Feb. 15, 2013
Vol. 38, No. 6
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer Capt. Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief Master Chief Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media Division Officer Lt. Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC (SW) Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 (AW/SW) Michael Cole Editor MC2 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield Lead Designer MCSN Kole Carpenter Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Ashley Berumen MC2 Nathan Gomez MC2 (SW) Robert Winn MC2 (SW) Glenn Slaughter MC2 Andrew Jandik MC2 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield MC2 (SW/AW) Ian Cotter MC3 (SW) Renée L. Candelario MC3 (SW) Ryan Mayes MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 (SW) Devin Wray MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 (SW) Alexander Ventura II MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Linda Swearingen MC3 (SW) Jess Lewis MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Vanessa David MC3 George Penney MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Nathan McDonald MCSN Joshua Haiar MCSA Phillip Ladouceur MCSA Andrew Price MCSA Aiyana Paschal 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.
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Advancement Eligibility Requirements Updated
By Thomas Updike, Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center Public Affairs
A recent policy change allows Sailors with a PTS "Intends to Separate" status to participate in the upcoming March 2013 examination. Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 023/13, released Feb. 8, provides updated guidance for the Cycle 219/March 2013 Navy-wide enlisted examinations for Active Duty, Active Reserve, Full Time Support and Canvasser Recruiter advancement. For the September 2012 advancement cycle 216, Active Duty Sailors who had an "Intends to Separate" Perform to Serve (PTS) status were ineligible for the Navy-wide advancement examination. NAVADMIN 023/13 explains that changes in retention behavior, and the Navy's shifting posture from downsizing to stabilizing, have enabled candidates in a PTS "Intends to Separate" status to be eligible for advancement. Sailors who have received final PTS denial (Denied Final - Active) on their December PTS application remain ineligible to participate in the March examination. Another important change announced in NAVADMIN 023/13 concerns security clearance requirements for advancement. A favorable investigation adjudication issued by the Department of the Navy Central Adjudication Facility (DONCAF) remains as a requirement. However, the updated policy now allows a Sailor to take the advancement exam with an interim clearance issued by the
unit commanding officer while awaiting formal adjudication from DONCAF. That interim clearance must be granted prior to the first day of the month of the regularly scheduled examination date. "The intent of this change is to minimize adverse impact to advancement opportunity for those Sailors who have properly applied for a security clearance and are awaiting a final determination," said Enlisted Plans and Policy Branch Head Cmdr. Renee Squier. "However, every effort should be taken by the command and the individual to receive final determinations on all Sailors requiring a security clearance as soon as possible." For certain ratings listed in the Cycle 219 NAVADMIN 342/12, as well as Sailors in the Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance (CTM) rating and all nuclear and submarine ratings who do not meet security clearance requirements, remain ineligible for advancement and should not participate in an advancement examination. For additional information on PTS eligibility requirements visit http:// www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/ careercounseling/Pages/FleetRIDE-PTS.aspx. For additional information regarding security clearance requirements visit http://www. public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/CAREER/ ENLISTEDCAREERADMIN/Pages/ Advancement.aspx.
Damage Control Story by MC3 William J. Cousins IV
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Preparing for the Unexpected
epair locker personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conducted damage control (DC) training as part of a weekly scheduled repair locker training implementation Feb. 5. All repair lockers on board conducted hour-long training sessions to help Sailors assigned to damage control teams gain and retain damage control knowledge. “It will be ideal for both a lecture and hands on interaction in order to assist people on how to combat any casualty on the ship,” said Lt. Adrienne Sadosky, the repair locker officer for locker 1 Bravo. “It’s supposed to be an all hands evolution with locker leadership training the individuals in the locker.” As Nimitz prepares for deployment, the training will assist the knowledge and experience of locker personnel. “Even if they are qualified in RADM [Relational Administration], or they have their PQS [Personnel Qualification Standards] signed off for it, there’s no replacement for quality training,” said Sadosky. Nimitz will be conducting damage control training every Tuesday to help train Sailors. “This is the time to get some PQS’ signed off if you’re
Sailors in the air department practice fire-fighting techniques. (Photo by MC3 George Penney)
IT'S NO LONGER JUST DRILLS.
