Nimitz News - Feb. 9, 2012

Feb. 9, 2012

TNT rolls over Bangor team

February 9, 2012

Memorial Service

A memorial service for Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gregory Anderson, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailor, will take place tomorrow in Hangar Bay 2 at 2:00 p.m.

All Nimitz crew are invited to attend.

Those not involved with the ceremony, wear Navy NWU uniform.

ESO Note Worksheet signing for the March Navy-wide advancement exam will be held in the ESO office (4-208-0-Q ) from 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. according to the following schedule : * E6 Candidates: 6-10 Feb. * E5 Candidates: 13-17 Feb. * E4 Candidates: 20-24 Feb. All candidates must verify their electronic service record and bring copies of any awards or evals not included in their record.

To view your record, open Internet Explorer and type 'nsipswebafloat' and log in with your user name and password.

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Nimitz

Nimitz Sailors brighten veterans' days

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Vol. 37, No. 04

Symposium offers exchange of ideas, advice Story and photos by MCSA Vanessa David

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a Women’s Charter Group symposium aboard the aircraft carrier Feb. 1.

The charter group, created in 2011, empowers women in the Navy to tackle hard issues faced on the job. Out of approximately 46,000 enlisted female Sailors Navy-wide, 43 percent are serving on sea duty.

More than 80 female Sailors gathered in the ship’s forecastle for the event. The panel of speakers featured nine women from various job ratings and rank hierarchy. It consisted of female Sailors from a wide array of paygrades and backgrounds that offered perspective to the younger Sailors in attendance.

The discussion focused on how to deal with various obstacles in their careers such as family and job issues.

What began as regular, formal meetings, developed into an official symposium to enable junior Sailors to seek mentorship from the ship’s female leadership, explained Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Yolanda

Cmdr. Lisa Ketterman, Nimitz’ Safety Officer, addresses the audience of female Sailors during a women’s symposium on board. The discussion focused on how to deal with various obstacles in their careers such as family and job issues.

Adams, chairperson of the Women’s Charter Group.

“It’s refreshing to see so many female leaders,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Heather McLeod, one of the females in attendance. “It was

informative too. It was good to hear the comments from the single mothers; how they’re handling life as a Sailor and a mother. It was good to hear tips

See "Symposium" page 6

Feb. 9, 2012

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Chaplain's Corner:

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! Story by Chaplain Eric J. Melvin

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.

As we celebrate black history month, I am reminded of Florence JoynerGriffith (1959-1998), a great American Olympian, and quite possibly the fastest woman that ever lived.

She still holds the world record for both the 100 meter and 200 meter runs. “Flo-Jo”, as she came to be called, represented the USA in 1984 and 1988, winning Olympic gold in the latter with a time of 21:34 seconds in the 200 meter. Her 100 meter record of 10:49 seconds was set at the world championships in 1987. At that pace, if she could have sustained it, she would have run a 1.5 mile PRT in roughly four and a half minutes!

The Apostle Paul was keenly interested in sports, as his New Testament letters reveal. In his day, the Greeks and the Romans were passionately interested in athletic contests, not only for entertainment and well being, but also for the honor of their countries. It was patriotic to be a good athlete and to bring glory to your country.

The 11th chapter of Hebrews provides many examples of men and women who ran the race of life and never gave up, in spite of their circumstances and

obstacles. In short they overcame and are presented in scripture to encourage us. With reference to this, the author declares: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1-2).

Navy life is much the same as a foot race. We prepare incessantly in our quest for perfection, just as Flo-Jo did. We do this because we represent our nation and all those who have gone before us. Therefore, as we move forward, let us lay aside every hindrance and focus on the mission at hand.

Imagine yourself with Flo-Jo in an Olympic stadium filled with runners preparing to run their heats. Envision the runners laying aside their training weights, each proudly displaying their countries colors. The stands are filled with fans cheering them on. Now, think of yourself as one of those runners. You have trained; you are ready to represent your nation. You step into the blocks-On your mark, get set, Go!

