Nimitz News - March 1, 2012

March 1, 2012

All Hands

Manning the Rails

Leaving Bremerton Uniform: -NWU+NWU Parka -Watch cap or 8 pt cover

*weather dependent*

Arriving in Everett Uniform:

-Service Dress Blue -Pea coat or rain coat *weather dependent*

Everett Lot "A" is used for E3 & below (sticker is not required) Lot "C" (E4-E6) - Red FA sticker is required.

Lot "G" - Gold FA sticker for chiefs and blue FA sticker for officers.

Lot "E" is used as overflow lot (FA) sticker is required.

Forces Afloat (FA) stickers can be obtained from your departmental LCPO. Please place on rear window driver's side.

Nimitz TNT triumphs unbeaten

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Nimitz finishes dock trials

March 1, 2012

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Vol. 37, No. 07

Nimitz' shining leaders recognized Story by MCSN Christopher Bartlett

Three USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors garnered the Stennis Leadership Award at an all hands call aboard the aircraft carrier Feb 24.

Lt. Cmdr. John Halttunen, Nimitz’s reactor electrical assistant, Training Department Leading Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician HM1(SW/AW) Jonna CTTCS (SW/AW) Daniel Lt. Cmdr. John Halttunen Obermiller McNiel Technical Daniel McNiel, and sustained superior performance moral courage, social responsibility Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonna Obermiller, Leading Petty and exhibit the most exceptional and family values.

Halttunen received Officer, were named winners in leadership skills.

The awardees were recognized Commander-in-Chief, Pacific each of the awards three categories.

The award is presented annually for high standards of honesty, See "Award" page 9 to individuals who demonstrate integrity, fortitude, physical and

Crash and Salvage Ready and Waiting Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Crash & Salvage team man the P-25 Mobile Firefighting Unit during a simulated flight quarters. Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash. to begin its DPIA December 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn/ Released.

March 1, 2012

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Chaplain's Corner: Weekends

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 Jessica Lewis MCSA Vanessa David MCSA Ryan Mayes 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.

S

o when does the weekend happen? Some calendars say it ends on a Sunday and put that day last on the line up of days, and others say Saturday is the last day of the week. I am not a particularly picky person but I do want to know when I can end my week and prepare for the next one to start. Especially since I am in the military and we tend to change the work week whenever the mission requires it.

I really believe in the idea of a rest for the soul and want to know when to best plan for that day.

I have to hand it to my friends in the Seventh Day Adventist movement. They keep me on my toes when it comes to Sabbath rest. What is a Sabbath rest you ask? It is the idea that people need one day a week to rest from their labors, and it used to be on the seventh day of the week, which on most calendars is actually Saturday, the weekend. Many Christian churches today, and since the time of the Apostles, worship on the first day of the week, which we call Sunday. Many calendars now have Sunday as the last day, the weekend, and Monday as the first day of the week. Confused?

The key point was that in the Genesis account of the creation of the world the seventh day was when God rested from his labors. If God chose to take some time to rest, and we are supposed to believe God is all powerful, than I suppose we should do the same. The

question is why? These days we don’t really take time off. Even our free time has connotations of labor. We do not exercise, we “work” out. Many of our modern day recreation activities can be busier than our weekly jobs.

People in modern day America really do not rest and allow themselves to be re-created.

Why would rest be so important to a soul? It is because we are a weary people. Life lays burdens upon us whether we wish for them or not. I have met people with very busy jobs who appeared to be very calm and I have encountered those who have jobs that were not physically demanding yet they never seem to get a good rest. I think those who seem at ease even when they work demanding jobs are that way because they have mastered the ability to rest in God. Jesus put it very simply during a prayer he spoke that is recorded in Matthew, chapter 11. He said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Taking a day of rest allow us to lighten the burdens we carry the rest of the week. The whole idea of the rest day is to first attend to matters of the spirit, and secondly find rest for our souls. Remember, we are not bodies that have souls; we are souls that have bodies. Take some time for some real rest and allow your burdens to be lifted. As one wise person said a few years ago, “don’t do something, just sit there.” With a two day weekend there is time for some busy recreation and plenty of time for some soulful recreation. Make the most of it.

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Quarter Master 3rd Class Dustin Smith inspects navigational signal flags aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docking Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash., to begin its DPIA in December 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn/Released.

Nimitz completes dock trials, begins fast cruise Story and Photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conducted dock trials Feb. 27 as a final step of Docked Planned Incremental Availability before returning to sea.

The combined dock trial and fast cruise evolutions tested the Nimitz’ readiness and allowed the ship to strain its underway systems to make sure they are mission ready before being at sea.

The year-long DPIA process provided upgrades to the ship’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems as well as other components.

“We checked all of our interior and exterior communications systems, all of our radars and navigations systems,” said Master Chief Fire Controlman Jeffrey Stemen, combat systems maintenance

manager. “Essentially, we performed a blanket check of all of our gear.”

Every department on board began signing off their underway checklists prior to the ship simulating leaving port.

“We tested approximately 100 different systems in conjunction with the ship’s underway checklist,” said Stemen. “We don’t want to find out that one of our systems is broken when we’re trying to land an aircraft or shoot down a missile.”

“The successful checks tell us we’re good to get underway and can communicate effectively on and off the ship,” Stemen continued.

“It shows we can perform ship’s self-defense and any shipboard operations including flight ops.”

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Crystal Hughes, watch officer in the combat direction center described the need for Nimitz to retrain in areas cruicial to getting the ship combat ready.

Cryptologic Technician Technical Seaman Chad Cleaver mans the Missile Defense System in the Combat Direction Center “As part of dock trials, we did Anti-Ship aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). U.S. Navy training on areas of responsibility photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn/ and what threats to expect in various Released.

The ending of dock trials and the start fleets,” she said. “Regardless of which fleet we’re in, we should still be fluent in of fast cruise marks Nimitz’ last steps of what threats can come against the ship and DPIA and means the ship is ready to move homeports to Everett, Wash. what actions we take to combat them.”

March 1, 2012

Buddy Check and Battle Dress

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Damage control repair party members aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are assisted dressing out from other team members during a general quarters exercise, yesterday.

Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash. to begin its DPIA December 2010. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Mayes/Released.

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March 1, 2012

Ian Cotter

Photo by MC3

Glenn Slaughte

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Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter

Nimitz hosts African American Heritage Month luncheon Story by MC3 Ian Cotter

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) food service division and Multicultural Committee teamed up to host an African American Heritage Month luncheon on the mess decks, Feb. 28.

“We’ve been talking about doing something like this for about a month,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan J. Delacruz, Nimitz’ food service officer. “We made sure we came up with a menu, had the ingredients to support it, and checked the availability of the Multicultural Committee so they could help out on the day of the event.”

Nimitz’ food service division hosts a variety of special meals each month to commemorate historical events, cultural diversity, and Sailors’ birthdays.

“We like to recognize events with meals in conjunction with the Navy,” said Delacruz. “Every month we try to do something special for the crew, especially

when underway.”

While the food service division prepared the meal for Sailors, members from the Multicultural Committee manned the serving lines.

“The lines were running smooth, and everyone received an adequate amount of food,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Terrence L. Emanuel, a member of the Multicultural Committee that replenished the serving line as portions ran low. “It felt like a good thing to do on fast cruise. We’re able to help in the galley, show what we’re about and encourage others to join the committee.”

The special meal included fried chicken, fried catfish, ribs, mashed potatoes, rice and gravy.

“This is the best turnout we’ve ever had,” said committee member Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonna Obermiller.

“We had so many committee members

show up, we had to rotate them through the serving lines. It’s a fun way to get to know each other and give back to the crew.”

The Multicultural Committee advertised the luncheon to the crew through posters displayed around the ship and requested volunteers through emails.

“These kinds of events are mostly discussed at meetings,” said Obermiller.

“Over the past couple of meetings, we’ve received a lot of participation from the crew. We’re going to try to start holding an event for each observance celebration aboard Nimitz.”

Nimitz Sailors interested in joining the Multicultural Committee are encouraged to read the Plan of the Day for the dates of upcoming meetings or contact HM1 Obermiller at J-Dial 5746 or by email at jonna.obermiller@cvn68.navy.mil.

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Nimitz Celebrates Namesa

Sailors from the Supply Department stand in front of the cakes displayed in preparation for the Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz' 127th birthday celebration aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Nichelle Whitfield/Released.

