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CONTENTS Vol. 9 | Issue 01 4 Beautifying Bremerton
Story by MCSN Michael Prusiecki
NIMITZ NEWS
Capt. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Richard Mengel 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 Porter Anderson Media CPO MC2 Austin Haist Media LPO MC3 Emily Johnston Lead Designer MC2 Don White Production LPO MC3 Cole Schroeder Phojo WCS
Read about the group of Nimitz Sailors who spent their off-duty time cleaning up Wildcat Lake Park.
6 Our Voice
Story by MC3 Emily Johnston
Learn about one Sailor’s journey to become a woman Chief in the U.S. Navy as Nimitz celebrates Women’s History Month.
10 Fielding Our Team
Story by MC3 Cody M. Deccio
Take an inside look into the story of how a Nimitz Sailor fell in love with hockey, and how it led her to playing for the Naval Region Northwest hockey team.
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MC2 Marc Cuenca MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Don White MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 Kenneth Blair MC3 David Claypool MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Cody Deccio MC3 Chris Jahnke MC3 Ian Kinkead MC3 Kennishah Maddux MC3 Jose Madrigal MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MCSN Greg Hall MCSN Mike Prusiecki MCSN Frank Speciale MCSN Jessica Tukes
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Nimitz Sailors Help Keep Community Clean Story and photos by MCSN Michael Prusiecki A slight wind, rain showers and the absence of sunlight. The temperature was cold and the breeze rolling off the sprawling lakefront gave an invigorating and crisp chill. All around, Sailors could be seen working diligently to upgrade the condition of the surrounding area. Giving back to the community is an important and frequently employed aspect of the Navy’s mission. Each year, Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are given dozens of opportunities to use their liberty time and hours to build community relations to garner further support and facilitate positive interactions with the populous of the Bremerton area. “Community service projects, or COMSERV, provide an unparalleled opportunity for Sailors to interact with the community in a positive way, learn new skills, meet new friends, and raise the profile of the command,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Mills, a chaplain onboard Nimitz. One such opportunity took place on Feb. 28, when 4
Nimitz Sailors participated in a landscaping and cleaning project at Wildcat Lake Park in Bremerton. Coordinated by the religious ministries department, a group of 10 Sailors spent the day picking up trash, raking leaves, cleaning up broken tree branches and organizing the park structures with hopes of creating a safe environment for the people of the community. “We do these events to build relations with the local community so we’re seen as more than just a military presence,” said Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jackson Hamstra from Tuscon, Arizona. “We care and we’re here to help out, and I believe it’s important to get out and be around the public.” Now that Nimitz is in dry dock for a long maintenance and availability period, a steady
“Although our time here is temporary, it’s vitally important to actively contribute and take part in the community that you live in.”
-LS2 Joseff Palo
schedule and additional free time provides ample opportunities for Sailors to help out whenever possible. Wildcat Lake Park is just one of many projects that Nimitz Sailors can participate in during Nimitz’s docking planned incremental availability. Potential future Nimitz COMSERV opportunities includes Habitat for Humanity, Kitsap Build, Washington Veterans Homes, women’s shelters and food banks. Aside from getting a break from the normal routine, participating in a community event further progresses the Navy’s mission at home. Projecting a positive image and giving back is essential to upholding the Navy’s core values. “Being a part of the community is more than just vocally supporting it. Although our time here
is temporary, it’s vitally important to actively contribute and take part in the community that you live in,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Joseff Palo, a volunteer from Kodiak, Alaska. Damp from the steady drizzle, slightly dirty and hauling large bags of trash and debris, Sailors left the park knowing they took part in a noble and worthy cause. So whether there is wind, rain, or cold weather that is characteristic of the Pacific Northwest climate, Nimitz Sailors will continue to give back and improve the community where they reside, one COMSERV at a time. Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades. 5
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Story and photos by MC3 Emily Johnston 7
The world around us is constantly changing, conforming to the
cultures and standards set by the people who live in it. Laws are passed, rules are implemented and taken away, people come and go and the society around us transforms to incorporate these changes. The same goes for individual households, workplaces and environments. The world is not the same as it was 20 years ago, as it will not be the same 20 years in the future. A hundred years ago, women were not considered equal to men. They could not hold an equivalent job, vote or join the military. They hardly had a say in our ever-changing world. As women began fighting against these inequalities, they began to contribute more and more to the revolution of society. Over time, women gained more of the same freedoms as men. They gained the right to vote, the right to run for political office, the opportunity to join the military and work the same jobs as men. It didn’t come easy, but America leading global change slowly transformed to allow women and men to work together harmoniously. In March 1997, Chief Navy Counselor Desiree Rivers left her hometown of Everett, Washington to join the Navy. People told her the military was a man’s job, that it was too hard and she would never make it. She reported to her first ship while it was underway, climbing a rope ladder from a smaller boat to board the ship. When she reached the top of the ladder, a chief helped her up while he rolled his eyes and made a comment about 8
not needing another female on the ship. Rivers was one of 13 women on a ship of 300 Sailors. “It was the pride that I wasn’t going to quit,” said Rivers. “I told myself no matter how hard it is, I’m not going to quit. I couldn’t let all of the people that said I couldn’t do it be right. I could not let someone say that I couldn’t do it, because I knew I could.” As she moved up through the ranks, Rivers used the negative comments and harsh attitudes as her motivation. When she pinned on chief, she was stationed at a submarine support command in Pearl Harbor. At that time, women in the Navy were still not authorized to serve on submarines, so she was one of very few women at the command. She received her anchors alongside several men, giving her a boost of pride to be not only a woman in the military, but a female chief. Rivers said that some of her proudest moments in the Navy are as a chief. She is proud to be an example to her children and inspire other women around her to do great things without letting other people influence them negatively. “There will always be rude people who say things that should be left unsaid. Don’t let things people say influence what you want to do,” said Rivers. “If you want to stay in the military, do it because it makes you happy. If you don’t want to be in the military, go do something that makes you happy. Do it for yourself.” Since she joined the Navy 21 years ago, Rivers has witnessed firsthand how the Navy has
evolved to include women as equals with men. She said that a huge difference between then and now is the integration between senior enlisted and junior enlisted personnel. She said chiefs are more personable with newer, younger Sailors, and that bridges a gap and emulates professionalism throughout the fleet. Sailors are a support system within themselves, men and women combined, more so than in the past. “It takes a strong woman to be able to do what we do,” said Rivers. “This job is hard for anyone. It’s so important to have a good support system, and when we don’t have that, we need to support each other.” As the Navy changes along with the rest of the country, the voice of women fighting to be equal is growing louder and louder. “Sexual discrimination is aging,” said Rivers. “Women are standing up for themselves and men are standing up for women. More people are against sexism than not, and it’s making a difference. We have a louder voice now.” Inequality still exists and continues to cause disorder in many places. But, as the voice of women continues to grow, especially in the Navy and other branches where it was so quiet before, it continues to subsidize growth and change in the world. The atmosphere around us, in our homes, workplaces and everyday lives, evolves daily to foster equality between men and women, and will continue to do so. Nimitz is currently preparing for a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
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sexual discrimination is aging. women are standing up for themselves and men are standing up for women...
