Nimitz News - January 26, 2012

January 27, 2012

Memorial Service A memorial service for Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Handler will take place today in Hangar Bay 2 at 1:00 p.m.

All Nimitz crew are invited to attend.

Food Services Note The Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton galley (between the Geographical Bachelor & Khaki barracks) is now open for business to all Nimitz Sailors.

Hours for service Dinner (daily)

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Brunch (weekend/ holiday) 10:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m.

Nimitz TNT blows upYoung Gunnas Page 7

Nimitz names Sailors of the Quarter

Jan. 27, 2012

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Vol. 37, No. 03

CCSG11 visits Nimitz and Sailors Story and photo by MCSN Renee L. Candelario

Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG 11) visited USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Thursday.

During his visit Gumataotao took the opportunity to speak to Sailors and tour the ship’s spaces during the wrap-up of the ship’s Docking Planned Incremental Availability.

Gumataotao emphasized the importance of the ship’s welfare.

“Each moment in our strike group lives there are ups and downs,” he said. “There are events that carry us through and there are different messages inside the lifelines and outside the lifelines that we want people to see.”

Gumataotao stresses the need for the crew to maintain their focus on the “warrior ethos” and teamwork.

“Expect the unexpected, be ready,” said Gumataotao. “When you guys run out of energy, feed off of each other’s energy. If one of you trips, your whole team should be there.”

Gumataotao explained the meaning of the Hawaiian word

Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, Commander Carrier Strike Group 11, speaks to Sailors as he tours the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 26. Gumataotao assumed command of CSG 11 Nov. 10, 2011.

“ohana,” or family, as he spoke to Sailors.

“I use the term ‘Navy ohana’ because there is strength in family,” said Gumataotao. “No one is perfect, but we look through the imperfections and still take care of our family. Family is about taking care of each other and helping people get up and keep going.”

During the visit, Gumataotao awarded Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (SW/AW) Dawit Melaku with a Joint Service Commendation

Medal for his meritorious service while serving as an individual augmentee in the Horn of Africa.

“It feels good being awarded by the Rear Admiral,” said Melaku.

“It felt even better when he talked more about [the Operations department OC division] as a team because I wouldn’t have what I have if my division hadn’t picked up the slack here in order for me to go there.”

Gumataotao assumed command as CSG-11 Nov. 10, 2011.

Jan. 27, 2012

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Chaplain's Corner: Help Wanted 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.

Story by LCDR Chaplain Richard Townes, USN

I was working as a warehouse manager at the time and not very content with the position. It was 1984. I remember the exact spot I occupied in the warehouse, right in front of the Pentax cameras, when the phone rang. I got up and ran to answer it. “Hello,” I said. My wife was on the other end. “Pastor Mueller died!” she exclaimed between sobs. We both loved Pastor and he was going to baptize our newborn son the very next Sunday. “It was a heart attack,” she explained, “Now what is our church going to do? What are we going to do?”

Her question was salient. Our church body was short pastors and the situation was becoming critical. We needed men in the ministry and for one of them to die at the age of 54 was a blow both to the local congregation and church at large. Without him in the pulpit, we would not hear the message of salvation that was so vitally important to our spiritual development. That’s when I heard the small voice calling me, “Rick, you need to step up to the plate and go to the Seminary. You need to preach Christ crucified.”

As you are well aware, the Nimitz is about to get underway and, for the Religious Ministry Department, that means we are going to launch headlong into an ambitious worship service schedule. The primary mission of the US Navy Chaplain Corps is to provide for the spiritual well-being of the ship’s company. Presently, there are three chaplains on board, a Wesleyan, a Lutheran and a Baptist. Very soon we will add a Catholic, but, there are many more denominations represented by the crew. We chaplains desire that all worship according to their own conscience and we know that, though we can reach a vast majority of the crew, there are those who will be uncomfortable in any of our services. That’s where you come in.

We are looking for lay leaders. A lay leader is a person who volunteers to conduct a service of his/her own denomination. Right now, we are in need of a Gospel lay leader as well as someone to lead an Islamic service (as well as other services if the interest is there).

