February 2, 2012
Nimitz Opens Five Star Java Cafe
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Powers of attorney explained
Feb. 2, 2012
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Vol. 37, No. 04
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors and family members of Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, Aircraft Handling Officer, attend a memorial service for her Jan. 27 on board. U.S. Navy Photo By MCSN Alexander Ventura II.
Nimitz hosts memorial for Lt. Cmdr. Mills
Story by MCSN Renee L. Candelario
The Navy remembered Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, the fleet’s first female aircraft handling officer, in a ceremony Jan. 27. More than 2,000 family members, friends, and shipmates assembled aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the event. “Regina was a great leader and officer,” said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz’ Commanding Officer. “She was a leader and mentor, not only to the Sailors and officers in the Air Department, but throughout the ship. It would be difficult to find anyone aboard
Survey Available Nimitz' voluntary online command climate survey is available on the ship's intranet homepage from 1-17 Feb. Answers are confidential.
Nimitz whose life or career here wasn’t positively influenced by her. Tasked with ensuring optimum safety on board an aircraft, carrier an inherently dangerous environment, she died as a result of trying to assist a person faced with potential danger. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Regina will be sorely missed.” The Louisville, Ky., native enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986. After graduating recruit training command in Orlando, Fla., Mills was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM 41) at Naval
Air Station North Island, Calif. In January 1990 she reported to U.S. Naval Support Force Antarctica where she deployed with Operation DEEP FREEZE. Her next duty station was Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., from July 1993 to Feb. 1998. Mills then went to serve as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). She was one of the first female Aviation Boatswains Mates to work on an operational flight deck. During her
See "Memorial" Page 6
Feb. 2, 2012
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Chaplain's Corner:
Dogs, Deeds & Devotion Story by CDR 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 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.
Some dogs do not know when to stop biting the hands that feed them. I knew a guy back home who was always suspicious of other people’s motives. He was certain no one did anything for others, there would always be something expected in return for a favor. One day I asked him if he needed a ride home following a meeting we both attended, and he immediately asked, “What do you need?” I let him walk home. There is a strongly held conviction by many people that anyone who confesses to a faith ought to do good deeds. Folks always quote some form of the “Golden Rule” when the lifestyle of a believer is discussed. “Do unto others,” carries a lot of baggage in our culture. I often wonder, what you should do if someone does not want to be “done unto?” When my old battalion, 5/11 from the 1st Marine Division, was sent to Chelan, Washington in 1994 to
help fight a forest fire that was threatening several area towns we were all excited about putting out the fire. One day a squad I accompanied was sent to dig fire lines around several houses near some orchards. One of the land owners chased us off his property because he wanted the fire to burn down his buildings. I think he was hoping for a big payout from his insurance company. The men I was with hoped his place would burn, along with all proof of his insurance, they were so upset at his attitude towards their expression of good will. In his letter to the Galatians Paul writes these wise words, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those in the family of faith.” When a dog bites your hand you normally stop going near it, and avoid feeding it again. Paul wants us to continue doing good deeds, even when no one appreciates what you are doing. It is an outward expression of an inward work of God’s grace in our lives. Don’t let negative reactions stop you from doing what is right.
Chester's Champions
Sailors recognized for achievements on board Nimitz Photo by MCSN Renee L. Candelario
(From Left) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Derek Bordelon, Quartermaster 3rd Class (SW) Kandice Norris, Electrician’s Mate Fireman Dennis Spivak, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Jason Taken and Capt. Paul O. Monger, commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), celebrate Chester’s Champions on the ship’s hangar bay Jan. 30. Chester’s Champions is held to boost morale and recognize Sailors for their outstanding performance and achievements.
