Nimitz News - January 12, 2012

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January 12, 2012

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Reagan arrives to Bremerton Page 6

Nimitz gym re-opens on board

Jan. 19, 2012

Vol. 37, No. 01

Contractors carefully remove trailers from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Saturday. The trailers provided temporary workspaces for project teams during the ship's Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). Photo by MC3 (SW) Thomas Sinnif.

Hard work, professionalism: hallmarks of Nimitz' year in DPIA Story by MC3 Jacquelyne Childs

Exactly one year ago Wednesday, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) officially began its docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash.

Nimitz entered dry dock DPIA Jan. 11, 2011. During the past year, Nimitz has been busy working alongside shipyard workers to install and replace vital systems on the ship to keep them operational. The maintenance done while in the yards and following months will enable Nimitz to fully perform their duties at sea.

The work began at a meeting 24 months before the scheduled DPIA when officials met to discuss primary overhaul plans. After reviewing an extensive checklist, the team began making official preparations 18 months prior to the yard period. These preparations

Advancement Seminar

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will be hosting another installment of the NWAE workshop. All classes will be held in the ESO classroom (4-208-0-Q ) unless otherwise noted. All classes will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on the following dates: Jan. 12,17,19 and 24.

included figuring out what needed to be done and scheduling it to fit in the allotted time.

During the maintenance period, the ship went in and out of dry dock to remove and overhaul both rudders as well as work on the propellers. Workers also replaced some main shafting; installed new sleeving on the sea chest; inspected and preserved numerous tanks, voids, and JP5 tanks; overhauled forward and aft configuration plants; and preserved the hull and other areas around the catwalks.

While this work was being done primarily by shipyard workers, with the help of Sailors here and there, ship’s company also spent the yard period overhauling a lot of their spaces. Sailors gutted out

See "DPIA" on Page 4

Jan. 19, 2012

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Chaplain's Corner: Is my lens scratched?

Story by Cmdr. Brent Johnson, CHC, USN 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 Jacquelyn Childs MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MC3 Andrew Jandik MCSN Alexander Ventura II MCSN Renee Candelario MCSA Vanessa David 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.

My eyes work all right, but I have needed glasses since I was in Junior High in order to read things far away. At one time I wore glasses that had a tint put on them so that the glare outside wouldn’t bother me, but in reality I got them because I was fifteen and thought they made me look cool (they didn’t and I just had a hard time seeing indoors.)

Glasses are physical symbols of the way we look at the world around us. We ask and answer the basic question, “is the world a safe place,” and that colors how we view all that goes on around us.

Recently I began thinking about Autism and what God has to say and how God relates to people who are autistic. Autistic people have a way of looking at the world, and many people in the world have a way of looking at them. I became curious because several of my friends have children who have been diagnosed with syndromes on the Autism scale including ADHD, Asperger’s, and just plain old autism. Many of them are spiritual people but there does not seem to be much spoken about from the perspective of churches and theology in relation to the condition.

When we Chaplains on NIMITZ look at people we start with three basic assumptions about them. First, God loves them. Second, each person has unique strengths. Third, God wants to do something special in each person’s life. I don’t think that changes with anyone who is an Autist or Aspy (someone with Asperger’s syndrome.)

That is my starting point in meditating on what God has to say to Autistic people. I know there are members of the crew who have autistic kids, or may have symptoms of one of the spectrum of “intellectual disabilities” as they are labeled these days.

When I did a little web surfing I noticed most of the web sites are for parents of autistic children.

There is very little content that addresses actual autistic people and their spiritual needs. What I did find was profound. Autistic kids and young adults have a lot to say about their unique ways of looking at the world. They seem to be asking,

“Is my lens scratched?” One young Aspy wrote, “Many times I feel like I’m not good enough for Christ’s forgiveness! My head tells me it’s not true.

I’m trying to get my heart to understand.” That is deep spirituality. Another contributor on the same web site wrote, “Logic can only go so far. God can do the rest.” Autistic people have profound spiritual lives but we often do not know how to notice them.

