February 16, 2012
Nimitz Sailors brighten smiles
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Nimitz shines with ATG aboard
Feb. 16, 2012
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Vol. 37, No. 05
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 : List of those who still need to sign is saved at S:/ADMIN/PUBLIC/ ESO/E6EXAM UNSIGNED WKSHT.XLSX * E5 Candidates: Tomorrow * 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.
FRG Note The next Family Readiness Group general meeting is scheduled for Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Vista Ballroom located in the Commons, Naval Station Everett.
Nimitz remembers AO3 Anderson Story and photo by MC3 Robert Winn
Sailors gather for a memorial service for Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gregory Anderson Jr. aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nearly 1,000 friends and shipmates gathered to remember and honor Anderson.
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memorial service for Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gregory Wayne Anderson Jr. was held aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 10 in the ship’s hangar bay. Nearly 1,000 friends and shipmates gathered to remember and honor Anderson. “I always heard growing up that at least once in your life you will meet an angel on earth,” said
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Joseph Gonzalez. “AO3 Anderson was that angel. He touched everyone’s heart after meeting them and left them a better person.” “He was a true and loyal friend,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Olivia Scott. “He considered us all family and treated us as such.” Anderson died Feb. 5 as a result of a shooting in Seattle.
The shooting is currently under investigation by Seattle authorities. “We are all shocked and saddened by the death of Petty Officer Anderson,” said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz Commanding Officer. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and
See "Memorial" page 10
Feb. 16, 2012
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Chaplain's Corner: Unusual or abnormal? 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
I had this friend in High School who was a little different from the rest of my class. He was a big kid, and acted like he was as dumb as a rock. He always sat in the back of the class, resembling a troll who had been switched at birth and raised by humans. He came in handy on the front line of our football team because he was so huge. No one took him very seriously in the classroom, which is too bad since it turns out he is brilliant. He just didn’t know how to express himself back in the 70’s. Now I read his posts on Facebook and I am amazed at the things he thinks about or the short, concise stories from his farm he can tell. I look forward to his postings and often come away with a fresh outlook on life, the universe, and everything because of him. He was unusual at the time we were in school, but he was not abnormal. It is important to keep that distinction in mind whenever we deal with God’s special people – and all of us are special to God. There is a story about Jesus and an abnormal man found in the Fifth chapter of Mark, which is found in the New Testament portion of most Bibles. Jesus was travelling in an area named after the inhabitants, the Gerasenes. There was a man there who was so violent
the locals chained him out in the graveyard. The man wore no clothing and howled like a wild animal. I myself would have probably given that man and his home amongst the tombstones wide berth if I was passing by but Jesus didn’t do that. As Jesus walked by the man ran up to him and shouted at him. I’ve had crazy street people do that to me in the past and I usually flinch. According to Mark Jesus simply asked the man his name. Then he stayed and took care of the man and healed him. When some locals came around later in the day to check on him they found the man dressed and having sane conversation with Jesus. They didn’t expect this and were afraid. Isn’t that like most people? Someone makes some progress or experiences change but those who know that person best try and hold him or her back. There are so many people out in the world around us who are simply unusual. They are not abnormal, but they still need someone to ask some simple questions like, “What is your name?” February 12th is Autism Sunday. There are a lot of people with Autism spectrum issues who could use a prayer and somebody to sit with them and ask a few simple questions and wait for the unusual answers they will give, and still love them for who they are. They are not abnormal. They are people. If Jesus can meet with the abnormal people he encountered in Palestine we should aim to care for the unusual we encounter in our midst.
Chester's Champions
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.
Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert WInn
The awardees for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Chester’s Champions all hands call are recognized in the ship’s hangar bay Feb. 13. Chester’s Champions is held to acknowledge Sailors for their outstanding performance and dedication through the ship’s Docking Planned Incremental Availability.
