Page 1
January 19, 2012
Page 6
Nimitz pauses for MLK Day Page 4
Hangar deck control moves
Jan. 19, 2012
Vol. 37, No. 02
Nimitz Sailors expand advancement knowledge at seminar Story by MCSN Renee L. Candelario
Today and Tuesday marks the last chance Sailors will have to attend the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Navy-wide Advancement Exam Seminar. The seminar provides Sailors who are taking the upcoming E-4 through E-6 advancement exam in March the proper study tools and resources needed to receive higher test scores. “It gets Sailors interested and gives them a step in the right direction and the motivation they need to get them in the right frame of mind that taking the advancement isn’t that bad because there are easy ways to prepare for it,” said Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Daniel McNiel, Nimitz’ training leading chief petty officer. Before the 2011 Navy-Wide Advancement Exam cycle in September, Nimitz had a 4.2% failure rate. After this seminar was offered, the failure rate went down to 2.8% in the next cycle. “Give it a try,” said McNiel. “Everyone who has gone through the class has at least learned one thing. We all have less time now with the exam coming up.” Participants will gain a better understanding of how their profile sheets are composed on Navy Knowledge Online to view a breakdown of their exam scores. There will also be a brief navigation through the Bibliographies for Advancement (BIBs), a complete list of references and materials
Captain's Call
Tune in to SITE TV for ALL HANDS CALL tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
Phone: 5062 & 6716 Email: questionsforco@cvn68. navy.mil
Nimitz Sailors take the Navy-wide E-4 Advancement Exam on the barge mess decks Sept. 15, 2011. Every six months Sailors are given the opportunity to take the exam to advance in their designated rate. Photo by MCSN Jessica Lewis
that were used to create the exam test questions for each rate. “I learned a lot of new concepts and ideas from the workshop that I’m sure will assist me with my upcoming exam,” said Yeoman Seaman Justin Payan, a Sailor who attended the seminar. “I’m glad I went because some of this information the instructor taught us I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t go. There’s a lot of information covered.” The “Frames of Mind” worksheet is used to find out a Sailor’s individual learning style to focus on what study method they should be using to absorb the most key information to pass. And a series of Basic
Military Regulations questions are studied to help Sailors pin point what their tests might include and what to look out for when reading through their study materials. “Nowadays advancement can affect a Sailor in a lot of ways; their Perform to Serve program approval, money in their wallet, and more privileges,” said McNiel. If a Sailor can’t attend this seminar, it’s important they study for the exam and access their BIBs because all the resources they need to pass are there, said McNiel. The seminar is held in the Education Service Office classroom today and Tuesday from 0830 to 1030.
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 2
Chaplain's Corner: Destiny or Design? Story by Lt. Eric J Melvin, 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 Nichelle Whitfield 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 Andrew Jandik MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Christopher Bartlett MCSN Renee Candelario MCSN Alexander Ventura II 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.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).” I haven’t always successfully followed these precepts, but I do have a few success stories. In 1991, I flew into Sigonella, Italy. I had just graduated from Nuke Prototype and was on my way to the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The first gulf war was underway and security was tight. When I arrived at NAS Sigonella they were unable to locate the ship and move me on to my destination. They wanted to send me back to the states. I thought that was a great idea, but wasn’t sure if that was God’s plan for me. I was given the choice to stay until the ship could be located if we could find my luggage. The plane that carried me over was huge as was the cargo bay, so I thought the odds of finding my luggage were pretty slim. As a new Christian, I had become accustomed to praying about things like this, so I prayed, “Lord if You want me to wait here and catch the ship please help me to find my luggage, and if not I will fly back home.” Twenty minutes later we walked into the
cargo bay and both of my bags were right on top! My guidance from God had been received. There was no doubt in my mind that God wanted me to continue my journey. This was an important confirmation. On I went. First to Bahrain for a few days and then I was flown onto the carrier. I was ushered aboard, shown my rack, and given some basic instructions. I had been given a top bunk, with no sheets and no curtains. That night I took an ice cold shower. I thought, where did I die? This must be hell. Then I was reminded of God’s answer in Sigonella, my bags were on top! I knew that my God had me exactly where He wanted me. He was in control, and as His child I was simply to trust Him. Trusting God seems to be the most challenging thing for me; however, I would say that it is the most rewarding. To finish my story, I did get sheets and curtains, and I learned how to get hot water for the shower. Two weeks later we ported in Haifa, Israel, and I was able to walk where my Lord Jesus Christ walked and to tour the Promised Land. Blessings I had received because I trusted Him as He led me along the way. Whether or not you believe in destiny or design, I would encourage you, in the year to come, to stick with it, work hard, and learn from where you are even when things do not make sense. As I look back over my life, I can see how God used this situation and others to prepare me to be your Chaplain. Thank you for the privilege.