Once a person volunteers, he/she will be interviewed by a chaplain and a letter of endorsement from their own church will be requested. Next, they will receive training from an RP or chaplain on what role they will play within the command religious ministry program. After that training has taken place a letter of appointment will be signed by the Commanding Officer. RELMIN will help with every step.

It’s important to realize that this is a collateral duty and the lay leader is not assigned to the RELMIN department, therefore, the volunteer should be sure that they will have the time and division support to fulfill their commitment.

The lay leader is that special sailor who works hard at their own job first, often times excelling at it, and one who is also so dedicated to God that they want to lead a worship service.

As you can see, the responsibility is great.

We are also specifically in need of a Gospel Choir director (and singers), and a Catholic musician. This is another wonderful way to serve God. As with the lay leaders, the chaplains and RPs are here to help you find your niche within your own worshiping community.

As a Lutheran pastor, one of my favorite verses in the Bible is a reference to heeding the call into the ministry. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns,’” the prophet Isaiah wrote. May your feet be beautiful as you help publish salvation to your fellow Sailors.

See you in Chapel.

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Jan. 27, 2012

Capt. Paul O. Monger, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) commanding officer, awards Sailor of the Quarter to Sailors during a ceremony on the ship’s mess decks Jan. 25.

USS Nimitz announces Sailors of the Quarter Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Saulsberry of Supply Department, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class William Sanchez, Jr., of Deck Department, Operations Specialist 3rd Class Yelena Aden of Operations Department, Seaman Jessica Jones of Deck Department were named USS Nimitz' (CVN 68) Senior, Junior, Sailor and Blue Jacket of the quarter respectively Jan. 25.

Nimitz' Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger, made the announcement during a ceremony on the mess decks during lunch.

Forty-three nominees were chosen for their technical knowledge and applied leadership skills. Four were chosen to receive the award following a rigorous selection process Blue Jacket of the Quarter, “You guys in some of the bigger departments have two or three times as many people as the smaller commands,” said Monger. “If you are a Sailor of the Quarter from one of these departments you’re operating at Sailor of the Year or above level. Just the fact that you guys got nominated to come here today as your department’s representative for Sailor of the Quarter, shows that you’re doing an absolutely superb job.”

Monger explained that a key quality in all of the nominees is their willingness to help improve their fellow Sailors.

“We see examples time and time again of those of you out here that not only try to improve yourselves by going to school and doing other things, you take the time to

help your shipmates earn those qualifications, get those specialties, take classes," said Monger. "You help them by advancing and doing those things.”

Monger also said that he wanted to make sure these Sailors did not get over looked.

“If you take the Sailor of the Quarter nominees, you could man a small ship and could do some outstanding things,” said Monger. “We appreciate the leadership, we appreciate working with you every day, we appreciate the attitude and you do such great work.”

Though the awardees seemed modest in their accomplishment, their hard work and ambition is what led to their success.

“I’ve really worked hard,” said Sanchez. “I’ve got eight collateral duties and I try to make sure they don’t take away from me doing my main job.”

Sanchez, leading petty officer for Deck Department’s 1st division, says he’s never been awarded anything like this before but that this really motivates him to keep going.

“I’m not going to do anything different,” said Sanchez.

“Working at this level has gotten me SOQ so I’ll just keep doing that.”

These four Sailors were hand-selected from a vessel of over 3,000 personnel, have raised the bar for what it means to be a ‘well-rounded Sailor’ and set the example for those who wish to stand out among their peers.

Jan. 27, 2012

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New fitness options available on board Nimitz Story and photo by MCSN Christopher Bartlett

With the Physical Readiness Test around the corner, USS Nimitz (CVN-68) now offers free exercise classes on board for the crew. Functional Fitness and Zumba classes are being held in the O-2 level gym weekly for Sailors to participate.

Functional Fitness is becoming the latest trend in exercise with its focus being building the body for real life activities. These include carrying a sea bag downstairs or taking your child’s car seat along with your child in out of the vehicle.

