Nimitz News - March 15, 2012

March 15, 2012

All Hands

are cordially invited to attend The Women's History month luncheon

March 21, 2012 Aft Mess Decks Traveling to Canada All E-3 & below must have an approved special request chit and/or leave chit prior to travel.

"Buddy System" must be used when going to Canada. Travelers must log onto the IATP/ Travel Tracker program & submit required travel info. The program is automated, you'll recieve an auto reply from the IATP/TT administrator.

Log on to the electronic foreign clearance website for personnel entry requirements for Canada and any other country you intend on traveling to (https://www.fcg. pentagon.com)

Sailors enjoy base barraks

Page 3

NCPACE offered on Nimitz

March 15, 2012

Page 7

Page 1

Vol. 37, No. 09

Nimitz arrives at homeport Everett Story by MCSA Vanessa David

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Station Everett, Wash., March 9 after spending nearly a week at sea conducting sea trials.

“The main objective was to make sure all systems and equipment worked properly following the extended yard period,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Webster, Nimitz Training Officer. “In addition to checking out major systems like the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) fire fighting system and Close in Weapons System (CIWS), several training requirements, in areas such as Navigation and Damage Control were met.”

An additional goal of sea trials was to prepare the crew to operate the warship at sea, explained Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Dominique Anderson. “It gives Sailors the

See "Homeport" page 5

Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pulls into its new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian A. Cotter/Released.

Nimitz welcomes new Command Master Chief Story by MC3 Robert Winn

Lloyd-Owen has spent the previous three weeks turning over the reins as the senior enlisted Sailor on board to CMDCM (SW) Teri McIntyre.

McIntyre recently served as CMC of Naval Forces Central Command Forward – Iraq. Since she arrived aboard Nimitz the crew has, in a very short time, left a positive impression, she explained.

“Their dedication was evident during the fast cruise and sea trials. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve as your Command Master Chief,” said McIntyre.

The new CMC’s mission is ensuring Sailor and command success.

“I see myself as your support mechanism.” she said. “I am here to ensure we have the right people, they are trained for whatever the

mission is and their personal well being, to include their families, is supported.”

Along with job qualifications, warfare qualifications are a priority the CMC is pushing. She believes that Sailors should always look for methods of self-improvement, both professionally and personally.

McIntyre expects leadership

See "CMC" page 6

March 15, 2012

Page 2

Chaplain's Corner

Christian Preparation for the Paschal Lent: The Celebration CDR Andrew Colvin, CHC, USN

Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri M. McIntyre 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.

Lent is a forty-day period of preparation for Easter Sunday or Pasch.

Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, or Paschal Mystery, as the definitive triumph over sin and death. This new freedom paves the way to reconciliation with God, eternal life, and our own future resurrection when Christ returns in his final glory.

The annual celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday corresponds with the Jewish Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. Pesach commemorates their exodus from the slavery to the Egyptians. For Christians the event celebrated by Passover anticipates a new exodus from the slavery of sin. This freedom from sin is won by Christ for the whole human race. The Jewish Passover is celebrated on the first full moon of the spring equinox.

Likewise, Christians celebrate the Paschal Feast of Christ, or Easter, on the first Sunday following Passover.

The word “Lent” itself is an Old English word for spring. The Greek word for the forty day period of preparation for Pasch is tessaracoste, and in Latin quadragesima.

These “forty days” remind Christians of the Israelites’ forty years in the desert before entering the Promised Land, as well as Jesus’ own fast in the desert wilderness for forty days where he defeated Satan’s temptations. This

period is marked by an increased effort of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, especially for new members entering the Church on Easter Sunday. Christians gain spiritual strength against temptation during Lent through the discipline of fast and abstinence, prayer and charity. The forty days of Lent begin with Ash Wednesday. The ashes applied to the foreheads of the faithful remind Christians of their own mortality, and sets the penitential tone of the season until the celebration of the Pasch.