Nimitz holds mass casualty drill for Crew Cert. III Photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) assess a casualty during a mass casualty drill on the flight deck. The drill is part of Crew Certification III, a program designed to test the readiness of Nimitz to go to sea. Nimitz is wrapping up its year-long Docking Planned Incremental Availability period.

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Feb. 9, 2012

Nimitz' JEA boosts morale at veterans' home Story and photos by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

Twenty-one Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) members from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visited veterans and their spouses during a community relations (COMREL) project at Washington’s Veterans Home in Retsil, Wash., Feb. 1.

Nimitz’ JEA organized the COMREL project to encourage a positive relationship with the residents at the home, said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW/ SW) Adam Baez, JEA volunteer coordinator.

“We wanted the veterans and their spouses to know that even though they aren’t in the service anymore, their past service is greatly appreciated,” he said.

“We are always willing to help and show them our support.”

Sailors spent their day interacting with residents; playing dominoes, bingo, checkers and poker; and decorating the home’s mess halls.

Junior Enlisted Association members assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and residents at the Washington’s Veterans Home play cards. Nimitz’ JEA visited veterans and their spouses during a community relations project to encourage a positive relationship.

“It was great to see the Nimitz come out,” said former Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Charles Large, a home resident. “Some people don’t get anyone to visit so to have these guys here felt good. I would love to have the Nimitz come back here again.”

The residents felt a real connection with the current active duty Sailors, said Tami Rueter, recreation therapy manager.

“The connection residents feel with the Sailors really helps them build value of themselves,” said Rueter. “What they’ve done through their military service a long time ago still continues today. I feel the Nimitz did well making that connection with our veterans. It Junior Enlisted Association members assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and residents at the Washington’s Veterans Home play Bingo. might not seem

apparent, but just sitting there with them is such a huge gift.”

The time Sailors spent with the residents was greatly appreciated and had a huge impact on the them, said Rueter.

“They looked ten years younger from seeing that active duty personnel care,” said Rueter. “There were so many more people out of their rooms just to see and observe what was going on with the Sailors. It was a huge morale boost for the residents here.”

For some Sailors, the visit with the veterans was an opportunity to reflect and learn some of the history of the Navy.

“I had a very positive experience and I learned a lot from these veterans,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class (AW) Rachel Brunmeir. “I found it very interesting to interact with these people because they are a part of our history and we can learn a lot from them. It was great to learn a little about the Navy’s past and its traditions that still carry on today.”

Active duty personnel are welcomed to volunteer at the home, said Rueter.

Feb. 9, 2012

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Sailors More Responsible; Less ARIs and DUIs in 2011 Story by MC3 Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

With Navy-wide decreases in alcoholrelated incidents (ARIs) and driving under the influence (DUI) reports in 2011 over past years, Sailors are reminded to stay responsible in 2012, officials said Feb. 6.

"Responsible alcohol use is knowing how much alcohol your body can handle," said Dorice Favorite, Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) director. "Some people aren't aware of how much alcohol is in a particular drink and those who aren't educated on how much alcohol they can consume and still function, might drink too much and make irresponsible decisions."

Per OPNAVINST 5350.4D, alcohol and drug abuse undermines combat readiness and is incompatible with the maintenance of high standards of performance and military discipline. It is a severe detriment to the Navy's overall mission readiness.

"Alcohol abuse impacts the Navy's mission because every time we lose a Sailor, that means someone else has to pick up their responsibilities," said Favorite.

"Our current campaign, 'Who Will Stand Your Watch,' talks about responsible use of alcohol and how someone's poor decisions have an effect on everyone else.

Everybody is accountable and Sailors need to understand that when we lose them, it has an impact on everyone."

OPNAVINST 5350.4D defines responsible use as the application of self-imposed limitations of time, place, and quantity when consuming alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol shall not be consumed to the extent that it: * Impairs rational and full exercise of a member's mental and physical faculties while in a duty status or in the performance of military duties; * Reduces member's dependability and reliability; * Reflects discredit upon the member personally or upon Navy; * Results in behavior that is in violation of this instruction and/or the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Vehicles move past a damaged vehicle displaying an anti-drinking and driving message at the main entrance to Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The display, placed by members of the base's "None for the Road" campaign, is part of an effort to eliminate drunk driving. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Reckard.