Story by MCSN Alexander Ventura

S

ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) paused to celebrate the birthday of the ship’s namesake, Feb. 24.

Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz gained fame during World War II when he served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas.

The ship’s crew gathered in Hangar Bay 2 to reflect on Nimitz’ life and career in the Navy.

“A lesson we can all take from Admiral Nimitz is learn all you can, always do your best and don’t worry,” said Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Paul O. Monger. “Leadership, dedication and teamwork – that’s what we try to strive for.”

Additionally, the ship’s S-2 division served cake in honor of Nimitz’ birthday for the crew.

“S-2 did a great job catering for the event,” said Yeoman Seaman Corwinne Gonzales. “I was proud to be part of a crew celebrating one of the greatest admirals in U.S. Navy’s history and to serve aboard the war ship he is named after.”

Sailors were also able to visit the ship’s museum, which contained several of Nimitz’ personal belongings such as his five-star collar devices, pistols, a whisky bottle named after him and numerous photos and documents relating to his storied service.

“I was really taken back by how different the uniform Feet Adm. Nimitz wore back in those days,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 1st Class (AW) Joshua Ramirez. “The different artifacts were very interesting to see. I really thought the museum was a great place to look back on the incredible career Nimitz had.”

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Joshua Ramirez looks through a museum of the ship’s namesake aboard The museum also served as a place for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Feb. 24. The ship is celebrating the Fleet Admiral’s 172nd birthday. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn/Released. reflection of the Navy’s history.

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ake's Birthday “The museum gave me a feel of our Navy’s history and how far we’ve come,” said Seaman Recruit Darlene Gueites. “Just imagining how life would be like back in that era and what kind of teamwork that had to take place in the war effort is astonishing. It was a great connection to the past, and to be able to have this on the ship is awesome.”

Nimitz was born on Feb 24, 1885, in Fredericksburg, Texas. He left high school to enter the Naval Academy, and graduated seventh in his class of 114 in 1905.

He rose the ranks as a Naval Officer, excelling in many areas, including the new field of undersea warfare.

He was serving as the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation when the U.S. entered World War II following the attack at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941.

Nimitz took command of the Pacific Fleet leading U.S. forces to victory four years later.

In December 1945 Nimitz became Chief of Naval Operations and served until December 1947. From 1949 to 1952 he served at the United Nations before retiring to the San Francisco area.

Nimitz died at his home on Yerba Buena Island, Calif. on Feb. 20, 1966.

The keel of USS Nimitz was laid down on June 22, 1968 at Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Va. It was designed to be the largest warship of her time. The ship was commissioned on May 3, 1975, at Pier 12, Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Nimitz is wrapping up its year-long Docking Planned Incremental Availability period.

(Left) Culinary Specialist Seaman Jordan Marrero hands out the first cut of the cake he spent more than 5 hours preparing for the Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz 127th birthday celebration aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Nichelle Whitfield/Released.

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Navy drug testing program expands: Change includes more prescription drug testing Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) announced Feb. 23 that Navy Drug Screening Laboratories (NDSLs) will begin testing for additional prescription medications in May. "The change is in response to an initiative from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in November 2010, which recommended expansion of drug testing to include the most common prescription drugs of abuse," said Cheri Baird, deputy Navy drug testing program manager, NMCPHC. The three NDSLs, located in Great Lakes, Jacksonville, and San Diego, are scheduled to begin testing for additional prescription medications May 1 according to a Jan. 31 DoD message.

"We have a projected implementation date [May 1] for the expansion of our drug testing panel at all DoD drug testing laboratories to include hydrocodone and hydromorphone [both semi-synthetic opioids]. Testing for prescription medications is not new for our program. We currently test for codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and amphetamines. We will now add two more compounds to our panel," said Baird.

The NMCPHC provides leadership and expertise to ensure mission readiness through disease prevention and health promotion.

NMCPHC maintains oversight of the three Navy Drug Screening Laboratories in the United States.

While these semi-synthetic opioids - along with codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone - are often prescribed to relieve

pain following an injury, they are potentially highly addictive and their use outside medical supervision can place a service member -- and their ship, squadron or unit -- at risk, according to the message.

