Nimitz News
April 7, 2011
April 7, 2011
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Vol. 36, No. 14
Nimitz pushes motorcycle safety By MCSN Shayne Johnson
Lorri Davidson, Chairwoman, International Food Service Executive Association, RADM Micheal Michael Lyden, Naval Supply Corps, CS2 Shannon O’Neil, Nimitz S-2 member, Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz Commanding Officer, RADM Robert Bianchi, Navy Exchange Commander, Naval Supply Command Master Chief Sydney Dawson Jr. at the Ney Awards presentation. (U.S. Navy Photo)
Nimitz Sailors presented Ney Award at Chicago ceremony By MC2 Nathan Gomez Fourteen Nimitz Sailors were presented the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Food Service Award at a ceremony in Chicago on April 1. The award was established in 1958 by the Secretary of the Navy and International Food Service Executives Association and awarded to commands to recognize the quality of food services in the Navy. “This was a great experience for our Sailors,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda. “You don’t get to win Ney every day.” Nimitz Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Supply Department leadership and other members of S-2 were there to receive the award, but it was Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Shannon
O’Neil who accepted it on behalf of Nimitz. “I felt honored because I was selected as the command representative, so I was the one that actually got to walk on stage and receive the award,” said O’Neil. “Receiving it while being attached to an aircraft carrier, I think it’s a big deal. The best of the best.” Due to the Nimitz being in dry-dock, the Supply team isn’t eligible to compete in the next Ney Award competition. “Unfortunately, we cannot repeat,” said Penaranda. “However, we will try to achieve the same award in 2012.” Once the Nimitz completes its maintenance period, the Ney Award will be displayed in the glass case in front of the Food Services Officer’s office.
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will be participating in a regional motorcycle safety stand down May 19 at the field training course in Keyport. Nimitz will also take part in a command ride April 15 with the USS Stennis (CVN 74). “Sailors who are registered riders are encouraged to attend both events,” said Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Soji Thomas, command motorcycle safety coordinator. Stennis invited Nimitz to the command ride, said Thomas. “They will pair experienced riders with newer riders, and evaluate their ability on a bike,” said Thomas. “They will also provide tips for better and safer riding during the event.” Along with the command ride, Nimitz will participate in a motorcycle safety stand down May 19. “The motorcycle safety stand down event is available to all active duty members, Department of Defense civilians and retirees with base access,” said Thomas. There will be a motorcycle dyno to test the horsepower and torque of your bike, as well as numerous motorcycle dealers and vendors at the stand down, said Thomas. The course will also be open to ride on. “Registered motorcyclists are allowed to bring their bikes, but must have proper protective equipment and must pass a safety inspection prior to going on the course,” said Thomas. Experienced riders and Sailors interested in learning how to ride a motorcycle are encouraged to attend the event, said See Motorcycle Safety on pg. 8
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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 Scott McCall MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 C.J. Amdahl MC3 Matthew Patton MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Ashley Berumen MCSN Shayne Johnson MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSA Renee Candelario 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.
Chiefs from the Air Dept. V-2 Division, participated in colors at Naval Base Kitsap flagpole, April 1. The chiefs were celebrating the 118th birthday of Navy Chief Petty Officers. (By MCSN Ashley Berumen)
CPOs celebrate 118th birthday By MCSN Ashley Berumen
USS Nimitz Chief Petty Officers celebrated the 118th birthday of Navy Chief Petty Officers, April 1.
Nimitz Chief Petty Officer stand at attention during the announcing of the CPO Creed, at NBK’s Naval Operational Support Center auditorium, April 1. (By MCSN Ashley Berumen)
Nimitz chiefs participated in colors both aboard the ship and at Naval Base Kitsap’s flagpole. A ceremony was also conducted at NBK’s Naval Operational Support Center auditorium where chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs spoke of the importance of chiefs in the Navy. “I remember being a petty officer; seeing a chief and wondering what made him so special,” said Master Chief Quarter Master Robert Barber, a guest speaker at the event. ”When I became a chief, nothing about me changed, I still had the same knowledge, but it was no longer about me—it was about my Sailors, and when I made senior and master chief, it became about all Sailors.” More than 50 Nimitz CPOs attended, with the majority dressed in their CPO khaki uniform. “We have the best job in the world,” said Nimitz’ Command Master Chief William LloydOwen. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West, released the following message to chiefs fleetwide, March 28 on
www.navy.mil. “Those anchors are the symbol of a culture and a way of life, representing character, loyalty, a strong commitment to leadership, our core values, and Navy ethos,” said West. “Our anchors carry with them a responsibility to live up to the tradition of selfless service, while remembering our proud heritage that we’ve spent 118 years building as we look toward our future.” Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Dionisio Kalchuk, Combat Systems CS-9, said he hopes to be a chief one day so that he can help guide young Sailors to success. “A chief serves a lot of different roles,” said Kalchuk. “They have the experience, knowledge and training junior enlisted Sailors don’t have.” Barber said his drive to leave behind a good legacy is what motivates him. “I want to make sure that when I leave Nimitz, I leave behind good Sailors,” said Barber. “I want them to succeed.”
April 7, 2011
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Chaplain’sCorner
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment 1st Class Richard Zabaljavregu cuts wood to make pantry and closet shelves during a community relations project with Habitat for Humanity. (By MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II)
Sailors build homes with Habitat for Humanity By MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II
Nine Nimitz Sailors helped build homes for a Habitat for Humanity project in Bremerton, Wash. April 2. The Nimitz team helped Habitat for Humanity finish building three homes near Sylvan Way for less fortunate families said Eric Harrold, volunteer site supervisor for Habitat for Humanity. The volunteers help build a shed, a pantry and closet shelves; they painted homes and helped install washing machines. The support from the Nimitz Sailors was a huge help for Habitat for Humanity said Harrold. “I love having the Navy here and helping us build homes; it’s fantastic,” said Harrold. “We really couldn’t do it without their help.” The community relations project was a great way to help struggling families, said Logistics Specialist 1st (SW/AW/EXW) Frances Estrada, a volunteer. “I was able to work with a volunteer who has been waiting to receive a home for three years. She told me she was accepted to receive a home but she has to put in 400 hours of work to receive it,” said Estrada. “I was able to transfer my eight volunteer hours over to her. Just
seeing the smile on her face and knowing that she and her family are a day closer to having a home made all the work we did worth it.” Electrician’s Mate Fireman Kenneth Morgan, a volunteer said he helped in the project to stay busy. “It beneficial to me because it keeps me from being bored and helps pass the time while I am away from my wife,” said Morgan. “It also gets me to do things that I like to do instead of just sitting in my barracks room.” Estrada said, “I enjoyed my time participating in this COMREL (community relations project). Now that we are in dry-dock and have more time I have the opportunity to participate more in them.” Harrold said Nimitz Sailors will always be welcome to participate. “We really enjoy the Navy being here, we’re happy to have them,” said Harrold. Since arriving in Bremerton, Nimitz Sailors have volunteered 538 man-hours to Habitat for Humanity, said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW/ FMF) Monica Kuhl, Nimitz volunteer coordinator.
The Bible says that a merry heart is like medicine for the soul. Sometimes it is hard to have good humor when life throws us curve balls. I like the line from the movie Forrest Gump, “Momma always said, life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what one you’re gonna get.” A funny thing happened to Religious Ministries during INSURV and rudder testing. Just before the inspector arrived, a bookshelf had tilted and the books fell on the floor. We were putting the last book on the shelf and the inspector walked in. The ship rolled again to the starboard side. The reception desk started to gravitate toward the inspector and the copier began to slide across the newly waxed floor. Chaplain Johnson managed to grab the copier and RP1 Kuhl caught the desk, while Sr. Chief Andrews leaned against the bookshelf to hold it up. Fortunately, mounting had been scheduled for these items and we were all able to laugh about it with the inspector. At that point what else could we do? Laughter has been proven to be good for our physical and mental health. Physically, it relaxes the whole body, relieving tension and stress. It is said that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals, promoting a sense of well being. Emotionally, humor helps us keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations. It dissolves stress, eases tension, and shifts our perspective. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance from problems and helps us to formulate solutions more effectively. Learning to laugh at life and its peculiarities will make it more enjoyable and easier to manage. Lighten up and laugh a little! It will be good for your soul like medicine.
