March 21, 2014|VOL. 40| ISSUE 10
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NIMITZ NEWS
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth Executive Officer Capt. J.J. Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Greg Renick Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media DIVO Ensign John Mike Media LCPO MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 Michael Cole Editor MC2 Phillip Ladouceur Lead Designer MC3 George J. Penney III
Media Department
MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Devin Wray MC2 Ryan Mayes MC2 Jacob Milner MC2 Jess Lewis MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 Vanessa David MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Sam Souvannason MC3 Nathan McDonald MC3 Joshua Haiar MC3 Kaitlyn Haskett MC3 Eric Butler MC3 Siobhana McEwen MCSN Aiyana Paschal MCSN Andrew W. Price MCSN Kelly Agee MCSN Victoria Ochoa MCSN Eli Buguey MCSN Lauren Jennings MCSA Kole Carpenter Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. 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.
INFORMATION CNO TALKS COMPENSATION By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julianne Metzger, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS)
C
hief of Naval Operations
(CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert sat down this week to film another episode of “Conversation with a Shipmate” discussing aspects of Navy’s Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Proposal. The Department of the Navy released its proposed $148 billion budget for fiscal year 2015 (FY15), March 4. The budget is part of the $495.6 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress the same day. Navy Sailors’ and civilians’ compensation would not be directly cut, but rather the rate of growth would slow from roughly three percent to one percent in pay and slow for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) raises, Greenert said. Inserting these changes incrementally and as members PCS assures members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the area’s housing costs decrease, said Greenert. He went on to highlight that members will not see changes in their next pay check if they remain in their current duty station and that changes will be gradual if Sailors are moving to new duty stations.
Continuing to speak on compensation, the conversation turned toward retirement.
“Anybody who is wearing a uniform today that retirement system will be grandfathered which means:
today’s retirement system is their retirement system.” - Adm. Greenert In FY14 Tuition Assistance remains 100 percent funded by the Navy and Greenert hopes to keep it that way.
“That’s very important to me to have an educated force, I want [Sailors] to get the right education. So they get something that is useful while they’re in the military and when they leave the military and that enhances their life.”
- Adm. Greenert
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHIEF SELECTION BOARD!
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PATH TO PETTY OFFICER E-3s Try for E-4
ABEAN Luz Schoch takes the E-4 exam on the aft mess decks. Approximately 350 Sailors took the exam on board Nimitz Thursday. - Photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Nathan McDonald
Second class petty officers take the E-6 advancement exam.
STILL TIME TO GIVE
NMCRS FUND DRIVE CONTINUES Story by MC3 (SW) Derek Volland
You may have heard representatives for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) are out in full force looking for contributions on board Nimitz, with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Dymond and Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Charles Sieber leading the charge. “This is just such a great program,” said Sieber. “It offers Sailors a lot of options when they find themselves in a financial hard spot.” The NMCRS offers a number of different services, including quick loans, budgeting, emergency travel loans, baby-budgeting workshops for new parents, and a thrift shop of used uniform items for low costs. “Last year we raised just under $89,000 during the last donation cycle,” said Dymond. “Compared to that, the families
of Nimitz Sailors utilized approximately $147,000 last year.” Assistance from NMCRS is available to all active duty and retired Navy and Marine Corps service members and their family members, as well as widows and mothers over the age of 65 of deceased service members with limited resources. “When it comes down to it, this program is so important for Sailors and their families, because when an emergency happens we can take action,” said Dymond. “We can tell a Sailor, go get your ticket, we’ll cover it and you can just pay us back out of your next couple of pay checks.”For more information on how to make a donation, please contact your departmental Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society representative. To donate online please go to www. nmcrs.org/adfd.