“You’re going to be doing a lot of compound movements, a lot of squats, dead lifts, military press, anything that is really big is going to involve more than one muscle group and more than one joint,” said Melyssa Patterson, Nimitz FITBOSS and instructor.

Exercises include lifting kettle bell training, medicine ball training and plyometrics. Rather than exercising a certain body area, Functional Fitness’s goal is about teaching the muscles to work together.

“It’s going to make you stronger in motions that you do every day, so it’s going to leave you a lot less prone to injuries for everyday movements,” said Patterson.

The Latin inspired dance with aerobic elements, Zumba has made its way to Nimitz led by certified instructor, Operation Specialist Seaman Kassandra Hurley.

“Zumba is a great cardio class,” said Hurley. “You burn more calories than you realize just because you’re dancing and you’re having fun. It’s a dance party for everyone who joins and you might even pick up a couple new moves.”

Zumba involves choreographed moves from various dances such as hip hop, soca, samba, salsa, meringue, mambo, martial

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) exercise in preparation for their PRT at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Concourse West Gym.

arts, Bollywood and some belly dancing moves.

It originated when aerobics teacher Alberto “Beto” Perez from Columbia, forgot his music for his aerobic class and substituted with tapes he had with him at the time of salsa and meringue music.

The improvised class was a hit and in 1999 it was introduced in the United States.

“I have danced for years before the Navy,” said Hurley.

“Zumba was interesting to me because it was a new style and I was trying to lose weight at the time so I decided to try something new. After I started attending on regular bases it became easier and even more fun.”

Both exercise classes offer Sailors a way to stay active and prepare for the PRT that will began in 10 weeks.

For more information on Zumba or Functional Fitness classes, contact the Fitboss at Melyssa.Patterson@cvn68.navy.mil.

"... they were telling me 'you're an American, but you came back to us, you have our name and our blood in you and you came back to help us.'"

Read the rest on Nimitz' blog www.oldsalt-cvn68.blogspot.com Air-Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Dawit Melaku

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Jan. 27, 2012

Capt. Paul O. Monger, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen host a live Captain’s Call through Site TV aboard the ship Jan. 20. U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Vanessa Y. David.

Crew's questions answered during CO's Call Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Capt. Paul O. Monger, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) commanding officer, hosted a Captain’s Call Jan. 20, alongside Command Master Chief William LloydOwen, to answer questions from the crew.

The hour-long event detailed upcoming events for the ship and what the crew should expect during its move to Everett, Wash., its new homeport.

Lloyd-Owen’s aim was to enlighten the crew on amenities offered by Nimitz’ future home and urge Sailors to explore the base during the call. He also mentioned the base’s recreation center and galley, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as points of interest.

Barracks and homeport ashore living options proved to be a hot topic.

Explaining who would be allowed to live in the barracks and how the selection process was made, Monger noted the decisions are largely based on performance and professionalism both at work and in the barracks at Naval Base Kitsap – Bremerton.

Monger led by asking “If you’re E4 and below with less than four years in, and you can’t move out in town, how will you know if you’re going to get a barracks room in Everett?”

“Chains of command are picking those

[Sailors] and they will let the individual Sailor know that they’re going to get a barracks room,” said Lloyd-Owen. “We’re getting 504 beds, not rooms, but beds that will be assigned to Nimitz homeport ashore. As the availability of those opens up, that number will increase.”

In order to prepare the crew for an up-coming fast cruise Monger and LloydOwen explained the process to newcomers to the ship.

“There’s nothing fast about it,” said Lloyd-Owen. “The brows will be there but for all intents and purposes we’ll be operating like we’re underway. We’ll be functioning solely on ship’s power, ship’s satellites and ship’s chow. We’re practicing to make sure that everything works and can function just like we were underway.

In case anything comes up we’ll have that safety net of being tied to the shore.”

“You come here in the morning and in effect get underway and we get back to port virtually,” said Monger. “On those days, we’re at sea and we’re not going home. Both chow lines will not be open during fast cruise, though. We only do that when the air wing is on board, but if we all space out when we go to chow it should minimize your wait in line.”

