VOL. 7 | ISSUE 3 July 8, 2017
AN EXCHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE NIMITZNEWS.WORDPRESS.COM 1
NIMITZ NEWS
in this issue:
Capt. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Jimmy Hailey Command Master Chief
Media Department 4
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Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Donnelly PAO Ens. Meagan Morrison DIVO MCCS Ahron Arendes Media DLCPO MCC Grant Probst Media LCPO MC1 Porter Anderson Media LPO MC1 Jose Hernandez Production LPO MC2 Holly Herline Phojo WCS MC3 Marc Cuenca Lead Designer
An Exchange of Perspective: Is the grass really greener on the otherside? Nimitz Sailors are finding out what exactly is different and what stays the same as they pay a visit to the Royal New Zealand Navy Sailors aboard the Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77).
Collars Tucked: Let’s go behind the scenes on one of our own Nimitz Sailors. We look past the collar devices on our uniforms and get to know the person behind them. What we discover might surprise you.
MC2 Jessica Gray MC2 Austin Haist MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Elesia Patten MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 Kenneth Blair MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Deanna Gonzales MC3 Ian Kinkead MC3 Weston Mohr MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Cole Schroeder MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MC3 Leon Wong MCSN David Claypool MCSN Cody Deccio MCSN Emily Johnston
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A Lifelong Dream: Everyone has a dream. For some, their dreams are close to becoming reality. For U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Midshipman 1st Class Chandler Chiappe, becoming a Navy pilot is all he wants in life. Follow his journey as he continues his path aboard the Nimitz.
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Sailor | on the | street |INDIA
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AN EXCHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE MC3 COLE SCHROEDER
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Excitement and mystery flooded their system.
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They had found out just days before about the trip to an unknown platform. The step-by-step preparations only made them more anxious to find out what lay in further waters. As they walked to their MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, their emotions seeped to their faces, and the excitement crept into the corners of their smile. Their shining teeth revealing a subdued joy. As the Helicopter left the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the short ride over open ocean left many of their unspoken questions unanswered. Will they be friendly? Will I understand their accent? Will the environment be uptight? What is their food like? Before long, the helicopter was chocked and chained to the flight deck of the Royal New Zealand Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77). As the group exited the helicopter and walked through the compact hangar bay, Royal New Zealand sailors were eager to meet each and every one of us. I was one of the few lucky Sailors
MC3(SW) WESTON A. MOHR
The USS Howard (DDG 83), the USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), both left, and two ships from Destroyer Squadron 9, middle, and the Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha (F77), transit the Pacific Ocean.
MC3 COLE SCHROEDER
Royal New Zealand Navy sailors perform a traditional New Zealand song and dance during a bilateral interaction with Sailors from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11,
that were granted the opportunity to view life on the ocean from a New Zealander’s perspective. I can’t speak for the rest of the Sailors who were afforded the same opportunity, but this was my first time on a different ship besides Nimitz, let alone one from a different country.
The accent. This was the very first thing that hit me. It played right into my imagination, and perfectly exemplified what I thought a New Zealand sailor would sound like. It rang as a mix between dignified British and laid back Aussie. Within minutes I felt myself asking questions just to hear more of the foreign jargon. We walked through the
passageways of the ship, and my eyes darted in every which direction. It was immaculate. There was no dust or dirt to be found. This was the doing of all the sailors that were out and about cleaning when I arrived. They were all hard at work, but within the same moment of time, I felt their warm, inviting, relaxing faces hit mine. I could feel the warmth of each individual and the welcome they were extending to me with their body language. The first stop was the mess, which shouldn’t be confused with their mess deck, which actually is what they call where they sleep. We all walked in and set our bags down. Being in media, I immediately got my camera and gear out and started documenting my adventure. The
MC3 COLE SCHROEDER
U.S. Navy Sailors from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Sailors of the Royal New Zealand Navy pose for a group photo during a bilateral interaction aboard the HMNZS Te Kaha
televisions in the room were filled with modern music videos. Decks of cards and board games scattered the tables, and joyful, welcoming smiles blanketed the faces of Sailors around the room.
