June 23, 2011
Nimitz News
June 23, 2011
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Vol. 36, No. 25
USS Nimitz reaches half-way point of DPIA By MCSA Candelario
Renee
Since USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived in Bremerton for its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) period the ship has completed more than half of its scheduled maintenance. One of the major upgrades and maintenance completed was the installation of two sponsons that hold a close-in weapons system (CIWS). The sponson houses everything: the local control, equipment room and magazine room. Aside from the sponsons, a number of other maintenance and upgrades have been finished aboard the ship including work on the shafts, rudders and propellers, said Lt. Geronimo Nuno, the fire watch division officer for the ship. In the upcoming months Nimitz will continue to prepare for its next process which is undocking. “We have less than 50 days to go before we start the pre-flooding process of the ship,” said Nuno. “All the work including cleaning up the dry dock,
pulling down the rigging and taking apart the scaffolding has to be done on the ship in order for the process to start.” Nuno explained how the upcoming months will take hard work and help from all hands. “It takes a team effort from everyone involved to complete
the DPIA process from the most junior Sailor all the way up to the chain of command as well as the shipyard workers,” said Nuno. The crew and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard staff has provided outstanding support, he added. Until the flooding of the dry
dock and undocking of the ship, the PSNS workers will continue with the scheduled maintenance and upgrades. The crew is expected to continue with normal routine and prepare for the upcoming homeport change to Everett at the end of the year.
USS Nimitz frockees remain ‘tip of spear’ on Reagan Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Dylan Orosco, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Nicholas Beard, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class David Hernandez, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Michael Rader and Ships’ Serviceman 3rd Class Shakina Stewart, all Temporarily assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76), cut a cake in celebration of their recent frocking as petty officers. The Sailors, from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), are currently augmenting the crew of the Reagan while Nimitz undergoes its Deployed Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) at Naval Base Kitsap – Bremerton. U.S. Navy photo.
Nimitz teams with YMCA, hosts summer camp
The last day to sign your child up for a free summer camp at Camp Seymour is fast approaching. For forms and information contact RPC Gibson.
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Nimitz News
June 23, 2011
Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT John Ring Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Editor MC3 Robert Winn Layout/ Designer MC3 Robert Winn Media Dept MC2 C.J. Amdahl MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Amara Timberlake MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Matthew Patton MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSN Jacob Milner MCSA Renee Candelario MCSA Jess Lewis MCSA Alexander Ventura II MCSA Derek Volland “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.
Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Jaime Nunez and Yeoman Seaman James Gray, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), remove excess brush along a sidewalk during a community relations project with Lincoln Avenue Bible Church. Photo by MCSA Alexander A. Ventura II
USS Nimitz lends a helping hand to Lincoln Avenue Bible Church Story by MCSA Alexander Ventura II Bremerton’s Lincoln Avenue Bible Church was built on the foundations of hard work and a “no quit” attitude from World War II veterans, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) workers and community members in 1954. It was only fitting that 18 Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) joined more than 12 church members comprised of veterans and reserve service members, a PSNS worker and community members on an overcast and drizzling morning June 18, to participate in a community relations (COMREL) project. The volunteers painted and applied water sealant to two homes owned by the church; organized and installed cabinets and wiring to a garage; performed yard maintenance around the church; and cleared weeds and excess tree brush from the sidewalks across the building. “We started with spreading mulch around the church,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Petty Officer (SW/AW) Jaime Nunez. “After that we moved to another piece of property the church owns and we cleaned a bunch of weeds and brush which could be a good hiding place for people to do bad things. So we started to clear it off and cut it down in order for it to be safer for people walking down the side walk on their way to the church. It also makes the community look a lot cleaner.” Phillip A. Paugh, chairman of trustees at Lincoln Avenue Bible Church, said he organized the COMREL in an effort to build a relationship with Nimitz Sailors and the community. “These Sailors had an outstanding impact with helping us get some projects done that we needed
to do on the church’s property,” said Paugh. “We accomplished everything we wanted to get done today.” The Sailors wanted to give back to the community they are now a part of. “I think community service is great and everyone should participate in these COMRELs,” said Machinist Mate Fireman Cynthia O. Okoye. “Bremerton is our host town and people here need a little bit of help every once in a while. You can’t do enough to help out in your community.” “I’m a geo-bachelor so my family is back at home in San Diego,” said Nunez. “There isn’t much to do around here so I decided to get familiar with the area by getting involved within the community.” “I’ve been aboard the Nimitz for about a week so I wanted to get my feet wet and get involved in different things in order to make a name for myself,” said Okoye. “It was fun, I got to meet some interesting people and we all worked pretty well together.” “I’m looking forward to getting more involved within the community,” said Nunez. “Now that I have found a church, I’m looking into participating in their service.” Paugh said the Sailors showed professionalism and character during the project. “The Nimitz Sailors showed all the qualities you’ll find in military people,” said Paugh. “They showed great personality, honor, integrity, hard work and skills. I appreciate the Sailors took the time out of their busy schedule to come out and work with us and get some projects done here. I want to let the Commanding Officer of the Nimitz know that we appreciate that immensely.”
