Nimitz News - December 8, 2011

Dec. 8, 2011

Hard hats no more Page 3

Army wins, rivalry continues

December 8, 2011 Story by MC2 Vladimir Potapenko

T

he sound is a hum, a steady vibration as soft and encompassing as the Hawaiian breeze. Only 7 a.m. on a Sunday, it mixes well with the work of a base shaking itself from a weekend drowsiness. As a Navy preparing for its place in the wars that surround it, men ignore the sound as it works its way to a buzz. It is background noise, a rhythm as acceptable as the conversations in a soon forgotten dream.

“Air raid, Pearl Harbor. This is not drill.”

The 1MCs and PA systems across the base relay the message as staccato bursts of gunfire kick up earth; the buzz is now a roar. Men, some of whom half-dressed and half-asleep, run to their General Quarters stations as walls of fire stretch out before, near and around them. This is not a drill; this is not a dream. This is a declaration of war. And as hordes of silhouettes advance from beyond where the sky meets the water, it is obvious the declaration is a shout and not a whisper.

Hungry for resources, the Empire of Japan had its sights set on Malaya and the oil rich Dutch East Indies. Having already invaded Manchuria and French Indochina, Japan was on a decades long streak of aggression and only one obstacle was blocking the realization of its own Manifest Destiny: the

Multicultural Note

The Multicultural Committee invites you to spend the day discovering the rich history and culture of the Suquamish people.

Contact HM1 Obermiller for info.

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Vol. 36, No. 18

70 years later: Remembering

Pearl Harbor

Photograph courtesy the Naval History and Heritage Command.

United States and its Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It was with these political realities that the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

News of the impending attack reached Washington D.C. without time to prepare Sailors for what was to come. As Pearl Harbor Sailors were first reading telegraphs of a

possible attack, they had already made the invisible transition to being war-hardened veterans.

Aiming to cripple the U.S.’s ability to mount a retaliatory campaign, the Japanese saw a full-scale attack on Pearl Harbor, and particularly its battleships, as the clearest way

See "Remembered" on Page 8

Dec. 8, 2011

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Chaplain's Corner : Deposed royalty

by Chaplain Brent Johnson

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 Michael Cole MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Vladimir Potapenko MC2 Mark Sashegyi 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.

When you were a little kid did you ever have one of those minutes when you wondered if you were in the right family? Did you fantasize that you were secretly the child of some royal family and the people currently raising you were merely kind peasants who took you in out of the cold on some dreary, dark night long ago.

Then you would look forward to the arrival of some Court Herald who would announce you had finally been found and are needed immediately at the Palace.

Many people have experienced that dream. Where does it come from?

Blaise Pascal, a famous French mathematician and philosopher, considered humanity “deposed royalty” awaiting a restoration to God’s full divine image. We hunger for what we lack, he said. Just as we hunger for food and drink, and air to breathe, we also desire something greater for our condition of existence. These deposed, in Pascal’s eyes, were not waiting to rule over realms. They were waiting for the inherent dignity all humans can expect to receive.

Because we hunger for a higher order of living we also look for heroes, men and women to emulate. It seems like we are often disappointed in many of our heroes these days. They get accused of mistreating kids, or having affairs, or using designer drugs to enhance their athletic skills. I think we people often end up looking at the outward appearance of people and are blind to character traits that really are worth emulating in unlikely heroes all around us.

When the Prophet Samuel was sent out to find the next King of Israel, as recorded in the book First Samuel found in the Hebrew portion of the Bible, almost

overlooked David because he was impressed with his big brother Eliab. Samuel is reminded to use another set of standards by God. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Who are some of these “hearty” heroes?