Monger also wanted to point out that the ship will not be letting anyone ashore to move their household goods or vehicles

to Everett while it completes fast cruise.

Transportation will be provided for Sailors who need to pick up their cars from Bremerton once we arrive in Everett.

Addressing the issue of duty sections, Lloyd-Owen explained that a certain number of qualified damage control personnel are mandated for each section to ensure the ship can operate efficiently in eight sections.

Other questions dealt with homeport change certificates and associated entitlements.

Once in Everett, Sailors who were denied a homeport change certificate will be entitled to family separation pay, so long as they meet certain criteria.

“If you’re dependants live outside the geographical area of 750 miles, you’ll be able to get family separation pay,” said Lloyd-Owen. “That automatically qualifies anyone leaving their family in Bremerton so long as you do not commute home on a daily basis.”

The Captain’s Call answered many questions submitted by Nimitz’ crew.

Monger closed the call by informing Sailors that any unanswered questions will be explained on the Plan of the Day. If any questions weren’t submitted in time to air, they should be addressed by individual chains of command.

Jan. 27, 2012

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Nimitz Sailors enjoy January birthday luncheon Story and photos by MCSA Vanessa David

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) supply department’s second division food service (S-2) hosted a special birthday meal Jan. 24 for Sailors on board who were born in the month of January.

This tradition started when the first birthday meal was served on the barge in July 2011 while Nimitz was in dry dock.

Since then, S-2 has been continuing to host the special meals every month on top of their regular routine.

“Not every ship does this,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan Delacruz. “It’s not standard, and we don’t have to do it.

The food service team came together to do this for the crew, which includes us as well.”

S-2 division plans these birthday meals approximately one month in advance to situate supplies and manpower necessary to get the job done.

“I think it’s great,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Stephanie Bouyer. “It gives the Sailors something to look forward to when their birthday month comes. I can’t wait for my birthday month.”

For this meal, S-2 decided to spruce up the first class mess with fine tablecloths

and folded napkins to serve Mongolian barbecue, soup, rice and egg rolls.

“I’m kind of happy that we’re in restaurant-like scenery and they’re cooking our food,” said Damage Controlman Fireman Corey R. Perkins. “It puts a smile on my face. I have good morale right now. I’m glad that the culinary specialists are doing something for the crew.”

The birthday lunch concluded with a ceremonial Machinist’s Mate Fireman Jamesha L. Smith and Engineman 3rd Class Daniel Webb cut cutting of the cake the cake for the January Birthday Lunch on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 24. Nimitz’ by the oldest and S-2 Division presents a special meal for the crew’s birthdays on each month. and they’re happy about it. That’s what youngest Sailors in counts; their appreciation.” attendance.

With the January birthday lunch behind “I think it was a success, and I’m happy about it,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd them, S-2 division will begin planning the Class Joan Nuez. “I’ve gotten feedback, special meal for February.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Joan Nuez serves Mongolian barbecue for the January Birthday Lunch on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 24. Nimitz’ S-2 Division presents a special meal for the crew’s birthdays on each month.

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Jan. 27, 2012

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Shawn Payne, power forward for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sponsored basketball team, TNT, attempts a lay-up during the opening game of their Captains’ cup against Naval Base Bangor’s Young Gunnas at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Fitness Center.

TNT stompsYoung Gunnas in season opener Story and photos by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

TNT basketball team comprised of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN68) and Young Gunnas basketball team comprised of Sailors from Naval Base Bangor faced off at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Concourse West

Aviation Ordananceman 2nd Class (AW) Wiky Damont, guard for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sponsored basketball team, TNT, attempts a lay-up during their opening game of the Captains’ cup against Naval Base Bangor’s Young Gunnas at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Fitness Center.

Fitness Center, Jan. 25.

For the first game of the season TNT dominated the Young Gunnas for a final score of 100 to 63.

The previous year, TNT went undefeated winning the Captain’s Cup. This year, Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/ AW) Sherwin Penaranda, TNT’s head coach, plans on a repeat performance.

