Nimitz News, March 31, 2011

March 31, 2011

Nimitz News

March 31, 2011

Page 1

Vol. 36, No. 13

Nimitz Sailors volunteer to help Japan evacuees at SeaTac airport

By MCSN Ashley Berumen USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors, spouses and hundreds of volunteers with the United Service Organizations (USO) assisted voluntarily evacuated servicemembers and their families from Honshu, Japan at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), March 24.

Hundreds of evacuees from Japan returned to the U.S. via military chartered flights to Sea-Tac since March 19 and hundreds more are scheduled to arrive throughout the weekend.

“We want to welcome them home,” said Army Maj. Darren Jennings, Processing Operation officer. “We understand they’ve been through a rough experience and a trying time in Japan, and a lot of them are single mothers. We’re providing a place they can relax before we get them to their final destination.”

Jennings said most of the travelers have their itinerary for their next flight so volunteers check orders, make overnight arrangements, and answer questions evacuees may have.

“It was a long, rough flight,” said Danielle Hubbard, wife of Master-atArms 2nd Class Christopher Hubbard.

“Everyone here has been very helpful.

Processing has been very smooth; they’ve definitely made it an easy transition.”

Volunteers also assisted with baggage, walked dogs, bagged snacks and made sandwiches.

“People have donated a lot of supplies,” said Kat Ring, wife of Nimitz’ Executive

Air Boatswain Ens. Brian Lewis and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jose Arvelo , from USS Nimitz (CVN 68),carry luggage to assist active-duty and dependent military Japan evacuees in their return to the U.S. at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during Operation Pacific Passage, an authorized voluntary departure from Japan. (By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nichelle Noelle Whitfield)

Officer Capt. John Ring. “These families have been through a lot, and it’s good to see things are flowing here successfully.”

Ring said it was rewarding to help.

Childcare was also provided while adult passengers continued processing or made hotel and transportation arrangements.

“It’s great,” said Hubbard.” I can get things done and not worry about my kids getting bored.”

Volunteers were not assigned to specific jobs, said Dana Lewis, wife of Nimitz’ Air Boatswain’s Mate Ens. Brian Lewis.

“If there is someone we can help or something we see that needs to be done,

we do it,” said Lewis.

Nimitz Personnel Specialist Seaman Ian Kowalczyk said he felt it was important to volunteer to help fellow servicemembers and their families.

“These people lost everything they had, and we need to be there to show our support,” said Kowalczyk.

Volunteers are working shifts 24 hours a day at Sea-Tac as planes continue to arrive from Japan.

“It’s comforting to see so many military volunteers,” said Hubbard. “They know where you’re coming from and exactly what your needs are.”

March 31, 2011

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Nimitz News

Safety encourages PPE use

By MC3 Nichelle Whitfield

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

It’s getting louder and louder for longer periods aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). As the ship enters its third month of maintenance, the ships Safety Department is encouraging Sailors to wear ear protection while working in high level noise environments.

Failure to use proper hearing protection could result in ear canal damage with long term consequences of hearing loss.

“It’s important for Sailors to take an interest in the effects their environment has on them,” said Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Carriero, Safety Department leading petty officer.

“Ultimately we are trying to prevent Sailors from experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus.”

Tinnitus, or “ringing in the ear” results from unusually loud sounds for short or usually long periods of times. Tinnitus symptoms include ringing noise, high pitched whining, hissing, electric, screaming, humming, or whistling sound.

Even when spaces requiring protection are not clearly marked, Safety said there is a simple way to determine whether or not hearing protection should be worn.

“If you find that you have to raise your voice to be heard,” said Cmdr. Todd McVay, Nimitz Safety Officer “then you’re in a space where you need hearing protection. For example, quarterdeck watches on the ship should be wearing ear protection with all the constant loud noise around them.”

Eighty-five decibels is the point at which hearing damage occurs and when protection such as ear foams should be used said McVay. Dual hearing protection, which consists of ear foams and external Mickey Mouse Ears, is required in spaces that surpass the 105 decibel range, which can include spaces near needle gun, grinder and deckcrawlers work.

Carriero said it’s each Sailors personal responsibility to maintain and ensure their safety.

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.