One man recently named one of the twelve greatest preachers in America is a “hearty” hero. His name is Fred Craddock, and he is a quiet, short old man. He was born into a poor home in Tennessee, grew up in a shack with a dirt floor and no running water, and had to wear clothes donated by other people. He nearly died as an infant because his family could not afford proper medical care. Fred became a preacher but could not raise his voice and yell like the preachers he heard in Tennessee so he developed a quiet story telling style compared to the more academic intro, three points, and conclusion style common in his day. He later wrote a book about his style that became very influential in the 1980s and he went on to teach at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1996 Fred and two of his students were included in a list of the twelve most influential preachers in America. He changed the way American preachers communicate from their pulpits and most people have never heard his name.

When you look for a hero to imitate I hope you look closely around you. There may be many folks near you who are “hearty” heroes worthy of your attention. It would be a mistake to merely go by outward appearances.

They usually mislead us. As deposed royalty awaiting the restoration of dignity who are you imitating?

Chester's Champs

(From left) Terry Brown, project supervisor for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Yeoman Seaman Corwinne Gonzales, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Chad Reppert, Machinist Mate 3rd Class (SW) Lauren Weirich, Hull Technician 3rd Class Kyven Scott, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Jasmin Shackelford, Carolyn Halvorsen, Ben Godsey, Luis Cruz and Capt. Paul O. Monger, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) commanding officer, received recognition at Chester’s Champions Dec. 5 on board Nimitz.

Chester’s Champions is conducted to congratulate sailors for their hard work and efforts they have displayed throughout the ship. Photo by MCSN Renee Candelario.

Nimitz to turn over hard hats

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Dec. 8, 2011

Story and photo by MCSN Renee Candelario

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are scheduled to no longer don the issued personal protection equipment (PPE) and Forces Afloat badges and return to general ship uniform standards Friday.

With the shift, starting Saturday, Sailors will also be required to wear their service dress uniform while on watch accordance to Navy uniform regulations, and regular ship standards.

This transition is a substantial sign of advancement toward getting the ship back to a fully-functioning operational status.

“We are coming out of a maintenance environment and going into an operational environment,” said Nimitz’ Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. “The nature of what we do as a ship is always an industrial environment so safety is always paramount, but Nimitz is becoming operational again.”

Nimitz is getting back into the normal swing of things after being in Docking Planned Incremental Availability for

For almost a year while USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA), Sailors have been required to wear hard hats and safety goggles throughout the ship to protect them from maintenance related hazards.

almost a year. With a long time since Nimitz has been to sea, Sailors are encouraged to focus on doing their primary job for which they joined the Navy.

“This transition is a mental thing for the crew,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Porton, Nimitz’ Industrial Hygiene Officer. “We are no longer wearing the PPE everyday, so Sailors are transitioning their mindset from grinding decks all day long and

S-2 Division holds uniform inspection Culinary Specialist 1st Class Anthony Hooper, USS Nimitz (CVN-68) S-2 division’s leading petty officer, conducts a service dress blues uniform inspection on the ship’s mess decks Dec. 7. The inspection is to prepare sailors for Nimitz’ transition from an industrial maintenance environment to a fully-functioning operational ship status. Photo by Renee Candelario.

painting back to their workstations and preparing themselves to get underway again. This transition should make a Sailor feel more like a Sailor.”

All the hard work Nimitz Sailors have done over the last year since the ship has been in dry dock will now pay off.

“Now is the time when it pays dividends and now is the time where we get to reap what we have sown,” said Lloyd-Owen.

“Now is the time where we operate as an aircraft carrier and a global warship.”

To accomplish the task of gathering all PPE, Nimitz’ safety department will be collecting all hard hats and safety glasses that are no longer needed in a tri-wall box located at the pier on Friday.

“There are still areas on the ship that will require hard hats and safety glasses,” said Porton. “Anywhere where there was PPE required before there will still be PPE required now.”

Nimitz’ switch from Navy working uniforms to dress blues for all quarterdeck watches and color detail is to maintain Nimitz’ general ship standards and appearance.

“A professional appearance indicates a professional crew,” said Lloyd-Owen. “If we take the time to take care of ourselves, as far as the way we present ourselves, it’s indicative of a crew that takes care of everything.”

