CONTENTS Vol. 6| Issue 04
3 NIMITZ PASSES 3MI WITH FLYING COLORS By MC3 WESTON 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 External LCPO MCC Porter Anderson Media Internal LCPO MC1 Jose Hernandez Media LPO MC2 Holly Herline Creative Lead MC3 Weston Mohr Phojo WCS
Nimitz spent 91 days in the Arabian Gulf. “Nimitz showsRead up onongame day,out come to find a few things the crew hell or high water” and thats what they did. accomplished.
6 CULTIVATING CORPORAL LEADERSHIP By MC3 COLE SCHROEDER
More than 250 Sailors and Marines Read about how uses boxing toand participated in this a 5KSailor to friends What does it take to be a corporal in support the United States relieve stress while Nimitz is underway. Marine Corps?family back home. 10 NIMITZ NAMES SOYS By MC3 WESTON MOHR
MC1 Marcus Stanley 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 Emily Johnston MCSN Kennishah Maddux MCSN Jose Madrigal
12 A FIVE STAR THANKSGIVING By MCSN EMILY JOHNSTON
It takes alot of work and attention to detail for the Sailors of Nimitz’ Jet Shop to keep the aircraft of CVW 11 flying. Find out what this year’s Sailors of the Year have to say about their accomplishments.
It takes an army to feed a Navy ship. CSCM Boos gives an inside look on what it takes to make Thanksgiving happen.
Flt. Adm. Nimitz Never walked on to base He called Charley’s Taxi (808)-233-3333 or The Cab (808) 422-2222
Visit www.greatlifehawaii.com for MWR services Contact travelconnections@hawaii.rr.com for more Recreation Info
Story By MC3 WESTON MOHR
Photo By MCSN Kennishah MAddux
Nimitz Passes 3MI With Flying Colors Inspectors put the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to the test during a maintenance and material management inspection (3MI), Nov. 9-11. A 19-member team from Commander, Naval Air Forces in San Diego conducted the inspection to assess the crew’s ability to perform maintenance per instruction and on the required periodicity. Nimitz’ crew did exceptionally well in all aspects. “3MI is an extremely tough inspection,” said Capt. Kevin Lenox, commanding officer of Nimitz. “The whole point is to find out if the ship is completing its required maintenance, and to find out if the crew is doing the maintenance the right way.” The inspection is the culmination of more than a year’s efforts, through multiple assessments and training visits. At each stage, Nimitz crew members learned more about proper maintenance practices and the paperwork required to document it. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a ship pass a 3MI with such a wide margin,” said Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate Wally Plettner, from Helena, Mont., Nimitz’ lead 3M chief. “It’s truly incredible that a ship this large was able to get 3,200 Sailors all pulling together to get where we are today.” Nimitz Sailors demonstrated their 3M proficiency by completing spot checks on damage control gear and other shipboard equipment. The 3M inspectors assessed different areas of the 3M realm including hazardous materials,
digital databases, and historical maintenance. Additionally, the inspectors looked at how well the shipboard examiners were doing their job and gave training on areas in which the crew could improve. “My biggest kudos and my heartiest thanks go out to all the junior Sailors -- the ones who did the maintenance and passed the spot checks,” said Lenox. The crew was confident they had the knowledge and ability to effectively, safely and properly perform maintenance; and they now have the score to prove it. “Professionalism and perseverance is a part of everything we do and I truly believe we’re going to maintain that standard transiting home, during our upcoming availability, and returning Nimitz back out to sea,” said Nimitz Command Master Chief Jimmy Hailey. “Teamwork is a tradition and is a way of life on board and I am proud to be a part of this crew.” The maintenance inspection was one of the last hurdles for the ship and her crew before starting the journey home after a long deployment. 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. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity.
By MC3 Cole Schroeder
I always say that I learned most of what I know about
leadership in the Marine Corps. Certain principles stay with
you - sometimes conciously, mostly uncontiously. -Retired Marine Corps Col.Raymond Kelly-
The United States Marine Corps creates and develops leaders based on the 14 traits and 11 principles of leadership. These traits and principles were crafted carefully by the Marine Corps to cultivate a successful environment full of individuals ready to work as a team and lead others to success. Marines assigned to the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), are currently participating in the Corporal Leadership School training. “The corporal’s course, otherwise known as Corporal Leadership School is built around refining the young noncommissioned officer (NCO) on leadership principles and traits, warfighting tactics and techniques and drill and ceremonies,” said Staff Sgt. Chandra Drayton, from San Antonio, and the NCO in charge of the course aboard Nimitz. The course itself is a 14-day class, which started Oct. 31, in which newly promoted corporals receive training from higher enlisted on their new roles as E-4’s in the Marine Corps. “It’s a structured course that comes from headquarters of Marine Corps,” said Drayton. “The class refines and retunes the young NCO with the ability to better execute a commander’s intent when officers are not there to give clear, concise direction. You want to make sure you employ the NCO with all the knowledge and tools to make effective decisions.” The course is designed to not only teach the newly ranked corporals about traditions and ceremonies, but learn how to work with and lead those working beside you. “As NCO’s, we are basically the first examples that our new recruits get to see,” said Cpl. Thomas Prassas, from Santa Rosa, Calif., a Marine in the Corporal Leadership School. “Every bit of leadership that we learn as E-1 through E-3 is through the ones we work with on a daily basis. That’s where we learn our Marine Corps values, our traditions and our customs.
