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Deck back in business
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Nimitz Sailor goes above and beyond
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Vol. 36, No. 19
CSG 11 Commander outlines vision Story by MC2 Vladimir Potapenko
Capt. Paul Monger, commanding officer, USS Nimitz (CVN 68), displays the hangar bay to Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, as he tours Nimitz for the first time as the head of CSG 11 Nov. 28. Photo by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs.
RELMIN Note
Volunteers needed to help prepare and distribute Christmas baskets. If interested there will be a meeting in the ship's Library (03-118-10-Q ) on Wed. 14, at 1:00 p.m.
Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG 11) Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao defined CSG 11’s mission, priorities and core tenets in a message released Dec. 12. The message said CSG11’s overarching mission is to “build a warfighting team that honorably represents our country, completely deters or defends, and if necessary, wins decisively in combat,” wrote Gumataotao. To accomplish this, Gumataotao sees it necessary to “train as we fight.” “We must replicate the real world operational environment (i.e. challenging, unpredictable and against potential adversaries that understand our capabilities),” he wrote. “If we do this right in training, our team will be optimally postured to be most adaptable, flexible, bold and confident in execution during real world operations.” With this type of training, Gumataotao explains that Sailors must constantly scrutinize their actions and performance, working to be “brilliant in the basics in order to effectively optimize our strength in integrated operations.” Detailed preparation, timely and professional execution and candid assessment and feedback is paramount in this effort, wrote Gumataotao. Not sufficient to only prepare Sailors for
the work ahead, Gumataotao says it is vital to keep family informed so as not to create additional burdens while out at sea. “Navy life is very challenging for the family—go out of your way to provide information, resources and make necessary referrals to resolve family issues,” he wrote. “Family readiness allows the Sailor to perform brilliantly at work without distractions.” Gumataotao also outlined the tenants necessary for strike group success: team building based on trust, making excellence a habit through planning and fact checking, creating an inclusive environment conducive to two-way conversation and keeping an open mind built on flexibility, innovation and listening. “We would not be able to optimize our team’s strengths without unconditional compliance of these tenants,” he wrote. The admiral concluded his message with a personal directive to his crew. “In closing, I call upon every leader in our strike group to encourage innovation, translate sailor passion into professional competence and make excellence a habit in all we do,” wrote Gumataotao. “Foster an environment where each Sailor in our strike group feels relevant and leave the rest to them to inspire.”
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Chaplain's Corner : Happy Advent 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.
Happy New Year everyone! Whoa. Wait a minute Chaps, I know you want to get a head start on the party, but it’s barely December and you’re talking about New Year’s. What’s up with that? On November 27th the Christian Church celebrated its “New Year.” That means we’ve entered into another worship cycle. This cycle begins with a season we call “Advent.” The word Advent means “coming” and refers, of course, to the four-week period right before Christmas in which we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. As we look forward to the day of His birth there’s great joy in our hearts, but we also need to examine our lives and see where we did wrong and sinned against our God. Non-Christians and Christians alike use the
calendar’s New Year to do the same. People look forward to the excitement and hope of a new year while at the same time, looking back at the past with its successes and failures. The successes are easy to handle, but hopefully the failures teach lessons that help us to forge ahead with the new year and its resolutions to change. It’s the same with the season of Advent. We look ahead to the hope that awaits us as believers in Jesus who excitedly anticipate our Lord’s return. My hope for all of you, whether you are Christian or not, is that you might take advantage of the Advent season to examine yourself and make the changes necessary to move ahead and make progress in this thing we call life. Happy New Year – even if I am a little early.
Nimitz participates in Toys for Tots Story by MC3 Shayne Johnson
Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN68) are participating in the Toys for Tots program to help donate new, unwrapped toys to less fortunate families in the surrounding community. The donation drive began on Nov. 22 and will continue to receive toy donations until Dec. 19. With the help of the Junior Enlisted Association ( JEA) boxes were set up in both the enlisted and officer brows for donated toys. “Toys for Tots is going very well,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class William Beauchamp, JEA president. “So far, I’m very happy with the results. Good job on everyone participating and continue helping out.” A lot of effort went in to coordinate Nimitz’ involvement with Toys for Tots, Beauchamp explained.
