Nimitz News - July 15, 2012

July 15, 2012

Vol. 37, No. 25

July 15, 2012

Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey 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 Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Editor MCSA Ryan Mayes Lead Designer MC3 Renee L. Candelario Media Dept MC1 Sarah Murphy MC2 Michael Cole MC2 Robert Winn MC2 Ashley Berumen MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Nathan Gomez MC2 Vladimir Potapenko MC2 Eva-Marie Ramsaran MC2 Mark Sashegyi MC2 Thomas Siniff MC2 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Jonathan A. Colon MC3 Dustin Sisco MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Andrew Jandik MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Devin Wray MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 Alexander Ventura II MCSN Jess Lewis MCSN Jesse Monford MCSN Dereck Volland MCSN William Cousins MCSA Vanessa David

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.

A Chaotic Grace

by Cmdr. Emile Moured

Before becoming a chaplain, Jason Owen used to be a Search and Rescue (SAR) Corpsman his friends called “J-Nut” -- sort of a variant of the term “Jesus Freak.” As a SAR Corpsman, he put 100% into his job, his family and his whole life. He wasn’t “preachy”, but he made a huge statement by how he lived his life – with joy, passion, and tremendous integrity – and at times with his words.

If one makes a statement by the type of life they lead, then God made a strong statement with Jesus.

Regardless of each of our personal beliefs, we all know the story. To start, Jesus’ life began with what turned out to be ironic words: "Peace on earth!" Then, the first significant political act after his birth is the mass murder of infants around that area in an attempt to kill this child of ancient prophecies.

Jesus’ entrance leads to death and chaos.

Years later, he delivers his first recorded message in his home town, announcing his mission to free humankind (see Luke 4:18). Here is his opportunity to win over family, friends, and perhaps some influential people ! But instead, he takes advantage of this opportunity to highlight their collective self-centeredness. He clearly implies that God has always been interested in welcoming all peoples to Himself . And so these wonderful folks who know Jesus and have a natural affection for him do the natural thing and drag him out of town to throw him off a cliff (see Luke 4:29).

We could say more about this “nice” man. He specifically invited women – despite their low social status in that day – to assist in his awesome mission and be the first witnesses to his greatest miracle, his resurrection. He's associated with …sinners! He questioned empty religious customs and encouraged his disciples to break Sabbath laws.

In fact the doctor and writer, Luke, tells us that one particular day Jesus and the religious leaders were together on their Sabbath when a man came with a withered hand. He clearly needed healing, but the man does not ask for healing. Jesus could simply have done nothing. Or, even if he felt the need to heal the man, Jesus could have just waited one more day (when the Sabbath was over) and healed him in the morning. Then everyone would have been happy. What leader wouldn't strive for a win-win?

Instead, Jesus calls the man forward in the middle of the religious gathering in the middle of the day and heals him. Decisions like that made people want to kill him. So they eventually did.

He deliberately provokes and destabilizes a situation that needed radical change. He tells me that God is not so impressed with my pious exterior, but He wants me be poor “in spirit” and to seek forgiveness; to exhibit “meekness” (quiet strength that does not seek retaliation) and extend forgiveness even to my enemies.

What are we to make of this all in our own lives? First, God is not going to spare us from heartache, suffering, and chaos. If I’m constantly praying for and expecting God to spare me and my loved ones from heartache, then life is going to provide me with a rude awakening. But second, God is actually going to bring heartache, suffering, and chaos into my life sometimes to disrupt that which needs radical change in my life.

With regard to the first, I’ll share with you that in my short time on this earth, I’ve learned that I would much rather be in a valley and know God is by my side than stand on the highest mountain top and feel isolated from my Creator and Savior. God does not simply react to chaos, trouble, and darkness in our lives by responding to our emotional cries for immediate help like some Greek god or djinn from Arab folklore. I have found that through a relationship with Him, he lives through the chaos with me, walking through it with me, promising to redeem all the garbage of this life in due time.