Corporals course basically hones in on those. It allows us to improve our skills as leaders, and improve ourselves as well.” This training is given as part of the Marine Corps curriculum to promote growth of knowledge and is given at every enlisted rank. “Professional Military Education is something that we hold vital, especially as Marines.” said Drayton. “This is something you look forward to; becoming a better leader so that you can train Marines more efficiently.” With a target time of six months after the Marine has made the rank of corporal, they are enrolled in the two-part course. “The first is usually six to seven days, which is usually leadership and brilliance in the basics,” said Drayton. “The second part is about warfighting and understanding how corporals play a huge role in that and play a basic role being a Marine. Everything they do is graded and is meant to stress the corporals out. Everything from time management, peer involvement and just getting to know your squad a little bit better. The culminating event is everything they have learned through leadership and war fighting, and it comes together over a one-day scenario where we throw everything at them.”
“The purpose of the course is to constantly increase the amount of tasks and assignments we have to do to increase our confidence,” said Prassas. “Our physical training also gets harder and harder as the course goes on so that we can see the improvement in ourselves, and know what we are capable of.” The outcome of all this training is a Marine with more knowledge on effective leadership. “We pride ourselves on drill and ceremonies,” said Drayton. “We pride ourselves on physical fitness. To have Marines come together and understand our history and background kind of changes their perception of what the Marine Corps was. It’s kind of great to see that transition throughout the course and at graduation.” “I believe my peer-to-peer leadership has improved greatly which is very important,” said Prassas. “You need to be able to work with other NCOs to inspire those ranked below you.” 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. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity.
Story By: MCSN Emily Johnston Photo By: MC3 Weston Mohr
3,000 LBS of Turkey
612 Helping Hands
15,200 LBS of Food
As the holiday season approaches, the crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepares to celebrate on deployment. Being away from home for the holidays can be challenging, but the Nimitz crew comes together as a family to make the holidays special and memorable. The Sailors assigned to Nimitz’ food service division (S-2), are devoted to making life on deployment as comfortable and gratifying as possible for the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration. Every year on Thanksgiving, every culinary specialist (CS) in the Navy, deployed or ashore, do their best to prepare a memorable holiday meal for their fellow service members to enjoy. This year, CSs aboard Nimitz will work together to make one of the largest meals for nearly 5,000 shipmates. “Thanksgiving can only be accomplished by the hard work and dedication of 159 culinary specialists, two Marine chefs, 137 food service attendants and eight Marine mess men,” said Master Chief Culinary Specialist Stephen Boos, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “In total, a small army of 306 personnel dedicated to bringing a small portion of a ‘home for the holidays’ feeling to our Nimitz family.” According to Culinary Specialist 1st Class Nora Velazquez, from Richmond, Virginia, Thanksgiving planning begins three to four months in advance. A few days prior, the food is taken out to thaw, and cooking begins the night before. Cooking such a large meal for so many people is an all hands effort and can be very demanding, Velazquez said. Thanksgiving is one of the largest meals prepared every year, along with Christmas and the Navy’s birthday meal. “Being in the kitchen can be really stressful,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Tasia Penaranda, form Bridgeport, Connecticut. “It’s also really fun because everyone comes together. We do our best and put our
best foot forward to get the best food out to the crew. It sucks that we’re away, but for some reason the morale is always higher and everyone is always happier.” For this Thanksgiving meal, the Nimitz culinary team will prepare 3,000 pounds of turkey, all of which are airlifted from the United States and given names. Each year, one turkey is saved for the blessing and decoration. This year’s special turkey’s name is Homeward Bound. Along with the turkeys, 3,000 pounds of prime rib, 2,200 pounds of honeybaked ham, 2,500 pounds of potatoes
and 4,500 pounds of sweet potatoes will be served. For dessert, there will be five types of pies: pumpkin, sweet potato, peach, cherry, apple, four types of cheesecake: lemon, tuxedo, traditional and almond, and four types of cookies: chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, peanut butter and ginger snap. “Putting a smile on everyone’s faces and giving back to the crew is what gives us satisfaction,” said Penaranda. “The planning is easy, but execution and timing is always the hardest.” Just as Sailors celebrate their family traditions at home, it is a Navy tradition
for many Sailors to celebrate and be thankful during the holidays with their Navy family, due to being deployed, underway or on duty. “It’s three-fold,” said Boos, when asked his favorite part about preparing holiday meals underway. “One is happiness. As a member of the food service community for over 20 years, the ability to put smiles on people’s faces, remind them of home and make deployment just a little bit easier is our ultimate goal. The second is pride. The accomplishment of this meal will be discussed for years to come. S-2 is made up of dedicated
professionals that have the ability to move mountains. This will be the second year in a row that Nimitz is underway for Thanksgiving. Last is the ‘lean.’ Nothing brings us more joy than looking around the mess decks and seeing all the people leaning to one side in their chairs. The ‘I ate too much’ lean. The rubbing of the belly is key as well.” As the Nimitz Strike Group’s 2017 deployment nears completion, the crew is thankful to spend Thanksgiving with their Navy family and thankful to each and every CS, Marine and Sailor food service attendant who work tirelessly, day in and day out.
