Rough Rider

The Fleet’s Pick ET1 Shasky chosen as the 2012 Sea Sailor of the Year

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aptain’s Call

Capt. Daniel Grieco addresses the crew

Rough Riders, The Department of Defense (DOD) has declared April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). DoD’s theme for the ninth annual SAAM observance is “We own it. We’ll solve it . Together.” The Navy’s theme is “Courage.” USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), along with the entire Navy, is committed to increasing awareness about sexual assault and how to prevent it.

To that end, let me be perfectly clear: • Sexual assault is a crime that erodes our operational readiness and requires leadership from all levels of the chain of command.

• Sexist behavior, sexual harassment, or sexual assault will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt.

• Prevention is everyone’s duty. The most powerful force behind preventing sexual assault is YOU. • If you have been or think you may have been sexually assaulted, help, care, and support are available.

In our personal and professional lives, we need to be dedicated to establishing and maintaining a culture and environment that is safe and sexual assault free.

Through the rest of the month, we will provide additional information in recognition of SAAM. Collectively, we must instill a climate that does not tolerate, condone, or ignore sexist behavior, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Stand up against sexual assault and make a difference.

Respectfully, CO

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Prevention is everyone’s duty. The most powerful force behind preventing sexual assault is YOU.

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-Capt. Daniel Grieco

Making the Cut ET1 Shasky is selected as 2012 Sea Sailor of the Year story and photos by MCSN Amber O’Donovan Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command announced the 2012 USFF Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon ceremony Wednesday, March 27, at the Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk.

Adm. Bill Gortney announced Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Cheyenne Shasky, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), as the respective USFF Sea Sailor of the Year.

Before announcing the winners, Gortney congratulated all the SOY candidates for their incredible work and leadership skills, not just throughout the year, but throughout the Sailors’ career.

“It’s a huge honor,” said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. “The seven [finalists] that were here were out of 52,000 so it’s a great award.”

“It is an amazing experience because just meeting a lot of people I would have never met before and being here with them taught me a lot,” said Shasky. “They were the best of the best. Although

I’m happy for myself, I wish that they would all be standing right here next to me.”

Shasky said she was selected because of her leadership, support from her peers, and the followership of her Sailors.

“We could lead all day long, but if they didn’t want to follow then we would not be where we are today,” she said.

The USFF SOY program recognizes the best and brightest Sailors throughout USFF. “I couldn’t be prouder,” said Command Master Chief Jack Callison, the CMC of TR. “It’s a great accomplishment for her and her leadership within her department and the ship.”

“She truly is a deck plate leader and a phenomenal leader onboard Theodore Roosevelt and throughout the Navy,” said Callison.

Shasky will be meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer by the Chief of Naval Operations this May in Washington D.C.

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We can do it! the women of TR share what it takes to suceed story by MCSN Amber O’Donovan

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For more than a half of a century, women have played a pivotal role in shaping this country’s Navy. Female Sailors have had many milestones from being allowed on Naval vessels to fighting in the front lines of combat. Many have been able to adapt and overcome the constant change in the Navy.

Regardless of age, rank, or race, many female Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) continue to provide inspiration to others and improve as individuals. As a part of women’s history month, a few Sailors share their personal experiences in the Navy and the women who have inspired them.

“I’ve been very blessed in my Navy career that I’ve had very strong mentors both male and female that have given me the courage and strength needed to make my way up the ranks, ” said Lt. Cmdr. Valerie McCall, the assistant supply officer. “I think being a woman has had little to no rule at all in my success. It’s all been based on merit.”

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As far as any advice for my female counterparts go - dream big, work hard and go far.

-ET1 Cheyenne Shasky

McCall was prior enlisted as an Electronics Technician 3rd Class aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) before being accepted to Officer Candidate School. This is her third sea tour as an officer. McCall says she is very privileged to be the assistant supply officer aboard TR. The Navy offers many opportunities for women to excel in their professional career by providing different seminars and workshops.

The Navy provides equal opportunity for everyone, said Master Chief Logistics Specialist Jean Heitzman, Supply Department division leading chief petty officer. As long as you strive for it, all the hard work, perseverance and motivation pays off. Heitzman has currently been selected for the Command Master Chief Program (CMC).