Father Andrew Colvin recently reported aboard the NIMITZ after more than two years at Naval Base Kitsap and over three years with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan. Before entering the Navy, he served as an enlisted Marine with the 6th Combat Engineer Support Battalion in Portland, Oregon. During his seminary training at Mount Angel, Oregon he was a chaplain candidate in the Oregon Army National Guard. Father Colvin comes from a Marine Corps/Navy family. His father was a Marine fighter pilot. His mother was a Navy nurse. He has a brother who is a Gunnery Sergeant at Camp Johnson, and a sister who is a Navy Surgeon in the Reserves. Father Colvin is thrilled about his new assignment aboard Nimitz, finally going to sea!

Page 3

March 15, 2012

Nimitz ESO offers Sailors NCPACE classes aboard Story by MCSA Vanessa David

A Navy College Program Afloat College Education (NCPACE) brief took place aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) this week.

NCPACE is a command-managed program that only appears at the ship’s request and doesn’t require tuition assistance.

“You pay nothing for these classes, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not paid for,” said Retired Command Master Chief Terry Sawhill, education specialist with the Navy College Office. “If you don’t complete the class, you have just deprived another Sailor from doing so. I can tell you that the Navy doesn’t like to pay bills for people who don’t do what they say they’re going to do.”

Distance learning, unlike instructor-based training, is managed by the Navy College Office from a distance and delivered through textbooks and electronically by compact disc.

Sawhill suggests that Sailors should not rely solely on internetbased courses. “I realize since most of you are shipboard Sailors, the chances of you being enrolled out in town aren’t very good,” said Sawhill. “Frankly, I don’t recommend it. It’s too difficult to complete because you’ll get to the point when you have no connectivity. Once you’re in river city, there’s nothing you can do to avoid failing out.”

The distance learning program offers lower and higher-level Undergraduate courses to include engineering, legal, oceanography, cultural anthropology and classes that require a prerequisite test In order to enroll in classes, Sailors must attend the NCPACE brief in the ESO classroom, have at least one year on board, complete their basic Damage Control and watch qualifications, pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) (or have a medical waiver) and be recommended for promotion, among other standards that must be met.

Instructor-based classes are slated to commence after deployment starts.

“I completed the instructor-based courses as a young Sailor,” said Lt. Beau Blanchard, Nimitz’ educational services officer. “It was tough balancing classes and trying to get my qualifications, but if you manage your time wisely, you will regret not taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Sign up for NCPACE classes will be held soon.

For more information, contact the educational services officer at beau.blanchard@cvn68.navy.mil.

Learn more by visiting http://ourflagwasstillthere.org

March 15, 2012

Page 4

Homeport: Welcome Home Continued from page 1

opportunity to actually see the responses that the equipment will have,” he said. “There’s a difference between running a simulation and actually running the plant. Everybody has responded positively to this experience.”

While underway for sea trials, Nimitz met the set criteria for testing its equipment and procedures to include conducting high-power steering evolutions, tested the ship’s weapons and combat systems and conducted various damage control evolutions.

A Pre-Action Aim Calibration fire with its two newly installed CIWS systems was conducted March 7. “Firing the CIWS is (one of) the first significant evolutions since DPIA,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Matthew Barry, Nimitz’ CS-7 division’s leading chief petty officer.

The crew’s damage control response capabilities were also

ABOVE - Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Drew Ditzel and Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Brian Flitcroft man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pulls into its new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Bartlett/Released.

ABOVE - Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CV new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. U.S. Navy photo by M Specialist 3rd Class Ian A. Cotter/Released.

Page 5

March 15, 2012

e USS Nimitz put to the test in several general quarters evolutions during the underway period, during an AFFF test on the hangar bay and flight deck through a countermeasure was down, March 8.

“We were able to accomplish almost everything we needed to during this short period,” said Webster. “For the few things we couldn’t complete, we should be able to knock out during the next underway period.”

Before Nimitz left for sea trials, the ship had been in Bremerton for the past 15 months conducting a Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) where the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Ship’s crew completed a $239 million maintenance package that included upgrades to the carrier’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

VN 68) pulls into its Mass Communication

ABOVE - Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pulls into its new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian A. Cotter/ Released.

BELOW - Capt. Paul O. Monger, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), speaks to distinguished guests and the local media after the ship pulled into its new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacquelyn Childs/Released.