“JEA assists in promotions, transportation and monitoring the boxes to ensure no one tampers with them,” he said. “Toys for Tots started out slow but when we got the promotions out and put up posters and flyers, it blew up.” “It could make a child’s Christmas,” said Beauchamp. “There are struggling families in the community working their tails off. I encourage more people to donate. Anything at all is a great help.” Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Susana Saenz, vice president of JEA, says it’s important for Sailors to donate and help the community. “If we all have the same focus, the same goals, we can make it happen. When we do stuff like this, it’s not about us. It’s about caring for others and giving a helping
hand to less fortunate. It’s about reaching out to other people and seeing the smile on their faces.” Started in 1947 by Maj. Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine reservists, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots foundation collects new toys during the months of October through December each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The goal is to deliver a message of hope and allow unfortunate children throughout the United States to experience the joy of Christmas. The Marine Toys for Tots foundation became an operational organization in Sept. 1991 and has been the fundraising and support organization for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program since then.
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Navy league tours Nimitz near end of DPIA
Navy League member Bob Renner speaks with USS Nimitz' command master chief, CMDCM W.K. Lloyd-Owen, while touring Nimitz today. Story and photos by MC2 (SW) Vladimir Potapenko
Washington area Navy League United States (NLUS) members visited USS Nimitz (CVN 68) today, touring the ship as it nears completion of its scheduled Docking Planned Incremental Availability. Taking the opportunity to see what it takes to get an aircraft carrier back out to see, Guests visited the flightdeck, forecastle, flag bridge and hangar bay. While aboard, the Navy Leaguers took time to personally congratulate Nimitz’ recently awarded Sailors of the Year SOY) Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Mathew Wimberly, Quartermaster 2nd Class Luis Torres, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Andrew Ross and Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Timothy Gates, dining with the Sailors in the ship’s wardroom. “It’s an honor,” said Torres, commenting on the Navy League luncheon. “It reminds me I am doing the rights things as a Nimitz
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Sailor.” “Some people just say ‘thank you’ and keep going, but the Navy League actually came to us and were sincere in their congratulations and appreciation,” added Ross. With the chance to tour the ship and meet the SOYs, Navy League members and guests came away with a powerful first impression of the Nimitz and its crew. “It is awe inspiring just to know all these men and women are working hard every day to take care of this ship, to take care of us.” said Riesa Ragan, a Navy League guest for the tour, adding that she is equally impressed with the commitment Nimitz Sailors show by having to work through the holiday season to ensure CVN 68 is able to regain its operational status. “Magnificent ship, pride of service; professionalism,” said Byron Faber, a board member of NLUS-Bremerton Olympic Peninsula Council, describing his impression of the ship. “We [the Navy League] are happy to support the Navy and are thrilled that we have such high quality people supporting our nation. The best of the best.” So impressed with the ship, Faber, his NLUS chapter’s trips and tours director, said he plans to bring another group of NLUS members and guests to Nimitz as soon as he is able. Founded in 1902, the Navy League of the United States is a national organization that defines itself as “a civilian organization dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families."
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Holidays in the city Story and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner
If there was ever a Norman Rockwell painting come to life, this is it. A few blocks up from Pike Place Market, and a short monorail ride from the Space Needle in the heart of downtown Seattle sits Westlake Park, the annual site of the “K5 Wonderland� featuring the holiday carousel.
