August 7, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 49
Nimitz Sailors Prepare for Advancement Story by MCSN Jess Lewis
It’s that time of year again when Sailors who are eligible for advancement are preparing to test. Prior to the exam, Sailors must sign a worksheet, an initial verification done by the member to ensure the evaluations done within the computation range are accounted for correctly. Computation range is based on the exam being taken. If a Sailor is eligible for the E-4 or E-5 exam, their evaluation time frame is from the previous year where as if a Sailor is eligible for the E-6 exam,
See ADVANCE Page 6
One Call, Answers All Story by MCSN Jesse Monford
For Sailors, if a burning question is on the brain, Navy 311 should always be the call if a Sailor doesn’t know who to contact. Navy 311 is comparable to the cellular informational service known as KGB. It serves as not only a service for Sailors to get easy-toremember answers to questions asked, but also gives non-tactical and non-emergency assistance to See 311 Page 3
Study. Learn. Advance.
Nimitz Recognizes Sailor of the Day Story and photos by MCSN Vanessa David
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
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.
Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Johnmoses L. Escobar was selected as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day, Aug. 6. He was chosen for his outstanding performance as a personnel clerk for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)147. As the command personnel clerk, Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Johnmoses L. Escobar he flawlessly screened and routed 30 named Sailor of the Day, Aug. 6 in the Pilot House. certificates of discharge and 1,000 pay “I felt surprised, happy and scared at the and personnel documents with no errors same time when I got it.” or returns. Escobar also single-handedly A native of the Philippines, Escobar created and processed 1,500 Navy joined the Navy Sept. 27, 2010 to see the Standard Integrated Personnel System world and plans on becoming an officer. (NSIPS) transactions while also devoting While in port, Escobar enjoys going to numerous hours to the verification the movies, swimming, paddle boarding and accuracy of 75 advancement exam and surfing. While out to sea during his worksheets in preparation for cycle 226. downtime, he goes to the gym three times in September 2012. He continues to be a a week and plays video games. major contributor to the sustained success “I feel relaxed,” said Escobar. “I have the within (VFA) 147 and Carrier Air Wing feeling that I’ve accomplished something, 11. and that I can just sit down for a bit and just “I wasn’t expecting it,” said Escobar. grab that accomplishment for one day.”
Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Johnmoses Escobar checks personnel files in his work center on board Nimitz. Escobar currently serves as the command personnel clerk for (VFA) 147. Page 2
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) prepare aircraft for a routine communications check between the aircraft and primary flight control. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran)
311: Navy 311 Provides Assistance for Sailors Continued from Page 1
the Fleet. According to www.Navy311. navy.mil, the Navy 311 team will take immediate action on a Sailor’s request. Whether it is a question, or just needed advice, the Navy 311 team will try to identify a proper source for support and help to the best of their ability. Soon after, the Sailor’s inquiry will then be routed, and then the issue will be tracked and resolved until complete satisfaction. Their service is open to active duty and reserve Sailors, along with their extended Navy families. This service was created to help on-duty and off-duty Sailors who are looking for assistance and problem resolutions of any kind, while also helping with day-today Navy work and career-related questions. With the capability
to help with problems such as electrical, medical, food service, community support and training issues, it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Navy 311 process is broken down into two pieces, Tier 0 and Tier 1. According to www.Navy311. navy.mil, Tier 0 is automated support where customers can submit simple transaction requests and/or obtain basic information through frequently asked questions (FAQs), web links, online documentation, and other similar sources. This tier is basically a selfservice, involves only the customer, and requires no other person. Tier 1 on the other hand is live support where customers can begin a service request and get assistance, including, but not limited to basic information. This tier will only Page 3
provide information that has been validated and authorized for distribution by mindful technical authority. So remember, whenever issues occur or questions that just seem like they can’t be answered, try giving Navy 311 a shot. Navy 311 is focused on achieving customer service excellence through modern technology, timely feedback, and improved online services. As such, NAVY 311 is setting the standard for customer relationship management expertise within the armed services. For FAQs or more information about NAVY 311, please contact 1-855-NAVY311 (628-9311), www.Navy311.navy.mil email Navy311.navy.mil.