Chaplain Eric J Melvin
April 7, 2011
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Takin
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any of us find ourselves flying more and more because of displacement due to military obligations. I personally find myself trying to use every available resource I can at the airport to make travel less stressful. One of those resources is the United Service Organizations, USO. The USO is located at airports across the world with a mission of aiding servicemembers and their families in their travels. The one I visited is located on the third floor at Seattle-Tacoma International airport, SEATAC, behind the ticketing counters. The USO at SEATAC is a welcoming center from the start. Upon entry there are snacks and coffee and tables and chairs to sit at. SEATAC’s USO has sandwiches, juices, soda and things like pudding, which are all free. The attendant I came across at the counter was immediately welcoming. Her genuine smile helped to catch my attention as she introduced herself and asked if I needed her to get me anything or if I would like to make myself comfortable with any of the many amenities available. Immediately after I politely declined and stepped away from the attendant, a man with a smile that mirrored the attendants’ and a business suit came up and asked me if I needed anything and then proceeded to insist that I allow him to get me one of their “famous tuna sandwiches”. Originally I said no, but after much persuasion, and the realization that I was indeed actually hungry made me agree. The sandwich was quite delicious as far as tuna went. I discovered the man who so kindly
presented it to me is a cur SEATAC, George Cargi started firing questions a “I got involved to give work hard and deserve “We do what we can to refreshment or take a nap groups from the Wound USO as a mustering poin During my impromptu Mr. Cargill that was coup stuff the USO provided w and smoothly interjected “Everything is free Leingang, Executive Dir Executive Officer of Naval Base Ever quickly and asked me if I had everything He proudly listed everything their US dependents. “We have everything from a theater ro chairs, video games, showers, DVDs, W food and even a guitar,” said Leingang. I was invited to walk around and acqu features. The entrance room appeared complete with a wall b laptop. The primar couches and leather cush as a memor be more th units. To the few com and a p connect There that I theate large aslee The res designated for small chi changing station and supplies need
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April 7, 2011
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ng the Stress Out of Travel The USO By MC3 Nichelle Noelle Whitfield
rrent Chairman of the Board for USO ill. Imagine my surprise. I naturally at him. e back to our servicemembers. They some extra comfort,” said Cargill. o help. You can come in for a quick p in between flights. We’ve even had ded Warrior Program simply use the nt.” u question and answer session with pled with jokes about how much free when another gentleman approached d into the conversation. except the cokes,” laughed Don rector of USO SEATAC and former rett. Leingang introduced himself g I needed. I assured him I did. SO offered to servicemembers and
oom complete with large cushioned Wi-Fi, beds, a children’s play room,
uaint myself with the four rooms and d to be used as mostly a kitchen area bar large though to set up with a
ry common room featured three large d two giant chairs made with giant hions. Encased in glass and displayed rial wall, there were what seemed to han 200 patches from WWII Marine
e left of the lounge area were a mputers with gaming capabilities place to plug in and sit for a WIFI tion. e was a dark room behind the lounge was quite surprised to find was a er room with large chairs facing a e screen TV and a man very much ep in the corner. st of my tour presented an area ildren and infants complete with crib, ded to change a diaper. My biggest
surprise came when I discovered they had a set of showers available along with a closet completely stocked with toiletries. The overall feeling and vibe the USO provides is warm, friendly, and a bit like home. Perhaps it is the dark wood, warm lights, large cushioned couches and relaxed atmosphere that made it feel so welcoming. It could have simply been the relaxed and mellow vibes coming from everyone there. The USO also has a contract with a shuttle company to provide servicemembers with transportation back to their bases said Leingang. The USO is designed and organized in such a way to keep all military servicemembers and their dependents comfortable prior to, in between, and after their scheduled flights. They also offer a service for dependents who want to welcome servicemember going to or from an Individual Augementee deployment. With enough notice, the USO and they can arrange to get a passes that would allow dependents to meet at the flight arrival or departure gate. The USO offers 24/7 free availability to servicemembers and dependents. For more information regarding what the USO offers servicemembers and dependents visit www.uso.org.
