July 25, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 44
Gunner’s Mates Host Dry Fire Exercise Story and photo by MC3 Jonathan A. Colon
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Andrew Greer demonstrates the proper handling of an M9 firearm during a dry fire exercise.
The Weapons Department, G-2 (Armory) division, hosted a dry fire weapons exercise for junior officer of the deck (JOOD) and officer of the deck (OOD) qualifiers in the forcastle on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), July 24. According to OPNAVINST3591.E, dry fire is defined as training in a sterile environment free of live ammunition, establishing a shooting stance and squeezing the trigger without actually firing live ammunition. The forcastle was prepared unloaded M9 Beretta pistols and 10 shooting with targets to simulate the structure of an actual gun range. Chief Gunner’s Mate (SW) Kevin Wyant, leading chief petty officer of G-2 division, explained the importance of holding a dry fire exercise for service members on board Nimitz.
“We go through the whole course of fire from each individual line to make sure they don’t’ have any questions,” said Wyant. “They know what the course of fire will be and get practice for the live fire exercise.” The line coaches on site preached the four fundamentals of shooting which are to maintain the steady position, proper aim, breath control and trigger control. The goal of dry fire exercise is to identify and correct basic shooter fundamental errors before live fire. Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Deandre Edmondson, a line coach for the training, explained how the exercise will help Sailors to become better at handling weapons before performing in a live-fire exercise. “It’s important to have this training with the gun before they shoot so they don’t get hurt on the range,” said Edmondson. “It benefits not just the shooter, but also benefits us [line coaches] because it’s overall training and helps both parties.” More than 25 Sailors attended yesterday’s dry fire exercise. The dry fire exercise was a prerequisite to the live fire exercise, which will give Sailors the opportunity to earn their Pistol Marksmanship Medal. “This prepares them for the live fire exercise,” said Edmondson. “They know what to expect when pulling the gun out of the holster, and know the sequence of fire so that they can qualify their first time up.” There will be two additional dry fire classes today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and July 26, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Reminders
What’s Inside
PFA Information:
*Medical Waivers
BCA: Aug. 27-31, Sept. 17-21 due by Aug. 28 PRT: Sept. 4-7, Sept. 24-28 Minister of Defense Pg. 4
Seeing Stars Pg. 5
Navy Mentorship Pg. 6
September Advancement Worksheets: E6: July 28-Aug. 2 E5: Aug. 6-10 E4: Aug. 13-17
Nimitz Recognizes Sailor of the Day Story and photos by MCSN Jess Lewis
Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Alysha R. Pitts, line division plane captain assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, was selected as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day, July 24. Pitts is responsible for maintaining 12 F/A-18F Super Hornets, keeping the aircraft in pristine condition. She performed more than 120 inspections leading to the discovery of more than 30 aircraft discrepancies requiring immediate attention and repair, resulting in the safe execution of 220 sorties and more than 300 mission flight hours. She is also the training petty officer for the line division and manages training records and assigns and tracks qualifications for 35 Sailors. A native of Anchorage, Ala., Pitts joined the Navy in September 2010 for the experience and to travel the world. She’s currently working on her Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) pin and studying for the upcoming advancement exam. Pitts also plans to start college classes and has an interest in forensics. “It’s interesting being Sailor of the Day,” said Pitts. “I’m not used to being the center of attention, but it’s nice to
Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) named Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Alysha Pitts Sailor of the Day, July 24 in the Pilot House.
be recognized for my job. It’s not just me either; we all work equally hard day in and day out doing our job. My command is really good about working together.” While out to sea, Pitts spends her free time relaxing or studying for EAWS and the upcoming 3rd class exam. When in port, Pitts loves reading, watching movies, dancing and she’s a self-proclaimed music junkie.
Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Alysha Pitts poses with an F/A18F Super Hornet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154.
Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
Editor MC3 Ryan Mayes Lead Designer MC3 Renee L. Candelario
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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.
SEAing Double
The Republic of Singapore frigate RSS Formidable (68) steams alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for a photo exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. (Photo by MC2 Eva Marie Ramsaran)
It’s Simple.
watch your water usage
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Australian Minister of Defense Stephen Smith (center) poses with Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, and Australian delegates on board July 24.
Nimitz Welcomes Australia During RIMPAC Story by MCSN Jess Lewis
Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 marks the first time operations are being led by countries other than the U.S. and Australia has been given the opportunity to command RIMPAC maritime exercises. “Everything is done under the command of Commodore Stuart Meyer,” said Chief Petty Officer Mark Fisher, an Australian aircraft controller on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). “Things are going well so far and the links between the nations involved are good.” While on board, Fisher is acting as the assistant watch battle captain. He’s the liaison between the United States Navy and the Chilean Navy, assisting in matters of aircraft tasking. “Seeing flight operations has been the best thing so far,” said Fisher. “Seeing the Secretary of the Navy, Vice Admiral Beaman and the distinguished visitors fly on was pretty incredible. We don’t see things like this on our ships.” Fisher’s job during RIMPAC is different than his normal assignment, but he’s enjoying the experience. “The command structure here is different,” said Fisher. “In Australia, the commanding officer is the highest ranking person we’d see on a ship. Seeing the admiral here on a daily basis is unusual for us, he’s very personable and it’s not overwhelming to work with him.” The ultimate goal the Australians want to achieve during RIMPAC is smooth and successful operations
between all the nations participating. “Working with the Australians is awesome,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Isaac Ungersma, a carrier tactical support center (CV-TSC) tactical plotter. “It’s fun being able to compare operational techniques between their country and ours. Seeing the differences in operational structures gives us a better perspective and this allows us to improve our working relationship.” “Overall, we want everyone to walk away in the end with a good feeling of how things went,” said Fisher. “Personally, however, I want to gain more knowledge on how the nations work together. I’m joining a ship in January for my next post so being here will help me learn better management of operations.” Since embarking Nimitz, the Australians have appreciated the hospitality they’ve received from the crew. “The hospitality is great and everyone seems to be genuinely interested in us,” said Fisher. “It might be the uniforms or the accents, but everyone has been very helpful, especially with finding places. I’m having a ball here.” In contrast to an aircraft carrier, Australia’s biggest naval ship is a frigate. “Being on a carrier this size and seeing more than five thousand people working together like a machine is unbelievable, incredible and exciting,” said Fisher.