IT NEEDS TO BECOME SECOND NATURE.
- LT. SADOSKY
deficient, to prepare for any DC exams that you have coming up, but more importantly to increase the experience and quality of locker personnel as we combat casualties,” said Sadosky. “I think that is the over-all objective.” Sadosky stressed how important the training is especially with the up-coming deployment. “When we get out there and we are deployed, we are the first line of defense for a lot of things, and our help might be far away, so that’s why this is most important for us to be that proficient,” said Sadosky. Sadosky is not the only one who would agree the extra training will benefit the ship as it gears up for deployment. “I think if we continue to do [weekly training] the organization of the locker, teamwork and the overall proficiency will improve and they will know what is expected of them,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Lawrence Walker. “I don’t think it’s enough for people to simply settle for their position that they have,” said Sadosky. “Not only be qualified in RADM, the PQS’ and the exams done, but to know what to do and how to combat a casualty when they stumble onto one. Damage control is one of those things we can never lose sight of.”
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Founding Fathers There's more to the story than just a holiday Story by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
For some Sailors, Presidents Day is just another day off of work, but the history of this federal holiday has more meaning. The third Monday in February is a day of observation reserved for the nationally recognized holiday commonly referred to as Presidents Day. According to Title 5, Section 6103(a) of the U.S. Code, Presidents Day is technically listed as Washington’s Birthday. It is a day reserved to celebrate the Feb. 22 birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Although Washington’s birthday is noted by most historians as being Feb. 22, 1732, there was much confusion as to the exact date due to the change in calendar systems used in the mid-1700’s in the 13 colonies. Under the Julian calendar, which was
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in use when Washington was born, his birthday was thought to be Feb. 11, 1732, but according to the Gregorian calendar system we use today, his birthday is actually Feb. 22. The celebration of Washington’s birthday began annually in 1796 during his last year as president and continued for more than 90 years. It was later made a nationally observed federal holiday in 1880 by Congress. In 1971, the date in which Washington’s Birthday was observed changed to the third Monday in February due to a new bill passed by Congress called the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. Under this bill, the celebration of Washington’s birthday and other federally recognized holidays would be reserved for Mondays as to allow U.S. workers as many three day weekends as possible.
While the Presidents Day bill was being made, the observance of Presidents Day changed yet again. This time it was changed to observe not only Washington’s birthday, but that of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s birthday falls on Feb. 12 and was previously only celebrated in a few states. Referring to Washington’s Birthday as Presidents Day has grown in popularity over the years. However, bills presented to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in 1999 to officially change the name to Presidents Day were not passed. Today, most Americans refer to Washington’s Birthday as Presidents Day and welcome a day of observance for two of our Presidents and a day off from work.
Building a Bond for Life Story and Photos by MC3 Chris Bartlett
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Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jovon Fears from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), helps paint a wall of the shelter.
ailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in a community service (COMSERV) project at the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (N.O.A.H) Feb. 11. The event, also attended by Sailors from USS Ingraham (FFG-61) and Pugent Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facilty (PSNS & IMF), was coordinated by Electronics Technician Chief Richard Paez, from PSNS & IMF. “They asked if I knew some people that might want to paint and as a matter of fact I do, being from the Navy we all love to paint,” said Paez. “I said, I’ll send out an email and get a group list going, and two weeks later here we are.” Approximately 15 Sailors arrived at the animal shelter from different commands and helped by painting the interior of the building. “We all painted the shelter different colors,” said Airman Jennifer Cruz, from Nimitz. “It’s nice to not have to paint just gray and white.” For some, the COMSERV was the first time Sailors got the opportunity to give back to the community. “In the Navy, this is my first COMSERV, but back
Sailors lend a helping hand at local animal shelter
home I used to help my neighbors,” said Seaman Jerron Cook, from Ingraham. Sailors had the opportunity to meet civilians and other Sailors in their community and interact with the animals of the shelter. “I think the turnout was great and we got to see all the animals,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shante Williams from Nimitz. “I met a lot of nice people and had an amazing time.” N.O.A.H. is a non-profit organization that provides quality family friendly pet adoptions, along with spaying and neutering services for cats and dogs in Washington. N.O.A.H. has had a long relationship with Sailors from local Navy bases volunteering for many years. “We just really appreciate any of the time and service,” said Executive Director Lisa Steenson. “It is very commendable that you guys are already giving all of your careers and life to serve us then in your free time you come here to volunteer, which just speaks volume about character.
Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shante Williams from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), helps paint a wall of the shelter.
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carrier strike group 11
arriving Photos By MC2 Nichelle N. Whitfield, Story By MC2 Jacquelyn Childs
Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao looks on during his change of command ceremony for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.
Capt. Jef Officer, l change o for Carri (CSG) 11
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Sailors align into ranks during a change of command ceremony for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.
Rear Adm. Michael White salutes as sideboys render honors during the beginning of his change of command ceremony for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11.
ff Ruth, Commanding looks on during a of command ceremony ier Strike Group 1.
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arrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 held a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 11. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Michael S. White relieved Rear Adm. Peter A. Gumataotao as commander, CSG 11. Gumataotao assumed command of CSG 11 in November 2011 and led the strike group through a wide array of missions and exercises including the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific 2012, the Great Green Fleet demonstration, and a composite training unit exercise/ joint task force exercise. Those working for Gumataotao during his time with CSG 11 would agree he set an excellent standard for the carrier and its strike group and inspired the Sailors to reach these standards with a positive leadership style. "It is easy for the team to achieve great things when a great leader is at the helm," said Capt. Matt Pringle, CSG-11 chief of staff. Gumataotao reflected on his time with CSG 11, giving credit for the strike group's successes to the seven ships and more than 6,000 Sailors under his command. "During my time with Carrier Strike Group 11, I have had the honor and privilege of serving with an exceptional group of Sailors, chiefs, and officers from the Seaman Recruit up to the leadership of all my subordinate commands: USS Nimitz, Destroyer Squadron 23, Carrier Air Wing 11, USS Princeton and my personal staff. I could not have asked for a better team - each and every one of them met or exceeded my expectations," said Gumataotao. "I leave truly impressed with the incredible determination, dedication, and professionalism that Warrior Team 11 has demonstrated." White, previously the assistant commander of Navy Personnel Command for Career Management is assuming command of the strike group while the Nimitz Strike Group Surface Action Group is currently operating in the U.S. 7th fleet Area of Responsibility. "In my short time aboard for turnover, I have seen firsthand the standard of excellence Rear Admiral Gumataotao instilled in the magnificent Sailors of the Nimitz Strike Group which will take us forward through deployment," White said. "It is truly a privilege to be in the Pacific Northwest and take command of this elite team of warriors."
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the man with
the cure Story by MC3 Chris Bartlett / Photos by MC2 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield
At some point, every Sailor on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visits the medical department, either for a nagging cough, flu symptoms or just in desperate need of some pain relief. Whatever the case, some sort of medication is prescribed and we take it without a second thought in hopes of being well soon. To receive your medication you must get them from the one and only ship pharmacy technician on board Nimitz, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Vladimir Villa-Tavera. “It’s easy because everybody who comes in usually has the same conditions, stress related fractures, birth control, or the occasional medical emergency,” said Villa-Tavera. Villa-Tavera was born in Mexico and moved to Las Vegas as an immigrant at the age of 12. He became a resident at 14. “I worked with dad most of the time from age 12-18 doing construction,” says Villa-Tavera. “I would help him on the weekends and sometimes he would pick me up from school to leave early to work with him.” Villa-Tavera’s path to joining the Navy and becoming a hospital corpsman has an interesting twist. “My dad was shot during a robbery,” said Villa-Tavera. “He was told to stay on the ground and as they were running away, he got up to run to cover and they started shooting at him.” Villa-Tavera’s father had been shot in the lung and was desperate for medical attention. Luckily, Villa
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Tavera had a friend who was in the Army who had taught him how to properly address a sucking chest wound.