THE
DOCTOR
IS IN
story and photo illustration by MC3 Devin Wray
There are a lot of new checkins aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). One such check-in is filling the role of a former shipmate as the new family medicine practitioner and clinic manager, Lt. Jennifer Murie. Murie, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), offers a treatment that is not often used. Osteopathic Medicine applies the philosophy of “treat the patient, not the symptom.” This practice can be used to align the spine and body to restore the dynamics of the body, which, in turn, will alleviate symptoms that range from the common cold to posture issues. “I always wanted to be a doctor on an aircraft carrier,” said Murie. “I think it’s rad. I’m in awe with all the moving parts and how the small stuff has a big impact on everyone.” Starting her medical career as an undergraduate at Lasalle University in Philadelphia, Murie wanted to join the Navy after her brother entered as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot at age 17. Witnessing his accomplishments and the trials of being away from his family in Galloway, N.J., Murie said she wanted to
help servicemembers like him. “I wanted to take care of those who have to be away from home and serve those who serve,” said Murie. Murie joined the Navy in 2005 as a reservist while attending medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. She has spent the last three years on active duty service and residency at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla. “While I was treating families from the shore side of the job, I got to see what they go through while we’re away at sea,” said Murie. “Now I’m seeing things from the operational side and I understand what makes the families wait and why we make them proud.” Practicing medicine ashore has given Murie the chance to see and learn many aspects of her job. “I’ve gone from delivering babies to being with people in their final moments, and just being there for some of those big moments in their lives is very rewarding to me,” said Murie. Bringing that experience to Nimitz is also rewarding. Like her career, coming to Nimitz was also a first choice for her, after Page 4
she met others who served and enjoyed working on the carrier. “She’s a breath of fresh air,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Morris, the ship’s nurse. “She’s energetic, charismatic, and well trained. The training she received and the pipeline she took in her career will definitely help the Nimitz crew.” Replacing one of the last patient providers in Nimitz’ Medical Department, Lt. James Matthews, Murie will also be the first female provider on the ship in approximately two years. Some female crew members might feel more comfortable speaking with a female provider,” said Morris. “So it’s good that we have one on board.” Murie has only been on the ship for less than a week. Despite a short unforeseen turnover, she said she is adjusting to the new work environment just fine with the help of her department. “I’m impressed with all the medical personnel on board just from their motivation and their willingness to help, especially the corpsman.” said Murie. “I’ve already emailed home about how lucky I am to be here.”
Lt. Jennifer Murie Page 5
Advance: Worksheets Signing Ongoing This Week Continued from Page 1
their evaluation time frame is from the previous three years. “Worksheets are designed for Sailors to verify their personal information, make sure they’re registered for the correct rate and rank test category and their awards and education is listed correctly,” said Ens. Matthew Long, Nimitz’ education services officer (ESO). If a Sailor has multiple evaluations for the current range, the points are added up and divided to determine the Sailor’s performance mark average which in turn, determines how many exam points a Sailor will earn for their exam. “When Sailors come to the ESO office to sign their worksheets, they need to bring a copy of their latest evaluation, copies of awards for award points and verification of any degrees earned prior to the advancement exam,” said Long. “Education points are only applicable if the Sailor has a degree, whether it be an associates, bachelor’s or master’s. Just having college classes doesn’t apply to the education points. Also, pass but not advance (PNA) points are not on the worksheet but they are factored into the final multiple score.” It’s important for Sailors to take the time to verify and sign their worksheets during their scheduled time block prior to the exam so if discrepancies are discovered, they can be corrected early on. If errors are found after the exam results are released, correction letters are able to be submitted but can prevent the Sailor from being frocked at the same time the rest of the command is frocked. Some other factors that can potentially affect
