Nimitz News - June 7, 2012

June 7, 2012

USS Nimitz honors Battle of Midway

Vol. 37, No. 17

Nimitz' Sailors prepare for rank Story by MCSN Jess Lewis

From USS Nimitz Public Afairs

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the turning point of the Pacific campaign in World War II, June 4.

As part of the weeklong observance, the ship featured numerous multimedia products on its command website www. nimitz.navy.mil as well as a remembrance dinner at Naval Station Everett hosted by the Nimtz' Chiefs' Mess and wardroom.

"Every Sailor on board Harry Ferrier (Retired) and Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of the this ship is fully aware of its Cmdr. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), talk during a banquet to commemorate namesake's role in this decisive the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. (Photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes) battle," said Nimitz Commanding Wash., was the ship's guest of honor at the Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. "More importantly, ship's remembrance dinner this year. "I'm the crew recognizes the collective efforts of not a hero," he explained. "To me, the real every Sailor, Airman and Marine that made heroes of Midway are the guys who didn't such a monumental victory possible." come back."

The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) audio project The vastly outnumbered and badly "Soundwaves" will feature numerous audio damaged U.S. Pacific Fleet was on the brink of recollections from veterans of the battle. annihilation following the devastating attack Among these include the narrative of retired by Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, Rear Adm. Mac Showers (then ensign) 1941. In a bold strategic move that countered who was with Rochefort when the plan to conventional wisdom at the time, U.S. Pacific discover "AF's" location was developed. Fleet Commander Adm. Chester Nimitz Additionally, the ship's website features a took the advice of the Intelligence officers video documentary on the experiences of on his staff and positioned his struggling retired Cmdr. Harry Ferrier who, as a 17-year- fleet, undetected, to the northeast of Midway old radioman and gunner at the time, took off Atoll in early 1942. Nimitz' codebreakers from Midway in one of the island's six TBF- had successfully deciphered enough of the 1 "Avenger" aircraft to defend against the Japanese communications to determine they approaching Japanese fleet. His was the only were building for a major offensive in the one to return.

Pacific.

Ferrier, who lives quietly in Oak Harbor,

See MIDWAY page 3

As advancement results are released and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors learn who is selected for promotion, there’s more to be done than just sewing chevrons on your uniforms.

Questions are probably running through the minds of newly frocked Sailors of what’s next; when pay for new rank takes effect, where to pick up a parking sticker for petty officer 3rd class, when to apply for Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) for petty officer 2nd class, and when to get a new identification (ID) card reflecting new rank.

First, Sailors must go through the petty officer indoctrination course as a requirement before frocking can take place and the new rank can be worn.

Many of Nimitz’ departments completed the class in anticipation of the results.

Another thought running through the minds of many Sailors is when their paychecks will denote their newly acquired rank.

“Payment for new pay grades won’t begin until about six months after the frocking takes place,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Woody. “If you pick up rank off the March exam, you should expect to be paid on the December 16 paycheck. If you pick up rank off the September exam, you should expect to be paid on the June 16 paycheck.”

New ID cards need to be made for Sailors who gained rank. ID cards for the next pay grades are made at the personnel office and Sailors must have an appointment to obtain a new one. The sign up for ID cards is hanging outside of the personnel office.

See FROCKING page 3

June 7, 2012

200 Years Ago

Madison makes official call for war 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 Robert Winn Lead Designer MCSA Ryan Mayes Media Dept MC2 Michael Cole 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 MCSN Jessica Lewis MCSN William Cousins MCSA Vanessa David MCSA Ryan Mayes

President Madison sends to Congress his war message, laying out his case for war against Great Britain. Citing incidents as far back as 1803, Madison says the British government " ... presents a series of acts hostile to the United States as an independent and neutral nation. … British cruisers have been in the continued practice of violating the American flag on the great highway of nations and of seizing and carrying off persons sailing under it, not in the exercise of a belligerent right founded on the law of nations against an enemy, but of a municipal prerogative over British subjects.”

He then details British predations against American shipping and commerce: “It has become, indeed, sufficiently certain that the commerce of the United States is to be sacrificed, not as interfering with the belligerent rights of Great Britain; not as supplying the wants of her enemies, which she herself supplies; but as interfering with the monopoly which she covets for her own commerce and navigation. She carries on a war against the lawful commerce of a friend that she may the better carry on a commerce with an enemy—a commerce polluted by the forgeries and perjuries which are for the most part the only passports by which it can succeed.”

