1
CONTENTS Vol. 9 | Issue 12
2014-2018 commemorates the centennial of the First World War. On the 100th anniversary of this great and terrible struggle, we reflect on the sacrifice of our nation’s servicemen and the war whose enduring legacy shaped the social, military an political fabric of the following centuries.
6 Nimitz Tolls Bells: Commemorates 100 Years Since the Great War Story by MC3 Greg Hall
The ship will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the hostilities in World War I by ringing 21 bells at 11 a.m., November 11. Read about the importance of the lessons learned during WWI and how it affects today’s Navy.
2
NIMITZ NEWS
CAPT. Kevin Lenox Commanding Officer CAPT. J.W. David Kurtz Executive Officer CMDCM Richard Mengel Command Master Chief
MEDIA DEPARTMENT
LT. CMDR. Clint Phillips PAO ENS Billy Petkovski DIVO MCC Grant Probst Media DLCPO MCC Porter Anderson Media CPO MC1 Kevin Johnson Media LPO MC3 Emily Johnston Lead Designer MC2 Ian Kinkead MC2 Katarzyna Kobiljak MC2 Erickson Magno MC2 Kevin Outzen MC2 Don White MC2 Ian Zagrocki MC3 Chad Anderson MC3 David Claypool MC3 Colby Comery MC3 Greg Hall MC3 James Hunt MC3 Chris Jahnke MC3 Kennishah Maddux MC3 Jose Madrigal MC3 Liana Nichols MC3 Cole Schroeder MC3 Jessica Tukes MC3 Leon Wong MC3 Bethany Woolsey MCSN Anthony Collier MCSN Keenan Daniels MCSN Cheyenne Gelekta MCSN Frank Speciale
3
“Tolling, or ringing, of bells is the traditional way to mark someone’s passing.
On special national occasions, bells are tolled in honor of the fallen.
Novemer
11 is an especially important occasion, as it is the
100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended hostilities
World War I. Today, we honor the American in
families who sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during the
Great War.�
-Capt. Kevin P. Lenox Nimitz Commanding Officer
4
The Great War July 28, 1914- November 11, 1918
More than four million American families sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during the Great War. This Veterans Day, #TollTheBell in their honor. 57% of all combatants became casualties (killed/wounded/ POW/MIA) Over four million members of the Allied Forces became prisoners of war or went missing in action. Innovations such as naval aircraft, destroyers, submarines and underway replenishment made their first wartime showings during WWI. Over five million members of the Allied Forces died in battle.
5
Nimitz Commemorates 100 Years Since The Great War Story by MC3 Greg Hall
6
U.S. Marines and Sailors pose on an unidentified ship (likely either the USS Pennsylvania or USS Arizona) in 1918.
7
One hundred years have passed since peace fell across the battlefields of World War I. After the fog of war cleared, it was evident The Great War made indelible changes to the landscape of modern warfare, and it will forever be remembered as a time of sacrifice. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is slated to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the hostilities in World War I by ringing 21 bells at 11 a.m., November 11. “Tolling, or ringing, of bells is the traditional way to mark someone’s passing,” said Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, commanding officer of Nimitz. “On special national occasions, bells are tolled in honor of the fallen. The bells we ring aboard Nimitz will honor the more than four million American families who sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during The Great War.” Lenox said that each Sailor represents the fighting spirit of those who have gone before them. As the Navy looks to the heroes of the past, they will be more determined to deliver combat ready forces and maintain security through a sustained forward prescence. “2018 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the end of World War I, which is noteworthy itself,” said Capt. J.W. David Kurtz, executive officer of Nimitz. “World War I is known primarily for brutal trench warfare in France but also for gas attacks and the start of powered aviation in support of combat and undersea warfare.” 8
Kurtz said the U.S. Navy played a role escorting convoys in defense against submarines, as well as the use of naval aviation assets to patrol for submarines and bomb enemy naval bases. He said it is important to remember our history and what got us to where we are now. World War I was a time of innovation. Lt. Chester W. Nimitz, chief engineer of the fuel ship USS Maumee (AO-2), helped to develop modern underway replenishment-at-sea. This allowed smaller naval destroyers, which lacked a large fuel capacity, to take part in antisubmarine operations for extended periods of
time in the Atlantic. Today, replenishments-at-sea allows the U.S. Navy to sustain operations around the world, support interoperability amongst partner nations and project force and dominance. “I know that by empowering our Sailors to solve problems and support the ship’s mission, they will find and implement the solution to the new threat,” said Kurtz. “It wasn’t Fleet Admiral Nimitz who figured out underway replenishment; it was Lt. Nimitz. It won’t be Capt. Kurtz who figures out the next solution.
It’ll be the brand new petty officer who sees a better way forward and makes it happen.” The Navy operates at a certain standard every day, but observations for improvement can be made by any Sailor, of any rank, at any given time. This is proven by the changes implemented by Lt. Nimitz. Looking to the past is important before trying to take steps forward. Lessons learned in WWI, like the development of naval aviation and aircraft carriers, helped improve the fleet and prepare it for wars in the future. “Potential adversaries are thinking of new ways to defeat us, so if we are stagnant we risk losing our competitive edge,” said Kurtz. “At the same time, properly trained and ready Sailors, working equipment, and current intelligence have been consistent requirements since war began. We have to balance being brilliant at those basics while looking for ways to gain and keep our advantages.” Kurtz said the crew of Nimitz can exemplify the same spirit carried by WWI Sailors by maintaining discipline in the face of adversity, conducting every watch, maintenance, and evolution with integrity, and being ambitious enough to strive to be the best. As the crew of Nimitz carries on these traditions and strives towards excellence, they are maintaining and furthering their readiness, lethality and modernization. This will result in the crew’s success in carrying out Nimitz’s portion of the U.S. Navy’s mission.
9
crossword
SUDOKU
Intetesting wwi fact A baboon named Jackie served in the South African army on the Western Front. Initially a mascot, Jackie was later given messenger and watch duties, as well as his own uniform, paybook and rations. Jackie’s right leg was amputated after a shell blast in 1918. He was later promoted to Corporal and given a medal for bravery.
find chester Admiral Chester Nimitz’s face is hidden somewhere in every Nimitz News. Can you find him?
weekly throwback Sailors compete in a friendly boxing match during WWI.
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions are subject to review and editing. “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.
10
11
12