March 24, 2011
Nimitz News
March 24, 2011
Vol. 36, No. 12
Volunteers help families return from Japan Story by MCSN Ashley Berumen Servicemembers, family members and other volunteers, are working with the United Service Organizations (USO) this week, to welcome evacuated servicemembers and their families, from Japan to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), one of the four major airports for the evacuees. According to Nimitz’ Command Ombudsman, the USO is expecting thousands of family members to return to the U.S. via military chartered flights to Sea-Tac throughout the week. The goal of the volunteers is to assist the family members transiting through Seattle, before returning to their home states. “Many of the passengers are mothers traveling with children,” said Cmdr. Brent Johnson, Nimitz’ Chaplain. “We will be there watching their children, walking their dogs, helping them arrange transportation. We’ll basically be taking care of whatever they need when they arrive.” The family members were evacuated without much time to pack and were only permitted one suitcase per passenger; it is very likely there are items they have forgotten, said Johnson. “It’s a long flight from Japan to Seattle,” said Johnson. “So we will also be providing snack and self-care items that the families can use to freshen up.” Personnel Specialist Seaman Ian Kowalczyk said he felt it was important to volunteer his time for fellow servicemembers and their families. “These people lost everything they had, and we need to be there to show our support,” said Kowalczyk. The Ombudsman Team is requesting donations of juice boxes, fruit snack, baby formula, wipes, baby food, calling cards, feminine hygiene products, deodorants, toothpaste/brushes, baby
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Japan aid Operation Tomodachi Sailors can give funds through the chapels on Naval Base Kitsap via a special collection on Sunday 27 March. There will be a POD notice describing how to drop off funds at any of the Base Chapel offices that week. All funds given for Japan Relief will be sent directly to agencies currently working in Japan. The Religious Ministry office on Nimitz, like all operational units, is prohibited from taking offerings and handling funds. Base chapels are the designated method of collecting Religious Offering Funds and distributing those monies to charities and aid organizations.
Reputable Agencies
Navy Cmdr. Al Adams, a Joint Base LewisMcChord medical planner, holds Allen Bell while mother Mai Bell fills out paperwork after arriving Monday at Sea-Tac airport from Japan. (MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES)
powder, soap, shampoo/conditioner and razors. Johnson said donations can be taken to the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor chapel or contact the Ombudsman. Cash donations can be made at the Puget Sound USO site, www.usopsa.org. A welcome center will remain open 24 hours a day during the time the planes are arriving from Japan. Nimitz Sailors or family members who wish to volunteer their time, can contact, Kristin Crow, Nimitz volunteer coordinator, 360-6499240 or e-mail ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo. com. You can also contact the Naval Base Kitsap watchbill coordinator Senior Chief Thomas at 360-627-4002.
World Vision: www.worldvision.org UNICEF: www.unicefusa.org Mercy Corps :www.mercycorps.org Samaritan’s Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.org Americares: americares.org Doctors Without Borders: Internationalmedicorps.org Lions Clubs International: lionsclubs.org Salvation Army: donate.salvationarmyusa.org (Text: QUAKE or 80888 to donate $10 or call 800-SAL-ARMY) Save the Children: savethechildren.org (Text: JAPAN or 20222 or call 800-728-3843 to donate) The American Red Cross: american.redcross. org (Text: REDCROSS or 90999 to make a $10 donation. Or call 800-Red Cross)
Beware of internet scams that will pose as charities. Scams often use a “ .com” address and pose as a legitimate agency. Avoid websites that offer chances to give but refuse to divulge where the money is actually going.
March 24, 2011
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Nimitz News
SRFB continues security training by MCSN Shayne Johnson
Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT John Ring Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LCDR Steve Ruh Division Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Layout/ Designer MC3 Nichelle Whitfield Editor MC2 Nathan Gomez Media Dept MC2 J.D. Levite MC2 Scott McCall MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Amara Timberlake MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 C.J. Amdahl MC3 Peter Merrill MC3 Matthew Patton MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Devin Wray YN3 Sang Nguyen MCSN Ashley Berumen MCSN Shayne Johnson MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSA Alexander Ventura II “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.
The shipboard Reaction Force Basic (SRFB) class continued their training throughout the week. Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD) Sailors aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) learned about the effects of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, as well as weapons familiarization with the 9mm Beretta, M500 shotgun
and the M4 and M16 rifles. “OC spray is a defensive tool we use in our ladder force,” said Master at Arms 2nd Class Louis Huante. “OC spray is used only when verbal commands and soft controls, such as handcuffing, fail. Only then will OC spray be used.” Sailors first learned about OC spray in the classroom and then learned first-hand about how OC spray affects an assailant. “It disabled me for a while,” said Seaman Jaime Ivorylewis. “I felt unable to do anything. It burned my eyes, my face was on fire and it was hard to breath. I wasn’t expecting it.” The SRFB class also received weapons familiarization training, which included shooting fundamentals, proper aiming techniques, trigger control and MA2 Louis Huante trains TAD Sailors on what to do if breathing techniques. an assailant attempts to take your weapon. (Photo by MCSN Shayne Johnson) “They learned
about basic information about the weapons, how the weapons work, cycle of operation, firing safety rules and condition codes,” said Master at Arms 3rd Class Cassandra Carter. It was fun learning how the weapons work, how to control them, feel how heavy they are and how to shoot with proper stances, said Ivorylewis. A marksman score is required to be able to carry a weapon, and each weapon has different qualification standards, said Carter. “We are only allowed to use these weapons when use of deadly force has been authorized and justified, and when all lesser means have failed,” said Carter. Sailors also learned about what to do if someone tries to take their weapon. “Weapons retention is very important,” said Master at Arms 2nd Class Eric Reynolds. “It will protect your life. If someone attempts to take your weapon in the first place, then they probably intend to harm you.” The SRFB class continues training next week, where they are scheduled to learn how to conduct a security search.
XOPS upgraded to better reach Sailors By MC2 Nathan Gomez The Executive Officers Professional Sailor program (XOPS) has been revamped to help Sailors get more out of the program. The new curriculum will be introduced in XOPS upcoming class March 28 to April 1. “One of the things we’re changing is getting rid of most of the power point presentations,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Chris Catalano, an XOPS instructor. Sailors who had been through XOPS said the class could be boring after hours of power point presentations, so the idea was to make the class more interactive, said Catalano. “We’re making it more like a group discussion rather than a class,” said Catalano. “We want it to be
sea-story based so they can relate to what we’re saying. We found when we engage the Sailors; they tend to grasp the concept a whole lot better.” XOPS is not for Sailors who’ve are going through the ship’s legal process but it’s a tool for those who might be heading down the wrong path to help sailors learn to be more professional, more disciplined a better communicator and ultimately, a better Sailor. “Some people think it’s punitive, but it’s not,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) (SW/AW) Jessica Keith, XOPS coordinator. “It’s a form of boot camp. There’s professional Sailor training, conflict management and other topics as well.” See XOPS on page 8
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3 Sailors honored at dinner ceremony By MCSA Alexander Ventura Three Nimitz Sailors were presented leadership awards at a ceremony held at McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard, Wash. March 18. “It’s important to recognize outstanding leaders,” said Rex Buffington, executive director of the Stennis Center for Public Service. “It allows us to point to their example of leadership for others to follow.” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) First Class (AW/SW) Robert Jimenez,V-3 leading petty officer was awarded the Pacific Thunder Leadership Award. “He helped raise more than $80,000 for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society last year,” said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Commanding Officer of USS Nimitz. “He’s provided leadership and mentorship to his Sailors. We’ve seen the retention and the advancement rates sky rocket within the V-3 division and he is also involved in the EAWS (Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist) program helping Sailors get qualified.” Jimenez said, “I basically did my job as a first class petty officer; always being engaged with my Sailors and their careers on a daily basis, and performing my job to the best of my ability.” Senior Chief Machinist Mate (SW) Jason Homan was awarded the Five Star Nimitz Leadership Award. Homan transferred from the Nimitz and is currently stationed as the Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific. Command Master Chief William LloydOwen accepted the award in his behalf. “He did was realized they had a deficiency in their division in the ability to advance and retain Sailors,” said Monger. “He put together a structured training program that was detailed and a mentorship program. As a result, they consistently have been at twice the advancement rate of the Navy average and they also have an 86 percent retention rate.”