Learn more by visiting http://ourflagwasstillthere.org

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.

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honors veteran, MIDWAY: Banquet fallen heroes of battle Continued from page 1

In a move historians would later reflect as pivotal, Cmdr. Joe Rochefort devised a trap to get the Japanese to reveal the location of their offensive, codenamed "AF." Armed with this information, Nimitz successfully deployed his remaining aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (CV 6), USS Hornet

(CV 8) and USS Yorktown (CV 5) to the tiny island where they took the approaching Japanese fleet completely off guard. Successful coordinated attacks from the American carriers' dive bombers destroyed four of the Japanese carriers effectively ending the empire's dominance of the Pacific theater.

June 7, 2012

Officers, chief petty officers and honored guests of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), participate in a banquet to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

FROCKING: Need to know for new POs Continued from page 1

“For ID cards, we ask that Sailors wait until they’re being paid for their rank before they come get a new card,” said Woody.

“However, if we’re on deployment, we’ll start doing ID cards shortly after the frocking.”

The privilege of living off base is granted to single Sailors who are petty officer 2nd class or petty officer 3rd class with four or more years of service. Eligible Sailors can apply for BAH once they have an approved special request chit and start getting paid for their rank.

“A special request chit has to be routed through the Sailor’s chain of command,” said Woody. “Then they need have their

department’s [Personnel Liaison Representative (PLR)] bring their chit to personnel so it can be routed up to the [Executive Officer]. This can be done any time before they’re being paid as an E-5. Once the Sailor is paid as an E-5, they can get a lease and the PLR will bring a copy of their approved BAH chit and the lease to personnel so BAH can be applied.”

Walking to the ship, especially in the rain or early in the morning can be long. Once Sailors are frocked as a petty officer 3rd class, they will be able to park in the Charlie parking lot, next to the fire station, making the walk to the ship shorter.

These stickers can be picked up from security dispatch with a copy of the Sailor’s frocking letter.

Wearing crows on your collar for the first time or adding chevrons to already existing crows can be exciting. It’s a visual to other Sailors around you that you’ve worked and studied hard to achieve the rank you are. It’s important to update all of your uniforms to indicate your new rank.

“The [Navy Exchange (NEX)] sells promotion kits,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Jacob Whitis. “They have everything you need for your uniforms after you pick up rank.”

Aside from getting uniforms ready, picking up a parking sticker and wondering when your pay will show your new rank, there are other requirements that come with being higher ranking.

“Check to see what [qualifications] you need as a petty officer,” said Whitis. “Petty Officer of the Watch is one you’ll need for sure. Also, check out [Navy Knowledge Online] to see if there’s any required NKO courses.”

Anything that reflects your rank needs to be updated, added Whitis. Make sure you take care of everything, from getting your email address updated at ADP to rack labels in the berthing.

“For certain departments, leadership responsibilities may increase,” said Whitis. “If you put on 2nd or 3rd, you might be stepping into the role of [Leading Petty Officer (LPO)].”

While picking up rank brings excitement, it also brings more responsibilities. Make sure you’re on top of your game, stay ambitious and do your best to motivate junior Sailors to strive for higher ranks.

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June 7, 2012

Haze Grey 101: Surviving life at sea Story by MC3 Ian Cotter

L

ife at sea is at the heart of the Navy. Projecting power and defending national interests require the coordination and cooperation of Navy personnel to carry out the mission of the United States to every corner of the Earth. Though the seafaring way is traditional and practical, it can also be very challenging for any Sailor.

As the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) approaches its Rim of the Pacific tour (RIMPAC) many inexperienced Sailors aboard might feel apprehension towards being away from perceived civilization for so long. Luckily, there are ways to cope with these lengthy underway periods and preparations can be made to set Sailors up for smooth sailing, rather than rough seas.

There tends to be two trending worries on Sailors minds when the ship pulls out: what they’re leaving behind and what they’re about to get into. A lot of underway stress stems from juggling life at sea with life left ashore. It is how each Sailor copes with these troubles that will set them up for success or failure.

