11 April 2014|VOL. 40| ISSUE 13
Step Up
Speak Out
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
A Biker’s
‘Great Escape’
Sailors in the
Spotlight
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INFORMATION NIMITZ NEWS
|CREDO|Hosting a Personal Resiliency
Retreat the last weekend of April. Consider investing your time in something like this for you or one of your Sailors. PERSONAL RESILIENCY RETREAT Dates: 25-27 April, 2014 Location: Jim Creek (van will pick up at base).
|SYMPOSIUM|BHC Everett is hosting
an Enlisted Commisioning Symposium for Sailors interested in comissioning programs into the medical health science fields, April 17. There will be subject matter experts giving presentations on the following topics (all times are approximate): 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Navy College Presentation 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.: MSC-IPP (Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program) - Lt. Cmdr. Carter 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: MECP (Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program for Nursing) - Lt. Marlatt 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.: STA-21 (Seaman to Admiral Program) - Lt. j.g. Bene/Ens Nagel 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Outservice Procurement - Lt. Callahan 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.: USUHS - TBD 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Questions and Answer Panel with Nurse, Medical, Medical Service and Dental Corps Officers to follow presentation. Executive Officer Capt. J.J. Cummings Media DIVO
Ensign John Mike
Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts
|JOB FAIR|Attention all Veterans, Transitioning Service Members and Family Members: Meet and talk with Federal HR, Defense Contractors, Recruiters, Local, National and International Businesses, Energy and Scientific Corporations, National Retail, Washington State HR and MWR/NAF HR. Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Jackson Park Community Center Location: Jim Creek (van will pick up at base). For more information call 360-396-4115
|JOBS|Do More. Be More. With MSC.
Your experience may qualify you for a seagoing career with Military Sealift Command as a civilian mariner. |First Officer|First Assistant Officer|Unlicensed Junior Engineer| Deck Engineer Machinist|Refrigeration Engineer|
MSC Active Duty Career Fair Wednesday April 23, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Naval Station Everett FFSC @ Smokey Point. 3910 45th Ave NE Classroom # 809 Marysville, Wash. Call 1-888-282-1493 or visit www.sealiftcommand.com
Capt. Jeff Ruth
Command Master Chief CMDCM Greg Renick
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski
Media LPO
Editor
MC2 Phillip Ladouceur
Media Department
Media LCPO
MCC Mike Jones
Lead Designer
MC3 Sam Souvannason
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 Nathan McDonald | MC3 Joshua Haiar | MC3 Kaitlyn Haskett | MC3 Eric Butler | MC3 Siobhana McEwen | MC3 George J. Penney III | MCSN Aiyana Paschal | MCSN Andrew W. Price | MCSN Kelly Agee | MCSN Victoria Ochoa | MCSN Eli Buguey | MCSN Lauren Jennings | MCSN Derek Volland | MCSA Kole Carpenter
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FITNESS April 14 / 16
XTRAIN
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
April 15
ZUMBA
Commanding Officer
MC1 Michael Cole
|THIS WEEK IN|
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
April 16
SPIN4LUNCH
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
April 17
RUN CLUB 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sign up on MWR Intranet page!
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.
GIVING BACK
AOANRobert Brooks helps a student with reading comprehension at Hillcrest Elementary School. (Photo by MCSN(SW) Aiyana Paschal)
“
I ALONE
cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. - Mother Teresa
”
|COMRELS|Upcoming
community relation opportunities posted by Religious Ministries.
AM2 John Bergner and AM3 Hannah Woods relocate a plant. (Photo by MCSN(SW) Aiyana Paschal)
School Volunteering Every Tuesday - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hillcrest Elementary School Mentoring/Tutoring POC: RELMIN Staff Adopt-A-Stream Tuesday, April 15 - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. McCollum Park - Northwest Stream Foundation Building/Yard Work POC: AC1 Williams (J-6306) & AC2 Wagner
MC3 Nathan McDonald helps a student with reading comprehension at Hillcrest Elementary School. (Photo by MCSN(SW) Aiyana Paschal)
Nimitz Highway Clean Up April 25, 2014 Broadway (Everett) Cleaning Area POC: RELMIN Staff
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AWARENESS
STEP UP, Story by MCSN(SW) Victoria Ochoa 3,374
“If the SAPRO is truly accomplishing its goals, one should see increased initial reporting as victims feel more comfortable and then a decrease in rates of reported victimization over time.”
1,700
-Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations for the Future
CALENDAR YEAR 2004
FISCAL YEAR 2012
1out of 6 women have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
1out of 4 have experienced or will be
sexually assaulted by the age of 18.
2out of 3 rapes are committed to someone known to the victim.
