Nimitz News - December 1, 2011

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Thanksgiving treat courtesy of Nimitz

December 1, 2011

Story by MCSN Renee Candelario

See "CSAV" on Page 9

Holiday party Note

Tickets will be on sale for this year's Nimitz Holiday Extravaganza in hangar bay two today untill 2:30 p.m. today and until 12:30 p.m. on Friday.

Cupcakes fall short against local team

Vol. 36, No. 17

Nimitz passes CSAV inspection USS Nimitz (CVN 68) recently completed a command security assist visit (CSAV) with Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF). Only scheduled as a regular visit, the CSAV became a graded inspection of Nimitz’ command security posture once officials recognized the extent of the ship’s readiness.

Inspecting the safeguards designed to protect ship’s information during the weeklong visit, CNAF officials tested to find loopholes, gaps, weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the ship’s command security defenses. Going top to bottom in the program, officials assessed Nimitz as inspection-worthy, withdrawing the need for any future testing.

Though strenuous, preparation for the CSAV is

Dec. 1, 2011 Nimitz Sports BACK P.

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Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, frocks USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Nimitz Sailor Nickolas Jacobs to Information Technician 3rd Class while aboard Nimitz for his first visit to the ship Nov. 28.

CSG 11 Admiral...Arriving Story and photos by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs

Rear Adm. Peter A. Gumataotao, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, visited USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the first time Nov. 28. During

his visit, he toured the ship as it prepares to leave its year-long Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA).

Gumataotao, who assumed

command of CSG 11 Nov. 10, walked about the ship, taking time to familiarize himself with the spaces that he will soon occupy as Nimitz moves away from DPIA and immobility to serving in its mission-ready capacity projecting the Navy’s power abroad.

During his tour, Gumataotao took in the flag bridge, flight deck, reactor spaces, berthing spaces, as well as other areas throughout the ship.

Gumataotao made a point of ingratiating himself with ship’s company, taking the opportunity to meet and speak with Sailors along the way. He even found time to frock one Sailor to petty officer third class. Information Technician 3rd Class Nickolas Jacobs was caught off guard when presented with the unique opportunity of being frocked by the commander of CSG 11. He initially thought he was being frocked by the commanding officer of the ship, but was pleasantly surprised when the

See "Admiral" on Page 9

Dec. 1, 2011

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Chaplain's Corner : Paying it forward

by Chaplain Eric J. Melvin

Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski Media Division Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Editor MC3 Jacob Milner Lead Designer MC3 Jacob Milner Media Dept MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Vladimir Potapenko MC2 Mark Sashegyi MC2 Amara Timberlake MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Jacquelyne Childs MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSN Alexander Ventura II MCSN Renee Candelario MCSA Vanessa David MCSA Jess Lewis MCSA Derek Volland Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening.

“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.

Twenty years ago I was a “nuke” stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Norfolk, VA. I was new to the ship, away from my fiancé, and we were doing workups around the Island of St. Thomas. A port call was made and I found myself on the streets of St. Thomas for Thanksgiving with no place to celebrate. I prayed and asked the Lord to provide a meal for me and my shipmate. We set out for the USO where I hoped that prayer would be answered. We walked up to the door and right before we reached it someone asked if we were there for the meal. Of course, we said yes!

Without breaking stride, we were ushered into a waiting car and driven to the other side of the island. A local doctor, who turned out to be a Christian, had volunteered to take in a few sailors for the day. It was a beautiful home situated on the side of a hill overlooking the water. We spent the day feasting and celebrating God’s goodness. I truly had much for which to be thankful. God had gone over and above my request, as He always does.

I was reminded of this account again this year, and I share it with you for two reasons.

First, I want to magnify the goodness of God, to show you that He cares for each of us, and

that He answers our prayers in ways that are simply amazing.

Secondly, each of us needs to reach out in kindness to someone this holiday season.

Many are lonely and away from home, and you can impact their lives in ways that they will not soon forget. I do not remember the doctor’s name or what he looked like, but I do remember his charity. In fact, I will never forget. Charity is the greatest of attributes. Without it all of our other qualities and actions are meaningless (I Corinthians 13). A synonym for charity is love, and love is action. In what is commonly known as the golden rule, Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:3739), to put ourselves in the shoes of others and to treat them as we would like to be treated.

