Oct. 18, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 64
A Little Research Goes A Long Way
2012 NIMITZ
Story by MC3 Carla Ocampo
This year’s goal...
$100,000! To donate contact your departmental CFC For more information visit: www.opm.gov/CFC
OPSEC: A Click Away Story by MC3 Raul Moreno
Nimitz’ fitness coordinator warns Sailors about the dangers of pre-workout and weight-loss supplements. Last year more than 15 products were banned from military shelves due to serious side effects that may have contributed to the deaths of two service members. “The issue with supplements is that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Lt. Jenifer Murie, one of Nimitz’ medical officers. “In my opinion the risks of these products
far outweigh the benefits.” Melissa Patterson, Nimitz’ fitboss, explained that there have been recent problems with supplements aboard the ship. “It seems like everyone uses underways and deployment to get in shape,” said Patterson. “This usually means they [Sailors] take a trip to the store and drop a lot of money on supplements they’ve see Supplements pg. 7
The phrase “loose lips sink ships” dates back to World War II where it originated as part of a propaganda campaign encouraging service members to become more aware of the information they share. Seventy years later, the phrase and the idea behind Operational Security (OPSEC) still shows up anywhere from recruiting offices across the nation to passageways aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). One outlet of communication Sailors actively use that OPSEC see OPSEC pg. 6
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 Benjamin Crossley 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.
Damage Controlman 3rd Class Tore Bertrand recharges self contained breathing apparatuses in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)
1812 U.S. sloop of war Wasp captures HM brig Frolic. 1859 U.S. Marines reach Harper’s Ferry, Va., and assault the arsenal seized by John Brown and his followers. 1867 USS Ossippee and USS Resaca participate in the formal transfer of Alaska to U.S. authority at Sitka and remain to enforce law and order in new territory. 1944 3rd Fleet carrier aircraft attack Japanese ships in harbor and land forces around Manila. 1968 In Operation Sea Lords, the Navy’s three major operating forces in Vietnam (Task Forces 115, 116 and 117) are brought together for the first time to stop Vietcong infiltration deep into South Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Page 2
Sailor of the Day: Motivation is Key Story and photos by MC3 Ryan Mayes
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Starr Harris enjoys a day at sea at her workcenter in Nimitz’ medical department.
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Starr Harris received the honor of being named USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day. Her outstanding performance as a general duty corpsman and medical informatics technician with the Medical Department on board Nimitz led to her selection. She directly manages more than 2,600 military medical records, while personally inputting over 11,000 patient care summaries. Her performance was a key factor in a 100% verification and 98.7% overall score during the Commander Naval Air Forces, Health Services Readiness Inspection held last week. “It was a huge weight off of my shoulders,” said Harris. “I knew we were going to do well but when we found out we scored what we did, that was awesome. Nimitz now has the number one medical department in the fleet.” She led the medical team in integrating the theater medical information program to all departmental services allowing for a seamless transition to the electronic medical record. As a general duty Corpsman, her contributions to the sick-call and medical records
sections directly impacted operational readiness and are directly connected to a 25 percent verifiable increase in patient satisfaction. She is quick to mention she hasn’t done it alone. “I stay pretty motivated,” she said. “It’s mostly because of the people I work with. They are all great and they keep me going.”
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Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz’ commanding officer, names Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Starr Harris Sailor of the Day in the Pilot House Oct. 17.
Down in the Shop Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Lorenzo Bledsoe crafts a bookshelf to be used in Nimitz’ commanding officer’s cabin.
Photos by MC3 Linda Swearingen
“I really enjoy working in the carpentry shop because it provides me the opportunity to try new things that I would normally not be able to do as a Hull Maintenance Technician. Before I joined the Navy I did carpentry work on residential homes so I had previous experience which has been helpful working here. Working in the carpentry shop allows me to be creative which I love.”
