Nimitz News, Sept. 1, 2011

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz News

September 1, 2011

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Vol. 36, No. 35

Advancement Exam Information Petty Officer 1st Class exam: Sept. 1st Eligible candidates muster at 6:15 a.m.

Must be seated no later than 6:45 a.m.

All candidates MUST Bring ID Uniform is clean NWUs Seating information can be obtained from LPOs and CPOs

Petty Officer 2nd Class exam: Sept. 8th Eligible candidates muster at 6:15 a.m.

Must be seated no later than 6:45 a.m.

All candidates MUST Bring ID Uniform is clean NWUs Seating information can be obtained from LPOs and CPOs

Petty Officer 3rd Class exam: Sept. 15th Eligible candidates muster at 6:15 a.m.

Must be seated no later than 6:45 a.m.

All candidates MUST Bring ID Uniform is clean NWUs Seating information can be obtained from LPOs and CPOs Personnel requiring a 60 day extension are required to submit a special request chit to the ESO, bottom lined by Department Head, no later than Sept. 9.

Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz signs the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri (BB 63) Sept. 2, 1945. Photo Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pauses to remember end of WWII Story by MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones

and Nagasaki only weeks earlier had changed everything.

Japan surrendered unconditionally. The war, at long last, was over.

Tomorrow marks 66 years since U.S. Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed the Instrument of Surrender as United States Representative, on board USS Missouri (BB 63) SEE "MISSOURI" PAGE 10

The guns were silent. The eerie quiet of Tokyo Bay that morning was sharply contrasted by the vast amounts of U.S. and Japanese warships assembled there. The last time these forces were this closely assembled, the skies were ablaze with bullets, ordnance, planes ‌ kamikaze fighters.

U.S. forces had been pushing the Japanese back across the Pacific for the last three years.

It had been a brutal struggle and the Imperial forces had no intention of going quietly. U.S. forces had been preparing for what was sure to be a long and drawnout fight when the time to invade Japan had come, but that USS Nimitz (CVN 68) museum will be open to offer Sailors a chance to view a replica of the flash over Hiroshima Instrument of Surrender. Photo by MCSA Jess Lewis.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 1, 2011

Proud to be a complainer Commentary by MC2 (SW/AW) Amara Timberlake

Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Editor MC3 Robert Winn Lead Designer MCSN Jacob Milner Media Dept MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Amara Timberlake MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSN Jacob Milner MCSN Alexander Ventura II MCSN Renee Candelario MCSA Jessica Lewis MCSA 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.

A lot of people that know me and have worked closely with me know that I don’t really hold back when I have a concern. Some have even gone as far as to call me a complainer. Whenever someone makes some sort of generalization about me I instantly get irritated. But why? It’s true, I do complain a lot, but I also feel like things go my way most of the time as a direct result of my complaining.

When we did the homeport change from San Diego I thought I was ready. I extended to get a homeport change certificate, I went to all the briefs and read all of the information the chain was putting out. When I went to go arrange my move online, I was met with much resistance. I started the process while we were out to sea on the LAN and it seemed like it took 87

Why is it that people would rather me waste my time and have me deal with a stupid machine than just take the time to talk to me (when that’s actually her job)?

I got so frustrated that I just quit. My roommate got a U-Haul and I put my stuff in there. Problem solved.

They also kept calling and emailing me for weeks after that wanting me to do a survey of their service.

I participated and let them know how dissatisfied I was with their service, and the fact that no where in the initial process could I have a real person to talk to.

I complained because I felt like they were doing bad business.

Fast-forward nine months and it’s time to move again. Yipee!

I begrudgingly logged in and attempted to set up a move. Surprisingly, I made it through after only two attempts and I even received a confirmation email

“Why is it that people would rather me waste my time and have me deal with a stupid machine than just take the time to talk to me (when that’s actually her job)?"

-Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Amara Timberlake

hours just to get a password from DPS. Once I finally received my credentials and logged in, I found the online forms to be redundant and convoluted. I didn’t even want to hire someone to move my stuff; I was going to get a U-Haul and do it myself. Somehow, this website was not onboard with my plans.

Being frustrated almost instantaneously, I left the ship early on day in search of help. I ended up at the 32nd St. base in a little office with no air conditioning.