Frederica Matthewes-Green, an Orthodox Christian theologian, has a grandson who is autistic. She says “Autists have a bad case of the Human Condition.” They are no different than the rest of us, only they are more sensitive to reality than other people. For parents of autistic kids there can often be anger at God for dealing them such a difficult lot in life. One of my good friends has really struggled raising a severely autistic child. She has begun seeing her son as a gift from God, although he is a gift that keeps rewrapping him up and staying out of sight. Parents want to love their kids and most importantly get to know them. With autistic kids that is a challenge.

William Stillman, an Aspy who wrote the book Autism and the God Connection says that autistic spirituality is there and may be difficult for parents to spot. He writes, “Spiritual giftedness manifests amidst daily trials and travails of mutual learning and living.” I think the Apostle Paul really sums up this spiritual condition and the hope every parent has when he wrote 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” There is the first answer to my question about God relating to autistic people. God knows them better than we do, but one day we will see without scratched lenses.

The second Sunday in February has been declared Autism Sunday and is formally called The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger Syndrome. I hope we all celebrate together that Sunday and take time to look for the presence of god in the lives of our autistic and Aspy brothers and sisters and celebrate that presence with them.

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Jan. 19, 2012

Winning battle flag design chosen by Nimitz Sailors Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) recently voted for a new battle flag to be flown above her decks.

The winning design which was chosen from a series of 13 different entries from sailors onboard Nimitz.

The design includes many elements within relating to not only the Navy, but also the Nimitz's name sake, Flt. Adm. Chester Nimitz and his history.

The 68 displays the ship's hull number and is easily recognized as USS Nimitz.

The size shows prominence as we are the first of our class.

The color theme of this flag is Blue and Gold, which are traditional navy colors as well as the colors of the Naval Academy, Admiral Chester Nimitz' alma matter.

The addition of the trident is a representation of Nimitz' naval career.

Each prong not only represents our capabilities of reaching air, sea and land, but is also dedicated to three significant

stages of Nimitz' career -- the USS Ohio was his first ship, he was then assigned as the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and finally, his appointment as the Chief of Naval Operation. The five stars represent Nimitz' rank. It

is the highest attainable rank; Nimitz was one of the first fleet admirals.

The design, chosen by Nimitz Sailors, will display the history and heritage of the ship as it sails proudly over its decks, and represent those Sailors who chose it.

New neighbors: USS Ronald Reagan arrives to Bremerton chief Master-atArms. “Also, if you and a fellow shipmate live out in town and everyone gets together and drives to work in one car, it not only practices good safety, but you’ll notice a big change in your wallet from the gas money you save.”

Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrives Sailors are in Bremerton, Wash. Jan. 10, 2012. Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn.

Story by MCSA Renee Candelario warned not to park The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in spaces they are not designated to park (CVN 76) pulled in to Naval Base Kitsap in no matter how bad parking gets on (NBK), Bremerton early Jan 10 to begin base.

“Parking can be a nightmare,” said their Docking Planned Incremental Availability. More than 2,500 Sailors Whitchurch. “If you park in the wrong spot received their security badges and checked and you get more than three tickets they into the barracks which, for Nimitz scrape your decals off your windshield Sailors, will mean more of an abundance and you will no longer be able to drive on of Sailors commuting around base. base which makes your trip to and from “Come to work early,” said Chief Master- your car even longer. Just because there is at-Arms Chief Greg Whitchurch, Nimitz’

a lack of parking doesn’t mean you aren’t accounted for.”

Driving around base isn’t the only obstacle Sailors may find themselves running into with the influx in population.

Sailors will also find themselves in a bit of a crowd at NBK Bremerton’s Concourse West Fitness Center as well.

“For those of you who love to work out, another great alternative to use is the ship’s gym,” said Yeoman 3rd Class James Gray, command fitness leader for the administration department. “They have all brand new equipment and it’s a great way to get away from the big crowd at the gym on base.”

