Nimitz News Daily Digest - Oct. 17, 2012

Oct. 17, 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 63

2012 NIMITZ

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$100,000!

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Medical Has Nimitz Begins COMPTUEX Y o u r B a c k Story by MC3 (SW) Carla Ocampo

Story by MC3 Linda Swearingen

Nimitz at sunset. (Photo by MC2 Eva-Marie Ramsaran)

USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 began a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Oct. 17.

COMPTUEX is an 18-day exercise required for each CSG, and designed to drill every warfare area including sub surface, surface and air, to practice responses to situations that may occur on deployment.

Embarked Strike Force Training Pacific evaluators will test the CSG on their integrated operational capabilities through a series of simulations.

This is the first time the strike group has worked together since Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

“It’s unusual that we have done some integrated training,” said Cmdr.

Larry Sidbury, Nimitz operations officer. “We had the opportunity to see COMPTUEX pg. 6

TheHealthServicesDepartment (HSD) on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) scored a 98 percent on its recent health services readiness inspection (HSRI).

“The HSRI is a comprehensive inspection of the entire medical department,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/SCW) Thomas A. Robertson, Nimitz’ HSD leading petty officer. “Our medical records, crew medical readiness, supply management, emergency response capabilities, occupational health programs, wellness programs, training, public health programs, see Inspection pg. 6

Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski Editor MC2 Benjamin Crossley Lead Designer MC3 Renee L. Candelario

Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions are subject to review and screening.

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Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Aaron Painter performs maintenance on an MH-60S Seahawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC2 Robert Winn)

1922 Lt. Cmdr. Virgil C. Griffin, in a Vought VE-75F makes first the takeoff from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV 1) anchored in York River, Va. 1941 German U-boat U-568 torpedoes and damages USS Kearny (DD 432) near Iceland, resulting in 11 killed and 22 injured.

1944 Naval Forces land Army Rangers on islands at the entrance to Leyte Gulf in preparation for landings.

1989 Following the San Francisco earthquake, 24 Navy and Military Sealift Command ships render assistance.

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Nimitz Recognizes Sailor of the Day Story and photos by MC3 Devin Wray

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rodrick Sherrod, a Killeen, Texas native, currently serving on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), was nominated as the Sailor of the Day, Oct. 16 for his outstanding performance as a hydraulic technician, in Engineering Department’s A-Division.

Sherrod’s superb craftsmanship and talent was vital in emergency repairs to number two and three ship’s steering units prior to pulling in to San Diego. His work ethic was also reflected as he was one of the primary driving forces in the hydraulics work center during 2A5 availability. His work contributed in the completion of 12 ship’s force work candidates, ensuring all aircraft elevators and steering units were completely mission capable.

“It feels pretty good to be acknowledged for my hard work,” said Sherrod.

While on liberty, he likes to play basketball, play video

games and work out.

When he gets out, Sherrod wants to open up his own club because outside of his hard work ethic, he said he is good at organizing group events.

Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz’ commanding officer, names Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rodrick T. Sherrod Sailor of the Day in the Pilot House Oct. 16.

Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Michael Rios grinds down a pipe in the weld shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray) Page 3

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) (AW/SW) Luis G. Cervantes (left) and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ramondo E. Roberts (right) practice blocking techniques duringCapt. between the lines (BTL)commanding training for security reaction force basic (SRFB) in Jeff Ruth, Nimitz’ officer, names Yeoman 2nd Class the hangar bay of the aircraft (SW) carrierJames USS Gray Nimitz (CVN 68).Day (Photo byPilot MC3House LindaOct. Swearingen) Sailor of the in the 15.

Cpl. Oren Pierce and Cpl. Eric Gundrum, bore scope the engine of an F/A-18C Hornet from the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323. (Photo by MC3 Carla Ocampo)

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jacob Steeb assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 checks a serial number of a part on an F/A-18F Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)

Fireman Naseer Thompson surfaces a piece of metal in the machinery repair shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno)

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Ashley Botbyl, replaces a panel on an F/A-18C assigned to the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146. (Photo by MC3 Carla Ocampo)

COMPTUEX: Challenge Our Ability continued from Pg. 1

work together in RIMPAC where the whole CSG participated. During a normal turnaround cycle we would not have gotten an opportunity.”

