Nimitz News - September 22, 2011

Sept. 22, 2011

Nimitz News

September 22, 2011

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Vol. 36, No. 38

Congratulations to all newly pinned Chiefs aboard Nimitz!

AOC Binglambert Arciaga MMC George Barnes ABEC Jorge Cendejas HTC Matthew Donovan MMC Aaron Dunk LSC Frances Estrada HMC Edgar Nunez-Hernandez

Chief Information Systems Technician Jason Curran is pinned Chief by his wife and son during the chief's pinning ceremony.

ABHC Robert Jimenez

Nimitz pins new Chief Petty Officers

RPC Monica Kuhl

Story by MC3 (SW) Thomas Siniff

EMC Frank Kappler ITC Jason Curran DCC Damon Leggins AOC Luis Negronleon LSC Renern Ronquillo MMC Nathaniel Roesler ATC Robert Simpson MMC Bryant Udell

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered Sept. 16 to watch 17 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors pinned as a Chief Petty Officer.

The pinning ceremony, held in Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton’s Base Gym, marked the end of a long process designed to teach the new chiefs skills in leadership, responsibility and reinforcement of the Navy’s Core Values.

“For eleven years, I’ve been doing things my way,” said Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Matthew Donovan. “The induction process has taught me to step back and look at things differently.”

The promotion to chief means a lot to Sailors, as it marks the entry into the elite group of the Chief ’s Mess.

“Twice has been my good luck,” said Donovan. “I’ve made 2nd Class, 1st class and Chief all on the second try.”

Capt. Paul Monger, Commanding Officer USS Nimitz (CVN 68), advised the new chiefs on where to take their career from now.

“This is not the end of the journey for you all,” said Monger. “This is not the point where you say ‘Hey, I’m done, I’ve made it. This is the point where you say ‘I’m ready, now, to begin.”

“Ask yourself ‘where am I going to go in the future, and how can I live up to the creed, the Chief ’s Creed, each and every day of my life and everything that I do,” said Monger.

Recently inducted USS Nimitz (CVN 68) chief's await their pinning while standing at parade rest.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

DoD repeals 'Don't Ask; Don't Tell' Story by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Commanding Officer CAPT Paul Monger Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough Media LCPO MCCM Jon McMillan Media Production Chief MCC Mike Jones Editor MC3 Robert Winn Lead Designer MCSN Jacob Milner Media Dept MC2 James Mitchell MC2 Amara Timberlake MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Ian Cotter MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Mark Sashegyi MC3 Glenn Slaughter MC3 Thomas Siniff MC3 Nichelle Whitfield MC3 Devin Wray MCSN Andrew Jandik MCSN Jacob Milner MCSN Alexander Ventura II MCSN Renee Candelario MCSA Jessica Lewis MCSA Derek Volland

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, announced to the Fleet Sept. 20 repeal of the 18-year old statute known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members to begin serving openly.

NAVADMIN 271/11 is the 15th message in a series informing leadership and Sailors as the Navy moved through planning and training towards the repeal. In this message, CNO explained to the Fleet how this significant policy change will be effectively implemented through command leadership and adherence to Navy's core values.

"I have been impressed with our training, detailed preparation, demonstrated professionalism, and decency of our Navy as we prepared for repeal. You have supported the process admirably and treated all your shipmates with dignity and respect. Thank you for how you have conducted this transition," said Roughead. "I know your superb professionalism will continue in the post repeal environment as our Navy continues to be a positive, inclusive environment for all."

Immediately following that message NAVADMIN 272/11, offered further policy guidance regarding the repeal. The message explained that sexual orientation or lawful acts of homosexual conduct will not be considered as a bar to military service or admission to service academies, ROTC or any other accession program. Accordingly, Sailors who were discharged solely under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" may apply to reenter the Navy and can expect to be evaluated according to

the same criteria and service requirements applicable to all prior-service members seeking reentry.

While the primary focus of repeal has been on changes in the law, some of the most important aspects can be found in what will remain the same.

For instance, sexual orientation will continue to be a personal and private matter. Current and future Sailors will not be asked, nor be required to reveal, their sexual orientation.

Standards of conduct remain unchanged. Existing Navy standards of conduct will continue to apply to all Sailors regardless of sexual orientation. Enforcement of standards, including those related to public displays of affection, dress and appearance, and fraternization will be sexual orientation neutral. All members are responsible for upholding and maintaining the high standards of the U.S. Navy at all times and in all places.

The diversity of the force will remain a strength.

Success of the Navy is enabled by the diversity of our Sailors, representing many different racial, religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds, and by the expectation that all Sailors will be treated with dignity and respect. Accordingly, there will be no changes regarding the exercise of religious beliefs.

All Sailors, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to an environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent service members from rising to the highest level of responsibility possible.

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.

Navy-wide tests completed with E-4 exams Sailors, aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), take the Navy-wide advancement exam for E-4 placement Thursday in the crew's messing and berthing barge enlisted galley.

Sept. 22, 2011

Nimitz News

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Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Allen J. Clippinger moves a box of books from the barge in transit to USS Nimitz' (CVN 68) library.

Nimitz Sailors return shops from barge to ship Story and photos by MC3 Ian Cotter

As USS Nimitz (CVN 68) draws closer to completing its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA), more departments are becoming operational within the ship’s hull. Certain departments were relocated to the crew messing and berthing barge due to the fastpaced industrial working environment onboard the ship during the drydock period. Now, the work is nearly complete, making it safe to work aboard again.

“We started moving over (to the ship) about three weeks ago,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Ian S. Kowalczyk. “We returned most of the hard copy service records to their respective owners, and boxed up our temporary services and miscellaneous items for transfer. We then had to save all of our computer programs to a hard drive so we’d be functional on the ship.”

Nimitz' disbursing department had to move the Navy Cash servers and ATMs to the ship. “The preparation took much longer,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Jesse Villanueva. “The actual move took only a day. The military’s always on the move and we adapt to change and adjust all of the time. As far as the Navy’s concerned, we’re always used to planning, and we make things happen.”

The ship’s Religious Ministries department transferred all of the ship’s library books from the barge to the ship. “It’s our final evolution to move back aboard,” said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Allen J. Clippinger. “All of the books were moved into boxes and lifted onto the ship with a crane. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of the restricted personnel.” Religious Ministries

department finished moving aboard yesterday.

“We have to have running water on the ship before we can move,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Renato S. Barretto. Nimitz' Health Services department is one of the departments still remaining on the barge and will be one of the final departments moving back to the ship. “We moved some admin items, and there are a few computers running on the ship,” Barretto said. “But all of the records are going to have to go back. It was hard moving off, and it’s going to be harder moving back. It’ll be a big evolution.”

Nimitz' Supply S-2 division is also still operational on the barge, and cannot fully move back to the ship until electricity, running water, and steam are back up and running on the ship. “It’s crunch time,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Gerardo Martinez, Supply Department’s zone manager. “We’ve moved our consumables, and our offices have been emptied out for the most part. We’ve also installed over 50 new pieces of equipment. Now, we can provide better service to the crew in a more efficient manner.”

Once a firm date is set in place for when services will be back up on the ship, the departments still located on the barge will be able to begin their final transit back to the ship. “Everyone’s done a great job,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Glenn R. Delacruz. “Not a lot of Sailors go through this type of experience, and the ones on the Nimitz will leave with more fulfilling knowledge. The ship being old is also no factor. This is still the same process I was a part of when I was an E-4 and my ship, the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 64) was in the yards.”

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

USS Nimitz Gives Sailors a Special Happy Birthday Story and Photos by MCSN ReneeCandelario

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated their September birthdays with a special lunch on the barge mess decks Sept. 20.

Supply’s S-2 Division provided any Sailor with a September birthday a free special meal to celebrate.

“I want Sailors to know that their birthday is special and know that they are acknowledged and appreciated for all the hard work they do every day,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan Delacruz, Nimitz’ Food Service Officer (FSO).

Since Nimitz is coming out of dry dock, old traditions are being reestablished.

“We originally celebrated Sailor’s birthdays on the ship so we decided to celebrate during [Docking Planned Incremental Availability] (DPIA) as well,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Anthony Hooper, S-2’s leading petty officer. “We want to make [Sailors] feel special and recognized on their birthday.”

Sailors will receive a special meal and are expected to bring a big appetite.

“It’s a surf-and-turf type of meal that is different from the rest of the crew,” said Hooper.

Celebrations like this meal are expected to help boost the morale and spirits of the crew while we are finishing our DPIA process.

“I definitely looked forward to this meal all day,” said Electrician’s Mate Fireman Nickoia Gordon., a guest at the

birthday lunch “The food was delicious, I give S-2 a thumbs up.”