April 7, 2011
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Charlie Morecraft, motivational speaker for safety, talks to Nimitz Sailors about safety during an all-hands safety standown at Bremerton’s Base Gym. (Photo by MC3 Mark Sashegyi)
Nimitz conducts safety stand down By MCSA Alexander Ventura II Nimitz’ Safety Department held a safety stand down for Nimitz’ crew at Bremerton’s Base Gym March 31. The event was held to emphasis personal responsibility, said Cmdr. Todd McVay, Nimitz’ Safety Officer. Todd E. Bartolac, Washington State Trooper, and Charlie Morecraft, motivational speaker for safety, were guest speakers at the event. “All the stuff we put to the side that we don’t really think is important such as wearing your seatbelt is important,” said Yeoman 3rd Class (SW) Tiffany Brown. “All those people who think it’s not going to happen to them should realize it can happen; it can happen to anybody.” Kitsap and Mason counties had nine fatalities since the start of 2011, said Bartolac. All of the fatalities were alcohol related but did not involve Sailors, said Bartolac. “Nimitz is the best ship/carrier staying out of trouble,” said Bartolac. “I think you guys are whole heartedly taking in what I have been saying. You guys are using designated drivers and the command staff shuttle rides; I’m really proud of what you guys are doing.” Charlie Morecraft spoke about his
experience after an industrial plant most environments we operate in, you can’t accident caused 45 percent of his body to eliminate all the risk but you can minimize be burned. them by identifying them and applying Morecraft said he did not take safety ORM (Operational Risk Management).” seriously and was complacent, and that The shipyard is an industrial environment, complacency resulted in his accident. said McVay. It’s much different from what “If you ever hear yourself say, ‘I have Sailors do out at sea. Nimitz had more done the job 1000 times before’ that’s injuries in the first few months of Docking the kiss of death,” said Morecraft. “All Planned Incremental Availability than it the little shortcuts I took the night of my did on the last deployment. accident all came together and that’s how “Nimitz workforce is doing a very good I got hurt.” job,” said McVay. “We went through Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John Kuchler the entire month of March with no worksaid, “Nimitz providing this training related injuries.” hopefully is eye opening. Hopefully people start wearing their safety goggles, hard hats and proper gear for their job.” Morecraft said, “It’s your choice if you want to use safety equipment. We have to take responsibility for our own safety. We can’t keep relying on the government and others.” McVay said that safety is part of mission accomplishment. “If you get hurt or break equipment, you can’t get the mission done,” said McVay. Charlie Morecraft, motivational speaker for safety, talks to Nimitz Sailors about safety during an all-hands safety standown at “In this environment and Bremerton’s Base Gym. (Photo by MC3 Mark Sashegyi)
April 7, 2011
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More Nimitz Sailors eligible for TA By MC2 Scott A. McCall Sailors with less than one year aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are eligible to use Tuition Assistance (TA) or NCPACE funds during Docking Planned Incremental Availability(DPIA). Commander, Naval Education and Training Command approved Nimitz’ request to waive the one year on board requirement for serving at their first permanent duty assignment (PDA) for accession officers and enlisted personnel. “NAVADMIN 105/10 released in March of 2010 established a policy that all new commissioned officers with no prior enlisted service and enlisted straight from boot camp were required to have one year time on board there first PDA,” said Ens. Eric Ehley, Nimitz’ Education Service Officer. “This policy was established due to the initial months on board a first PDA being a critical time for Sailors to become familiar with command operations and progress towards warfare qualifications.” Nimitz requested a waiver to the policy due to the ship entering a one year DPIA, which made the majority of ship qualifications difficult for new Sailors to complete. “This means all Sailors on board are authorized to utilize TA and
NCPACE funding regardless of time on board as long as all other pre-requisites are met,” said Ehley. One pre-requisite is advancement eligible Sailors must have taken and passed the advancement exam during the most recent exam cycle. However, waivers are authorized for Sailors who were unable to take the exam for legitimate reasons, said Ehley. Other pre-requisites are Sailors must be recommended for promotion or advancement, pass the most recent physical fitness assessment, and have zero non-judicial or courts-martial punishment in the last six months. The TA and NCPACE waiver will expire after Nimitz completes DPIA in December. New Sailors enrolled in education programs at the completion of DPIA, who still do not have one year time on board, may continue to receive education benefits as long as they remain eligible in all other respects, said Ehley. At the completion of DPIA, all new Sailors who have not enrolled in education programs and have less than one year on board will fall under NAVADMIN 105/10 and will be required to have one year onboard Nimitz to receive TA and NCPACE educational benefits.