“I used a Cheetos bag and tape from the truck.” Villa-Tavera returned to find his father wounded and sprung into action. “My dad claims that I saved his life. So helping my dad out actually got me to go into the Navy medical field.” Just two months out of high school, Villa-Tavara decided to join the Navy as a hospital corpsman. “After completing ‘A’ school with a 90% overall grade score, they let me pick pharmacy tech for my ‘C’ school,” said Villa-Tavera. Pharmacy tech school lasts six months and is located in Portsmith, VA. “All you do is study drugs day in and day out then on Friday’s you take a test,” said Villa-Tavera. Coming from a small class of 14 students, Villa-Tavera had a better opportunity to get more hands on training. “We each almost had our own instructors because we had a bunch of first class petty officers teaching us about pharmacy and we even had an after hours instructor covering everything,” said Villa-Tavera. Nimitz pharmacy receives 50-60 personnel a day all in need of some
sort of medication. Villa-Tavera is responsible for meeting these needs. “I have to make sure everybody gets their medications, birth control and antibiotics while checking on any contradicting medications,” said Villa-Tavera Nimitz’ pharmacy is open from 8:30-11:00am and 1:00-2:30pm while in port, and 1:00-4:00pm and 6:00-6:45pm underway. “Supply and demand is high on deployments and underways,” said Villa-Tavera. Inspections are done quarterly in the pharmacy and must be passed. “During COMPTUEX I was inspected and received a 100 percent,” said Villa-Tavera. Being a pharmacy technician in the Navy also gives Villa-Tavera an
advantage in the civilian sector. “I’m a certified technician, so I can go to work at any pharmacy as long as I keep renewing my certificate every two years,” said Villa-Tavera. Next visit to the pharmacy, keep in mind that the man handing you your prescription is a well-trained and qualified Sailor. “There’s no medical without a pharmacy,” says Villa-Tavera.
"We have to make sure
we have everything. If we run out of one thing, then it’s not going to be the best day ever.
"
- HM3 Villa-Tavera
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"Tell Nimitz to get the hell to Pearl and stay there until the war is won." -President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Editor’s Note: The following is the second the rank of Fleet Admiral Dec. 15, 1944 – of a two-part series about the life of Fleet one day after Congress approved the creation Adm. Chester Nimitz of the five-star rank. By year’s end, plans were underway to s the Japanese juggernault raged bring the fight to mainland Japan. A key across the Pacific, Nimitz assessed launch point in the form of two and a half what remained of his nearly- runways on an eight-square mile island destroyed Pacific Fleet. The battleships, south of Tokyo would have to be taken for many of which absorbed the blow delivered success to be assured. The costs would be at Pearl Harbor, would not be the primary heavy. On February 19, 1945 following three means by which the U.S. would reclaim the days of heavy bombardment from the largest territories Japan was conquering, now at an armada assembled, U.S. Marines from the alarming rate. 3rd, 4th and 5th Divisions stormed ashore. In a move historians would later note as Thirty-six days later, the island was declared one of the many aspects of his leadership secured. One of the hardest aspects of genius, Nimitz did not replace the Fleet’s leadership, Nimitz would say, was to have to current staff – notably the Intelligence knowingly send men to their deaths. Nearly officers. The key to deciphering the Japanese 7,000 American and 20,000 Japanese lives battle plan, they discovered, lay in the hours were lost. The campaign would go down of intercepted code they were receiving. In as one of the bloodiest in Marine Corps a bold move that countered advice he was history. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor receiving from Washington, Nimitz trusted were awarded prompting Nimitz to declare, his codebreakers and set the stage for the “Among those who served on Iwo Island, greatest military reconquest in history. uncommon valor was a common virtue.” With the engagement of the Japanese at Long range bombing runs over mainland Coral Sea in May 1942, and the crippling Japan began to dismantle the empire’s war defeat of the empire’s naval forces one month effort. The atomic deliveries from the island later at Midway, Nimitz had proven that the of Tinian in August 1945 brought the war to aircraft carriers, not the battleships, would an end. It was Nimitz, not MacArthur, who continue the successful offensive across the formally accepted the Japanese surrender Pacific. aboard the USS Missouri (BB 63) in Tokyo Bay September 2, 1945. Commanding Humility October 5, 1945 was declared “Nimitz If ever there was an opposite to Day” in Washington, D.C. where thousands the spotlight-shunning way in which turned out to give him a hero’s welcome. Nimitz commanded action, Army Gen. In December 1945 Nimitz became Douglas MacArthur was it. Driven out Chief of Naval Operations and served of the Philippines at the outset of the war, until December 1947. From 1949 to 1952 MacArthur took great care to ensure the he served at the United Nations before cameras were rolling when he triumphantly retiring to the San Francisco area. Nimitz returned in late 1944. Nimitz, on the other died at his home on Yerba Buena Island, hand, quietly deferred any media attention. California, on 20 February 1966. President Roosevelt appointed Nimitz to