It’s nice S-2 put on a celebration to acknowledge our birthday, especially since Nimitz is in dry dock, said Machinist's Mate Fireman Larry Walters, a guest at the birthday lunch.

“We plan to celebrate each birthday month with a special lunch from now on,” said Hooper.

Sign up sheets for all Sailors will be available at the entrance of the officer and enlisted mess decks to receive their special birthday lunch for their birthday month.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Anthony Hooper serves the birthday lunch meal to those Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) whose birthday is during the month of September.

Sept. 22, 2011

Nimitz News

TAMP program aides Sailors in getting a post-Navy job Story by MC1 Monique K. Hilley

The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides a wide-array of services and opportunities to service members preparing to transition out of the military.

"TAMP helps Sailors get ready for civilian life," said Margarita Mason, transition manager, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Military and Family Support Center. "For many Sailors, the Navy was either their first job or their only career. TAMP helps these Sailors who have no clue how to adjust to the civilian world and acts as a stepping stone to ensure they are well prepared."

TAMP is one of the many programs offered at Commander, Navy Installations Command's (CNIC) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) worldwide.

Although every Sailor must complete DD Form 2648, Preseparation Counseling Checklist for Active Component Service Members, prior to separating, the form is just a small part of the overarching Transition Assistance Management Program.

While completing DD Form 2648 with a command career counselor, service members will be offered the opportunity to elect to receive counseling on a range of services and benefits, including, but not limited to, the transition assistance program (TAP), employment assistance, relocation assistance, education and training, health and life insurance, finances, reserve affiliation, veterans benefits briefing, disabled veterans benefits, post government service employment restrictions, and developing an individual transition plan (ITP).

DD Form 2648 should be completed one year prior to separation or two years prior to retirement.

"Many military members think that TAMP and TAP are the same thing, but they're not," said Mason.

"TAP is a U.S. Department of Labor workshop typically held at Fleet and Family Support Centers.

FFSC's own TAMP program goes far beyond just TAP and provides Sailors with opportunities to receive one-onone counseling, as little or as much as they need, whether they come once or every day, so that they are as prepared as possible to depart the military and enter the civilian workforce."

Once the checklist is complete, service members will use the options they have selected to develop an individual transition plan. This plan is not a military form, it is a plan developed by the Sailor, for the Sailor.

The ITP can be used to identify educational, training and employment objectives and to develop a plan to help the service member achieve these objectives.

Many times, a large part of that plan should be to visit the local FFSC to obtain counseling and receive assistance with things such as job fairs, resume writing, financial counseling, relocation counseling, questions about veteran's benefits, and educational benefits and opportunities.

Those departing military service should also be sure to keep their spouse, children and extended family aware of each step of the transition process. Talk with your spouse and help your child deal with issues by listening to their concerns and talking about any fears they may have.

By letting family actively participate in the process and allowing them to help, the service member can create a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Mason reiterated that whatever the final goals are, the key to a successful transition is to "start early and plan well."

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

Lions, Gorillas and dragons, oh my!

Story and photos by MCSA Jess Lewis

A female lion roams around in a replica of her natural habitat in the Woodland Park Zoo.

Two gorillas roam around in their mock habitat at the Woodland Park Zoo.

A komodo dragon lays next to a pool of water in its mock habitat at the Woodland Park Zoo.

An exotic bird sits on a branch in a replica of its natural habitat the ‘Tropical Asia’ section of the Woodland Park Zoo.

group2011 of penguins interact with one another while swimming and walking Sept.A22, Nimitz News in a replica of their natural habitat at the Woodland Park Zoo.

Growing up as a kid in Ohio, I went on vacation with my family every summer. My dad has this goal of seeing all 50 states. So, naturally, we would often spend our one or two week vacation traveling to whatever state was ‘next on the list’ and find things to do once we arrived. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy this because I absolutely did. I’ve even adopted my dad’s goal to see all the states.

Our family took most vacations outside of Ohio exploring places like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming or driving through the flat, barren lands of Nebraska just to get to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore. We didn’t make a lot of time for going to places closer to home like the zoo.

For the past five years, my friend and I have been talking about going to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Seeing as we’re both in the Navy and stationed out in Washington, we decided to take a day trip to Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. It’s not the Pittsburgh Zoo from home, but we wanted to go to the zoo and Seattle is, by far, a lot closer than Pittsburgh. So, off we went.

