Feb. 8, 2013
Vol. 38, No. 5
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 MC3 (SW) Renée L. Candelario
Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, addresses the media on the pier alongside the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), following a Secretary of Defense statement today announcing the delay of the strike group's deployment, including USS Gettysburg (64). Sweeney was joined by Capt. Bob Roth, Harry S. Truman's commanding officer. Harry S. Truman Strike group recently completed a composite unit training exercise, which certified the strike group as ready to deploy. (Photo by MC3 Class Tyler Caswell)
Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deployment Delayed Story and Photo from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
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) Thomas Siniff 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 Phillip Ladouceur MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Nathan McDonald MCSN Joshua Haiar
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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NORFOLK, Va. (NNS)- The Secretary of Defense delayed the deployment of USS Harry S. Truman and USS Gettysburg Feb. 6. The deployment was originally scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8. The affected ships have begun formally notifying the men and women of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) that they will not be deploying. "Facing budget uncertainty - including a Continuing Resolution and the looming potential for across-the-board sequestration cuts - the U.S. Navy made this request to the Secretary and he approved," said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little in a released statement. "This prudent decision enables the U.S. Navy to maintain these ships to deploy on short notice in the event they are needed to respond to national security contingencies," said Little.
In order to remain ready and capable to deploy, HST CSG will conduct underway evolutions and maintain proficiency until a future deployment date is announced. "The United States will continue to maintain a robust military presence in the CENTCOM region, including the current carrier presence and a mix of other assets, to fulfill enduring commitments to our partners. The U.S. military continues to stand ready to respond to any contingency and to confront any threat in the region," said Little. HST CSG consists of approximately 5,000 Sailors and Marines, including coalition Sailors. Deploying units include Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10; USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); German frigate FGS Hamburg (F220); guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and 1st Combined Destroyer
Squadron. Carrier Air Wing 3 is embarked on board USS Harry S. Truman with its associated squadrons: Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA105 "Gunslingers," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs," and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 "Swamp Foxes." USS Harry S. Truman returned from its last deployment December 2010. Following its last deployment, USS Harry S. Truman conducted a 16-month docking planned incremental availability from March July 2011 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Supply Team Receives Special Recognition Story by MC3 Vanessa Y. David
USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Supply Department took top honors in the 2012 Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Supply Services Excellence Award for the Pacific Fleet. Three divisions of Supply garnered the award, announced Jan. 30, more than any other carrier. CNAF announced Nimitz’ retail operations division was awarded for ship store excellence; disbursing division won for disbursing excellence, and hotel services division was awarded the Dorie P. Miller Award for wardroom excellence. Supply divisions were graded on various criteria, including inventory, accountability, cleanliness and overall service provided. “The judges from CNAF came to conduct a supply management inspection,” said Senior Chief Ship’s Serviceman Thomas Ciapponi, S-3 division’s leading chief petty officer. “They look to see how our sales are doing, variety of items in our store, and expenditures. It’s good for the Sailors in supply’s S-3 and S-5 divisions. If not for their efforts, none of this would come to fruition.” This is the first time Nimitz has won the Ship Store Excellence Award since 2008, said Ciapponi. “When you work hard everyday, it’s nice to know that you’re going to be recognized in some way,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Angel Citron, records keeper for the ship store. “It’s hard because it’s not just paperwork and a calculator, it’s being on the pier in the rain or on a sunny day in San Diego for eight hours to move 100 pallets while everyone else goes on liberty. That’s the hardest part.”
The Dorie P. Miller Award recognizes the most outstanding barbershop, laundry and stateroom operations within the aircraft carrier community. Doris “Dorie” Miller (Oct. 12, 1919 – Nov. 24, 1943) was a cook in the U.S. Navy noted for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941 and was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross. “I’m excited because this award recognizes all the hard work and effort that my Sailors put in,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class Antonio Jordan, the acting leading chief petty officer for hotel services. “This team has been working through sustained superior performance for an excess of a year to ensure world-class readiness for Nimitz and her deployment. They don’t get accolades every day. We now have something that represents that it paid off, and it shows.” The Disbursing Excellence Award recognizes outstanding carrier disbursing operations based on results from the supply management inspection and an unscheduled disbursing audit. “My agents did all the work,” said Lt. j. g. Samuel Hahn, Nimitz’ former disbursing officer. “I’m grateful for the support of this division.” Award recipients will receive commemorative plaques in recognition of these exceptional accomplishments. “I’m very happy,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Mark Wilson, disbursing agent. “From what I’ve heard, this is a rare award for personnel and a huge accomplishment.”