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Medal of Honor recipient:
IT WASN'T JUST ME OUT THERE by: Leroy Council, AMVID / February 2013
Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor for preventing the Taliban from overrunning his outpost in 2009. Tuesday he was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. President Barack Obama placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha during a ceremony Feb. 11 in the East Room of the White House. Romesha is the fourth living service member to receive the medal for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The former Soldier earned the Medal of Honor for actions Oct. 3, 2009, at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. On that morning, Combat Outpost, or COP, Keating, manned by only 53 Soldiers and situated at the bottom of a steep valley, came under attack by as many as 300 Taliban fighters. During the fight, the perimeter of COP Keating was breached by the enemy. Romesha, who was injured in the battle, led the fight to protect the bodies of fallen Soldiers, provide cover to those Soldiers seeking medical assistance, and reclaim the American outpost that would later be deemed "tactically indefensible." "Throughout history, the question has often been asked, why? Why do those in uniform take such extraordinary risks? And what compels them to such courage?" the president said. "You ask Clint and any of these Soldiers who are here today, and they'll tell you. Yes, they fight for their country, and they fight for our freedom. Yes, they fight to come home to their families. But most of all, they fight for each other, to keep each other safe and to have each other's backs." The White House ceremony was attended
by several hundred, including lawmakers, defense leaders, Romesha's family, and team members from Romesha's own Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Also there was Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III. The president said that upon learning he would receive the Medal of Honor, Romesha displayed the brand of humbleness typical of many Soldiers. "When I called Clint to tell him that he would receive this medal, he said he was honored, but he also said, 'it wasn't just me out there, it was a team effort,'" the president said. "And so today we also honor this American team, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice." Included among those who died in the fighting that day in Afghanistan were, Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos, Sgt. Christopher Griffin, Sgt. Joshua Hardt, Sgt. Joshua Kirk, Spc. Stephan Mace, Staff Sgt. Vernon Martin, Sgt. Michael Scusa, and Pfc. Kevin Thomson. "Each of these patriots gave their lives looking out for each other," Obama said. "In a battle that raged all day, that brand of selflessness was displayed again and again and again, Soldiers exposing themselves to enemy fire to pull a comrade to safety, tending to each other's wounds, (and) performing 'buddy transfusions,' giving each other their own blood." The president said on that day, it wasn't
President Barack Obama placedthe Medal of Honor around the neck of former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha just Romesha who earned recognition for his actions, it was dozens of Soldiers. From that battle, Soldiers earned 37 Army Commendation Medals, 27 Purple Hearts, 18 Bronze Stars and nine Silver Stars, the president said. "These men were outnumbered, outgunned and almost overrun," Obama said. "Looking back, one of them said, 'I'm surprised any of us made it out.' But they are here today. And I would ask these Soldiers, this band of brothers, to stand and accept the gratitude of our entire nation. "God bless you, Clint Romesha, and all of your team," the president said. "God bless all who serve. And God bless the United States of America." The president then asked that the Medal of Honor Citation be read, and following that, he placed the medal around Romesha's neck.
On the Cover:
Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Jordan Hoglund grinds the base of a stand that will be used for a fan. Grinding, welding, bending and fitting for metals is done in Nimitz' machine repair shop. (Photo by MC3 Chris Bartlett)
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