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Feb. 16, 2012
Nimitz earns safety, engineering awards Story by MCSN Alexander Ventura II
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) garnered two departmental efficiency awards for its Safety and Engineering departments, as part of Commander, Naval Air Forces 2011 Battle Efficiency assessment. In a message released Feb. 10, Nimitz Safety received a Green “S” and Engineering received a Purple “E” for carrier maintenance for their performance the previous year in Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). The Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E”, award recognizes a ship's capabilities to perform in an operational environment. "For Nimitz to be recognized in two of the two measured categories while in its DPIA highlights the professionalism, amount of pride and teamwork the crew displayed through the year-long maintenance availability," said Nimitz Executive Officer Capt. Michael Donnelly. “Receiving these awards speaks volumes about the performance of the crew,” said Nimitz Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. “Safety and Maintenance are an all hands effort, and these are awards our crew achieved as a team.” While in DPIA, Nimitz’ crew had the rigorous task of learning new job skills outside of their individual job ratings essential to completing dry dock on schedule. “In my mind, dry dock is harder than cruise,” he added. “No one joined the Navy to do lagging and chip paint because of being in dry dock. We are an operationally minded unit, so to come together from different departments and put in these tiger, DPIA, valve, lagging and deck & tile teams, and excel is awesome. This is an old ship and things break, but everything the ship’s crew has taken on, either is finished early or is done on time.” Nimitz’ Safety department, comprised of 11 personnel, applied more than 30 safety manuals such as gas-free, hazardous material, hearing protection, fall protection, radiation protection and more to ensure the safety of the crew and equipment. “Our goal is to keep our crew safe by using Operational Risk Management to reduce injuries and mishaps so we can fulfill our mission as a battle ready carrier,” said Cmdr. Lisa Ketterman, safety officer. “We strive to be inspection ready every single day.” Safety department oversaw all evolutions during Nimitz year-long DPIA. They also trained the crew in many different safety procedures within an industrial environment. “Dry dock was a huge evolution,” said Ketterman. “We had a lot of painting, sanding, and grinding going on. Those types of jobs brought up a lot of issues of lead and asbestos exposure, so we trained and fit tested more than 2,300 Sailors in our respiratory protection program.” Ketterman attributes the success of the ship’s safety to the crew. “Safety is an all hands effort and there was no way we could’ve done this by ourselves,” said Ketterman. “I would like to credit
Damage Controlman Fireman Kendall Beard performs maintenance on a radiacmeter in a repair locker aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn.
our eight safety petty officers, the industrial hygienist, and all the departmental/divisional petty officers. I feel that the crew has done a good job caring for themselves, their fellow crew members and the material readiness of the ship.” Nimitz’ Material and Maintenance Management (3M) office, comprised of five personnel, had the duty to oversee the maintenance of 148 work centers. In the previous year the 3M department implemented strict adherence to the Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) for maintenance. “Very few carriers receive a Purple E while in overhaul,” said Master Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) David Conduff, 3M coordinator. “So for us it was a pleasant surprise that we received the award. Going into a yard period, we didn’t think maintenance was going to be necessarily documented or accomplished correctly, especially with the size of the work package going into the yard period and the completion of work package we were set up for. The Purple E takes that all into an account. Not just the corrected maintenance and the preventive maintenance, but how we did it, documented it, closed jobs properly, and how we corresponded to the ship yard personnel.” Conduff attributes the success of the 3M program to the crew’s proactive role in preventative and corrective maintenance. “What makes us stand out from the rest of the fleet is we are actively engaged in the 3M program,” said Lt. Cmdr. Arthur Fuller, 3M officer. “It starts with the commanding officer all the way down to the Sailors on the deck plates. It takes everyone to get involved to make this 3M program work. If you get any break in that chain, it’s going to fall apart.” The ship’s crew did a great job at completing their maintenance in a timely manner to ensure the 3M program’s success, said Fuller. “We can’t do it ourselves,” said Conduff. “We were just the catalyst to make sure the procedures got done. This is an award that was actually achieved based on everyone else’s performance. The credit goes out to the entire ship.”
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Nimitz excels during ATG training assessment Story and photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II
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Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepare to overhaul an aircraft by checking for heat during a general quarters drill in hangar bay two.
n inspection team from Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific arrived on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to observe and assess the ship during a general quarters drill Feb. 9 as part of Crew Certification III. ATG closely examined the ship’s qualification and performance in the areas of damage control, navigation, and seamanship, explained Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Jeromy Hartley, damage control training team (DCCT) coordinator. “The main focus on Thursday was to make sure DCCT members are doing their job training the crew in damage control,” said Hartley. “ATG wants to make sure the crew is making progress and capable of potentially putting out a fire onboard the ship.” Since the previous assessment in late 2011, Nimitz is making progress in ship readiness, said Hartley. “This is a vast improvement since Crew Cert II,” said Hartley. “ATG is confident that the Nimitz can go out to sea and fight a fire. With any inspection there are some minor bumps in the road that have to be fixed, but overall they were happy with our performance.” Part of the inspection included a simulated aircraft fire in Hangar Bay two. Nimitz’ Air Department Training Team (ADDT) directed their Sailors on how to properly combat the casualty. “They did very well combating the fire,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Anthony Fripp, ADDT member. “They were highly skilled and seemed to improve and not make the same mistakes from the previous GQ.” “They really showed that they are ready to handle aircrafts on this ship and do their jobs,” said Hartley. The biggest strength Nimitz crew displayed Thursday was its willingness to participate, he added. “Based on crew motivation, the enthusiasm of the watch standers and the hose teams, I give the Nimitz a score of 11 out of 10,” said Hartley. Hartley stressed the need for Sailors to continue working on qualifications. “We are never finished as Sailors,” he said. “Even as a Chief I’m still striving to get better. We have to constantly evolve and increase our damage control knowledge in case we have to save the ship. We just need a little fine tuning and we’ll soon be a well oiled machine.” Within the upcoming months, there will be six scheduled assessments from ATG working toward ship readiness for deployment, said Hartley. “Team Nimitz keep up the good work,” said Hartley. “Damage Control is an all hands effort. It’s not just for those damage controlmen, repair division, or engineers. Go out there and get qualified. Go have fun, be motivated, and go get ready to show ATG what we can do.”
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Feb. 16, 2012
Nimitz Sailors train to uphold security while on watch Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn
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ifteen Officer of the Deck and Junior Officer of the Deck watch standers simulated the motions of handling their sidearms in a weapons magazine aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 13, with a dry-fire exercise. The dry fire courses prepare Sailors to safely handle weapons for the life fire training. Both courses are required for all Sailors trying to qualify or re-qualify for the Officer of the Deck and Junior Officer of the Deck watch stations. “I’m here for my annual re-qual,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Anthony Hooper. “I needed to brush up on my weapons handling. I don’t ever pull my weapon on watch so I needed to practice unholstering and firing smoothly, just in case I ever need too.” Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Travis Pritchard and Gunner’s Mate Seaman Aaron Connors led the training designed to familiarize Sailors with proper technique in holstering and unholstering as well as aiming and safely firing their weapons. “Some people come to the ship having never used a firearm,” said Pritchard. “We want to get them to the state where they’re comfortable and capable should a situation arise.” According to Pritchard, the dry fire is only the first of many steps Sailors must complete before they’re allowed to carry a sidearm. “After they finish today’s training, they’ll go on to do a live fire tomorrow,” said Pritchard. “They’ll also need to complete a [Personal Qualification Standards book] and practice proper clearing barrel techniques so they can receive and turn in their weapons safely.” Chief Warrant Officer John Penick, Nimitz’ Gunner said that because of all the safety precautions and training given before weapons are issued, there has never been an accidental discharge. Most of the people in today’s training are re-qualifying said Pritchard. “The re-qual process is how our watch standers get additional experience with their weapons,” he said. “This is our opportunity to give them one-on-one training on anything from clearing barrel procedures to how to increase their score at the range.” Ensign Vincent Gardner said that he appreciates the opportunity to work with the armory. “It’s a big thing for those of us who don’t deal with pistols day in and day out, to get familiar with things like upgraded holsters that may pose a problem for someone who hasn’t used it,” Gardner said. Dry fire training is offered on a regular basis in the ship’s weapons magazines. For more information or times, reference the ship’s daily Green Sheet or contact the Armory at J-6926 or at location 3-102-1-Q. Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Justin Alfonso takes aim during a dry-fire training in a weapons magazine aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 13.
A pistol is staged for use during dry-fire training in a weapons magazine aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 13.
