on a strict program that involves weight lifting and training, cardio, breathing exercises, heavy bag workouts, two-a-days, defensive drills and a nutrient focused diet. They don’t believe in ‘off-days.’ “His love for boxing is like the need for football in Texas,” said Mack. “He puts his blood, sweat and tears into every moment he trains and competes. Taking boxing away from him is like taking a child away from their mother.” Twelve years after Dennis began boxing, he has grown to love the sport and wants to pursue a career in professional boxing when he gets out of the Navy. “In a lot of ways I think boxing was made for him,” said Mack. “Dennis has always been a proficient boxer. He understands what needs to be done and knows what his
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opponent is trying to do to him. I’ve seen him improve in multiple ways. He can now switch from orthodox to southpaw with ease, and trust me, that is not an easy task to accomplish. His jabs are snapping out more quickly and his reaction time to punches has increased tremendously. “Dennis will go pro after leaving the Navy,” said Mack. “I can see him being a top-notch contender for the belt as long as he keeps his determination and love for the sport.” Dennis’ coach from Florida recently moved to Seattle, and contacted Dennis when he found out he was stationed in Bremerton. Since then, he has been convincing Dennis to train with him and go pro after his enlistment in the Navy. Dennis said that he has a lot of training to do before then, but he has faith that his two trainers onboard will be able to help prepare him, and he’s excited to have them join him on his future endeavors. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. 13
“It’s very important that you stand in the designated areas in case something goes wrong during testing” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Eric Cianciolo, from Simpsonville, South Carolina, “You are my responsibility and if something goes awry out there, it could result in a major casualty.”
It’s 3 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2017 and I am standing in a life preserver vest inside the Jet Shop which is part of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). I am receiving the last words of pivotal instruction during a safety brief given by Cianciolo who is in charge of engine testing in the Jet Shop. After going over the precautions, we venture into the moonlight and onto the fantail to watch this morning’s test of the latest jet engine the crew has assembled. As I put in my earplugs and slip on my cranial, we head out the door to begin the hours of diagnostics the crew puts these engines through. STORY BY MCSN KENNISHAH MADDUX
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NIMITZ JET SHOP
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By: MCSN Kennishah Maddux
“Any motor that is built up here is ran and tested on our test cells,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Deneb Kaminski, from Pittsburgh, one of the daytime collateral duty inspectors of the Jet Shop. “It’s more of a controlled environment. If anything were to go catastrophically wrong there would be a lot less damage. Obviously you’re still looking at potential life risks, but thanks to the training of the crew we are able to minimize those risks and get these engines vetted in a safe manner.”
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Kaminski is one of approximately 28 crew members currently assigned to the Jet Shop aboard the Nimitz. The shop is in charge of handling engine maintenance and repairs. With more than 80 aircraft aboard Nimitz, there are more than enough engines in need of repair and service to keep the Jet Shop busy. “When we started it was just a few engines coming in, now we have four we just put out with another six on the way into the shop,” said Kaminski. In addition to the regularly scheduled maintenance the engines receive based on flight miles, engines also come in when foreign object damage (FOD) has occurred. FOD is caused when debris or objects are
sucked into the engine’s intake during operation which causes damage to the engine or aircraft. “You can tell by looking at it if FOD is the cause of the issue, it can either be severe damage from something large hitting the blades or just residual damage from regular flying such as the wear and tear we see from sand,” said Kaminski. When an aircraft comes into the shop the crew performs a major engine inspection, or MEI. Once the issues are found and logged the choice to either replace certain modules or rework the entire engine is made. Regardless of the course of action, the crew that works in the shop is ready to tackle the obstacles
presented in a timely manner. Kaminski credits the Jet Shop team’s ability for quick turnarounds to the hard work of each individual in the shop, as well as the crew as a whole. “We work really well as a team,” said Kaminski. “Everyone here is really eager to learn and help and that makes it an awesome environment to be a part of.” Thanks to this teamwork, the shop has reduced its engine processing time from a couple of weeks down to as
little as 36-48 hours, said Kaminski. This timeframe includes the initial receipt of the engine, performing an MEI, replacing modules or servicing the engine as needed as well as the final testing of said engine. That expeditious work up time is essential to keeping the ship as a whole operation ready. If it wasn’t for the Jet Shop, an aircraft carrier wouldn’t be able to successfully carry out its mission as efficiently, said Kaminski. You have to be prepared. It’s essential to have replacements ready to go so
that when an aircraft comes back with damage it can be fixed and sent back out to the fight. As the sun rises over the Arabian Gulf, the hardworking AIMD Jet Shop team is still busy testing on the fantail. Many more hours will go into making sure this engine and every other one the shop receives is in top condition so that the rest of the crew can do what it came to do; maintain the highest level of mission readiness to ensure daily success. 17
Crossword
Channel List CH. 02- NIMITZ ORIGINALS CH. 03- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 04- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 05- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 06- AFN CH. 07- AFN CH. 08- AFN CH. 09- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 10- ILARTS CH. 11- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 12- SCROLLER CH. 13- TRAINING
Sudoku
Find Chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
Trivia
Weekly Throwback A Sailor spray paints equipment on deployment aboard Nimitz in 1983
What is the name of the boxer that lost a piece of his ear in 1997 Las Vegas match with Mike Tyson?
Evander Holyfield Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions are subject to review and editing. “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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31. AN Matthew Martin stands a full bore watch in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by MC3 4 Leon Wong
2. ABHAN Derek Slater picks up his firefighting boots after a crash-and-salvage watch. Photo by MC3 (SW) Weston Mohr 3. An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from VFA-146, launches from the flight deck. Photo by MC3 (SW) Ian Kinkead 4. Sailors on the rigging team work and cool off during a replenishment-at-sea. Photo by MC3 (SW) Ian Kinkead 5. Sailors conduct honor guard practice aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 Leon Wong 6. Sailors move ordnance aboard the flight deck off USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo By MC3 (SW) Ian Kinkead 7. Sailors play football on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo By MC2 (SW/AW/IW) Holly Herline 8. An MH-60S Sea Hawk from HSC-8 patrols above Nimitz. Photo by MCSN (SW/AW) Cody Deccio 9. Sailors recieve supplies aboard Nimitz during an UNREP. Photo By MC3 (SW) Weston A. Mohr
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1| AM3 Bernard Meeks (left), from Chicago, and AEAN Kim Williams, from Chicago, chain down a C-2 Greyhound, from the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, on the flight deck. |MC3 Schroeder 2| Sailors practice hose-handling during a firefighting drill on the flight deck. |MC2 Herline 3| Sailors conduct small-arms qualifications. |MC3 Schroeder 4| An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, conducts a vertical replenishment-at-sea. |MCSN Claypool 5| MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters, from the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, participate in a vertical replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7). |MC2 Herline 6| HM3 Carleton Campbell, from Cleveland, Tenn., administers a flu vaccination to ET2 Raven Rathers, from Houston. |MC3 Nichols 7| ABE3 Sime Facini (right), from New York, prepares to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154. |MC3 Schroeder
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