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Powers of Attorney: Nimitz prepares Sailors revoked by the Principal, or until the Principal's death. 3. A "Springing" Power of Attorney becomes effective at 1) What is a Power of Attorney? What is the point of it? A Power of Attorney is a legal instrument that is used to a future time. That is, it "springs up" upon the happenings of a delegate legal authority to another. The person who signs specific event chosen by the Power of Attorney. Often that event is (executes) a Power of Attorney is called the Principal. The the illness or disability of the Principal. The Principal's physician power of Attorney gives legal authority to another person (called will frequently determine whether the Principal is competent to an Agent or Attorney-in-Fact) to make property, financial and handle his or her financial affairs and remains in effect until the other legal decisions for the Principal. A Principal can give an Principal's death, or until revoked by a court. "Durable" and "Springing" Powers of Attorney are frequently Agent broad legal authority or very limited authority. The Power of Attorney is frequently used to help in the event of a Principal's used to plan for a Principal's future incapacity or disability and loss illness, disability or in legal transactions where the principal of competence resulting, for example, from Alzheimer's Disease, incapacitation due to a war injury, or a catastrophic accident. By cannot be present to sign necessary legal documents. appointing an Agent under a "Durable" The Agent is obligated to act in the or "Springing" Power of Attorney, the best interests of the Principal, and to Principal is setting up a procedure for the avoid any "self-dealing." Self-dealing is management of his or her financial affairs acting to further the selfish interests of the in the event of incompetence or disability. Agent, rather than the best interest of the A "Nondurable" Power of Attorney enables Principal. a Principal to decide in advance who will An Agent appointed in a Power of make important financial and business Attorney is a fiduciary, with strict standards decisions in the future. of honesty, loyalty and candor to the They are also helpful in avoiding Principal. An Agent must safeguard the the expense of having a court appoint a Principal's property, and keep it separate Guardian to handle the Principal's affairs from the Agent's personal property. Money in the event of incompetence or disability. should be kept in a separate bank account Whether "Nondurable," "Durable," or for the benefit of the Principal. Agents "Springing," a Power of Attorney can be must also keep accurate financial records used to grant any, or all, of the following of their activities, and provide complete legal powers to an Agent: and periodic accountings for all money and Buy or sell your real estate; property coming into their possession. Manage your property; Principals should require their Agents Conduct your banking transactions; to keep accurate records of all transactions Invest, or not invest, your money; completed for the Principal, and to give Legalman 2nd Class Michael Lightsey answers Make legal claims and conduct the Principals periodic accountings. The questions for Sailors during customer service hours at Principal can also direct the Agent to Legal aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). U.S. Navy Photo litigation; By MC3 Robert Winn. Attend to tax and retirement matters; provide an accounting to a third party, and, a family member or trusted friend, in Make gifts on your behalf. the event the Principal is unable to review the accounting The IRS will not accept a Power of Attorney that is not an IRS themselves. Form 2848. Do not use a Special Power of Attorney form for tax purposes unless the Power of Attorney is a Springing Durable 2) Types of Powers of Attorney: 1. A "Nondurable" Power of Attorney takes effect immediately. Power of Attorney created as part of an Estate Plan. It remains in effect until it is revoked by the Principal, or until the 3) Who do I select as my Power of Attorney holder? Does Principal becomes mentally incompetent or dies. A "Nondurable" Power of Attorney is often used for a specific transaction, like the it matter who? The principal should choose a trusted family member, a closing on the sale of residence, or the handling of the Principal's financial affairs while the Principal is traveling outside of the proven friend, or a professional with an outstanding reputation for honesty. Remember, signing a Power of Attorney that grants country. 2. A "Durable" Power of Attorney enables the Agent to act for broad authority to an Agent is very much like signing a blank the Principal even after the Principal is not mentally competent check. The Agent will become a fiduciary. They must be someone or physically able to make decisions. The "Durable" Power of See "Attorney" Page 7 Attorney may be used immediately, and is effective until it is Courtesy of Nimitz Legal Department
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Capt. Paul O. Monger, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Commanding Officer, and Chief Logistics Specialist Frances Estrada perform a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand re-opening of Five-Star Java on the ship’s mess decks.