“Our plan was to apply as much pressure as we can, play smart and play good defense, but most of all play as a team” said Penaranda.

A physical advantage and fast paced tempo of the TNT players was a little overwhelming for the Young Gunnas, said Master-At-Arms Seaman Courtney Evans, Young Gunnas’ team captain.

“Nimitz offense was pretty good,” said Evans. “They had a good size advantage on us that I feel helped them out a bit. We also had some issues getting rebounds and turning the ball over. ” Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears, TNT’s guard, led the team with 18 points.

“I try to set the tempo of the game early and just push it,” said Fears. “My goal was to get the rest of my team to rally around me.”

Trailing behind Fears with points was Aviation Ordananceman 2nd Class (AW) Wiky Damont, TNT’s guard with 16 points and Aviation Boatswain’s mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas, TNT’s shooting guard with13 points.

Two Dunks by Douglas stole the show, grabbing the attention and admiration of crowd, players, and coaches.

“I just wanted to bring the energy level of the team up and the crowd more into the game,” said Douglas.

Fears, Damont, and Douglas are solid players who are increment part of TNT’s offense and defense, said Peneranda.

Even with limited practice time due each team member’s schedules and ship’s movement, TNT will continue to try and get better with each game.

“We are trying to get back into the championships again,” said Penaranda.

“I hope the command can come out and support the team, and hopefully that can help us play a little bit better.”

TNT is scheduled to play at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Fitness Center Jan. 31, to Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.

Jan. 27, 2012

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Make-up PRT gives Nimitz Sailors second chance Story and photos by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in a make-up Physical Fitness Assessment at Naval Base KitsapBremerton’s Concourse West Fitness Center and track, Jan. 24.

The mock PFA was mandated to all personnel who advanced to the next pay grade but failed the last PFA cycle, and for new check-in Sailors that didn’t complete their last PFA cycle, said Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Jaime Herrera, Nimitz’ Assistant Command Fitness Leader.

“I definitely appreciate the Nimitz giving another chance for me to actually be able to retake the PFA,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Keith Gatermann. “I definitely didn’t plan on failing the first time, so to be able to actually take it again is a great benefit for me.”

For Sailors like Gatermann, who passed the previous advancement exam and are already training and getting prepared for the next pay grade, passing this mock PFA will allow them to put on the rank and assume its duties.

The PFA is comprised of the Body

Hull Technician Fireman Recruit Dennis Nemeth, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), performs sit-ups as Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Erick Sandvoss counts during a make-up Physical Readiness Test at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton’s Concourse West Fitness Center.

Composition Assessment and Physical Readiness Test.

“I took the PFA again because I failed the BCA portion the first time,” said Gatermann. “I was able to pass both the BCA and PRT this time, so I will be able to get frocked and take on the responsibilities of a First Class.”

Fitness is an important part to the Navy’s work force, said Herrera.

Standards are put in place not just for

Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Keith Gatermann and Fire Controlman 3rd Class Trevor Schmidt, both assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), participate in the 1.5 mile run during the cardio portion of a make-up Physical Readiness Test at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton’s track.

being healthy, but in case other crew members need help in situations such as fighting fires, damage control and transporting casualties.

“I want all my shipmates to be physically able to help me out,” said Herrera. “If you’re not in good physical standards, I wouldn’t be able to trust you with my life. Everybody on the ship from people with desk jobs to the Damage Controlmen, we are all trained to be able to combat fires. When we do, we don SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and you have to be able to be in good shape to combat a fire.”

The first cycle of the 2012 PFA is coming up in spring.

“If you haven’t been working out lately I recommend you start now,” said Herrera. “It’s mandated by the Navy to workout at least three times a week.”

Nimitz FITBOSS and CFL conduct a Fitness Enhancement Program for Sailors who need help improving their PRT scores.

“FEP did help me out a lot,” said Gatermann. “All the exercises did benefit me for this PRT. It was nice to get back into a routine and actually have time to go workout with a set schedule.”

For more information on FEP contact Herrera at Jaime.Herrera@cvn68.navy. mil.