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omplete with ample shopping, horse drawn buggy rides and even a carousel. The usually damp, dark night life is invigorated with the ambient glow of Christmas lights, the smell of sweet holiday treats, and the sounds of children’s laughter and people enjoying each other’s their company. The celebrations and festivities encompassing the Westlake Park square is a recent tradition. Though the crowds pack the square, venues and streets, the park has graced the Seattle skyline architecture for about 12 years, but it is not the first to brighten the city’s holidays. “This event, as far as there being a carousel down town, has been in Seattle for over one hundred years as part of a tradition during the holidays,” said a volunteer for the event. The carousel can be considered the centerpiece of the downtown holiday events, not to say that there aren’t other areas worth exploring. “I honestly think it’s the only attraction downtown,” said a carousel fairing patron. “I think it’s pretty well balanced because there is also a ginger bread houses in the Sheraton Hotel, and ‘Winterfest’ going on over by the Space Needle.” Near the carousel, ample shopping in the Westlake Park complex, Macy’s department store and a plethora of other venues compete for the attention of shoppers while still presenting a festive holiday mood. For instance, the Macy’s star, which is lit every year following Thanksgiving Day and stays lit through the New Year, shines brightly across the square from the carousel. Although the carousel staff asks for a two dollar donation per person, they refuse to turn anyone away who cannot afford the price. “There is a suggested donation of two dollars, but if somebody came in with 25 cents, or even nothing we wouldn’t turn them away,” said the volunteer. “The money that is brought in is not to make a profit; it all goes to Treehouse which is a non-profit organization that benefits foster kids. They buy the kids clothes, toys and anything else they need.” Through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many things can be forgotten. The rush and stress brought on by our jobs, families or even ourselves can push some to their limits of
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understanding and caring. The chance to remove one’s self from worry and woe and enjoy an inexpensive ride on a carousel only to benefit others, is a rare find. The “K5 Wonderland” featuring the holiday carousel will be welcoming guests at the Westlake Park complex until Jan. 1, 2012. For more information on K5 Wonderland featuring the holiday carousel, or Treehouse, visit http://downtownholidays. com/Wonderland.aspx.
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Nimitz Announces
Story and Photos by MC3(SW) Nichele Whitfield USS Nimitz (CVN 68) announced it’s Senior Sailor of the Year, Sailor of the Year, Junior Sailor of the Year and Blue Jacket of the Year for fiscal year 2011. Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Matthew Wimberly, Quartermaster 2nd Class Luis Torres, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Andrew Ross and Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Timothy Gates were each named at the ship’s holiday party. “I didn’t think I’d be able to get such a prestigious award,” said Gates. “I consider myself to be a great Sailor, but I just didn’t think I would get it.” Gates wasn’t the only Sailor from Supply Department to win an award. “I was just doing my job to the best of my abilities. I’m always wanting to do more,” said Ross. “I know as a third class that I can’t take my leading petty officer’s job, but I was trying to help alleviate some of his work load.” At the start of his tour on Nimitz, Ross rose into an assistant supervisor position after working in vending. From there he moved on to barbershop supervisor and then became Hotel Nimitz’ supervisor by maintaining officer staterooms, he said. “The O-3 level needed the most work.,” said Ross. “We own a lot of spaces and don’t have enough people to manage them. To help out my guys, I can normally do the job of two or three personnel.” Like Ross and Gates, Torres has been selected and awarded