“I was blessed enough to be under retired Master Chief Beth Lambert, CMC of the USS Theodore Roosevelt from 2005 to 2008, which truly inspired me and motivated me to want to be a master chief and then a command master chief,” said Heitzman.

Heitzman believes you always have to look up to a higher power in anything you do in life to help find the answers. She is humbled to be a master chief in the Navy and to be part of the CMC program, says Heitzman.

With hard work, motivation, and dedication more women are quickly advancing in the Navy but not without helping their fellow shipmates along the way.

“In CS-9 I became not only the Leading Petty Officer but the acting leading chief petty officer of that division,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Cheyenne Shasky. “My biggest accomplishments were the accomplishments of my people and their success, so my drive has been to make sure that they are successful.”

Shasky has been awarded Sailor of the Quarter, Sailor of the Year of USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Air Force Atlantic Sailor of the Year and has recently been picked as U.S. Fleet Forces Sailor of the Year.

Many female Sailors aboard TR continue to progress with qualifications, awards and advancements helping to pave the way for other Sailors by becoming more knowledgeable as shipmates and mentors.

“As far as advice for my female counterparts go - dream big, work hard, and go far,” says Shasky.

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Celebrating Life TR sailors participate in the race against the odds story and photos by MC3 (SW) Brian G. Reynolds

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ne thing can be said for sure … Rashid loved to run.

As a matter of fact, it was his pastime. He was a member of the Hampton Roads 757 track team. In 2010 he even competed in the Steeplechase, a national track and field competition. However, Rashid’s aspirations on the track were about to be cut tragically short.

Nearly one year ago, Rashid’s mother, Lt. Alexa Arias, the gunner aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), received the news that no parent ever wants hear.

Rashid had lost his nine-month battle with brain cancer. He was 16 years old.

Though it is said that time can heal all wounds, this kind of wound is not one that heals easily. However, Arias found a way to help bring a bit of closure by celebrating the life of her son and giving back to the community.

On March 23, Arias, along with Sailors from all divisions of TR’s Weapons department, participated in the Race Against the Odds, a five-kilometer run celebrating the lives of children, like Rashid, who had succumbed to cancer, at Sandy

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Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Va. “This is the first-annual race that the Cancer Association at Naval Hospital Portsmouth has held,” said Arias. “The pediatrician that took care of my son emailed me and told me about the race in remembrance of all of the kids who had experienced the same thing as Rashid.”

The Weapons department’s team took on the team name Celebrating Life in commemoration of a promise that Lt. Arias had made to Rashid before he passed.

“I promised him that I would celebrate his life,” said Arias.

“I believe that this is a great thing and I know that I am not the only one who will ever go through something like this. This is not just for myself, but it is for the many families that are going through something like what I did.”

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Jose Paz assisted Arias in spearheading the event to ensure the maximum participation

by TR’s Weapons department.

“When the Gunner came to us and told us about this race it was touching to me because my grandfather passed away in

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I speak from experience. Every positive thing we do causes a huge impact for someone else.

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2005 of cancer,” said Paz. “I knew that I could get a group of guys who had never done a 5-k before to actually finish as a team. So I ended up taking charge and getting some of these guys motivated to run who had never done one before.”

Before the race began, Sailors from TR’s Weapons department donated more than $950 to the Race Against the Odds cause, far exceeding their goal. Of course this is a far cry from paying for the loss of a son, but it is a giant stride in the eyes of a mother in combatting the disease that took her son from her.

“We went way above our goal for donations that we had,” said Paz. “We had a multitude of Sailors from Weapons department really step up. I’m just really happy to see so many people from our department who had never run a 5-K do it for such a good cause.”

While many who have endured the horrors of losing a loved one to cancer, it goes without saying that few would have the strength to turn the situation into a positive for the collective community. Lt. Arias did just that – and took the Sailors of TR with her on that journey.

“I wanted to put it out to my division that we can not only do things to better the ship, but also give back to the community,” said Arias. “We can do all of this as a team.

I didn’t want to do this by myself, so I brought them with me.”

When the whistle blew and the runners were off, most individuals who ran the 5-K ran at their own pace. Some ran ahead to be the winner, while others walked. However, Team Celebrating Life ran as a group – leaving no straggler behind. Celebrating Life began the race as a team and finished it as such.