- HTFN Lorenzo T. Bledsoe
OPSEC: Sailors Advised to Safeguard continued from Pg. 1
applies to is social networking. Be Mindful of Using Mobile Devices. “You can always send a message to your family and friends,” said Chief Be Careful WhatYou Display on the Web. Information Systems Technician Josh Murphy, from Combat System Department’s CS-2 division. “It’s not the most secure way, but it’s a way to communicate. Monitor what you post.” Information Systems Technician 1st Class Benjamin Wells, from CS-2 division, said one easy step toward safeguarding yourself on social networking sites could be as easy as a couple mouse clicks. “I’ve had requests from random people,” said Wells. “If I don’t know who they are, I delete them. It’s as simple as that.” Wells added that some of these Armed Forces Network,” said Murphy. “They get a online friends Sailors don’t know may only be there little piece of the puzzle, and another piece, as they go to see posts, and they’ll never say a word to the on they put together the big picture.” Sailor. If information gets in the wrong hands, it can Murphy added that even phone conversations within be life threatening, said Wells. Any information can the ship could potentially compromise OPSEC. potentially be used to cause harm. “There are a lot of cordless phones in many spaces,” “It’s just like every OPSEC commercial you see on said Murphy. “People out there
are trying to figure out what you’re doing. There could be a submarine nearby or a plane flying by. You never know who’s listening.” It can be a greensheet, the plan of the day, a phone call home, a Facebook update, or even a conversation in the back of a taxicab; OPSEC is every Sailor’s responsibility. For further information about the appropriate use of social networking sites, Sailors can visit Navy Knowledge Online at www. nko.navy.mil.
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Supplements: Consume Responsibly continued from Pg. 1
heard about, but haven’t really done homework on.” According to an article in Men’s Health, a growing number of supplements have been spiked with prescription, banned or completely untested drugs that won’t be listed in the label. “I think we really focus on the dangers of illegal substances and assume that everything over the counter is safe,” Lance Cpl. David Hall, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VFMA) 323, runs on a treadmill in the forward gym on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). said Patterson. (Photo by MCSN Vanessa David) Patterson said there with kidney failure and muscle breakdown from these have been a few incidents where Sailors have gotten sick while working out products,” said Murie. “It is only after these adverse and, in most cases, Sailors have reported taking pre- side effects that these products undergo safety evaluation.” workout supplements. According to Patterson a lot of supplements can “I’m not saying don’t take them,” said Patterson. also cause false positives for methamphetamine use “The biggest problems Sailors have is that they don’t during urinalysis. Even though follow-up testing do enough research on the product or don’t use them prevents false positives from incriminating service exactly as directed.” When products were removed from bases across members, Sailors should always be aware of what the country last year. They were removed for the they are taking. One of the biggest things Patterson wants Sailors effects of one primary ingredient, 1,3-Dimethylamine to do is research. It’s important that Sailors know (DMAA). DMAA is a central nervous system stimulant that what is in the products they buy. “Sailors who want to take supplements should provides users with an extra boost of energy during workouts or other physical activity. According to double check with their health care provider,” said www.consumer reports.com a number of serious side Patterson. The reality is that thousands of Sailors use effects have been associated with DMAA including seizures, heart injury, kidney and liver failure, and in supplements. So, it’s important that they are taken in a responsible manner. One extra dose or one wrong some instances, death. “I have hospitalized many young, healthy Sailors ingredient can lead to serious side effects. Page 7
TV Guide 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 7 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10 - FLIGHT DECK 11 - CNN 13 - ESPN 14 - A&E 15 - HISTORY
16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29
- NFL NETWORK - CBS - NAT GEO - ABC - AMC - NBC - COMEDY CENTRAL - FOX NEWS - DISCOVERY - 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
Shorts The Grinch Astro Boy The Invention of Lying Where the Wild Things Are Alvin & the Chipmunks: Squeakquel
Channel 6 The Family Man Scrooged
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
Extract It’s a Wonderful Life Julie & Julia
Channel 7
Halloween 2 Inglourious Basterds Final Destination The Hurt Locker Gamer Law Abiding Citizen
Channel 29
0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
8 Mile The Abyss Madagascar 3 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
The Five Year Engagement Men in Black 3
An F/A 18C Super Hornet assigned to the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 prepares to launch from the bow of the flight deck on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)