"Sailors who make poor choices and receive a DUI are subject to non-judicial punishment," said Favorite. "They also may be processed for administrative separation and receive counseling, and if the DUI happened in town, they will have court costs. So, there are great ramifications to a poor decision."

Violation of policies set forth in OPNAVINST 5350.4D subjects military members to the full range of administrative and disciplinary actions available. These include informal counseling, comments in fitness reports and evaluations, punitive measures, and administrative separation as required by the UCMJ. "If a Sailor needs assistance for alcohol or drugs, we recommend that they refer themselves to their command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), the chaplain or the Fleet and Family Support Center," said Favorite.

According to Favorite, to qualify as a valid self-referral, disclosure of alcohol abuse must be made to a qualified referral agent with the intent of acquiring treatment, and there can be no credible evidence that the member was involved in an ARI. If a member's chain of command initiates a referral, it may be based on any credible factor, including hearsay, personal observation, or noticeable change in job performance. Disclosure of alcohol abuse made to any person who is not a qualified self-referral agent may not shield the member from disciplinary action.

NADAP's mission is to support Fleet readiness by fighting alcohol abuse and drug use. For more information and resources visit the NADAP web page located under the Support and Services tab at www.npc.navy.mil.

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Feb. 9, 2012

Crash and Salvage trains for Crew Cert. III Story and photo by MCSA Vanessa David

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Crash and Salvage Crew, of air department, conducted a phase two drill on the flight deck, Wednesday.

For phase two, the crew uses a bus, a large dolly, and a forklift which can lift up to ten tons, to clear damaged aircraft from the flight deck. This allows for the aircraft to be salvaged elsewhere while clearing space for other aircraft to land.

The training aircraft now present on Nimitz’ flight deck was retrieved from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Crash and Salvage has been running drills at least once a week to ensure that junior personnel are properly trained before underway periods begin.

“We used to be really efficient, but we have a lot of new people that haven’t been underway,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Manuel Cisneros, a senior crash crewman. “We haven’t been underway in around 13 months, and I’ve gotten rusty. It helps to refresh. It’s fun. I like training, and I feel safe because I know that everybody else is out there training with me; I know that they know what they’re supposed to be doing.”

“We have tools for all types of emergencies,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Michael Duffy, a senior crash crewman. “We use a the finger boom to prevent further damage to the aircraft. It has padding on it to lift the damaged side of the aircraft by the wing, allowing the dolly to come underneath and tow it off the catwalk.”

Although Washington’s usual downpours shower the flight deck on a regular basis, not much will stop the Crash and salvage Crew’s operations.

“Unless the flight deck is secured, we’re out there training,” said Cisneros. “The weather is not going to stop us. The only

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class William Petersen from the USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Crash and Salvage Crew instructed a phase two drill on the flight deck.

time it did was when a typhoon hit us on deployment. We had to secure the deck, but that only lasted 10 minutes.”

Throughout the drill, the crew communicated with one another with hand signals and repeat backs as loudly and often as possible to ensure they are heard effectively.

“For this job, you have to be motivated,” said Duffy. “We do repeat all the calls because you could be the scene leader at any time. Everybody has to know everybody’s job.”

For Crash and Salvage, camaraderie runs deep and is essential for training and the completion of the mission at hand.

“We’re a family,” said Duffy. “We are very professional. We have to have each other’s backs. I’m going to expect them to do their job, as they expect me to do mine. It’s that bond that keeps us so close.”

Crash and Salvage will be conducting a graded drill of phase one, which is basic firefighting and pilot rescue, at 9:00 a.m. today.

"... 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

Feb. 9, 2012

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Symposium : Senior female Sailors share knowledge Continued from page 1 and things to think about, such as who’s going to care for your child when we get underway.”

The open discussions ranged from child care to advancement, and covered most of the concerns of the Sailors eagerly listening in their seats.

“It goes beyond just talking about the clichés you always associate with women,” said Lt. Cmdr. Toni Bowden, Nimitz’ Dental Officer. “It also helps the younger Sailors understand that there is a method for them to succeed.”