One of the items often found at the top of the stress list for most Sailors is finances. It’s difficult to manually manage personal accounts at sea, so most Sailors set up automatic payments and allotments from their paychecks to cover all of their ashore affairs. A popular rule to live by is to not get in over your head, allow for money to flow periodically into your Navy Cash account, and to leave enough for liberty spending and long-term savings.

Many Sailors on board Nimitz have families waiting on land for them. The career of a Sailor includes countless days at sea, and keeping a family informed and up to speed is beneficial to maintaining those relationships and also, one’s sanity. Sailors should take the time to email their loved ones and tell them of their adventures, while keeping operational security (OPSEC) in mind. Keeping your loved ones informed and regularly touching base is a healthy way to help maintain positive attitudes on both ends of the spectrum.

For many Sailors, the most challenging part of being at sea is, well, being at sea. Knowing that you haven’t seen land yesterday, aren’t looking at it today and that you won’t be getting ashore tomorrow can be very depressing. On top of that, the hours are longer and the workload is larger, adding more to the weight of

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June 7, 2012

underway blues. However, there are many ways to keep your sanity on the high seas.

One of the most important factors in staying positive underway is getting enough sleep. If well rested, Sailors tend to operate more efficiently and have a more positive outlook on the day from the start. Try to hit the rack at a decent time so that you can wake up rested and focused to take on the next day.

Another aspect in maintaining a healthy underway lifestyle is proper diet and exercise. Don’t always hop into the express line for chow. Eating a variety of meats, plants, breads and dairy can build muscle and stamina.

Also, by exercising regularly, you can burn off unneeded calories and boost cardiovascular and immune functions.

Find time for yourself. Maybe you have a hobby or play a sport. Maybe you like to listen to music or watch movies. It could be anything, as long as it doesn’t interfere with work. You’re likely to be able to jump into a game of Frisbee in the hangar bay while the songs of a shipmate playing guitar echo from far away. Make time to do something you love, so that even on a rough day you can find some joy. If you have time for yourself, it can help clear your head and allows you to focus more on putting in time for the overall mission.

Lastly is the most important part, in my opinion, of surviving long underway periods including deployment.

Enjoy it. Make the best of the grey days, and cherish the bright ones. Though it is strenuous, tedious, and full of more work than any civilian would likely be used to, it is still the position of a United States Navy Sailor. You are part of something that millions of people dream about and it is we, less than 5 percent of Americans that do it. If nothing else, take pride in that fact to see the days through.

All in all, underway periods come with challenges and adventures alike. Aboard Nimitz, Sailors are granted countless opportunities found few places in the world, and even though each cruise may be more rigorous, there is satisfaction and pride in being a part of them. If everything on your part is planned and executed correctly, long underways will be a breeze. There’s something extraordinary about being at sea and it’s in that moment, gazing out at the vastness of the ocean stretching out so far it reveals the curvature of the planet, you can find it.

Photo by MC3 Robert Winn

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June 7, 2012

Nimitz S

Story by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs photos by MC2 Mi

Nimitz Sailors participating in Sunday's walk/run pose for a group shot.

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June 7, 2012

Sailors walk for the cure

ichael Cole

T

en Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteered their time to participate in a walk/run for the cure in Seattle June 3 in support of breast cancer awareness.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Jasmin Shackelford organized the team “Sailors With Souls” for the second year in a row, encouraging Nimitz Sailors to get out and have a fun time for a good cause.

Events like the one Shackelford and her team participated in are held to create awareness and raise funds in support of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Each person has their own drive behind their own participation in the walk or run.

“I have had the pleasure of growing up with a lot of caring women, from my super mom, wife, and two beautiful daughters,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Brandon Mackey-Darden, who donated along with his wife Tiffany Mackey-Darden. “Past, present, and future, they have made me the man I am. I have a godmother that is a survivor so she is the icing on the cake for me to provide support or do all I can to prevent and/or cure this and any other cancer.”

Other Sailors feel the same way about loved ones who’ve struggled with cancer in the past.

“My aunt JoAnn Daniels was the most lighthearted, fun loving person,” said Shackelford. “She passed away from breast cancer in 1996. No one knew she was sick. She didn’t know she was sick.

All of a sudden it was terminal by the time she figured out that something was wrong.”

The walk and run allowed all in attendance the opportunity to remember their lost loved ones in a positive, supportive environment.

“I only have happy memories of her, dancing and smiling, and that’s why I like these events; because they’re uplifting,” said Shackelford. “People are smiling and happy and supportive of each other, and it’s all about the cause.”