Training aircraft returns for use on flight deck Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) use the on board Crash and Salvage crane to move a firefighting training aircraft into position for flight deck drills. The aircraft was removed from Nimitz during the ship's major maintenance overhaul and moved back on board Friday.
Page 3
Jan. 19, 2012
Lincoln's passdown part 4: Staying out of trouble Story by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is quickly approaching their next homeport change. Before USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled out of Naval Station Everett for the last time, they passed on some tips to Nimitz Sailors who would soon be taking their place. On top of less parking, recreation, and shopping, NAVSTA Everett’s size and structure pose another problem to its Sailors. The number of people on base is considerably less than most bases so Sailors, especially those from the carrier, are more noticeable. Being in the constant eye of base security and chain of command, Sailors should be on their best behavior at all times. “The cops here are very strict,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Russell Corporon, Lincoln’s air department. “Here they are stricter about the little
things,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Blake Sanford, Lincoln’s air department. “At Bremerton I could walk onto base with my earrings in but here they’ll stop you in a second.” NAVSTA Everett is one of the newest and most modern Navy installations in the country and is one of the leaders in environmental design. For these reasons, the base is frequently in the spotlight. The base’s chain of command, along with security, holds Sailors on base to a higher standard. This way when higher-ups do notice the installation, it is only in a good light.
“The base’s XO is really strict,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Alexzy Castello, Lincoln’s supply department. “If you’re not squared away walking down the street, he’ll actually pull his car over to stop you.”
See "Lincoln" on Page 8
USS Nimitz to modify zone inspections Story by MC3 Shayne Johnson
3M coordinators aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) have come up with a new method to revamp the old way of conducting zone inspections and have since implemented the more practical way of inspecting spaces. Zone inspections are a means by which Sailors E-7 and above inspect and document discrepancies in the more than 3,000 spaces aboard the ship every quarter. Each inspector must be 3M-304 division officer qualified which all khakis have 90 days to get upon reporting on board. “Zone inspections are what we need to do to discover problems in all the spaces on the ship,” said Master Chief Hull Maintenance Technician David Conduff, ship’s 3M coordinator. “It gets another set of eyes in spaces to find discrepancies so we can fix them.” A few changes have been made to the routine in order to make zone inspections on board more practical and easier to report deficiencies. “With the old way, we had a handful of people and they were going all over the place,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Juan Naranjo. “We had to go to numerous spaces from forward to aft. Now, we put it all in one of 11 zones on the ship. It makes it more efficient instead of going to six or seven spaces all over the ship, they will only have a few in a centralized section of the ship.” “Previously, everyone just showed up and no one was really assigned to a zone,” said Conduff. “Now we are taking ownership and holding khakis responsible for inspecting the spaces.”