But more than that, God is not merely using or assisting me through chaos at times. He is invading my life with that chaos to rattle my cage and upset that which needs radical change. In that sense, chaos becomes a sort of “grace” from God in my life, shaping me into the kind of person I want to be.

A chaotic, violent grace – just as we see pictured on the cross as an innocent Sacrifice took on all my garbage in a very unfair, unjust payment for all my wrongdoings.

Jesus was not a nice guy, simply trying to make us feel better about ourselves and become welladjusted, productive members of society. We need forgiveness first; then radical change. He encouraged me to be the kind of person who resists those natural selfish urges and instead to be one who forgives, encourages and puts others first. Clearly, I have a long way to go. And, thankfully, sometimes He brings a little chaos into our lives to help us become the people he's called us to be.

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July 15, 2012

Photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joseph Seward and Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Pedro Rodriguez, both assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepare an F/A-18E Super Hornet to participate in the Great Green Fleet demonstration aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. The Great Green Fleet demonstration serves as another milestone in the Navy’s pursuit to improve combat capability through improved energy efficiency measures.

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July 15, 2012

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class L. J. Walters, the petty officer in charge of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) aft steering, adjusts the position of the ship’s starboard rudder.

Seaman Trevor J. Barkley, a watch stander in the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) aft steering, adjusts the ship’s starboard trick wheel.

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July 15, 2012

DRIVERS UNSEEN Story by AO3 Jessica N. Pas Photos by MC3 Ian Cotter

An alarm pierces through the constant drone of hydraulic fluid flowing through snaking pipes, sending Sailors into action. An electrician’s mate is checking all the wiring in the space, while a machinist’s mate cautiously inspects a series of orange pipes for leaks. Finally, a boatswain’s mate flips a few switches and takes control of the wheel, signaling the end of the drill. Steering casualty drills like these are a nightly occurrence aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) keeping the watch standers not only alert but up to date on their training.

“The crew on the bridge mainly deals with communication and navigation; they send a signal to us and our machinery makes that signal mechanical.” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Larry Walters, petty officer in charge of aft steering.

Nimitz’ aft steering is divided into two mirrored systems. They are located on the third and fourth deck, opposite of one another on the port and starboard sides. Nimitz’ two 55,000 pound rudders are powered by high pressure 2133th hydraulic fluid flowing through a vast spider web of orange piping. The complexity of the system makes one wonder how USS Nimitz stays the course.

“It’s a part of engineering I really like,” said Walters. “It’s amazing how we are moving something so big with just a few pieces of metal and liquid.”

With this intricate system in direct control of the rudders, the Sailors in aft steering provide emergency back up to main steering located in the pilot house and damage control central.

“These hard-working Sailors are the last defense against a serious situation where the ship is DIW (dead in the water), and they take it to heart,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Alex Logan.

To go DIW would mean a loss of steering or lack of control for the movement of the ship, leaving it utterly vulnerable.

“The last thing anybody on board Nimitz needs is a DIW during warfare exercises in the middle of the Gulf,” reports Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rodrick Sherrod. “It’s our job to keep that from happening.”

Although highly unlikely, these Sailors prepare themselves to take control in an emergency situation for the safety of their shipmates.

“That action would only ever happen under extreme circumstances,” declared Walters. “I know it’s scary to imagine, but if it were a case of espionage or internal terrorism, the last thing you want is for the enemy to steer this multibillion dollar national asset anywhere they want.”

In the end, these Sailors behind the scenes give the bridge the ability to move the ship into action, whether toward a mission based exercise, a well deserved port call, or home sweet home.

"These hard-working Sailors are the last defense against a serious situation where the ship is dead in the water, and they take it to heart."

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July 15, 2012

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN by

MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ROBERT WINN

There are few days that people will never forget. Days that will forever live in infamy. For the people of Louisiana, August 29, 2005, brought so much more than that. They witnessed and overcame a disaster brought on by mother nature.

Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern coast of the United States and resulted in the displacement of millions of people to higher ground, leaving everything behind.

During those dark days, numerous ships carrying supplies and hundreds of U.S. Navy personnel pulled in to help shore up levies and rebuild the battered coast.

