JULY 26, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 68 s ew s arker rissa P
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la S H 3 C p. sho r o il ta
Story and Photo by MC3 Derek W. Volland
The tailor shop on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is a revolving door of uniforms and sea covers being brought for repair. “We mostly handle repair work but sometimes someone asks for embroidery,” said Ship’s Serviceman (SH) 3rd Class Clarissa Parker, a Sailor assigned of the ship’s tailor
shop. “Nimitz ball caps mostly, we get asked to add on a specific rating badge or a nickname on the back.” The tailor shop is a small, compact space filled with racks of clothing, sewing machines, needles and thread. “I’ve only been working in the tailor shop for about a month, that’s when I first learned how to sew with a machine,” said Parker. “SHSN Canty was in charge of the shop at the time and just had me start practicing.” With a constant influx of repairs it doesn’t take long to become proficient in the most common tailoring needs. “We can fix just about anything,” Continued on page 3
Sailor of the Day
Story and Photo by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
other Sailors with deployment. Thomas expertly managed processing more than 200 official correspondence documents, eight command directives, 25 plans of the week and 30 personal award citations. Thomas demonstrated his commitment to the “Banger Nation” philosophy of family, integrity, and excellence by coordinating and scheduling emergency travel arrangements for families in a critical time of need. When asked if he had any advice for others who would like to seek similar recognition Thomas said, “Make sure to develop a good work ethic, ask questions and stay focused.”
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eoman 3rd Class Grant Thomas, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., now a Sailor assigned to the “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, was named USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day July 25. “I feel honored to be Sailor of the Day,” said Thomas. According to Thomas, he joined the Navy in November 2010 because he wanted to pay for school, travel and become a better person. Thomas’ hobbies while underway include supporting his favorite baseball team, the Yankees, continuing to learn more about his rate and helping Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff Ruth
Executive Officer CDR John Cummings
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke
Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
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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Continued from page 1
said Parker. “I can repair torn seams, ripped pockets, and replace missing buttons. We can also alter uniforms if there has been a change of rank or if they have a warfare pin that needs added. I’m even learning how to take in the inseam on a pair of pants.” The average turnaround for items in need of simple repair is three days, more complex items such as embroidery may take longer. “One of the coolest things that we are able to do is make new tapes for uniforms,” said Parker. “All we have to do is load a file with the name into the embroidery machine with the right blank tape, push start and the machine does the rest.” While the tailor shop is a small out-of-theway shop, it still has a consistent flow of traffic. “This is a great workplace not only because of the steady pace of the work, but also because of the opportunities you get to meet people from around the ship,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Angelica Aguilar, a former
Sewing equipment photographed in the tailor shop.
member of the tailor shop, now the 03 level hotel supervisor. The tailor shop is open Monday thru Saturday for drop offs from 0830 till 1100 and pick-ups from 1300 till 1600. The tailor shop is located at 3-235-4-Q.
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PASSION FOR POETRY Story and Photo by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
“I chose to write a rap because I liked to write,” said Mack.“My English teacher liked it so much she had me perform my rap in front of a bunch of other English teachers.” After his first attempt at writing a rap was a success, Mack quickly became hooked on writing poetry and raps. “The reason I got hooked on writing poems and raps is because it became an outlet for me,” said Mack. “It was a way for me to vent and I didn’t want to talk to my friends about my problems and I didn’t have anyone I trusted to talk to at that time. For a long time I didn’t share any of my poems or raps to anyone.” When Mack was in the 8th grade a friend of his who was signed to a professional recording company him to start doing something with his poetry and raps.
Poetry predates literacy in many societies and the earliest poems can be traced as far back as 4500 B.C. having been used as a way of passing down stories, historical events and cultural traditions. In more recent times, different forms of poetry have emerged such as spoken word and rap which have no lines or boundaries that must be adhered to. Twenty-two-year-old Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Thomas E. Mack, of Wilmington, Del., a Sailor on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has been writing poetry, raps and short stories for more than half his life. According to Mack, he first got interested in writing when he was in the 5th grade and was given the choice between making a diorama, writing a two page paper or writinga rap in an English class.
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“The main reason I continue to write poetry and raps is that it is a fun hobby that provides some kind of relief for me for whatever situation I’m going through,” said Mack. “I don’t want to pursue writing or music for a career because then it will become a job, and if it’s a job and not a hobby it won’t be fun anymore.” For those Sailors who are thinking about starting to write poetry or raps Mack offers some advice. “To get a better vocabulary for writing, you need to read more books,” said Mack. “When you write something don’t hold back because it’s between you and that piece of paper. It makes no sense to write and hold back because no one has to see it. Don’t be nervous when performing your poetry. I write for me and you should write for you.”
“So I started writing a lot more,” said Mack. “I filled up six composition books, a blackberry and a phone with my writing.” Mack also recorded with some friends who were recording songs as a featured rap artist while he was in the delayed entry program (DEP) and even performed with them at Delaware State University. Mack said that when he is performing his poetry or raps in front of others he doesn’t notice they are there. “When I’m in front of people I black out while I’m performing,” said Mack. “I don’t get nervous or notice people in front of me, I just perform.” Mack has been performing his poetry and raps for a captivated audience at Nimitz’ monthly Poetry Jam events during the current deployment. 5
By MC3 Chris Bartlett
IT1 Michele Germain takes down MA2 John Kuchler during Between the Lines training in the hangar bay.
SA Robert Nunez, left, and SA Amy M. Haskins stand watch on the signal bridge.
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By MCSN Derek A. Harkins
IC2 Jennifer Cavazos repairs a security camera.
By MCSA Aiyana Paschal
AO3 Branden Samela attaches a training bomb to the bomb rack of an F/A-18C Super Hornet.
By MC3 (SW/AW) Jess Lewis
THROUGHTHE LEN S
TV
30 nel 29 Ch annel 6 Channel 7 Chan Channel 5 Channel 0800 / 2000 Sw eet Home Ala bam a 1000 / 2200
The Rocketeer 1200 / 0000 Prince of Per sia : Sands of Tim e 1400 / 0200 Knight and Day 1600 / 0400 The Losers
1800 / 0600 Death At A Funer al
Sm all Soldiers
Predators
Killer s
Jonah Hex
Identity Thief
The Open Road Rem ember Me
the Incredible Burt Wonderstone
Ou tla nder
Dea r John
Grown Ups
The Spy Nex t Door
Hot Shots
Ou r Fam ily Wedding
House at The End of The Str eet A Good Day to Die Ha rd
Gone
Dia ry of A Ma d Black Woma n
Cabin in the Woods Bou rne Identity
A Thousand Words
Arg o
Act of Valor
You M ay Not Kiss The Bride
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