Sailor organizes unique drive to help Japan By MC2 Nathan Gomez A non-fiction story called ‘Sadako and 1,000 Paper Cranes’ by Eleanor Coerr is about a young Japanese girl from Hiroshima in the 1950s that is dying of radiation poisoning. The girl started to make origami cranes in hopes of being granted one wish: to live. In Japan, there’s a traditional saying: if you make 1,000 origami paper cranes, you will be granted a wish. Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kevin Key read this story in grade school and it’s inspired organizing an origami crane drive aboard Nimitz to make 1,000 paper cranes for the victims of the March 11 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. “I thought it would be a nice gesture,” said Key. “Donating money wasn’t enough for me and calling them wasn’t enough either; then I remembered this book.” The tragedy in Japan reminded Key of a former division officer and remembered his wife had family in the affected area. “Their house is gone and family and friends missing,” said Key. “I knew I couldn’t change what happened to them but I could do something positive for them.” In the story, Sadako made 644 cranes before becoming too weak and dying of leukemia. Her family and friends finished her work for her after her passing and buried her with the cranes. Today, a statue stands in Hiroshima Peace Park, where people leave paper cranes every year on Obon Day,
which is a Japanese holiday to remember departed spirits of one’s ancestors. The Japanese are receiving aid and emergency care but people’s souls need to be taken care of too, said Key. “I think the paper cranes are a great way to show support for the Japanese earthquake victims, since we can’t be there to help,” Religious Programs Specialist 1st class (SW/AW/FMF) Monica Kuhl. Directions on how to make the cranes are located on the crew messing and berthing
By MC2 Nathan Gomez
barge’s library and were also emailed out by Nimitz Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen to everyone in the Junior Enlisted Association. “I’ve made four so far and they were fun,” said Yeoman Seaman Shara Flanagin. “It was easy to make once I got the hang of it; just had to follow the directions.” Any member that makes a paper crane can drop them off in the barge library.
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Motorcycle safety continued from pg. 1
Thomas. With better weather expected, Thomas urges Sailors to continue practicing safe riding. “The warmer weather gives riders a false sense of security while riding,” said Thomas. Boatswains Mate First Class Angel Anton, assistant command motorcycle safety coordinator said he noticed all riders wear the proper gear when riding. “Riders have been leaving their jackets open, or not wearing reflective equipment,” said Anton. Riders have also been getting tickets for improper parking and license plates that aren’t clearly visible, said Anton. “Ride within your limits and the law,” said Thomas. “You still have to be just as vigilant.” Sailors interested in participating in the events or taking motorcycle training courses can talk to their departmental representatives, said Thomas. A sports bike riders course, which requires you to have a motorcycle and the proper riding gear, is available at Keyport April 22 and 29, while a basic riders course is available May 4 to beginners learning to ride or those interested.
By MC2 Nathan Gomez
Nimitz Sailors graduate new XOPS course
The newest class of the Executive Officers Professional Sailors Program graduated April 1. These graduates are the first to run through the revamped XOPS program and the instructors expect them to achieve goals the students set. “Before I leave this ship, I want to see these guys become thirds, seconds, and even firsts,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW/EXW) Frances Estrada. “I hope we see bigger and better things from these guys, they use what they learned from the class to move forward and not revert back to the way they were.” Pictured Left to Right: AC1 Douglas Fisher-Instructor, IT1 Jason Curran-Instructor, CTRC Jessica KeithCoordinator, CSSN Hezhorn Porter-Graduate, IT1 Pierre Blackburn-Instructor, ATAN Jesse OzmoreGraduate, LS1 Frances Estrada-Instructor, AC1 Jamar Mays-Instructor, CS2 Andrew Tovar-Graduate, Capt. John Ring-Nimitz XO
This WEeks MWR EVENTS Thursday, April 7: * Children’s Story Hour, FREE, 10 a.m., Bremerton Rec Center, Ages 0-6 * Spin at West Concourse, FREE, 6 p.m. Friday, April 8: * Parent & Tot Yoga, at West Concourse Gym, 10 a.m., FREE, Ages 2+ * Month of the Military Child Event * Saturday, April 9: * Snowshoe Trip to Summit, 7 a.m., sign up at MilitaryMerits.com or the Rec Center * Lewis Black (Comedian) for tickets and more information stop by the Rec Center or go to MilitaryMerits.com * Washington Stealth vs. Minnesota Swarm at Comcast, get tickets at Ticketmaster.com or ComcastArenaEverett.com
* Seattle Sounders vs. Chicago Fire, Qwest Stadium, get tickets at Rec Center or MilitaryMerits. com Sunday, april 10: * Zumbatomics at West Concourse Gym, 11 a.m., FREE, Ages 5+ *Month of the Military Child Event * * Stroller Strut at Bangor Fitness Center, 1 p.m., FREE * Month of the Military Child Event * Monday, April 11: * Step at West Concourse Gym, FREE, 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, april 12: * Spin at West Concourse, FREE, 6 p.m. * Rise Against at Qwest Stadium, 7:30 p.m., get tickets at QwestField.com or Ticketmaster.com Wednesday, april 13: * NOFFS at West Concourse Gym, Free, 6 a.m. * Step at West Concourse Gym, FREE, 4:45 p.m.