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Blue-to-Blue
tips to prepare for life at sea Story by MC3 Nichelle Whitfield
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is reaching the end of its Docking Planned Incremental Availability period and after over a year either in drydock or moored to the pier, Sailors are finally preparing to get back to sea. Preparing to get underway for the first time, not knowing what is or isn’t necessary, can be a substantial task. These basics are key to staying content, happy, and out of trouble while out to sea. A big part of preparing is packing correctly. Essential items Sailors should bring include soaps, hair products, perms, relaxers, and (especially for females) personal hygiene products in their ‘must haves.’ “Make sure you have the shampoos, deodorants, and feminine products you prefer,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Tiffany Dodd. “The ship store may not have what you want, or may run out.”
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conducts pier-shifting operations with the assistance of tug boats. Nimitz moving from dry dock to the pier marks a major milestone in the yearlong docking planned incremental availability for upgrades to its combat, self-defense, navigation, potable water systems and other components. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Derek Volland.
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s well stocked as the ship store is, there are times when many Sailors have the same idea and they suddenly find they’re unable to make a necessary purchase. “If you know you’re coming up for a possible advancement, you may want to make sure you have the correct uniform items,” said Dodd. Sailors should also consider purchasing the items ahead of time at the exchange on base or ordering them online. “The mistake I made when I first got here was bringing too much stuff,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears. “I should have been more focused on the necessities of what I needed instead of clothes to go out in. I had three or four compartments filled in my rack of stuff I never wore and I had limited space for my uniforms.” Sailors should pack accordingly, keeping in mind they will rarely wear civilian clothes but will be in uniform almost all the time. Those who have dirtier jobs should be especially mindful of the
amount of uniforms they bring and be prepared to wash the uniforms themselves. “Make sure you have laundry detergent,” said Jones. “If the ship’s laundry goes down, you may have to wash your clothes in a bucket.” Jones says he owns six pairs of coveralls, mostly because of his rate, but even with six pairs he still had to wash his uniforms by hand when the ships laundry was down for long periods of time while underway. Another basic that can be easily overlooked is sanitation. New Sailors may remember in boot camp when it seemed like the whole division got sick all at once. The carrier houses approximately 5,000 people with the Airwing included. When one person gets sick, it passes through a re-circulated air system and can spread among the crew quickly. Any new Sailor that has not been underway is encouraged to seek advice and mentorship from more experienced shipmates who can give them more survival tips to life at sea.
Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Derek Johnson shops for a snack at USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Ship store. Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn.
"... 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. 16, 2012
Feb. 16, 2012
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Spreading smiles around the Puget Sound Story by MCSA Vanessa David Photos by MC3 Shayne Johnson
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Richard Estevez shows a child how to properly brush their teeth at Jackson Park Youth and Teen Center in Bremerton, Wash. Sailors attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visited to educate kids about healthy brushing and flossing habits.
Hospital Corpsmen from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visited children at Jackson Park Youth and Teen Center in Bremerton, Wash. to teach them about healthy brushing and flossing habits, Feb. 8.
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ebruary marks the American Dental Association’s (ADA) National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). NCDHM raises awareness about the importance of oral health. The campaign brings thousands of dental professionals and health care providers together to promote good oral health to children in communities across the country. “It’s exciting because you’re working with a whole different age group,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jonna Obermiller. “Here, it’s all adults, but with the chance to work with children, you’re able to make a better impression and make going to the dentist look like fun.” Since most children don’t understand the science behind what causes cavities or the benefits of flossing daily, the Sailors found a way to work on their level. “We showed up with puppets, goody bags and coloring books,” said Obermiller. “They were able to brush the puppet’s teeth and interact.” The children were receptive and eager to learn basic facts about proper oral hygiene, said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Richard Estevez. “Answering their questions was fun,”
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Feb. 16, 2012
Lt. Thomas Grubbs, a dentist from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), shows a group of children how to properly brush their teeth at Jackson Park Youth and Teen Center in Bremerton, Wash. Nimitz Sailors visited to educate kids about healthy brushing and flossing habits.
said Estevez. “They had some of the funniest questions, such as when to brush their teeth and how many teeth they have.” Others also shared his perspective and found joy in speaking to the children oneon-one. “It’s great that we can touch their lives in oral health,” said Lt. Michael Smith, a dental officer. “The biggest thing is that kids at that age want to be taught
something. They’re just like sponges; they absorb everything. It was also nice to visit a Navy facility that was so open to education, fostering a good environment for kids to learn about anything. It made me proud to be in the Navy.” For more information, contact the American Dental Association through ncdhm@ada.org.
Hospital Corpsmen from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) visit kids at Jackson Park Youth and Teen Center in Bremerton, Wash. The Sailors taught kids about healthy brushing and flossing habits.
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Sailors come together Memorial : Nimitz to honor shipmate Continued from page 1
family.”Anderson joined the Navy in March 2009 and graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in May 2009. He reported to Nimitz’ Weapons Department in October 2009. Anderson was awarded a National Defense Medal and a flag letter of commendation for his work during the 20092010 Western Pacific Deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he moved 1,266 tons of conventional ordnance valued at $195 million. In April 2011, Anderson reported to Nimitz’ Security Division where he served as part of the full-time Naval Security Force. He was responsible for maintaining good order and discipline and served as an integral part of the ship’s anti-terrorism and force protection measures, proving to be an extremely valuable asset.
Sailors bow their heads during a memorial service for Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gregory Anderson Jr. aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nearly 1,000 friends and shipmates gathered to remember and honor Anderson. Anderson died Feb. 5 as a result of a shooting in Seattle.
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“The sea - like life itself - is a stern taskmaster. The best way to get along with either is to learn all you can, then do your best and don’t worry - especially about things over which you have no control.” – Charles Nimitz to his grandson, Chester Editor’s Note: The following is the first of a two-part series about the life of Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz redricksburg, Texas. Then, like now, a small rural community in the vast expanse of the Lone Star State – not the first location that comes to mind as the birthplace of one the U.S. Navy’s greatest leaders. It was here that Chester W. Nimitz was born Feb. 24, 1885 to Chester Bernhard and Anna (Henke) Nimitz, German descendents looking to build a future in the tiny community. His father, long suffering a variety of illnesses, died before his birth, leaving young Chester ofteninthecareofhis grandfather,CharlesHenryNimitz. The elder Nimitz, himself a former Seaman in the German Merchant Marines, enthralled young Chester with stories of the sea. “The sea - like life itself - is a stern taskmaster,” Charles told him. “The best way to get along with either is to learn all you can, then do your best and don’t worry - especially about things over which you have no control.” It was a lesson he would employ throughout his remarkable career. By the dawn of the 20th Century, Nimitz was eager to leave Fredricksburg to pursue a career in the U.S. Army by appointment to the prestigious West Point. When no appointments were available, he accepted an offer to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy, and entered as a Midshipman in 1901. From the moment he arrived, he set about learning everything he could about naval service. The country’s need for a superior Navy, championed by the newly-elected President Theodore Roosevelt, was not lost on Nimitz. He graduated with honors, ranked seven in his class of 114, in 1905.
reputation as an expert in the field of undersea warfare. He also earned a Silver Lifesaving Medal for rescuing a sailor who fell overboard. Nimitz was next sent to Germany to study diesel engine technology. He put that knowledge to work during 1913-17 supervising the construction and installation of diesel engines in the oiler Maumee (AO-2) and serving as her Chief Engineer. After promotion to Lieutenant Commander, Nimitz returned to the Submarine Force. Following a year as Executive Officer of the battleship South Carolina (BB-26), in 1920 he went to Pearl Harbor to build the submarine base there. Next assigned to the Naval War College, his studies of a possible Pacific Ocean war’s logistics would become extremely relevant two decades later. In 1923, Commander Nimitz became aide to Commander Battle Force and later to Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet. Later in the decade, he established the NROTC unit at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1929, now holding the rank of Captain, he began two years as Commander, Submarine Division 20, followed by two more years in charge of reserve destroyers at San Diego, California. He then took the heavy cruiser Augusta (CA-31) to the Orient, where, under his command, she was flagship of the Asiatic Fleet in 1933-35. Three years’ duty at the Bureau of Navigation in Washington, D.C., ended in 1938 with his promotion to Rear Admiral. As a flag officer, Nimitz commanded Cruiser Division Two and Battleship Division One until he became Chief of the Bureau of Navigation in June 1939.
Through the ranks
A Day which will live in Infamy
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As Roosevelt prepared to marvel the world with his “Great White Fleet”, Nimitz embarked aboard his first ship the battleship USS Ohio and cruised to the Far East. During that time he commanded the small gunboat Panay and the destroyer Decatur (DD-5). While in command of Decatur, the responsibility fell to Ensign Nimitz when the ship ran aground on a sand bar in the Philippines July 7, 1908. The ship was pulled free the next day. Nimitz was court-martialed, found guilty of neglect of duty, and issued a letter of reprimand. In 1909-13, after his return to the United States, Lt. Nimitz was assigned to submarine duty, gaining a
The family was gathered at the table. Ten days had passed since the unthinkable occurred at Pearl Harbor. “I have some news,” remarked Nimitz, breaking an unusual silence at dinner that night. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, under orders from President Franklin Roosevelt, had just named Nimitz to take command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. When his wife proceeded to congratulate him, Nimitz solemnly replied, “My dear, the fleet now sits at the bottom of the sea.” Knowing the press would come calling, he pulled out a memo pad and prepared a statement. “It is a great responsibility,” he wrote. “But I shall do my utmost to meet it.”
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Ombudsmen ready to help Sailors and families Story by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs
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s a Sailor prepares to get underway and eventually deploy, one major point weighing on their mind might be the family they are temporarily leaving behind. A Sailor’s job may be stressful but their family’s situation is no easy task either. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors and their families can rest easy, however, while they are in the hands of the command ombudsmen who are designated to act as a liaison between the command and families while the ship is underway. “We are a team of volunteers with an extensive background as military spouses who have chosen this as an USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Ombudsman Amy Cleghon. ourselves on being a valuable resource for option to have a positive impact on Nimitz families,” said Amy Cleghon, the families of the USS Nimitz and our Nimitz Ombudsman. “We assist families goal is to ensure that we handle all requests with requests for information and referral for assistance swiftly, courteously and by advising them of the resources that are professionally.” On top of being a liaison while the ship available to them.” According to Lindsay Baldwin, Nimitz is out to sea, ombudsmen are also available Ombudsman, a large role they play is to to assist Sailors and their families prepare disseminate information up and down ahead of time for underway periods and the chain of command. They keep Sailors deployment. They are urging family informed of what’s happening at home members to consider completing the preand keep families informed of what’s deployment checklist well ahead of time. “Even though the deployment may happening at sea. be months away, the reality is that our “One of our biggest roles is to advocate for our families,” said Baldwin. “We bring Sailors are never home 100 percent of the concerns to the attention of command time,” said Baldwin. “The things on the leadership. We have thousands of pre-deployment checklist should really resources available, so we can answer, or be in order the whole time the family is on find the answer, to any sort of question sea duty. Salty spouses know all too well and point family members in the right that flat tires happen on duty days and that ‘two-week’ exercises can turn into direction.” An ombudsman can be a major nine month deployments. It’s important comfort and stress-saver for Sailors and to be prepared at all times.” This checklist includes everything their families. Baldwin said they provide families of married or single members a families should consider or take care of point of contact in case of emergencies. before the ship goes out to sea. According They can also assist in getting them the to Cleghon, some of these essential items may include budgets, powers of attorney, information they need. “Families need to know that we are identification cards, vehicle decals and a confidential source for them,” said wills. “These things are just as important Cleghon. “We are available to help them with the issues that we have. We pride for the next few months as they will
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Ombudsman Lindsay Baldwin.
be during the main deployment,” said Cleghon. “Families can get a lot of this established now vice trying to take care of things during the brief in port periods that we are anticipating.” More than anything, command ombudsmen want Sailors and their families to know they are there for anything, big or small, so families should not be shy about asking for help. “Please don’t be afraid to reach out to us, even if it seems like a minor issue,” said Baldwin. “We like to handle the small things before they become big problems. We love what we do for the command and our families and it’s a pleasure to serve.” For more information Sailors and their families can contact the ombudsman by email at ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo. com or by phone at (360)340-7040.