I signed in and took a seat and waited for about an hour. Finally a civilian lady called my name and asked me what she could help me with. I told her that I was doing a homeport change and I needed help.

She said, “Did you go to the website?”

Before I could get my words out, she said “You need to go to the website.” She gave me a paper with some instructions (that I already had) and told me to have a nice day.

from an actual person. In the email, the person on the other end requested that I come to her office to fill out paper work, IN PERSON. Amazing! I went to the office and got to talk to the person who emailed me. She was really nice and she answered all of my questions and gave me fact sheets and other numbers to call if I had more. That’s all I ever wanted from these moving people.

Yep, I’m a complainer and sometimes things don’t go completely my way but the stuff that’s really major and really wrong typically ends up in my favor. So maybe if more Sailors spent time complaining about matters that are relevant instead of why they have to take the trash out, they might get their way a little more often.

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz News

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Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton's 1131 Early Promote barracks house Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and other ships assigned to the base.

Nimitz Sailors to return to ship from barracks Story by MC3 Ian Cotter Photo by MC3 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield Since USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived at its homeport in Bremerton, Wash., Nimitz Sailors have experienced a more spacious personal life.

Since the shipboard berthings are inhospitable during Nimitz’ drydock period, Nimitz Sailors have called the barracks facilities on Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton home for more than eight months. As Nimitz draws closer to changing homeports once again, Sailors will have to move out of their barracks rooms explained Chief Culinary Specialist Sherwin Penaranda, Nimitz’ command barracks coordinator.

All married Sailors geographically separated from their spouses (geo-bachelors), E-5 Sailors and above, and E-4 Sailors with over four years of Naval service will be moved back aboard the ship until it changes homeports. “Those Sailors who are E-3 and below or E-4 who have had less than four years in the Navy (E-4 under four) will continue to stay in the Bremerton barracks,” said Penaranda. “Who gets to stay in the barracks will be coordinated by their department leading chief petty officers.”

When Nimitz finally pulls into Naval Station Everett, Sailors will be able to experience the Homeport Ashore program where they will have the chance to live in a barracks facility again. The same barracks rules Sailors abide by in Bremerton also apply in Everett.

Also, each room is roughly the same size as the ones in Bremerton.

“It’s an intensive process to get a room, and Sailors will have to be squared away,” said Penaranda. “Each department will be allotted certain numbers of beds based on their departments’ percentages of E-4 under four Sailors.”

There are roughly 1,800 Nimitz Sailors living on base in Bremerton, which includes all of the barracks facilities and geo-bachelor housing.

Out of that, 1,300 of those Sailors are E-4 under four and eligible for barracks living at Everett. However, only 512 beds are available to Nimitz Sailors at Naval Base Everett, making competition for these rooms fierce.

“I have to make sure all of my stuff’s straightened up now if I’m going to live in the barracks (in Everett),” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Adrian T. Parham, a Nimitz Sailor currently living in the Bremerton barracks. “I don’t want to live on the ship, and there’s a lot more privacy in the barracks. It’s also a great motivational tool to get Sailors to square themselves away so they can keep their rooms.”

Naval Station Everett barracks facilities are only open to Nimitz Sailors who are E-4 under four. It’s up to department LCPOs to decide which Sailors will get to live there. “Sailors should stay competitive with their qualifications, work ethics, initiative and collateral duties,” said Penaranda. “Only exceptional Sailors will be able to move into the barracks in Everett.”

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Nimitz News

Dry dock time offers opportunity for quals

Sept. 1, 2011

Story and photo by MCSN Jacob Milner As USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepares to leave the dry dock, the opportunity for Sailors to get their qualifications before Nimitz goes underway will not be around forever.

The dry dock period has offered a unique opportunity for Sailors to receive training and achieve qualifications that may be more difficult to obtain otherwise.

While in dry dock, Nimitz has offered both Basic Damage control and basic 3M maintenance qualifications during the indoctrination period for new Sailors. With the dry dock period coming to a close, this may no longer be possible.

“The possibility of our schedule changing that would compress our window of ability for training to a point where we just don’t have time to wait,” said Fire Controlman Senior Chief John Krauss. “Sailor’s qualifications need to be done, and out of the way, because we have to become a cohesive team during the training and work ups that are up coming.”

