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CONTENTS Vol. 9 | Issue 14
In this issue you can read about winter safety for your car, outdoor sports and home.
NIMITZ NEWS
CAPT. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer CAPT. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Richard Mengel Command Master Chief
MEDIA DEPARTMENT
LT. CMDR. Clint Phillips PAO ENS Billy Petkovski DIVO MCC Grant Probst Media DLCPO MCC Porter Anderson Media CPO MC1 Kevin Johnson Media LPO MC3 Emily Johnston Lead Designer
6 Depression: A Helping Hand for the Holidays Story by MC3 Chris Jahnke
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has a crew of nearly 3000 Sailors, and for many this is their first time away from home during the holidays. One of the feelings a Sailor may have, whether new to the Navy or a veteran of deployments, is depression.
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MC2 Ian Kinkead MC2 Katarzyna Kobiljak MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Kevin Outzen MC2 Don White MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 David Claypool MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Greg Hall MC3 James Hunt MC3 Chris Jahnke MC3 Kennishah Maddux MC3 Jose Madrigal MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Cole Schroeder MC3 Jessica Tukes MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MCSN Anthony Collier MCSN Keenan Daniels MCSN Cheyenne Gelekta MCSN Frank Speciale
YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE
GAME OVER YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE YOU DRINK YOU DRIVE YOU LOSE 3
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“The Navy has a ton of resources for individuals who feel depressed or just need someone to talk to rather than turning to alcohol or drugs,”
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-MA2 Mathew Starkebaum.
SS Nimitz (CVN 68) has a crew of nearly 3000 Sailors, and for many this is their first time away from home during the holidays. One of the feelings a Sailor may feel, whether new to the Navy or a veteran of deployments, is depression. Depression is a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feeling of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies per Webster’s dictionary. There are many different stressors that can cause depression. Work, disciplinary issues and personal relationship changes can all be triggers. There are resources aboard Nimitz that can help Sailors cope with their feelings. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. “It’s important to get help,” said Lt. Alicia Murray, from Salisbury, Md., the psychologist aboard Nimitz. “Utilize the resources available, such as medical department, the deployed resiliency counselor, Fleet and Family and Military One Source. We’re here to help our Sailors get through their tough times and help them cope in the future.”
Finding a way to de-stress is vital given some of the circumstances Sailors face. Some people choose healthy options like picking up a hobby or physical activity, while others may lean toward picking unhealthy choices.
“A lot of times people turn to alcohol and other substances to deal with their problems,” said Murray. “This only masks the problem, and once that person sobers up the problem still exists. The Navy has a psychologist onboard to help Sailors with those issues and selfmedicating doesn’t solve them.”
When dealing with overwhelming feelings, Sailors may make destructive decisions that can have lasting consequences.
“Abusing substances or alcohol isn’t the right choice,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew Starkebaum, from Carbondale, Kan., “When Sailors use alcohol and drugs to get them through tough times, they need to know that they will still be held accountable.”
Murray also said having a good foundation Both Murray and Starkebaum agree that of quality sleep, proper nutrition and the recommended amount of physical abusing alcohol or illegal substances is not the activity are imperative to giving the body the way to combat daily stressors or depression. energy it needs to help cope with stressors. Having a strong support system is an important element to dealing with their feelings. 6
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Strong support systems include friends, family, coworkers or someone the Sailor has a good relationship with whom they can have an open and honest conversation. Nimitz Sailors can take advantage of numerous organizations that offer opportunities to meet people. Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Fleet and Family Service Center, CSADD and command sponsored events are just a few. “The Navy has a ton of resources for individuals who feel depressed or just need someone to talk to rather than turning to alcohol or drugs,” said Starkebaum. “In my opinion, a Sailor’s career isn’t worth that joint or DUI because they didn’t ask for help. It takes one trip to medical or one phone call to Military One Source to save their career.” Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
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WINTER SAFETY TIPs The most wonderful time of the year also happens to be the most dangerous.
The following are 10 fire and electrical safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season. 1. Check electrical holiday decorations for damage like loose wires before use. 2. Do not overload electrical outlets. 3. Make sure your chimney is clean. Any buildup is a fire hazard. 4. Keep trees fresh by watering daily. Dry trees are easily flammable. 5. Use battery-operated candles. 6. Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources. 7. Protect chords from damage. 8. Don’t leave the kitchen when something is cooking. 9. Don’t deep-fry frozen or wet meats. The water creates a fire hazard. 10. Turn off and unplug all heaters and fire hazards when leaving the house or going to bed.
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With the winter comes winter road conditions, here are some helpful tips to stay safe on the road this winter.
1. Drive for conditions – slower speeds, slower acceleration. 2. Check to see if you have traction tires. 3. Do not use cruise control. 4. Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice 5. Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
When heading out to take part in winter sports or hiking remember these safety tips. 1. Before you go, tell someone where you are heading and when they can expect you back. 2. Wear appropriate layered clothing, avoid cotton and down. 3. Carry food, clothing and matches. Extra dry clothing may save your life. 4. Maintain your energy supply by eating high-calorie foods frequently during your trip. 5. Avoid becoming overly fatigued. 6. Seek shelter from wind and rain if you are lost. Try to stay dry and keep warm by covering yourself and dig a snow cave. Build a fire if dry wood is available.
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crossword
SUDOKU
BrainTeaser of the Day Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is find chester hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
weekly throwback Sailors enjoy a steel beach picnic in December during a 1988 deployment.
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1| Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, CO, Capt. J.W. David Kurtz, XO, and Nimitz CMC Richard Mengel, serve Sailors a holiday meal. |MCSN Daniels 2| CS2 Class Adan Garcia serves Sailors during a Sailor of the Year luncheon. |MC3 Anderson 3| CS2 Vivian Garcia cuts prime rib in preparation for “Shipmategiving.� |MC3 Hall 11
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