advancement are the amount of physical fitness assessments failed in a four-year time frame, if nonjudicial punishment has been awarded, if the Sailor has received reduction in rank, a final perform-to-serve quota has been denied or a lost or suspended security clearance. “Sailors need to maintain their eligibility by doing things like staying out of trouble, passing their PFAs and making sure their security clearances are still valid,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Deborah Sangregory. Sailors up for advancement should also be preparing mentally. Bibliographies are available online at Navy Knowledge Online (www.nko.navy.mil) under the career management tab or online at Navy Personnel Command’s (npc.navy.mil). “A bibliography is a list of instructions and topics of what chapters, enclosures and sections to study,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Arnold. “Making flashcards, putting together study groups and having inner departmental training will help benefit everyone, not just the ones who are taking the advancement exam.” It’s recommended that Sailors begin studying as soon as the bibliographies are available. Bibliographies are equipped with hyperlinks so Sailors can directly download study material for the exams. “Even if you’re not eligible to take the advancement exam for a few cycles, it’s still beneficial to study anyway,” said Sangregory. “Not only will you be more knowledgeable in your rate, it’ll help you be more competitive when you are eligible to take the exam.”
1782 - Badge of Military Merit (Purple Heart was established 1942 - Navy Amphibious Task Force lands Marines on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in first U.S. land offensive of World War II. 1964 - Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed by Congress Page 6
Chief Master-at-Arms James Blagg, from New Port Richey, Fla., and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Richard Grier, from Afton, N.Y., command drug and alcohol prevention advisors at Naval Air Station Key West, hang a banner next to a vehicle that crashed near Key West while the driver was under the influence of alcohol.(U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny/Released)
NADAP Seeks Sailors Opinions From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- A Navy-wide survey was launched Aug. 6 to learn more about Sailors’ alcohol use and the best ways to communicate abuse prevention and responsible use of alcohol messages, according to the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) Office director. The survey is completely anonymous, according to Dorice Favorite, director, NADAP program, and will take only five to eight minutes to finish. “Every Sailor’s feedback will be invaluable in helping to shape the messages we create, to determine the appropriate communication tactics, and identify effective tools to use to help prevent alcohol abuse in the Navy,” said Dorice Favorite, director, NADAP program. The “Right Spirit” campaign was created in 1995 and focused on alcohol abuse prevention education, de-glamorization of alcohol use, alternatives to drinking, and clear and enforceable policy guidance from commanders. As a result, the Navy’s “responsible use” policy on alcohol has led to an overall steady
decline in alcohol use by Sailors. “It is time to effectively revamp the Navy Right Spirit campaign,” said Favorite. “NADAP is conducting qualitative and quantitative research to identify knowledge, attitude, behaviors, and practices associated with alcohol abuse in the Navy. Sailors have changed since we started the “Right Spirit” program and we need a communications campaign that grows with them.” Sailors responses to the survey will help to inform a new social marketing campaign aimed at reducing alcohol abuse in the Navy. To take the survey, visit http://www.surveymonkey. com/s/Z3LNH7P. The survey password is “Navy.” The password is case sensitive. For security purposes, participants can only take the survey once from an IP address, which protects the integrity of the data. The survey will be online until Aug. 27. For more information on NADAP, visit www.npc.navy.mil.
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TV Guide 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
Channel 5 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
Hot Shots Mrs. Doubtfire Vampires Suck Despicable Me Dinner for Schmucks Cyrus
Channel 6
A Few Good Men Splice The Day After Tomorrow The Last Airbender Eat Pray Love K2
Channel 7
Jonah Hex The Rock The Rocketeer Killers Predators Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows
Channel 29
0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
In the Line of Fire Mission Impossible 3 The Sandlot The Goonies Despicable Me Taken
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Luara Pelham uses a neumatic tool to tighten the bolts in catapult 3 on the flight deck of Nimitz. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran)