Nimitz News - March 15, 2013

Mar. 15, 2013

Vol. 39, No. 10

Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer Capt. Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief Master Chief Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media Division Officer Lt. Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCC (SW/AW) Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC (SW) Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 (AW/SW) Michael Cole Editor MC2 (SW) Glenn Slaughter Lead Designer MC2 (SW) Nichelle N. Whitfield Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Ashley Berumen MC2 (SW) Robert Winn MC2 Andrew Jandik MC2 (SW/AW) Ian Cotter MC3 (SW) Renée L. Candelario MC3 (SW) Ryan Mayes MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 (SW) Devin Wray MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 (SW) Alexander Ventura II MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 (SW) Jess Lewis MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Vanessa David MC3 George Penney MCSN Nathan McDonald MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Joshua Haiar MCSA Phillip Ladouceur MCSA Andrew Price MCSA Aiyana Paschal 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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Flamesof Passion

By Chaplain Richard Townes

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N the past, I’ve taught many Marriage Preparation classes, counseled hundreds of couples and performed marriages for dozens of men and women. I always enjoy helping couples avoid pitfalls as well as helping them build bridges to get over the dangerous marital crevices that develop from time to time. I love seeing healthy marriages.

Unfortunately, there are those couples who fall over the side of the cliff because they haven’t dealt properly with the issues that surface.

Many of the people I see in my office could help themselves before ever setting foot in my office by avoiding one of the most common problems - casual sex and the abandonment of their morals. To that end, I firmly believe that single people should resolve to strengthen themselves against lust and sexual passions by reading and meditating upon a psalm or some other portion of God’s Word before heading off on a date or to stop and consider the consequences of their actions. Married people, too, will benefit by meditation and self-reflection about their own vows of fidelity.

When the flames of passion come knocking and sexual arousal reaches unmanageable proportions you don’t have to give in. Instead, go to a psalm or any other chapter or two in the Scriptures and read. After the flames die down, devote yourself to serious prayer. If your sexual appetite continually tempts you, be patient.

Resist them as long as necessary, even if it takes a long time, but above all keep praying! If you feel that you can’t stand it any longer, ask God to give you a devout spouse with whom you can live in harmony and true love.

I’ve encountered many people who, because of their crude and shameful fantasies, indulged their passions with unrestrained lusts. As a result of their insatiable desires, they abandoned selfcontrol and lapsed into terrible immorality. In the end, they had to endure dreadful consequences.

Blinded to the realities of married life, some of them took unsuitable mates and ended up in incompatible relationships with unlimited heartache.

You must pray diligently and strive to resist the kind of desires that will cause you much grief, but don’t think you’re alone in the battle.

Ask God to give you a good and faithful spouse such as Rebekah or Isaac rather than a Delilah or Samson - or someone even worse. Finding a devoted and loyal wife or husband isn’t a matter of good luck, nor is it the result of good judgment.

Finding a devout spouse is a true gift from God. God gave me such a gift and though there have been peaks and valleys along the way, I have to say that our marriage grows better and better each day. Why? Because my dear, sweet bride and I keep our Lord at the very center of our marriage and seek to be selfless. We want to make each other completely happy, therefore sexual unions outside of marriage have no place in our relationship. Selflessness and self-control pay huge dividends within our marriage.

My desire is that all married couples will have as happy of a life as my wife and I. That long enduring happiness started the day we began to date. Make purity your priority and see if, years from now, you agree with me. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

USS Nimitz Kicks-Off 2013 NMCRS Fundraiser Sailors set a goal of $75,000

By MCSN Nate McDonald

The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) began their 2013 active duty fund drive yesterday.

In 2012, NMCRS provided $145,371in interest-free loans and $4,049 in grants to 301 Nimitz Sailors.

“We’re hoping to raise $75,000 from Nimitz Sailors this year,” said Senior Chief Aviation Ordinanceman Galen Swogger, an NMCRS coordinator. “That’s around $10,000 more than we raised last year, but I think it’s achievable.”

NMCRS offers a large selection of services to Sailors, Marines, retirees and their families who may be in financial need. They can provide interest-free loans for emergency travel expenses, budget counseling, free in-home visits by registered nurses for pregnant women and interest free loans for family members pursuing an undergraduate education among other services.

“Services include money management like budget reviews with a person that is very familiar with military specific items like MyPay, Tricare, DEERS, etc.,” said Lt. j.g. Eric Foss, an NMCRS coordinator. “It’s important to note that a budget review is always more beneficial to be done before the military member is having serious financial issues.”

NMCRS also offers help outside of emergency situations.

“They run the thrift shop and sell things like uniform items at very low cost,” Swogger said. “I used to go there before deployments and get coveralls for three or four dollars.”