INSIDE 4
HUMAN INTEREST
ORIGA - ME
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HERITAGE
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY
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COMMAND
NIMITZ WELCOMES NEW FITBOSS
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HUMAN INTEREST
Origa-Me ONE SAILOR’S PASSION FOR PAPER
Story and photo by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen
T
he Japanese tradition of folding paper into shapes is called origami. The word derives from the Japanese words ori, which means to fold, and kami, which means paper. There is evidence of origami starting around the 1600s in Japan; however, when it was first invented is unknown due to paper deteriorating over time. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Janine A. Hunt, of Stockton, Calif., has been doing origami since she was 13 years old. “I got interested in origami when I was in middle school,” said Hunt. “I was in the library and saw a book on how to make origami so I went for
it and tried to do it.” The first piece of origami Hunt said she made was an anime weapon that a friend taught her how to make. After her first attempt at origami turned out so well, Hunt said it was easy to move onto more complicated things to make. “I like to make origami animals such as elephants, dogs and frogs,” said Hunt. “I tried to make an armadillo, but it didn’t turn out and it was really difficult because of all the ridges on the back of the armadillo. I regularly make origami boxes, a pair of pants and a tee-shirt out of one dollar bills or a rectangular piece of paper and flowers.” Not everything is easy to make when it comes to origami and even seasoned origami enthusiasts such as Hunt run into problems when it comes to making certain things. “The hardest thing I made was a flower with a stem,” said Hunt. “It was hard because that one required taking a pen or a pencil and running the paper along it to make the curl of the inside of the flower and sometimes the paper wouldn’t curl right or the petals wouldn’t be even,” said Hunt. “Also if the
fold wasn’t perfect the petals wouldn’t look right so I would have to start over.” Hunt said she gets a lot of ideas for different kinds of origami to make from books she has found in the library. Books on holiday-themed origami pieces such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Halloween are Hunt’s favorite. Hunt said the next piece of origami that she wants to master is making a star out of five separate one dollar bills. The reason why Hunt says she likes making origami is simple. “I like that it doesn’t require any tools,” said Hunt. “All you need is a piece of paper and your imagination can run wild. What makes origami cool is when you see what people have made with it. I’ve seen buildings made entirely of paper with no glue or anything holding it together except for paper that has been folded.” In addition to being able to let her imagination run wild, origami has also become a way for Hunt to bond with her family and friends. “I do it by myself, but I have shown my little sister and friends how to make new origami things I have learned when I’m home because it’s something for us to do together,” said Hunt. For those Sailors who are interested in taking up origami as a hobby, Hunt offers some advice. “Be open to trying new things and just go for it,” said Hunt. “Make sure you have paper on hand and you can look online for videos that show step-by-step how to make different things.”
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HERITAGE
BARRIER was BROKEN THE
that
Story by MC3 (SW/AW) Nathan McDonald
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I’ve received many honors, and I am grateful for them. But I have already received the highest honor I will ever receive, and that has been the priviledge and honor of serving very proudly in the United States Navy.
”
Rear Adm. Grace Hopper First woman to graduate from Yale University with a Ph. D. in mathematics. USS Hopper (DDG 70) is named in her honor.
W
omen serving in the United States Navy in an official capacity dates back to the early 20th century. However, since their inclusion, they have long faced an uphill struggle for equality with the male Sailors they have served alongside with. Women began serving in the Navy after Congress established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908. Twenty women were selected for the program initially and were assigned to the Naval Medical School Hospital in Washington, D.C. However, from the onset of their careers they faced discrimination. The women were not allowed room and board, and yet, determined to serve, they rented a house together and provided for their own meals. Women serving in the Navy Nurse Corps had no rank or rating comparable to male personnel, although they did come to enjoy privileges similar to officers. Despite these initial setbacks, World War I would provide more opportunities than ever before for women to serve in the Navy. As the United States prepared to enter World War I, the rank of yeoman (F) was created in 1917, with the “(F)” designator signifying that the yeoman was female. The rate was created out of necessity, as the Navy faced serious personnel shortages to achieve wartime manning levels. Continued on page 8
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A WAVES Aviation Machinist circa 1940s. Photo courtesy of navy.mil