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T
he month of April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) throughout the Navy and on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). This year’s Department of Defense (DOD) theme is, “Live our values: Step up to stop sexual assault.” The definition of sexual assault can be defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, physical threat, or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. “Bystander intervention is key to the solution,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Lelyn R. Knowlden, a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) victim advocate on board Nimitz. “If you see something that doesn’t look right speak up or step in…it’s part of our Navy core values.” According to NAVADMIN 066/14, SAAM will serve to emphasize our command and institutional commitment to a climate which elevates our Navy’s core values, as well as charge each Sailor and civilian partner to actively participate in an environment that does not tolerate, condone, or ignore destructive or sexist behaviors. Chief Information Systems Technician Joshua Murphy, a SAPR point of contact, says that all victim advocates have undergone training for a period of 40 hours to become qualified as victim advocates. “The training consists of classroom time as well as an online Department of Defense accreditation course,” said Murphy. Victim advocates on board Nimitz volunteer their time and efforts to help support the victims of sexual assault at our command and are always ready to lend a helping hand. “Being a victim’s advocate is something I’m passionate about,” said Knowlden. “I’m the first responder for the victims; I help them if they just need somebody to talk to or to be there
SPEAK OUT Sexual Assault Awareness Month Promotes Bystander Intervention
for them. I’ve gone to executive officer inquiries (XOIs), captain’s mast and court martials with them…I’m basically there to be their support system.” Nimitz currently has more than 20 trained victim advocates on board who are familiar with the procedures to take care of the victims and different incident reports available. “The victim can report the incident via a restricted or unrestricted report; restricted being that the victim can disclose details in confidence to a few selected individuals without triggering an official investigation,” said Knowlden. “Unrestricted reports allow the chain of command to be notified on a need to know basis and begins an investigation for the individual.” Medical treatment and counseling are always offered to the victim regardless of what type of report they file. “First I take them to medical and I ask them if they need to see the chaplain so they can have somebody to talk to,” said Knowlden. Then we fill out the paperwork and contact our SARC (sexual assault response coordinator). If it’s a restricted report they just make sure that victim is taken care of and receives any counseling that they may need.”
73%
a FRIEND 38% areor ACQUAINTANCE
of victims are perpetrated by a NON-STRANGER
an intimate PARTNER 28% are
7% RELATIVE
are a
SAAM is comprised of different events and two separate themes targeted at Sailors to inform and educate them on the importance of protecting their shipmates. “Nimitz will be raising awareness about sexual assault in our military using Navy Knowledge Online, posters and trainings targeted at Sailors to promote bystander intervention and decrease the amount of incidents Navy-wide,” said Murphy. Reducing the threat of sexual violence from within our ranks continues to be an all-hands effort to provide a safe environment for Sailors.
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SPOTLIGHT
. da S n i L C3 M y yb Stor
M
n nge i r a Swe
Nimitz Sailor finds freedom on two wheels
otorcycles have been around for more than one hundred years and originated in France in the form of motorized bicycles. The mass production of motorcycles started during World War 1 in Germany and England as a means to deliver messages faster than by horse. A lot has changed over the years in terms of motorcycle design and many have embraced riding as a lifestyle and hobby. Aviation Structual Mechanic 3rd Class Vanessa A. Okiakpe, of
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R G A
Woodbridge, Va., a Sailor currently stationed on board, has been a motorcyclist for more than seven years. Okiakpe says that she got interested in motorcycling after watching her brother ride his Honda 125 dirt bike in a few local races in Virginia. Shortly thereafter, in 2007, Okiakpe bought her first motorcycle and has been riding ever since. “My first motorcycle was a Seca II Yamaha 1996 model,” said Okiakpe. “I had that bike until I
AM3 Vanessa Okiakpe leans on her motorcycle. Photo by MCSN (SW) Victoria Ochoa
E P A C S
E T A E “ R left for boot camp. Recently I got a 2013 Kawasaki ZX6R, which is a very powerful bike. It has a 636 cc engine and it’s a motorcycle that will make you respect it. Usually girls ride the smaller, more basic bikes so it turns a lot of heads when people see me ride it.” In order for Sailors who are stationed on board Nimitz to ride motorcycles or dirt bikes, they must attend mandatory classes to teach them how to safely operate a motorcycle. Okiakpe recently attended the motorcycle safety classes where she obtained her motorcycle license from the department of motor vehicles in Washington. “I learned a lot from the classes,” said Okiakpe. “The Advanced Rider Class (ARC) taught me more skills that I didn’t previously know and I use now. It helped me feel more comfortable riding.” In addition to getting her motorcycle license in the motorcycle safety classes, Okiakpe also learned
I’ll always do it as long as I have the ability to do it. It’s a thrill.