Dec. 8, 2011

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Nimitz hosts holiday party Story and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

S

ailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and their guests came together Dec. 3 to celebrate the holidays with one another at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor.

Complete with door prize giveaways, live entertainment and a few surprises the night, was a memorable one for those who participated.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ihama Franklin along with Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Andre Taylor, Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Tiffany Hicks and Master at Arms 1st Class

Brandon Mackeydarden took home an extra chevron at the end of the night following a surprise caping by Nimitz’ commanding officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger.

In addition to the capping of some shocked Sailors, Quarter Master 2nd Class Louise Torez was named Sailor of the Year, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Andrew Ross was announced as Junior Sailor of the Year and Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Mathew Wimberly was announced Senior Sailor of the Year.

The scheduling of the celebration proved difficult partly

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Dec. 8, 2011

due to Nimitz’ every changing schedule while in docking planned intermediate availability (DPIA).

“Due to our unstable schedule we had to choose a date that would work with the ship’s schedule as well as the Holiday leave schedule,” said Jennifer Vess, Fun boss for Nimitz. “I only had a month to plan everything.”

“The Spazmatics were amazing,” said Vess. “After seeing them perform at the USS Stennis (CVN 74) party I knew they would be a hit with NIMITZ. The crowd went crazy when they took the stage.

They're really good at getting the crowd going.”

Along with the techno rock tribute sounds and antics of the Spazmatics, was the talented piano playing and colorful humor of Commanding Officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Capt. Paul O. Monger awards Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Andrew Ross a pair of pianists simply named, as Junior Sailor of the Year.

Dueling Pianos. purchase them. Money generated by sales down following the announcement of “The Dueling Pianos were a huge hit,” in the ship store provided the necessary the winning numbers for the grand prize said Vess. “Like the Spazmatics, they really funds for the abundance of prizes. drawing. The prize consisted of flight, got the crowd involved and pumped up.

“Overall, it was a huge success,” said accommodations and tickets to this year’s Everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Vess. “Funds came from the ship's store Super Bowl.

Many prizes were also handed out sales. I learned a lot from last year and Many Sailors and their families came during the party, including travel vouchers, we were able to make things run much together in one place to celebrate not iPads, tablets and iPods. smoother this time around.” only the holidays but being a part of the “We gave away over 200 prizes,” said Many Sailors took home gift cards and same fighting force. A single entity made Vess. “We spent $100,000 on prizes but headphones with them after the party, but of many different, yet equally important the total cost it has yet to be totaled.” a select few, took home something more. components forming a cohesive unit for Though the cost of the prizes was rather The evening’s events began to wind the protection of the American people. hefty, the Sailors who won possibly helped

Sailors and their families dance with one another on the dance floor at Bangor Plaza on Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor during the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) holiday party.

Dec. 8, 2011

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D.I.Y. Designing

Bryan Nutter assists a customer du

Tacoma glassblowing studio offers hands-on experience at centuries-old art Story and photos by MC3(SW) Robert Winn

A customer at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio pulles a newly for

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Dec. 8, 2011

uring a glassblowing demonstration at Tacoma Glassblowing Studios.

I

t’s easy to be awestruck by the detail and precision in the artwork found throughout the Tacoma Glassblowing Studios.

As you look at the thread lining the stem of a Venetian glass rose, you’ll see in the next room over one-on-one instruction is being given on to individuals creating their own glass art.

For $65 you can make a range of

rmed ball of molten glass from the crucible used to melt the glass.

variations of vases, bowls, ornaments or paper weights.

The instructors were equally patient for each participant and clearly enjoyed teaching their craft.

After a quick safety lesson to remind the individual that they are, in fact, working with glass and it can shatter, the instructor hands you a pole with molten glass glowing orange on the end of it.

During the process you’ll take this set between four stations throughout the shop: a furnace used to keep the glass above the temperature needed to shape it, a work bench where all the essential tools are laid out for quick use, a table to add color and finally sink-like area used to cool the rod to a manageable temperature.

As each step is completed the instructor gives a brief, but informative, explanation of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. They’ll make sure to guide you through each of the more difficult and dangerous steps.

There’s an amazing level of instant gratification that

A customer at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio applies an additional piece of molten glass to the bottom of a piece to create a flat and level bottom.

occurs as you see your piece grow from a blob of orange goo into an artful creation you envisioned walking in the door.

As a final step, you add a fresh piece of clear glass to level off the bottom and stamp your initial in to the warmest part of the glass. For all your work, there is one, and only one, downside. The glass needs to be placed in a 900 degree oven and cooled over a period of about 24 hours. This means you don’t get to take it home with you, but it is worth the wait to come back and have your very own glass sculpture that can be put on display.

I very much enjoyed watching the whole process and am very envious of the people who got to work hands-on. I defiantly plan on taking my family there when they come to town.

Dec. 8, 2011

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Artifacts examined

Sailors visit the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) museum on Dec. 7, 2011 to learn about the Japanese attack on Naval Station Pearl Harbor that took place on Dec. 7, 1941. Nimitz Sailors took time out of their day to listen to multiple dedicated announcements commemorating the tragedy over the ship's intercom system. Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn.

Remembered: Nimitz Sailors pause to honor Pearl Harbor Continued from page 1

of guaranteeing conquest of the Far East without U.S. interference.

To accomplish the task, Japan employed six aircraft carriers, nearly 400 aircraft and a unit of submarines, only suffering a loss of 29 aircraft.

In total, the “sneak attack” was a tactical success. More than 20 U.S. ships and 300 aircraft were damaged, and the fleet of battleships Japan so greatly deemed important were maimed.

Gone from the coastal landscape were the Arizona, Oklahoma, West Virginia and California, their hulls resting on the harbor’s floor, entombed with the crew members who were unable to escape. Yet with all of its success, it was what Japan failed to accomplish that day that mapped the course for the next four years.

Focusing on what officials thought would swing the advantage in a “decisive battle,” Japan ignored the oil tank farms, Navy yard and submarines that would help sustain the Navy’s early war effort. These assets, coupled with the fact that all aircraft carriers located at Pearl were not present for the attack, gave the U.S. a platform to destabilize Japan’s war plans and effectively break the island nation from its connection to war-producing resources such as oil and rubber.

Though bloodied, America had yet to be broken, and Japan’s prediction of a quick U.S. exit from the western Pacific proved myopic. Instead of dampening morale, the attack on Pearl Harbor

united the U.S. behind a common bond. Years burdened by depression, natural disasters and diverging interests faded into the past, and the production of a new American dynamism sprung up with its war effort. Names became slogans, unifying chants: “Remember Pearl Harbor,” “Remember the Arizona.” More than 2,000 men had died and another 1,100 were wounded, but their sacrifice was not taken in vain. America would take the example set by those men, an example of courage and commitment to duty, and go on and win the war against the Japanese and its allies Germany and Italy.

Now, 70 years from that day and its events, the facts of what took place do not change. The number of ships sunk and the number of men dead will be the same tomorrow as it will be 100 years from now. What does change, however, is how we honor those who have come before us. With the wounds already scarred over and the pain supplanted by fresher hurts, it is important to not let December 7, 1941 and Pearl Harbor assume a position in the mechanical order of our national memory. Over time, it seems, the importance of an event gives way to the importance of making sure we commit it to memorization. No, let us think of how it runs parallel to us, separated by a film of time, mirroring the common bonds of honor, courage and commitment. It is then that we are able to walk in their shoes. It is then we can say we pay respect to those men and understand their significance.

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Destination Everett: Lincoln's Passdown -

Part 1: Adaptation

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors warn USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors about the long trek required to reach the pier where Nimitz will be moored at Naval Station Everett.

Story and photo by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs

Editor's Note: The following is part one of a series to help Sailors adapt during and after the move to Everett.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is getting closer and closer to changing homeports once again. As it prepares to take the place of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at Naval Station Everett, Lincoln Sailors have some words of wisdom to pass on to the newcomers.

