June 16, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 20
Sailors and distinguished visitors watch from vulture’s row aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as an F/A-18 Hornet lands on the ship’s flight deck.
Nimitz embarks CVW 11, squadrons Story by MCSA Ryan Mayes
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) embarked members of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 on its way to participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2012, June 15. While Nimitz is home ported in Everett, Wash., the majority of the squadrons of CVW 11 are stationed out of California. This will be the first time since Nimitz’ 09-10 deployment that the air wing and ship will be able to operate together for an extended period of time. “This is definitely a change of pace,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Mac Mayfield of Electronic Attack Squadron
(VAQ) 142. “This is the first time in over 20 years that our squadron has been attached to a ship. Being on the ship is completely new to us but we are ready for the challenge and excited to be underway with the air wing.” After the on load of 65 aircraft from the squadrons of CVW 11, Nimitz will conduct flight operations and training as well as participate in RIMPAC. RIMPAC is the world’s largest and oldest multinational naval exercise in which different navies will have the chance to learn from one another’s expertise while participating in a variety of exercises over the next month. “We are going to be teaching several other countries how we operate,” said
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Christian DeMarco, with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147. “It’s a great opportunity for us to train our own newer personnel as well as some new pilots. These exercises are a great way to get ready for the upcoming deployment.” Exercises taking place during RIMPAC 2012 include disaster relief, maritime security operations, sea control, complex war fighting, counterpiracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and dive and salvage operations as well as gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense. The squadrons of CVW 11 include the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, the Wolf Pack of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 and the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, most of which have embarked for RIMPAC. Twenty-two nations, a variety of ships, submarines and aircraft, along with more than 25,000 personnel will participate in this year’s RIMPAC.
Chaplain's Corner:
International Symbols of Freedom Story by LCDR Chaplain Richard Townes, USN
June 14th was Flag Day. That’s the day set aside each year to remember what our national standard represents, and the history of Flag Day is rather interesting. It began informally on June 14, 1889 when a kindergarten teacher in New York City named George Balch planned a ceremony for the children of his school to observe the “birthday” of our flag. He thought that those who lived under it and in the freedom it represented should hold it in high regard. From that humble beginning, this day grew in stature and spread across the United States until, finally, on August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. In the same manner as that New York kindergarten teacher, congress and the President felt the flag was worthy of our utmost respect. However, many in our society take the flag for granted, some going so far as to desecrate it as a form of freedom of speech. I like to think that those of us in the Navy look upon our colors with fondness and respect rather than contempt and disdain. When you think of the flag’s prominence throughout our nation’s history you begin to realize that it deserves our respect. Think about the Betsy Ross flag with the thirteen stars in a circle upon a blue field situated in the upper left corner of thirteen alternating red and white stripes. That flag flew as we defended our independence. Think of the 15 star flag flying over Fort Mc Henry in Baltimore as the rockets’ red glare inspired Francis Scott Key to pen what we now know as the Star Spangled Banner. Think about the 35 star flag flying on the battlegrounds of the Civil War, serving Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
Editor MC2 Robert Winn Lead Designer MC3 Jacob Milner
as the troops’ rallying point at places such as Antietam, Chancellorville, Manassas, and Gettysburg. Think about the 48 star flag that flew over Europe during World War 1, and the one raised on Iwo Jima during WWII. Think about those who have died for all our flag signifies in places such as Belleau Wood, Anzio, Tarawa, Khe Shan, Beirut and Iraq. The flag is certainly worth our deference and honor because it represents the ultimate sacrifice that we humans can make for the cause of freedom. During parades, I see very old vets struggle to get up and out of their wheelchairs, remove their caps, and reverently place their right hand across their hearts as the flag parades past them. If you look deeply into their eyes you are transported back in time and to burning ships and exploding battlefields. You see their fellow warriors suffering horrible wounds and dying in their arms. Oh yes, the flag represents a great deal for them. There are other symbols in life that compel our devotion and honor as well. For Christians that symbol is the cross. It serves as the rallying point for those who believe in Jesus Christ and represents freedom from sin. To the person who has faith in Christ, the cross is even more significant than the US flag is to the patriotic vet and, just as vets are prepared to give their lives for what the flag represents, so Christians dedicate their lives to what the cross embodies. But perhaps you are not a Christian. I am still willing to bet that there is some symbol that defines you and the life you lead. The point I am trying to make is simply this: we all live under symbols of one kind or another, and this is good. Symbols give us purpose and drive us to exceed our limitations. My hope is that all of us strive to live for something greater than ourselves, if we do, then just image what our Navy and the world could be like.