The emphasis for training lies, not only for individual Sailor’s qualifications, but receiving training so that Sailors can become part of the team during integrated training and in times of need.

“We have integrated training as in general quarters,” said Krauss.

“Sailors need to have the basic knowledge of the PQS that they’re working on so that they have the tools that enable them to perform during our training so that they we can integrate all of our teams together into one fighting unit.”

Having the necessary PQS and training is to not only better for individual Sailor’s and their careers, but the more of the crew that is trained for advanced qualifications, the better it is for Nimitz and her ability to complete her mission.

Sailors combat a mock fire during a general quarters drill aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Chester's Champions

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors and contractors are honored for their diligence in safety and watch standing during a “Chester’s Champs” ceremony in hangar bay 2 Monday. Electronics Technician 2nd Class David Lund, Engineman 3rd Class Manuel Rosales, Operations Specialist Seaman Michael Barnett, Personnel Specialist Seaman Carlos Orozco, Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Robert Plair, Brandon Buchanan, Jennifer Czarnik, Allison Miller and Brendon Phillips were recognized for their services during the ceremony. Photo by MC3 Robert Winn.

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz News

Seaman Scott Ashmore mans the helm during normal shipboard operations.

Elite Sailors steer ship during challenging evolutions Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn It had been three days since USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed San Diego for the last time. The ship was steaming up the coast with its new homeport in sight. We’d navigated between the Tacoma narrows and had crossed the Puget Sound. There was one last turn, Rich Pass, before we could dock in Bremerton. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Jones had seen this turn before. He’d attempted it multiple times in a simulator on 32nd Street Base. Each time he ran her aground. But this time, when it counted, his palms

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weren’t sweaty, his heartbeat was calm. He doesn’t have the option of being scared, all he can do is be confident in the orders he’s given and execute them precisely.

The ship curled around the embankments at the only time it will fit, slack water at high tide. The crew on the bridge could see into peoples’ backyards rather than the sea around them. They had to fit the ship in an area that was no more than twenty or so feet longer than the ship.

The ships’ master helmsmen are called upon to help get Nimitz through difficult areas, like Rich Pass, without incident.

“My adrenaline was going,” said Jones. “A lot of people were relying on me. The Gator, assistant navigator, commanding officer, officer of the deck and my guys downstairs are all counting on me to not mess up.”

“When we do (replenishment-at-sea), you’re dealing with tenths of a degree in terms of steering the ship,” said Cmdr. John (Gator) Bushey, Nimitz’ Navigator. “If you stray too close, you run the chance of running into the other ship. If you start to lean too far away, you’ll snap all the lines that go between the two ships.”

Master helmsman is a very prestigious position, with only three people onboard Nimitz appointed by the commanding officer to wear the signature red ball caps, said Bushey.

“We have people qualified to steer the ship,” Bushey said. “To be a master helmsman though, you have to earn the trust and confidence of the CO. After that you’d be called on to man the helm during things like dragging anchor, pulling into and out of ports, RASs and going through narrow shipping lanes. ” “The CO has to have complete confidence in you,” said Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Eric Wilson. “He wouldn’t call me up (to steer), and I’ve been in 24 years.”

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Chandra Hayden is the furthest along of seven people in the program run by Bushey to qualify Sailors to be Master Helmsman. Sailors from a variety of rates including Air Traffic Controllers, Master-At-Arms, Aviation Boatswain’s mates, Culinary Specialists and Personnel Specialists have volunteered for the program.

“The only time I’ve been really nervous was the very first time I assumed helmsman,” said Hayden. “I’d been trained before and I had someone there to make sure I’ll be okay. But, you know they’re done training you and now it’s trial by fire.”

Hayden said her motivation for gaining this qualification goes beyond just earning a cool hat, “It’s a big step in my career. Master and Coxswain are the only two (qualifications) I have left that I can get.”

Bushey encourages anyone and everyone to try their hand at driving.

“Anyone who’s on the fence about whether they should sign up should come up to the bridge and try it,” said Bushey. “If you don’t feel a rush, then you won’t have lost anything and you can go back to what you were doing.”