Cmdr. Lisa Ketterman, who has been in the Navy since 1987, shared some of her knowledge and experiences during the discussions.

“Out-perform everyone,” she advised. “Performance is the key, and not just in your job. Remain physically fit, work on

your appearance, do community service, get your education, get every qualification you can and don’t get discouraged.”

All walked away from the event with a renewed sense of appreciation for the discussions and differences brought to the table.

“Becoming a better leader and role model for the people I work with is what I took away from the event,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Leticia Reyes. “I want to be one of the few that makes it up to Chief as a role model for the younger Sailors. I want them to look up to me in the way that I look up to them. That could be me. I could take their spot one day.”

The next symposium is slated to take place next month. For more information about the symposium, contact Adams at yolanda.adams@cvn68.navy.mil.

Navy Launches Updated Eval and Fitness Report Software From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

Navy is set to deploy a new version of the performance evaluation software used throughout the fleet, officials said Feb. 6.

"NMCI (Navy Marine Corps Internet) will begin deploying NAVFIT98A Version 30 throughout the Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) during scheduled maintenance periods starting February and concluding mid-March," said Jim Price, director, Performance Evaluation Division, Navy Personnel Command.

Version 30 supports the lieutenant force distribution policy change announced in NAVADMIN 219/11, incorporates the chief evaluation (CHIEFEVAL), previously available only through PDF and provides additional lines to the comments block for FITREPS, CHIEFEVALS, and EVALS. In addition, this version is a complete technology refreshment to increase compatibility across various workstation configurations.

The NAVFIT98A Version 30 update will be pushed to all NMCI NIPR workstations throughout the Navy as a core application; however the new software will not be automatically loaded on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET).

"It will not be listed as a core application for SIPR computers, but will be available by request," said Price. Beginning Feb. 28

the old version of NAVFIT98A will be removed from all SIPR workstations.

Commands that require NAVFIT98 Version 30 on their SIPR workstations can submit a Move/Add/Change (MAC) request through their command information systems technician.

Non-NMCI users may download NAVFIT98A Version 30 along with frequently asked questions and a reference guide on using the application at http:// w w w.publ ic . nav y. m i l/ buper s-npc/

career/performanceevaluation/pages/ softwareforms.aspx.

NAVFIT98A is used by Navy to create, store, organize, validate and print officer fitness reports and enlisted evaluation reports for signature as well as the summary sheet required for each reporting group to be mailed to the NPC. The reports are saved to Sailors official military personnel file and may be reviewed by selection and promotion boards.

Sailors challenged to reach new level of fitness Photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sign up for the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) challenge sponsored by Nimitz’ Health Services Department (HSD) and Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

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Feb. 9, 2012

Aviation Ordananceman 2nd Class (AW) Wiky Damont from USS Nimitz (CVN68) men’s basketball team “TNT” drives the ball against Naval Base Bangor’s “Branch Medical Clinic” at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center.

Nimitz'TNT edges Bangor basketball in close game

Story and photos by MCSN Christopher Bartlett

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) basketball team TNT faced off against Naval Base KitsapBangor’s Branch Medical Clinic basketball team at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center Tuesday.

Both teams entered the game undefeated.

The tension-filled game ended with TNT coming from behind to win 58-51.

In the close game, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas scored a team high of 20 points.

“We just wanted it more,” said Douglas.

“We weren’t getting anything easy; we had to fight to get ours the best we could through all the fouls and everything.”

Branch Medical Clinic led the 1st quarter 22-17 allowing no turnovers and sharp shooting lead by Hospital Corpsmen 3rd Class Michael Simpkins.

The 2nd quarter was a stalemate with both teams showing no signs of giving in to a loss on their season records. TNT lead going into the half by one point.

“Full court press; pretty much man up from the top up, that’s what we call it,” said TNT head coach, Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/ AW) Sherwin Penaranda as he motivated his team going into the 2nd half.

“When you put pressure on people they cannot set up,” said Penaranda. “They go into

panic mode and that’s when they mess up, do errors and that’s what need on our side. We pick up the errors and we convert into basic twos and threes.”