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Continued from page 6 “There was no appropriation to pay civilians for the work that was immediately necessary,” said then Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels. Loretta Walsh became the first woman to serve active duty in the U.S. military, and became the first female petty officer in the Navy, attaining the rank of Chief Yeoman March 21, 1917. Women flocked to join the Navy and served in important administrative roles throughout their service. By the war’s close, 11, 295 women were in service, and performed admirably. However, there were still some in the Navy who bristled at sharing an office and a uniform with women, leading one naval lawyer to exclaim, “Petticoats in the Navy! Damn’d outrage! Helluva message! Back to the sea f’r me.” In part because of these prevailing attitudes, as well as personnel reductions after the war, all women in the Yeoman (F) rate were released by July 31, 1919. In the years between the wars, laws had been passed limiting service to men only, and this attitude prevailed until war broke out again. It wasn’t until the outbreak of World War II that large numbers of women were accepted for naval service under the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) program, which was started in July 1942. Even then, some legislative wrangling had to be accomplished before the bill allowing women into naval service was signed into law. Unlike the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, who served with the Army, the WAVES were actually in the Navy. For the first time, women held the same rank and ratings as males and received equal pay. It also marked the first time women served as commissioned officers. WAVES served in a number of vital roles in administrative, aviation, legal, medical, communications, intelligence, and science and
technology fields. In the first year alone, 27,000 women joined the WAVES, and by the war’s close, their numbers had grown to 8,000 officers and 80,000 enlisted. In 1948, the WAVES attained permanent status, as many women had served for the war’s duration and then stayed through the transition of the post-war years. In 1972, women were allowed to serve equally with men when Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, chief of naval operations, formally ended WAVES. Yet another major milestone for women in the Navy came Feb. 22, 1974 when Lt. j.g. Barbara Allen Rainey became the first woman to receive gold aviator wings. Rainey was accepted into the U.S. Naval Flight Training School along with seven other women. She was the first of her class to become a pilot and was assigned to fly the C-1 with a transport squadron. She also became the first woman qualified to pilot jet aircraft. In 1981 she became a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Unfortunately, on July 13, 1982 Rainey was practicing touch’-and-go landings with Ensign Donald Bruce when the aircraft crashed, killing both. Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield marked the first time large numbers of women were deployed in a combat zone. More than 37,000 military women were in the Persian Gulf. “They endured the same living conditions, duties and responsibilities…they performed professionally and without friction or special considerations,” said an unnamed Marine officer about females’ service in the conflict. Currently, 55,459 women are active duty in the U.S. Navy, comprising 17 percent of the active duty force. They have always found a way to serve, overcoming tremendous obstacles and prejudices. Women have served in the United States Navy with honor at every opportunity.
MODERN MILESTONES
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Nov. 1, 1978
1990
1990
First female Sailors report aboard their ships. Repair ship USS Vulcan (AR-5) was the first U.S. Navy ship on which women were deployed.
Rear Adm. Marsha J. Evans was the first woman to command a Naval Station. Then a Captain, she assumed command of Naval Station, Treasure Island, San Francisco, California.
Lt. Cmdr. Darlene Iskra was the first U.S. Navy woman to command a ship, the USS Opportune (ARS – 41).
1993
June 10, 1998
2011
Jan. 4, 2013
Cmdr. Maureen A. Farren became the first woman to command a combatant ship when she took command of USS Mount Vernon (LSD – 39).
The first female Naval officers begin reporting aboard submarines.
Capt. Sara Joyner became the first woman to command a carrier air wing when she assumed command of CVW-3.
Congress repeals the law that prevented women from serving on board combatant ships.
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COMMAND
MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT M T FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE R HT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGH UN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE RU VE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE OVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MO GHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGH FT FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT VE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOV MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT M VE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE FT FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIF JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE RUN J NIMITZ FIT BOSS ASHLEY ALFORD LAYS OUT HER FITNESS VISION FOR THE PEOPLE AT HOME, WHAT TYPE OF CAREER DID YOU ENJOY PRIOR TO THE NAVY? A.) I’ve managed a lot of gyms, as well as being a personal trainer. I taught group classes and a good amount of CrossFit training. I worked for a time in Yokosuka, Japan before I coming to Nimitz, helping out with sports and helping to coordinate their outdoor recreation program, including white water rafting trips. DO YOU THINK INCORPORATING DIFFERENT FORMS OF EXERCISE IS A BENEFICIAL PRACTICE? A.) Yes I do. I think everyone should have an opportunity to find his or her fitness niche. Exercise shouldn’t be torture. It should not be something that you HAVE to do; it should be something that you enjoy doing. Not everyone enjoys going to the gym, so finding other outlets, such as CrossFit or rock climbing, is a good way to keep yourself active and stay engaged. Whatever you like, just go for it. WHAT CHANGES ARE YOU HOPING TO IMPLEMENT DURING YOUR TIME ON NIMITZ?