For more information on the Master Helmsman program and how to join, contact the Navigator on the barge or at Navigator@ cvn68.navy.mil.

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Nimitz News

The show must go on Story by MC3 Ashley Berumen Photos by MC3 Nichelle Whitfield

Drive-in theater allows for classic movie going experience

Sept. 1, 2011

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz News

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Concession stand/projection booth plays film on a drive-in screen at the Rodeo Drive-in theater.

I thought drive-in movie theaters were extinct. If I didn’t have a distant memory of my parents piling my three brothers and me in the back of our old Station Wagon and the 30 minute drive to the closest drive-in, I would go so far as to say they only existed during the 1950s era - where girls in poodle skirts delivered chocolate shakes on roller skates at a diner filled with James Dean clones.

While driving to Lake Cushman last Saturday, I drove past what appeared to be a desolate lot with movie titles on a marquee. The movies were relatively new releases, and since my co-pilot was asleep in the passenger seat, I made a mental note to find more information about the drive-in.

According to the theater’s website, www.rodeodrivein.com, this drive-in boasts more than an 850-car capacity, three screens playing double features and a wide variety of snacks to enjoy whilst movie watching. It is also the second largest outdoor theater in the Northwest.

Although the lot I saw seemed as though it had been years since anyone drove or had stepped foot on it, I was interested enough to drag a friend out for a different movie-viewing experience.

Before we got to the drive-in, we stopped to grab some food for the movie. I know ... classy, right? But E-4 pay doesn’t exactly allow you to indulge very often.

Although the lot opened at 7:30 p.m., the movies didn’t start playing until sunset. While this obviously makes sense since the screen is outdoors, it could prove to be inconvenient for some if the first movie doesn’t begin until close to 9 p.m.

We were greeted by a friendly woman at the cashier’s booth. She explained that weekdays are typically a lot slower than weekends, and handed us our receipt that listed the radio station on which our movie would be playing.

We drove to the number three lot and parked. A voice came on the radio saying it was a great night to be at the drive-in. Apparently, my friend had switched the radio station when I wasn’t looking.

The lady was right, it was a slow night. Besides my car, there were less than 10 other vehicles there. A little boy was dressed in his Captain America costume and running around the lot with his older brother.

It was a little rainy, so the windshield wipers had to be kept on for the entirety of the movie. However, it wasn’t coming down hard enough for it to become a distraction.

The drive-in is definitely worth a visit. For $7.00, one can view two movies and avoid sitting in a freezing cold theater confined to a oneseat angle. The drive-in allows you to avoid having to sit behind “that guy” who repeats lines right after they are said in the movie and laughs obnoxiously out loud at something that was maybe worth a chuckle… maybe.

Drivers can choose where they want to park their vehicles, and the way the lot is set up, it’s nearly impossible for another vehicle to obstruct your view of the movie.

The only downside was getting blinded by the late arrivers’ headlights, but for the price and the entire experience, it wasn’t too much of a deterrent.

Rodeo Drive-In is located on SR-3 South across from the Bremerton airport, and is only open until the end of September. So, whether you have children who can’t sit still very long, you’re going on a date, or just looking for something to do, take advantage of a night at the drive-in while you still can.

(Below and opposite) Jack Ondracek, owner of Rodeo Drive-in, manually loads the next film reel during movie.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz celebrates diversity with hispanic heritage month Story and photo by MCSA Jess Lewis September is Hispanic Heritage Month. In recognition of this, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is helping promote diversity among the various cultures represented by Sailors on board.

“The importance behind celebrating the different cultures is to spread the word about how multiple cultures contribute to military success,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Justin Lartigue, liaison between the multi-cultural committee and Nimitz CMDCM (AW/SW) William Lloyd-Owen.

“It’s a cross-cultural exchange to emphasize Hispanic contributions to American society,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician Maintenance Julia DeFilippo, Nimitz’ command equal opportunity advisor.

As the CEOA, DeFilippo is responsible for providing themes, posters and any Department of Defense information to the committee.

She also provides oversight, education and guidance to committee members.

“We’re always looking for more Sailors willing to get involved in the planning meetings,” said Lartigue.

The committee meets every Wednesday at noon in the barge training room classrooms.