March 15, 2012

Page 6

CMDCM (SW) Teri McIntyre poses for a photograph in her office aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

CMC: New CMC checks-in aboard Nimitz Continued from page 1 throughout the deckplates and believes that empowerment starts at the E-1 level.

“The standards are black and white,” she explained. “I always say that the Navy is the easiest job you can have: be on time, be where you are supposed to be, do what you are told and don’t get in trouble on your off time; that simple. I certainly don’t believe in the zero defect mentality. Everyone makes mistakes, including me.”

Master Chief Master-at-Arms Michael Mashburn, himself recently selected for the Command Master Chief program, said he likes the idea of “intrusive leadership” that the new CMC explained during a meeting with Nimitz’ senior enlisted leadership.

“She told us when she got here that she leads by expectations and that the expectations for each Sailor should be clear. I’ve always heard people say lead by example, but this is a new idea and I think it will work well for the ship. It’s refreshing and I think she will be as good for the command as the former CMC.” “Mutual respect and trust should govern our day-to-day interactions,” McIntyre said. “A great team is comprised of every member bringing their strengths to the table.”

Page 7

March 15, 2012

Charles Luke Milam Bachelor Housing, one of a few buildings that house Nimitz Sailors, are offered to E-4 and below crew members with less than four years of service and not collecting Basic Allowance for Housing.

Nimitz Sailors enjoy bachelor enlisted housing Story and Photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) moved into bachelor enlisted quarters rooms at Naval Station Everett as part of ship’s change in homeport.

Nimitz arrived to Everett following its completion of its docked planned incremental availability.

Under Homeport Ashore Program (HAP), selected junior Sailors E-4 and below with less than four years of service and not collecting Basic Allowance for Housing, get to enjoy these rooms, said Chief Engineman (SW/AW) James Wahl, barracks resident advisor.

However, due to limited availability, not every qualifying Sailor will get a room. For those able to enjoy off-ship living, Wahl stressed the need for them to maintain high standards.

“You must keep your rooms clean,” said Wahl. “If you fail two room expectations or given two unsats you are required to be removed from the barracks. My advice is to keep up general cleanliness. Vacuum every day, take out

your trash and make your bed.”

In addition to cleanliness, Sailors must also maintain high standards of conduct while in the barracks. Underage drinking will not be tolerated.

“If you have alcohol in your room and you have an underage roommate, it’s an automatic unsat and possible removal from the barracks,” he said.

Resident advisors will also be giving unsats to Sailors who do not lock their closets, said Wahl.

“The main automatic unsat is keeping your valuables not stowed away in your closet,” said Wahl. “We don’t want your valuables to be accessible to anyone but you.”

Food in barracks rooms which turn moldy or make the room smell also requires resident advisors to give Sailors an unsat.

“Don’t leave food out where it can get old and grow moldy,” said Wahl. “All food has to be stowed away. My suggestion is to sustain from keeping any food in your room while you’re underway, where it could get old and moldy.”

Sailors are expected to be outstanding Sailors in and out of the barracks, said Wahl.

“This is a privilege,” he said. “We expect you to maintain your standards, not with just your room but your military standards such as your PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), EVALS (Evaluations), work ethic and timeliness to work in order to sustain your room.”

The responsibilities associated with an HAP room are easy to undertake – the rewards are worth it, said Gunner’s Mate Seaman Brittany Grace.

“The barracks are awesome,” she said.

“I’m very grateful for the command to allow me to live in the barracks. I’m glad I have a place away from work.”

Culinary Specialist Seaman Robert Williams said, “I feel better that I have somewhere I can go home to. I’m going to try to adhere to all room standards in order to keep my room.”

For more information on barracks rules and regulations contact a resident advisor living on each floor of all barracks buildings on base.

March 15, 2012

Page 8

Up-to Date Emergency Data Navy to Begin Testing Vital for Family Readiness for Synthetic Chemical MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Offduty accidents and illnesses were among the leading causes of death for Sailors in calendar year 2011, said a Navy official March 9.

"As service members, we usually remember to update our emergency data prior to a deployment or individual augmentee assignment," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dana Swope, leading petty officer and licensed mortician, Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs.