In just under 15 years since Lincoln pulled into Everett, its Sailors have learned to adapt. One of the challenges they have had to overcome is getting to and from their ship located at the end of the pier, on the opposite side of base from the barracks and main parking areas.

Some of the tips they give for getting to and from work are to dress comfortably and warm, learn the bus system and don’t count on getting dropped off very close to the ship.

Problems during the workday begin in the morning with trying to get onto base. Lincoln Sailors suggest getting to base as early as possible.

“Getting onto base between 0615 and 0700 is a pain. Traffic gets way backed up,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class (SW/ AW) Calvin Martin, Lincoln’s supply department. “Give yourself plenty of time.”

After getting onto base, then comes the challenge of parking. It is very important to park in the appropriate place to avoid getting ticketed.

Alpha Parking Lot, the large lot just to the left upon entering the main gate is open to everyone. Just down the main road is Charlie Parking Lot, located at the bend in the road. Charlie is open to all E-4 through E-6. A little farther down the road and just past the three-way stop, Parking Lot Gulf is open to E-7 and above. Finally, just past the khaki parking lot is the Navy Exchange lot which is open to everyone. Just don’t park in the spots clearly reserved for NEX customers.

Any E-4 and above that wish to park in their respective lots simply need to get the appropriate decal for their vehicle from

Pass and ID. No matter which lot they choose or if they live on base, Nimitz Sailors will have to get from the front of base down to the ship at the end of the pier. It is a good distance and the buses are not always a reliable choice.

“Plan on walking at least a mile and a half a day,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Russell Corporon, Lincoln air department.

For those who would like to try and catch the bus, there is a bus that makes rounds through the base.

“The buses circle around the base, they don’t stop outside the barracks anymore but they do stop by the NEX and Alpha parking lot,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Demorus Brown, Lincoln supply department.

However, Sailors warn that there are only a few buses and seating is limited. If you are counting on catching it but don’t end up fitting on the particular one you were hoping for, you could end up late for work.

“The buses on base are a hit and miss,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman (AW) Joshua Curlee, Lincoln air department.

“Be careful with the buses, they only have 36 seats and they fill up fast,” said Martin.

Finally, if Nimitz Sailors plan to be dropped off by spouses or friends, they will be surprised to see they won’t get very far. Cars can’t drive much closer to the ship at the wharf then the parking lots.

“You can’t drive anywhere near the CIA gate to the wharf or you’ll get a ticket. The closest you can drop people off to the ship is Charlie Parking Lot right by the security building,” said Martin.

The size of NAVSTA Everett provides some challenges for residents but as Nimitz makes itself at home Sailors will quickly learn all the ins and outs. With the help of tips from Lincoln Sailors, the transition will be smooth and painless.

Dec. 8, 2011

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Army rolls over Navy at Story and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

Two teams, but one tradition. Continuing an annual clash of two armed services on the grid iron for the past twelve years, the best flag football players that the Army and Navy has to offer met at Silverdale Stadium in Silverdale Wash., Saturday to determine the winner of bragging rights for the following year.

“This is a great event,” said U.S. Army Col. Thomas Brittain, Commander of the Joint Base Garrison at Joint Base Lewis McChord. “We’ve been doing this event for the past 12 years in the Puget Sound region. The Army, Navy football game goes back to the service academies and they have their 112th meeting this coming Saturday.”

An annual tradition, Navy headed into the game riding on their success over Army for the past two years.

“We were very confident going into the game,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class James Pullom, starting quarterback from Nimitz. “Everything that we expected, we saw.

It was just the point of execution that it came down to.”

The final score of Army 21, Navy 6 proved counterintuitive to the preparation and hard work that went into training for the match up.

“We started out on Nov. 29, and that was game week practice,” said Pullom. “We watched film, went to visit the Naval Base Kitsap CO (commanding officer) and XO (executive officer) and we practiced later that day for about two hours. Every day after that, we would watch film in the morning, and practice in the afternoon.”