The 3rd quarter showed TNT gaining momentum as they capitalized on forced turn-over’s but still only managed to tie the game 43-43 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

“We got into a rhythm when we started to hit the twos and threes and that’s when we caught up” said Penaranda.

With 4:35 left on the clock in the 4th quarter, TNT’s Douglas stole the ball and drove the basketball down court with three defenders on him and in mid air, dunked the ball to give the his team the lead 48-45.

“I try to get a slam dunk every game to get the team up,” said Douglas.

TNT fed off the great play and never looked back as they strengthened their lead to win 58-51.

“Right now we are on a pretty good streak; hopefully we can keep the same pace going into the playoffs,” said Ships Serviceman Seaman Jordeni Rosadosoto, TNT’s point guard.

The undefeated TNT is scheduled to play at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Fitness Center today at 6 p.m. against team, Above the Water.

A player for USS Nimitz (CVN-68) men’s basketball team “TNT”, shoots a jumper against Naval Base Bangor’s “Branch Medical Clinic”, at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center.

Feb. 9, 2012

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Registration and voting still available to Nimitz Sailors Story by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are encouraged to register to vote for the upcoming primary and general elections.

In 2004 the general election for Washington Governor came down 133 votes, a less than 0.1 percent margin of victory. Since 2000, five elections were won by under 550 votes. In the lead up to a presidential election, every vote, including absentee ballots cast by service members, counts.

Each state is hosting their State Primary Election between March 13 and Sept.

11. a complete listing Primary election dates by state can be found at www.fvap. gov and Sailors are recommended to register to vote before their state primaries in order to receive an absentee ballot.

Absentee ballots are cast by anyone who is unwilling or unable to attend the official voting station.

“Sailors need to register to vote now, before the primaries, so that they can make sure the candidate they want to vote for is on the ballot in November,” said Lt. Tsu Chen, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) voting assistance officer.

“Primary elections are the time Illustration courtesy of www.FVAP.gov. you vote for who you want your party to nominate for election. These count just as much as the General elections. This year we’re voting for President, Vice President, 33 Senate seats, 435 Representatives, governors for 11 states and all the big issue items.”

According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, it’s a myth that absentee ballots are only counted in a close race, but recommends having yours mailed in at least 30 days prior to Election Day to ensure it’s counted in time. Sailors can register to vote through FVAP.gov or with a

Federal Post Card Application and request a Write-In Absentee Ballot.

Chen explained that it’s important to vote every chance you get, especially as a service member.

“You’re picking who you want as your future boss,” he said.

“It’s important to pay attention to make sure the policies you want followed are the same as the individual you’re electing.”

According to FVAP, family members and dependants of service members can vote absentee as well.

It is important to remember where your *29 legal residence is, said Chen. “People living in town might not be considered Washington residents,” he said.

“They might still be legal residents of where they lived before they joined.”

Sailors should be confident in mailing their ballots through the ship’s mail said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Lisa Quinn.

“We heavily monitor our voting mail,” she continued. “When the general election rolls around, every piece of mail that’s for voting gets labeled and entered into our system. We track voting materials all the way to their destination to make sure it counted. The labels on it ensure that it gets first priority when going through sorting offices. Even if one letter Ƈ Ƈ out of 3,000 is for voting, it will get its own bin and treated appropriately.”

Sailors should know that the date their ballots arrive doesn’t matter as long as they are post-marked prior to the day of the election, it will be counted, said Quinn.

For more information on the election process and registering to vote, log onto www.FVAP.gov or contact Chen at 1-235-2-Q or at J-5213.

IT’S A FREEDOM THAT YOU DEFEND,

VOTE!

Your Local Voting Assistance Officer Is: Name Location Phone Fax Email

Design by: Stephen Gentry, Larimer County, Colorado Elections Slogan by: SGM Bob Pitman, U.S. Army (Retired)

Federal Voting Assistance Program, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155 www.fvap.gov vote@fvap.gov 1 (800) 438-VOTE 'R' VPDOO