what kind of protective equipment she was required to wear to remain safe on the road. “I have a department of transportation (DOT) approved helmet, a special jacket with extra spine and elbow protection that is waterproof, special pants with extra knee protection that is waterproof and motorcycle gloves that are waterproof,” said Okiakpe. “They keep me warm, but since it is cold in Washington I also wear thermal pants and a shirt under my motorcycle clothes and a ski mask under my helmet for extra warmth. Having clothing that is waterproof is essential because it rains a lot in Washington.” Okiakpe said she usually rides by herself, but occasionally she will get a group together to hit the road with. She said her favorite places to ride her motorcycle are around Everett, in the mountains of Washington state or long distance road trips. When asked what it is about riding her motorcycle she enjoys
”
the most, Okiakpe said the answer is simple, she loves the thrill riding gives her. “I can get away and do most of my thinking while I’m riding my motorcycle,” said Okiakpe. “It’s like my escape, it’s my passion, it’s what I do. I love when the wind is in my face and listening to the sound of the motorcycle.” For Okiakpe, riding motorcycles is not just a fad, it’s a lifestyle that she hopes to continue with for years to come. “I love it and I don’t think I’ll ever quit,” said Okiakpe. “I’ll always do it as long as I have the ability to do it. It’s a thrill. I think it’s something everyone should do and there’s even a community feeling among other riders. When you see each other you sort of wave to one another.” Sailors who are interested in riding motorcycles are encouraged to sign up for motorcycle safety classes with Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Ryan Dedeker at: 03-79-6-Q.
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SHOUTOUT
SAILORS IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
WHO IS YOUR HERO? PHOTOS BY MCSA KOLE E. CARPENTER
“MY SISTER” BMSN PARISDECK KELLOGG DEPARTMENT She graduated college with good grades, and I’m so proud of her. She’s always so positive. And she always encourages me to achieve my goals.
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“MY DAD” SN BRITTNEYDECKWILSON DEPARTMENT He never gives up. Never. He is my superman. During deployment, when I wanted to give up, I would call my dad. He would always inspire me to keep going.
“MY PARENTS” IT1 BENJAMIN WOODARD COMBAT SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
They’re very inspiring, and very supportive. I can always count on them to be there when I need them. 9
PROGRESS
Sub Duty Survey Navy Wants Input From Women Sailors From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
T
he Navy has opened a voluntary online survey to all female enlisted Sailors to understand the level of interest among women to serve aboard submarines. A Navy task force was formed last summer to develop options for integrating enlisted women into the submarine force. The survey results will be used to help guide ongoing planning efforts. “We seek input from professional women Sailors throughout our Navy, even if they aren’t interested in serving aboard submarines,” said Rear Adm. Ken Perry, a career submariner who leads the task force. “Responses to the survey questions will help shape future Navy policy and are key to getting the integration right.” Perry emphasized that all survey responses will remain anonymous. “I value honest input. Give it to us straight. All responses will remain anonymous, period,” he said. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It is scheduled to remain open through the spring. The submarine force is developing plans to integrate enlisted women following the Secretary of Defense’s rescission of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment rule last year. All positions currently closed to women are to be opened by January 2016 unless granted an exception by the Defense Secretary. Today’s submarine force includes 72 nuclear-powered submarines located among seven homeports in the Atlantic and Pacific regions. The submarine force began integrating female officers into ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarine crews in 2011. Many have since earned submarine qualifications and completed a number of strategic deterrent patrols and missions in multiple theaters of operation. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
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The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) enters Sepangar Bay. Photo by MC1 David R. Krigbaum
Female Sailors may access the online survey by logging on the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System commonly known as NSIPS. Once logged on, personnel can follow these steps: 1. Locate the “Employee Self Service” link in the column on the left side of the page titled “Menu.” 2. Expand the “Employee Self Service” link options. 3. Then expand the options under the “Electronic Service Record” link. 4. Click the “Tasks” link. 5. Then click the “Survey Requests” link.
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On The Cover photo by MCSA Kole E. Carpenter
Nimitz Media Department captures day to day life
ETSN Jared Randall (right) and BMSN Marcus Gonzaleshunter paint the island.
HOMEPORT
photo by MCSA Kole E. Carpenter
USS Nimitz moored to the pier in its homeport at Naval Station Everett.
MIRROR SHINE
photo by MCSN (SW) Kelly Agee
ABHAN Anthony Smith polishes a connection box in the hangar bay.
WORK AND LEARN
photo by MCSN Derek Volland
AOAN Tabatha Lawrence, right, works on a missile adapter under the supervision of AOAN Matthew Church.
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