“I saw what the Navy did for us after Katrina hit,” recalls Machinist’s Mate Fireman Bryant Williams, a New Orleans native. “Watching them had a real big impact on me. I knew then that I wanted to be in the Navy.”

Williams was studying aviation maintenance in college in Indianapolis when he made the decision to swear his oath to the Navy.

“It took me some time to work up the courage,” said Williams. “I had a lot of help from my mom and grandma who convinced me it was the right choice.”

Leaving scholastics and the aviation field behind, Williams chose to join as a machinist’s mate knowing he was striding into unknown territory.

“I liked it [aviation maintenance] but I didn’t love it,” explained Williams. “My pops always said ‘do what you love.’ I always thought I’d be able to go back to it if I needed.”

Once in “A” school, though, he knew he’d never look back. This is what he was looking for.

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July 15, 2012 “I’ve had the option to switch rates,” said Williams.

“But, I can’t think of a rating I’d rather be doing.”

Williams now works with all four aircraft elevators (ACE). A humble and behind-the-scenes job of maintaining the massive elevators that move aircraft between the hangar bays and flight deck allowing the Air Department of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to seamlessly shift the aircraft to where they’re needed.

The Sailors of Engineering Department’s EA01 division, including Williams, work under constant stress looking for any malfunctions or discrepancies amongst nearly a mile of cables and hydraulics that are required to move the massive elevators which are under extreme pressure and take constant upkeep.

“These cables here support up to 140,000 lbs,” said Williams. “We’re constantly looking out for slack cables. Slack cables are probably the most dangerous part of working down here. If we’re running an elevator

and you get slack on one of the lines, you run the risk of the elevator slipping. If they slip, they’re not going to fall far, we’ve got numerous safeties in place, but they’re definitely going to feel a violent jolt.”

Williams has to grease, lubricate and maintain 4,350 feet of cable which supports each elevator to ensure the wires stay fresh and rust free. Additionally 32 gear boxes, which raise and lower safety lines, and elevator locks, which hold the elevators in position and remove the bulk of the weight off the main engines, require constant upkeep due to them being exposed to the elements. A roving watch is also manned to ensure space temperatures maintain the levels expected and the hydraulic fluid reserve tanks are working at a safe level and pressure, but this is something that he does with a smile.

“I like the people I work with,” said Williams. “I honestly feel like I’m in the best shop on the ship.”

"I've had the option to switch rates, but I can't think of a rating I'd rather be doing."

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July 15, 2012

MIXING THE GRE Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Cousins

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July 15, 2012

EEN WITH THE BLUE For the last couple of weeks you have probably seen your fair share of Sailors and Marines on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68). You may even have noticed a few foreign sailors transiting the ship as well, all of which are attached to one sea going service or another. But there are two service members wearing Army uniforms, who have raised the question of how two Soldiers made it on board and what their role could possibly be on an aircraft carrier.

For Army Master Sgt. Charles Lightner and Army Sgt. 1st Class George Jones assigned to the 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment as Ground Liaisons (GLD’s) stationed out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, it’s not an uncommon situation.

“We primarily support Air Force wings,” said Jones. “However, when an aircraft carrier deploys, we [GLD’s] are the ground liaison teams for the fighter squadrons of the carrier.”

Serving aboard Nimitz for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, their job is to brief pilots with pre-staged scenarios before each mission to ensure success. In a real combat situation, the information Photo by MCSN William Cousins

to brief the pilots with would come from the unit’s headquarters field element. The information is then relayed to the ground liaison team who brief it to the pilots before their mission.

“You’re having a ground situational awareness prior to the pilot’s flight,” said Lightner. “He’s got to have a good understanding of what’s happening on the ground. If we weren’t here, then the pilots would fly in and not have a clue of what’s going on until contact was made with a Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC).”

On top of mission briefs, Lightner and Jones are fostering good relationships with a different service and learning as much as they can. They plan on taking the knowledge they learn from being on a ship and sharing it with their fellow service members to help Soldiers understand the Navy side.