Sailors who volunteered their time agree it was an uplifting experience they would definitely do again.

“It’s the most positive thing I’ve ever been associated with, and it’s something that I always want to participate in and give back to,” said Shackelford.

Participants dressed in pink to raise awareness of Walk for the Cure and the fight against breast cancer.

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ages at your fingertips. I look forward to logging into June 7, 2012 NKO to download the next book onto my kindle or iPad," said Lt. Katie Brennan, a Navy pediatric nurse Customers keep from seven to thirty daysinand practitioner at the Fortitems Belvoir Community Hospital maynorthern have up Virginia. to ten items checked out at any one time. In fiscal year 2011 more than 62,000 items were checked out, Tens Of Of Ebooks Tens OfandThousands Thousands Ofmillion.

Ebooks And And saving Sailors their families $2.6 Audio On NKO "This programBooks is a greatAvailable resource that puts for all Audio Books Available Onbooks NKO ages at yourare fingertips.

I lookservices forwardfortochildren. logging into There even special Preschoolers NKO download the next ontoon mytheir kindle or tablet, cantohave an eBook readbook to them parent's iPad," said or Lt.PC Katie Brennan, a Navy pediatriceBooks nurse for ekids laptop through the Tumblebooks: practitioner service. at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in northern "TheVirginia. services for kids are great, I plan on telling parents I Story by Cmdr. Patrick Foughty, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

Tens Of Thousands Of Ebooks see about this program because it's so easy,And and it's a good way toBooks spend time with each other andNKO encourage reading," Audio Available On

said Brennan.

There are even special forthis children.

Preschoolers "We've come a longservices way since partnership began, just can ahave an eBook read to had themabout on their parent's tablet,and few years ago we only 8,000 audio books laptop PC through the Tumblebooks: 400oreBooks available," added Moffitt. eBooks for ekids service.

"I'm very happy with where we are now and I only expect "The fortokids areand great, I plan on telling parents I thisservices program grow grow." see about program because so easy, it'sservices a good by Navythis Library patrons mayit's register forand these wayLogging to spendinto timeNKO with each other and encourage reading," at https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil.

Click saidon Brennan. the "Reference" heading in the upper left part of the "We've come a long this partnership began, just screen.

Then clickway on since "e-Library - audio & ebooks."

Once Page 8 8,000 audio books and a few years ago we only had about

June 7, 2012

WASHINGTON -- The Navy General Library Program (NGLP), through a near sevenyear partnership with Overdrive, the largest provider of eBooks and downloadable audio books to libraries worldwide, now offers more than 50,000 titles through Navy Knowledge Online.

The Overdrive service was introduced on NKO in November 2005 when NGLP initiated its first partnership with the eBook/audio book provider and has grown exponentially ever since.

"We are constantly adding titles, more copies of titles, new content and new services, with a digital library things are very dynamic, allowing us to constantly build our collection and offer more for our Sailors and their families," said Nellie Moffitt, NGLP director.

Currently the program boasts more than 108,000 copies of eBooks and audio books, to include numerous copies of professional reading that support the Navy Professional Reading Program and even classics and popular titles, like the 'Lord of the Rings' series and 'The Hunger Games.'

Customers keep the items from seven to thirty days and may have up to ten items checked out at any one time. In fiscal year 2011 more than 62,000 items were checked out, saving Sailors and their families $2.6 million.

"This program is a great resource that puts books for all ages at your fingertips. I look forward to logging into NKO to download the next book onto my kindle or iPad," said Lt. Katie Brennan, a Navy pediatric nurse practitioner at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in northern Virginia.

There are even special services for children. Preschoolers can have an eBook read to them on their parent's tablet, laptop or PC through the Tumblebooks: eBooks for ekids service.

"The services for kids are great, I plan on telling parents I see about this program because it's so easy, and it's a good way to spend time with each other and encourage reading," said Brennan.

"We've come a long way since this partnership began, just a few years ago we only had about 8,000 audio books and 400 eBooks available," added Moffitt.

"I'm very happy with where we are now and I only expect this program to grow and grow."

Navy Library patrons may register for these services by Logging into NKO at https:// wwwa.nko.navy.mil. Click on the "Reference" heading in the upper left part of the screen.

