Forging deckplate leaders
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April 12, 2012
Vol. 37, No. 13
Tomorrow is the last chance to complete the Physical Readiness Test portion of the Spring Physical Fitness Assessment
Photo Illustration by MC3 Ashley Berumen Story by MC3 Jacob Milner
A
pril marked the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The campaign is aimed at promoting awareness and the need for reporting incidences of sexual assault in the Navy as most cases that occur go unreported due to the attached stigma and pain associated with such an incident. “Sexual assault prevention is one key element in the readiness area of the 21st century Sailor and Marine initiative,” said Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, Chief
APR. 15 / DEADLINE FOR TAXES
of Navy Personnel. “We must commit ourselves not only to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame surrounding sexual violence, but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims and strengthening our collective response.” Throughout the month, Nimitz will be airing recorded speeches as well as conversations between Sailors on board through the ship’s Shipboard Information, Training, and Entertainment Closed Circuit Television (SITE T.V.) system. “A key speaking point for this week is
See 'AWARE' page 10
Learn more at www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance or visit Nimitz Media Services page. Look for the link on the intranet homepage.
Today and tomorrow between, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., volunteers will be in the Ship's Library to assist in filing taxes. Sailors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Please email the Mini Judge with any concerns regarding extensions or other legal matters.
April 12, 2012
The Chaplain's Corner I AM “THEY” Chaplain Richard A. Townes, CHC, USN
Commanding Officer CAPT Jeffrey S. Ruth 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 MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Editor MC3 Ashley Berumen Lead Designer MCSA Ryan Mayes 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.
As a young man reporting for duty at my first post, I remember the greeting that awaited me. Inside the glass and tile entrance of our barracks was an oversized picture of General Louis H. Wilson, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The General stood like a statue, hands on hips, and scowl upon his chiseled face. “I am ‘they’” was the quote directly below this photo. Later that same day, I had the privilege of hearing General Wilson speak. He walked into the conference room, bigger than life, and struck the same pose as in the photo. Again, with hands on hips and a scowl upon his face, this Medal of Honor winner bellowed out the same three words, “I am ‘they!’” Then he looked around the room at the new Marines and elaborated upon his awkward sentence. “When you say that “they” are screwing with you, know that it’s ME who’s screwing with you. I’m responsible for what happens in this Corps.” With that he exited leaving some surprised, some amazed and a few frightened. I have harkened back to that day many times since. Whenever I had to make a difficult decision about someone in my employ or under my care, the General’s words came ringing back to my ears. This concept of responsibility falls upon each of us. We’re responsible for our own actions. No one else drinks that extra beer and then decides to drive. No one else decides to sleep around with multiple partners. No one else turns over and goes back to sleep instead of getting up and off to work on time. These are personal decisions that need to be personally accounted for. There was also someone else who took responsibility for the actions of many, his name was Jesus. Christian Scripture tells us that he took the weight of the whole world’s sin upon himself and then traveled the road to the Cross of Mt. Calvary. He died to give mankind life through his Resurrection from the dead. What an awesome responsibility that was and remains. So, if General Wilson could take responsibility for an entire corps, and if Jesus could take the blame for all of our sins, my thought is that you and I can take responsibility for our personal lives at least. We choose to do the right thing or not, no one else is to blame. My hope is that each sailor and officer aboard the USS Nimitz will begin to think in the same terms of “I am ‘they!’” as decisions are made within our commands and personal lives.
200 Years Ago April 5, 1812
“Old Ironsides makes port.” The USS Constitution arrives in Washington, D.C.
April 8, 1812
“New district, new name district of Louisiana” The Territory of Orleans takes another step toward statehood today with the creation of the District of Louisiana. The Territory will become the state of Louisiana in a matter of weeks.