After an initial meet and greet, we headed to the kitchen. Organized, relaxed, and fresh. As we looked through the galley, three New Zealand sailors were hard at work, preparing the midday meal. The food was fresh, the equipment was extremely organized, and the sailors were talking and joking as they cut fruit, tossed salad, and prepared different pans and dishes for baking. We headed to the bridge, and once again the ease and relaxed attitude pulled me into the space. It was after more introductions that it finally hit me. ‘Not a single person here has referred to me by my last
name.’ Every person I met in my short time aboard simply called me Cole, which really only added to the feeling of family. As we exited the bridge, our next stop was an enlisted mess deck. The equivalent of a U.S. Navy Berthing. As we reached the space, I looked around at some of the other U.S. Sailors. Collectively in body language, but singularly with one voice, we all asked the same question, “Why are all your boots and shoes lined up outside the space?” With a peculiar look, one of the New Zealanders answered, “because we like to keep them off the carpet inside.” it was a small detail, but it really embodied my entire experience. Everything was so different here. They have carpet in their berthing! We moved on with the tour, and I mentally created a list of all the oddities I’d seen throughout the day.
Men with beards, women with pony tails and jewelry, coveralls with no undershirt, first names with no formalities. The list went on and I really started to appreciate this different way of life. Next stop on the tour was dinner. We headed back for the small but quaint galley and joined the short line of New Zealand sailors. I grabbed a white ceramic plate from the shelf and turned to the large oblong serving window in the bulkhead. I couldn’t believe it. The food looked like something out of a magazine. Without tasting it, I turned to Riley, our guide for most of the day, and asked him if the feast I saw was only for the visit. He looked at me with wonderment and told me it was really one of their more average meals.
I couldn’t believe it. After sitting down with my plate, I decided to take a picture as evidence to everyone back on the ship. After the first couple bites, we all extended our love for their food. When one Sailor explained that he had never had chow like this on the boat, the same befuddled look we saw so many times throughout the day resurfaced on a New Zealand face. An explanation was once again given on the miscommunication. Like so many other Navy terms, chow is simply called scran in the New Zealand Navy. After dinner was over, there was plenty of time for cards, games and socializing. It was during these final hours that I reflected on my day and my experiences. I realized that although I would go back to Nimitz with New Zealand coins, patches and stickers, the biggest possession I was taking back was the experience of a different perspective.
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COLLARS TUCK
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MC3 IAN KINKEAD & MC3 COLE SCHROEDER
KED
NN: What are your main hobbies outside of the Navy?
GF: My main hobby outside of the Navy is basically DJing. I also love sightseeing and sports like softball, baseball and soccer.
NN: Is it true you are a pretty good DJ?
GF: Haha, yes I was told that I was a very good DJ. I have done a lot of different events like Navy balls, khaki balls and an engagement.
NN: When did that start and how did that start?
GF: So I love music. Since I was a little kid I have loved music, but the whole DJ thing started when I was on the Kitty Hawk, and then I got more and more interested in getting to know other DJs and getting more equipment. I love the fact that a DJ is an entertainer, and just seeing people have a good time while you are doing your thing is a good feeling.
NN: What was the very last song you listened to?
GF: “Arab Money” by Busta Rhymes
NN: How do you keep yourself occupied while
we are on deployment?
GF: My work keeps me busy, but besides that I try to stay engaged with my Sailors. I PT, a lot. That’s my main outlet along with my music. I brought my DJ equipment onboard. Just in case you were wondering.
NN: Can we expect you to DJ at any events during deployment?
GF: Im pretty sure we will be having a steel beach picnic, so I’ll be playing for that, and the Second Class Petty Officer Association might have some events that I’ll set up for.
NN: So what did you do before the Navy and what made you want to join?
GF: I graduated out of high school, but I started working under the table at the age of 15 at a super market in Brooklyn. I also worked for another super market out there where I basically ran the entire grocery department at age like 17 or 18. I joined the Navy because I had a rough childhood. I learned how to be humble. I just did it to help my family, to help my mom. It was never like I was going to do four years and get out. I was going to take advantage and run with it.
NN: How much can you bench press?
El Gaucho and the other is Stanley and Seafort
NN: What’s your favorite sport?
NN: Would you rather run a mile on the flight deck barefoot or not be able to use shower shoes for a week?