Then click on "e-Library - audio & ebooks." Once on this NKO page Sailors and their families can explore the array of e-book and audio book services.

The Navy General Library Program has existed for nearly a century and is a service of Commander, Navy Installations Command.

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June 7, 2012

Sailors run time trials in an effort to be the fastest and most efficient hose team. Photo by MCSN Jess Lewis

DC Olympics

Nimitz Sailors at their best while training for the worst.

Sailors practice patching a leak in a pipe during Tuesday's DC Olympics. Photo by MCSN Jess Lewis

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From the fleet...

Guidance for transitioning from active to reserve MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced guidance streamlining the transition from active duty to Selected Reserves (SELRES) through Perform to Serve (PTS) or Early Career Transition Program (ECTP) in a message released June 5.

NAVADMIN 179/12 outlines a new process for active duty and full-timesupport Sailors transitioning to the SELRES via PTS or ECTP to receive Navy Personnel Command (NPC)-funded separation orders with an intermediate stop at their requested Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC).

"The benefit is a seamless transition from active duty to the Reserves," said Master Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Joe Mack, NPC Career Transition Office (CTO). "Before Navy established CTO, a Sailor would have to separate from the Navy and contact a Reserve recruiter in order to join the Reserves, which could take months. CTO continues to streamline the process."

According to the message, Sailors who receive a SELRES quota through PTS or ECTP must use Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID)

to select a NOSC nearest to the area they intend to reside after release from active duty.

Working with their command career counselor, a completed Reserve affiliation screening checklist must be forwarded to CTO to ensure completion of all required enlistment and Reserve affiliation documents prior to the Sailor beginning terminal leave.

Transitioning Sailors who complete this process at least two months prior to separation will receive funded orders from their command to their NOSC where they will complete their release from active duty (separation) processing and Reserve affiliation. Under this process Sailors affiliating with a NOSC greater than 50 miles from their residence are authorized up to three days per diem while completing their active duty to SELRES processing at the NOSC. "This process will take an active duty Sailor affiliating with the SELRES from their current assignment to their NOSC without a break in service," said Mack.

Failure to comply with the process outlined in the message may cause delays in transitioning and require the Sailor to

complete separation processing from their active component command. The Sailor will incur the expense in reporting to their selected NOSC. The CTO was established under the Navy's continuum of service initiative to ease the transition of personnel from active duty to Reserve billets, decrease transition processing times and error rates, and increase Reserve affiliation among qualified Sailors leaving active duty. Since it's inception CTO has assisted 1,021 enlisted Sailors with their transition from the active duty to the Reserve component.

The Navy Reserve offers a two-year deployment deferment for Sailors who join the Reserve within six months of leaving active duty.

SELRES service requires a minimum commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks every year. However, flexible drilling options may be made available depending upon Reserve unit requirements and procedures.

For more information, read NAVADMIN 179/12 available in the message section at www.npc.navy.mil.

SECNAV, CNO FY2011 Environmental Awards Presented From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Environmental Awards were presented June 5, in two different ceremonies at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center here.

The SECNAV and CNO Environmental Awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps personnel, installations and ships for their exceptional environmental stewardship.

The CNO Environmental Award winners were presented first, and SECNAV winners were announced in a following ceremony.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson presented the CNO the Environmental Awards on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert.

"I am ever mindful that the strength of this great Navy does not rest with technology or platforms alone - the real capability resides in the people serving and their extraordinary hard work and dedication," said Ferguson. "The exceptional men and women

- Sailors, civilians, and government contractors - receiving awards today seized the opportunity when given to them, and went the extra mile in protecting our environment.

"Over the past several years, the Navy has greatly expanded efforts to make our ships, aircraft, and shore installations more energy efficient. We focus 85 percent of our efforts on identifying and implementing energy efficiencies, which reduces resource consumption and translates directly into greater readiness and enhanced combat capability," he said.

Commander, Navy Installations Command Vice Adm. William French was in attendance and congratulated the shore installation winners.

"I want to congratulate all of you on your continuing dedication to improve our shore installations environmental readiness and conservation efforts. Your work directly reflects and supports the Navy's overall environmental stewardship as we continue to increase these endeavors into the 21st century," said French.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook. com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

Only in the Navy.

Nimitz Sailors undertake the massive job of repainting one of Nimitz' two 60,000 pound anchors.

Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter