NIMITZNEWS VOL. 8 | ISSUE 02 August 6, 2017
INSIDE:
USMAP NIMITZ MWR Nimitz Sailors Receive Pay Benefits and Exemptions
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CONTENTS Vol. 8 | Issue 02 4 USMAP: Journeyman-Level Apprenticeship Story by MC3 (SW) Weston A. Mohr
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 LCPO MCC (SEL) Porter Anderson Media CPO (SEL) MC1 Jose Hernandez Media LPO MCSN Emily Johnston Lead Designer MC2 Holly Herline Creative Lead MC3 Weston Mohr Phojo WCS
10 Sailors Receive Pay Benefits and Exceptions Story by MC2 (SW/AW/IW) Holly L. Herline
6 Nimitz MWR
Story by MC3 (SW) Weston A. Mohr
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MC1 Marcus Stanley 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 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 Kennishah Maddux MCSN Jose Madrigal
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USMAP
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Earn your journeyman-level apprenticeship while in the military. For many Sailors and Marines, the Military is great for on-the-job training, and with the United Service Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), they can attain tangible proof to show their next employer how much experience they gained. USMAP works with the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide nationally recognized apprenticeship programs which result in journeyman-level certificates of completion for members of the sea services. During their apprenticeship, service members document hours worked while performing the duties associated with their job in the military. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has 813 Sailors on board with completed apprenticeships and 720 who are currently working on theirs. “The DOL offers programs like this on the outside as well, only you have to pay for it,” said Navy Counselor Chief Petty Officer Desiree Rivers, from Everett, Wash. “USMAP, however, does not cost a Sailor anything. It is completely free.” The apprenticeship’s available coincide with the work service members are already doing on a day-to-day basis. Each certificate has a certain amount of hours MC3 (SW) Weston A. Mohr
required for completion and once the set hours are worked and the certificate is received, it gives Sailors a leg up in the Navy and against their civilian counterparts. “Inside the Navy, it shows your chain of command that you can start something and finish it on your own time without supervision,” said Rivers. “When you separate from the military and you’re writing your resume for a new job, your resume is going to have that certification on it, so the benefits of the program are twofold.” Machinery Repairman 1st Class Carmen Vescio, from Fulton, N.Y., received his USMAP certificate back in 2012. “In the Navy, if you do it step by step it will give you the tools to be great at your job by helping you with your in-rate knowledge; helping you with your advancement exam, while also furthering your career,” said Vescio. Vescio was advanced to first class petty officer within 5 years of being in the Navy, and said that it was because of everything he learned while also working on his apprenticeship. “For people like myself, this program is huge,” said Vescio. “We get to get out
of the Navy and jump right into a leadership position as a civilian instead of being the guy fetching the tools and having to learn how to use the machines.” Vescio received his certificate after logging 9,000 hours on the Inside Machinist apprenticeship. “I would have to work for years as a civilian to get my journeyman,” said Vescio. “My time in the military counts as progress with my career on the outside as well. Why would you not use this program to your advantage?” By completing an apprenticeship program through USMAP, service members can save time and money by not having to complete them in the civilian sector. Working 40 hours a week allows someone to complete about 2,000 hours in one year. For service members underway or on deployment they are able to log even more than that, meaning an apprenticeship is attainable in a shorter span of time. With Nimitz being on deployment, the longer a Sailor waits to enroll is just time that they can’t claim for their apprenticeship. There is no downside to the program since it is time already spent working.
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MC3 (SW) Weston A. Mohr
MWR
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Our job is to make sure Sailors enjoy themselves in their down time. They are the ones working to defend this country, so they deserve every benefit that we can get them.
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-John Porter, “Fun Boss”
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Life aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) involves long, hot days for every Sailor aboard. Sailors work hard and don’t stop until the job is done, keeping everything running as it should. But, at the end of the day, these Sailors are still people. People, who still like to relax and have fun after a long day of work, just like their loved ones back home. Although, fun isn’t a word that comes to mind for most people when they think of a warship, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), a division of Supply Department, is in charge of making sure the crew stays entertained. John Porter, the Recreation Afloat Specialist for the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), is the man in charge of MWR aboard the ship. Most Sailors refer to him as the “Fun Boss”, simply because fun is his job. “MWR gives Sailors an escape from the work that surrounds them at all times,” said Porter. “I’m here to make sure Sailors have something to do in their off time by presenting new and alternative events to what goes on every day.” Porter and his team of 11 Sailors, from S-7 division, run the three different MWR offices on board Nimitz; the ticket office, the gear issue office and the MWR office. The ticket office is where they sell tickets to events such as bingo, where Sailors can win big prizes while out to sea. Nimitz has its own gear issue office which allows Sailors to check out items such as basketballs, video games, board games, and even music equipment. They have a selection of more than 1800 movies to rent. And the best part is, all of the gear issued is free! You only
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MWR gives Sailors an escape from the work that surrounds them at all times.