Nimitz association reaches out to Sailors

By MC3 Mark Sashegyi The Nimitz Association is reaching out to Sailors who are presently serving, or have served aboard Nimitz in the past, to join their association.

The association was created by former Nimitz Sailors on a mission to bring together former and presently serving, Nimitz Sailors in an effort to share sea stories and keep in contact with one another to further enrich Nimitz’ rich history.

The idea of forming such an association came from Nimitz alumni William Paschall, who contacted Rear Admiral Bryan W. Compton, Nimitz’ first skipper, in November of 1996.

Together they contacted the then Commanding Officer of Nimitz, Capt. Ike Richardson, to seek support for the idea. Richardson

was immediately on board and the USS NIMITZ Association was officially launched.

By the spring of 1997, the association began placing ads into various military periodicals to track down former shipmates.

One year later, a reunion was setup at the Lake Wright Resort in Norfolk, Virginia lasting five days.

The reunion included a tour and lunch aboard Nimitz, a banquet & entertainment night, a couple of meetings where the association’s by-laws were established and a dinner-dance cruise to name a few of the events.

A reunion has been held annually ever since, the latest being in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Paschall is responsible for organizing this year’s reunion set for sometime in October.

“Bill is putting ads into almost every military publication you can imagine,” said Retired Capt.

Richard Galecki, editor of Nimitz Association’s newsletter 5 Star News.

Galecki was actually the editor of Nimitz’ first newsletter back in 1973 before the ship’s first Public Affairs Officer ever checked on board.

“What we are trying to do now is provide Sailors departing the ship, on their way to their next destination, with a pamphlet detailing ways in which they can become a member,” said Galecki.

Further information on the Nimitz Association, as well as how to apply for a membership, can be found at www.ussnimitzassociation.org.

March 31, 2011

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Chaplain’sCorner

Culinary specialists assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepare their burger entries at the beginning of the “Iron Chef” competition. (By MC3 Matthew Patton)

Nimitz takes first place in main event of Iron Chef competition

By MC3 Matthew Patton

The Nimitz team said they enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

“It was fun,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd (SW) Johnny Spencer. “I haven’t been in the kitchen in about a year and a half and to all of a sudden come out here and do this? It’s about having a good time.”

Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda echoed Spencer’s sentiments. “I’m proud of these guys. For some of them, this was their first time doing something like this. I always say that you lose to learn, and that’s what this was for them: a learning experience. They’ll walk away from this better prepared for future competitions.”

A team of eight culinary specialists from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) took first place in the main event of the Iron Chef competition, known as “The Mystery Basket,” held at NAS Whidbey Island, March 23. Nimitz competed against eight other teams from the Washington area for the award. Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Teofilo Izon also took third place in the cake decoration category.

“It feels good,” said Izon of his win.

“It was my first time, and I wasn’t really worried about it. But now that I know what it’s all about, I’m looking forward to the next one.”

The Nimitz team drew much attention from onlookers and fellow competitors with their outgoing personalities and sportsmanship. Their attitudes and the spirit of competition caught the attention of CMC (AW/ SW) Darin Hand, NAS Whidbey Island.

“Nimitz definitely brought their ‘A’ game and kept the spirit of competition,” said Hand.

“They represented Nimitz extremely well with a positive and fun Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Anne Alfirer arranges the food dishes in attitude throughout the preparation for the judges during the “Iron Chef” competition. (By competition.”

MC3 Matthew Patton)

You have to hand it to kids. They can be a lot wiser than we give them credit for, and they can be merciless in showing it to us older people. I heard a story about the author of The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien and a wise little boy recently. It seems that while in college Tolkien often stayed at the home of his good friend Rob Gilson.

Tolkien was an orphan and didn’t have many relatives that lived near his college. Gilson had a younger brother who was as smart as a whip. It helped that the head of the Gilson family was a Head Master for a local school and taught his children how to learn.

One day Tolkien offered to take the young lad out into the garden while the rest of the family prepared for dinner. This was around 1915, and there had been a fad sweeping England regarding fairies. Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, of Sherlock Holmes fame had recently announced he had found some actual photos of fairies, only to be embarrassed when experts pointed out the pictures were faked. Tolkien knelt down by some flowers and asked the four year old boy, “Who do you suppose lives in there?”