Nimitz reopens 5 Star Java coffee stand Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
Five-Star Java reopened on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Capt. Paul O. Monger, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Commanding Officer, and Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Frances Estrada cut the ribbon during the ceremony on the forward mess decks while approximately 50 people watched. The stand, which has been relocated from hangar bay two, will offer the same range of coffee, muffins and teas as before. The grand reopening was celebrated with a 50 percent-off special, which ran the entire day of the event. “I think the crew will really appreciate what we have here,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Richard Mendoza, one of Five-Star’s baristas. “We’ve got a second machine to help with the lines.” Five-Star does more than just cheer you up with a morning cup of quality
java, said Estrada. “All the proceeds from the stand’s sales go right back to the ship,” she explained. “About $2,500 per month is deposited in [Morale, Welfare and Recreation department’s] fund.” “All the revenue that we get allows us to be more creative with what kinds of activities we can plan,” said Mendoza. “Count on seeing more and better MWR events in the future.” Five-Star aims to bring the feel of being in port to the underway experience. “We know not everyone gets up early enough to get breakfast,” said Estrada. “The stand is open most of the day so you can just grab a cup and go.” Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jennifer Haney says that, as part of Reactor Department, she’s really glad to see a convenient place where she can get her Iced Chai-caffeine fix. “You need something to keep you going some days and its convenient
and nice to have some place to go and grab a drink and take a few minutes to yourself,” she said. The prices are the same as before and remain very competitive to those you’d find out in town. Five-Star Java is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Feb. 2, 2012
Navy updates tuition assistance policy Story by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
Policy changes to the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program and Navy Voluntary Education were announced in NAVADMIN 029/12, released Jan. 24. The changes were needed to provide better quality control over courses taken by service members as well as to reflect the realities of fiscal pressure to reduce Department of Defense (DoD) spending. "Navy leadership is committed to providing Sailors the opportunity to pursue their education goals," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "We know the investment we make in Sailors comes back to the Navy in numerous ways. It's an investment well made in our workforce to make them better critical thinkers, performers and ultimately, better Sailors." DoD instruction 13222.25 released in March 2011 required a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with academic institutions and DoD by January 1 to be eligible to receive TA
funding. DoD recently moved the due date to April 1. As a result, the Navy's policies for authorizing Tuition Assistance (TA) have changed and Sailors will not be able to use TA for courses at intuitions without a signed MOU by April 1. To help Sailors through this transition process, Sailors who meet all requirements for TA and submit a command-approved TA request prior to April 1 for courses beginning between April 1 and May 1 will be approved for TA regardless of their institution's DoD MOU status. Sailors who meet all the above requirements but whose TA request is submitted after April 1 will be approved for TA only if their institution has a signed DoD MOU. Sailors can check the DoD MOU status of the academic institution they are attending by going to www. DODMOU.com and clicking on the "Participating Institutions" tab. Sailors enrolled in Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) courses will not be affected by the DoD MOU requirement.
"... 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
The NAVADMIN also outlines the requirement for Sailors to obtain a satisfactory grade of a "D" for undergraduate-level courses and a "C" for graduate-level courses. Sailors who fail to obtain a satisfactory grade will be required to payback TA funds. The Navy will continue to provide TA funds up through the master's degree level for both officers and enlisted personnel. However, effective with the release of the NAVADMIN, the Navy will no longer authorize TA funding for new program starts above the master's degree level. The approximately 550 officers and enlisted actively pursuing doctoral-level degrees before the release of the NAVADMIN will be able to continue until completion of their degree program. The combined cap for tuition and fees remains at $250 per semester hour for up to 16 semester hours of course work a year. For more information about the Navy College Program, visit: https://www. navycollege.navy.mil/.
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MCC increases cultural awareness on Nimitz Story by MCSA Vanessa David
USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Multicultural Committee (MCC) held their first meeting of the year Jan. 31. The purpose of the meeting was to plan its providing of information and decorations throughout Nimitz to celebrate the ongoing Black History Month, and upcoming Women’s History Month. “In the galley, they’re going to have fact sheets on each of the tables,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ericka Williams, a member of the MCC. “Of course we also have this month’s poster, so there’s going to be reading material for the event.” Nimitz will also be informing the crew electronicallythroughthePlanoftheDay. “In the Plan of the Day, they’re going to have a little blurb on a different
person,” said Williams. “It’s either going to be fun facts or a bibliography on a famous or not so famous person in African American history.” The MCC normally holds meetings to discuss future events one month in advance. The extra time allows adequate planning for each event. “Our main focus is just coming up with a plan for the upcoming events for the next few months,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonna L. Obermiller, a member of the MCC. Now, we’re just trying to get them to brainstorm ideas for the Women’s History month in March. During last year’s Women’s History month, the committee interviewed females on board and posted their biographies and photos on the mess decks.