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annual rival game, 21-6 Despite the dedication and preparation of the Navy team, Army won the day with a final interception in the last minute of play.

“Overall, I felt like we could’ve done a lot better with our execution on both offense and defense,” said Pullom. “What we could control, as far as defensive flag pulling, offensive routes and making correct reads as quarterbacks, we should’ve done better.”

Though the game is considered a rivalry, it truly represents a joint force exercise in sportsmanship. Fans and officials from both Navy and Army commands were present to represent and support their teams.

“I think it’s great,” said Navy Master Chief Brian Schell, Naval Region Northwest Command Master Chief. “It shows a lot of great camaraderie between both services. Bottom line, at the end

of the day when the game is over we’re all going to leave here and be on the same team once more.”

“Great camaraderie and great sportsmanship made this a great event,” said Brittain. “It was a very close event last year where Army lost, so it’s great coming out of this one with a victory.”

Though Navy team lost according to the scoreboard, both sides won. Underlying the number of touchdowns and fields goals, both sides displayed sportsmanship and camaraderie towards one another.

Regardless of the score this year, the score has yet to be settled.

When these two teams meet again they will continue a tradition, of camaraderie and strength, reviving a grudge to be settled between the pylons.

Dec. 8, 2011

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Alcohol plus roads equals lost career, injury, death Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

The holidays are a dangerous time to be on the roads. They take place during a time in the season known for heavy rainfall and icy conditions. Coupled with alcohol and driving, these conditions quickly turn deadly.

Working to combat scenarios like this, Chief Hospital Corpsman Richard Barcelona, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) command drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA), is setting up preemptive measures throughout the ship to help Nimitz through the winter.

“We’ve got posters throughout the ship,” said Barcelona.

“We’ve done safety training with the departmental DAPAs trying to raise awareness to prevent any incidents over the holidays.”

The DAPAs have only a few ways they can combat alcohol and drug incidents through things like safe ride cards and awareness training. To better help the Sailor make the right decision when it counts, DAPA is trying to remind everyone of the ideals behind why you joined, said Barcelona.

“You’ll get some junior Sailor who joined to go to college, and they won’t realize that one of the consequences for driving under the influence (ARI)/alcohol related incidents (DUI) is a loss of your GI Bill,” he said. “We want everyone to realize what they have and what you’d lose if you have a DUI or ARI.” According to Barcelona, the number of DUIs that occur during the holidays triples for two reasons: “People think that the holidays are just a good time to drink, and the police on base and out in town really crack down on drivers, especially anyone who’s out past midnight.”

“The base police will pull you over for just about anything,”

said Barcelona. “You should remember that even if you’re under the .08 limit they can still cite you for ‘wet and reckless.’”

DAPA is placing informational posters throughout the ship to help raise awareness and they’re also issuing safe ride cards, which every Nimitz Sailor is issued to allow them a free ride home from the local cab companies.

“People see that big poster on the quarterdeck and think it’s throwing their department under the bus,” said Barcelona. “They should realize that’s there to remind them that their department is at risk and if you see your number is fairly high to look out for you shipmates because it seems like they’re more likely to mess up.”

Barcelona recognizes that some people are looking for trouble and there isn’t much you can do to stop them.

“For the people who roll the dice every time they go out, they’re going to get caught. We know that there will be some incidents, all we can do is try to minimize the effects of them,” he said.

It’s not only DAPAs who are looking out for Sailors; Sailors are looking out for themselves. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Carly Rapps, for example, say she avoids getting caught up in DUIs and ARIs by drinking at home or having a ride set up before she leaves for the night.

“We all have the tools and opportunities not to get in trouble,” said Rapps. “It’s up to the individual to take advantage of those and make the right choice.”

For information on how you can help prevent DUIs this holiday season contact your departmental DAPA or Chief Barcelona at Richard.Barcelona@cvn68.navy.mil.