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A.) I am not here to change the wheel so to speak. I am here to further implement and assist. I am not here to judge what is already in place. I am just hoping to open up people’s minds to other aspects of fitness. I also hope to revamp the gyms, as I know, after a long deployment, they aren’t exactly state-of-the-art gyms. A little tender love and care, including replacing the pads and a general review and replacement for some of the equipment is in order. Making things a bit nicer for the Sailors on board. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF FITNESS OF NIMITZ’ CREW? A.) I think fitness is something that people should always work on. Whether you are in good shape or not, you should always challenge yourself. WOULD YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH SAILORS APPROACHING YOU WITH QUESTIONS CONCERNING FITNESS? A.) Yes, please! I am here for the crew. I am here to help you with your questions. Help you move your fitness for-
MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MO T FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE R HT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT UN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE RUN E RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE OVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOV HT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGH T FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT VE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT MOVE MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT FIGHT M ELIFT FIGHTWELCOMES MOVE RUN JUMP NIMITZ FT FIGHT MOVE RUN JUMP LIFT JUMP NEW FITBOSS MOVE Interview and photo by MC3 (SW) George J Penney III
ward. If I can help people improve their fitness, even if only by a small amount, then I have done my job as Fitboss. If everyone can take that step forward, and utilize me as a resource, then I have done my job. Within the next few weeks, I will be implementing a schedule for personal training and things along those lines. Setting goals for Sailors and ensuring they know what to work on.
I have established a webpage on the Nimitz intranet. To access the site, Sailors can click on the MWR tab at the top of the homepage, followed by clicking on “Fitboss” in the left-hand column. The specific link that will take you right to the page is as follows: http://wss:8080/sites/home/mwr/ fitboss.
WILL NUTRITION ALSO BE A FOCUS DURING YOUR TIME ON NIMITZ? A.) Absolutely! I am obtaining my certification for mission nutrition, which is the Navy standard. I have a degree in exercise physiology, which covers a good amount of sports nutrition, so I do feel very comfortable that I will be able to assist the crew with any nutrition questions they may have. I have a large amount of resources at my disposal, and will be able to help Sailors choose the correct path as far as nutrition is concerned.
IF YOU COULD TELL THE CREW OF THE NIMITZ ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A.) All I ask is for an open mind and a willingness to try new things. That way, we obtain our fitness goals and enjoy our time doing it. If I can help you find that outlet, then I have achieved my goal. We have a great opportunity while in-port; one that we should take advantage of and really find our fitness niche. I am open to ideas. We will be instituting a suggestion box, and it will be a way for the crew to express their ideas. The supply department and Nimitz’ chain of command have been very helpful, and are very excited to help the crew reach their fitness goals. It’s time to get everyone moving.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY FOR SAILORS TO LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING FITNESS ACTIVITIES?
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On The Cover ILLUSTRATION by MC3 (SW) VANESSA DAVID A repurposing of a World War I Navy recruiting poster by artist Howard Chandler Christy.
Nimitz Media Department captures day-to-day life
FIRE DRILL
photo by MCSN (SW) Aiyana Paschal
Sailors from the crash and salvage team man their station during a firefighting drill on the flight deck.
FOOD SERVICE
photo by MCSN (SW) Kelly Agee
From right, CS3 Angelique Williams and CS3 Karlton Gregson serve CSSN Destiny Hart on the mess decks.
MANNING THE HOSES photo by MCSN (SW) Aiyana Paschal
Sailors man hoses during a firefighting drill on the flight deck.
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