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CONTENTS Vol. 8 | Issue 03
4 The Ouija Board
By MC3 (SW/AW) Ian Kinkead
NIMITZ NEWS
Capt. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Jimmy Hailey Command Master Chief
MEDIA DEPARTMENT
Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Donnelly PAO Ens. Meagan Morrison DIVO MCCS Ahron Arendes Media DLCPO MCC Grant Probst Media External LCPO MCC Porter Anderson Media Internal LCPO MC1 Jose Hernandez Media LPO MC3 Ian Kinkead Creative Lead MC3 Weston Mohr Phojo WCS
Gain a better understanding of the simple, yet effective, ouija board used by the flight deck control team aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). 8 Songs From The Sea By MCSN Emily Johnston
An interesting perspective on the drive and passion of one Nimitz Sailor who is actively pursuing his dream to be a successful musician.
MC1 Marcus Stanley MC2 Austin Haist MC2 Holly Herline MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Elesia Patten MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 Kenneth Blair MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Marc Cuenca MC3 Deanna Gonzales MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Cole Schroeder MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MCSN David Claypool MCSN Cody Deccio MCSN Emily Johnston MCSN Kennishah Maddux MCSN Jose Madrigal
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By MCSN Kennishah Maddux
A story highlighting the ship’s milestone 100,000th launch off of catapult two. 2
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n a game of chess, the player who knows their lines and is able to think multiple moves ahead is normally the one who ends up victorious. The Ouija board, a 192 to one scale model of the flight deck and hangar bay, sits inside flight deck control aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). It is easily comparable to a chess board said Lt. Cmdr. Vern Jensen, the handler aboard Nimitz from Oregon, Ohio. Each scale model of an aircraft, when resting upon the board, is a pawn in the hand of Jensen, as he makes moves towards completing the mission. According to Jensen, all that is necessary to complete the mission successfully is to create a simple plan on the Ouija board. The Sailors aboard Nimitz have created their own chess line. One where they can always think a few steps ahead and be prepared for what’s next. The simplicity of the Ouija board is quite contrasting to the complexity of the mission it is used to complete, which is making sure all of the aircraft on Nimitz are in the right place at the right time. It assists by turning a complex evolution into an easily digestible visual aid, because something as simple as a purple nut on top of a small wooden aircraft makes it clear to everyone that, the aircraft needs fuel. Jensen organizes and oversees the ins and outs of the Ouija board. He refers to all the little bits and pieces and small plastic aircraft used to organize the board as “pinology.” All the Sailors who work alongside him need to understand what each knick knack on the board exemplifies. They also need to understand his motto, which hangs
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We execute the
plan without a hitch because thats just what we do. -ABH1 Kyle Krause
up in flight deck control and states, “Do Simple Better.” Austerity is key to the management of the board. “The pinology is how we look at the scale model of the flight deck and hangar bay and determine the operational and maintenance requirements for each aircraft,” said Jensen. Jensen shopped online and at numerous stores to purchase an abundance of pins, nuts and bolts, which he painted. With the help of his crew, he used these to develop the Ouija board they use today. Jensen, Lt. Caleb McDonald, the night shift handler, from Winterset, Iowa, and Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Chad Naish, the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 maintenance coordinator, from Lemoore, California, got together about a year and a half ago to figure out what they wanted to see on the board, but the Sailors who work on the Ouija board have a lot of input into how it operates as well. The Nimitz motto of “Teamwork, a tradition” is a standard in flight deck control. There are representatives standing watch from CVW11 squadrons, weapons department and air department that involve fueling, aircraft handling, and aircraft launch and recovery equipment. These individuals keep the Ouija board updated on all of the moving parts involving aircraft on the
ship, which gives a visual reference to everyone involved in flight deck control. “We had to decide what we want to see on our board to understand the information that we need to disperse out to the flight deck and to our superiors,” said Jensen. “We also took into account what our leaders out on the flight deck want to see so they can best understand it.” According to the handler, the flight deck caller is one of, if not the most pivotal role on deck. A deck caller is overall responsible for the on deck execution of the flight plan, so it is paramount for that Sailor to have an in-depth understanding of the Ouija board. “The Ouija board just helps me stay five to six steps ahead of the air plan,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Kyle Krause, one of Nimitz’ flight deck callers, from Whitelake, Mich. “I can come into flight deck control and look at the board to see the next launch and recoveries. That makes it easy to plan and park the aircraft accordingly to make sure any maintenance or ordnance requirements that need to get done can happen. The board makes it easy for me to pass down everything to those working for me on the flight deck, and then we execute the plan without a hitch because that’s just what we do.” This style of Ouija board, that helps Nimitz and her Sailors operate so efficiently, is unique because it’s the last of its kind on an aircraft carrier as the U.S. Navy moves on to a more modernized system called the Aviation Data Management and Control System (ADMACS), but Naish was quick to point out the benefits of the system Nimitz uses. “From my perspective it filters the communication into one central line,” said Naish “It is always said that communication in
the military is one area that we can improve on. The ability to have a simple plan and a central point of contact helps keep that communication moving calmly in one direction. The advantage of the traditional Ouija board we have is that its visual, real time and it is all managed in flight deck control.” Victory, in the eyes of some Nimitz Sailors, is supporting Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). In a game of chess, victory is called a checkmate. Throughout the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group’s workup cycle, the Sailors who work in flight deck control have come up with their own way to organize aircraft. This process is based off history and self-generated preferences. They have honed their skills when it comes to managing the Ouija board and created a system that works for them. It’s a chess line in the words of Jensen, a specific way to organize the flight operations of an aircraft carrier that will always lead to a checkmate. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group’s is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of OIR. While in the region, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation and maintain the free flow of commerce.