Learn more by visiting http://ourflagwasstillthere.org Page 2 Page 2
April 12, 2012
Nimitz Chiefs build future deckplate leaders Story by MC3 (SW) Thomas G. Siniff
Petty officer 1st classes on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), especially those hoping to make this year’s chief petty officer selection list, have a headstart on some valuable training thanks to the ship’s weekly Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 classes. The classes, led by Nimitz’ CPO Mess, teach and assist these potential future chiefs on how to perform and function as deckplate leaders. Each class takes place every Wednesday in the First Class Mess. “We take the first classes the day after the results from the last board come out and start working with Petty officer 1st classes assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participate in a Chief Petty Officer 365 (CPO 365) class, them with training, physical training April 4. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/RELEASED) and current programs,” said Senior Although the program is primarily for getting together and discussing leadership Chief Air-Traffic Controller (SW/AW/ first classes, it gathers chiefs, senior chiefs issues that are relevant to the Navy, and IDW/FMF) Kyle Hempel, Operations and master chiefs to discuss and improve especially to Nimitz.” Control leading chief petty officer. upon the potential chiefs’ leadership Discussing leadership issues for the The year-long program improves their skills. Navy and Nimitz provides CPO 365 leadership abilities in three separate phases CPO 365 assists first classes seeking topics to help explain the best course of leading up to the first classes selected for help with leadership skills. It gives them action to take as a CPO. chief petty officer. “Senior Chief Hempel said that as a first more tools for their tool box, so they can The program is for all the first classes be better first classes and more prepared class you should be a subject matter expert on the ship, said Hempel. Once first to make chief, said Hempel. and as a chief you are a subject matter classes find out if they are board-eligible “It’s not really an instructor telling expert,” said Aviation Ordnanceman First they are given advanced training. Lastly, people what to do,” said Hempel. “It’s a Class (AW/SW) Jasmin Shackelford, those selected for chief will begin CPO combination of the first classes, the chiefs, Quality Assurance Representative. “A selectee training. senior chiefs and master chiefs actually chief can’t give out bad information. A
chief needs to be accountable for the information they give out.” “CPO 365 is really valuable training,” said Shackelford. “It’s nice to see the chiefs, the senior chiefs and master chiefs take their time to stop and train the first classes on what kinds of things they had to endure when they were first classes seeking to make chief.”
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Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist James Williams speaks to petty officer 1st classes assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a Chief Petty Officer 365 (CPO 365) class, March 21. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Mayes)
April 12, 2012
M
ore than 20 Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) attended a damage control wet trainer course in Seattle, Wash., April 4. The training was conducted at Freemont Maritime Services, and instructed Sailors to respond to reallife damage control situations.
Hull Technician 2nd Class Brian Campbell repairs a ruptured pipe during a damage control training simulation at Fremont Maritime Services, April 4. More than 20 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors attended the Wet Trainer course which teaches Sailors how to respond to different damage control situations.
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Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Lindsey Brown measures wood to prepare to make a K-type shoring during training at Fremont Maritime Services, April 4. More than 20 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors attended the Wet Trainer course which teaches Sailors how to respond to different damage control situations.
Story and Photos by MC3 Ashley Berumen
“Our goal, or objective, is to give Navy Sailors practical skills to use in real-life casualties to affect the survivability of shipmates,” said Cory Caulk, a senior damage control instructor. Sailors began their eight-hour training in a classroom where Caulk, who is a former Navy Damage Controlman, taught basic damage control theory. “A fair amount of the instructors were prior Navy and can relate to what we do,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Timothy Phillips. “They were very knowledgeable about their job, so I felt secure in their training.” The classroom curriculum discussed investigating, pipe patching, plugging, dewatering and shoring. Sailors were able to apply the knowledge they attained in the classroom throughout the remainder of the course in hands-on simulations. “The most valuable thing we can do is put our hands on these theories through practice,” said Caulk. “Theory and knowledge will only be worth what you’re using it to dwell on in a life raft. It doesn’t matter what your rank is; you either know what you’re doing, or you don’t.” Throughout the day, Sailors constructed shoring tools, operated a P-100 dewatering
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2012 and pump, and performed actualApril pipe 12, patching plugging. “We’re all basic DC qualified (after indoctrination),” said Phillips. “You think you know what you’re doing until you’re actually put into that situation.” Nearly 100 Sailors will attend the DC Wet Trainer during this in-port period, said Ens. Jason Ventura Assistant Damage Control Assistant and damage control division officer. Sailors who are fairly new and have limited experience in DC go through the class. There they learn how to fight casualties before entering the lab and actually to it. “The goal of any DC training is to improve the ship’s overall capability to fight casualties and survive battle damage,” said Ventura. “The more training the crew receives in realworld situations, the more capable they are in a casualty.” The final course was a simulation of a shipboard casualty, where Sailors were challenged to put their training to the test and save the ship. “It was dark and you couldn’t see,” said Machinist’s Mate Fireman Haley Deatley. “Everyone had their own mission, and trying to move around in (personal protective equipment) was hard.” Hull Technician 2nd Class Brian Campbell is currently on Nimitz’ At-Sea Fire Party, or flying squad, and said he received similar training before. “I got training like this when I first came in, but I didn’t take it in as much,” said Campbell. “I think it’s good for the more junior guys to get this training early on so they can teach others.” Most of the training we get is in books and (General Quarters) can only simulate, said Phillips. This training was hands-on and actually put us in a situation where we had to decide how to respond. “Damage Control is everyone’s job,” said Ventura. “We should constantly be striving to improve Nimitz’ readiness to combat casualties.” Deatley said the training she received was valuable and it’s important for everyone to know. “People who think they’re prepared, probably aren’t,” said Deatley. “This training taught us what to do in different situations because they happen when you least expect it.” See the rest of the photos on Nimitz' flickr page at www.flickr.com/cvn68
April 12, 2012
GOOD DAY...