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All. 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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Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) exercise in the gym as part of the body transformation challenge which began June 14.
Sailors take on body transformation challenge Story and photo by MCSN Jess Lewis
Twenty five Sailors on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are slated to participate in a Body Transformation Challenge which began June 14. The challenge consists of a 12-week plan, dietary guidance and body fat percentage measurements calculated every two weeks. “Two and a half months is the perfect amount of time for a body transformation,” said Melyssa Patterson, Nimitz’ Fitboss. “Normally challenges like this are done over 90 days but we’ve condensed it a little bit into 12 weeks.” There are four categories Sailors are divided into: males over 35 years old, males under 35 years old, females over 35 years old and females under 35 years old. Each category will have an overall winner who has achieved the greatest change in their body fat percentage. “In the past, I’ve done the challenge boot camp style where I would tell everyone a specific time and place to be for the workouts,” said Patterson. “Being out to sea and with people’s schedules it’s kind of difficult to do it that way, so each person will get a detailed 12-week schedule to follow on their own.” Although the workouts are done based on an honor system, it will be noticeable if a Sailor is or isn’t doing the challenge. “I’m not looking for a change on the scale during this challenge,” said Patterson. “What we’re looking for is an ultimate change in the body fat percentage.”
Every two weeks, Sailors participating in the challenge will meet with the Fitboss to get their measurements taken. The three-fold skin test is done by taking measurements from three areas of the body. The numbers are then put into an equation to get the body fat percentage. “I chose to do the challenge to improve my own fitness level and it gives me a goal to work towards,” said Lt. Jarred Posada, one of the participants. “My ultimate goal is to lose 10 percent body fat.” When it comes to setting a personal goal, it’s up to the person setting the goal to achieve it. When there’s a group of people all working together to achieve a similar goal, it helps make things easier and there’s more motivation, said Posada. For some Sailors, starting the challenge is not just a personal goal. “I want to motivate other people to get healthy,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Yvette Ly, another participant. “A few weeks ago, a group of us started doing Insanity after work.” If Sailors begin to adapt healthy eating habits and a regular workout routine, not only can they function better at work but they’ll feel better physically as well, said Ly. “It’s not so much about winning or the prizes,” said Posada. “It’s about self-improvement and overall personal satisfaction.”
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Lt. Achaca Edirisinghe assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 and Lt. Matt Cameron assigned to Air Test and Evacuation Squadron (VX) 30 watch as an E-2C Hawkeye prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MCSN Jesse Monford.
Sailors a F/A-18C MCSN Je
For Starters
As part of the preparation for the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to participate in the 2012 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, more than 2,000 crew members and 30 aircraft boarded the warship. Included in the personnel were Marines, Naval Air Crewman and squadron pilots.
An F/A-18C Hornet of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 performs a fly by above the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during the on load of Carrier Air Wing 11. Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter. Page 4
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Nicholas Caffey pulls a fuel line to a HH-60H Seahawk helicopter for refueling. Photo by MC3 Jacob Milner.
ssigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) perform a push back on an C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 on the flight deck. Photo by esse Monford.
Marines transit hangar bay two of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after checking on board as part of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323. Photo by MC2 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield.
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) perform a foreign object debris walk down prior to flight operations. Photo by MC3 Jonathan Colon.
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Nimitz laundry crew keeping Sailors sharp Story and photos by MCSN Jess Lewis
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is more than just a mighty warship. It’s a massive, floating city, complete with numerous support elements available, such as the ship’s store, the barbershop, a post office and laundry services to supplement the crew. While in port, it’s easy for Sailors to utilize washing machines and dryers at their homes, barracks or at a local laundry mat. However, the question of where to wash personal clothes, uniforms and sheets while out to sea will soon be answered. There are two types of laundry facilities available on board. One is the ship’s laundry where sheets, blankets and uniform items are washed and the other is self-serve laundry where Sailors can wash all of their personal and non-uniform items. “From E-1 to the [Commanding Officer], we receive everyone’s laundry,” said Aviation
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Douglas Lewandowski places a load of freshly washed laundry into the dryer in ship’s laundry.