“I would have had it no other way,” said Arias. “We run together. That is the whole point.”

While the run was mainly coordinated by TR’s Weapons department, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Operations department also joined the ranks of Celebrating Life. Arias’s fiancé, Lt. James Sandifer is the Carrier Air Traffic Control (CATCC) officer aboard Truman and also helped to supply bodies for the cause.

“The feeling was priceless and no words can ever express how grateful I felt having the great support from my division, not only at work, but off the ship,” said Arias.

“The support I got from my fiancé and his troops from the

Harry S. Truman was unbelievable. Combining forces and integrating our Sailors was amazing, and one of the best things we could have ever done.”

As the Sailors of TR’s Weapons department proudly crossed the finish line, they did so realizing that they were doing more than merely finishing a 5-K. What they had accomplished was indeed larger than themselves. Events such as these are more than fund raising. They make a statement.

The statement takes the stance that the Sailors of TR will not cower in the face of a deadly disease that has taken the lives of so many. There is reward in this.

The reward lies in the fact that they had done something beyond being in the military. Their reward was timeless. It bridged the gap of being a Sailor and being a human being.

Their trophy was molded with the hopes that other mothers never have to endure what Lt. Arias had to endure ... and is enduring.

“I hope my Sailors take away pride by giving back to the world and our community,” said Arias. “It’s one of the best rewards anyone can ever achieve. They brought smiles and hope to all the children and their families and sometimes that’s all we ever need. I speak from experience. Every positive thing we do causes a huge impact for someone else.”

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photos of the month 1)

2)

3)

1) Chief Logistics Specialist, Adrian I. Copiaco replaces the light bulb of a flourescent light fixture during a TR field day. (Photo by MCSN Bounome Chanphouang) 2) Sailors stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) perform a no-load launch of catapult number one. This is the first time in four years the TR has been able to do this. Theodore Roosevelt is completing its final year of refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding (Photo by MC3 Katie Lash)

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4)

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3) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) assist in performing a no-load launch of catapult number one. (Photo by MC3 Katie Lash) 4) ABE3 Douglas A. Spencer, TR’s Bluejacket of the Year (Left) and ET1 Cheyenne Shasky (Right) pose for a photo with Command Master Chief Jack Callison. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds) 5) Capt. Daniel Grieco and Gen. Mike Hostage pose for a photo on the pier. (Photo by MCSN Eric Norcross)

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your navy in the news Navy Announces SAAM 2013 Theme From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs Office WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced the 2013 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) theme of “Courage” and issued guidance to focus efforts on awareness and prevention of sexual violence in NAVADMIN 075/13 released March 25.

The Navy’s theme for the month is “Courage” and will support the Department of Defense’s theme of “We own it...we’ll solve it ...together.” The goal is to empower commands to take ownership of this problem.

“Navy’s recognition of SAAM 2013 is a component of our efforts to build a resilient Navy community and will use the theme of “Courage” to build the tactics for this year’s campaign,” said Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, chief of naval personnel. “Weekly themes will underscore the courage it takes to intervene when Shipmates see inappropriate behaviors, as well as the courage to step forward as a victim to seek help, the courage of Shipmates to support victims to make them feel safe in their units and the courage necessary to do the right thing - both for yourself and your shipmates.”

Each week, the Navy will highlight a subtheme - courage to learn, courage to prevent, courage to intervene, courage to support and courage to commit.

“Navy installations and commands around the world will be organizing activities to raise awareness of sexual assault throughout the month. All units are encouraged to participate and promote SAAM events,” said Van Buskirk. “This year, we are also encouraging Sailors to participate in a video contest to give them the chance to provide a fresh look at how to combat this problem. It provides Sailors an opportunity for personal involvement in communicating key messages.”

Sailors can submit individual and team videos

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by mail or by uploading them to the FTP site through April 19. Criteria for evaluating entries will include storytelling ability, originality, creativity and technical quality. The contest is open to active duty, Reserve and full-time-support Sailors. The winning submission will be broadcast on Direct-to-Sailor Television and provided to the American Forces Network and Pentagon channel. Contest rules and procedures are posted at www.sapr.navy.mil.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department. The Department of the Navy (DoN) is working aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims and to hold offenders accountable.