as a direct result of his hard work. “Since I arrived aboard Nimitz I’ve tried to do all that I can,” said Torres. “If someone asks for a volunteer to do something, I am usually the person to say that I will do it.” Torres has attempted to keep advancing in rank while at the same time maintaining the same positive attitude, he said. He explained that he tries to positively influence junior Sailors and help them in their pursuit of their enlisted surface warfare pins and training. “Don’t do things because you want people to see it, just do things because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. Many of the recipients said they were surprised at their selections, as they were all just trying to do their jobs. “I was really just trying to do my job as best I could. I didn’t even know I was in the running for this until after it was decided,” said Wimberly. “I was really surprised. I think the main reason I was surprised was because of the time I have in the Navy compared to the other people in the running.” Wimberly made Petty Officer 1st Class at his four-year point in the Navy. “I was the acting chief for my division for six months and the zone manager for this entire availability, which is normally a chief or junior officer billet. I’ve been in charge of about 19 to 22 people for about the past three years,” said Wimberly. All of the awardees gave the same advice as a key point of success: do your job and work to the best of your
Senior Sailor of the Year
Sailor of the Year
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Sailors of the Year 2011
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abilities while at the same time maintaining a squared away appearance. “Before doing anything physically, you have to want it mentally,” said Ross. “There’s no way you’re going to be able to do all the stuff that any great person has done if you’re not there mentally.” “Everybody loves liberty, but you have to get to the point where you don’t get mad about staying late. So to take it to the next level, you may have to stay 30 minutes to an hour after working hours,” said Ross. Wimberly reminds junior Sailors that they can go as far as they want and that they should show that they are motivated. Anytime there is work to be done, volunteer for work, and be ready to complete the task. Although Sailors who are performing to exemplary standards are the strongest candidates for the award, a spotless record is not required for a nomination. Gates found himself on restriction in the fall of 2010. Since being released, he has approached his career in the Navy with a new perspective. “You know, before you get in trouble, the mindset is like, oh it’s not going to happen to me,” said Gates. “But then it happens and you realize you’re not invincible or untouchable.” “I just stayed out of trouble, regained my focus and tried to work my hardest at everything I was tasked to do,” said Gates. “Restriction just helped me regain focus, get my priorities straight, and helped me to mature a lot as well.”
The Nimitz SOYs have the same goals in mind since being awarded: continue to maintain and exhibit themselves in exemplary manners, while trying to improve upon themselves and basic military appearance. “I feel like it’s more weight on my shoulders,” said Torres. “I feel like I need to improve and move up from what I’ve been doing. People expect more from me. You must always be squared away, and maintain or improve where you are right now. I think it’s good though; I like that pressure to keep me busy.” Three of the awardees are preparing to move to the next level in their careers, which includes furthering their educations, advancing in rank and continuing to lead junior Sailors. However, one of the awardees is preparing for life outside of the Navy, and is ready to take what he has learned from his time in the service into the civilian world. “The Navy has helped me out as far as having integrity. Just taking pride in everything that I do. I’ll make sure that I try to do my best with each and every opportunity that comes my way when I get out,” Gates explains what the Navy has given him since he as been in. “You just need to stay focused on your goal, and not hang around people who aren’t focused because they’ll alter that mindset, make you lose focus and lose track of your goals. I would say just go for it, right away, whatever your goal is. If not you’re going to keep putting it off,” he said “I wish I had known that when I came in.”
Junior Sailor of the Year
Blue Jacket of the Year
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Smiles around the world Story and photos courtesy of HM1 (SW/AW) Jonna Obermiller
A Cambodian girl holds her sister following a dental visit for the first time.
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Children hold up new tooth brushes received from Hospital Corpsman 1st Class during her trip to Cambodia to help those in need.