Sailors from Nimitz' supply department celebrate receiving the the fleet-wide awards for quality service. (Photo by MC3 Ryan Mayes)
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USS Nimitz Sailors Mentor Local Youth Story by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will be participating in an ongoing community service project (COMSERV) that started Jan. 30 with the local Boys and Girls Club in Everett, Wash., to help mentor children and teens with homework and participate in sport activities. “When I initially contacted the director of the Boys and Girls Club of Everett, they were eager to work with us,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Adam D. Baez, Nimitz’ Junior Enlisted Association COMSERV coordinator. The COMSERV is slated to run through March 22 and volunteer hours will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sailors are not required to attend every day or stay for the entire four hour sessions, but are encouraged to go as many times as they want to interact with the local youth. Transportation for this ongoing COMSERV will not be provided, so Sailors will have to find their own way to and from the Everett Boys and Girls Club on days they wish to attend. “This COMSERV differs from others because it is an ongoing project,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Marie A. Perez. “It is not a one-time thing and the Sailor can pick and choose what days they want to go, whether it is one day a week or five. Most COMSERV projects that Nimitz has been involved in previously dealt mostly with veterans. This project is different because it involves mentoring local youth.” The Boys and Girls Club completes a background check on all applicants for the COMSERV which takes about two days to complete. To volunteer, Sailors will need to fill out
an application available at the second deck chaplain’s office or the ship’s library and turn it back in at the location they picked it up from with a copy of a picture I.D. Applications will be accepted through mid-March. “Sailors will also need to get permission from their chain of command to get off work early so they can attend this COMSERV project since it goes on during working hours,” said Perez. “After their application is approved, the Sailor will receive an email telling them they are cleared to start attending the COMSERV.” The response to this COMSERV has been strong and Nimitz’ Sailors are eager to sign up to help mentor Everett’s local youth. “So far, we have more than 40 volunteers for this program,” said Baez. “There has been a good response, from enlisted to officers.” The Boys and Girls Club COMSERV is a part of Nimitz’ ongoing participation in the Navy Community Service Program (NCSP), a program that encourages all Naval commands, whether sea or land based, to participate in community service. Commands are recognized by NCSP and their volunteer projects in different categories such as Project Good Neighbor which helps those that are less fortunate and Personal Excellence Partnership which encourages commands to volunteer for youth mentorship in their local communities. “I encourage all ranks to participate in the upcoming Boys and Girls Club project we have going on,” said Baez. “It’s a great way for not only enlisted, but also officer participants to become involved in their local community.”
In Loving Memory
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) remembers one of its fellow Sailors, Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gregory Wayne Anderson Jr., who passed Feb. 5, 2012. “He was a true and loyal friend. He considered us all family and treated us as such.” - AO3 Olivia Scott “I always heard growing up that at least once in your life you will meet an angel on earth. AO3 Anderson was that angel. He touched everyone’s heart after meeting them and left them a better person.” - MA2 Joseph Gonzalez
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Our Namesake
Editor’s Note: The following is the first of a two-part series about the life of Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz Fredricksburg, Texas. Then, like now, a small rural community in the vast expanse of the Lone Star State – not the first location that comes to mind as the birthplace of one the U.S. Navy’s greatest leaders. It was here that Chester W. Nimitz was born Feb. 24, 1885 to Chester Bernhard and Anna (Henke) Nimitz, German descendents looking to build a future in the tiny community. His father, long suffering a variety of illnesses, died before his birth, leaving young Chester often in the care of his grandfather, Charles Henry Nimitz. The elder Nimitz, himself a former Seaman in the German Merchant Marines, enthralled young Chester with stories of the sea. “The sea - like life itself - is a stern taskmaster,” Charles told him. “The best way to get along with either is to learn all you can, then do your best and don’t worry - especially about things over which you have no control.” It was a lesson he would employ throughout his remarkable career. By the dawn of the 20th Century, Nimitz was eager to leave Fredricksburg to pursue a career in the U.S. Army by appointment to the prestigious West Point. When no appointments were available, he accepted an offer to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy, and entered as a Midshipman in 1901. From the moment he arrived, he set about learning everything he could about naval service. The country’s need for a superior Navy, championed by the newly-elected President Theodore