The Multi-Cultural committee is slated to host a celebration in the barge enlisted galley during chow at the end of September. The committee is planning to have a menu featuring authentic Latin desserts, drinks and various entrees.

Members of the multi-cultural team aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) meet to discuss itunerary of the hispanic heritage luncheon.

“We want support from all hands for true appreciation for what everyone does,” said Lartigue.

Everyone should have a role in participating in order to help understand cultural influences across the board and to learn where Latin heritage is mixed in with American heritage, said DeFilippo.

“It’s about celebrating the similarities instead of expounding on differences,” said DeFilippo. “The goal is for acceptance and understanding overall.”

For more information, contact Chief Lartigue at justin.lartigue@ cvn68.navy.mil, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonna Obermiller at jonna.obermiller@cvn68.navy.mil or Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Susana Saenz at Susana.saenz@cvn68.navy.mil. For more information about Hispanic Heritage Sailors can also visit http:// www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_ special_editions/CB11-ff18.html

EAWS program overhauled: New process to earning pin Story and photos by MCSA Derek Volland The Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualification program has gone through a major overhaul to the way Sailors earn the pin.

The EAWS overhaul was taken on by a group of command and maintenance Master Chiefs from the aviation community. In an effort to follow the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy’s requirement that all enlisted Sailors earn warfare qualifications, the old EAWS books are going away. Instead Sailors will receive a qualification card and a 50-page study guide.

Another change is that the Sailors will have 30 months in which to complete the four-phase qualification card from the day they enroll. Twenty-four months is the estimated average completion time.

“We, here on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), are still going over the instruction,” said Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Jonny

Harris. “We’re still finding out how it’s going to be worked into the ship’s instructions.”

Harris explained how the changes affect Sailors currently enrolled in the EAWS program.

Phase one makes the Navy wide requirements match up to a ship’s indoctrination that every Sailor completes during their first few months on board. The second phase deals with the qualifications that are required by each department. The third involves Sailors completing a walkthrough where they examine and handle exactly what they have been studying. The fourth and final phase involves a written exam and an oral review board.

“As of right now, we are no longer going to be issuing the EAWS books. Any Sailors who are currently 50 percent of the way through the old system will be allowed to finish getting the pin using the old system,” he said.

“I think it will make things run a lot smoother while Sailors are getting their pins,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd

Class Gary Davey, leading petty officer of the Repairable Assets Management (RAM) work center of S-6 Department.

With the streamlining of the qualification process, Sailors arriving to Nimitz from commands of the same platform will remain qualified.

Sailors who leave their command, under certain circumstances, before achieving the EAWS qualification will still have a chance to complete their qualification. Sailors on temporary assigned duty (TAD), those who have been injured, individual augmentees (IA), and others on a case-by-case basis will have their qualification clock stopped when they leave, but the clock will start up again when they return.

“The greatest thing about this program is that if you have an injury, they can stop the clock on when the deadline is,” said Davey.

“When you come back everything is just as you left it. You don’t have to redo anything.”

For more information contact your departmental EAWS Coordinator.

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz News

Nimitz urges Sailors to enjoy safe fun throughout Labor Day weekend Story by MC3 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield The Sailors of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are preparing one another for Labor Day weekend 2011.

As a part of the movement to ensure the proper safety measurements are being exercised, Nimitz Sailors will be checked and instructed on the proper use of their Safe Ride cards.

“We are going to do a specialized gauntlet on Friday,” said Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Kirk Elliano. “It’s going to be a different set up. Normally we just verify that you have your safe ride card on you.

This time, if you don’t have it, you’re going to be delayed in departing and have to go back to a place to get instruction.”

Previously, a new card was issued and the quarterdeck watch would have you write your name and allow you to leave the Friday before a holiday, said Elliano.

Sailors will have to remain on board longer on Friday if the Nimitzissued Safe Ride card isn’t presented upon request to go ashore.

Sailors without Blue Cards will have to muster in the enlisted galley on the barge to attend training before the reissue of a new card. After that, Sailors will then be permitted to begin liberty for the holiday weekend, he said.

Fourteen alcohol related incidents, including three cases of Sailors driving under influence and two cases of reported underage drinking, occurred on Nimitz September 2010.