Lt. Cmdr. Walter T. Taylor, A s s i s t a n t Reactor Officer, was awarded the CINPAC Leadership Award. “He has lead, trained and maintained the standards of the reactor department Rex Buffington, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class(AW/SW) Robert throughout this Jimenez, and Nimitz Commanding Officer Capitan Paul O. Monger pose for a photo after Jimenez’ reception of the Pacific Thunder Leadership Award March past year,” said 18. (Photo by MC3(SW) Nichelle Noelle Whitfield) Monger. Taylor said the key to leadership is his attitude and communication with his Sailors. “I always try to come to work with a positive attitude and look for opportunities to make a difference; working with people finding Rex Buffington, Assistant Reactor Officer Lieutenant Commanders Walter Taylor, and Nimitz Commanding Officer Capitan Paul O. Monger pose for a photo after out what I can Taylor’s reception Leadership Award March 18. (Photo by MC3(SW) Nichelle Noelle Whitfield) do to help them, what they need, “I am very flattered for the award and what we can do together to move ceremony,” said Jimenez. “I just wish more forward,” said Taylor. of my shipmates could’ve attended because The three awardees are great examples if it wasn’t for them I would not have been of leadership and success, said Operations an award recipient.” Specialist Second Class (SW/AW) Chrystal Hughes said, “The event was great. I Hughes. love the fact that Nimitz Sailors are being “I’m very inspired by the award winners,” recognized for their leadership and hard said Hughes. “They’re great role models work that they do every day.” that I think all our Sailors and myself can The dinner was sponsored by the Stennis look up to. I’m glad the work our Sailors Center for Public Service, a federal are doing is not being over looked.” legislative branch agency created by Jimenez said he was honored that the Congress in 1988 to promote and strengthen Nimitz recognized their Sailors. leadership in America.
March 24, 2011
Nimitz News
When I was in third grade, my class took a field trip to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, Calif. I remember thinking how awesome it would be to be a scientist; wearing the long white coat, looking at cells under a microscope and making a great discovery. With the constant advancement in technology, it’s easy to disregard the process of how we reached this level and take everyday items only at face value. The Pacific Science Center in Seattle took me back to a time when I wondered how and why things worked the way they do. Of course, I’m older now and a little more educated than I was at eight years old, but being surrounded by children still at that “sponge” state, reminded me o f the youthful innocence I o n c e possessed. The first thing I heard when I
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entered the building was, “Mom, can we see the dinosaurs first?” Followed by, “It would be so cool if they were still alive.” I laughed to myself, realizing that this wouldn’t be the only question I would hear all day, nor would it be the only question the child’s mother would hear either. I walked through the Insect Village, and was surprised to see children with hissing cockroaches in their hands as if they were oversized roly polies. The Village also included tarantulas, black widow spiders, and giant robotic insects. I was content with looking at them on the other side of the glass. Unfortunately the tic-tac-toe playing robot was in retirement so I
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By MCSN Ashley Berumen was unable to challenge it to a match, but it was still on display. Although there was a lot to see and do at the various hands-on exhibits from testing your flexibility, or challenging your sense of smell to learning about the extinction of dinosaurs, the highlight of my visit was the Tropical Butterfly House. The glass room simulated a tropical garden which housed hundreds of free-flying butterflies. It was amazing to see the exquisite detail and colors in the wings from a deep blue to even a peacock-like design; some looked like feathers floating through the air. Children were running around from one exhibit to another, touching everything within arm’s reach. It was a little like a zoo, and if you weren’t paying attention you would be run over by a stampede of little feet coming from any direction. It didn’t matter if you were checking to see how much you weighed on Saturn, if they were ready, it was their turn. You might be thinking that spending an afternoon surrounded by chaos is the exact opposite of what you would consider a good time. But that is exactly what added to the experience of the visit to the museum. Reuniting with my inner child was great, but I didn’t get to see the feature that attracted me to the Pacific Science Center in the first place. The center holds laser light shows to music from Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Daft Punk and other artists in the Laser Dome every weekend. Although I was disappointed, it is a good reason to drive to Seattle for another visit.
March 24, 2011
Nimitz News
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Portside rudder removed Tuesday By MCSN Ashley Berumen USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) portside rudder was removed Mar. 14 as part of the Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) which began Jan. 11. “The rudder stock was filled with dry ice and frozen for 72 hours to prepare for removal,” said Travis Yanda, machinery mechanic supervisor and supervisor in charge of the rudder removal. Approximately 25 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) workers were involved in the removal process. The ship workers first cut a hole in each deck from the keel to the flight deck. The rudder pin was then slowly lifted by a crane through the hole. “Once the pin’s out, nothing’s holding the rudder blade in place,” said Yanda. “We pulled it up with the crane and within an hour it was out.” Yanda, who has worked at the ship yard for nearly nine years, said the process went well and anticipates the removal of the second rudder to go smoothly. “The rudders are the biggest items to be removed from the ship,” said Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. Once both of the rudders are off the ship, PSNS workers will begin inspections of each rudder and rudder stock to see if any bearings need to be replaced.
Photo by MC3(SW) Nichelle Noelle Whitfield
“The rudder is a very critical component to the boat,” said Yanda. “There are back up systems in place to maneuver the ship if it were to lose plant power.” Removal of the starboard rudder is slated to begin next week. “The progress of the dry dock is going great,” said LloydOwen. All shafting has been removed from the ship, and Nimitz Sailors along with PSNS workers are reworking berthing areas and ventilation systems as well as painting numerous locations on the ship. DPIA is scheduled to be completed December 2011.
USS Nimitz Chester’s Champions Awardees Pictured from Left to Right:Terry Brown, EM3 Brock Dowers, CWO4 Bernabe Caluza, Brian Yeaman, MM1 (SW) Joel Exner, Andrew Knight, AOAN Casey Smith, Robert Hancock, MMFN Lehia Damo, Karen Beck, and Capt. Paul O. Monger. These Sailors and shipyard workers received these awards for excelling in the major key areas on board and in the shipyard. (Photo by MC3 (SW) Matthew Patton)
March 24, 2011
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Chaplain’s Corner
Career Fair provides Nimitz Sailors with info By MC3(SW) Mark Sashegyi Representatives from Navy College, as well as Nimitz Sailors, were present at the annual Career Fair held aboard the Barge, March 17. The event took place within crew mess decks, lasting several hours to provide Sailors with information and advice concerning schooling and other various programs including the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Officer programs. Representatives of Old Dominion University and Olympic College spoke to Sailors regarding schooling either onli ne or at one of their many campus locations around the Bremerton, Tacoma, Seattle and their surrounding areas. “We offer junior and senior programs, most are credible transfer credits,” said James L. Bogert Advisor and Assistant Site Director at Old Dominion University. “We want our courses to be as assessable to servicemembers as possible.” Bogert mentioned that most of the courses are video stream-able, allowing Sailors who are deployed or otherwise mobile to be able to access their courses online. “We don’t want to sign anyone a course and forget about them,” said Bogert. “We will stay with you until you finish your career.”
Old Dominion University has been in the surrounding area since 1998 providing assistance to Sailors seeking an education. Nimitz crewmembers were also present, providing their fellow Sailors with information regarding reenlistment incentives and CNO priority billets as well as various programs including the Navy Reserve, Troops to Teachers and Special Warfare. “We like to hold a career fair at least once a year to provide Sailors who are too scared to ask the questions they have,” said Navy Counselor First Class Tamara S. Moore. “This gives them the opportunity to come and talk to us in person and get the information they need and want.” Members of Nimitz Health Services Department were also present at the event providing Sailors with adequate information concerning weight control, stress control and ways to treat and deal with diseases such as diabetes. “We can’t cure some of these diseases but we can help to make things easier for those who have a present condition,” said Hospital Corpsman Second Class Eduardo Bello. Further information can be found on the Nimitz share drive under S:\NIMITZ\ ADMIN\PUBLIC\Career Counselor\ Career Fair.