GF: In my younger days I used to bench press about 285, but I’m getting old so...
GF: Soccer
NN: Favorite international team? GF: Brazil
NN: What’s an average weekend in the life of Chief Forero?
GF: Im a home body, family type of guy. So I usually like to do things with my kid. Go adventure, go eat, go play or do anything fun.
NN: What would someone find in your fridge?
GF: Haha you guys are digging deep huh? But I like fruits, a lot of fruit.
NN: What’s your dream car? GF: Tesla, I like the idea of self-driven cars.
NN: What is your favorite place to eat near Bremerton?
GF: There’s a couple I really like. The expensive one is
GF: Say what?! Neither haha
NN: Would you rather be punched in the face by Mike Tyson in his prime or be locked in a room with Bruce Lee for three minutes? GF: I’ll take the punch from Mike Tyson, knock me out, I’ll wake back up. Three minutes with Bruce Lee, $#*@ no. He’d kill me.
NN: Dogs or cats? GF:Dogs
NN: iPhone or Android? GF: iPhone
NN: Coke or Pepsi?
GF:None, haha. Come on I’m the CFL.
NN: Any idea what you want to do after the Navy?
GF: I want to have a chill job, making about 120,000 dollars a year, or maybe be my own boss.
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A LIFELONG DREAM MC3 LEON WONG
The hot, concrete runway blazes in the Texas sun as both father and son make their way down to the light blue biplane. The two hop in to the cockpit and begin their preflight procedure. The father moves swiftly and skillfully, pushing buttons and flipping switches as he watches his child struggle to strap in. The large propeller starts to spin and the aircraft begins to rumble. The child gives his father a thumbs up. He can hardly stay still from the adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was nothing more than a normal Saturday morning for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Midshipman 1st Class Chandler Chiappe, from Granbury, Texas, as he was growing up. His uncle, father and grandfather were all recreational pilots. Being surrounded by aviators all of his life made it clear to him what he wanted to do when he grew up. He knew he wanted to fly, but he wanted to take it to a whole new level. Following in his father’s footsteps in being an aviator would end up taking a slightly different course than he expected. “To me, the peak of aviation was being a Navy pilot,” said Chiappe. Ever since he was a child, Chiappe knew
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“To me, the peak of aviation was being a Navy pilot.” -USMMA Midshipman 1st Class Chandler Chiappe
he wanted to be a naval aviator. “When my family was moving, I remember finding pictures and letters saying that I wanted to be a Navy pilot since first grade,” said Chiappe. Now, 15 years later, Chiappe has dedicated most of his life working toward that dream. His school of choice was the United States Naval Academy (USNA). “High school was all about getting everything to look as good as possible to try to get in to the Naval Academy,” said Chiappe. “Academics was the biggest for me. Beyond that, I tried to get leadership roles and extracurriculars to help me stand out. I was the tennis captain, drumline captain and an eagle scout.” Despite his best efforts, Chiappe was not accepted. According to forbes.com, the acceptance rate to the Naval Academy was roughly eight percent at the time he applied. “My first question was: Why?” said Chiappe. “It was my goal for 10 or 12 years at that point. I was like, how did I work so hard and not get in? Little did I know, it would end up working out even better than I could imagine.” Chiappe found out about the USMMA when he was in 8th grade. He knew there was a possibility of going to naval flight school afterward and always had it as his backup. USMMA is one of five federal service academies and is funded by the Department of Transportation. The school’s mission is to educate and graduate licensed Merchant Mariners to serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. “Navy flight was always my goal,” said Chiappe. “Although the Merchant Marines was a backup, it ended up panning out pretty well.” Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and an unlimited merchant marine
officer license from the U.S. Coast Guard. They also have the option of joining a branch of the U.S. military as a commissioned officer. Chiappe specializes in the deck program at the USMMA. The program focuses on topics such as navigating ships, running cargo, maintaining ship stability and business. Sea time is built in to the curriculum at the USMMA for midshipmen in their second and third year at the academy. It is designed to give midshipmen practical knowledge of operations aboard various vessels. Chiappe is finishing up his sea time from his third year and is currently attached to the Navigation department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the only midshipman aboard from the Merchant Marine Academy. “I’ve been focused on learning the ins and outs of operations on the bridge,” said Chiappe. “I’ve also been able to talk with hundreds of people, from the junior-most Sailors to the captain and admiral.” Chiappe plans to use the maritime knowledge he obtained through the Merchant Marines and Nimitz to become a better Naval aviator and officer in the future. “Talking with the people has probably been the biggest learning point for me, officer and enlisted side,” said Chiappe. “I’ve been spending a lot more time on the enlisted side than I expected, but I’ve only learned more than I ever imagined from that.” With less than a year left until graduation, Chiappe patiently awaits the approval of his flight school application. Many of his peers will continue as civil service mariners or sailing aboard commercial vessels, but this is only a stepping stone towards his lifelong dream of becoming a Naval aviator.