Roosevelt, was not lost on Nimitz. He graduated with honors, ranked seven in his class of 114, in 1905. Through the ranks As Roosevelt prepared to marvel thew world with his “Great White Fleet”, Nimitz embarked aboard his first ship the battleship USS Ohio and cruised to the Far East. During that time he commanded the small gunboat Panay and the destroyer Decatur (DD-5). While in command of Decatur, the responsibility fell to Ensign Nimitz when the ship ran aground on a sand bar in the Philippines July 7, 1908. The ship was pulled free the next day. Nimitz was court-martialed, found guilty of neglect of duty, and issued a letter of reprimand. In 1909-13, after his return to the United States, Lt. Nimitz was assigned to submarine duty, gaining a reputation as an expert in the field of undersea warfare. He also earned a Silver Lifesaving Medal for rescuing a sailor who fell overboard. Nimitz was next sent to Germany to study diesel engine technology. He put that knowledge to work during 1913-17 supervising the construction and installation of diesel engines in the oiler Maumee (AO-2) and serving as her Chief Engineer. After promotion to Lieutenant Commander, Nimitz returned to the Submarine Force. Following a year as Executive Officer of the battleship South Carolina (BB-26), in 1920 he went to Pearl Harbor to build the submarine base there. Next assigned to the Naval War College, his studies of a possible Pacific Ocean war’s logistics would become extremely relevant two decades later. In 1923, Commander Nimitz became aide to Commander Battle Force and later to Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet. Later in the decade, he established the NROTC unit at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1929, now holding the rank of Captain, he began two years as Commander, Submarine Division 20, followed by two more years in charge of reserve destroyers at San Diego, California. He then took the heavy cruiser Augusta (CA-31) to the Orient, where, under his command, she was flagship of the Asiatic Fleet in 1933-35. Three years’ duty at the Bureau of Navigation in Washington, D.C., ended in 1938 with his promotion to Rear Admiral. As a flag officer, Nimitz commanded Cruiser Division Two and Battleship Division One until he became Chief of the Bureau of Navigation in June 1939. A Day which will live in Infamy The family was gathered at the table. Ten days had passed since the unthinkable occurred at Pearl Harbor. “I have some news,” remarked Nimitz, breaking an unusual silence at dinner that night. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, under orders from President Franklin Roosevelt, had just named Nimitz to take command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. When his wife proceeded to congratulate him, Nimitz solemnly replied, “My dear, the fleet now sits at the bottom of the sea.” Knowing the press would come calling, he pulled out a memo pad and prepared a statement. “It is a great responsibility,” he wrote.
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SENIOR SAILOR
SAILOR
QUARTER
QUARTER
AC1 (AW/SW) Joseph S. Foss
HM2 (SW/AW) Elizabeth N. Anderson
OF THE
OF THE
SAILORS OF THE QUARTER ANNOUNCED
T
he aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) announced its Senior Sailor of the Quarter, Sailor of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Quarter awardees for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2013. Air-Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Joseph S. Foss, of San Francisco, Senior Sailor of the Quarter; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth N. Anderson, of Austin, Texas, Sailor of the Quarter; Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) Desirae A. Montoya, of Pueblo, Colo., Junior Sailor of the Quarter; and Seaman Apprentice (SW/AW) Christian K. Saastad (SW/AW), of Sacramento, Calif., Blue Jacket of the Quarter, were named on the forward mess decks of Nimitz. “The folks whose names were mentioned have gone above and beyond to get nominated by their work centers,” said Capt. Jeff S. Ruth, Nimitz’ commanding officer. “I was surprised and humbled to be named the Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” said Montoya. During her tour on board Nimitz, Montoya has proved herself through hard work. “I got my [Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist] ESWS
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pin during the last underway and I’m also the work center supervisor for sick call,” said Montoya. “Being the sick call work center supervisor and making sure everyone is being taken care of is a lot of work.” Montoya was not the only Sailor from Nimitz’ Medical Department to win an award. “Since I’ve come on board Nimitz, I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone as a laboratory technician and become more of a general corpsman,” said Anderson. Like Montoya, Anderson also obtained her ESWS pin last year and went a step further by obtaining her Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) pin as well. Participating in ship wide events is also a good way to make Sailors stand out among their peers according to Anderson. “I participate in a lot of things on the ship,” said Anderson. “I’m the MWR [morale, welfare and recreation] secretary, a multi-cultural committee volunteer and I participate in COMSERVS [community service projects].” For Foss, none of his day-to-day accomplishments would be possible without the hard work of the junior Sailors that work with him.