Park visitors look south over Lake Union from atop the man-made kite flying hill of Gas Works Park.
Kites, picnics, sunshine and… giant rusty gas tanks from 1906:
this is the Mecca of Seattle skyline panoramas. Gas Works Park (GWP) adjacent to Lake Union, offers one of the best views of Seattle, Wash. From atop its man-made “kite-flying” hill the entire skyline is in view as are the kayakers and sailboats that glide across the surface of the lake. The park offers a few interesting oddities as well. You may find yourself in the shadow of the enormous remnants of the coal gasification plant that was abandoned in 1956 after the import of natural gas. The children’s “play barn”
is a bright maze of colorful pipes refurbished from the plant’s exhaustercompressor building and the massive, hand-carved sundial at the top of the artificial mound is a curiosity in itself. The rolling green hills, colorful pipes and water recreation on the lake resemble the illustrations of the imaginative Dr. Seuss books. Photographers from near and far journey to the area with hopes of capturing beautiful images while the Burke-Gilman trail, a 27mile multi-use recreational trail, brings hikers, runners, and bikers alike to the beautiful panorama at any time of day. You will find visitors, ages one to 95,
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S
SHINE N U
April 12, 2012
Story and photos by MCSA Ryan J. Mayes
A mother and her children take a walk at sunset.
flying kites in the breeze or just taking in the fresh air. On a sunny afternoon, the green grass begs for a blanket and a good book, or some homemade sandwiches to share with friends. At night the park transforms into an imaginary romantic getaway found only in movies. Although the park closes at 10 p.m., it offers plenty of time to experience the glow of the sunset and the city by night. The breath-taking lights seen from the shores of the lake could arguably be better than the view offered at the Seattle Space Needle. Not only are long entrance lines absent, admission is free. The park has a long history of serving the public as a place of rally and peaceful serenity. The industrial elements once thought to mar the beauty of the area, stand as the last example in the United States of a bygone technology. Now considered by many to be one of the most advanced examples of urban design, GWP has become a beloved hang-out of Seattleites.
The park should not disappoint any traveler wishing to experience an amazing view of the city while getting a little historylessonontheside.GWPisalsoconveniently located near many dining locations ranging from the on-the-cheap to the ritzier cuisine. So go fly a kite, ride a bike, or just relax by the lake and take in the sights with a cup of coffee in hand. When you’re finished, explore the surrounding areas for unique dining and shopping. You may find yourself returning to the park sooner than you expect. The park can be found at 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, Wash., and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. For more information on GWP and other Seattle parks visit: http://www.seattle.gov/parks.
Downtown Seattle lights up the sky on the shores of Lake Union by night.