NMCRS also offers quick assist loans – an interest free loan for up to $300 provided in as little as 15 minutes to protect Sailors and Marines from predatory lenders, Swogger said.

“It is a very streamlined process,” Foss said. “It’s probably the number one service utilized at the NMCRS.” During the 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercises, 15 Nimitz Sailors were able to use the NMCRS for emergency travel expenses.

NMCRS helped Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Thad Keese return home when he suffered a death in the family roughly seven years ago.

“I had to fly home and NMCRS did a budget with me, which was really helpful, and they gave me a loan,” Keese

said. “It was a nine month window to pay it back, so I never even really noticed it because it was only like $50 or $60 each month.”

Whenever there is a need to be met in Sailors’ or Marines’ lives, NMCRS can usually help find a solution.

“They’re there when you need them,” Swogger said.

“Nobody wants to think about the death of a family member, but when it happens you just want to go. It’s nice to not have to worry about finances at that point.”

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T T

L IMITED DU T Y O FFICER

hree Nimitz Sailors reached a major career milestone when they were recently selected for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program.

The selectees are Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Edward Sandi, Chief Logistics Specialist Cherrylynn Santiago and Chief Hull Technician Nolan Nichols.

Navy Personnel Command PERS-803 conducts the LDO and Chief warrant Officer Procurement Board once a year in Millington, Tenn.

By providing an opportunity for selected Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) and senior enlisted personnel to become commissioned officers, the LDO program supplies the fleet with technically oriented officers to perform duties requiring the authority, responsibility and managerial skills that are expected from the U.S. Navy’s commissioned officers.

Three Nimitz senior enlisted selected for specialized program

By MCSN Nate McDonald

To be appointed as a Navy LDO, the applicant must meet eligibility requirements, complete the LDO application process and be selected by the LDO Selection Board.

“When you go before the board, you have to show them who you are – your professionalism, your management skills, your military bearing,” Santiago said. “One of their biggest questions is always ‘How will you motivate your Sailors?’”

HTC Nolan Nichols

ABFCS Edward Sandi

LSC Cherrylynn Santiago 4

competition can be fierce, and multiple application attempts are not uncommon.

Basic eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, meeting the physical standards as an LDO prescribed under Chapter 15 from the Manual of the Medical Department, active duty in the regular Navy or Naval Reserve at the time of the application and, if selected, remaining on active duty until the LDO appointment is given.

With few slots available each year,

“It is really competitive,” Sandi said.

“For me, it took five years. I’ve been applying since 2008.”

Sandi said that only four to five Aviation Boatswain’s Mates are selected each year from across the Navy.

Tenacity and perseverance are an unwritten requirement, as well, Santiago said.

“You have to be persistent. Keep charging,” Santiago said. “People may say ‘no’ and sometimes you feel like stopping, but never, ever quit. This is a dream come true for me.”

Still, the benefits are palpable and make the long process a worthwhile one.

“The LDO program offers a lot of upward mobility in my career,” Nichols said. “Making LDO also will provide my family with a more comfortable lifestyle in the coming years and after I retire.”

aiming for second Junior Sailors Receive 1st Class Service During Advancement Exam

by MCSA Aiyana Paschal More than 500 Nimitz Sailors took the Navy Wide Advancement Exam for E-5 on board Nimitz and at the Commons building at Naval Station Everett, yesterday.

Most Sailors found balancing work and study especially challenging.

“This is my sixth time taking the exam,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Andrew Wiggins. “We’ve been really busy gearing up for this deployment. When I get done working, I really don’t feel like [studying], but I made some flash cards and I looked through the publications.”

Reactions after the exam ranged from cautiously optimistic to tired and apprehensive.

“The test was alright,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jose Ibara. “I felt good about it, but I’m not sure if I made it. It was my first time taking the exam.”

IT3 Marcus Galloway struggled with the test material more than he anticipated.

“It was rough,” Galloway said. “There were questions that had information that I already knew, but it was worded differently.

Most of my studying was [on-the-job-training].”

The sheer volume of material covered meant proper study technique was a must.

“You can always tell which people are prepared and which ones crammed the night before the exams,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Johnson, a test proctor. “Look at your bibs. It breaks down exactly what’s going to be on the test and it’s made by the people who write the test.”

This test came with a tasty twist. Before the exam started, Sailors from the Nimitz 1st Class Mess served a continental-style breakfast to those testing at the Commons.

“It’s a way of giving back to some of our Sailors,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Matthew Baptista. “I remember taking the test when I was coming up and there wasn’t really an association or mess that would be out there, cheering you on.”

Junior Sailors were surprised and appreciative.