The ship has been partitioned into fire zones, different areas of the ship that will be inspected during an 11-week period, said Conduff. “What used to take two hours should now take only an hour,” he said. “We are trying to make the program work smarter, not harder. Before, there wasn’t any rhyme or reason. They just showed up and were told to inspect a space with no guidance to what they were looking for.” Now, inspectors are given instruction, criteria and training to make this new program more successful when it comes to discovering deficiencies in the spaces aboard the ship. “We needed to change to make more sense,” said Conduff. “We have made changes to meet the intent of the Commander Naval Air Forces instruction. Our program was ineffective, so we made it better.” The changes to the process of zone inspections will make conducting inspections in spaces easier to find and document problems and fix them quickly and efficiently. “This program is going to make the zone inspectors more efficient,” said Naranjo. “People will know their section is going to be inspected so they look at every little thing in that week, so the next time they are up for zone inspection, every discrepancy should have been fixed.” “The new program is going to be more streamlined,” said Conduff. “There will be better reporting of deficiencies and more discrepancies corrected to help maintain the 50-year life span of the ship.”
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 4
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Kevin Romig lays a new coat of Polyurethane Resin Coating on the deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hangar deck control as part of air department’s remodeling, Jan 18.
Hangar deck control returns to hangar bay one
Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
After more than three years with a space on the O-2 level serving as the interim command point for air department’s V-3, hangar deck control is returning home to its original location aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The base of all V-3 operations, control serves as a home for the hangar bay Ouija board, a scale schematic of the hangar bay’s layout, and the Handler, who is in charge of hangar bay operations. Relocated under direction of Capt. John Ring, Nimitz’ former executive officer, hangar deck control has been located next to Conflagration Station two for the past three years. “The old crew shelter was actually a passage way that goes between hangar bays two and three,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Zachary Kirby. “It was a fire hazard having it there, so we moved it to where hangar deck control is and moved control next to Conflagration Station Two.” The new locations of the air spaces proved to be confusing to squadron and air wing personnel who were looking for control to ask for permissions for various tasks or to sign off qualifications. “Having the crew shelter in the hangar deck control’s location proved to be quite a problem,” said Kirby. “The squadrons would come looking for permission to
do various tasks and we would have to send them across the hangar bay. We also didn’t have the same access to the 3MC and the IVUT. It was really impractical.” The relocation began Jan. 11, and is estimated to be completed by the end of the week. Through the extraordinary effort of the V-3 division of air department a mere six Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) will have control relocated over the course of only two weeks. In order for the relocation and restoration to be completed, resources had to be salvaged from the fleet of ghost ships currently moored alongside Nimitz at Naval Base Kitsap- Bremerton. “We had to get parts from the ghost ships to rebuild our Ouija board,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Walter Zaldana. “We also repainted the whole space and now we’re working on resurfacing the floors.” The final step in the relocation process will be to resurface the floors, including a new Polyurethane Resin Coating (PRC) and an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate decal. This only comes after already replacing the Handler’s chair, Ouija board and repainting the entire space. “This is a major overhaul for us,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Rhoan Brown. “We’re reorganizing all of our spaces and trying to make it easier for our yellow shirts and
blue shirts. The refurnishing we’ve done by sourcing parts from the ghost ships saved the Navy $15,000.” With the hangar control moving back to hangar bay one, and the restoration to the control center, this represents one more step toward Nimitz’ deployability and efficiency at sea being restored.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Kevin Romig lays a new coat of Polyurethane Resin Coating on the deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hangar deck control as part of air department’s remodeling, Jan. 18.
Page 5
Jan. 19, 2012
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sits pier-side as more than four inches of snow fall throughout Bremerton, Wash, Jan. 18.
USS Nimitz weathers winter snow storm Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) experienced its first snow day in over three years. More than a foot of snow in the areas surrounding Naval Base KitsapBremerton halted traffic for commuters trying to get to work. Automated messages informed shipboard personnel of up to two-hour delays later modified to a complete closure
Lights illuminate the brow of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as more than four inches of snow fall throughout Bremerton, Wash. Jan. 18.
of the base to all non-essential personnel and urged duty section personnel to arrive when they could and safely. “On any duty day, you have enough man power on the ship to run the whole ship,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Juan Naranjo, senior section leader of duty section three. “At any given time a duty section should be able to stand duty for three to four days at a time if they absolutely had to.” Nimitz prepared for the snowstorm that hit the Olympic peninsula late Tuesday night by informing it’s Sailors of what avenues to check to see weather conditions and closure status for the base and surrounding areas. Recall numbers and website links were distributed throughout the command to ensure Sailors living away from base knew how to get to work safely and in a timely fashion. “The ship was as prepared as it could be,” said Senior Chief Legalman Robert Nail. “People showed up, the ship didn’t sink, we cleaned off the brows and the watches were manned and relieved. Short of having the oncoming duty section spend the night going into the snowstorm, I think we were as prepared as we possibly could be.” Naranjo expects Nimitz to bounce back quickly from the flurries.
“We’ll be back within 24 hours,” he explained. “The streets are already being cleared. Each Sailor who lives out in town knows they’ve got to come to work tomorrow, so now that everyone knows what to expect, as long as the snow continues to let up we’ll be fine tomorrow.” As a seagoing vessel, Nimitz’ productivity remains unaffected by the storms brought by the Pacific Northwest’s cold. “This doesn’t hurt our production, or shouldn’t,” said Naranjo. “Because most of us live aboard anyway, most of your supervisors are here and know their jobs. They just go on with regular production, just with the staff that’s on hand.” Safety is paramount to those working aboard Nimitz. Air department closed the flight deck to non-essential personnel as a preemptive measure to prevent anyone from slipping on snow which reached depths of nearly two inches in some areas. Duty section braved the cold to make the ship more accessible to oncoming Sailors by clearing the snow and salting the brows and pier. For more information about base closures and inclement weather warnings see WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KITSAP.
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 6
Nimitz celebrates Martin L. King's Birthday Story and photos by MCSN Vanessa Y. David
Page 7
Jan. 19, 2012
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) S-2 Division hosted a special Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon for the crew Jan. 17. With the help of some volunteers from Nimitz’ Multicultural Committee (MCC), S-2 served St. Louis style barbecue ribs, Caribbean catfish, Southern fried chicken, shrimp gumbo, mashed potatoes, watermelon, corn bread and an assortment of different desserts. In order to ensure that most of the crew was able to take part in the festivities, S-2 found it more convenient to provide the luncheon a day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Joan Nuez. “They’ve been talking about this for two weeks,” said Nuez. “We’ve already seen a lot of people coming through the lines. We assigned duties and got the stuff that we needed.” Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Joan Nuez prepares fresh dinner rolls Jan. 17. Nimitz hosted a luncheon for the entire S-2 started making preparations at crew in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. approximately 3:30 a.m. and continued Gutierrez and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Anthony throughout the event. Martinez, the MCC volunteers, take charge of the Starboard “Although the crew constantly changes, we’ve been able to side. adapt,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Angel D. Cortez. “I am excited,” said Gutierrez. “I’m happy I get to help “We’ve got a pretty good crew for being short-handed. out. It feels good, and I’m doing it for the moment.” Typically there’s about seven or eight cooks during a special The help from the extra volunteers has raised productivity meal like this, but we’re managing with only four.” and is anticipated in future events. While the Food Service Assistants (FSAs) are serving the “It makes our job a lot easier because we can sit back and lines on the port side, Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Lorena watch other people get the joy that we get from serving the food,” said Cortez. From start to finish, the luncheon was conducted according to plan and secured at 12:30 p.m. without an incident. “I’m not saying that we’re perfect,” said Nuez. “We always have hiccups, but lessons learned. I hope the crew enjoyed their lunch today. We always keep our crew asking for more.