“I thought last year’s event was pretty cool,” said Williams. “I think it’s interesting to see their education background and what they do outside of their shop.” Not only does the MCC attempt to boost the morale of the crew, it has an effect on some of its members. “I was on the last deployment, and that’s when I joined the MCC,” said Obermiller. “I saw a sign posted somewhere inviting me to join. I was new to the ship, and I didn’t know anybody, so I just showed up to the meeting. It’s a good way to get out of your shop and get to know people.” The next Multicultural Committee meeting is to be announced in the Plan of the Day.
Memorial: Sailors attend memorial for Nimitz Handler Continued from page 1
tour aboard the Lincoln, she earned a commission as a Naval Officer through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program. July 1, 2000, Mills became the Navy’s first female Aviation Deck LDO. She was assigned as the Air Bos’n on board USS Tarawa (LHD 1) in San Diego, Calif., from Aug. 2000 to Nov. 2002. Her next tour was with Expeditionary Strike Group THREE from Nov. 2002 to Dec. 2004. In Dec. 2004, Mills was transferred aboard Nimitz as the flight deck officer where she completed two deployments in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. From Dec. 2007 to Dec. 2009 she transferred to Afloat Training Group, Pacific in San Diego to provide afloat training to the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Mills reported for her second tour aboard Nimitz in December 2009 to serve as the Navy’s first female aircraft handling officer. During the ceremony, family members and close friends shared memories and impressions Mills left with them. “Personally, she taught me to put the needs of others before that of your own,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Mills, Mills’ husband. “She lived by that motto. She died by that motto.”
Lt. Cmdr. Richard Townes speaks during a memorial service for Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, Aircraft Handling Officer, on board Nimitz. U.S. Navy Photo By MC3 Nichelle N. Whitfield.
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Attorney: Nimitz legal explains power of attorney Continued from page 3 who is competent. They must be of the age of majority, not incapacitated, willing, and able to perform the duties. You, the principal, may appoint multiple Agents. If more than one Agent is appointed, they can act either jointly or separately. Additionally, one Agent could be appointed as a successor Agent if the first Agent is unwilling or unable to perform the responsibilities. Requiring Agents to act jointly can safeguard the soundness of their decisions. On the other hand, requiring agreement of all Agents can result in delay or inaction in the event of a disagreement among them, or the unavailability of one of them to sign legal documents. Allowing Agents to act separately may ensure that an Agent is always available to act. But it may also result in confusion and disagreements if the Agents do not communicate with one another, or if one of them believes that the other is not acting in the principal's best interests. Powers of Attorney are only as good as the Agents who are appointed. Appointing a trustworthy person as an Agent is critical. Without a trustworthy Agent, a Power of Attorney becomes a dangerous legal instrument, and a threat to the Principal's best interests. 3) Who needs to obtain a Power of Attorney document? Single sailors? Married? Everyone? Both. Normally married Sailors will give their spouse a general power of attorney when they are away from home for extended periods of time. 4) Where can Sailors go to obtain a Power of Attorney? You can go to the main legal office at 2-96-5-Q for your power of attorney from 0830 to 1030. 5) What is the deadline to get one? Before work-ups? There are no deadlines to get your power of attorney but we recommend you get one well before deployment so that you can provide it to the agent. 6) Can Powers of Attorney be altered once created? (Hypothetical: I’m married, I find out my spouse cheated, I now want a divorce, but they have complete control over my truck and personal belongings.) Is there a way to quickly get out of that? The Principal may revoke your Power of Attorney at any time. The Principal should inform your Agent, in writing, that they are revoking the Power of Attorney. They should request the return of all copies of the Power of Attorney. The Principal should notify their banks or other financial institutions where their Agent has used the Power of Attorney that it has been revoked. The Principal should file a copy of the revocation with
the County Clerk if the Power of Attorney has been filed in the Clerk's office. Most states do not require that a Power of Attorney be filed in any government office. Some states, like New York require that a Power of Attorney used in a real estate transaction be filed in the County Clerk's office. When a Power of Attorney is filed in the County Clerk's office it becomes a public record open to inspection by the public. A writing that revokes a filed Power of Attorney should also be filed in the County Clerk's office. Only one copy of a Power of Attorney needs to be executed; however, it is not unusual for a Principal to sign several original copies. Banks and financial institutions, for example, generally require an original or a certified copy before allowing an Agent to transact business on the Principal's behalf. And banks frequently provide customers with their own Power of Attorney forms. 7) How long does it take? It just takes a few minutes. Bring all the pertinent information with you. You need your Military ID, your current address, the name and address of the agent, and whatever info is relevant to the type of power of attorney you are getting. 8) Will the Nimitz legal department guide Sailors through the process? Our LNs will guide you through the entire process. 9) Will there be a signup station like before the last deployment? If so when and where? Once we get closer to deployment, Legal Department will put out information about specific power of attorney sessions for large groups of people. 10) What else should Sailors know about the process? A Power of Attorney can be abused, and dishonest Agents have used Powers of Attorney to transfer the Principal's assets to themselves and others. That is why it is so important for the Principal to appoint an Agent who is completely trustworthy, and to require the Agent to provide complete and periodic accountings. There is no official or government monitoring of Agents acting pursuant to Power of Attorney. That is the responsibility of the Principal. It is therefore important to insist that the Agent keep accurate records of all transactions completed for the Principal, and to provide periodic accountings. Should a Principal, member of the Principal's family or a friend have grounds to believe that an Agent is misusing a Power of Attorney, the suspected abuse should be reported to the police or other law enforcement authority to protect the Principal from the loss of his or her property. 12) Where can they go to find more information? Please come to legal if you have any questions.