For more information read NAVADMIN 075/13 at www.npc.navy.mil and go to www.sapr.navy.mil and click on SAAM 2013.

photos from around the fleet The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal. 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 Seaman Apprentice Kameren Guy Hodnett/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) Cmdr. Noel J. Gonzalez, commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), receives a lei and gives a small stuffed animal to the daughter of a Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy sailor after the submarine arrived at Busan Naval Base. Cheyenne participated in bilateral naval exercise Foal Eagle 2013 with ROK in support of regional security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua B. Bruns/Released)

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to save a life

story by MC2 Tyrell Morris

photo by MC2 Austin Rooney

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Without a doubt, Sailors endure a myriad of training evolutions during the span of their Naval careers. However, most would admit that they are hopeful that they will never be in a situation where they would have to actually use that training.

On Dec. 28, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Alexius Russell went to Lee Nails in Military Circle Mall for a bit of pampering and relaxation.

Little did she know that before the day was over she would be considered a hero.

One of the Lee Nails employees, Nap Ashay, was lying down on a table complaining about stomach pain. Another female was standing over her fanning her and trying to calm her down.

“The civilian lady standing with her was yelling that her pulse and heart rate was abnormally fast,” said Russell. “I immediately rushed over to see what I could do to help.”

The police were called and while waiting for the emergency medical technician her eyes became glossy and her hand went limp. Ashay had lost consciousness.

Russell realized that there was no time to wait for the police or paramedics. Action had to be taken immediately. At this moment, Russell remembered her training.

“Myself and another civilian who was at the scene immediately began to administer CPR,” said Russell. “The civilian gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, while I performed the 30 chest compressions.”

Ashay was revived momentarily, but then lost consciousness once again. The two continued to perform CPR. After the two Samaritans continued to feverishly perform CPR, Ashay finally was resuscitated.

“When she regained consciousness, I managed to keep communication with her until the ambulance arrived,” said Russell.

The paramedics took Ashay to Sentara Leigh Hospital for further examination. Russell checked on her status at the hospital and visited her once she was released and back at work.

“I am very thankful for everything that Russell did for me,” said Ashay. “The outcome may have been different if she would not have been there.”

The Navy provides all of its Sailors with first aid and CPR training.

One of the first things Sailors do when they check aboard TR and go through the ship’s indoctrination class is get their CPR certification.

“I think it is amazing that she was able to act quickly and keep her composure during this crisis,” said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Jeremy David. “This just proves that with the proper training Sailors are able to react quickly and do what the Navy trains them to do.”

The Navy offers a plethora of trainings and instruction regarding saving people’s lives that can be used on and off of duty. While many Sailors may become complacent regarding the training that they receive while serving, Nap Ashay is indeed living proof that it should be taken seriously.

“I just got my CPR re-certification prior to this incident,” said Russell. “I’m glad that I was able to use the training I learned to help save a life.”

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April

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

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Chief Petty Officer Birthday

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2

Tax Day

Passover Ends

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Turn Ship

XO’s Readiness Exercise

TR PhotoFind

TR The Man

Quarter

Soccer Ball

Ruler

Penny

Two Babies

100 Grand

Tennis Ball

Clock

Cat

Wrench

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ROUGH RIDER of the

WEEK

Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SW)

David Platt Hometown: Lakeland, Oregon

Time in the Navy: Four years

Why do you think that you were chosen for Rough Rider of the Week? “For my never quit attitude, consistent self improvement, and my vigor in training junior Sailors.”

What are your goals while you are in the Navy? “To qualify in numerous watch stations to better myself and to help educate and guide my junior Sailors.”

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Photo by MCSN Buonome Chanphuang

Easter in the

Chapel

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 Rough Rider Contributors MC2(IDW) Eric Lockwood MC3(SW) Brian Reynolds MC3 Katie Lash MCSN Eric Norcross MCSN Amber O’Donovan MCSN Bounome Chanphouang Command Ombudsman April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com

Photo by MC2 Eric Lockwood

Roman Catholic Mass for the Easter Holiday Fri - Mon Mass - 1530 Friday Service of the Passion/Way of the Cross and Veneration - 1300 Easter Sunday Mass - 0830

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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