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have to pay for it if you lose it. The MWR office is the hub for the events aboard Nimitz. They prepare and host events such as hangar bay movie nights, instrumental jam nights, card and game tournaments, volleyball, dodgeball, bingo, and many more. “I wish that more people knew that we are here and would use us,” said Porter. “We have so many things that go unused and people that miss events that we have, just because people didn’t know we had them.” You can find a calendar of different MWR events for the month on the ship’s SharePoint. Events are also posted outside the MWR office and are usually sent to all hands via email. With Nimitz being on deployment, this is the longest many Sailors have been out to sea.
The extended amount of sea time can take a toll on the Sailors, so MWR has been coming up with more activities, to ease the pressure or stress of deployment. “I like that they’re pushing out a lot more events now that we’re on deployment and I feel like it helps raise the morale of the crew,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Keller, a native of Hartville, Ohio, one of the many Sailors who enjoy what MWR has to offer. Nimitz is on deployment, MWR plays a pivotal role in providing Sailors with activities during port visits. MWR plans different tours for the ports that the ship will pull into and tries to give Sailors the best experience possible in the little amount of time they have to explore a new place. “Working on upcoming port visits is the fun part,” said Porter. “Making sure you have enough to do is the hard part, but it’s also very rewarding. I don’t want to see Sailors sit around and do nothing when we pull into these countries, go out and explore, ride an elephant, see some culture!” “Even if we don’t have an event that you’re interested in, come by the office with your idea and we’ll try to put it together,” said Porter. MWR is now taking requests on their SharePoint page where Sailors can submit their ideas for events. “It’s a great time to be military because everybody appreciates everything you do,” said Porter. “Our job is to make sure Sailors enjoy themselves in their down time. They are the ones working to defending this country, so they deserve every benefit that we can get them.”
Upcoming MWR Events 7 August 2000 MWR Card Game Night (Nimitz Academy) 8 August 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 9 August 2000 PS4 NBA 2K17 Tournament (Aft Mess Decks) 11 August Sports Ball Cap Day 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 14 August 2000 Card game night (Nimitz Academy) 15 August 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 16 August 2000 Open Mic Night (Aft Mess Decks) 18 August Sports Ball Cap Day 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 2000 Big Bucks Bingo (Site TV) 19 August 2000 Trivia Night (Aft Mess Decks) 21 August 2000 Card Game Night (Nimitz Academy) 22 August 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 25 August Sports Ball Cap Day 1900 Popcorn Night (MWR Office) 26-29 August BAHRAIN 30 August 2000 Karaoke Night (Aft Mess Decks)
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Nimitz Sailors Receive Pay Benefits and Exemptions MC2 (SW/AW/IW) Holly L. Herline
Sailors currently deployed
aboard the aircraft USS Nimitz (CVN 68) operating in the 5th Fleet area of operations may be noticing something different about their paychecks. They may also be hearing the buzz around the mess decks concerning a guaranteed way to make more cash. 10
These Sailors are noticing the benefits of operating in a tax-free zone and hearing about the Savings Deposit Program (SDP). “The SDP is a program set up by the government to help service members in active duty combat zones and those supporting combat missions,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael Tagg, Nimitz’ Command Financial Specialist from Gainesville,
Florida. “It is intended to help them save some money and prepare for the future in addition to whatever programs they have set up for themselves.” Tax free exemption, much like SDP, is provided for Sailors and Marines that qualify due to the area they are operating in, or the mission they are supporting. “There are a list of areas that are eligible and our current one qualifies,” said Tagg. “We are allowed to do it, because we in are directly supporting combat missions.” It only takes one day out of the month to qualify for tax free paychecks. Because Nimitz entered the Arabian Gulf during the month of July, Sailors became eligible and saw the results as of the July 31 pay check. This exemption will continue until the ship and its crew leaves the current operating area. To be eligible for the SDP, Sailors and Marines aboard must have been deployed in an eligible area for at least 30 consecutive days or at least one day in three consecutive months. In order to sign up for the program, applicants will need to fill out allotment and check cashing forms with the disbursing office. These forms will be accepted starting Monday, August 7. Deposits can be made by allotment,
check or Navy cash card. Deposits may not be more than $10,000, or a service member’s base pay plus entitlements for one month. Sailors and Marines are reminded to turn off the allotment once they depart the combat zone. “[Disbursing] handles the actual deposits and ensures the money is deposited the day it is eligible, which is 30 days after we enter the area of operations,” said Tagg. “For us it will be August 21. You can continue to make more deposits if you have the money to do so and haven’t exceeded your limit. The money stays there and automatically starts collecting interest.” 90 days after service members leave the combat zone they will return their money with all the accrued interest to whatever bank account that was provided. “The only negative aspect is that
“The SDP is a program set up by the government to help ser vice members in active duty combat zones and those suppor ting combat missions.” whatever money you deposit is tied up in that investment and you can’t touch it,” said Tagg. “You can request a withdraw once we leave the zone using processes similar to any time you take out money early, but it will be a bit of a process and you will need a reason.” Despite being in a tax free zone, the interest you make off of your investment would still be taxable. “The catch for sailors and marines on deployment is that this program is primarily for service members that are in combat areas for a full year or more,” said Tagg. “This is the part that a lot of people get confused on and I
Interests Deposits made on or before the 10th of the month accrue interest from the 1st of the month. Deposits made after the 10th accrue interest from the 1st of the following month. 10 percent per annum is compounded quarterly on amounts up to $10,000. Interests paid are taxable.Upon leaving combat zone, interest will continue to accrue for an additional 3 months.