Not really sure where to start, we just decided to walk and follow the signs pointing us in the direction of both the African Savannah and Tropical Asia. Before we even reached one of those sections, we came across an aviary filled with all different species of birds. Outside of the aviary at this pond area, we saw some other animals like flamingos and swans.

Once we headed to Tropical Asia, we saw some gorillas and a couple orangutans. After going through Tropical Asia, we made our way towards the African Savannah to see the lions and wild dogs. On our way, we saw the penguins, which my personal favorite. Upon our arrival to the African Savannah, we also saw a couple giraffes. We learned that if we would have arrived earlier, we could have fed them.

Throughout the afternoon, we wandered through the zoo, not sure what animal we would come across next. We even came across a section of realistic, replica dinosaurs!

"Now that we’re bothPagein7 the Navy and stationed out in Washington, we finally decided to take a day trip to Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle."

We went into the building labeled ‘bug museum’ and discovered different species of beetles, spiders and other bugs. I’m not a huge fan of bugs and spiders but I found the stick bugs to be pretty cool looking. They were somewhat hard to find crawling among the branches and leaves in the habitat where they were kept because their bodies are shaped very much like that of a stick.

Walking through the ‘Tropical Asia’ section, we came across gorillas. Seeing them in their habitat in the zoo instantly reminded me of the movie, ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes,’ and I was half expecting one to burst through the glass and start running wildly through the zoo. Of course, that didn’t happen. Maybe because they’re not as smart as the movie gorillas or maybe because they were content in their habitat but they were still fun to watch as a couple wrestled with each other and some were chewing on branches.

There was also another female gorilla who decided to not only turn her back to me, preventing me to take her picture, she decided to pull a piece of poop out of her butt and eat it.

Gross, right? But that’s the life of a gorilla I guess.

We ended the day by walking up to a pond of water, hoping to discover the hippo that normally resides in it.

The hippo wasn’t there but when we looked up the hill into the field behind the water, we saw a few grazing gazelle.

My friend and I concluded that this zoo is worth dedicating a full day to explore and we were definitely going to head back soon. We also agreed that next time we would definitely allow more time to see the animals we missed that day, like the zebras that were unavailable because they were probably being hunt down by 1980s fashion designers and that hippo we didn’t see in the water, probably because it was off eating or doing whatever it is hippos do. Maybe we’ll even get a chance to feed the giraffes next time we go.

Overall, even though we missed some of the animals and I experienced a gorilla eating a piece of poop she pulled out of her butt, it was a wonderful day.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

Sailors from Recruit Division 539 stand in ranks during a Divional Commisioning ceremony at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

Nimitz sponsors second recruit division Story and photos by MC3 Devin Wray

Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) commissioned recruit division 539 September 19 as part of a recruit sponsorship at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

The sponsorship includes Sailors mentoring recruits and motivating them through their time in boot camp. This is the second sponsorship Nimitz’ crew has participated in this year.

Sailors from Recruit Division 539 listen during a Divional Commisioning ceremony at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

“The last one went really well,” said Nimitz’ Command Master Chief CMDCM William Lloyd-Owen. “We wanted to take advantage of another [sponsorship] while we’re still in port.”

Since going through sponsorship process before, Nimitz’ crewmembers had a chance to start things off a different way.

"Going again for a second time, I wanted to do more to interact with the recruits,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Matthew Barry, the sponsorship coordinator with division 359. "I felt like we mostly walked around the first time getting the feel of it."

Nimitz’ Sailors sat down with the recruits at lunch and answer ed questions before the commissioning, something most divisions can’t do with their recruit division commanders.

“The recruits aren’t allowed to ask us questions about the fleet because it makes the relationship between RDCs and their recruits too personal, which takes away from the training environment,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Prentice Ewing, division 359’s leading RDC. “Having Nimitz here gives recruits the chance to ask those questions.”

Asking questions was hard though, as most of the recruits had their wisdom teeth pulled earlier that day. Nevertheless, the news of the sponsorship gave the recruits something else. "Before we thought we were just faces in another pipeline" said Mark Mosbach, a recruit from division 359, "but now we’re Nimitz’ division, and that gives us more pride." The division was officially labeled as being sponsored by Nimitz in a commissioning ceremony held in the division’s room. In the ceremony the 359 guide-on and a flag with the Nimitz’ seal were unrolled. The division will carry the ship’s flag throughout their time in boot camp to symbolize Nimitz’ support.

"I think it’s awesome,” said Mosbach. “So many people that have never met us are standing behind us and rooting for us, After the chaos of P-days, we’re finally at the point where we have an identity."

Sept. 22, 2011

Nimitz News

Page 9

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Saulsberry delivers food as part of a community relations job he volunteers for.

Meals on wheels gets a lift from a few crows Story and photos by MCSA Derek Volland

For the past several months, Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Supply Department have been making deliveries of food to senior citizens throughout Bremerton.

Every Friday, Sailors make their way over to Chuck Wagon Nutrition, less than 6 blocks away, to pick up their days routes.

“They have been coming over since March and they have been doing 3 to 4 sometimes 5 routes every Friday” said Christine, kitchen manager of Chuck Wagon Nutrition. “They come in and pick up the food that we have prepared for them in insulated coolers and hotboxes.

The Petty Officers each take a route and deliver the seniors’ meal.

Sometimes, it’s just a meal for the day or it’s several meals for over the weekend which are simple to heat up.”

Friday mornings have settled into a routine for the First Classes involved, they meet at McDonalds on base for breakfast by nine thirty and by 10 o’clock they are making their way over to the kitchens.

Once there they gather up the day’s routes and pair of to make the deliveries.

“This is really just a kind of way for us to give back to the community here in Bremerton,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Chris Saulsberry, Vice President of the FCPOA. “Most of us (Sailors) are just visitors here for the most part. We come in and out of here but this is their home, its good to show them that we appreciate being welcomed here.”

Making deliveries of food seems simple but it can often get complicated very quickly, a simple glitch with a GPS system, to not having a map to a senior’s home can cause massive delays for the deliveries, explained Saulsberry. Most of the seniors enjoy having the Sailors visit. Some offer candy or strike up conversations. Some ask about how the Navy has changed pointing out the new uniforms that are being worn around town but many more just smile, wave and say “thank you.”

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Saulsberry delivers food as part of a community relations job he volunteers for.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

FCPOA strikes out to help community, Sailors Story by MCSN Jacob Milner Photo by MCSA Derek Volland

The First Class Petty Officer Association is an organization of first class petty officers that participates in not only community relations, but also in helping junior enlisted in some surprising ways.

“We went to Costco and got juices, bananas and snacks for all of the test takers to show that the first classes do care for them," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Saulsberry. "We try to help out the junior troops like the E-5 and below as much as we can.”

Providing drinks and snacks to weary test taking junior enlisted isn’t all that the FCPOA handles. They also can be a valuable resource for Sailors facing hardship in a turbulent economy.

“If a Sailor got into some financial trouble and came to a first class, we’ll have a little meeting," said Saulsberry. "If we think we can help them and they deserve it, we’ll help them out. “ The FCPOA is not an obligation to all first class petty officers aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Participation is optional, and varies among petty officers on board.

“You have to show up to the meetings and participate," said Saulsberry. "You also have to pay your dues, which are about five dollars a month.”

Ashore, the FCPOA participates in, and organizes several community relations projects that affect those at home, and abroad.

“We’re donating blankets to people in Afghanistan and anyone who wants to donate a blanket or even crayons for the kids will be accepted," said Saulsberry. "We’ve even donated $1000 to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society."

Although Nimitz FCPOA participates in many ongoing and

new projects, they do so with a limited amount of man power.

Even so, the participation rate among first class petty officers on Nimitz is higher than most.

“We’ve got about 40 strong that participate," said Saulsberry.

"We’re trying to get more involved, but it’s kind of hard being in dry dock. Hopefully when we get back out to sea, more people will start participating. I started when I first got to the ship. My last command didn’t really do much. They really didn’t have meetings or anything.”

With varied amount of projects ongoing, the FCPOA handles community relations, junior Sailor development and support with limited resources with a proficiency that is admirable.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Saulsberry greets a dog on his way to deliver food as part of a community relations job he volunteers for.

Sept. 22, 2011

Nimitz Sports Nimitz News

Page 11

Your one stop shop for all things sports

Fire Controlman 3rd class Kortney McCullough does a 100 meters sprint during a Fitness Enhancement Program session at the parade field.