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“Last year alone, one Sailor and one Marine lost their lives during Labor Day weekend,” said Lieutenant Commander Joshua Porton, Nimitz’ assistant safety officer. “Another 52 Sailors were injured at varying levels. There were sporting accidents, motor vehicle mishaps and other off duty incidents from stuff like hiking and camping.”

People may feel like they won’t get another chance to enjoy the end of the summer, explained Porton. Labor Day weekend is the last long weekend of summer. It may be the last time people have off. With the warm weather going away, people try to do things last minute and attempt to get everything crammed in at once, he said.

Elliano advises Sailors to use their heads and use the Safe Ride card if the situation calls for it. Spending $40 on a cab ride is much better than the $10,000 in fines accrued from being pulled over while intoxicated.

“One of the worst statements to hear say is, ‘Hey hold my beer and watch this!” said Chief Aviation Boastwain’s Mate Christopher Greene.

“Nothing good usually follows a statement like that. Realistically, what I tell them is to go out there and have good responsible fun, and before you do anything, ask yourself if there is anything you’re going to get in trouble for and if it’s worth it. Is usually never is.”

Porton advises Sailors to maybe pick one thing to do, plan it well and have a good time rather than try to do too much.

“A big thing about safety is just planning ahead,” he said.

Nimitz Shines Bright USS Nimitz (CVN 68) illuminated its hull numbers for the first time since the ship started Docking Planned Incremental Availability. Photo

by MC3 Shayne Johnson.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 1, 2011

Brother's Army service inspires Nimitz Sailor to 'Go Navy' Story by MC3 Shayne Johnson People join the military for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for financial reasons, money for college, family tradition or just the desire to serve the country, there is always a reason behind one’s motives for signing a contract binding them to the U.S. military. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but everyone who has signed their name on the line did so of their own free will.

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cody Moulton did just that. A Hennessey, Oklahoma native, Moulton joined the Navy in April 2006.

However, the Navy wasn’t his first choice. He wanted to be like his brother and join the Army straight out of high school.

“I saw that he was serving the country and it inspired me to also join,” said Moulton. “I wanted to be like him.”

His brother was sent to Iraq after basic training. It was one year later when tragedy struck. Moulton was still in the Delayed Entry Program for the Army.

“I think they were by a tent when it happened,” said Moulton. “My brother didn’t have his Kevlar on him and a mortar landed right behind him.

Shrapnel was shot into his back. The explosion killed both people to the left and right of him.”

His brother, surviving the attack, urged Moulton to join another service because the situation in Iraq was bleak. Moulton had decided on either joining the Air Force or the Navy, and opted to join the Navy.

“I got out of Army DEP and decided to serve with the Navy. To me, it was the better option,” said Moulton.

Before joining the Navy, Moulton earned his Bachelor’s degree in business administration while attending Oklahoma State. He also worked as a forklift operator in a warehouse. Shortly after receiving his degree, he joined the Navy as a Fire Controlman. After Fire Controlman ‘A’ school, he came to USS Nimitz and has been aboard for the entirety of his Navy career. During his time on Nimitz, he has performed maintenance on the missile system as well as the ship’s self defense system. He was also the defensive weapons coordinator during INSURV. “While I don’t do my job that much while we are in dry-dock, when I am, I really enjoy it,” said Moulton.

Moulton plans on going to pharmacy school when his enlistment is up in April 2012. He has already signed up for classes in the fall.

Sailors aboard USS Missouri (BB 63) gather to view the surrender of the Japanese Gen.Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff Sept. 2, 1945. Photo Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command.

Missouri:

USS Nimitz museum to open for Sailors to view aritfacts

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in Tokyo Bay. Japanese Gen. Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff, signed on behalf of Japanese Imperial General Headquarters. U.S. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Adm. William F. Halsey, Rear Adm. Forrest Sherman were also present as well as numerous members of the media assembled to document the historic occasion.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will mark the event by opening the ship’s museum, allowing Sailors the opportunity to view a replica of the Instrument of Surrender as well as numerous other personal affects

belonging to Chester Nimitz.

