October18

ROUGH RIDER USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)

October 18, 2013

THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S NAVY

How he helped build the strongest Navy in the world

Living the Dream

Story and photos by MCSN Kris Lindstrom

man

the who built the modern

navy

Story by MCSN Stephane Belcher

I

n the late 1800s the U.S. Navy was composed of only 6,000 Sailors. That’s approximately the same number of Sailors who go underway with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) now.

As Assistant Secretary of the Navy and, later, President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt oversaw the Navy’s expansion from the sixth to the second largest navy in the world. “[Theodore Roosevelt] was one of the architects of our modern Navy. His complete faith in the necessity for a strong Navy has been fully justified by most recent history,” said

former Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman.

Dec. 16, 1907, Roosevelt dispatched 14,000 Sailors and Marines of the Great White Fleet from Hampton Roads on a 14-month deployment around the world. Roosevelt sent out the four squadrons of warships to showcase the U.S. Navy’s capability and demonstrate America’s growing power.

“He truly supported the Navy. And he believed in projecting naval power in a forward manner,” said Joseph Judge, the curator of Hampton Roads Naval Museum. “He was very important to the Navy.”

The Great White Fleet was a significant naval achieve-

ment. The voyage covered approximately 43,000 nautical miles demonstrating to the world the reach of American sea power. It illustrated the Navy’s ability to quickly move its forces between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

“TR was one of the best friends the Navy ever had,” said Judge. “He was a big proponent of sea power. He organized the crews for the Great White Fleet which left from Hampton Roads and cruised around the world. That was a test of the operational ability of the Navy and also a diplomatic message.”

Theodore Roosevelt also played a key role in building and utilizing the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is a man-made canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in Central America. This canal proved to be instrumental in allowing the U.S. to project its power and infuence throughout the world.

In addition to sending out the Great White Fleet, Roosevelt was the first president to be submerged in a submarine, fly in an airplane, and was a visionary for the future application of aviation to warfare. In 1898, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt proposed, in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, that the Navy investigate possible uses of Samuel Langley’s “flying machine.”

“It seems to me worthwhile for this government to try whether it [airplane] will not work on a large enough scale to be of use in the event of war. For this purpose I recommend that you appoint two officers of scientific attainments and practical ability, who in conjunction with two officers appointed by the Secretary of War, shall meet and examine into this flying machine, to inform us whether or not they think it could be duplicated on a large scale… I think this is well worth doing,” said Roosevelt.

The Navy purchased its first aircraft, a Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, July 1, 1911. A laminated mahogany propeller of one

of these aircraft is currently in the museum aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt.

“A lot of the carriers that are named after presidents have historic items or museum rooms on them so that people can appreciate the ship’s namesake,” said Judge.

In everything Roosevelt did to better the U.S. Navy, sending the Great White Fleet around the world was “the most important service I ever rendered to peace,” said Roosevelt.

October is a month for remembering a man who established America as a preeminent naval power. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) was launched and commissioned in October, the same month as Roosevelt’s and the Navy’s birthday. Roosevelt spent most of his life serving and strengthening the military. His contribution to the Navy and forward approach to sea power revolutionized the Navy and made it what it is today.

Around the

Ship

Chow Down Photos by MCSN Bounome Chanphouang

Sailors of Supply Department, S-2 Division, prepare lunch for the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) crew. S-2 Division prepares four balanced meals a day. These meals will help fuel the crew as they complete the final week of cycle 2, fiscal year 2013 physical fitness assessment.

Racing for the

Cure

TR Sailors run in Susan G. Komen 5k to help combat breast cancer Story and photos by MCSN Brian Flood

T

he corner of 30th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, Va., is packed with people. A sea of pink shirts, ribbons, headbands, hats, tights, socks and shoes stand out against the grey dreary morning. Music plays through a loudspeaker, creating a festive atmosphere. When a command goes out from the middle of the crowd...

“A-A-AT A DOUBLE TIME…MA-A-ARCH!” Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71) participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 12.

Joining more than 6,500 participants, the Sailors ran in formation while calling out cadence to show their support for those who have been affected by breast cancer, a cause close to several of their hearts.

“My grandmother passed away from breast cancer. In fact I never got to really meet her because of it,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Greg Fall. “And there have been more than enough scares between my mom, my wife, and my sister. Going to the race is incredibly inspirational because of the emotions that are surrounding those that have passed away or those that are running in memory of them, or even the survivors that are there. I find it very fulfilling.”

Dressed in blue and gold physical training uniforms, the Sailors stood out in a sea of pink and created a beacon that participants began to follow. Other runners even began to

join in the cadence.

“I was a little nervous in the beginning with singing the cadences,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Malcolm Rodrigues. “It felt really nice when others joined our formation.”