COMPTUEX is broken up into phases. Phase one provides a detailed schedule of events (SOE) and specific task training for CSG and warfare commanders. Phase two consists of real-world exercises and no SOE.

“No doubt each of these phases will challenge our ability to effectively manage and employ our limited resources,” said Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, CSG 11.

“We need to embrace a fundamental mindset shift from training to certification.”

Nimitz will simulate a straits transit with other ships from the strike

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group, participate in replenishments at sea, vertical replenishments, and run many general quarters drills.

“It’s going to be a busy time because we’re going to get exposed to every mission area in such a condensed amount of time,” said Sidbury. “With the amount of work that needs to be accomplished during this time, I think it’s going to push people to a fairly high OPTEMPO [operations tempo].”

Unit specific training will allow the separate strike group assets to practice their roles individually, while other situations will test the strike group’s ability to react as a single force.

“Give 100 percent because the next time we sail, we may be standing in harm’s way,” said Gumataotao.

“Execute as you have diligently trained for this moment and continue to make me proud.”

After successful completion of COMPTUEX, Nimitz and the rest of the CSG will move on to the final exam, joint task force exercise, preparing Nimitz for her 2013 deployment.

CSG 11 is made up of Nimitz, CVW-11, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 5), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23; guidedmissile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

INSPECTION: Preparation for Success continued from Pg. 1

laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray, surgical services, equipment and administrative oversight were all inspected by the Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) and his staff.”

In addition to CNAF, the HSRI team included one captain, one master chief, one lieutenant, two hospital corpsmen 1st classes and one hospitalman who inspected areas with medical equipment all over the ship.

The HSRI was scheduled to take up to four days to

complete, but due to the effectiveness and readiness of Nimitz’ medical team the inspection was completed within two days.

“Since the inspection covers the crew’s total medical readiness, the preparations are always ongoing,” said Robertson. “Birth month recall, dental readiness, women’s health exams, physicals and preventive medicine programs have to constantly be tracked and maintained.

Closer to the inspection every record, inventory and program has to be rechecked for accuracy.

These rechecks require a lot of work, and our Sailors gave up a lot of their time. The department put in many late nights in order for us to excel the way we did.”

Another major part of the HSRI was the inventorying of medical supplies throughout the ship. There are mass casualty boxes full of medical supplies located throughout the ship and their readiness could mean life or death for a crewmember if a mass casualty were to occur.

If even one item on the inventory list was to be missing from one of the mass casualty boxes it could cause major problems for someone that is injured during an actual mass casualty, so it is important to maintain those boxes in preparation for a worst case scenario, said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael A. Waltich.

Nimitz’ medical department has an HSRI done annually, however this inspection was more thorough and only takes place before a deployment to ensure the medical department is capable of handling any medical needs the ship’s crew may have while underway.

“Everyone had a hand in the HSRI,” said Waltich. “Whether it was inventorying medical emergency equipment or medical records, everyone was constantly working towards the Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Edgar Rodriguez, conducts a routine teeth common goal of passing the inspection.” cleaning on a Sailor aboard USS Nimitz. (Photo by MC3 Carla Ocampo) Page 7

TV Guide 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 7 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10 - FLIGHT DECK 11 - CNN 13 - ESPN 14 - A&E 15 - HISTORY

16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29

- NFL NETWORK - CBS - NAT GEO - ABC - AMC - NBC - COMEDY CENTRAL - FOX NEWS - DISCOVERY - DVD MOVIES

Channel 5 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600

Blazing Saddles I Love You, Beth Cooper Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Land of the Lost UP Aliens in the Attic

Channel 6

My Sister’s Keeper Funny People Lymelife Public Enemies Shanghai Kiss The Ugly Truth

Channel 7

Die Hard Drag Me to Hell Terminator: Salvation Perfect Getaway X Game: The Movie District 9

Channel 29

0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600

Fast and Furious 4 Journey 2: Mysterious Island 30 Seconds Over Tokyo PT 109 Captain Horatio Hornblower The Waterboy

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Akish “Kevin” Moonasar, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ ) 142’s Power Plants division, inspects a heat shield of an EA-6B Prowler in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

(Photo by MC2 (SW) Robert Winn)