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the chief spokesman against segregation and racial discrimination in the civil rights movement, was assassinated in 1968 before his dream was realized. In 1983, former President Ronald Reagan established Martin Luther King Jr. Day in commemoration for King’s efforts. Later, former President George H.W. Bush proclaimed that every year on the third Monday of January will be a federal holiday in Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Lorena Gutierrez and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Martinez volunteer to King’s honor. serve the lines Jan. 17. Nimitz hosted a luncheon for the entire crew in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 8
Lincoln : How to avoid getting into trouble with base security Continued from page 3 walking down the street, he’ll actually pull his car over to stop you.” Some of the things you should watch out for is parking, driving, and walking in the correct areas. “Stick to walking on main streets,” said Sanford. “Don’t take any back streets or alleys on base because they’re constantly doing construction or something and they’ll hem you up.” “You can’t drive anywhere near the CIA gate to the wharf or you’ll get a ticket,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Calvin Martin, Lincoln’s supply department. “The closest you can drop people off to the ship is Charlie Parking Lot right by the security building.” To save some time and worry, some Lincoln Sailors suggest investing in a bike. “Just get a bike, you can ride it everywhere,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman David Vanburen, Lincoln’s supply department. Other obvious things the cops and master-at-arms at NAVSTA Everett watch out for is basic cleanliness and kind behavior to the wildlife. “If you have a barbecue or anything in the pits, make sure you clean up everything because they’ll come to your room and wake you up,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Demorus Brown, Lincoln’s supply department. With all sorts of animals on base including geese, seagulls and even sea lions in the water around the ships, it is very important that Sailors learn to coexist in a respectable manner. Security personnel on base make sure Sailors leave the animals alone for both the person and animal’s safety.
www.nimitz.navy.mil
Security personnel check IDs at the main gate at Naval Station Everett, Wash. Security at NAVSTA Everett is known for their strict standards on base.
“Don’t harass the geese because you’ll get stopped by the police,” said Brown. “Just don’t go anywhere near them.” This is for those safety reasons. The geese can get hostile when bothered and it is in everyone’s best interest to leave them alone. “Watch out for the geese,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Kendra Hetrick. “If you get to close they’ll run at you.” At first it may seem NAVSTA Everett’s security and command personnel are too strict. But with some time, Nimitz Sailors will grow accustomed to the high standards set on the base. They will not only see the standards are set high for a reason, but will join in the effort to maintain an unsurpassed image of the advanced installation.
Page 9
Jan. 19, 2012
Air-Traffic Controlman 1st Class Dawit Melaku is greeted back by his department aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after serving a year in Djibouti and Ethiopia, Jan. 5.
Sailor back on board after a year in Djibouti Story and photos by MC3 Shayne Johnson
After serving as an Individual Augmentee (IA) Sailor for a year in Djibouti and Ethiopia, Air-Traffic Controlman 1st Class Dawit Melaku returned to the states and was welcomed back on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68). A year ago, Melaku was nervous about going overseas to a foreign country, but was ready for the challenge. “I was nervous but when I went to Fort Jackson they set me up for it and prepared me,” said Melaku. “There was about a month of weapons training, humvee training, tactical training and cultural training.” Melaku first arrived in Djibouti and had served there for three months as the senior watch officer, security manager and command fitness leader. “I tracked missions in Djibouti, or in the area of responsibility on a daily basis, which included coordination and movement of troops,” he said. “I also coordinated with ships for various missions.” After his time spent in Djibouti, he went to Ethiopia for nine months. There, he was selected by the defense attaché in Ethiopia to work as deputy chief of the office of security cooperation.