Now the college educated Tolkien knew there were no fairies, but thought he would indulge the little boy.

He expected the boy to say there were fairies living in the cups of the flowers in his mother’s garden. Instead the boy gave him a disgruntled look, put his hands on his hips and replied, “Pistils and stamens.” Then he stomped back into the house and ignored Tolkien for the rest of the weekend.

Tolkien received an important lesson about children that we all should heed. It is not wise to talk down to kids.

They can tell when they are being patronized and can resent this, even if they cannot pronounce patronize.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and it would help the movement to stop this cruelest of abuse if we would elevate the role of children in our society. Jesus took an important first step in his day by making very straight forward statements about the wisdom and value of children. In his day children were simply seen as the property of their parents and really a burden until they could start to earn a living, usually at a very early age.

Jesus would often allow children to play near himself and even called a child “the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18.4).” In the passage I just quoted from he went on the warn people of the danger of threatening the faith of little ones and said, “Their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

I want to encourage each of you to look at the children around you as wise little ones who deserve the same dignity as adults. Sure, they need firm, consistent discipline and guidance so that they grow up to become adults, but they also need to be listened to and resepected.

Chaplain Brent Johnson

March 31, 2011

Nimitz News

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Stomping in the sno

Story and photos by MCS

Waking up at 5 a.m. is not my ideal way to start a Saturday, but it was going to be a long drive to Steven’s Pass for our 9 a.m. Ice Axe Arrest class.

Nimitz Media Department planned for months with the Nimitz FUNBOSS, Jennifer Vess, and had finally reached the first step in the Mt. Saint Helens climb to the top of the volcano, this class was the last required training needed to do before the climb. Morale Welfare and Recreation provided us with snow pants, parkas, boots, shovels, ice axes and other equipment we needed for the trip.

I had never been in the snow; much less climbed a mountain, so naturally I had no idea what to pack for a 7-hour mountain climbing lesson. I packed my camera and video equipment and headed out the door to meet up with the 11 other climbers at the gym’s parking lot.

After we met up we took the 6:20 a.m. ferry ride to Seattle and headed to Steven’s Pass. As we get closer to our destination we started to seeing snow covered mountains. I started to realize the climb we were about to do is real. I turned to

the other cameraman and told him “I was We arrived at Steven’s Pass and started aside and concentrated on doing my job.

Our instructor taught us how to hike the vival techniques in case we ever fall down had to adjust to carrying our camera equ which made the hike a little difficult.

We learned how to stomp through the s to make it easier for the person behind us leading the group. The leader would mak

One of the best parts of the day was lea down the mountain with an ice axe. We t practiced stabbing the snow with our axes

March 31, 2011

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ow at Steven’s Pass

SA Alexander Ventura II

sn’t trained for this!’ hiking up the mountain. I put my anxiety

e mountain safely as well as different surn the mountain. For the camera crew we uipment along with an axe and a shovel

snow to make trails. The point of trail was s to hike up the mountain. We alternated ke a trail for all the people.

arning how to stop ourselves from sliding took turns sliding down the mountain and s to stop.

After a few hours of learning different ways to save ourselves, a random snowball flew through the air and triggered a snow fight. I was attacked by Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Joseph Burds, health services department leading chief petty officer, and Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Rollin Peoples, S-8 leading chief petty officer, while taking photos. I put my camera down and started throwing back. The entire group from E-2 to 0-2 got involved and even Lt. j.g. Dana Perpall, disbursing officer started to shovel snow all over me. I took the high ground which helped me gain the advantage using gravity to make my snowballs go faster and farther. I dodged most of the snowballs but did get hit a few times. I definitely got the most of the two senior chiefs. It was epic!

While everyone unpacked their lunches, I realized I forgot to bring mine. Luckily, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Chelsea Rose had a box full of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and an extra drink to share. Another lesson learned for our April 30 trip to Mt. Saint Helens and another friend gained.

My time on the mountain was great. I learned how to stay safe in the snow and

March 31, 2011

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Nimitz News

Pins dry-docked but not forgotten MC3(SW) Mark Sashegyi

Nimitz Sailors interested in getting their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Airfare Warfare Specialist qualifications need to look no further because help can be found just around the corner.