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through | the | lens
Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate Matthew J. Rayburn, a native of Beaumont, Texas, shoots an M14 assault rifle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, June 23, 2017, in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by MC3 Ian Kinkead Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, perform an inspection of a jet engine, June 29, 2017, in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by MC3 Leon Wong Sailors assist the Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz, middle, in the cutting of an Independence Day cake on the aft mess deck, July 4, 2017, in the Sulu Sea. Photo by MC3Cole Schroeder
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Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Erik Potter, a native of Clovis, N.M., sits in an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the “Eightballers� of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from HSC-8 flies alongside during a missile exercise with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), June 28, 2017, in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by MC3(SW) Weston A. Mohr Sailors perform a 21-gun salute during a commemoration ceremony for the Battle of Leyte Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), July 3, 2017, in the Surigao Strait. Photo by MC3 Leon Wong Sailors sit on the bow of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as they transit through the Strait of Malacca, July 6, 2017. Photo by MC3 Leon Wong
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crossword
channel list CH. 02- TRAINING CH. 03- TRAINING CH. 04- TRAINING CH. 05- SITE TV CH. 07- SITE TV CH. 07- SITE TV CH. 08- AFN CH. 09- SITE TV CH. 10- ILARTS CH. 11- TRAINING CH. 12- MOVIE SCHEDULE CH. 13- SHIPBOARD UPDATES
SuDOKU
Find Chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
Religious service schedule Friday
weekly throwback Sailors and their families observe an air performance during a Family Day cruise day in 1977.
1200 Muslim Lay Service (Relmin Classroom) 1700 Jewish Lay Service (Ship’s Chapel)
Saturdays
1600 Catholic Confession (Ship’s Chapel)
Sundays
0830 Catholic Mass (Fo’c’sle) 0830 Lutheran Lay Service (Ship’s Chapel) 1030 Protestant Service (Fo’c’sle) 1030 Latter-day Saint Lay Service (Ship’s Chapel) 1300 Gospel Lay Service (Fo’c’sle) 1700 Catholic Mass (Ship’s Chapel) 1800 Heathen Lay Service (Relmin Classroom) 1900 Protestant Service (Ship’s Chapel) 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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s ' C M C : R E N COR r a b a l Ma
For a large part of the crew, India will be the first overseas liberty port that they have ever visited. Every time I speak to a group of Sailors, liberty and India seem to be the hot topic. So why not discuss it here with you today. In 23 years and seven deployments, this is going to be the first time that I have set foot on the continent of India, and I have to say that I am pretty excited about it. Since I have never been there and I know nothing about Chennai, I downloaded the eBook “India: Where to go, What to see,” on my iPad before we left and have been reading up about it. Without going into the intimate details of India, the first paragraph of the book sums it up pretty well. “Chennai is the most remarkable city of South India for more reasons than one. It is not an obviously beautiful city, but has lots of character. It’s worth exploring Chennai for how it makes you feel. From its effervescent locals to chic
bars and clubs, there’s quite a lot to experience in Chennai.” The one piece of advice that I can give you if this is your first time in India, or even the first time overseas is to get out and see or do something memorable. When you look back at your time in the Navy, the port visits overseas should be some of the best memories that you have. I know that it can be easy to walk up to the first bar that you find and stay there for the duration of your time ashore, but there is much more fun to be had when you actually take in the culture. I know that there are still plenty of questions on the deck plates and I can assure you that we are working to get those answers as I write this. That’s all I have for this week, I look forward to seeing you all around the ship.
CMC out 15
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