“It’s nice to see them giving back,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Tony Greenhill. “They’re very helpful. That juice was a good pick me up.”

“The snacks were delicious,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Doneshi Beal. “It’s really [encouraging] to see them there, losing sleep and time at work. They want us to be prepared.”

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Sailors Teaching Scouts

Story and photos by MC2(SW) Robert Winn

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hey are skills most hope to never use. In an emergency, knowing CPR and basic first aid could mean the difference between life and death. In an effort to pass on those lifesaving skills, Hospital Corpsman assigned to USS Nimitz taught a group of local boy scouts CPR and basic first aid during a community service project, Mar. 11.

Gathering in Marysville, Wash. the Hospital Corpsman utilized mannequins and volunteers to instruct boys from Troop 84 on how to splint a broken bone, perform the Heimlich maneuver and give proper chest compressions.

“I feel good and excited about helping out,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Irrielle Bonguit. “It feels really good passing on my experience to people who may need it.”

The training tied together theoretical and practical knowledge. This included teaching the boy scouts what tools they would look for during given scenarios, such as using neckerchiefs and sticks to construct a simple splint if they were camping and no other materials were available.

“I like to teach others with the hopes they learn the fundamentals and can stand a fighting chance of saving a fellow boy scout or shipmate,” said Bonguit.

Training on situational awareness and the CAB’s of first aid: circulation, airway and breathing, is aimed at teaching the scouts the importance and seriousness of first aid in critical situations.

“We teach them first aid, when to call 911, understanding when someone is hurt or in danger and what to do,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Elizabeth Anderson. “That’s the thing

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Nimitz Sailors demonstrate how to splint a broken bone during a recent COMSERV with Boy Scout Troop 84.

with kids; you want to make sure they don’t just think you’re joking around.”

The Hospital Corpsman brought some of the ships training materials along for full affect.

“We brought supplies along that we’d use in the field,” said Anderson.

“We want them to know what the proper tools look like and what they do.”

Community service projects are part of the ship’s mission to better surrounding community relationships through training and assistance. The COMSERVs are run through Nimitz’ Religious Ministries department and offer Sailors a chance to volunteer.

For more information on COMSERVs contact your departmental chief for upcoming projects.

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Apple

ADay Even

Story and Photos by MCSA Aiyana Paschal

Underway

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Food ‘‘best medicine is either or

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our

slowest

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poison.

form of

“A lot of people think, ‘I can eat whatever I want if I just work out’ which is not the case,” said Patterson. “Not if you want to see changes. You just won’t get that without proper nutrition.”

Sailors who have been underway know how hard it can be to make healthy decisions at sea.

“It is hard, because you work all day and those lines are long,” said Seaman Recruit Natalie T. Parker. “But at the end of the day, everything depends on you. You make the decision to be healthy.”

-Melyssa Patterson FITBOSS, USS Nimitz

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arch is Navy nutrition month, and Sailors aboard USS Nimitz are encouraged to stay healthy while out at sea.

An all-hands safety stand down, slated for March 18 in hangar bay two, will cover a variety of topics including weight management, nutrition and physical fitness.

“Most of our failures on the PFA (physical fitness assessment) are weight failures, body composition failures; that’s a big issue on the ship. Nutrition is very important for that,” said Lt. Douglas Santillo, the physical therapist, health promotions coordinator and PFA coordinator on board.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial to good health.

“The most important thing to remember is to eat nutrient-dense foods,” said Santillo. “Most people are overfed and undernourished.

Eat foods that are high in nutrients: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, high quality meats, and avoid things that are very calorie or energy dense. Things like rice, potatoes, breads, pastas.”

“Our food is either our best medicine or our slowest form of poison,” said Melyssa Patterson, the ship’s FITBOSS.

Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears grabs lunch from the salad bar.

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H

Hazardous!

Photos by MC2(SW) Robert Winn Story by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen

For Sailors on board USS Nimitz, performing maintenance is a weekly duty that requires checking out hazardous materials (HAZMAT) from the HAZMAT issue center. However, checking out HAZMAT is more than just a grab-and-go. It requires a step-by-step process that must be followed to ensure the safety of the ship and the crew. “[The] HAZMAT [issue center] has everything from aerosol paints, to grease, cleaning supplies and AFFF [aqueous film-forming foam] and hydraulic fluid,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher M. Saulsberry, S-8’s (Shipping and Receiving) leading petty officer.

The first step to checking out hazardous material is obtaining the necessary chits, i.e. hot or cold work permits, and taking the chit to the HAZMAT issue center to check out the proper materials needed to perform maintenance.