“The ESWS program is open to all Sailors,” said Intelligence Specialist First Class (SW/AW) Chris Catalano, Nimitz’ E6 & below ESWS coordinator.

“We are still able to sign off books and allow Sailors to take the written test and stand an oral board.”

ESWS Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the barge mess decks.

“These classes are designed to provide Sailors with adequate information concerning shipboard operations vice them actually having to observe it,” said Catalano.

Catalano mentioned that one-on-one sessions are also held between Sailors and coordinators.

“I think the one-on-one is better for Sailors,” said Catalano. “They are able to learn easier and retain information better.”

Catalano mention that one-on-ones are also good because the coordinators

are usually the individuals that will stand a Sailors board.

Boards are scheduled based on when Sailors pass their written tests, said Catalano. Written tests are handed out every Wednesday at 9 a.m., but different times can be worked out for Sailors if they can’t make it.

“We allow Sailors to board whenever they are ready but we normally like to have at least three or four present,” said Catalano.

Boards are generally scheduled seven to ten days after Sailors have passed their test, said Catalano.

“I think if Sailors really apply themselves there is no reason why they can’t get their ESWS pin in six to eight months regardless of their rate,” said Catalano. “Some Sailors have even got their pins in as little as three to five months.”

Catalano said he believes it is a little more difficult for Sailors to get their ESWS while the ship is dry docked due in part mainly to the lack of hands on training that is available out to sea.

“The EAWS program is still in full swing for Sailors who have their operational pre-requisite signed off and wish to take the oral board,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling)

(AW/SW) Johnny Harris, Nimitz’ EAWS coordinator.

Operational pre-requisites are operations that can only be signed off once Sailors have actually witnessed the operation at hand.

“Such examples would involve operations like flight ops, which can only be witnessed while a ship is underway,” said Harris.

The EAWS program is still open to Sailors who do not have their prerequisites signed off and wish to enroll in the program. Boards are held every Thursday for Sailors qualified to stand to get their EAWS. Harris said that there is no reason why Sailors should take any longer than three to six months to get their EAWS pin once they are qualified.

“I think it is harder for Sailors to get qualified in their EAWS while the ship is dry docked,” said Harris. “The reason being is that there aren’t any aviation exercises going on at all.”

“I think Sailors need to go out and be proactive despite being dry docked,” said Harris. “It can be really easy to lose sight of getting your qualifications and that can hurt you later on when you’re up for orders or trying to PTS.”

PTS is Sailors responsibility

By MC2 Nathan Gomez Sailors who plan to get out of the Navy still need to submit their perform-to-serve (PTS) and receive all six of their looks, or they will not be entitled to separation pay when they get the final PTS denial message.

“The Sailor is responsible for his/her own career. The departmental counselors have a page 13 that the member signs that states that (the member) understand the PTS program,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Tamara Moore, Nimitz command career counselor. “The command career counselor and the department career counselors are responsible for education and maintaining that Sailors career.”

Sailors should be working closely with their departmental career

counselor to make sure their PTS is submitted accurately and on time.

“I would want to know what’s going on with my end of active service obligation and projected rotation date,” said Moore.

A common misconception about PTS is if the Sailor intends to separate, then they don’t have to submit or they are put in one time then they don’t have to resubmit when rolled over. Both of these statements are incorrect.

“I just want everyone to pay attention to the day they get out and the day they rotate because these should be the most important days of your career,” said Moore. “Whether you want to stay in or get out, PTS will affect you and your need to educate yourself on this program.”

March 31, 2011

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City Councilwoman for West Bremerton Diane Robinson gives a speech to Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during an event celebrating Women’s History Month on the crew messing and berthing barge. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alexander A. Ventura II)

Nimitz celebrates Women’s History

By MCSA Alexander Ventura Nimitz’ Multi-Cultural Committee hosted a Women’s History Month event on the crew messing and berthing barge, March 24.

The event was hosted to recognize the accomplishments of military and civilian women, said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW/SW) Susana Saenz, MCC president.

MCC’s goal was to show Sailors that women can do anything.