According to the Komen Tidewater website, proceeds from the race are used to provide breast health research, diagnostics, screening, treatment services and education for uninsured or underinsured women in Hampton Roads. Proceeds will also go to funding national research to discover the cause of breast cancer and ultimately its cure.

Droves of friends, family and fellow racers lined the finish of the race. As the Sailors approached, still in formation, still calling cadence and with a few new runners in tow, the crowd yelled louder with a few cries of “Go Navy” mixed in.

The group from Theodore Roosevelt finished in the middle of the pack, but Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kris Lindstrom said it wasn’t about finishing first.

“It’s not about run times or winning the race,” said Lindstrom. “It’s about running in formation and running for a good cause.”

Fall said, after the race, that the runners are looking into doing another race that coincides with Theodore Roosevelt’s deployment schedule.

With the Q and Admiral A

Leading from the front TR Sailors Earn Leadership Awards from Navy and Marine Association Story by Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans

Photos by Bounome Chanphouang

Adm. Bill Gortney visits the Big Stick

Story by MCSN Kris Lindstrom Photo by MCSN John M. Drew

T Adm. Bill Gortney takes a question from Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Dilion Deel during an all hands call. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John M. Drew/Released)

A

dm. William E. Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), visited aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Oct. 16.

Gortney visited TR for a brief tour of the ship and the opportunity to address the entire crew in the hanger bay.

“I’ve been on a lot of aircraft carriers in my career,” said Gortney, while addressing the crew. “But I’ve spent more time on TR than any other.”

Among his many assignments, Gortney was the executive officer of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 15, which was aboard Theodore Roosevelt from 1992-1994.

“I’ve had over 400 traps on TR,” said Gortney. “This is my ship and it’s great to be back.”

During quarters, Gortney opened the floor to Sailors for a question and answer portion. Hot topics of conversation involved the government shutdown, what it means for Sailor’s paychecks, rank advancement and deployments.

Gortney said that Sailors should not worry because they will still get paid and will still advance.

Gortney also discussed uniform changes, carrier deployment cycles and the importance of Theodore Roosevelt’s return to the fleet.

“We’re on track getting you back out to sea and forward on your training plan to get you back onto deployment which is what you joined the Navy to do,” said Gortney.

he commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) presented the Navy and Marine Corps Association (NMA) Leadership Award to four crew members aboard aircraft carrier Oct. 12.

Cmdr. Mark J. Runstrom, Lt. Cmdr. Marvin D. Harris, Chief Warrant Officer 3 William R. Cloaninger and Chief Legalman (SW/AW) Katrina T. Hall were nominated by their peers to receive the award for their superior leadership. The NMA announced the awards winners this summer.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been nominated by my peers for this award,” said Runstrom, TR’s Supply Officer. “We have several outstanding senior leaders onboard TR who are deserving of this recognition and to even be considered among them is a great privilege. As a Supply Corps Officer in an aviation-centric community, this is particularly rewarding.

“I feel very proud because my peers voted for me,” said Harris, a shooter from Air department. “That lets me know what people in my command think about my leadership.”

Cloaninger, TR’s former Electronic Materials Officer, and Hall, TR’s Leading Chief Petty Officer assigned to the Legal Department, also stated that he was honored and humbled by the nomination.

“I believe I was chosen by my peers because of my mentoring and the affect it has to support the mission and taking care of my Sailors,” said Cloaninger.

“It’s a humbling moment having the privilege and honor of such a prestigious award,” said Hall. “It gives me an opportunity

to thank the Leaders who mentored me, provided guidance, wisdom and motivated me when I wanted to give up.”

All of the recipients stressed the importance of mentorship and setting examples as key qualities of leadership.

“Not a day goes by where I don’t consult mentors on or off the ship,” said Runstrom. “One of the things I’m most proud of in the Supply Corps is our strong culture of mentorship and support of one another.”

“Leading by example and doing the right thing all the time is important,” said Harris. “If you do the right thing all the time and demonstrate to the people who work for and with you exactly what is suppose to be done.” “(Leadership) means making sure your personnel understand what they need to do, are trained how to do it correctly and know how to manage the outcome and expectations,” said Cloaninger.

Hall defined leadership as “always sharing ideas, presenting opportunities, and being a mentor who coaches, generates enthusiasm and gives honest feedback but without being demeaning.”

NMA sponsors more than 400 awards annually for presentation by the Commanders of Naval Air Forces, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Marine Forces Atlantic and Pacific and the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy to those officers and enlisted personnel who have been selected by their peers as outstanding leaders in their respective communities.

YOURNAVY IN THE NEWS Sailors and Marines Encouraged to Make a Difference With New Sexual Assault Survey

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peggy Trujillo, Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy has announced a new Department of the Navy sexual assault survey for 2013, which started Oct. 15, and can be taken online via any device that can access the internet.