Inappropriate prescription drug use occurs when a particular substance is used outside its intended purpose, beyond the prescription time period, in excess of the prescribed dosing regimen or when a servicemember uses another individual's prescribed medications.

"There were a lot of hurdles to jump in preparation, including method development, method validation, and funding. One of the final hurdles was the 90-day notification to the Forces, which occurred Jan. 31," said Baird.

The May 1 date, set to begin testing for the two additional substances, was designed to provide servicemembers abusing prescription drugs a period to voluntarily seek medical treatment and rehabilitation for themselves on a self-referral basis, prior to the commencement of testing for these controlled substances.

Department of Defense and Navy policies indicate that individuals who do not self-refer for treatment and are later identified as positive for controlled substances for which they do not have a valid prescription may be considered in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for drug misuse or abuse.

NDSL Jacksonville Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Matt Jamerson said the testing procedures represent yet another method the DoD is taking to ensure the health, welfare and unit cohesiveness required to ensure Sailors and other service members are maintaining the

highest state of readiness.

"Vicodin, a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol), was the most prescribed medication in the United States in 2010; 131.2 million of the nearly 4 billion U.S. prescriptions in 2010 were for Vicodin," said Jamerson. "There is a perception that prescription medications are safe because they are used by physicians to treat injuries and illnesses. This is not the case when a service member uses prescription medications outside of the time period or amount directed by their physician or when they use medications that have been prescribed to another person. In doing so, they put their health and the safety of their team, equipment and mission at risk."

Navy Drug Screening Laboratory, Jacksonville, celebrating its 28th year as a command in July 2012, is the Navy and Marine Corps' largest drug testing laboratory, processing more than 1 million specimens in fiscal years 2008 and 2009, and nearly one million specimens in fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

NDSL Jacksonville is a subordinate command of NMCPHC, which manages the Navy Drug Testing Program. Both NMCPHC and NDSL Jacksonville operate under the auspices of Navy Medicine Support Command, which provides a single point of accountability for all Navy Medicine education, training, public health and human resource management for Sailors and Marines as well as providing innovative and responsive leaders in health support services.

Navy Partners with Facebook for Initial Timeline Rollout The Navy Facebook page launched a new interface Feb. 29, changing the way fans engage and interact on the site.

Along with 40 other big brands from government and industry, the Navy was selected as part of the initial rollout of Facebook's popular "timeline" that, until now was only available to personal profiles. The move gives select brands early access to the interface that will eventually be mandated for every brand page on Facebook.

"New Facebook pages give government agencies, lawmakers, and political campaigns more engaging ways to tell their stories, and we're excited to see branches of the U.S. military leading the way." said Joel Kaplan, vice president, U.S. Public Policy for Facebook.

"We're eager to see others join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard in embracing new pages to better to connect with citizens, provide information, and deliver services," Kaplan said.

The Navy entered into a beta product agreement with Facebook in early February for the initial rollout phase of Timeline for brands on the Navy's

Facebook page.

"These interface changes will allow us to tell a more engaging and authentic story that aligns with our ongoing efforts to share the value of America's Navy with audiences at home and abroad," said U.S. Navy Chief of Information, Rear Adm. Denny Moynihan.

This partnership gives the Navy the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for enhancements to Facebook. This is especially important as the new interface will eventually affect 870 command pages currently administrated

by Navy communicators.

It also gives the Navy social media team an advance opportunity to develop guidance and expertise to share with Navy communicators prior to the March 30 rollout for all page users.

The Navy's social media efforts are more than two years old and include a variety of platforms, including Twitter. There are more than 470,000 fans on the U.S.

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Award: Nimitz' stellar performers named at all hands call Continued from page 1

Command (CINCPAC) award for his hard work and dedication.

“I think it comes down to doing what you can, doing the best you can with what you have, working hard and everything else falls into place,” he said.

McNiel’s devotion to restructuring the training program has earned him the Five Star award. “I live by the old motto, ‘make everything better than the way you got it,’” he said. “Whether it’s a collateral duty, a job or a space you took over.”

The Pacific Thunder award was given to Obermiller, who, on her free time and money, voluntarily traveled to Cambodia to lend her dental expertise as part of a international community assistance project. “I do a lot of volunteer work,” she said. “I

Practice and Preparation (Right)

Sailors of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) gather for a team debrief following a foreign object debris (FOD) walk-down of the ship hangar bays. Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash., to begin its DPIA in December 2010. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Mayes/Released.