To put it in modern terms, we might say to “pay it forward.” The good doctor gave of himself, his time, and his resources. In doing so God was able to use him to answer a lonely young sailor’s prayer by providing a semblance of home for the holiday. I challenge you to seek opportunities to do the same during this holiday season and throughout the year. In doing so, you may find that, while seeking to bless others, you may be the one receiving the blessing.

200+ Sailors frocked in mass ceremony on base Photos by MC3 Shayne Johnson

Audience members applaud as a USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailor is frocked to petty officer 2nd class during a ceremony held on Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton Nov. 23. More than 200 Sailors were personally frocked by the commanding officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger as part of the ceremony.

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Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) weapons’ department inventory gear as part of a fleet-wide Afloat Reset of Assets.

Nimitz participates in ARA Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Assets in USS Nimitz (CVN 68) weapons department’s arsenal are being inventoried as part of an instruction from the Force Gun Boss to complete an Afloat Reset of Assets.

Ninety six members of weapons department are inspecting and testing any gear in their magazines that isn’t factory sealed.

Dec. 1, 2011

“Mostly what we have is training items,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Curtis Powell G-3 division’s leading petty officer. “We turned over most of our gear when we left 5th Fleet during deployment. We gave [the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower] everything needed for them to be mission capable, we kept all the excess and use it to train and certify our guys while we’ve been in the yards.”

Powell explains how this is a big deal in the weapons world, “There’s six magazines of gear that needs to be checked and we need to know how many of our assets are fleet ready.”

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Christina Beyer thinks the inventory is quite tedious but necessary work.

“We want to make sure we have all the tools to do our job for when we get underway,” Beyer continued. “If you don’t have a fin or guidance for a system, then it just will not work.”

The inventory will make notes of any and all gear including fins, guidance, bombs and missiles, and provide Conventional Ordnance Deficiency Reports on any gear that is not in optimal condition.

“We’ll be the ready carrier here shortly,” said Powell. “We want to be sure we have the gear necessary to go at a moment’s notice.”

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John Coble says that fleet sentencing, the process of opening, inspecting and closing under new directives, is important to preparing for under ways.

“Once we complete the fleet sentencing we’ll stow all the gear properly so we have the space necessary for live ordnance on loads,” said Coble.

This offers a good opportunity for junior Sailors to get onthe-job training and certified in handling materials, Coble continued.

“Our guys have been working hard,” Coble said. “This provides a good transition from the chipping paint mindset from Docking Planned Incremental Availability to getting some hands on time with the gear they’ll be using every day once we get underway.”

The ARA is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 15.

Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) weapons’ department inventory gear as part of a fleet-wide Afloat Reset of Assets.

Dec. 1, 2011

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Thanksgiving Treat Story and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Anthony Hooper serves roast beef to Sailors and their families as part of a Thanksgiving Day meal aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

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Dec. 1, 2011

Sailors and their families aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) take part in a Thanksgiving Day meal on the mess decks.

S

ailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during Thanksgiving received a pleasant reprieve as they and their families were allowed to come and enjoy a skillfully cooked Thanksgiving dinner.

The massive effort and success of the dinner was due in no small part to culinary specialists from Supply Department’s S-2 Division.

“A lot of people were involved,” said Chief Petty Officer Sherwin Penaranda, leading chief petty officer for supply department’s S-2 division. “Pretty much the whole division was involved on a day to day basis trying to get the decks cleaned up, trying to get the decorations and trying to get everything broken out. We broke out 12 whole turkeys, 14 de-boned turkey, 20 rib-eye rolls, 24 spiral hams and a couple of cases of mashed potatoes.”

Coordination of the effort was also no easy task. The amount of supplies and people involved required a carefully staged and coordinated work force.

“This evolution took a lot of preparation, planning and of course execution,” said Penaranda. “We worked day in and day out while still trying to accomplish the ship’s mission and trying to plan this and execute it today.”

The transition of regular operations in the galley to preparing a gourmet meal for Sailors and civilians required many extra man hours, and dedication from those involved.

“It took approximately a week and a half,” said Penaranda.

“It was not all 24 hour planning but with a couple of hours here, and a couple of hours there. It had to be staged thinking what can be done on certain days over a week and a half.”

“We came in at midnight,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Derrick Cannon. “We prepped some food, prepped for a little bit of breakfast and then continued preparing for the big meal throughout the day.”