Sailor takes fitness to a whole other level Story by MCSA Jess Lewis

For some Sailors, being put on the Fitness Enhancement Program might be a bad thing. Other Sailors might see it as an opportunity to get started into a fitness routine.

For Fire Controlman 3rd Class Kortney McCullough, being put on FEP has helped her prepare for the upcoming Physical Readiness Test scheduled for October.

“I failed the last PRT when we just did the Body Composition Average,” said McCullough. “I only failed by about three percent but it was my first failure so I didn’t feel too bad. I was the only girl from my department so I started to feel all the negative things people say

Fire Controlman 3rd class Kortney McCullough does a set of v-ups during a Fitness Enhancement Program session at the parade field.

about females like how we can’t do this or that.”

Her ultimate goal for the upcoming PRT is to make weight without having to be measured according to Body Composition Analysis.

McCullough not only attends the FEP sessions, but also goes to the gym on her own. “I took up extra stuff to prove I can do this.”

Even though McCullough is temporarily assigned to supply’s S-2 division, the people in her shop have noticed her weight-loss. “They’re really supportive. We go to the gym roughly around the same time.

So if I’m not there, they’ll ask me why. It helps keep me accountable,” said McCullough.

McCullough said being TAD has messed with her work-out routine she had set in place for herself before. “I find if I make myself go to FEP, I get that endorphins rush and then I’m ready to work-out more,” she said.

McCullough has also been working on her run which she feels to be something she struggles with, mainly because of the breathing.

She said the other Sailors and her in FEP usually run a mile or two at every FEP session. When she’s running with the group during FEP, she usually ends with being in the front or middle of the group. “I’m scared of my run,” said McCullough. “I need to have the motivation to push myself around that track.”

Additionally, McCullough does a lot of cardio training and has been going to Zumba for the past few months. She also recently started weight training and plans to take a cardio kick boxing class offered at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor. She said she likes to switch up her work-out routine, not only to prevent boredom but to continue her progress and achieve the results she wants.

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Nimitz News

Sept. 22, 2011

Machinist's Mate 1st Class Ricky Cordle (LEFT) avoids an oncoming defender while searching the field for an available receiver Sept. 20, 2011 during a game against a team of contractors for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Control Freaks lose control of game Tuesday Story by MCSN Jacob Milner Photos by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

The Control Freaks, a flag football team consisting of players from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), was handed a devastating loss Tuesday evening on Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton at the hands of a Puget Sound Naval Shipyard contractor team.

“We made some mistakes early in defense that got us in the hole,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd class Mark Troutman, wide receiver for the Control Freaks. “One thing I’ve realized, especially with our team, when we get down by two touchdowns in the first two plays of the game, its hard on the morale of the team.”

The loss could be blamed on many factors, including morale, but the team members are placing blame on no one teammate, but looking within, on how they can improve their own performance.

“I was having a lot of footing problems,” said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Brian Olatta, center and defensive end for the Control Freaks.

“I also had a couple of botched snaps because I was rushing myself. I tend to rush myself when I have to snap and go out for a route. I end up snapping it into the ground, or over the quarterback’s head.”

The level of skill and physical ability that is required for this particular league is higher than most other intramural leagues. In addition, the plays are more complex, and can require a higher degree of cohesiveness.

“One thing that we have that other teams don’t is a wrist-band play book,” said Troutman. “So a lot of our practices at first, we would run the basic plays that we still run every game.”

The Control Freaks team is mostly comprised of reactor department personnel who only have four duty sections. The lack of ability to get the team together for practice, with the addition of a more complex play book and system could be evident in their game play.

“In reactor department we have four duty sections,” said Troutman.

“It makes it hard for us to have two games a week and practice.”

“It’s hard to get the entire team out there for practice and game,” Olatta replied. “We’re definitely short handed a lot of the time.”

Following the game on Tuesday, the Control Freak’s quarterback and coach Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Ricky Cordle, injured his right

hand during a scrimmage with another team the same night. The new interim quarterback taking over is Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Dino Zanini.

“MM1 was more like a pocket passer with a really good arm,” said Olatta. “He sometimes struggled with being mobile inside the pocket, and Zanini is a completely different kind of player. He’s very dynamic as far as running the ball.”

To cheer on the Control Freaks, come and watch them play Tuesdays at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, and Thursdays on Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor.

Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Dino Zanini (RIGHT) scrambles down filed for a first down Sept. 20, 2011 during a game against a team of contractors for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.