(Below)

Damage control repair party investigators aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) carefully inspect a simulated pipe rupture during a general quarters exercise. Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash., to begin its DPIA in December 2010. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Mayes/ Released.

enjoy it and I am very passionate about my job. Most of it is dental related. That’s how I got involved with the trip to Cambodia.”

An all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. including transportation and lodging for the awardees and their spouses is provided and hosted by the Stennis Center for Public Service.

The primary purpose of the trip is to provide the awardees with a better understanding of the role of Congress in setting national security policy and to make them more aware of the environment in which John C. Stennis made such a lasting impact on our nation through his leadership.

The Stennis Leadership Award has recognized 21 Sailors on board Nimitz since 2005.

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Players from the men’s basketball team “TNT” from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) watch their teammates add more points to the scoreboard in a contest against Naval Base Bangor’s “Young Gunnas”. Nimitz is wrapping up its year-long Docked Planned Incremental Availability period. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris D. Bartlett/Released.

Aviation Boatswain’s mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) men’s basketball team “TNT”, slam dunks against Naval Base Bangor’s “Young Gunnas” at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris D. Bartlett/Released.

Nimitz’ TNT Unbeatable Heads to Captain’s Cup Playoffs

Story by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

TNT Players Roster

EMC Elroy Serano - Center AO2 Wiky Damont - Point Gaurd ABF3 Darius Brown - Forward CS3 Torrence Davis - Guard SH3 Jared Fears - Point Guard CS3 Shawn Payne - Power Forward MM3 Ernest Williams - Forward/Center ABHAN Siegfried Benton - Forward ABHAN Crystopher Jackson - Forward Fireman Adrian Hodges - Guard/Forward ABHAA Kai Douglas - Power Forward

Head Coach CSC Sherwin Penaranda

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) basketball team, TNT, garnered a playoff spot in the Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Captain’s Cup. After dominating the season with 10 wins, TNT is scheduled to play at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Concourse West Gym, Mar. 5.

Of 24 teams to compete for a slot in the Captain’s Cup, TNT is the only one entering the tournament undefeated.

Eleven more teams will join TNT in the double-elimination tournament.

This could potentially be TNT’s second consecutive year winning the Captain’s Cup. “We are trying to make a repeat performance,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda, TNT’s head coach. “Our team has come a long way. Win or lose, I’ll still be proud of them.”

Peneranda stated the team’s success has come from the chemistry they have built throughout the season.

“As the season goes on, we are getting much better at communicating and listening to play calls, which accounts for most of our wins,” said Peneranda.

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(Above) Player from USS Nimitz (CVN-68) men’s basketball team “TNT, puts back up a shot after rebounding against Naval Base Bangor’s “Young Gunnas” at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center, Jan. 25. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris D. Bartlett/Released.

(Right) Aviation Boatswain’s mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) men’s basketball team, “TNT”, shoots a contested jump shot against Naval Base Bangor’s “Young Gunnas” at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton Concourse West Fitness Center, Jan. 25. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris D. Bartlett/Released.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas, TNT’s power forward, attributes the team’s success to its hardnosed style.

“Our dedication, will power and energy really sets us apart,” said Douglas. “We have consistently been winning our games with our defense and our improving communication skills.”

Douglas added he appreciated the support he is getting from the command.

“I’m pretty grateful for the turnout of people from our command,” said Douglas. “It really helps when there is a crowd. Without the support, these upcoming games we’re really going to have to pull the energy from within ourselves.

It’ll be a little different, but we’ll battle through it.”

Peneranda is confident with the knowledge of the command’s backing; it will show in the team’s performance.

“We are getting a full support from our command,” said Peneranda “Just knowing the command will give us the opportunity to allow us to participate in the tournament is all the support we need heading into the playoffs.”

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Standing the Watch Airman Kyle Smith stands a roving flight deck watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is conducting a fast cruise for returning to sea for the first time since the ship’s Docked Planned Incremental Availability. The ship arrived to Bremerton, Wash. to begin its DPIA December 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn/Released.

BCA

1st Week of April

PFA

1st & 2nd Week of April