JUNIOR SAILOR
BLUE JACKET
QUARTER
QUARTER
OF THE
HM3 (SW) Desirae A. Montoya
OF THE
SA (SW/AW) Christian K. Saastad
STORY BY MC3 LINDA S. SWEARINGEN “All their hard work makes my job easy,” said Foss. Like the other awardees, Foss participates in various shipwide events. He also serves in several key leadership roles on board. “I am the LPO [leading petty officer] for OC division, repair locker seven locker leader, stood on the EAWS board, taught petty officer indoctrination class for two different pay grades, taught a section in indoctrination class on delegation, am a member of DCTT [Damage Control Training Team], participated in several COMSERVs, am the Operations Department mentorship coordinator and a CCA [Carrier Controlled Approach] position controller,” said Foss. For Saastad, being named Nimitz’ Blue Jacket of the Quarter was just another goal on his list of things to do while on board he can cross off. “Being Blue Jacket of the Quarter was one of my goals while on board,” said Saastad. “I was Sailor of the Day in November and after that I set my goal of becoming Blue Jacket of the Quarter. My next goal is to become Nimitz’ Blue Jacket of the Year.” Saastad stood out from his peers to be nominated as Blue
Jacket of the Quarter by going above and beyond his duties as an undesignated Seaman. “I’m the only E-4 or below in my department that is dual qualified,” said Saastad. “I’m also in a leadership position and in charge of four spaces and a crew of people to help me keep the spaces up which is a position usually reserved for petty officers. I’ve also participated in various COMSERVs and a few burial at sea ceremonies.” Three of the awardees are planning on furthering their Naval careers by continuing their education and obtaining college degrees in various fields. Anderson plans on applying for the Navy’s physician assistant program after she completes her bachelor’s degree in health science, while Saastad plans on working toward obtaining a bachelor’s degree in exercise science to eventually become a personal trainer. Montoya plans on completing her associate’s degree during her time on board Nimitz. When asked what other Sailors can do to be nominated for a Sailor of the Quarter award, Saastad said the answer is simple: set goals for yourself and work toward those goals.
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"It’s a people program, taking care of people" -MMC Jackson
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Story and photos by MC3 William Cousins “I’m officially open for business,” said the new Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA), Chief Machinist Mate Joshua Jackson. Jackson wants Sailors to be familiar with their new EOA and how he can help them. “This is my job here on the ship, it’s to help the command resolve conflict,” said Jackson. In order to be qualified, Jackson attended the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute in Coco Beach, Fla., at Patrick Air Force Base for three months to obtain the EOA qualification. The Navy’s equal opportunity policy provides equal opportunity and treatment to all members. This policy is followed without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age or national origin. “The instruction is designed to get ahead of potential discrimination issues through informal and formal complaint processes,” said Jackson. “The best choice is to handle it informally. It allows the issue to be dealt with at the lowest level giving the leadership the opportunity to handle the issue or conflict within their department.” With an informal complaint the member will be documented and counseled, but there will not be any formal investigation at that point. If Sailors do decide they want to file a formal complaint, they will need to fill out the NAVPERS 5354/2 formal complaint form. “They would come to my office and I would explain to them how to fill it out,” said Jackson. “I’ll ask have you given your chain of command an opportunity to handle this, and what would you like me to do.”