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aintaining strong, healthy relationships can be hard for anyone, and can be even more difficult for military personnel. The stress of being gone for extensive amounts of time is felt strongly by both the person leaving and the one left at home. After observing and experiencing this first hand, Airman Maxwell Holmes began writing songs about it. Holmes grew up in Houston, and has been writing poetry and rapping for several years., but when he joined the Navy in December 2015, it gave him a new opportunity to expand his talents. After hearing a friend perform, he was inspired to start writing his own music. Shortly after, he received his first guitar and began to seek coaching and mentoring on how to be a well-rounded musician. “It’s one of those things that maybe you had the whole time, and you just have to find it in
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yourself,” said Holmes. “I was really insecure at first and didn’t feel comfortable performing in front of other people. In the Navy, you stop caring what you sound like and just want to express yourself.” Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ethan Charles Franz, from Lebanon, Ohio, has known Holmes since boot camp, which they attended in 2015. They were also roommates in “A” school, and checked into USS Nimitz (CVN 68) at the same time. Franz has taken the role as Holmes’ unofficial manager, and enjoys watching his friend grow as an artist. “He’s always been musically inclined,” said Franz. “One day he was playing, and it was really, really good. I told him he should start performing in front of people. Before he put out his first song, he would sing for me and a couple of other guys in the liberty center, and would always ask us ‘How does this sound?’ He was always super nervous. Once he realized that people were actually listening to his music, he noticed the audience was vibing to it. That’s when he realized how good he was and it was pretty cool.” With his background in writing poetry and rapping prior to joining the Navy, writing music came naturally to Holmes. All he had to do was conquer the nerves of performing in front of an audience. “It got a lot easier,” said Holmes. “The first time I sang in front of people was at an open mic night in Bremerton. Over time, you start to care
more about the music and not about how people looked at you and how you’re viewed. You just express yourself.” Holmes now performs almost effortlessly whenever he takes the stage. “I don’t think I’ve ever missed a show,” said Franz. “Now, he doesn’t even acknowledge that the audience is there. It’s like he’s just playing for his friends.” Holmes describes his music as very emotional and passionate. Every song he writes is inspired by either a personal experience, or something he’s witnessed a friend go through. His songs often touch on the hardships of being in a relationship while in the military. One song he wrote, known as the deployment song, was written specifically about what it feels like to be underway and away from home for long periods of time. “When I wrote the deployment song, it was more based on my own experiences,” said Holmes. “I wrote it when we were underway during COMPTUEX (Composite Training Unit Exercise). I had a lot of friends in relationships and getting engaged and I was also talking to someone. When you really think about it and soak it all in, it’s a lot, not being able to stay and build something. All you can do is hope that she’ll still be there when you get back. (The deployment song) has a really determined ‘make it work’ vibe.” Holmes said that music is all about the experience and soul that goes into it. It’s about
creating a magical moment for someone to relate to and enjoy. He prefers to write his music while the ship is underway, because the water is clear and peaceful. Fortunately, Holmes’ friend from home had recently graduated from the Media Tech Institute in Houston, and helped Holmes record his first album in May, 2017. His album is called Deep Down. “I think certain songs connect a lot quicker to people in the military, especially spouses,” said Holmes. “But, anyone who wants to be involved can be. Anyone who has emotions can connect to my music. Just because people hide their emotions doesn’t mean they don’t have them. I’ve seen people of all ages enjoy my music. It’s all about the soul.” Writing and producing music is something Holmes said he never imagined he would have the chance to do. He hopes that his musical journey will inspire others to do what they’re passionate about, despite the odds. “Follow your dreams,” said Holmes. “I never thought I would actually be writing and performing my own music. There will always be obstacles, there will always be something in the way. But if you don’t do your best to do what you love, you’ll end up doing something you don’t want to do.” Holmes is very thankful that through the experiences in the military, he was able to find something he’s passionate about and express himself in a way he never thought possible. He sees his experience in the Navy as a stepping stone in life, and plans on pursuing a career in music outside of the Navy. Holmes is currently assigned to USS Nimitz. Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. 11
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ou can feel the excitement on the flight deck. As the jet engines roar an F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, goes soaring into the air. This launch was a bit more special than the other approximately 30 launches performed dailyon USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during its 2017 deployment. It was historic.