The Department of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoN SAPRO), which answers directly to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, created the survey to assess the Department’s progress, and learn what more Sailors and Marines think should be done to fight sexual assault.

“We can’t help them if we don’t know what the issues are, and we don’t know if our training is working,” said Jill Loftus, director of DoN SAPRO. “If they think our training is horrible, then we’d like to know that, so that we can switch gears. We’d also like to know if they think that it is worthwhile and if they’re learning stuff because then we can continue in that vein.”

From previous surveys, DoN SAPRO has learned that the majority of sexual assaults in the Navy and Marine Corps happen to 18 - 24 year-olds in social settings involving alcohol, and that the assaults usually occur at A-schools right after boot camp, or at the first duty station.

“We’ve used that information to set up pilot programs,” said Loftus. “Our Great Lakes experiment that we’ve been very successful with came from information we learned from our surveys.”

The experiment targeted Training Support Center Great Lakes, mainly the Sailors who have recently graduated boot camp. The program brought together the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), local hotels, commanding officers, and others to put an end to the risky situations Sailors may encounter.

The program also incorporated bystander intervention training, “No Zebras, No Excuses” training, Sex Signals training, a large group presentation on sexual assault and two small-group presentations with discussion groups.

Referring to Great Lakes, Loftus said, “Using anonymous surveys, we have seen a 60 percent reduction in sexual assaults over the past 34 months.”

This year’s survey incorporates questions from previous surveys, Department of Defense surveys and academic surveys. Pulling from the surveys and lessons learned, DoN SAPRO made the survey more concise to pinpoint the information they’re trying to find, while taking less time from Sailors and Marines.

“The 10-minute survey that’s online focuses directly on the issues surrounding sexual assault, and addresses issues such as perceptions, attitudes of Sailors and Marines about the issue of sexual assault,” said Cmdr. David McKay, a research psychologist at DoN SAPRO.

Washington Navy Yard Recovery Task Force Established From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Oct. 10 the establishment of the Washington Navy Yard Recovery Task Force.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E) Dennis McGinn will lead the task force. Vice Adm. William D. French, commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), is designated the Task Force deputy commander.

“We will continue to care for our Navy family impacted by this tragedy, and ensure those commands are able to continue doing their job,” Mabus said. “This task force will serve as the single point of contact for all departmental actions and activities focused on their recovery.”

Specifically, the task force will develop a comprehensive infrastructure restoration plan while ensuring the proper coordination of physical and behavioral health care needs of all individuals affected by the tragedy, the recovery of personal effects from the crime scene, and temporary spaces for displaced commands.

Washington Navy Yard Recovery Task Force assumes the responsibility of actions assigned to the Emergency Family Support Task Force established, Sept. 16.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus delivers remarks during a memorial service at the Marine Barracks for the victims of the Washington Navy Yard shooting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stuart Phillips/Released)

SECNAV Announces Virginia-class Submarines to Integrate Women From Defense Media Activity - Navy

“We’re also interested in understanding reporting behaviors and attitudes about reporting.

“Sexual assault is one of the top priorities of the Secretary, and should be a top priority for all Sailors and Marines, to try to figure out how to combat sexual assault. The survey is important because it does a couple things. One, it helps us gauge progress on the different interventions we’re implementing. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for Sailors and Marines to speak directly to the Secretary about their experiences about sexual assault.”

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The fast attack submarines USS Virginia (SSN 774) and USS Minnesota (SSN 783) have been selected as the initial two Virginia-class submarines to integrate female officers, announced Oct. 15.

A total of six female officers, two Supply Corps and four nuclear-trained, will report aboard no later than January 2015. Both submarines are homeported in Groton, Conn.

“Female officers serving aboard Virginia-class submarines is the next natural step to more fully integrate women into the submarine force,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “There are many extremely talented and capable women with a desire to succeed in this field and the submarine force will be stronger because of their efforts. Our Navy has proven over the years that one of our greatest advantages is our diversity. This is an advantage we should capitalize on across all platforms, including submarines.”

Since the Navy officially changed their policy prohibiting women serving on submarines on April 29, 2010, the submarine force has integrated 43 women onto six Ohio-class ballistic-missile (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN). Further Virginia-class integration is being planned in the submarine force.

“My plan is to begin by integrating four Virginia-class attack submarines, with the second set of two units being integrated in Fiscal Year 2016,” said Vice Adm. Michael Connor, commander, Submarine Forces. “Since Virginia and Minnesota are both Atlantic Fleet submarines home ported in Groton, Conn., I intend to select two Pacific Fleet submarines home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii early next year.”