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Sailors Find Guidance From Mentors Story by MC2 Robert Winn
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are striving to achieve new heights in their career under the guidance of mentors from throughout the command. The Navy mentorship program, established by Navy Personnel Command instruction 5300.1, hopes to provide guidance for all military and civil service workforce members in the effort to institute a formal approach to develop 21st century leaders, retain talent, support the Navy’s diversity initiatives and enhance career development. “Our mentor program exists to guide not just junior Sailors, but senior Sailors and officers too,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Edward Sandi, Air Department’s V-4 division below decks leading chief petty officer. The mentorship program pairs mentors and protégées to allow junior members to have a confidential resource to rely on for both professional and personal matters. Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Lauren Weirich said the mentorship program offered the opportunity to have someone to confide in or ask various questions such as which form to fill out if your Common Access Card (CAC) is lost or stolen. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Gilbert Martinez shows Aviation “My mentor, when I first got here was Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Adrian Davis how to properly inspect the MM1 (Machinist’s Mate 1st Class) Rodfuel nozzles used to refuel Nimitz’ aircraft. (Nimitz File photo) ney Williams,” she explained. “He set me up with all the [qualifications] I needed sional and personal growth,” said Sandi. “You want a and pointed me in the right direction to start getting mentor with drive -- someone who is a role model. You them signed off. He set me up to get started on the right don’t want to have one you can’t look up to.” foot. I really think that helped me succeed.” Individual workforce member’s personal readiness Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Daniel Snell, assigned to level has a direct impact on the overall readiness of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, believes a command; the mentoring program aims to help equip mentor can help you in a variety of ways, and even if Sailors with the tools necessary for success. they make mistakes, it still offers a learning opportunity For more information or resources about mentorship, and provides you with the foundation to not make the contact your chain of command, or visit http://www. same mistakes in the future. public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/diversity/mentoring/ “When you look for a mentor, you look for profespages/resources.aspx. Page 6
Serving Smiles
Engineman 3rd Class Johnathan Villalobos is served his birthday lunch as part of Nimitz’ monthly tradition to celebrate the birthdays of Sailors on board. (Photo by MC2 Robert Winn)
Navy News Suspect Charged in Connection of USS Miami Fire Story provided by Defense Media Activity - Navy
PORTLAND, Maine (NNS) -- The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has made an arrest in connection with a $400 million dollar fire on board USS Miami May 23 and other incidents at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Casey James Fury, a 24-year-old civilian worker at the Shipyard, is charged with arson. He was taken into custody by NCIS July 20 and had a first appearance hearing before a federal magistrate in Portland, Maine July 23. Information gathered by NCIS indicates that Fury is responsible for the fire on board USS Miami. Additionally he is charged with setting a second minor fire in the Shipyard’s Dry Dock #2 area June 16. The criminal complaint accuses Fury of two counts of Title 18, United States Code, Section 81 (Arson) “within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, willfully and maliciously set fire to and
burned a vessel, namely the USS Miami, together with building materials and supplies located thereon.” The second count will be specific to burned building materials and supplies located in and around USS Miami. A criminal investigation headed by NCIS began soon after the fire was reported May 23 and is ongoing. Other law enforcement agencies including ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) are assisting in this investigation. The Navy has begun planning repairs with the goal of returning USS Miami to the fleet. Details of how the fire on board USS Miami was started and other matters of evidence are not being released. Any further comment about the arrest or prosecution will be made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland, Maine.
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Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Perfect Getaway
Die Hard
Channel 29
0800 / 2000 Land of the Lost
TV LINEUP 2 - AFN Sports 3 - AFN NEWS 4 - AFN XTRA 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 7 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10-FLIGHT DECK 11-CNN 29-DVD MOVIES
Silent House
1000 / 2200 The Proposal
The Time Terminator: Final Tr aveler’s Wife Destination Salvation
1200 / 0000 Table for Three
Orphan
District 9 The Blind Side
1400 / 0200 Aliens in the Attic
Public Enemies
Terminator: Salvation
Man on a Ledge
1600 / 0400 G-Force
1800 / 0600 The Ugly Truth
Shanghai Kiss
G.I. Joe: Rise of Tr ansformers: Revenge of the Cobr a Fallen
X-Games: The Harry Movie Potter: Half Blood Prince
Airplane