While there, he helped build four blood centers and transferred C-130 aircraft parts to the Ethiopian military, as well as engineering equipment. He also helped establish seven English language labs for Ethiopians and assisted in the president’s emergency plan for HIV relief helping children and Ethiopian military members with training for HIV prevention. “I volunteered at various orphanages helping children who have HIV, no parents or no place to live,” said Melaku. “I even coordinated with Carrier AirTraffic Control Center (CATCC) to donate clothing for children, shoes, soccer balls and basketballs.” Additionally, he helped build the first Ethiopian military museum and provided equipment to military in support of peace keeping missions in Sudan. The people in Ethiopia were very happy about the U.S. military assisting them in any way possible, said Melaku. “They were very hospitable,” he said. “They were respectful, religious and always courteous and professional. They were receptive to everything. They were very welcoming and wanted us there to help them.” Melaku returned to the ship Jan. 5,
and was welcomed back on board by his shipmates in CATCC. They all applauded him as he crossed the quarterdeck for the first time in a year. “My chain of command was always supportive and kept in contact with me if not every week, at least every month,” said Melaku. “When I returned, it felt like I was coming back home to family. It was awesome.”
See "Djibouti" on Page 10
Air-Traffic Controlman 1st Class Dawit Melaku is greeted back by his department aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 5, after serving a year in Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 10
Chester's Champions
Nimitz Sailors recognized for achievements during DPIA Photo by MCSN Renee Candelario
The awardees for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Chester’s Champions all hands call are recognized in the ship’s hangar bay Jan. 13. Chester’s Champions is held to acknowledge Sailors for their outstanding performance and dedication through the ship’s Docking Planned Incremental Availability.
Djibouti : Sailor greeted by division after returning from IA
Combat systems department greets Melaku with banners during a small ceremony in the hangar bay aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Jan. 5.
Continued from page 9 “We have a really good team here and he is a part of this team,” said Senior Chief
Air-Traffic Controlman Kyle Hempel, OC division (Air Operations) leading chief
petty officer. Hempel, being an IA Sailor himself, understands the importance of what Melaku has done during his time in Djibouti and Ethiopia. “I’m extremely proud of him to be hand-picked for something like that,” said Hempel. “This is a success for CATCC, a success for Nimitz and a success for the Navy.” Returning back to the Nimitz, Melaku, with the help of his shipmates, is motivated and ready to get back to work on board Nimitz. He is currently training to be air operations branch chief, where he will supervise air operations. He is happy to see his team again and is ready to get back to ship life, go underway and do his part as a Sailor. “First and foremost I want to thank my chain of command,” said Melaku. “If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t have been able to do this.”
Page 11
Jan. 19, 2012
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the honorable Ray Mabus greets retired Chief Petty Officer Carl E. Clark before presenting him with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with Combat "V" Device. Mabus presented the medal to the 95-year-old Clark for his actions during World War II.
SECNAV recognizes World War II veteran Story and photo by MCC (AW) Sam Shavers, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus, presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device to a former Sailor during a ceremony on Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif., Jan. 17. Mabus presented the long-awaited medal to Carl E. Clark, a 95-year-old African-American for his actions during World War II. "Mr. Clark's service was honorable, but his DD-214 was missing one entry," Mabus said. Today, we will add that final official entry that has been missing from his record for almost exactly two-thirds of a century. That entry will record that Carl E. Clark has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with the Combat V". Clark, then a ship's steward first class, was working in the officer's mess aboard the destroyer minelayer USS Aaron Ward (DM 34) when Japanese kamikazes attacked his ship May 3, 1945. The Ward's gunners shot down some of the kamikazes, but six planes and three of their bombs hit the ship on the port side of the main deck, igniting an instant firestorm upon impact. According to Clark's Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal citation, he was slammed against the overhead from the impact of the first kamikaze attack.