Most importantly Sailors are encouraged to set the example for the Sailors on the Reagan and lend a helping hand when needed.

“Behave yourself, think responsibly and be professional at all times,” said Whitchurch. “The public really enjoys having Sailors in this area, so you must always leave a good impression whether you’re on base or off base, on duty or off duty.”

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Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Matt Rutherford spots Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ramone Marquez while he lifts weights in the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Gym aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 Jacquelyne Childs.

Ship gyms re-open aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Two of the gyms onboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) reopened Jan. 5, marking a major milestone in the post-Docked Planned Incremental Availability habitability of the ship.

The gyms, located on the 01 and 03 levels, feature a complete new set of equipment including new treadmills, dumbbells, bars, plates, free weights, matting and ellipticals.

Sailors run on treadmills in the newly reopened gym onboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 Jacquelyne Childs.

“It was a big step getting the gyms reopened,” Said Lt. Jarred Posada, Nimitz’ recreation services officer. “We did everything we could to get them open as soon as possible. All the equipment is in, now we’re working on getting comforts installed like TVs and mirrors.”

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Matthew Chance says that having the gyms back on the ship will help motivate him to work out.

“The cold and rain were really wearing on me and I lost my motivation to go,” said Chance. “Now that they’re open, I’ll be able to go after work.”

The gyms will remain open throughout the day, but will be closed during cleaning stations. The official hours will soon be announced.

“It’s definitely more convenient than going to the base gym,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (handling) Airman Cristina Mays. “I can work out on duty which helps me keep a more consistent workout schedule, especially through 4 duty sections.”

The electrical issues that plagued the gerbil gym through deployment have been fixed, said Posada “We had a couple of electricians come in and worked day and night to get everything sorted out,” he said. “Now each treadmill is on its own breaker. So, if one goes down, we won’t need to close the whole gym.”

Posada said the third gym should be open by the end of the month.

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Jan. 19, 2012

Sailors encouraged to maintain Family Care Plan Story by MC3 Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public affairs

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -In support of mission readiness and worldwide deployability in the new year, Navy officials remind Sailors of the importance of maintaining a current Family Care Plan.

"A Family Care Plan benefits Sailors by allowing them to have instructions in place to take care of family members who are unable to care for themselves," said Bill Harris, Family Care Plan program manager. "A detailed plan also ensures Navy personnel can fulfill their military duties, including deployments, normal and extended work hours, temporary assigned duty, weekend duty and more."

A Family Care Plan is a group of documents, including a Family Care Certificate (NAVPERS 1740/6), Family Care Plan Arrangements (NAVPERS 1740/7), and legal documents such as custody or separation agreements, custody and support orders, divorce decrees or related written agreements.

"A good Family Care Plan takes care of Sailors and family members, and contributes to commands being fully mission ready," said Harris.

Formal documentation of a Family Care Plan is required under any of

www.nimitz.navy.mil

the following conditions: * A Sailor with primary or shared physical custody of a minor child or children who is not married to the other natural or adoptive parent of the minor child or children. * Both members Everett, Wash. (Nov. 17, 2011)Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Samuel Siemers is of a married dual- reunited to Naval Station Everett from a six-month deployment to the western military couple Pacific Ocean aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54). family member," said Harris. "Failure to where one or both have primary or shared physical custody maintain an adequate Family Care Plan may result in administrative separation of a minor child or children. * Sailors who are legally responsible for from the Naval service."

More information can be found an adult family member who is incapable in the Family Care Plan instruction, of providing for themselves in the absence OPNAVINST 1740.4D. of the Sailor.

Support for caregivers designated * Certain family circumstances or in Family Care Plans is available Navyother personal-status changes resulting wide through Fleet and Family Service in a Sailor becoming legally and primarily responsible for the care of another Centers, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Military One Source, base Child person.

"Sailors must submit a new or updated Development Centers, Navy Operational Family Care Plan upon reporting to a Support Centers and community and new duty station, change in caregiver family support groups.