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Navy revamps perform to serve program Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
The Navy implemented a new set of guidelines for the Perform to Serve (PTS) program Feb.1. A memorandum sent out by the office of the Chief of Naval Operations highlights the changes Sailors will adhere to, altering the previous rules set in place four months ago. The PTS system works as an algorithm analyzing Sailors’ performance based on evaluations, Physical Readiness Test results and Non-Judicial Punishment infractions during the past five years of service. As part of the PTS program each Sailor gets six “looks” or considerations for approval. A Sailor needs six disapprovals before they are refused the choice to reenlist, but only need one approval to allow them to stay in the Navy. “The big changes are to both PTS and high year tenure,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class Yohannes Tesfamichael, Supply Department Career Counselor. “High year tenure changes will only affect E-2 and E-3 personnel, whereas PTS changes will apply to anyone up for PTS consideration.”
Previously, E-3 personnel’s high year tenure was six years, with the ability to have that pushed to eight years under special waivers. According to the new policy high year tenure for E-2 will be four years and five years for E-3. “Before, if you were reduced in rank, you were allowed to finish out your contract,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Tiffany Jaros, Weapons Department Career Counselor. “Under the new policy, if you’re reduced in rank from, say, E-4 to E-3 and that puts you over your high year tenure limit, you’ll have 180 days to separate from the Navy.” Regardless of Sailors’ PTS approval or passing but not advancing on the Navy Wide Advancement Exam (NWAE), if a Sailor reaches their high year tenure they will be administratively separated. In addition Sailors that advance to the next pay grade during their PTS window will no longer receive automatic approval. The last exam cycle (Sept. 2011) will be the final group to receive automatic approval. “If you advance during your PTS window for your End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) review, you used to be automatically approved,” said
Tesfamichael. “Now, regardless of if you make rank, you still have to submit to compete with your peer group. If you’re not competitive with your peer group you won’t be able to reenlist. The Navy is really pushing Sailors to go above and beyond.” While advancing to the next pay grade doesn’t give Sailors an automatic approval, it will give a slight advantage in the PTS system. “If you have exhausted your PTS looks, but advance to the next pay grade during your review window, you will be allotted one additional look for approval, under the new policy,” said Jaros. The final change in policy states that “Sailors who have received final PTS denial as of Feb. 28 with an EAOS prior to July 21” will not be eligible to take the March NWAE and “Sailors who have received a final PTS denial as of Aug. 31 with an EAOS prior to Jan. 31” will not be eligible to take the September NWAE. For more information on PTS or high year tenure, talk to your departmental career counselor or the Command Career Counselors located at 2-113-4-Q.
Bus Transportation Plan Everett to Bremerton
Saturday, 11 February @ 2p.m. Saturday, 18 February @2p.m.
Everett
Each department needs to provide a list of names to CMC. If your name isn't on the list, you don't ride the bus!
Bremerton
Everett to Bremerton
Friday, 24 February @ 2p.m. Saturday, 25 February @ 10a.m. *Dates and times subject to change.