“We do this so you can understand what we do as GLD’s and see what you guys do on a carrier,” said Lightner. “It’s building a working relationship between two services. We know how you operate and you guys know how we operate. We can share that wealth of knowledge from being on ship and seeing what you guys do.”

Nimitz is currently underway participating in RIMPAC 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from Jun. 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes

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July 15, 2012

FROM

YN TO AO Story by MC3 Devin Wray

Photo by MC3 Devin Wray

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I

July 15, 2012

n the big city of Round Rock, Texas, a young man once worked on motorcycles with his father in their garage.

Pulling apart things and seeing the inner mechanics appealed to him. This same man now uses his skills in pulling apart and assembling weapons and ordnance for the Navy… as a Yeoman.

Darius Davenport was looking for independence. At the age of 19 he found a way to make it on his own by joining the Navy as an air crewman.

“I didn’t want my parents to feel I was dependant on them,” said Davenport. “I was paying all my bills, but the only thing I didn’t have was my own apartment.”

Davenport entered as an air crewman in 2009, his Navy career took a different turn and while working at Naval Air Station – Corpus Christi, Davenport was selected for Yeoman duties.

He struck Yeoman and finally achieved a designated job. His experiences taught him early that the path originally taken can quickly change for the better.

Now, a Yeoman 3rd Class attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Davenport is working on acquiring yet another skill set.

“He’s the only Yeoman I know who’s qualified to handle ordnance,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Anthony Price, HSC-6’s ordnance leading chief petty officer.

Still looking for a job that would fit his skills he acquired before joining the Navy, Davenport said when he asked his chief if he could try something else, the job of an Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) seemed like the right fit. Now he is in the process of crossrating to AO. “His energy and attitude are the best,” said Price. “The guy is a work horse!”

Price said Davenport was fully qualified within a month and a half, a feat rarely seen while cross-rating.

“I’m just glad to be doing something I like,” said Davenport.

“I feel like I contribute more to the mission now.”

While he was working as a Yeoman, it gave him the opportunity to help other Sailors. Now that he’s working in a new environment, where he can see the results of his hard work, it gives him the motivation to excel as an AO. “I would trade two of my newest guys for another YN3 Davenport” sad Price. “He’s well ahead of being qualified above his peers.”

Large guns are a big motivation for the job too. Davenport said he loves working on the gau-21 .50 caliber gun.

Embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with HSC-6, Davenport is currently learning the job alongside the AO’s. He cares for and learns about the guns, missiles, and launchers attached to helicopters. He has even helped bring the new M-197 20mm automatic gun helicopter armament subsystem A/A49E-27 to the fleet for the first time, and is teaching his squadron what he knows about the new gun system with the help of his new co-workers.

Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes

“These guys are like family,” said Davenport, “and that’s what I love about this.”

Davenport has another family waiting for him in Arizona.

Now coming to the end of his first enlistment, he said he plans on returning to his wife and daughter and going back to school if he can’t cross rate to AO. Davenport plans to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, someday, and jokes about using his knowledge to find a way to mount a .50 cal onto his motorcycle.

Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes

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July 15, 2012

THE

PRIDE FACTOR

Story and photo by MC3 Renee L. Candelario

Throughout the Navy, Sailors are consistently reminded to uphold a professional appearance in order to set the standard for those around them, most importantly the junior Sailors coming up the ranks.

The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) remains watchful of their physical appearance and how they carry themselves on a day-to-day basis, even while underway.

“It’s important not just to take pride in yourself, but to take pride in the job that you do,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Susana Saenz, the work center supervisor for the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department’s ordnance shop. “It’s important to maintain your grooming standards and personal hygiene, but most importantly it’s about taking pride in being a Sailor.”

A professional exterior displays good work ethic in the work center.

“Maintaining a personal appearance makes an impression on the Sailors that work for me,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Angel Anton, Deck Department’s leading petty officer. “A lot of times when you see your higher-ups, whatever they show you is mostly what you want to be like.

If I’m squared away, more than likely they [my junior guys] will be squared away too.”