For more information, visit http:// circumstances, or change in personal or family circumstances, such as birth w w w . n p c . n a v y . m i l / S U P P O R T/ or adoption of a child, or assumption of READINESS/Pages/FamilyCarePlan. sole care for an elderly or incapacitated aspx

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Lincoln's passdown part 3: Hanging out on base Story by Story and photos by MC3 Jacque;yn Childs

As USS Nimitz (CVN 68) grows closer to changing homeports once again, Sailors continue to contemplate what life will be like at their new home, specifically during liberty hours. Although there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas, some Sailors may wish to save money or just don’t want to worry about traveling very far. For those people, there are some options for recreation on base.

Because Naval Station Everett is so small, activities on base are limited but Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) learned to have a good time with the options given to them.

Before they left Everett for the last time, these Sailors past on some tips to those on board Nimitz who will soon be taking their place.

The main places to hang out on base include the Pierside grill located on the wharf by the carrier and the Commons located right by the main gate.

“Pierside has wifi, games, and a small lounge with a T.V. and a mini library,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Alexzy Castello, Lincoln’s supply department.

Besides fun and recreation, Pierside also provide Sailors on the ships with a convenient place to do laundry.

“They have free laundry, you just have to bring your own detergent,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Starri Bass, Lincoln’s supply department.

Some Lincoln Sailors warn others to be wary when using the laundry though.

“They have laundry but the dryers don’t always work so be careful,” said Aviation Ordnancman Airman Kendra Hetrick, Lincoln’s air department.

Pierside also provides the closest location for Sailors to get off the ship and grab a bite to eat. They have several options including pizza, burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, and breakfast in the mornings.

“Don’t eat at Pierside too much, they’re good but can get old,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Demorus Brown, Lincoln’s supply department.

The Commons is much bigger and includes most of the entertainment and recreation on base. There are many things to take advantage of inside the Commons including a gym, a large TV lounge, a gaming area, and places to eat like Subway and Aftershocks, a small coffee shop and deli.

“Aftershocks in the Commons is good but closes really early so get there before it’s too late,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Starri Bass, Lincoln’s supply deparment.

Some Sailors warn that despite the activities there The Commons can get old if you spend too much time doing nothing there.

“The Commons is cool at first but you’re going to get bored pretty fast,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Russell Corporon, Lincoln’s air department.

Pierside Plaza at Naval Station Everett provides Sailors with a place to eat, do laundry and play video games

To counteract the boredom you can participate in some of the events they have going on there. NAVSTA Everett’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosts many different activities and events at the Commons. These include little parties, game nights, or other special events.

“Whenever MWR has stuff going on at the Commons take advantage of it,” said Brown.

If recreation on base seems scarce, shopping is practically nonexistent. NAVSTA Everett doesn’t have a full size Navy Exchange (NEX) actually on base. They do have a smaller NEX with all the uniform items you need and other basic commodities.

“The NEX on base has limited merchandise and runs out of rank insignias fast during promotion times,” said Corporon.

Due to the smaller size of the NEX and the base having several ships and shore duty commands, uniform items can be hard to come by during peak times like after promotions and before deployments.

“If you need uniform items it’s easier to order them online,” suggests Aviation Ordnance Airman (AW) Joshua Curlee, Lincoln’s air department.

For those who need a little more than what the NEX on base provides there is a full NEX located at the Smokey Point Support Complex in Marysville. The store doesn’t carry uniform items, but it does have just about anything else you may need.

“The commissary and full size NEX are up in Smokey Point, about a 25 minute drive,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class (SW/ AW) Calvin Martin, Lincoln’s supply department. “There is a shuttle that costs $3.50 that goes straight to Smokey Point and back.”

For Nimitz Sailors who are used to the amenities Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton has to offer and especially those who were on board in San Diego, adjusting to life in NAVSTA Everett may be difficult at first. But Sailors will soon find that the base does offer everything they need and then some.