June 23, 2011
Nimitz News
Navy College hosts annual education fair By MC2 Nathaniel Gomez
Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bremerton’s Navy College is sponsoring the 2011 Annual Education Fair on Tuesday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NBK Bangor in front of the Uniform Shop for all the Sailors in the area interested in continuing or starting their college education. “This fair is going to consist of over 20 Navy College Distance Learning Partnership (NCDLP) schools available to provide information on the degrees they offer through the NCDLP Program,” said Gil Williams, Navy College Site Director, NBK Bremerton. “The program tries to have each school provide a different degree so there is very little overlap, and these are degrees that are available for servicemembers, primarily Sailors, can be taken anywhere, meaning they don’t have to attend a classroom to receive their degrees.” The colleges will be there to provide information and answer any questions from Sailors and their dependents interested in their education options. “This is a unique opportunity for dependents to interact with so many educational institutions at the same location,” said Ens. Eric Ehley, Nimitz’ Education Services Officer. “Unlike active duty Sailors, who have an education office onboard, dependents rarely receive an opportunity to seek guidance on what educational services they can receive.” This college fair will also be a great opportunity for Sailors already enrolled in these schools to interact with an actual staff member instead of emailing or talking to them on the phone. “This venue will provide the opportunity to not only see what is available but to receive counseling on educational plans tailored to suit your long-term educational goals,” said Ehley. “One of the biggest miscommunications is when Sailors come into the Navy to get their education but unfortunately they’re not provided the information that is necessary for them to pursue that,” said Williams. “So we are hoping this gives them that opportunity to see what is available to them.” For additional information on this event, please contact the Navy College Office at (360) 315-2539.
Nimitz’ Champions in safety This week’s Chester’s Champions receive recognition in a ceremony in Hangar Bay Two Tuesday for their outstanding attention to safety. BMSN Angelica Aguilar, EM2 Theodore M. Pilalas, ABF3 Derek A. Nimrichter, ET2 Markjefferlee G. Ocampo, HT2 John H. Hilgar, Jason Reichert, Trevor Rice, Steven Martinsen, Vincent Sheets and Derek Klevin received this week’s award. Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.
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Chaplain’s Corner
Recently in the news, you may have heard NBC deleted “God” in their presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone noticed something was missing and NBC quickly apologized. This prompted me to look into the history of our pledge. The Pledge of Allegiance was written by a Baptist preacher named Francis Bellamy and was published where Bellamy worked in the magazine known as “The Youths Companion” on September 8, 1892. After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the pledge made its debut in public schools on October 12, 1892, during the Columbus Day celebration. The original version read as follows, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” The wording has been revised a few times since. In 1923, the National Flag Conference called for the words “my flag” to be changed to “the flag of the United States,” so that new immigrants would not confuse loyalties between their birth countries and the United States. The words “of America” were added a year later. This version was officially recognized as our national pledge June 22, 1942. In 1954, the Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic organization mounted a campaign to officially add the words “under God” to the pledge. They made little progress until Rev. George Docherty, a proponent for adding the words, preached a sermon attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the national press corps in which he said, “Apart from the mention of the phrase ‘the United States of America,’ it could be the pledge of any republic. In fact, I could hear little Muscovites repeat a similar pledge to their hammer-and-sickle flag in Moscow.” The president said he agreed with the sermon and the news spread. Public sentiment grew and that same year a bill to add God to the pledge was signed into law on Flag Day. President Eisenhower said, “From this day forward the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.” The pledge was complete. It seems that America could not rest as long as God was missing from her pledge. God is still present in our national pledge today, but where is He in our society? More importantly, where is He in your life? “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Chaplain Eric J Melvin
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Bainbridge: Nimitz News
June 23, 2011
Photos and story by MC3 Ian A. Cotter The folk band Shivaree entertains patrons of Pegasus Coffee.