WE HAVE A LOUDER VOICE NOW.
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-NCC Desiree Rivers
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FIELDING O 10
Take an inside look into the story of how a Nimitz Sailor fell in love with hockey, and how it led her to playing for the Naval Region Northwest hockey team.
OUR TEAM Story and photos by MC3 Cody M. Deccio
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Two opposing sides stare at one another, prepared to clash in the middle when given the word. Adorned with protective gear and years of training, each team stands ready, confident their cohesion and perseverance will take home the trophy. A blackand-white striped referee, equipped with a helmet and pair of ice skates, makes his way to the middle of the rink ready to serve the first puck of the game. Both teams in position, the sound of the small black disk clinks against the ice and the game begins. Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), along with Sailors from various commands in Naval Region Northwest, assemble on the weekends to form a Navy hockey team, hoping one day the Navy will endorse a national team on the ice. For Lt. Carolyn Ross, a native of Falls Church, Virginia, the sport has been a resounding echo in her life since she was a small child. “My family went to our first hockey game as part of an office outing for my dad and his coworkers,” said Ross. “I loved how spirited the fans were. After seeing a few big hits and a fight break out, I was right there screaming ‘rip him to shreds!’” Ross later went on to dedicating much of her youth honing her abilities on the ice, spending many of her weekdays practicing and playing on multiple teams. Her passion for the sport has led her to seek the Navy’s formation of national hockey team. “All-Navy teams promote physical fitness and allow service members to train and compete at a national level while continuing their military service,” said Ross. “While All-Navy teams already represent many sports such as bowling, cross country and golf, hockey could uniquely round out their lineup as one of the most exhilarating and fiercely competitive sports with some of the most passionate fans. Additionally, Army has already formed a national hockey team, so the Navy needs to field a team to challenge them.” So far, the hockey team hosts players from all ranks, with officers and enlisted playing side-by-side one another. This gives Sailors an opportunity to strengthen their ties with each other and center their activities around teamwork. “Out on the ice we’re all just a team,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Ryan Azar, a native of Boston. “We have blue shirts and khakis out there working together. We all want the
same thing, to win. We came together our last game and were able to beat the Army.” The interaction that unfolds on the ice is so much more than just a game, it’s an opportunity to inspire, to grow and to show the public the dedication and strength of our service members. “I remember what it was like when I was young and the only girl playing on the boys’ team and would see an older girl in high school still playing hockey with the boys holding her own,” said Ross. “I realized after one of my games with the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Navy Team, when a little girl at the rink asked to take a picture with me, that now I can be a source of inspiration for young girls starting out in the sport. They can continue to compete with the girls or boys all the way to adulthood.” Looking to the future, Sailors who feel passionate about the sport are trying to push their team into a greater spotlight, gathering support and voicing their opinion. “I hope that the great success and support the PNW Navy Team received at our Army-Navy game does not go unnoticed,” said Ross. “Hopefully it will motivate the decision to begin fielding an All-Navy Hockey Team within the next two years.” Whether it’s on land, out to sea or in a hockey rink, the Navy’s traditions of teamwork and commitment are shown through the actions of its Sailors. The formation of an All-Navy Hockey Team is still a hope for the future, but the young men and women who will inevitably answer the call to form the team are throughout our ranks, spending every day in service to our country.
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crossword
SUDOKU
trivia Who led the fight to integrate military nursing services in WWII, and then achieved the integration of the American Nurses Association in 1948?
find chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
weekly throwback ABH2 Roger Cortez and AN Olga Arroyo stage aircraft moves on the Ouija Board, 1988
Mabel Staupers, (1890-1989) 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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21. AN Matthew Martin stands a full bore watch in the Strait3of 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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1| AOAN Justin Elliot takes a break to interact with a dog during a CSADD COMSERV event. |MC3 Jahnke 2| IC2 Austin Craig and CSSN Derekston Williams participate in drills during the All-Navy Wrestling team practice. |MC3 Jahnke 3| IC2 Austin Craig and CSSN Derekston Williams participate in drills during the All-Navy Wrestling team practice. |MC3 Jahnke 4| Nimitz FRG board members host a bake sale on the barge. |MC3 Johnston 5| AN Forrest Frances and AN Dawson Nash carry the ensign during colors. |MC3 Jahnke 6| Sailors raise the ensign during colors. |MC3 Jahnke
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