Nimitz News Daily Digest - April 17, 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 4

page 2

April 17. 2012

TNT Leaves Competition behind!

Safety stand-down takes place today Story by MC3 Ian A. Cotter

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Safety Department is hosting a safety stand-down in hangar bay two from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and tomorrow.

“We’re required to do these at least once a year,” said Lt. Cmdr. Josh Porton, Nimitz’ industrial health officer. “We like to do it more often than that and include required training.”

Some of the topics the stand-down will cover include recreational safety, electrical safety, hazardous material, heat stress, safe lifting, and traffic safety.

Six different tables will be set up in hangar bay two to inform and educate Sailors about the various safety related topics.

“Each table will be manned by a subject matter expert in each safety topic,” said Porton. “Carpenters will be talking about power tools, and See SAFETY page 5

Sailors in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pull in a mooring line as the ship begins to get underway. (Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter)

USS Nimitz gets underway, begins carrier qualifications Story by MCSA Vanessa Y. David

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully got underway from its homeport of Naval Station Everett, Wash., April 16.

Nimitz returned to sea to conduct carrier qualifications including flight deck certification for the first time in nearly two years. The ship recently arrived to Everett following a major maintenance overhaul as part of its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA).

“The stellar efforts of all hands ensured this great ship was able to safely and successfully get underway,” said Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. “With the exception of our transit to the ship’s homeport of Everett, this marks the first time that Nimitz is underway for operational purposes. I know this crew is ready to get back to sea and show the professionalism that marks our every move.

Nimitz Sailors will be joined by See UNDERWAY page 5

April 17 , 2012

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Another undefeated season forTNT

(CVN 68) went head to head An undefeated basketball against Sailors from USS Ford season? Great skills. For two (FFG 54) in a championship consecutive seasons? A little game at Naval Station Everett’s luck, perhaps. But three? That’s gym, April 12.

TNT’s perfect season Nimitz. remained intact as they defeated

TNT basketball team the Ford, 76-53, for the 2012 comprised of Sailors assigned to Men’s Basketball Captain’s Cup the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Championship.

Led by head coach, Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda, TNT delivered Nimitz its undefeated season with the championship trophy. “The team has come a long way from what it was, from the underway we had to playing every week,” said Penaranda. “The entire team is what you would consider a ‘Dream Team’.”

The game started with both teams contributing outstanding defense as Nimitz lead 30-24 at the half. One of the key Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears (Right) and defensive players was Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Sean Payne (Left) from USS Airman Apprentice Kai Nimitz (CVN 68) basketball team “TNT”, drive down the Douglas, TNT’s shooting court during a fast-break against Sailors from USS Ford’s guard who led the team (FFG 54) team.

Story and photos by MCSN Chris Bartlett

Commanding Officer CAPT Jeffrey S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski

Editor MC3 Ashley Berumen Lead Designer MCSA Ryan Mayes

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) “TNT”, slam dunks the ball against USS Ford’s (FFG 54) basketball team.

with three steals.

“The defense did their best to keep me off the rim,” said Douglas.

“They really tried their best to keep me boxed out. I give them kudos for that, but they couldn’t stop the team.”

The game’s most valuable player, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears, TNT’s point guard, had a huge second half with a team high of 25 points – 21 of which came from 3-pointers.

“I try to be all around and just play my role so if everybody is around the perimeter, or inside

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Page 3 the paint, I just try to find an open spot, normally it’s on the 3-point line,” said Fears. “We definitely have a lot of key players on the team that allow me to get open looks, so I credit that to my teammates. “ Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Ernest Williams really portrayed what it takes to be a team player.

“There’s no selfishness,” said Williams. “We have all played together for the last year so we perform well as a team.”

Congratulations to the TNT basketball team for achieving another remarkable undefeated season and continuing its winning streak of excellence.

April 17, 2012

“TNT” holds the Captain’s Cup Championship trophy after defeating the USS Ford’s (FFG 54) basketball team in the gym at Naval Station Everett.

200 Years Ago French attack on the high seas Rep. Laban Wheaton of Massachusetts presents to the House of Representatives documents concerning the capture and destruction of the American brig Comet by French privateers on Jan. 28. The House votes to refer the documents to the Secretary of State.

Revenue Service gets a new ship Shipbuilder Benjamin Marble of Newport, R.I., signs a contract to build, equip, furnish and finish the revenue cutter Vigilant (pictured in action in 1813).

Learn more by visiting http://ourflagwasstillthere.org

April 17 , 2012

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Sailors donate in support of service members down-range Story and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

a feeling of worth because I feel like I’m doing something good for those who are actually risking their lives.”

The turnout for the blood drive is an important factor for those waiting for donations and Everett is doing well, said Houston.

“Today we’ve had a pretty decent turnout,” said Houston. “Normally this is one of our slower blood drives when there isn’t a ship in port. Last time we came in while the USS Abraham An attending Army medic wraps Nemeth’s arm Lincoln (CVN 72) was after removing the syringe used to collect his blood. here and we had almost 200 “We’re anticipating 100 to 125 donations. That was one of our donors and as of right now we’re best blood drives which actually on track to meet that goal. We set a record.” have Soldiers down-range who The turnout for today’s drive are always in need of blood so we was just as impressive, said need people to donate.”