Sailors will also need to consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that comes with every HAZMAT item on board which lists the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for handling

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and proper safety procedures to follow. PPE can be obtained through the Sailor’s work center Repair Parts Petty Officer (RPPO).

“All HAZMAT manufacturers have to provide a MSDS that lists the proper use, storage and disposal,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Malcolm A. Jeffcoat, S-8A HAZMAT issue center’s leading petty officer. “Some HAZMAT is flammable and some cannot be stored next to another HAZMAT item.

Proper disposal is important because it can get into the water or food.”

Some workcenters have a seven-day locker in their work space, where regularly used HAZMAT can be stored for up to seven days. Workcenters that don’t have a seven-day locker can request one from the

HAZMAT check center. There can be more than one placed in a workcenter if there are hazardous materials that

After the HAZMAT is issued, a receipt is kept on file that is signed by the Sailor.

O n c e HAZMAT is distributed, Sailors have 24 hours to use and return it. If more than 24 hours is required, Sailors can bring the HAZMAT back to the issue center and check it out for an additional 24 hours. If an item is not returned within 24 hours, the Sailor will be placed on a delinquent list and no one in their workcenter or department will be able to check out HAZMAT until the delinquent item is returned.

“The biggest problem we have in HAZMAT is Sailors not returning it on time,” said Saulsberry. “It’s a big deal because not only is the entire department on the delinquent list, it’s hazardous material and it can’t be left lying around on the

"The biggest problem we have in HAZMAT is Sailors not returning it on time.”

- LS1 Saulsberry

cannot be placed together.

“Anyone who is 3M-301 qualified is taught proper handling, usage and stowage of HAZMAT,” said Cmdr.

Lisa Ketterman, Nimitz’ Safety Officer.

Before Sailors are allowed to check out HAZMAT they need to be put onto their work center’s authorized user list (AUL). There is an AUL in every department that lists the HAZMAT authorized on board Nimitz. Sailors must first be added to their department’s list of authorized personnel allowed to check out hazardous materials before they are allowed to check it out.

In addition to being on their workcenter’s AUL and authorized personnel list, Sailors must fill out a request form listing the HAZMAT needed to perform maintenance and have it signed by their workcenter supervisor before the it will be issued.

ship.”

After maintenance is performed, HAZMAT containers, whether empty or full, must be returned to the HAZMAT issue center to be properly disposed of or reissued.

HAZMAT that is not properly disposed of can cause Nimitz to be fined, so Sailors are required to follow the proper procedures for handling and storage of HAZMAT on board.

For more information on the proper HAZMAT handling, usage, storage and disposal, Sailors can consult Navy instructions: OPNAVINST 5100.19E, NIMITZINST 5100.30E AND NSTM-670.

SKYLARKS By MCSN Joshua D. Haiar

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amera uardian Story & Photo By MC2 (SW) Glenn Slaughter

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ou may not see them, but they definitely see you. Whether you’re walking through the hangar bay, transferring funds at the ATM, or buying a snack at the ship’s store, chances are you’re on camera.

That kind of coverage comes with considerable upkeep.

An interior communication specialist must periodically travel to each camera’s location to perform maintenance, ranging from adjusting the viewpoint or focus, to completing complex electrical work.

Preparing for the upcoming deployment, IC3 Jennifer Cavazos is making the rounds on an already-busy morning.

“The most hectic part of checking the cameras is locating them,” she said. “With being new to the ship and not knowing where a lot of our spaces are, it can be a fun or frustrating experience to locate them.”

There are more than 50 cameras on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, and they mostly fall under the 6TV system, which covers elevators, hangar bays, shaft alleys, and much more. The rest are force protection cameras positioned outside the ship, and are there to help prevent another USS Cole incident.

With that in mind, Cavazos takes her job seriously.

“I’ve learned how to work in high pressure situations,” she said. “In an emergency, something has to get corrected, and you may not know how. You have to stay there until

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you figure it out.

Sometimes it’s about thinking outside the box.”

IC workspaces are spread out, but Cavazos can frequently be found working out of the smallest one. More like a cave than an office, TV Repair sits above the officer brow, on the 01 level of Nimitz .

Crammed into these tight quarters, Cavazos said her childhood gave her the ability to keep working effectively.

“I have two brothers and one sister,” the native Texan said. “It’s an advantage, because I am the oldest, so I learned patience. Working with people and on tricky equipment, having patience is advantageous. TV Repair isn’t bad, when it gets really crowded I just go out and work on something, learn something new. I don’t like sitting around.”

It hasn’t been a totally smooth ride, though. Cavazos has identified one way to make her life a bit easier.

“Stop being forgetful,” she said.

"When you have a lot of things on your plate, it’s easy to forget what you need to do. Write it down.”

Women Through Naval History

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