Saenz said, “There aren’t any barriers set for women who want to do anything and want to make a difference; military or civilian all you have to do is seek the sources you need to accomplish your goal.”

The event featured speeches from Master Chief Denise Haynie, Lt. Cmdr. Regina Rogers, and City Councilman for West Bremerton Diane Robinson.

The speakers talked about the challenges of being a woman in the military and being a faithful Navy Ombudsman and community leader.

More than 80 Sailors attended the event.

“I wanted to see what it was about and if it could benefit me,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sarah Madril. “I feel it did; it taught me everybody makes mistakes and as long as you learn from them and pick

yourself up you can achieve and become motivated me to accomplish my own anything you can want.” professional, personal and financial goals.

Logistics Specialist Seaman (SW) Ana Gallo said, “The event had a great Gallo said the event’s speakers provided turnout, it was one of the best turnouts inspiration to Nimitz Sailors. since deployment. It went very well and “I thought it was a great the Nimitz put smooth.” together an event to spotlight women; Madril said, “I thought the Multi-Cultural especially the achievements of women Committee did a great job putting together we have aboard,” said Gallo. “I loved the event and thought they put a good effort Lieutenant Commander’s speech; how she into making this happen.” was an undesignated Airman and actually worked her way through to become an officer and then the first female handler. It inspired me to achieve my professional goals.”

According to Sailors who attended, the event it was a success.

“It gave me a real appreciation toward women in our society,” said Hospital Apprentice Theodore Gryth. Nimitz Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen hands out cake to Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Susana Saenz and Logistics Specialist Seaman Ana Gallo “Their drive to during the Nimitz Women’s History Month event. (Photo by Mass Communication be successful Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alexander A. Ventura II)

March 31, 2011

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Nimitz moves toward NMCRS goal

By MC2 Nathan Gomez The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive is finishing up week four raising more than $67,000 and putting Nimitz on its way of reaching the goal of $100,000.

“We are above expected average for a carrier in an availability based on last year’s number for another carrier in a drydock,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Jason Pick, NMCRS Command Representative.

“Every department has contributed, and there has been 100 percent contact.”

The Nimitz NMCRS team is

posted in various places around the hangar bays on the ship and around the crew messing and berthing barge collecting cash donations from Sailors and filling out allotment forms for Sailors.

“We still have the fundraisers going on; the XO working for cleaning stations, pie in the face contest and Khaki as an FSA for a day, if we are successful on those, we’ll hit our goal,” said Pick. “We’re not operational so we don’t have a full crew but we can do it if everyone puts in a few more dollars.”

The NMCRS Fund Drive is set to end April 13.

This WEeks MWR EVENTS Thursday, March 31: * Movie Night at Bremerton Recreation Center 1645 * Children’s Story Hour, 11a.m., Bremerton Recreation Center, Ages 1-6 Friday, April 1: * Nuclear Cowboys Motocross at Tacoma Dome, 7:30p.m., $15, tickets at Bremerton ITT or arena * Parent/Tot Yoga, West Concourse gym, 10am, Free, Ages 2 & up Saturday, April 2: * Nuclear Cowboys Motocross at Tacoma Dome, 7:30p.m., $15, tickets at Bremerton ITT or arena * Sounders v Chicago Fire, Qwest Field, 1p.m., tickets at Bremerton ITT, Ticketmaster.com, or at the Qwest * Antiques Appraisal Fair at Kitsap Fairgrounds, $5 Admission, 10AM-5PM

Sunday, april 3: * Military Appreciation Day at Crystal Mountain, $33, tickets at kiosk only, All Day Event * Antiques Appraisal Fair at Kitsap Fairgrounds, $5 Admission, 10AM-5PM *Zumbatomics at West Concourse Gym, Free, Ages 5 & up Monday, april 4: * SCUBA Class, $200-Active Duty/$225-All Others, 5PM-9PM (runs through 10PM) *Dugalla State Park Hike, Free, Sign-up at Bremerton Recreation Center Tuesday, april 5: * Spin at West Concourse Gym, Free, 6PM Wednesday, april 6: * NOFFS at West Concourse Gym, Free, 6AM *Kids Eat Free at the Inside Out Cafe at Bangor, 4PM-7:30PM