Houston.

The next blood drive is slated “It’s a really good turnout so to take place Friday, June 8. For far,” said Army Staff Sergeant more information about the Jason Kniskern, mobile blood Armed Service Blood Drive visit laboratory non-commissioned http://www.militaryblood.dod. officer for the blood drive. mil/.

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as well as other service members arrived at The Commons at Naval Station Everett to donate blood April 12.

The Armed Services Blood Drive is the first to take place on base since Nimitz’ arrival March 9, and is in support of forward deployed service members who are in need of blood and blood platelet transfusions.

“There are others who are in need of it more than me,” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Keyla Dixon. “I just wanted to help out.”

The attending staff, consisting of service members from both Army and Air Force, had a caring hand and an enthusiasm for their job, said Dixon.

“I think since I have been in the Army a while and haven’t deployed there’s a certain feeling that I need to do something to help and this is one of the things we can do,” said Army Specialist Medic Vanessa Houston. “If we didn’t do this the military would have to buy the blood.

In this case, the blood goes straight overseas into a medical refrigerator to be pumped into Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Apprentice Dennis Nemeth squeezes a stress relief ball a waiting Soldier. So it gives me while donating blood

UNDERWAY: CQs Next

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April 17, 2012

Continued from page 1

several squadrons from Carrier Strike Group Eleven including the “Hawkeyes” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, the “Argonauts” of VFA-147, the Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323.

Nimitz is scheduled to conduct drills and commence training for initial flight deck qualifications, said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Shane Krueger, crash and salvage leading chief petty officer.

“We have a lot of junior Sailors on board who have done a lot of drills and taken a lot of tests,” said Krueger. “This is a great opportunity for training, and it will get us a step closer toward being prepared for deployment.”

Before arriving in its new homeport, Nimitz underwent a maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash., where Sailors and shipyard workers worked side-by-side to complete $239 million worth in upgrades to the carrier’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

Seaman Amadeo Conta checks a mooring line down in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship begins to get underway. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Ian Cotter)

SAFETY: SMEs to provide training today, tomorrow Continued from page 1

a physical therapist will talk about safe lifting.”

Much like the safety stand-down Nimitz hosted last August, the tables will be interactive.

“We want to get more hands-on interaction,” Porton explained.

“Right now we have a captive audience,” said

Porton. “Our goal is to get the requirements out to the Sailors, and get them familiar with how things are done safely on Nimitz.”

Safety stand-down attendance is scheduled by department to accommodate each division between today and tomorrow.

April 17 , 2012

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Sailors lend a hand in the community Story and photos by MC3 Ashley Berumen

Air-Traffic Controller Airman Matthew Dutcheshen, Operations dep OC division, hands a hot dog to a visitor during a track and field inv at Snohomish High School

M

ore than 25 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors volunteered at Snohomish High School, April 14, in one of the largest track and field events held in Washington State.

Throughout the day, the group of mostly junior Sailors timed races, marked distances for the high jump, worked concessions and helped wherever needed.

“This was the first time in almost 20 years where I had to find jobs for people,” said Mark Hintz, volunteer coordinator. “The Sailors have done a great job volunteering.”

Saturday’s weather definitely made the volunteer opportunity worth it, said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Adam Baez.

“The event was sort of last-minute,” he said. “It’s awesome to have so many people show up and use their last Saturday before we go out.”

Nearly 50 high schools from the U.S. and Canada attended the invitational. Many of the volunteers had a track and field background and were excited for the opportunity.

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Martinez times runners during the track portion of the event.

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April 17, 2012

partment vitational

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class David Castro (left) and Air-Traffic Controller Airman Joseph Wagner (right) laugh while working the concessions at a track and field invitational hosted by Snohomish High School, April 14. More than 25 USS Nimitz (CV N 68) Sailors participated in the community relations project.

“I wanted to get out there and run too,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Ricky Wilson. “I want to see if I can still do it, or if they can hang.”

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Arnold, who ran track in high school, brought her husband to lend a hand. “I think it’s great to help out and give back to the community,” she said. “I definitely recommend others volunteer. It’s a lot of fun.”

Baez, who is the head of the volunteer committee in the Junior Enlisted Association, encourages more Sailors to get involved.

“Volunteering gives people on the ship different experiences on the weekends than just going out and drinking,” said Baez. “When looking for COMRELS (community relations projects) for the ship, I like to have a variety so that there are options for people to volunteer for the things they like to do.”

To inquire about upcoming volunteer opportunities E-5 and below Sailors can attend bi-weekly JEA meetings, or contact ABH3 Adam Baez.

/NIMITZ

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0800/2000 Mrs. Doubtfire

The Ides of March

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark

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Terminator Salvation

1000/2200 Dolphin Tale

1200/0000 Ace Ventura: Vantage Point Nature Calls

Killer Elite

1400/0200 Planet 51

Friday Night Lights

Devil

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Country Strong

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1600/0400 Twins

1800/0600 Johnny English Reborn