The way a service member presents themselves displays a lot to their upper chain of command and can show

through their work ethic.

“A lot of times, the Sailors that maintain themselves well and take that extra time to look squared away will mos- t likely do a better job if they put the attention to detail they use to maintain themselves into their jobs,” said Anton.

If your fellow shipmate isn’t within Navy regulation standards it doesn’t take a lot to help them out.

“If you stay quiet, you’re not helping those Sailors you’re just brushing it underneath the rug,” said Saenz.

Everyone is responsible for following the instructions and “squaring away” other service members not just from upper leadership.

“Even as a junior Sailor you need to help each other out,” said Saenz. “If it’s a rule placed on you, you follow it and you set the example, then you have the right to let everyone else know. It’s better to try to accommodate the rules and get used to them so it becomes a norm.”

Anton explained, if you are keeping your personal appearance in regulations, keep up the good work. You are keeping the Navy standards where they should be.

The regulations are simple and easy to follow. The Navy has placed standards to keep us mission ready at all times. Taking the extra time it takes to shine boots, iron uniforms and keeping within hair regulations demonstrates professionalism in a service member. Professionalism is contagious; someone just needs to set the example.

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July 15, 2012

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July 15, 2012

Air Force linebacker balances academy, football, fatherhood Story by Frank Schwab The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Alex Means, a few hours after his son was born, lay on a couch in a hospital room. He was the only one in the room not sleeping.

Means was 21 years old when Dallas was born June 7, 2011, and he still had two years remaining at the Air Force Academy before he would graduate. Previously, he had worried about things like moving up the depth chart at outside linebacker on the football team. His nervousness in the hospital room went well beyond that.

“I remember lying there thinking, ‘This is real,’” Means said. “I look over and see a baby sleeping and think, ‘That’s mine, and what am I going to do? How am I going to be a father? How am I going to balance all this?’ I just didn’t know.”

During these moments of uncertainty on the couch, he noticed his newborn son getting restless, so he got up to tend to him.

“I stood over him, and it’s the first time I remember crying in a long time. Just tears coming down my face, thinking, ‘This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,’” Means said. “Everything, all the worries, were just gone. You look at him and you realize everything is going to be OK.” Having a child at that period in Means’ life wasn’t ideal. Being a cadet is difficult.

Being a cadet and a football player leaves almost no free time. Being a cadet, a football player and a father seems close to impossible. And the administrative process that followed Dallas’ birth wasn’t easy. Means thought about quitting Air Force, since he hadn’t started his junior year and could walk away with no penalty.

A year later, Means is in a great place. He’s possibly Air Force’s best returning player, after a team-best six sacks last season. His son is growing fast. Dallas could probably pass for twice his age, which isn’t too surprising considering his father is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. Dallas’ mother, Perri Leake, and Means are engaged to be married. Leake is a second lieutenant, having graduated from Air Force this year.

Means didn’t plan for his college life to go this way, but he’s happy it did.

“It’s been a crazy ride, but I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Means said. “It’s been a blessing, all the support I’ve had to make it possible. I love my son to death. I love spending every second I can with him.”

When Means was dealing with concern and worry about becoming a father and what would happen with his Air Force career, he could have used reassurance that it would all turn out this well.

His head was swimming for a while. In addition to the uncertainty of any firsttime father, he knew that he couldn’t have a dependent as long as he was at the service academy.

A 1994 directive from the Department of Defense states that no service academy student shall be married or have a dependent. Based on the longstanding directive, the Air Force Academy presents some options. A female cadet can resign, or take a medical turnback and return after she gives birth. That’s what Leake and Means decided to do.

“Each of these are worked out on a case-by-case basis,” academy spokesman David Cannon said. “Everything is catered to what the cadet wants to do.”

Leake had her parents adopt Dallas so they could complete their academy careers.

Leake’s mother moved from Missouri to Colorado and helped take care of Dallas while Means and Perri Leake were in school. Leake’s mother lived with her daughter Meredith, a former academy graduate who is married to former Falcons football player Aaron Kirchoff and had a child about a month after Dallas was born. After Means graduates next spring, the couple plans to marry in June or July and then they will start the process to become Dallas’ legal guardians again.

