ROUGH RIDER USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)
APRIL 12, 2013
NO MEANS NO
COUR GE MAKES A
DIFFERENCE
courage to make a difference
having the
story by MC3 (SW) Brian G. Reynolds
T-shirts painted with Sexual Assault Awareness Month slogans line the fence on the parade field at Naval Station Norfolk (photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Molly Greendeer)
“One day I broke a bottle because I was so mad,” said Airman Johnson as she nervously grasped an Aquafina bottle. “I broke it because everything that was in it was empty. I wanted it to break.” Airman Johnson was once a naïve and innocent little girl. She grew up in a small Mid-Western town in Indiana. She dreamed to do something more with her life. She dreamed bigger than the small town that she grew up in. So she saw an opportunity to join the Navy and she took it. She was your run-of-the-mill Sailor that one could see aboard any aircraft carrier in the fleet. Like most, she joined the Navy for a new experience and a fresh direction in life. She dreamed of
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seeing the world. During her first taste of Navy life, things became a bit sour. Her immediate superiors became quickly aware that she was attractive and didn’t waste any time in making muffled comments just loud enough so she could hear. Needless to say, these comments began to make her very uncomfortable. Everything was exemplified when they began to touch her. Everything in her being told her that this was wrong. But what could she do? These were her superiors. Without a doubt, seeing the world is no longer what Airman Johnson thinks of when she remembers her time in the Navy. Her past dreams are now shrouded with disgust. She wished she had never
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We want Sailors to have the courage to do the right thing. If you see something wrong, make sure you have that voice. Say something. Be strong. Be courageous. Step up to the plate and stop it.
joined. But of course … None of this ever actually happened and Airman Johnson never actually existed. However, Airman Johnson’s story has been told hundreds of times in the modern-day Navy. As hypothetical as her situation is, in a sense it is very real. Fortunately, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are taking measures to stifle predicaments like Airman Johnson’s. Throughout the month of April, the Navy, DoD and SARP are promoting Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Sexaul assault happens much more often than the situations that we know about,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Tia Middlebrook, the assistant SAPR representative aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). “A lot of people turn a blind eye to it. It’s that fly on the wall. What people don’t realize is that a silent ‘yes’ is really a blind ‘no.’” The DoD defines sexual assault as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim. “Sexual assault is basically has to do with physical contact,” said Middlebrook. “It has to do with touching in inappropriate parts of the body. This includes rape, sodomy, fondling, and all other physical contact that makes someone feel uncomfortable.” This year, the Navy’s theme for SAAM is “Courage.” This takes a step forward from last year’s theme of “Hurts one … Hurts All” by offering a slogan to combat the problem. “We want Sailors to have the courage to do
--PSC Tia Middlebrook
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the right thing,” said Middlebrook. “If you see something wrong, make sure you have that voice. Say something. Be strong. Be courageous. Step up to the plate and stop it.” On Naval Station Norfolk, volunteers from Fleet and Family Support Center hung 145 t-shirts around the base’s parade field, representing 145 cases of sexual assault in the Navy during 2012. As Middlebrook implies, it is not the duty of Big Navy to fix this problem. The solution lies within the actions of its ranks and its intent on ensuring that proactive behavior is at the helm. “Be courageous,” said Middlebrook. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, then address it. All of us, as Sailors, it is our duty to prevent something that seems inappropriate.” Being at the tip of the spear when combatting sexual assault has absolutely nothing to do with rank. It has to do with the ability to be able to lead from the front. In order to truly combat this problem, it is the duty of Sailors to stop it before it begins and recognize issues when they arise. “We are all leaders,” said Middlebrook. “If you are an E-1, E-2, or E-3 you are a leader. If you see something going on that you think is not right, be sure that you have that voice to step up and do the right thing.” In the previous issue of the Rough Rider, Capt. Daniel Grieco expressed his concern regarding sexual assault and how preventing it is everyone’s duty. “Prevention is everyone’s duty,” said Grieco. “The most powerful force behind preventing sexual assault is you.” It goes without saying that sexual assault is a very preventable pandemic. It is every TR Sailor’s responsibility not to turn a blind eye and to take action to ensure that situations like Airman Johnson’s are prevented.
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PRT ready! TR’s FITBOSS shares the keys to success for the physical readiness test story and photos by MCSN Christopher Liaghat
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As USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) prepares to leave the shipyard and head to sea for rigorous training, Sailors aboard prepare to start their own training to ensure they are also ready, physically. For Sailors who have been preparing for the Physical Readiness Test (PRT), scheduled to begin on April 15, and for those who waited until the last minute, Nate Owen, TR’s Fit Boss, has some tips to ensure Sailors achieve their personal best. “Don’t go into it guessing what you have to
do, know what push-ups and sit-ups you have to hit,” said Owen. “Know exactly what you have to get for your run, and then practice it to know where you’re at and see what you have to work on.” Sailors can contact their assistant command fitness leader (ACFL), or departmental representatives for more information regarding the minimum requirements to pass the PRT. Owen said whether Sailors just want to pass or want to achieve a high score, a healthy diet can go a long way to ensure Sailors get the most out of their PRT scores. “What you eat the day before is what you are going to run off the next day,” said Owen. “Avoid deserts and junk food. Eat a healthy diet and stay off energy drinks.” It has been said that a Sailor should load up on carbohydrates to help fuel a body before a long run or sporting event, but Owen points out that carbo-loading before the PRT will not help with such a short run. “It’s just a mile and a half,” said Owen. “It’s
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Don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparing now. If you haven’t already you need to start now because the longer you put it off, the harder it is going to be.
give your body a rest,” Owen said. “You can go on a walk or something like that, but I wouldn’t wear yourself out. Just take it easy the day before.” In the end, the PRT may prove to be too difficult for some Sailors. Whether it is a lack of exercise or unhealthy eating habits, Owen points out that if you fail, the only person you can blame is yourself. “Sometimes failing is a wake-up call,” said Owen. “You need to change your lifestyle because obviously whatever you were doing before wasn’t working. It may be just clearing the junk food out of the house, but if you’re going out -- Fitboss Nate Owen drinking and partying until three o’clock in the morning and then come in here at seven hundred, not like you’re running for two hours straight, your body is going to gain weight. You need to so you really need vegetables, lean meats and change your bad habits.” water. All you really need to do is stay hydrated. Sailors in need of help can find Owen at the That’s the big thing. Prepare a day or two before Huntington Hall gym Monday through Friday by drinking water and staying hydrated instead starting at 5:30 am or they can email him at of just the day of the PRT. Your body wants to nathan.owen@CVN71.NAVY.MIL. be hydrated and you perform better when you’re “I can set them up with a meal plan or I can hydrated.” just put them through a work out in the mornIn addition to exercise and a healthy diet rest ing,” Owen said. “Don’t wait until the last mincan be just as beneficial for a successful PRT. ute. Start preparing now. If you haven’t already “If you have been working out very strenuyou need to start now because the longer you put ously, I would take the day off before the PRT to it off, the harder it is going to be.”
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studying for the
future
TR sailors explore educational benefits story and photo by MCSN Amber O’Donovan
despite the recent sequester. The Navy offers numerous programs to help Sailors further their education while on active duty status. Sailors need to know everything that the Navy has to offer in regards to educational benefits while on active duty, separated or retired, says Lt. j.g. Leroy Ames, Personnel Officer (PERSO) and Education Service Officer (ESO) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71). “These programs help you be a little bit more competitive throughout the Navy,” said Ames. ”Especially if you do want to further your career or maybe put in an officer package; having that education, having your qualifications and getting all your PQS [Personnel Qualification Standards] certifications done just makes you more competitive. So when you do put in those packages you are a cut above the rest.” William Dean Merritt, Education Services Specialist at the Navy College Office, helps Sailors assigned to the TR access their Navy education benefits. “The Navy invests a lot of money and resources for Sailors to complete their education,” said Merritt. “I’m your personal education coach. How do you go from where you are right now on [TR] to a degree you want to have in your hand? That’s what I’m an expert at.” The job market has become very competitive. When Michael Webster, the Associate Dean of Navy Programs a Sailor decides to separate, it is important for them to think about who their competition is. In many circumfor Central Texas College poses for a photo. stances, it may be other Sailors getting out at the same time. It is not uncommon for a Sailor to be asked, “Why “What is going to put you above the competition did you join the Navy?” A few common answers might during the interview process? At a more personal level come to mind - to serve their country, job security, it’s a Sailor’s cognition,” says Merritt. healthcare and the definite advantage of education beneA degree may be vital in today’s working world for fits. the Sailor planning to separate, but for the Sailor who With education benefits being a recruiting tool, the plans on staying in it also benefits during the advanceNavy knows how important it is to potential Sailors. ment process. During a time period where all other services have put “It’s about the promotion points the Navy gives you,” a stop to their Tuition Assistance (TA) programs, the said Merritt. “The Navy is giving you incentives to get a Navy has continued to provide educational opportunities degree, either an associate or bachelor’s.”
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For the ranks of E-4, E-5 and E-6, the Navy gives you two promotion points for an associate degree and four points if a Sailor has a bachelor’s degree. Why does the Navy support Sailors who want to get a degree? A knowledgeable Sailor is an investment to the Navy. A few available programs for active duty are: • • • • •
Tuition Assistance (TA) College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Joint Services Transcript (JST) previously known as Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) Navy College Program for Afloat College Educa tion (NCPASE).
For TR Sailors they have an advantage over many Sailors because they are able to access NCPASE. NCPASE is only available to sea duty commands at anytime whether they are deployed or not. With TR headed to the fleet soon, it is important for Sailors to know they still have an opportunity to go to school even when they are out to sea. “A lot of the Sailors that I’ve come across join the military for the educational benefits,” said Michael Webster, Associate Dean Navy Programs Atlantic for Central Texas College and former TR education Boss and NCPASE instructor. “This is sort of icing on the cake. Sailors can actually get a degree while they’re active duty and there are so many programs out there that allow them to do that and NCPASE being one. I’m glad that we play a small part in that.” During underways and deployments, taking classes is a nice escape from the tedium ship life while out to sea. NCPASE helps boosts Sailors morale and they definitely look forward to class, said Webster. “I always felt very much welcomed when I was out there and very much appreciated,” said Webster. “Nothing actually beats being out there on the deck plates as an instructor. The instructors are able to adapt to the unique environment of the ship life and they’re happy to do it.” With many resources it is up to the Sailors to make the first move towards their degree. If a Sailor is interested in furthering their education they should go to the ESO onboard to start off, then make an appointment with Merritt at Navy College Office, as well as school representatives at Naval Station Norfolk. For more information regarding the programs mentioned Sailors can visit http://www.navycollege.navy.mil
NCPASE Participating Institutions
Central Texas College
Coastline Community College
Columbia College
Vincennes Consortium
DCCCD/Dallas TeleCollege Online
ECPI University Governors State University
Old Dominion University
Saint Leo University Thomas Edison State College
Texas A&M University Central Texas
University of Oklahoma
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Vincennes University
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photos of the month 1)
1) Airman Carlos Deschapple fights a simulaed fire in the forward galley of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. (Photo by MC2 Sean Hurt) 2) The Nimitz-class carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits past the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the James River in Newport News, Va. Lincoln is slated to begin its Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) period in Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. (Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Jessica Echerri)
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3) Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Master Chief (FORCM) Ken Daniels answers questions in the chiefs mess aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). (Photo by MCSN Christopher Liaghat) 4) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) perform a song they wrote in honor of Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s influences on the world. (Photo by MC2 Sean Hurt)
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keep what you’ve
earned
navy launches campaign to promote responsible drinking story by Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy launched a new campaign April 1 called “Keep What You’ve Earned,” designed to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by focusing on the accomplishments in their Navy careers. “The safety and well-being of our Sailors is our top priority,” said Chief of Naval Personnel and Total Force Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer April Beldo. “Sailors endure many challenges during their first few years of enlistment and this should be recognized. It should not be treated as an excuse to drink. We all work together to create and maintain a responsible drinking environment, remind Sailors of their accomplishments and encourage positive decisions regarding alcohol.” According to Dorice Favorite, director of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) program, Sailors drink primarily because of stress related to the workplace, their families and life changes. “From boot camp to advancement exams, job training and deployments, the “Keep What You’ve Earned” campaign recognizes these challenges and encourages Sailors to drink responsibly to maintain their successful careers,” said Favorite. To address alcohol use from all angles, the new campaign actively engages alcohol abuse personnel, Navy leaders, local communities and Sailors as
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advocates for responsible drinking. During April, NADAP encourages all units to discuss the importance of drinking responsibly, as part of National Alcohol Awareness Month. To facilitate these discussions, the “Keep What You’ve Earned” campaign offers leadership talking points, posters, fact sheets and social media messages, all of which are available on the NADAP website, http://www.nadap.navy.mil. “Being an advocate for responsible drinking is not only a leadership responsibility - it is a responsibility of every Sailor in the fleet,” said Beldo. “Together we have reduced the number of alcohol related incidents and DUIs by almost half over the last five years. By drinking responsibly, you can continue to help bring these numbers down and make a difference in fleet readiness.”
photos from around the fleet
The U.S. Navy chief’s mess celebrates 120 years of the chief petty officer rank during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Chiefs have been charged with leading sailors since the creation of the rank in 1893. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom/Released) An AV-8B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 performs a vertical takeoff from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is underway conducting training off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin/Released)
An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released)
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ROUGH RIDER of the
WEEK
Personnel Specialist 3rd Class
Joshua L. Tucker
Hometown: Wetumeka, Ala.
How long have you been in the Navy? “I’ve been in the Navy since Jan. 19, 2010”
What are your goals while you are in the Navy? “To obtain all of my qualifications, Enlisted Surface Warfare pin and to advance to PS2.” What are your hobbies? “I enjoy spending time with my daughter”
Photo Photo Illustration by MC2 Sean Hurt
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April
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
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CSG-12 Change of Command
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XO’s readiness exercise
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Tax Day
29
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PRT officially begins
Command Climate Assessment
TR PhotoFind
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TR The Man
Car Freshener
Smily Face
Pirate Hat
Goblin Mask
Ruler
Waldo
Staff Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco Executive Officer Capt. Mark Colombo Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans Media Officer Lt. j.g. Michael Larson Senior Editor MCCS (SW/AW/EXW) David Collins Public Affairs Supervisor MC2 Sean Hurt Editor MC3(SW) Brian G. Reynolds Layout MC3(SW) Brian G. Reynolds
THE 2013 COMMAND CLIMATE ASSESSMENT APRIL 29 - MAY 10
Rough Rider Contributors MC2(SW/AW) Jessica Echerri MC3(SW/AW) Molly Greendeer MC3(SW) Brian Reynolds MC3 Katie Lash MC3 Cory Asato MCSN Amber O’Donovan MCSN Christopher Liaghat Command Ombudsman April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in the The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story you’d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at 534-1406 or stop by 3-180-0-Q.
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