“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound…” so goes the first line of America’s favorite hymn, written by John Newton. The son of a merchant ship captain, John set sail with his father at the age of eleven. As a child he had received religious instruction from his mother, who died when he was around seven. As a sailor he gave up his religious convictions and gravitated to a life of rebellion and sin. “I was capable of anything,” he recalled. After his father retired, John ultimately became captain of his own ship, an English slave vessel. On March 10, 1748, on a return voyage, a storm surprised the crew; the ship was on the verge of sinking and all appeared to be lost. In his great distress John cried out to the God of his childhood, “Lord have mercy on us!” Later he wrote, “That tenth day of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748—the Lord came from high and delivered me out of deep waters.” “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved, How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come, ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures, He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine, But God, Who called me here below, will be forever mine. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, then when we first begun.” Newton’s tombstone reads, “John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.” The story of this sailor shows us that no one is beyond God’s grace. John Newton knew the definition of grace, the freely given unmerited (undeserved) favor from God. God is always ready to receive you with open arms because of His Amazing Grace. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
Chaplain Eric J Melvin
March 24, 2011
Nimitz News
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Sailors take advantage of fitness classes By MC2 Nathan Gomez Nimitz Sailors are getting fit at the Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West using the Naval Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS) fitness class. “The Navy worked with Athletes’ Performance Institute (API) to design a program that fits the needs of the Sailors,” said Ramona Park, NOFFS instructor. “The main focus behind it is lift, push, pull, carry; all the things Sailors do on the job are incorporated into this workout.” The class consists of squats, pushups, exercises that workout the core and a lot of exercises that strengthen the body. Resistance bands, dumbbells, and stretching are other components of the class, which are provided by the gym. The class also provides various types of cardio training as well. “NOFFS is a great alternative to working out on your own,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) April Dixon. “It works out a lot of the muscles that working out on the fitness machines or running would work on.” NOFFS contains four specialized series tailored for use on submarines, surface ships, large decks and for group physical training. It’s designed specifically for real-world space and equipment limitations. “With the physical readiness test coming up,
this class is a great way to get prepared for it,” said Personnel Specialist S e a m a n Katherine Miller. “The class works everything, rather than focusing on a specific area.” S a i l o r resiliency and durability are the primary goals of NOFFS. Sailors are encouraged to use these resources to develop and Nimits Sailors participating in the NOFFS cardio section of the maintain their class at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton’s Concourse West. (Photo o p e r a t i o n a l by MC2 Nathan Gomez) readiness and NOFFS is available Monday’s at 6 am at overall fitness the Bangor Gym and Wednesday’s at 6am at both on and off duty, said Park. “I just hope the Sailors or anyone else attending Bremerton Concourse West. No sign up is necessary. the class get a great workout,” said Park.
This WEeks MWR EVENTS Thursday March 24:
* Yoga at West Concourse Fitness Center at 16451745, FREE Friday march 25: * All Breed Dog Show at Kitsap Fairgrounds, at 0800-1800 * Wilderness & Remote First Aid Class, at 17302130, $50 Saturday march 26: * Wilderness & Remote First Aid Class @ 08001700 $50 * MWR Seattle Mall Trip, Sign up @MWR Barge Office, Muster at Noon at the Liberty Center * Chelan Wine Tour, Military Merits Trip, 05152130, $130 (couples), $179 (singles)
XOPS upgrade Continued from page 2
There are also uniform inspections and sea bag inspections. The sea bag inspec-
Sunday march 27: * Wilderness & Remote First Aid Class, 0800-1700 $50 * MWR Green Mountain Hike, Sign-up @MWR Barge Office, Muster @Noon at the Liberty Center Monday march 28: * Step Class at West Concourse Fitness Center at 1645-1745, FREE Tuesday march 29: * AMC/Regal Movie Night (Bremerton Rec Center) 7 p.m. $7.50 + Free Popcorn Wednesday march 30: * Feature Movie Night at Bremerton Recreation Center, FREE popcorn @1900
tion won’t be the full version, but it ensures Sailors have their main uniform components, such as dress blues, dress whites, service uniform and NWUs. “What we’re trying to do is give you the tools that we’ve learned along the way and present them to you so if you were to
get into a situation where you were to get into trouble, you know your way out,” said Catalano. “There are two people out of our last class that aren’t in the Navy anymore. It does not stick with everyone, but we try and reach everyone that’s willing to listen.”