He then headed out of the passageway and watched the second plane as it slammed into the port side. Unaware that the men on his damage control team were killed, he manned a fire hose fighting raging fires while kamikaze planes continued to crash into the deck and infrastructure. "Imagine being in a battle like that. Imagine being a member of that crew, engulfed in fire and water, while relying on training and experience to conquer your fear with determination," said Mabus "Carl Clark not only can imagine it, he lived it." Mabus also said Clark now officially joins other pioneers like the Golden 13, the Tuskegee Airmen and the Montford Point Marines; African-Americans who proudly represented the Navy and their nation, even during a time when their nation did not always live up to the ideals they served to protect. "Carl Clark will tell you that he doesn't consider himself a hero. He says, 'I only did the best I could in a very ugly and demanding situation,'" said Mabus. "Well, Carl, we here consider you a hero. America considers you a hero and I am proud to offer this symbol of thanks from a grateful Navy and nation," said Mabus, just prior to presenting Clark with his medal. For more news from Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs, visit www.navy.mil/SECNAV
"Imagine being in a battle like that. Imagine being a member of that crew..." - Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy
Jan. 19, 2012
Page 12
Navy solar farm construction underway By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Cassatt, Public Affairs Center San Diego
CHINA LAKE, Calif. (NNS) -- The Navy made another leap into renewable energy integration Jan. 18 with groundbreaking on a new 118 acre solar farm in China Lake, Calif. Construction of a SunPower Corporation 13.78 megawatt solar photovoltaic power system officially got underway at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake following a midmorning ceremony at the sprawling weapons development base. view of solar panels being installed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The solar farm is being "This is the largest solar project in the Ainstalled to provide electricity for the ongoing expansion of Denich Gym at the naval station's Cooper Field Navy," said Assistant Secretary of the Navy sports complex. for Energy, Installation and Environment Ray Mabus in 2009, which aspires to achieve 50 percent of Jackalyne Pfannenstiel. "It demonstrates tangible progress the Navy's shore-based energy requirements produced by toward national energy independence and reaching the alternative sources by the year 2020. Department of the Navy's energy goals." "We face a global energy challenge, which is for us a national SunPower's Oasis Power Plant product, a fully-integrated, strategic imperative that we solve," said Capt. Clifford modular solar block consisting of 31,680 solar panels, is Maurer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest expected to generate more than 30 percent of NAWS China commanding officer. "There was an extraordinary level of Lake's annual energy load. effort that went into market research, industry partnering, "The weapons division here is the consumer, and with preparing complicated acquisition documentation, that consumption requirement comes responsibility," said navigating complicated regulations and incentives, and Rear Adm. Mat Winter, commander, Naval Air Warfare doing technical analysis." Center Weapons Division. Under the 20-year federal solar PPA, SunPower will "This project gives us the opportunity as the major build, operate and maintain the solar power system that consumer of the energy to look into our own processes and uses the company's high-efficiency solar panels, and which practices," Winter said. "As we are more efficient in executing it guarantees through a 25-year warranty. SunPower has and continuing to do our mission it frees up resources for us worked with federal agencies since 1999 and has installed to provide to our war fighter." more than 25 megawatts of solar power systems at The solar farm integration, which is made possible government facilities, including solar power plants at Navy through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), will installations in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Coronado, Calif. allow the Navy to buy electricity below the retail utility rate "We are so honored to be here today," said Howard and reduce costs by an estimated $13 million over the next Wenger, president of SunPower. "It really is a testament 20 years. to the commitment and leadership of many people in the The PPA involves no initial out-of-pocket expenses for Navy, and the base here in China Lake, that we are here the Navy and will provide increased energy independence today celebrating this very significant groundbreaking." and reliable, emission-free solar power to NAWS China Lake beginning at the end of this year. NAWS China Lake is located in the Western Mojave "The Navy has a longstanding record of identifying energy Desert region of California. The installation is the Navy's and water conservation opportunities across our facilities," largest single landholding, representing 85 percent of the said Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Region Navy's land for research, development, acquisition, testing Southwest. "We are continuing to transform our culture and evaluation of weapons systems. The two ranges and from one of consumption to one focused on conservation." main site of NAWS China Lake cover more than 1.1 million NAWS China Lake's solar farm is representative of the acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. Navy's energy initiative, laid out by Secretary of the Navy