If you’re looking for some quiet respite after a stressful work day, it may seem like there’s nowhere to go to wind down. However, just to the northeast lies a little dot on the Washington State map that offers much more than a passing glance. Rain or shine, the quaint town of Bainbridge Island is certainly a destination worth visiting. About 45 minutes away from Bremerton, Bainbridge Island hosts a variety of venues including a retro movie theater, a nauticalthemed tavern, a marina with a shoreline trail, and one of the oldest coffee shops in the state. Additionally, Bainbridge Island‘s ferry runs to Seattle, making it the perfect place to stop on your way to or from the city. Last Saturday, I found it was time I check the place out for myself. At first, it seemed like I was driving into a very well-off retirement community. As I crossed the bridge, I was greeted with upscale living arrangements and a lavish golf course. Moving further onto the island, I found that the town’s main street was undergoing some
The Bainbridge Island-Seattle ferry rests just across the Puget Sound from Seattle.
Stone sculptures along the shoreline depict scenes from daily life and science fiction.
a quiet isle in the Puget Sound
June 23, 2011
Nimitz News
construction, although it didn’t stop anyone there from having a good time. I parked my car across the street from a coffee shop overgrown with vines. The cool sea breeze reminded me of the small New England shoreline towns I used to visit as a child. The nostalgic feel of the town made it comfortable. Out the corner of my eye I noticed the tall masts of sailboats docked at the marina, so I headed down to the waterfront for a closer look. The waterfront trail weaved along the shoreline by the marina. It was a brisk and refreshing walk, and from the end of one of the docks, Seattle could be seen rising out of the water. On the other end of the trail, rock sculptures portrayed scenes from everyday life as well as artistic fantasies. The sun began to set, so I headed back into the town for a cup of coffee. Inside the rustic bistro, a folk band began to play an upbeat jig as when I went up to the bar to order my chai with espresso. I was greeted with a smile and I soon found myself sitting back in a wooden chair sipping my drink and enjoying the band. It wasn’t long before the last light of the day faded beyond the trees, and soon it was time for me to head home. It was a quiet evening, and I felt refreshed. Bainbridge Island was certainly a worthwhile dot on the Washington State map.
Right: The illuminated marquis above Pegasus Coffee showcases different performers slated to play there.
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A waterfront trail leads Bainbridge Island visitors along the shoreline by the marina.
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Nimitz News
June 23, 2011
Family day sponsorship form due Friday By MC3 Robert Winn A family day is being planned by Puget Sound Naval Station (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) for Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family day is intended to provide USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) military and civilian employees the opportunity to bring their families into the Controlled Industrial Area (CIA) to show them the work that’s being done to the ship during its Deployed
Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) and tour specific areas. This year’s family day will be open to PSNS and IMF badged employees, Naval personnel and their families. To allow families into the CIA each person sponsoring visitors (anyone with a red, yellow, or green badge can do this) needs to fill out a PSNS&IMF 5000/31 (311) form which will allow a maximum of 7 guests. All members of the family are allowed into the CIA during the family day, regardless of age, but safety of all should
be kept in mind. Sponsors are required to accompany their guests at all times. The forms, which each department’s leadership currently has, are due on or before Friday, July 1st. All personnel should bring a copy of their submitted registration form for entry on the day of the event. No substitutions of guests will be allowed after the July 1st deadline. For more information about the event and to gain access to the form contact your departmental leadership or contact the base Public Affairs Office at 360-476-7111.
Junior Sailor fights drunk driving with campaign By MCSA Alexander Ventura II
in your records and money you lose in your pocket. That’s not getting through to people, money is a materialistic thing. I want The cold clinical beeps of the ventilator, heaving methodically, people to see the realization of what could really happen.” filled the room. She was in a coma. Nothing short of a miracle “I’ve been hurt. All the people who have written on that board could rouse her, as the doctors tried to explain to her sobbing have been hurt and there are plenty of people I have approached mother who had walked away from that didn’t want to tell their story the crash two months earlier with because it hurt them so much to bring only minor cuts and bruises. it back up,” said McCray. “If I tell She came out of her coma oblivious my story then someone else may have to what had happened, only to find the courage to tell their story. Maybe out 14 years later the details from the people can learn from these tragic event. stories and can prevent another tragedy On that day four-year-old Chelsea, from happening.” with her long brown hair and big McCray will be leaving the Nimitz