The female officers will be assigned to the Virginia-class submarines for duty after completing the nuclear submarine training pipeline, which consists of nuclear power school, prototype training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course.

Submarines with women currently serving on board are USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Georgia (SSGN 729) and USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), and USS Maine (SSBN 741), homeported in Bangor, Wash.

Movie Reviews

Staff

By MC2(SW) Brian G. Reynolds

Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco

World War Z

Executive Officer Capt. Mark Colombo Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans Media Officer Ensign Jack Georges Senior Editor MCC Gino Carr Editor & Layout MC2 (SW) Brian G. Reynolds Rough Rider Contributors Theodore Roosevelt Media MC3 (SW) Heath Zeigler MCSN Stephane Belcher MCSN Bounome Chanphouang (JP) MCSN John M. Drew MCSN Kris Lindstrom MCSN Brian Flood

I

have come to believe that it takes a true artist to ruin a film with a $126 million budget, above-the-cut actors and a decent storyline. However, this seems to have become a trend. Recently, scores of movies with over-the-top budgets seem to lack this simple ability to tell a story. Brad Pitt’s film company Plan B Entertainment seems to fit the mold with their film adaptation of author Max Brooks’s World War Z. On the outside, World War Z seems to be an exciting and terrifying tale of a post-apocalyptic zombie world. After watching the trailer, most would agree that the story at least appears very compelling; the special effects look stunning, and the zombies … well, they look like zombies.

However, after watching this film for a mere 10 minutes, I realized that the budget was not the problem with this movie neither were the actors. The problem lay much deeper than that.

The film begins with former United Nations employee, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) and his family finding themselves in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. There is no backstory given – they are just suddenly there. Lane’s former co-worker, UN Deputy Secretary General Thierry Umutoni then sends a helicopter to rescue them and proceeds to bring them to a U.S. Navy vessel in the Atlantic. After the zombie outbreak is deemed to be caused by a virus, high-ranking military members then task Lane with trying to find out the origin of the virus. Lane then travels the world to track down “patient zero,” or the original zombie infected with the disease.

The plot is not exactly solid, but it does at least have an enter-

Command Ombudsman April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com taining story. The problem is with how it is told.

The story is so all over the place that it made me nauseous. In the beginning of the tale, the viewer is thrown directly into the fire. There was very little backstory given, if any at all – just a hoard of zombies and so much camera shake that it is difficult to follow exactly what is happening. This continues for the duration of the first half of the movie.

The second half of the film is the only redeeming part. The story begins to vaguely come to life. As a viewer, you can attempt to pick up the broken pieces of what Brad Pitt and screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan apparently call a story, but will only have the story shattered again with the absence of closure of the ending.

Being a Mass Communication Specialist, it is my job to tell stories. I would like to think that such a great actor like Brad Pitt would understand the concept of good storytelling and the consequences of its absence. I’m not saying that I am Ernest Hemmingway, but I would like to believe that it’s not about the story itself, but how you actually tell it. Indeed this is a bad movie. It is not “My God, I want those two hours of my life back” bad, but it is pretty unbelievably awful.

VERDICT: Unbelievably Awful

ACROSS

1. Add 5. Slack-jawed 10. Banner 14. Humdinger 15. Pertaining to the Sun 16. Emanation 17. Emphasize 19. Narrow opening 20. Fury 21. Type of drill 22. Panache 23. Wood-eating insect 25. Large Asian country 27. Night before 28. Praiseworthy 31. More awful 34. Robust 35. Charged particle 36. How old we are 37. Polka or samba 38. Fix

39. Representative (abbrev.)

40. A tough, durable wood 41. Public transit vehicles 42. Become conscious of 44. Alien Life Form 45. Delete 46. Creamy chocolate candy 50. Modelled 52. Strict 54. Carpet 55. District 56. Urban smarts 58. Focusing glass 59. Long times 60. Horse feed 61. Bit of dust 62. Secret meeting 63. At one time

DOWN

1. Braid of hair

2. Ill-gotten gains 3. Canker sore 4. Seek damages 5. Keen 6. Edge tool 7. Wings 8. The male head of family 9. Before, poetically 10. A band of fibrous connective tissue 11. Cradlesongs 12. Diva’s solo 13. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 18. Unsophisticated 22. Countercurrent 24. Untidyness 26. Naked 28. Javelin 29. Solitary 30. Terminates 31. Distort

32. Curved molding 33. Be a spokesperson for 34. Reaper 37. Speaker’s platform 38. Hand warmer 40. Its symbol is Pb 41. Make less sharp 43. Fold 44. Apprehend 46. Adolescents 47. Mendicant 48. Craves 49. Excrete 50. Inside of your hand

51. Chocolate cookie 53. “Iliad” city 56. Seated oneself 57. Suffering

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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