For as far back as I can remember I’ve had a passion for the dental field, it probably stemmed from the fact that my uncle was a dental lab technician in the Navy. I remember being in his lab playing with wax on the lathe and in his drawers of plastic teeth. I joined the Navy a little over 13 years ago as a deck seaman. I was a striker and knew I wanted to be a dental tech. At the time we had two separate ratings – DT (dental technician) and HM (hospital corpsman). When the two ratings merged I had the NEC 8752 (basic lab technician) and now 8708 (dental hygienist), so I’ve always worked in dental. Shortly after the ship moved to Washington I was looking for a way to get involved in the community doing something that I was passionate about. I found an organization called Medical Teams International that has mobile dental units that provide free dental care to low income and the homeless in the Seattle area. This became the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. I made good friends, later learning about the international volunteer opportunities the organization offered and before I knew it I was planning my first trip to Cambodia with MTI. We left on October 20th. My team consisted of a dental assistant, Kathi and a dentist Dr. Melby (retired Navy) from Portland Oregon, both who have volunteered over 12 years with MTI. I was a little nervous about traveling with people I didn’t know, to an area I’ve never been but I kept reminding myself we all had the same mission. We flew to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From there it was a 10 hour bus ride to a small town boarding Vietnam called Bousra. It was at this time I felt myself getting nervous. The paved roads turned into narrow dirt roads full of potholes, the buildings no longer existed, and before I knew it we were in the country on a bumpy dirt road surrounded by roaming animals. We must have been the talk of the town, because when our bus pulled up, everyone flocked to it; staring at us, waving and just trying to see what was going on. The living conditions and the working conditions were bad. I knew we wouldn’t have electricity or running water but I didn’t realize how rough it would be. It wasn’t exactly how I had interpreted the term ‘rustic living’ during the brief. I guess until you’re actually in that environment you don’t realize how hard it is. No beds, no toilets, sleeping in bug tents, and bathing out of a bucket. I think for some people that would have been a deal breaker. They wouldn’t go if they knew that’s what they would be dealing with because it’s hard, but it’s not impossible. It makes you feel really grateful and thankful for what you have. It made me realize what little I really need in life. There are still a few times that I get choked up thinking about my trip. But no matter how sad the situation may be I still smile when I think about how many lives I have touched and how big of a difference we made that during that week.
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Our goal was to see a hundred patients a day, therefore our days were really long. I remember one day very clearly, I had finally gotten the chance to take a break when a woman holding her baby came up to me. Our translator told me that she had just given birth and she was in a lot of dental pain; but she was afraid to be seen and have it extracted because someone had told her that she would bleed to death. I explained to her that no such thing would happen and reassured her. We walked her through the whole tooth extraction process and she was so thankful. She returned the next day, put her hands together and bowed to thank us. It was really touching. I loved working with the kids. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. One of the missionaries and I traveled to the local schools and provided patient education. We taught the kids the proper way to brush their teeth and handed out toothbrushes. I had a big model of teeth and a toothbrush and the kids thought it was hilarious. Just seeing their laughter brought a warm smile to my face. I saw a lot of adult patients who had never had their teeth cleaned. I saw stuff that I had never seen before, nothing that I could ever imagine seeing here in the states. The difference is tremendous, here we have access to toothbrushes and getting our teeth cleaned once a year, but these people don’t necessarily have toothbrushes and probably have never flossed. The lack of dental education completely amazed me. My hands were definetly tired because I didn’t have all of the equipment that I’m used to having here on the ship. I didn’t have suction so my patient would have to sit up and spit in the garbage. They sat in lawn chairs with their head tilted back as I stood over them. I would stack the chairs to adjust their height. We ended up treating a total of 485 patients. I think I did around 87 cleanings that week. It was extremely tiring. This was my first international volunteer trip, and the next chance I get I know I’ll do it again; theres no question in my mind. I got the chance to work with people who are so passionate about what they do and so compassionate for the people who they don’t even know, it was a life changing experience.
Children listen closely as Hospital Corpsman 1st Class explains basic dental care.
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Sailors from the Deck Department of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) lower a rigid-hull inflatable boat during a man overboard drill.