“100,000 launches, 42 years of service and this ship is still out here getting the work done.” -Capt. Kevin Lenox Nimitz CO
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The ship successfully completed its 100,00th aircraft launch from Catapult Two Sept. 25, marking the second time, since the ship’s commissioning in 1975, that the milestone has been achieved. Catapult One launched its 100,000th aircraft on October 7, 2009. Getting catapult two to this milestone is exciting for the crew that works on these catapults daily as they know all that goes into each and every launch, said Nimitz’ Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) officer Lt. j.g. Gabriel Quinlin, from Indianapolis. “The reason 100,000 shots is a significant milestone is because every catapult shot requires maintenance,” said Quinlin. Quinlin has been Nimitz’ ALRE officer since May, 2015 and has seen the tremendous work it takes to get these catapult ready for the daily grind of being on deployment. “Catapult Two was in pieces before we left for deployment, and it took a complete overhaul and an immense amount of hard work from the crew to get
it up and ready to go,” said Quinlin. “Now we continue to make sure it’s ready to operate safely by performing checks prior to and after each launch, in addition to our numerous; daily, weekly and monthly workups.” Since the Nimitz has been deployed this catapult alone has been responsible for over 1,200 launches. This is thanks in large part to the crew who work diligently everyday behind the scenes and below deck to make sure each launch on the flight deck is a successful one, said Quinlin. “100,000 launches, 42 years of service and this ship is still out here getting the work done,” said Captain Kevin P. Lenox, commanding officer of the Nimitz. It’s the crew that is responsible for that success and they should all feel proud of the work they do every day to continue to make those launch numbers grow, said Lenox.
As the F/A-18E disappears in to the horizon and the cheers subside, the crew gets back to its regularly scheduled flight operations. Even though Sept. 25 may be a special day for those that work on the flight deck and catapults, it’s just another chance for those working on the Nimitz to do what they do best: safely launching and recovering the aircraft with the same amount of proficiency, dedication and commitment to Nimitz’ mission in the Arabian Gulf, regardless of what number it might happen to be. Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce.
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CH. 02- NIMITZ ORIGINALS CH. 03- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 04- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 05- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 06- AFN CH. 07- AFN CH. 08- AFN CH. 09- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 10- ILARTS CH. 11- MOVIE CHANNEL CH. 12- SCROLLER CH. 13- TRAINING
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1. AN Matthew Martin stands a full bore watch in the Strait of 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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Find Chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
TRIVIA weekly throwback Sailors change out an arresting gear wire aboard Nimitz in 1983
On what day did Kanye West storm the stage during Taylor Swift’s award speech at the VMAs?
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September 13, 2009
1| AOAN Hamilton Linot, from Rose Hill, Ohio, cleans an M61A2 20mm machine gun.|MC3 Wong 2| An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the “Eightballers” of HSC 8, delivers ordnance.|MC3 Kinkead 3| Sailors read from Jewish holy scriptures for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.|MC3 Cuenca 4| Sailors participate in a search and rescue drill.|MCSN Maddux 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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5| MA2 Alexander Tamarak, from Fort Collins, Colo., tallys a score during a small arms qualification.|MC3 Kinkead 6| Sailors launch an F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA 323, off the flight deck.|MCSN Johnston 7. MA1 Robert Lees, left, from Freeport, Fla., and MA3 Nicolas Franklin, from Locust Grove, Ga., participate in an anti-terrorism drill.|MC3 Wong
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