Though the evolution was designed as a special event involving both Sailors and their families, it can also translate to operations and the difficulties that are faced while underway, said Cannon.

“In a sense, for new people that are straight out of “A” school it gives a feel of what deployment could be like,” said Cannon, a veteran in food service with three years aboard Nimitz. “For someone like me, it’s cake. I’ve done it all before here.”

Though some personnel in S-2 are newer than others, the division as a whole will be prepared for the hardships of being underway, said Penaranda.

“We will be ready,” he said. “It depends on how things go as far as where we’re at and what we can get as far as food and the ship’s mission--General Quarters drills, for example--and how to plan around it, but no doubt, we can make it even better with the whole crew on the ship.”

The smiling faces among Sailors and their families was a clear sign of the capabilities of S-2 Division as a whole, said Cannon.

“We all worked together today,” said Cannon. “The Ward Room came in and helped us out. The CS rate as a whole and even CS’ from other departments came to help with this meal.”

“It all came through today and our hard work paid off,” said Penaranda. “The crew is happy and that’s how we get repaid.”

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Angel Cortez prepares stuffing to be served to Sailors and their families as part of a Thanksgiving Day meal aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Dec. 1, 2011

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Winter Wonderland Story and photos by MCSN Renee Candelario

A

s the holiday season approaches, those who find themselves longing for more than just the traditional Christmas songs while shopping at the mall can visit the 2011 Seattle Center Winterfest. The festival is as close to a winter wonderland as one living in this part of the Pacific Northwest could ever hope to get.

Page 7 With the sweet taste of hot cocoa, twinkling Christmas lights illuminating the pine trees and the elegant sound of carolers singing in the distance, the winterfest makes the rainy Washington weather seem not so unpleasant after all.

Wanting to inject a little holiday spirit into my life, I hopped onto the ferry and ventured out to the festival. My experience was entirely enjoyable. Among the many attractions, one of my personal favorites was the Winterfest Ice Rink, an indoor ice skating arena located at Fisher Pavilion. Open to beginning and professional skaters, admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages six through 12. Children five and under skate for $2. The price of admission covers the cost of skate rental. There are even walkers to assist the little ones if it is their first time on the ice.

While I had fun sliding around losing my balance, it was just as fun watching others skate from the sidelines while grabbing a bite to eat at the concession stand, so even those who are not interested in skating can have a good time at the rink.

Not too far from the ice is the Center House, which with its dazzling array of Christmas lights hanging over the shops and restaurants acts as a reminder of the colors found in festive neighborhoods. There is also the Winter Train and Village, a miniature vintage town with a locomotive that guests can take turns directing through the entire community filled with pine trees and small houses with roofs covered in snow. The display is as beautiful as something out of a Thomas Kinkade painting.

There are many different types of events happening during the festival. There are ice sculpting contests every Saturday where you can watch master carvers display their skills outside of Fisher Pavilion, as well as different concerts and performances by local artists showcased at the Seattle Center Stage on various days. If that is not high brow enough for you, the Pacific Northwest Ballet performs Stowell & Sendak’s Nutcracker, the classic holiday tale set during Christmas Eve. All in all, the Seattle Center Winterfest experience is bound to be fun and full of delights both new and traditional.

Dec. 1, 2011

A miniature town complete with train and children playing in a park awaits visitors to the Seatle Center Winterfest .

Running until Dec. 31, the festival is located at the Center House and Fisher Pavilion in the heart of downtown Seattle next to the Space Needle. For more information on specific dates of events go to the festival’s website at www.seattlecenter.com/ winterfest.

Families enjoy skating on an ice rink recently opened for the Seatle Center Winterfest .

Dec. 1, 2011

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Nimitz working to instruct Sailors on importance of OPSEC Story by MC3 Shayne Johnson

With USS Nimitz preparing to exit its Docking Planned Incremental Availability, the urge to disclose where and when Nimitz will be heading out to sea can be tempting. Family members ask, friends question, but Sailors are reminded not to say anything that would break operational security (OPSEC).

“OPSEC is how we control information we don’t want the enemy to find out,” said Lt. Antonette Geddis, Nimitz’ OPSEC manager. “This includes dates, locations, security procedures or other critical information.”