Every time a Sailor visits the EOA they must fill out the visitor log in order to keep track of complaints and problems around the ship. “It lays out how I’m going to help them, and why they came to see me,” said Jackson. “Those will be sent through the chain of command on a monthly basis. And that’s just to keep them [CO, XO and CMC] aware of what’s going on around the deck plates.” To better understand where EO needs improvement, the command utilizes command climate assessments (CCAs). The leadership uses this to identify potential barriers or issues going on within the command. They help develop a plan of
action to help the command work through the issues Sailors are having. “Surveys and focus groups are part of a process called the command climate assessment,” said Jackson. “We plan, coordinate and analyze the command climate assessments (CCAs) that the command does.” Also, the EOA insures the command is trained on current equal opportunity policies and procedures for the Navy. “We conduct training within the first 30 days of getting a Sailor on board the ship,” said Jackson. “When I talk to Sailors about EO, I usually say it’s about two things: mission readiness and Sailors. That’s really what it’s all about.
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come celebrate with us: Valentine’s NAVSTA EVERETT · FEBRUARY 13–16, 2013
Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt Fitness Event Feb. 13, Race at 11:30 am, Seismos Fitness Center
FREE! Day-of registration at 10:45 am. Teams of two compete for 1st-3rd place in an on-base scavenger hunt. Teams do not have to be co-ed. Extra points awarded for creative team swag. MyFFR#643051, 425-304-3922
Valentine’s Day Candlelight Dinner Feb. 14, 4:30-8 pm, All American Restaurant
$18.99 for two. Menu includes choice of Prime Rib or Grilled Chicken, vegetable of the day, salad bar, non-alcoholic beverage and one slice of cheesecake to share topped with whole strawberries. Reservations required at 425-304-3906.
Family Valentine’s Dance
Feb. 15, 6-8 pm, Grand Vista Ballroom
$5 per family. Moms, dads & kids are invited to join us for a special evening of fun and dancing! Family-friendly tunes, Refreshments, Prizes! Photographer to commemorate the evening. Reservations required at 425-304-3694.
Sweetheart Weekend Package
Feb. 15-16, Pacific Beach Resort & Recreation Center
Check-in gift basket, Prime rib or salmon dinner for two with dessert, & accommodations. $199/couple for Friday & Saturday stay, $119/couple for Saturday night stay only. For reservations at the beach visit DoDLodging.net or call 877-NAVY-BED.
Free Family Swim
Feb. 15, 5-7 pm, Tsunami Pool
425-304-3388
www.facebook.com/EverettFFR
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African American Heritage
Message to the Fleet from the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
As our nation celebrates African American Heritage Month, we have the opportunity to look across our great Navy and see how African Americans have served in the United States Navy with valor and courage for our country. We salute the courageous men and women who fought for equality while serving honorably in every major armed conflict our nation has seen. This year's theme is "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington." It recognizes both the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Today, African American Sailors comprise more than 17% of the Navy's active duty force. The nearly 56,900 active duty Sailors, 8,300 reserve Sailors, and 26,700 Navy civilians contribute to our Navy's efforts and represent the diversity that makes our Navy and nation strong. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, stating: "It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." The order also established a presidential committee on equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services. Desegregation of the military was not complete for several years, and all-African American units persisted well into
the Korean War. Doris Miller, a Navy mess attendant, was the first African American recipient of the Navy Cross, awarded for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller had voluntarily manned an anti-aircraft gun and fired at the Japanese aircraft, despite having no prior training in the weapon's use. LCDR Wesley A. Brown, who died May 22, 2012, became the first African American graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he was commissioned in 1949. Edna Young, who also died in 2012, was the first female African American to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Countless other African Americans have left their indelible mark on Navy lore, including a generation of inspirational leaders and warfighters serving today. People are absolutely our most precious asset. They bring a multitude of personal perspectives, experiences and talents to our Navy, and are the singular reason we can effectively accomplish any mission in any environment. It is our duty to ensure that the conditions are established to provide everyone with a fair and equal opportunity to succeed. I encourage each of you to utilize this month to increase your understanding and awareness of the many contributions African Americans have made to our great Navy. Thanks for your continued leadership. See you in the Fleet.
On the Cover:
Aviation Boatswain's (Equipment) Airman Apprentice Marcus Roberts, a Pismo Beach, Calif., native, makes trough cover channel measurements aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 William J. Cousins)
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