Photo By: MC3 Aiyana Paschal
ABH1 Hugo Echeverritrujillo Medellin, Colombia Senior Sailor of the Year
HM2 James Gibbens Beaverton, Oregon Sailor of the Year
ET3 Dallymae Arce Leyte, Phillipines Junior Sailor of the Year
ACAN Connar Jonas Ventura, California Blue Jacket of the Year
Photos By MC3 Deanna Gonsalez
“To me, the title of Sailor Of the Year means that I busted my butt during deployment, took care of my junior Sailors and they took care of me, which motivated me to push myself above and beyond what I needed to do to get the job done,” said Gibbens. “It’s humbling and I am still trying to digest it,” said Echeverritrujillo. “It’s a huge command and to be given this opportunity is very humbling.” The Sailors were selected through a rigorous screening process that includes going through oral boards, submitting packages and competing amongst other top-Sailors who work hard every day. “Hard work, dedication and initiative are needed,” said Gibbens. “You don’t get Sailor of the Year just handed to you. You have to earn it, because if you are a doing day-to-day routine and just working your normal amount, it won’t show you have the initiative to do the extra work that is sometimes needed.” The chain of command in each department select Sailors for this recognition who they think has the
potential to stand out amongst some of the best Sailors aboard. “Within the department, he [Gibbens] was always my go-to guy and he still is,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennifer Trinidad, leading petty officer for medical department aboard Nimitz, from Stuart, Florida. “There is no question about his ability to turn any project, any aspect of our mission into an accomplishment.” The recipients of the Sailors of the Year regard those that they work with to be involved in their accomplishments as well. “Be thankful for the person who gave you the opportunity; who gave you a chance to show what you got,” said Echeverritrujillo. “Also for the people who made it happen for you such as the Sailors who are down there doing the work, who listen to you and follow you.” Gibbens also added that the people he works for and those who work for him are to be recognized in his accomplishments. By giving him minimal supervision, his chain of command puts a lot of
responsibility on him. Their trust in him allows him to have the opportunity to watch over his junior Sailors and make sure they are doing everything correctly. All of Nimitz’ Sailors of the Year work in different departments throughout the ship, but they all have the drive to go above and beyond to do what is needed of them. Trinidad said Gibbens’ work ethic is not driven by awards or acknowledgments. He is the way he is because he enjoys what he does and that aspect about him, that selflessness, is why he makes a great recipient for one of the Sailors of the Year. The recipients work hard and do so due to their belief in what they do and in the overall goal of the mission and those they serve alongside with. “I try to project the faith I have in this organization and the people in it because at the end of the day, regardless of what’s going on at home, it’s the people here that you have for family,” said Echeverritrujillo. Story By MCSN David Claypool
Nimitz NEWs
MCSN Emily Johnston
MC3(SW) Leon Wong
MC2(SW/AW/IW)Holly Herline
These are the Sailors tasked with telling the story of your deployment through photos and stories and they would like to say...
MC3(SW) Cole Schroeder
The Crew of
MC3(SW) Marc Cuenca
MC3(SW/AW) Weston Mohr
MCSN Kennishah Maddux
MC3(SW/AW/IW) Ian Kinkead
MCSN(SW/IW) David Claypool
MCSN Jose Madrigal
Thank you!
...for letting us shove our cameras in your face whether you were laughing, smiling or even sometimes crying. For letting us get in the way to get the photo when you were just trying to do your job. For holding that pose just a little bit longer than you had to. For answering all of our questions. For giving us something to capture. For giving us a reason to do our job. F o r g i v i n g u s a s t o r y t o t e l l .
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
Lt. Lenox ponders with a keyboard in his lap while on deployment aboard Nimitz. 1994-1996 Cruisebook
2. The answer is 2. We switched them back and forth each week. Shout out to you if you noticed!
Weekly Throwback
How many crossword/sudoku puzzles were used in the making of the 2017 Deployment Nimitz News’?
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| An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, delivers supplies on to the flight deck. |MCSN David Claypool 2| Sailors perfrom night flight operations. |MC2 Herline 3| Sailors wash flight deck. |MC2 Herline 4| QM3 Robert Brown, from Kirkland, Wash., lowers the ensign. |MCSN Madriagal 5| USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Princeton (CG 59). |MC3 Schroeder 6| PS3 Sean Phan, from Pensacola, Fla., conducts a mechanical advantage control hold on a simulated attacker during an oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray qualification course. |MC3 Comery 7| Sailors take photos on the flight deck. |MC3 Schroeder 8| SN Eric Self, from Trenton, N.J., stands the starboard lookout. |MCSN Johnston