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Martin Dover demonstrates to Yeoman Seaman Andres Ferreiranava from VFA 147 how to use one of the industrial press machines in ship’s laundry.
Ordnanceman Airman Martin Dover, on Temporarily Assigned Duty (TAD) orders to the Supply Department. “We get the general laundry from divisions, log it and begin processing it immediately based on the type of laundry: whites with whites, blankets with blankets and uniforms with uniforms.” All laundry received is processed immediately to prevent laundry from backing up. “We require laundry to be separated and we won’t do it for you,” said Dover. “If uniforms get mixed in with blankets, you’ll end up with little fuzzy pieces on your uniforms from the blankets.” Each department and division has a laundry person assigned to drop off and pick up laundry. The schedule is posted by the drop off area at 3-235-1-Q. Laundry also has a 24-hour turn around policy once dropped off at ship’s laundry. For all personal and non-uniform Page 6
items, Sailors are responsible for washing them in port and underway in the self-serve laundry. “Self-serve laundry is done on a first-come, first-serve basis,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Thomas Richelieu, on Temporarily Assigned Duty (TAD) orders to the Supply Department. “If anyone is caught using self-serve laundry to wash uniforms, they’ll lose their self-serve laundry privileges for 30 days. Certain departments work with grease or fuel and we don’t want the residual leftovers in the machines because not only will it mess up the machines, but clothes washed after that load will get messed up as well.” Port-side self-serve laundry is located at 3-239-2-Q and starboardside self-serve laundry is located at 4-239-2-Q. Both self-serve laundry locations are open 24-hours with the exception of cleaning stations and sweepers.
Navy-sponsored scientists win acclaim By Dave Smalley, Office of Naval Research Public Affairs
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced two ONR-supported scientists have been awarded the prestigious 2012 Kavli Prize for nanoscience and neuroscience, May 31. The awards are considered the world's highest honor in their fields. Both scientists, Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus and Dr. Ann Graybiel, are professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dresselhaus was selected for her pioneering work in nanoscience - a rapidly growing area of research focused on individual molecules and atoms. "This award helps show how science can be used for societal benefit," said Dresselhaus. "Nanoscience can be used to make new materials, or electronics that are beneficial to society-for instance, to improve the efficiency of fuel." Her research has contributed to the development of stronger but lighter new materials used by the Department of the Navy, as well as the automotive and aircraft industries. A former director of the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Dresselhaus won praise from Dr. Chagaan Baatar, the program officer at ONR sponsoring her work. "Dr. Dresselhaus' efforts have been vital," he said. "I believe that nanoscience and nanotechnology will be an important enabler for reducing size, weight and power-a particular concern for Navy missions that rely on small unmanned systems, as well as for Marines in the field."
In the field of neuroscience, Graybiel's work on understanding the role of key brain regions that underlie our ability to learn, remember and think is likewise of critical importance for the Navy, said Dr. Harold Hawkins, an ONR program officer whose department is funding the scientist's work. "The Navy needs to train executive skills and situational awareness appropriate for performance in a complex and dynamic environment," he said. "Dr. Graybiel's work could be particularly important for Navy missions." And, he noted, Graybiel's research will impact not just Sailors and Marines, but all society as well. "These key brain regions help people acquire behaviors that are successful and that we can turn into good habits," he said. The Kavli prizes, which also recognize groundbreaking work in astrophysics, are awarded every two years by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. They are sponsored by physicist and philanthropist Fred Kavli. Each prize carries a $1 million award. ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
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Channel 5 Channel 6 Channel 7 Channel 29 0800 / 2000 The Invention of Lying
Brothers
Whiteout
The Expendables
Amelia
Zombieland
Social Network
Carriers
Daredevil
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra
1000 / 2200 Whip it
1200 / 0000 Astro Boy
1400 / 0200 The Blind Side
Surrogates
Law Abiding Transformers: Citizen Revenge of the Fallen
1600 / 0400 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 1800 / 0600 Moulin Rouge
The Informant
Paranormal Activity
Nightmare on Elm Street
The Natural
Armored
Sherlock Holmes
29 - DVD MOVIES