"Non-combat related incidents such as car accidents, happen daily so we should get in the practice of verifying our records at a minimum of twice a year."

Sailors must keep their Record of Emergency Data (DD form 93) and Dependency Application Record of Emergency Data (NAVPERS 1070/602 also known as your Page 2) updated with their primary and secondary next-of-kin upon marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or any other significant life changing event.

During a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify a person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) of the deceased.

"The PADD is the individual the Sailor appoints to oversee arrangements after their death and whom we will take our direction from in fulfilling the Sailor's final wishes," said Swope.

According to Swope, the Page 2 and Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) forms are among the first documents the Navy will turn to in the event a Sailor is very seriously injured or dies.

"Unfortunately, we sometimes find out when we need to notify family members of injury or the death of a service member, that the information [in the Page 2 and SGLI] is outdated or incomplete which hampers the notification process," said Swope. "Not maintaining up-to-date Page 2 information could delay notification to next-of-kin and the distribution of death benefits."

Also, during a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify three people that they would desire to be bedside should they be injured and incapacitated. The Navy has a Bedside program that allows up to

three family members to be present at an injured service member's bedside should the injury be sufficient enough to warrant it.

While illness and death are not the most popular topics to discuss, Swope suggests Sailors address the subject with their loved ones.

"Sailors can take a great deal of stress off their family by making sure someone knows their final wishes," said Swope.

"When a Sailor or Marine dies, a uniformed casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) is assigned to contact their family. CACO notifies the family of the death of their service member and they assist the family through the entire process."

The CACO is assigned by a regional office under Commander, Naval Installations Command.

A Sailor's designated beneficiary may receive multiple death benefits, i.e. death gratuity, SGLI, unpaid pay and allowances and possible survivor benefit entitlements of the service member.

Death gratuity is a benefit paid to beneficiary/s designated by the Sailor at no cost to the Sailor. The total amount payable is $100,000, and Sailors may designate up to 10 people to receive it. The amount paid to a beneficiary is specified on the Sailor's Page 2.

SGLI is a life insurance benefit that Sailors elect to purchase through payroll deduction. The coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to $400, 000. The designated beneficiary/s are identified on the Sailor's SGLV 8286, SGLI Election and Certificate. Sailors should access their electronic service record in Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System and their Official Military Personnel Files to verify Page 2 data information regularly.

"We have seen firsthand how out dated emergency data can delay notification of next-of-kin and even result in benefits being distributed to former spouses," said Swope. "I encourage Sailors to review their records and keep them up-to-date."

Contact the Personnel Support Detachment or personnel office if changes to beneficiary data are needed.

For more information visit NPC's website at www.npc.navy.mil.

Compounds

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Mar. 12 that it will begin random testing of urine samples this month for synthetic chemical compounds like Spice.

Commanders may take appropriate actions related to health, safety, and security based on a positive result.

Every positive sample will be sent to NCIS for further investigation with a view towards potential disciplinary or adverse administrative action by the service member's command.

"There is zero tolerance for the use of drugs - synthetic or otherwise - in our Navy," said Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel. "Synthetic chemical compound drug use impacts a Sailor's career, their family life and overall well-being while also impacting Fleet Readiness. If a Sailor makes a poor choice and uses these types of drugs, they need to know that there will be consequences."

The initial testing will be conducted by a contracted laboratory, with Navy Drug Screening Laboratory capable of conducting in-house testing later this year.

The Navy has been testing urine samples seized from suspects during criminal investigations for nearly a year. Navy and Marine Corps commanders can have urine samples tested for several of the compounds found in Spice-like products at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) when the sample has been collected in conjunction with an ongoing investigation.

The capacity for testing for designer drugs will continue to expand. During fiscal year 2012 the Navy will invest $1.73M to test for synthetic chemical compounds and expects to increase that amount to $2.9M in fiscal year 2013.

The Navy continues to educate Sailors on the dangers of drug use to include new and designer drugs through targeted awareness campaigns and continues to work closely with local governments to identify users and distributors.

This program is a key element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

For more information about the testing policy read the NAVADMIN 082/12 and visit www.npc.navy.mil or contact NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASKNPC or CSCmailbox@navy.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy. mil/local/npc/.