And as Nimitz works towards regaining operational capacity, it also works towards informing Sailors of the importance of OPSEC. To ensure this, Nimitz employs a team of departmental OPSEC representatives.

“Having OPSEC representatives is a recommendation from the Navy,” said Geddis. “They are from departments that are most likely to work with critical information. They make sure everyone in their department receives annual OPSEC training and work to get the word about OPSEC out to the crew.”

Covering the basics of OPSEC and discussing ways to get the word out to Sailors about how important it is, the meeting is a building block in keeping the integrity of ship’s information, said Geddis.

“We show videos on the shipboard video distribution system to help educate Sailors along with putting up posters around the ship,” said Geddis. “Because the command is so large it can be

difficult to educate Sailors about OPSEC. With the departmental representatives, it helps ensure all hands receive the training necessary to understand the importance of OPSEC.” Though spearheaded by a small team of Sailors, OPSEC is a serious threat to a ship’s ability to function safely and should be a focus for all of Nimitz’ crew, said Geddis. “[Through leaked information,] the enemy would be aware of our weaknesses and better informed about us,” he said. “They’ll be more knowledgeable, know how to exploit our weaknesses and able to plan an attack.”

One major challenge facing OPSEC, and a major topic that the departmental reps need to combat, is social media.

“Social Media is becoming a big deal and the Navy is making a push to find out the vulnerabilities of it,” said Geddis. “It’s understandable you miss your family, but it could put us at risk.

People talk too much, and they may even cancel future port visits.”

Sailors should not discuss critical information over unsecure communications such as email, Facebook or MySpace, blogs, text messages or even pay phones, said Geddis.

“Sailors should protect themselves and the information they know,” he added. “Loose lips sink ships.”

For more information, contact your departmental OPSEC representative.

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Dec. 1, 2011

Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, speaks with Sailors while conducting a tour of the flag bridge during a visit to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Nov. 28.

ADMIRAL: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) welcomes new CSG 11 commander aboard admiral arrived to congratulate him on his achievement.

The comfort and ease with which Gumataotao interacted with Nimitz Sailors made a strong impression on the ship’s crew and boosted morale.

“It was awesome,” said Jacobs. “I’ve never even met him before, but he’s a really good guy and it makes me want to strive harder since I know I work for him.”

Gumataotao’s tour not only provided the admiral with his first glance at Nimitz, but served as a showcase for Nimitz Sailors and the pride they take in the ship’s renovation during DPIA. “I’m proud of the system I work with and it feels like I’ve

accomplished something when I’m asked to talk about what I do,” said Information Technician 3rd Class Chris Elsen.

“We got to show him all our work from the sail loft including the knot work we did,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Jason Nering. “He was very impressed with some of the upholstery work. It feels good. I’m very proud of the work I do.”

Nimitz arrived to Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton December 2010 to begin its year-long DPIA. With upgrades and refreshed equipment brought to several systems on the ship, including defense and navigation, DPIA is meant to keep the ship operating at maximum efficiency.

CSAV: Nimitz steps up to unscheduled inspection, sets precedent what led to its success, said Information Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Key, Nimitz’ assistant command security manager “It was not easy,” said Key. “We had to have a list of every safe on board and what material condition they were in. Every Secret Internet Protocol Router Network account and computer had to be accounted for and inspected, and every individual aboard had to sign a nondisclosure agreement.”

In all, it was time consuming work that displayed the commitment of the command security team and allowed Nimitz to stay on track as it nears the end of its Docking Planned Incremental

Availability (DPIA).

“The CSAVs don’t seem like a big deal because there weren’t a lot of people involved, but if we had failed, it would’ve backed up DPIA because we would have had to wait to do a re-inspection and get recertified for security,” said Key. Conducted every two years, CSAVs allow CNAF, the governing body for aircraft carriers and their security, to assure that ship’s personnel are kept in compliance with the proper policy and guidelines Navy command security calls for, said Chief Warrant Officer Clayton White, Nimitz’ command security manager.

“Nimitz has a really good security

program,” said Key. “The inspector has never had a carrier pass a CSAV before.

Usually during the assessment, everyone fails and the ship is given a list of discrepancies that need to be fixed before the actual inspection. Passing the CSAV shows that Nimitz is an above average carrier.”

Though happy with the success and effort of his Sailors, White knows the necessity of constant vigilance and the continued focus on security measures.