Deposits Deposits may be made by allotment, cash (including Navy Cash) or check. They may not exceed $10K OR your Base Pay plus all entitlements (BAH/Sea Pay/BAS) for one month. Maximum of $10K can be deposited for the duration of the time entitled. We will require a copy of the member’s LES during deposits.
W ithdrawals Service members may close their SDP accounts only after departing the combat zone. Emergency withdrawal must be approved by the CO. Funds will be transferred electronically to the direct deposit account on record or may be deposited to another bank account you identify or via funds returned to you.
Key Dates Monday, 07Aug17: Allotment forms and Check Cashing forms will be accepted at the Disbursing Office Monday, 21Aug17: (31st day in Combat Zone) Deposits will begin processing. 1-30 September: Interest start accruing on money deposited in program.
get a lot of questions about.” The program is advertised as a guaranteed 10 percent back, but that is only an annual percentage rate. “For us, we only get what percentage of a full year that we spend supporting combat missions,” said Tagg. “With our current schedule we will be in theatre for around 4 months and we will continue to accrue interest for three months after we leave. The most we can get is 5-6 percent interest because we are not here for a full year.” Sailors and Marines can be deterred by not receiving the full 10 percent. The one thing Tagg stresses is that even if they only get 5 percent back, that is a guaranteed risk free 5% over a relatively short amount of time. “It’s hard to find an investment like that anywhere else,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Robert Viloria, a Nimitz Sailor from Milwaukee. These pay benefits and exemptions will not affect the way Nimitz Sailors will have to do their taxes early next year. “There will be no extra paperwork. It will all be automatically done by DFAS,” said Tagg. “Your W-2 will only reflect what money you made and not even distinguish the tax free money you made. You will file your taxes like normal.” Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce.
Disbursing Office Underway Hours:
1-31 October: Interest continues accruing based on deposits.
Mon-Sat:
1-30 November: Interest continues accruing based on deposits.
Sun/Holiday:
0900-1100 1300-1530 1800-2000 1300-1600
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1. AN Matthew Martin stands a full bore watch in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by MC3 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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Nimitz At-Sea Religious Service Schedule SUN
KEY: C – Ship’s Chapel F – Foc’sle CLSRM – RELMIN Classroom 14
0900 Roman Catholic Mass (F) 1700 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1900 Protestant Service (C) MON 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1900 Catholicism 101 (CLSRM) 1900 Gospel Men’s Bible Study (C) TUE 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) WED 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1200 Bible Study on “Attitudes” (CLSRM) 1900 Bible Study (CLSRM) THUR 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1800 Protestant Praise Team Practice (F) 1900 Protestant Fellowship (CLSRM) FRI 0830 Protestant Service (F) 0900 LDS Lay Service (C) 0930 Lutheran Lay Service (CLSRM) 1000 Gospel Lay Service (F) 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1200 Muslim Lay Service (CLSRM) 1800 Heathen Lay Service (CLSRM) 1900 Kabbalat Shabbat Jewish Lay Service (C) SAT 0900 Seventh-day Adventist Service (C) 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (C) 1600 Confession-Roman Catholic (C)
crossword
channel list CH. 02- TRAINING 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- TRAINING CH. 13- SCROLLER
SuDOKU
Find Chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
Brainteaser Mail Call onboard Nimitz in 1976.
What is the maximum value of change that you can have in U.S. coins (pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters) without being able to give someone exact change for a one-dollar bill? The maximum value of change you can have without being able to give exact change for a dollar is $1.19~this is achievable in two ways: The first way is with three quarters, four dimes and four pennies. the second way is with one quarter, nine dimes, and four pennies.
weekly throwback
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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