April 28, 2011
Nimitz News
April 28, 2011
Vol. 36, No. 17
HPC fair tomorrow By MC3 Robert Winn
Change of Homeport Fair Everett, Washington
April 29th, 2011 Olympic Lodge, Naval Base Kitsap Bermerton Who: Active Duty military members and their families
Childcare will be provided from 6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. at Child Development Center, Jackson Park. Pizza and refreshments served at 6:20 p.m. An MWR van will be standing by to shuttle guests between the parking garage and Olympic Lodge if required due to parking overflow.
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will feature representatives from Personal Property, Navy College Everett, a local school liaison and informational briefs on Sailors’ entitlements and what it would take to make the move to Everett. “The fair is designed to give everyone information on moving,” said Ehley. “Any questions you could have, we’ll have a representative there to answer them for you.” The open house on Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will provide more specific information for those who will be moving into a house or those with dependants. Carrol’s Creek housing offers houses to single Sailors who qualify for a Basic
Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) who are moving their house hold goods (HHG) need to finalize living arrangements for their arrival in Everett, Wash. According to Ensign Eric Ehley, Nimitz Homeport Change Coordinator “The only qualifications for a Homeport Change Certificate (HPC) are a Planned Rotation Date (PRD) later than Dec. 15, 2012 or later or an End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) date of Dec. 1, 2012, or later.” In order to prepare Sailors for the See HPC Move Page 3 upcoming move, the HPC fair and open house will take place on both Naval Base Kitsap and in Everett. “I’d recommend any Sailor, who can make it, go,” Ehley said. “Whatever your situation may be, there will be something there for you.” The fair, which Nimitz Honored takes place on Friday, Captain Paul O. Monger, commanding officer USS Nimitz (CVN 68) (left), gets help from Admiral Nimitz Foundation head and former Commandant of the Marine Corps April 29, from 6:45 retired Gen. Michael W. Hagee in unveiling a gift to the foundation during its annual p.m. to 8:30 p.m., barbecue fundraiser April 9. (Photo reprinted with permission from Frederiscksburg Standard-Radio Post.)
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Nimitz News
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Nimitz on track during DPIA By MCSN Shayne Johnson
Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT John Ring Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LCDR Steve Ruh Deputy Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Layout/ Designer MC3 Robert Winn 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 Robert Winn 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.
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is just over 25 percent complete with its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) period, according to Lt. Cmdr. Charles Jones, ship’s maintenance manager. “Most major work is in progress,” said Jones. “We should start seeing things being put back on to the ship.” There is quite a lot of maintenance being done to the ship, said Jones. “We have finished The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) dry docked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and preserving two potable Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash. during a Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). During DPIA, Nimitz will undergo scheduled maintenance and upgrades water tanks, which have during the yard period on essential equipment and systems. to do with water on the ship,” said Jones. Shafts and screws that drive the ship through the removed, berthing teams are overhauling 36 water have also been removed, as well as both port spaces on the ship, deck department has redecked 71 spaces and are about 20 percent complete and and starboard rudders, said Jones. Various departments on the ship are currently Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department has recalibrated over 200 gauges, pressure switches and working on numerous tasks, said Jones. “Paint team has painted 27,000 square feet, and meters. “We are on budget and on schedule,” said Jones. about 50 percent complete,” said Jones. “Deck As of April 15, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is currently painting the freeboard area of the ship, which is above the waterline and up to the workers have contributed 162,258 man days of work towards the maintenance of Nimitz, Nimitz Sailors catwalks.” Jones also said 12,000 feet of cables have been have put in 155,651 man hours.
Nimitz fundraiser concludes By MC3 (SW)Nichelle Whitfield
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) concluded the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fundraiser it hosted April 27. Nimitz neared its goal of $100,000 by raising $76,100 during the fundraiser that began March 1 and concluded April 27T. “I’m overall pleased with the commands support,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Jason Pick, NMCRS Command Representative. “This money
not only helps Nimitz Sailors, but support Sailors and Marines worldwide in their time of need.” Based on last year’s numbers for another carrier in dry dock, Nimitz is above the expected average for a carrier
in availability, said Pick. Although the Nimitz fundraiser for the NMCRS concluded today, donations are still accepted year round. To donate or get more information, visit www.nmcrs.org.
April 28, 2011
Nimitz News
HPC Move: May 5 deadline fast approaching Continued from cover
Allowance for Housing (BAH), and Smokey Point housing will be offering houses to those with dependants. “I’d recommend the open house over the fair for members with dependants, single Sailors that qualify for BAH or anyone interested in touring the base and support complex,” said Ehley. “We did a quick measure and found that the housing complexes and support center are about 15 to 20 minutes away.” The open house will offer a “window tour” of the base along with live music, local wine and beer tasting and a salmon bake as well as any information one might need to move into the area. “Sailors will be provided $141 and four days of proceed to move to Everett,” said Ehley. “We will have information at the HPC fair, though, about what kinds
of things a Sailor could expect if they were to decide to remain at Bremerton and commute to Everett.” Sailors who have denied a HPC certificate from the San Diego-Bremerton HPC and have been collecting Family Separation Allowance (FSA) have until May 1 to decide if they will move their families to Everett, Ehley said. Those who decide to keep their families in San Diego will lose their FSA on December 15, 2011, the effective date of home-port change. “If you could only make one,” Ehley said, “I’d recommend the fair because everything you’d learn on Saturday will be included, though it’ll be a bit more indepth for those who decided they need to go to the open house.”
Perform-To-Serve Shared Responsibilities By MC1 (AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Sailors whose Perform-to-Serve (PTS) quotas expired March 1, in accordance with NAVADMIN 352/10, have until May 1, to request reinstatement. Eligible Sailors must submit a NAVPERS 1306/7 to their respective enlisted community manager (ECM) to have their PTS quota restored. Reenlistments or extensions to meet obligated service requirements must be executed no later than 45 days from ECM approval. “If you’re in a leadership position, this should be a top priority,” said Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Force Master Chief (AW/ SW/NAC) Jon D. Port. “Sailors E-6 and below with up to 14 years active service must use PTS/Fleet Rating Identification Engine
(RIDE) to remain in the Navy. They must carefully watch those time lines and work with their command retention team to ensure timely application.” According to Port, the command career counselor, lead petty officer, lead chief petty officer and the Performto-Serve coordinator are members of the command retention team. Guidance on PTS requirements can be directed to these members. “PTS is as much the Sailor’s responsibility as it is a command responsibility,” Port added. “But Sailors need to be provided the tools and information to do this. That informational role rests with the command retention team.” An approved PTS application is required before negotiating orders, reenlisting or extending.
An application must be submitted even if a Sailor intends to separate from the Navy or is not recommended for reenlistment. “Getting into PTS on time is not enough,” said Joseph Kelly, PTS/Fleet RIDE program manager. “Sailors must also pay attention and start negotiating orders and handling reenlistment prerequisites to ensure the quota doesn’t expire.” NAVADMIN 352/10 explains the PTS/Fleet RIDE integration policies and procedures, and includes specific time lines Sailors have to meet stay in the Navy. Sailors who need more information about how to request restoration of their PTS quota can visit the PTS/ Fleet RIDE page linked at www.npc.navy.mil.
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Chaplain’sCorner
“Loose lips sink ships” was a phrase that was coined during WWII, to prevent sailors on leave or liberty from talking too much about where they had been, where they were going, or what they were sent to accomplish. If they talked too much they might accidentally provide the enemy with information to track, bomb, and sink their ship. Obviously, to have loose lips means to have a big mouth, which when unrestrained could result in damage to the ship as a whole. Loose lips also have the power to wreck lives. This saying has multiple applications for us even today. Our words are powerful tools that can direct, destroy, or delight the lives of others. In the book of James, the Bible equates the power of the tongue with the ship’s rudder. The small rudder enables the pilot to steer a huge ship. Likewise, the tongue is a small member of the body, and yet it has the power to accomplish great things. The rudder must overcome contrary forces, like wind and currents that would drive the ship off course, just as our tongue has to contend with adverse circumstances and emotional pressures that would drive us astray. It is no wonder that the Psalmist prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing.” (Psalm 141:3-4) The rudder has the power to direct, which in turn affects the lives of others and so does our speech. Never underestimate the words you speak or don’t speak. The taming of our tongue is important, not only in our military lives, but also when it comes to our relationships with others: spouses, children, family, and friends. Words can either build up or destroy. Think before you speak.
Chaplain Brent Johnson
April 28, 2011
Nimitz News
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Zoo with a View
by MC2 Nathan G
Saturday was the best day for weather we’ve had since moving to Bremerton, so I had to take advantage of it and do something outside. I decided to take my family to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. The sun’s reflection and the boats on the water in the Puget Sound were the perfect setting for a day at the zoo. The zoo itself was small, in comparison to zoos I’ve visited in the past, but it was still a fun place to go and the different features it provided made up for its size. It seemed as though many of visitors chose this place to get out and enjoy the sun as well. We definitely had the right idea. The first area we went to was the Kids Zone. It had playground equipment which had a bunch of kids climbing around and a miniature creature exhibit with bugs, snakes and other little things for the kids to look at. The zoo did have a variety of animals to look at; my favorite was the tigers. There were four tigers in two exhibits to view, which did attract a lot of
attention. There’s something abo living killing machine that just ge I think the biggest attraction w which had groups of people con their antics. I found myself watchi minutes, only to realize there we animals to look at. It seemed as though some of th used to sunny days, as I watched and white foxes were sleep the da Not all the animals were being l and seals were very active; sw jumping in and out of the water. daughter entertained. The walruses were also a big hit don’t remember seeing one before made me realize just how huge th Another exhibit I liked was th which focused on different kinds couple owls and a raven were cage of the zoo public. As much as I was enjoying the a
April 28, 2011
Nimitz News
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Gomez
out a 450 pound ets me going. was the monkeys, nstantly watching ing them for a few ere so many other
he animals weren’t d the polar bears ay away. lazy. The penguins wimming around That part had my
as well. I honestly e, but seeing these hey are. he “Birds of Prey,” of hunter birds. A ed for the viewing
animals, it was the
Above: An otter swimming around the waters of the zoo is among the many animals at PDZA. Left: In the Kids Zone, various kinds of playground equipment await for children to enjoy. Bottom: Iguanas are brought out by the zookeepers for guests to see at the PDZA.
aquarium that had my wife’s attention. She was very eager to get to the fishes, because she’s a diver and loves most things to do with being underwater. For anyone else who enjoys aquariums, the one they have there is nice. It matches the zoo as far as the size goes, but they had a nice variety of fish. I liked seeing the sharks, as did most of the zoo patrons. All the kids pointed out the various kinds of fish to their parents. It was kind of funny though, they were pointing out the fish shown in “Finding Nemo” and some of the other children’s movies with fish in them. They, like other aquariums, had the mini tanks featuring different creatures of the deep; such as seahorses, urchins, coral fish and various other kinds of fish. For prices and other information, go to www. pdza.org.
April 28, 2011
Nimitz News
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Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Jade Metz adds finishing touches to the siding of a Kitsap County Habitat for Humanity house April 23. Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Mike Jones
Nimitz Chiefs Lend Time and Talents to Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County By MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones Few would argue that a bright sun and mild temperatures makes for a great Saturday. For Chief Petty Officers from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the cloudless Bremerton sky April 23 was incentive enough to tackle construction efforts as part of Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County. Armed with shovels and paintbrushes, these Chiefs were on hand to put the finishing touches on the latest builds in Bremerton. The completed houses will be presented to the new owners, selected by Habitat for Humanity, in a ceremony Saturday. “This is a productive way to help pass the time while we’re here in Bremerton,” said Chief Operations Specialist Master (SW/AW) Bill Terry. “It’s neat to see the reactions of the new homeowners. It’s a real good feeling.” For the San Antonio Texas native, the project marks the fourth Habitat for Humanity build he has taken part in. “This is a great way to give back to the community,” he said. “This is what Chiefs do.” “This is a great way to try and make a difference in the community,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Jade Metz. “I love working outdoors – doing these types of projects,” the Little Falls, N.Y.
native added. “It’s worth it to see the smiles on people’s faces when we turn over the completed house.” The build marks the second project the Chiefs have taken part in with the Kitsap chapter since the ship’s arrival to Bremerton, explained Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AW/ SW) Tim Burnette. “It’s rewarding to be able to give back through these builds,”
the El Paso, Texas native said. “This is one project we will be a part of until the ship leaves.” Founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, the international Habitat for Humanity serves to provide affordable housing to those in need. Habitat for Humanity has been active in Kitsap County since 1992.
Master Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Bill Terry carefully cleans a newly instaled window on a Kitsap County Habitat for Humanity house April 23. Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Mike Jones
April 28, 2011
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Nimitz News
Proper sponsorship is key to welcoming new Nimitz Sailors By MC2 Nathan Gomez
When a Sailor receives orders to a command, the command is notified of the potential gain and is requested to provide a sponsor for the new Sailor. Thus begins an important relationship between the sponsor and the potential gain (PG). Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Richard Barcelona, Nimitz Sponsorship Coordinator, said things have changed since he took over the sponsorship program. “When I first became the coordinator, the contact with the potential gains was around 5 per cent ,” said Barcelona. “Now it’s around 85 per cent, which still isn’t where I want it, but it’s better than it was.” Barcelona wants all sponsors to know it is their responsibility to make sure the PG is contacted thoroughly and informed on
anything and everything the PG wants to know and needs to know. First contact: The first contact is most important. According to Barcelona, our sponsors should continue to try and contact the PG. that way the line of communication is opened. Follow-up: Sponsors need to stay in touch with the PG, always know what’s going on with the PG, whether they are in school, on leave, or in route, the sponsor should know exactly what’s going on so no surprises happen. Informing: New Sailors as well as older Sailors all want to know what’s going on with the command, and it is the sponsor’s responsibility to answer questions to the best of their ability. Obviously in some situations, such as being underway, information has to be limited. But the sponsor should always
All you need to know about CoHP By MC3 Robert Winn Sailors with dependents need to decide by May 1 where they’d like to move their families on the new Change of Homeport Certificate (CoHP). With the new certificate Sailors have from now until Dec. 15, 2012, to move their dependants and household goods. But the date Sailors need to be concerned with is December 15, 2011, the effective date for the change of homeport. On Dec 15 any sailors who denied the change of homeport from San Diego and where collecting Family Separation Allowance (FSA) during the duration of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) dry-dock period will stop receiving FSA. “Anyone’s entitled to a Change of Homeport Certificate, if you’re an E-1 or an E-9, so long as you have things to move,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Lorena Gutierrez. “You won’t be able deny a HPC in order to get FSA.” Because a Sailor can’t deny a CoHP for the Everett homeport change there are a few new rules on how FSA is distributed. Firstly, you can’t collect FSA if you move your dependants before Dec. 15. You will be paid FSA if you do not qualify for a CoHP and will not be compensated for moving your dependants. You can also receive FSA if you decide to leave your dependants in Bremerton, Wash. but you do not commute home more than three days in a week. Ensign Eric Ehley, Nimitz Homeport Change Coordinator said, “You’ll have until 2012 to move, just remember that your Bremerton BAH will remain in effect until Dec 15, 2011.”
respond the best way possible. Mentoring: Sponsorship is a lot like mentoring. The sponsor is the first contact with the new command, the sponsor is the one who sets the bar for the rest of the command and even after the PG checks in, the sponsor is the one to make sure the PG is getting the help they need. Knowledge: It is up to the sponsor to relay any and all command policies, such as no cell phones with cameras inside the work area. These kinds of command policies should be communicated to the PG so they are aware of what the need to leave in their room and what they need to bring with them. Overall, it is the sponsor who sets the standard for the command in the eyes of the new Sailor. So it is up to anyone who is selected as a sponsor to make sure the PG is taken care of properly.
Concourse West adjusts gym hours to accomodate Sailors By MC2 Nathan Gomez Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bremerton’s Concourse West athletic center began operating on new hours April 18 in order to accomodate Sailors irregular work schedules who weren’t able to access the gym during normal hours of operation. “Nimitz MWR was getting quite a few complaints about the gym hours simply not being convenient,” said Jennifer Vess, Nimitz Funboss. “With the PRT coming up and the gym so close to the barracks, Nimitz MWR wanted to adapt the hours so that Sailors could go either before or after working hours.” The amended hours came about as a result of recent survey sent to USS Nimitz and USS Stennis (CVN 74) from the base gym. “They were very patient while input was collected from both the Nimitz and Stennis,” said Vess. “NBK Bremerton, Nimitz and Stennis MWRs as well as the base chain of command came together and worked out the new hours.” Although the new hours have been in effect for only less than a week, Nimitz Sailors are already taking advantage of them. “I’m glad the gym hours have changed,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Katrina Carne. “I try to get in and work out as early as I can, so with the new opening time, I can get a longer workout in.” The gym is now open Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:30 to 4 p.m. and Sundays and holidays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Nimitz News
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Higher ASVAB score equals better chance of retention By MC3 Casey J. Amdahl With the implementation of Enlisted Retention Board (ERB), Nimitz Sailors are encouraged to make themselves more competitive to increase their chances of retention in a downsizing Navy by retaking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The Navy has implemented several different tools in an effort to excise overmanning and retain only the most erudite of Sailors, the most recent of which is ERB. ERB aims to reduce manning fleet wide by 3,000 Sailors by July 31, 2012. Perform to Serve (PTS) and modified High Year Tenure (HYT) and warfare pin programs are among the most prominent of these programs. “Thirty-one rates are affected by ERB,” said Navy Counselor (Career) 1st Class (SW/AW) Tamara Moore, Nimitz Command
Career Counselor. “Retaking the ASVAB is a good option for Sailors who want to make themselves more competitive for retention and convert.” Moore also cautioned Sailors to be prepared before retaking the ASVAB. “The new score is the one that becomes the permanent recorded score, regardless of whether the score is higher or lower,” said Moore. “A good website to use is Peterson’s website for the ASVAB refresher course.” According to Moore, a higher ASVAB score will improve Sailors’ options for conversion to another rate, especially if the Sailor’s current rating is affected by ERB. Sailors who are interested in retaking the ASVAB are encouraged to go to www.petersons.com and search ASVAB, or contact Education Services Office (ESO) for more information.
3M keeps the ship running between dry docks By MCSN Shayne Johnson Maintenance Material Management (3M) is highly important when it comes to preventative maintenance on Nimitz equipment. “Preventative maintenance looks at pieces of equipment prior to it breaking down and fixing it before it breaks,” said Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Michael Ducharme, ship’s 3M coordinator. 3M is always important, whether in dry dock or not, said Ducharme. “In dry dock, a lot of equipment isn’t being used or is not looked at as being important and is forgotten,” said Ducharme. “You always want to ensure you’re keeping up with the maintenance.” Not maintaining a piece of equipment could result in the death of a Sailor, said Ducharme. “If a piece of equipment hasn’t been properly maintained or is broken, it could affect the ship as a whole or the ship’s mission,” said Ducharme. Using SKED, a program that periodically schedules when a piece of equipment should be looked at and maintained, equipment can properly be prevented from needing repairs, said Ducharme.
“No one likes to do it,” said Ducharme. “But it has to be done to ensure all equipment is working and operational.” Spot checks are also performed on maintenance that has already been conducted to make sure maintenance personnel did it correctly, said Ducharme. “Spot checks ensure the books are up to date with correct information and proper tools needed to perform maintenance,” said Ducharme. If a problem is encountered during a spot check, a workcenter supervisor must be notified and a job must be put in, said Ducharme. “There may also be an error in the main card in which a feedback report is necessary if there is an easier way to perform maintenance or if steps are out of place,” said Ducharme. Qualification in 3M starts during indoctrination classes. Upon completion of the 3M exam, the PQS must be signed off. “Those previously qualified in 3M must take an exam for their last highest qualification,” said Ducharme. “Look at our ship as a vehicle,” said Ducharme. “If all of its parts aren’t operating properly we can’t do our job effectively.”
This WEeks MWR EVENTS *Monday, M AY 2ndTR X 0830, West Concourse Gym Step 1645, West Concourse Gym
*Thursday, APR 28th- N/A *Friday, APR 29thHPC Fair Olympic Lodge Bremerton 1800-2030 Mini Job Fair @ Bangor 1300-1530
*Tuesday, MAY 3rdCharlie Sheen LIVE (Comcast) Water Festival (Kitsap Fairgrounds)
*Saturday, APR 30thRichmond B.C. Trip 0615-2230 $59 *Sunday, M AY 1stNIMITZ MWR Tacoma Mall Trip Muster @ 1400
*Wednesday, MAY 4thNOFFS 0600, West Concourse Step 1645, West Concourse