“Whatever the crew is doing that allowed us to pass inspection needs to continue,” he said. “Security has to be everyone’s responsibility. “

Dec. 1, 2011

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FEP: a jump start to a healthy career Story and photos by MC2 (SW) Vladimir Potanpenko

A USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailor does a burpee as part of his Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) workout on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Nov. 30.

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Dec. 1, 2011

"

[Physical fitness] is very important because if we go and fight a fire, I need to know I can count on the guy next to me to go in there and come back and not have a heart attack.

-Religious Programs Specialist Third Class Joshua Smith

"

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors run laps as part of their Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) workout on Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton Nov. 30.

W

ith a huff, and a puff, and a whole lot of sweat, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) kicked-off its Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) Nov. 28. Designed to help bring Sailors who failed last cycle’s Body Composition Assessment (BCA) or Physical Readiness Test (PRT) back into standards, FEP is Nimitz’ answer in sustaining mission readiness amongst its crew.

Working to help fitness challenged Sailors, FEP provides a mix of strength and stamina exercises that reflect both the requirements of the PRT as well as the fitness needed to handle the physical pressures of Navy life. “[Physical fitness] is very important because if we go and fight a fire, I need to know I can count on the guy next to me to go in there and come back and not have a heart attack,” said Religious Programs Specialist Third Class Joshua Smith, a Nimitz departmental command fitness leader (CFL).

Smith, along with other members of the departmental CFL team, volunteers his time in hopes of helping Sailors pick themselves off from where he has been.

“I used to be in their shoes,” said Smith. “I know how hard it is to get back in there, so if I can come and motivate them, then I feel I am making a difference."

For some Sailors, being placed on FEP is motivation enough

to get back into shape.

“This has been a wake-up call,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Isiah Williams, a FEP participant. “Before, I told myself ‘I’m not going to fail the PRT, I feel in shape.’ But then I failed the BCA and it didn’t matter.”

When asked what caused him problems for the BCA, “too much sweets,” Williams answered.

“Nutrition is the biggest challenge for anyone trying to lose weight, especially with those living on the ship with its limited food choices,” said Patterson.

Yet regardless of what brought a Sailor to FEP, Patterson says that it is the effort they put into the program that will dictate their success in eventually getting out of it.

"You'll see people come in with a bad attitude [towards fitness and the program]. As workouts progress and those Sailors start to notice results, those attitudes change, and all thanks belong to the Sailors themselves. They are only going to get out what they put in."

Open to any interest Sailor and not just those required to attend, FEP offers workout sessions Monday through Thursday in the afternoon and Tuesday through Thursday in the mornings.

Dec. 1, 2011

Nimitz Sports Page 12

Your source for Nimitz sporting news

Cupcakes play hard, fall short Story by MCSA Vanessa David Photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

After a spirited effort, the USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) volleyball team, “Cupcakes,” were defeated by a local volleyball team Nov. 29 at Naval Base-Bangor. With set scores of 20-25, 15-25 and 1425, the loss drops the Cupcakes’ record to 1-11.

Stung by the loss, Cupcakes players still feel they have made great improvements in their gameplay since they started the season.

“The team did really well,” said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jamie Snoddy, Cupcakes number 13. “It’s little mistakes that always seem to get us, such as not following the ball, not paying attention or just not being where we’re supposed to be. Other than that we did well as a whole.”

Playing without the ability to substitute during matches due to loss of eligible players, the Cupcakes were at a loss before the match even started. With more practice and less fatigue, the Cupcakes will be a force to be reckoned with, they believe.

“We make more mistakes than we have good plays,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (fuels) Lyndsey Reid, Cupcakes number 23 and head coach of the team. “All we can do is practice, but we did well. I was impressed with Snoddy’s hits because she usually doesn’t get her hits very easily.”

“It’s all about form,” said Snoddy. “Usually I have a hard time spiking the ball because I’ve never played volleyball before [this season]. It took me almost the entire [year] to learn how to spike.”

The Cupcakes were effective in a lot of their volleys and recovery throughout the game, but things didn’t pan out in their favor. With practice, determination and a higher turnout from their peers to support them, the next game might just be the breakout game for these Sailors.

Members of the civilian team and the Nimitz Cupcakes shake hands after a heated volleyball match.

A member of the Nimitz Cupcakes volleyball team serves the ball during a game against a civilian comprised team.