green eyes, was riding back from the within the next six months and is grocery store with her mother. As hoping for someone passionate to take they drove down a hill the pickup over the project. truck in front of them was preparing “I hope ‘I am a Nimitz Sailor’ to make a right turn. The driver campaign continues when I’m gone,” of the pickup truck floored the gas said McCray. “I’m looking for someone but he unintentionally had his car who is motivated and passionate about Mate Fireman (SW) Chelsea McCray runs the ‘I am in reverse. With Chelsea and her Machinist a Nimitz Sailor’ campaign against drunk driving with a display not drinking and driving. You can’t mother driving down the street and on the Crew’s Messing and Berthing barge. Photo by MCSA drink to an excess, and you also have the man in the pickup truck flooring Alexander Ventura II. to be able to take negative comments the gas in reverse, the two vehicles from people who say ‘you aren’t ever collided at nearly 40 miles per going to stop people from drinking and hour. The driver of the pickup tried to flee the scene only to be driving’ and still be motivated.” apprehended by police. He was driving under the influence (DUI) “I think that the ‘I am a Nimitz Sailor’ campaign is an outstanding of alcohol and over the legal limit. program that McCray took upon herself in order to help out the This is only one of a few stories on the ‘I am a Nimitz Sailor’ command and our Sailors,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/ poster set up in March on the crew messing and berthing barge by AW) Richard J. Barcelona, Drug and Alcohol Program Advocate the cafeteria. The poster is the result of Machinist’s Mate Fireman (DAPA). “ I’m glad there are Sailors out there that care about their (SW) Chelsea McCray’s initiative to sway Sailors to think twice shipmates.” about drinking and driving after her personnel experience with a With the ‘I am a Nimitz Sailor Campaign’ along with other drunk driver left her with scars on her brain resulting in partial various programs the Nimitz implements, DUIs has dropped vision loss in her left eye. significantly, said Barcelona. Personal stories of loved ones gone or injured and horrific eye“It was another tool for the command to reach out to our Sailors witness accounts of accidents caused by drunk drivers cover the to do the right thing,” said Barcelona. “Since the implementing poster. The campaign’s goals are for people to learn from people’s the campaign there has been around 12 DUIs and in the past three personal stories in order to prevent drunk driving. weeks we haven’t had any.” “You never hear about the personal side to it,” said McCray. To submit personal stories for the ‘I am a Nimitz Sailor’ “You never hear you can lose a family member, you can end up campaign contact McCray at Chelsea.McCray@cvn68.navy.mil in the hospital, or you can take people’s lives. You only hear or submit stories to the DAPA’s office on the barge at 02-81-7-L. about 45/45 extra duty, reduction in rank, alcohol related incidents Stories can be submitted anonymously and will not be reworded.
June 23, 2011
Nimitz News
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Nimitz News
THURSDAY, JUNE 23
KISS CONCERT, COMCAST ARENA SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. NEW YORK STEAK N’ BREW AT SAM ADAMS, 1700- 2030, $13.50-$19.50 WELCOME TO SUMMER PATIO PARTY, 1600-1800, BANGOR LIBERTY CENTRE YOGA, 1645, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE SPIN, 1800, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE
SUNDAY, JUNE 26
SEATTLE STORM vs. MINNESOTA FREE BOWLING, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER ROCK-N-BOWL, 1800-MIDNIGHT, BREMERTON REC RAT CITY ROLLERGIRLS, KEY ARENA, 1730
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
CEDAR CREEL & GRIST MILL TOUR, $47 GREENWOOD CAR SHOW BELLEVUE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER WHITEWATER RAFTING, 0700-2000 SEATTLE ROCK N’ ROLL ½ & FULL MARATHON, SEATTLE END-OF-SCHOOL-YEAR FIREBALL PARTY, 1830-2030, BREMERTON REC CENTER SPIN, 0930, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE ZUMBA, 1000, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE THUNDERBIRD PRO RODEO, 1600, KITSAP FAIRGROUNDS FAMILY ADVENTURE WEEKEND, 0830-1915 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE BARRACKS, 2130
SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. NEW ENGLAND BELLEVUE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL INTRO TO SEA KAYAKING, $74 FAMILY ADVENTURE WEEKEND, 0830-1915
MONDAY, JUNE 27
FRIDAY, JUNE 24
June 23, 2011
MARINERS vs. BRAVES ANACORTES HIKE, 1630-2000 WEEKLY GAME NIGHT, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER STEP, 1645, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE THUNDERBIRD PRO RODEO, 1100, KITSAP FAIRGROUNDS JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, 1800
TUESDAY, JUNE 28
PING PONG TOURNEY, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER BILLIARDS TOURNEY, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER YOGA, 1645, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE SPIN, 1800, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE ZUMBA, 1800, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE THUNDERBIRD PRO RODEO, 1100, KITSAP FAIRGROUNDS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
FREE BOWLING, 1800, BREMERTON REC CENTER PREMIER MOVIE NIGHT, 1600-2100, BREMERTON REC CENTER FLETCHER BAY EVENING KAYAK, $30 DUALATHON, BANGOR SUB BASE STEP, 1645, FREE, WEST CONCOURSE BRITTNEY SPEARS & NICKI MINAJ, TACOMA DOME