“Her parents were the reason all this was able to happen,” Means said. “It all came down to her parents saying, ‘You two need to finish school.’”

Before that, Means thought about quitting so he could take care of Dallas and let Leake finish school. He said the idea of leaving Air Force crushed him. He talked to outside linebackers coach Matt Weikert and head coach Troy Calhoun, and they offered that graduating from Air Force would be the best long-term option for his family.

“I remember going to coach Calhoun and he said, ‘Anything you need you let me know; I have full support for you,’” Means said. “When I heard that, I couldn’t leave this program.”

Means said his teammates’ reaction also helped him through the anxious time. He mentioned quarterback Connor Dietz, offensive tackle Jason Kons, linebackers Patrick Hennessey and Ken Lamendola, defensive lineman Nick DeJulio and safety Brian Lindsay (who would become Dallas’ godfather) as some teammates who offered to help however they could.

"They’re like, ‘Sweet, we can’t wait for him to be around,’” Means said. “They were all supportive. The support made it easier.”

Means didn’t get any breaks. He had a full class schedule of about 18 class hours each of the past two semesters. He fulfilled the daily military duties of every cadet. He played in all 13 Air Force football games last season. He often had to do homework after playing with Dallas for a couple of hours at night, but he got used to a little less sleep.

Means said he has matured tremendously through the past year. He expresses his love for Leake, who he proposed to after her graduation ceremony. His gift to her was a large box, and inside that box were other boxes. The smallest box was a ring box, but Leake found it was empty. She turned to see Means on one knee. Dallas gave her the ring as Means proposed.

Means said when he looked at Dallas in the hospital room the night he was born, he had a reassuring feeling that everything would be OK. A year later, that has proven true.

“It’s been great, just to see something you created grow up in front of you,” Means said. “Just seeing him grow up – he’s throwing a little pillow football around now. From going to crawling to walking to starting to talk … it’s been the single greatest experience of my entire life.”

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July 15, 2012

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?

TV LINEUP

A Sports Commentary by Lt. T. "Roundhouse" Fergusson

All-Star Game, Eh,Who Cares?

This past week in Kansas City, Major League Baseball All-Stars from the National and American Leagues competed in a lopsided battle that was won by the National League, 8-0. Melky “I couldn’t make the Yankees” Cabrera was named the Most Valuable Player.

Now the National League will have home field advantage in the World Series regardless of the fact that any team coming out of the American League will probably have a better record. Bud Selig is a genius.

Major League Baseball raised the stakes when they declared the winner of the game would get home field advantage. Who cares!

There is no real home field advantage in baseball. Just look at the 2004 American League Championship Series. The Boston Red Sox were down three games to none and stormed back winning the final four. Game seven was played at Yankee Stadium. Oh did I mention the Yankees Suck? If you don’t agree with me then you are wrong.

During the festivities, the traditional home run derby was held and four representatives from each league participated. Putting all his weight into his swing, Prince “Tons of Fun” Fielder pulled out ahead and took a bite out of the competition. He hit 12 home runs in the final round to edge Toronto’s Jose Bautista’s for the title.

All-Star games have become a joke to the sports fan. Players who are selected due to ill-informed fans that don’t know the game and can vote as many times as they want for their favorite player. All of this takes place from the comfort of their favorite recliner, with a beer perched upon their beer belly. You know who you are New York Yankees and Texas Rangers fans! Players and coaches should choose the players that play in the game and not some beer-guzzling, mustard-stained idiot with chew spit on his chin. What do I know, I am a diehard Red Sox fan sitting and waiting for Bobby V to do something with this team.

If you would like to comment on any of this, please do. You are probably wrong and I will gladly correct you in next week’s paper.

Email me at theodore.ferguson@cvn68.navy.mil

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On The Cover: Aviation Electronic’s Technician 2nd Class Danny Bernal, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) performs maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay.

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