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April 12, 2012
Egg-stravaganza O
nce a year at Naval Station Everett (NSE), brightly colored eggs cover the grass surrounding the Commons, and excited yells of children of all ages fill the air. The anticipation of the hunters was visible as they waited for the signal. Finally, the sharp blast of the whistle signaled the hunt was on. The NSE Easter Egg Hunt has taken place each year since the base opened in 1994. This year’s event was hosted by the base Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office and the Fleet and Family Readiness office (FFR). “I love doing this,” said NSE MWR’s Brad Asche. “I’ve been helping out for more than 10 years now and it is always a blast.” Armed with a bullhorn and whistle, Asche, the referee for the egg hunt, was responsible for keeping the hungry-eyed children at bay until the whistle signaled the start of each round of hunting. “The kids go wild,” said Asche. “You have to make sure you don’t get run over.” he laughed. Volunteers strategically littered the grass with the plastic eggs filled with sweets and other surprises. It took the team several hours Friday evening and a couple hours on Saturday to fill and place the thousands of eggs. “‘We used between five and six thousand eggs,” said Jody Copeland, the MWR youth and school-age event director. “It took a crew of about 12 people four hours to fill all the eggs needed.” “The clean-up is easy,” said Asche. “It takes hours to place the eggs, but in a matter of minutes the ‘human vacuums’, as I like to call them, clean up the entire field.” Every age group had separate areas and times allotted to prevent the older children from running in to the younger ones. The ages of participants ranged from less than one to 11 years old during the day-time events. An underwater egg hunt took place at the Tsunami Pool in the afternoon and an after-dark flashlight
hunt for teenagers took place later that evening. “My son has been participating for a couple years now,” said Lt.j.g. Joshua Cosman of the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60). “He really enjoys the underwater hunt, but this year he decided he wanted to do both. I get a kick out of the whole event. The kids love it and the base does a great job of getting families involved.” The smiles generated at the event alone made the hours of volunteering worth it, explained Terence Emanuel, an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Petty Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68). “It’s giving back,” said Emanuel. “Why not volunteer? It’s a really fun and great idea. We aren’t doing this for the evaluation purpose. It’s worth it just to interact with the children of families stationed in the area.” Several Sailors, who couldn’t celebrate with their families, volunteered their time out of tradition. “This reminds me of home,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Mionne Goach, Nimitz. “This is the first year I haven’t been able to be with my family for Easter, so it gave me an opportunity to celebrate with others stationed away from home and family.” “I used to help my mom set up egg hunts for my younger siblings,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Janine Hunt, USS Nimitz (CVN 68). “I always enjoyed it.” Coordinators say, the event was a hit because of the dedication of the volunteers and staff. “We felt really great about the day,” said Copeland. “We have families that may not be stationed here but this is the closest base for them to be involved with. Our event invitations go out to all active duty, retired and Department of Defense civilians in the area. It was great to see so many Nimitz families that we haven’t met and to see many of the Sailors volunteer their time. We will welcome everyone back next year.”
Children grab Easter eggs from the water of Tsunami Pool at Naval Station Everett, April 8. (U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Jacob Milner)
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April 12, 2012
“You have to make sure you don’t get run over.” - MWR's Brad Asche
Local families hunt for Easter eggs on land and in water, from morning to night at Naval Station Everett, April 8. (U.S. Navy photos by MCSA Mayes/RELEASED)
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April 12, 2012
AWARE: Sailors hope for positive change
continued from page 1 that shipmates are being hurt and affected by sexual assault far more frequently than anyone is being notified of,” said Nimitz’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advocate, Chief Logistics Specialist Stephanie Lerette. “The campaign this month is really to bring awareness to sexual assault occurrences, and the fact that there is help available.” Through airing the program campaign coordinators hope not only to raise awareness about the occurrence of sexual assault cases, but specifically about incidences within the Navy. “The problem is pretty big,” said Lerette. “There are one or more sexual assaults in the Navy every day. For the fiscal year of 2010 there were 441 unrestricted reports of sexual assault and 170 restricted reports. The estimation is that as the program is pushed more often
Nimitz Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advocates educate Sailors on how to report and prevent sexual assault, during a SITE T.V. broadcast, April 9.
and awareness is up among Sailors about the program and its confidential and nonconfidential reporting that more people will feel more comfortable with coming out about cases of sexual assault.” Campaign coordinators also want to shed light on the fact that many of the cases reported by military personnel are servicemember on servicemember assaults. “Two-thirds of the service cases reported are servicemember on servicemember assaults,” said Lerette. “This means sexual assault occurrences are most often with someone that is known. However, in
the military we work very closely with each other so most cases are servicemember on servicemember.” Throughout this month, the campaign will be pushing to help the support of shipmates who have been through a sexual assault incident and encourage them to report and seek help for these occurrences. “It has been said that talking about sexual assault is society’s last taboo,” said Buskirk. “Our goal this month is not only to make you aware and conduct training on sexual assault, but our goal is to continue to challenge this taboo and talk frankly about sexual assault. We must continue to build command climates that encourage and embrace the reporting of this severely under reported crime.” For more information visit http:// www.sapr.navy.mil.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Sara Nicholls reads a brochure about sexual assault prevention. (Photo by MC3 (SW) Thomas G. Sinif f)
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From the Fleet...
April 12, 2012
Navy officer earns master's degree for the cost of textbooks By Susan Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- It may sound too good to be true that a Navy officer who received her master's degree April 9 paid only for textbooks - yet it is true, and other Sailors have the same opportunity. Lt. Olivia Degenkolb successfully completed a Master of Arts degree in administrative leadership through the University of Oklahoma (OU) using the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE). This Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED) program offers Sailors assigned to seaduty commands the opportunity to take courses while on deployment through accredited colleges and universities with no tuition cost to students. Students' only financial obligation is to pay for course textbooks. The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., administers the Navy's VOLED program, which is part of the Department of Defense's voluntary education program. Navy VOLED offers a wide range of education services and programs to assist all Sailors - officers and enlisted in attaining their higher education goals. NCPACE and many other VOLED programs provide the Navy's uniformed workforce numerous opportunities designed to fit into their high-operationaltempo lifestyles. While many Sailors take advantage of NCPACE, Degenkolb's use of the program to complete all her master's degree requirements is no small feat, according to Dr. Mary Redd-Clary, CPPD's director of VOLED. "Very few individuals have completed an entire master's degree program using NCPACE. As with this small group of Sailors, Lt. Degenkolb's achievement is noteworthy in that she was able to complete all of her coursework at a master's level while in a
sea-duty status." Degenkolb's sea-duty assignment was as a Naval Flight Officer with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, an E-2 squadron based at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif. She completed the degree requirements just before transferring to her current assignment at Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific in Singapore as a flag aide. During her master's work, she was deployed on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in 2009. Degenkolb learned about NCPACE
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and the Oklahoma program through Bryan Burdick, the Navy College Office program manager for Naval Base Ventura County in California. It took her approximately two and a half years to complete all the requirements. "Mr. Burdick was a phenomenal and extremely supportive resource throughout the NCPACE process," she said. "Not only did he help me find a suitable program, but acted as a liaison between OU and me." Because the NCPACE program she chose was self-paced, Degenkolb said the hardest thing about it was staying on track. "Procrastination - whether intentional or inadvertent - is an easy trap to fall into," she said. "Life always presents a ton of distractions, both at work and at home, that eat away at your 'planned' study time." Even with this challenge, Degenkolb would recommend the program to others. "NCPACE is a wonderful program that allows active duty service members the opportunity to earn their degrees at an affordable price. OU provides an interesting leadership syllabus, which is relevant to a leader's daily interactions and challenges," she said. Pursuing a master's degree while on sea duty was the right choice at the right time in Degenkolb's career. "I chose the NCPACE program because the opportunity to earn a master's at the cost of books is unheard of. I was interested in earning my master's degree, but wanted to keep alternative shore duty options open," she said. "I was surprised at how few people seemed to take advantage of NCPACE. It's a phenomenal opportunity." Degenkolb pointed out that the degree she earned is directly applicable to her Navy career. "Earning a master's degree is an important milestone in anyone's professional career. I feel that my degree, which focused on leadership, gave me interesting insight through case studies to problems and dilemmas that other leaders have faced," she said.
April 12, 2012
Sailors, Blue Jacket of the Quarter announced
Winners of their respective Sailor of the Quarter awards stand together following a ceremony April 10, on the mess decks of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Antonio Jordan, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Elizabeth Anderson, Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Garcia and Airman David Duncan were announced Senior Sailor of the Quarter, Sailor of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Quarter at the ceremony. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/Released)
Candidate Sailors for the Junior Sailor of the Quarter award await the announcement of the winner during a ceremony April 10, on the mess decks of the aircrat carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/Released)
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