Deck department resumes operations Story and photos by MC3 Devin Wray
Almost one year has passed since USS Nimitz (CVN 68) began its Docking Planned Incremental Availability at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. In that time operations have changed. New Sailors have arrived and the practices of everyday sea evolutions have given way to maintenance and overhaul projects throughout the ship. That’s why this week; Sailors from the deck department of Nimitz resumed training as the ship prepares to once again set sail. “We’ve been doing anchor evolutions for inspections and maintenance, man overboard training, and checking the
other equipment that hasn’t been used for the last year,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Christian Cruz, a work center supervisor in deck department. While in dry dock, many of these systems were inoperable and the deck team was in a mindset of preserving the ship rather than everyday operations. Teams that have been replacing floor tiles and repainting the ship are now fixing things like replenishment equipment. “If we don’t have the right tools when we’re at sea, then we wouldn’t be able to get food supplies,” said Cruz. Having working equipment isn’t
enough without the right people to operate it though, and Cruz said the majority of Deck, as of now, have never been out to sea. “We’ve been learning line handling and how to raise and lower the boats,” said Seaman Corey Blaine, a new Sailor working in deck department. “There are a lot of qualifications to get, and the ship won’t go anywhere if we don’t get the job done.” Most of the hands-on training Deck provides has been delayed. Cruz said it’s because spaces on the ship were secured for workups, and much of the gear was moved off the ship. Now that the rigid-hull inflatable boats are back on board and the ship is in the water, Nimitz started conducting man overboard drills this week. “Now that we’re out of the yards, I finally have a chance to put my skills to the test,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Isaac Atkins, a new Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimmer working with Nimitz’ Deck Department. “I just became a SAR swimmer last year, it’s something I’m good at, and I wanted to help the ship.” Being in the water again has allowed the trainees many opportunities to learn about the ship, but Nimitz has yet to set sail. “Everyone teaching me is really motivated to get underway,” said Blaine. Nimitz is nearing the end of its Docking Planned Incremental Availability.
Sailors from the Deck Department of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) drive a rigid-hull inflatable boat during a man overboard drill.
Destination Everett:
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Lincoln's Passdown - Part 2: Finding the night life Story and photos by MC3 Jacquelyne Childs
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is getting closer and closer to changing homeports once again. Before USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled out of Naval Station Everett for the last time Dec. 7, Sailors on board passed on some words of wisdom to those who will soon take their place. NAVSTA Everett is known as “The Sailor’s Choice” and while it is one of the newest and most modern naval installations, it is also small and somewhat sparse. Because of the size, activities on base are somewhat limited. Lincoln Sailors have learned to adapt to the struggle and pass these suggestions on to Nimitz Sailors. “Stay off base as much as possible,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Blake Sanford, Lincoln’s air department. “You have to be here for work so try to spend any other time off base.” When leaving base be careful who you choose to socialize with though. Sailors say it is wise to bring shipmates with you. “Everett isn’t an especially social place so get to know people on the ship you don’t know yet,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Alexzy Castello, Lincoln’s supply department. “I’m not saying we’re better than people in town but we have different standards.” If you don’t have a vehicle, when meeting new people on board you might consider trying to buddy up with someone who does. “To get to most of the good stuff get a car, take a taxi, or find a friend with a car,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Starri Bass, Lincoln’s supply department. “Almost everything is more than a walk away,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Kendra Hetrick, Lincoln’s air department. A car or taxi is especially important if you want to enjoy more than just decent city life or shopping. Most of the better stuff is going to be in cities farther south such as Lynnwood or Seattle. “There isn’t much in Everett,” said Bass. “Bar happy people should go down to Seattle. The closest decent mall is Alderwood in Lynnwood.” Lincoln Sailors also give suggestions for other activities other than bars and shopping. “There’s a cool indoor go-carting place called Traxx in Mukilteo that’s pretty cheap for military,” said Sanford. “If you like the outdoors you’re in the right place,” said Hetrick. “There’s a lot to do.” Outdoor activities in the Everett area include winter sports, hiking, and more.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrives at its homeport of Everett, Wash. March 24, after completing a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command Areas of Responsibility.
Lincoln Sailors also encourage taking advantage of the close proximity to Seattle and easy access to Canada. “Get out and go to Seattle on the weekends if you get the chance,” said Castello. “There’s easier access to Canada so you should get an enhanced Washington I.D. that’ll enable you to get in without a passport,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman David Vanburen. If anyone who doesn’t have access to a vehicle wants to visit Seattle, they should consider taking the bus instead of a taxi. “If you go to Seattle, a cab can cost over 80 dollars,” said Hetrick. “You can take a cab just down the road to the bus station and it’s much cheaper.” “Everett and Seattle have a good transportation system,” said Vanburen. “There’s a bus stop just outside of the main gate.” At first, options for pastimes in Everett and the surrounding area may seem limited. As Nimitz settles into its new home however, its Sailors will soon find the vast variety of activities open to them.
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Pearl survivor visits Nimitz, speaks to officers
Donald Green, survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 5, 1941 speaks to officers aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in Ward Room Three. Story by MC3 Shayne Johnson
Donald Green, a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Dec. 14 to meet with the officers and share about his experience during that traumatic day 70 years ago. Green was assigned to USS Pyro (AE 1), an ammunition ship that had arrived in Pearl Harbor Dec. 5, 1941, two days before the attacks took place. “Upon arriving, liberty had been granted to two-thirds of the crew and officers aboard,” remembered Green. “We were very shorthanded. The day before, I had finished my duty as Petty Officer of the Watch, which was quiet aside from Sailors returning from liberty.” Green described his fight during the attack and the hardships he was forced to overcome at a second’s notice.
“I was sleeping when, suddenly there was a loud explosion and I thought ‘why is the Army doing these exercises on Sunday?” said Green. “Then, General Quarters sounded and I ran to my gun station, which was shorthanded because Sailors were on liberty. Our gun captain wasn’t even there.” After taking charge of the gun station and firing rounds of ammunition, not knowing whether he was firing at friendly or enemy planes, he ran out of ammunition and noticed a plane had dropped a bomb and it was heading right towards him. “It scared me to death when I saw it coming,” said Green. “I saw the bomb bay of the plane open and I was sure it was going to hit. I was just frozen there and didn’t know what to do. Then it exploded after landing 12 feet from the side of the ship and threw a lot of debris against the ship. I never looked to see exactly where it hit.” Green couldn’t remember much after the bomb exploded, and later found out that Sailors were coming over to the Pyro because the ship was out of the way of damage. “We were all brave, I’m sure,” said Green. “Needless to say, I was absolutely terrified. I was shell-shocked. There were times I didn’t know what really happened.” Although 70 years have passed Green, who is 89 years old, enjoys recalling his story about Pearl Harbor. “I feel fortunate to be able to still tell my story,” said Green. “I find that wherever I go, because of my age, I can pass on information that you can’t get from anyone else. I remember about a year ago, a class of students were watching a movie and wanted someone to talk about Pearl Harbor. They asked me to do it and I was happy to.”
Nimitz hosting quarterly safety standown Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Safety Department will be hosting its quarterly safety standdown Dec. 16, 2011 at the base gym on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton. The mandatory standdown, aimed to inform Nimitz Sailors about potential risks they may come across during the upcoming months, is split into two sessions to give all of ship’s company an opportunity to attend. The first session kicks off at 9:45 a.m., lasting to 11 a.m, with the second session running from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. “About a third of the ship wasn’t here last December,” said Cmdr. Lisa Ketterman, Nimitz’ safety officer. “That’s a lot of people who probably don’t know
what kinds of conditions the Washington winter presents.” A member of the Washington State Patrol is slated to lead a presentation on winter driving and local laws. The trooper will highlight black ice and the dangers of snow and inclement weather. A park ranger from Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is also scheduled, speaking on recreational safety and the hundreds of potential recreational hazards such as avalanches, hypothermia and frostbite. Lt. Alan Young, Nimitz’ electrical officer, will discuss electrical safety to remind the crew how electrical safety, especially during the holidays, isn’t limited to Christmas lights around the house; it’s
for the job too. “We’ve had three shocks [aboard Nimitz] in the past week,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Horton, Nimitz’ industrial health officer. “They were doing things they weren’t supposed to be doing. They were 100 percent preventable.” In addition to hosting this week’s standdown, Safety department looks to keep Sailors Safety-conscious through more day-to-day methods. This includes daily publications about key safety points which act as simple reminders to keep Sailors safe and alert. For more information contact the Safety office at 2-123-2-Q or go to safety. navy.mil.