“Every Sailor should take the opportunity to stop by the museum and enjoy these artifacts,” said USS Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Monger. “Just as Nimitz was called to represent our country at the conclusion of the war’s end, we all should strive daily to proudly represent our ship’s namesake.”

For Sailors interested in further information on the surrender, The Naval History and Heritage Command webpage hosts an extensive inventory of imagery from the signing ceremony at: http://www. history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwiipac/japansur/js-8.htm

Members of the Japanese delegation assemble to sign the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri (BB 63) Sept. 2, 1945. Photo Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command.

Sept. 1, 2011

Nimitz Sports Nimitz News

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Your one stop shop for all things sports

Nimitz Sailors bring softball skills to Bangor Story by MCSA Derek Volland It’s time for softball here in the Pacific Northwest, for the last few weeks the Angry Burds have been playing in a local softball league at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor.

The Angry Burds is a softball team made up of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) personnel. The team, while predominantly made up of Hospital Corpsmen, is made up of a mix of rates.

Wanting to boost the morale and teamwork in her department Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jessica Williams made the suggestion to form the team.

“There’s always been a gap between medical and dental.

Where medical doesn’t get along with dental,” said Williams.

“I wanted to get everyone together. It was kind of like saying ‘Hey,

we may not work well together, but at least we can have fun together outside of work.’”

The Angry Burds are currently 2:2. A fifth game will take place soon.

“We’re not about winning,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Federico Avila, the other Angry Burds coach. “The team is mostly about getting people outside and doing something together.”

Along with the softball team, they have started having cook outs and playing paintball together, anything they can come up with to help them build a better relationship with one another.

“If you’re looking for entertainment, that’s us,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ashley Harvey, a member on the Angry Burds.

The games are played twice a week with practices three days a week behind the gym on Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor.

Sailors meet masters Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Juan Naranjo and Senior Chief Machinery Repairman Edgardo Agustin pose with other United States military service members at the Boeing Classic golf tournament August 28, as the only U.S. Navy representatives at the event. The tournament honored servicemembers by hosting its first-ever Military Appreciation Day in an effort to have as many servicemembers as possible to take part in the celebration. The event, which took place at Snoqualmie Ridge, was held to honor the United States and those who have fought to protect it. Photo courtesy of Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Juan Naranjo.

Page 12

Nimitz News

Sept. 1, 2011

The Nimitz Five-Stars practice offensive drills before the season opening flag football game at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Tuesday.

Flag football season gets underway Story and photos by MC2(SW/AW) Amara Timberlake Naval Base Kitsap’s flag football league is home to 25 teams, three of which are made up of all USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors. The Nimitz Five Stars are a team of 22 Sailors and coached by Chief Warrant Officer Claude Backman.

“We got a good group of people out here,” said Backman. “We’ve got guys from different departments, E-2 to E-6, some who have played together before and some people that are new to the mix. The chemistry is there though.”

The team has been playing together for three seasons now and is settling in to the Pacific Northwest way of football.

“The biggest challenge we have is getting adjusted to the rules of this area,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Donta Wills, team captain. “We’re used to playing in San Diego but up here there’s a lot more rules.”

Since the team’s inception, the Five Stars have cultivated a fierce rivalry with another Nimitz team.

“The G-Force… they’re alright,” said Wills. “But we’re not really too worried about them.”

“They’re one of the most feared teams in the league and they have an overwhelming amount of talent, but we already beat them when we played them in the pre-season,” said Backman.

While the Five Stars are craving a second victory over the other Nimitz team, Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class James Barbour said both teams are a benefit to the ship as a whole.

“This is something we all commit to in our off-time,” said Barbour.

“We practice three times a week, compete twice a week, and we try to go out and be a good representation of the Nimitz while we’re away from the ship.” The Five Stars have been a practicing as a team for about three weeks in preparation for last night’s season opener where they fell to the Rain Devils of Bangor’s Naval Submarine Support Command. The team plays on Tuesday and Thursday nights and has one goal for the season: championship.

“We just want to bring one home for the Nimitz” said Wills. “The championships will be in October and November and until then we’re going to work hard to bring it on back to the ship.”

ABFAN Cory Brooks and OS3 Lawrence Riley jump for an interception against the Rain Devils in their first flag football game of the season at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Tuesday.