Know Your Shipmate
AT3 Dean Covic VFA-151, Line Division
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viation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dean Covic was always interested in serving in the military and traveling the world. Growing up with a reverend for a father, Covic resided in many places, from New York and Florida, to the Philippines and Georgia. He also enjoys traveling, camping and football. Covic works in the squadron’s AT shop, working hands-on with radars and communication systems. He is also pursuing other goals, such as getting more qualifications and training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. “I’m working on getting my air warfare pin, but I’m always looking for more challenges, so I’m preparing for the SEALs. I plan on turning in my package after cruise. I want to become more engaged in the mission and learn new, challenging things,” said Covic. Selected as VFA-151’s 2010 Blue Jacket of the Year, Covic also recently advanced to petty officer third class. “It’s always nice to be recognized, because hard work truly pays off at the end,” said Covic. “Having friendly competition with my peers and seeing who gets more work done and who advances faster also helps. All in all, I’m ready and excited for all the responsibilities of a petty officer.” With such a bright start to his career, Covic is undecided as to his future plans but has an open mind for what’s to come. “Nothing is set in stone yet,” said Covic. “So far, I’m having a good time and the possibilities are endless. We’ll just have to see what happens next.”
Sports Review for Dec. 4, 2010 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg
NFL:
First off, let’s look at some of the positives of the National Football League—before we delve into the many negatives surrounding the “No Fun League” right now. Drew Brees was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year for 2010. Brees should be viewed as the face of the NFL, because he is a symbol of hope for anyone who has ever been an underdog or felt counted out. His perseverance brought him to New Orleans, a city desperately in need of an icon, to give them a brighter outlook going forward. Even if he never wins another Super Bowl in the Big Easy, Brees is a true Saint. Now, to move on to some slightly not-too-bad-but-not-good-either news: the NFL announced it will offer a full refund to fans who have already purchased tickets for next season’s games if they are canceled due to a league lockout. A contingency plan like this should alert fans that a lockout is at least somewhat likely. The current collective bargaining agreement expires in March, and if a deal can’t be reached shortly thereafter, part of next season’s games will likely get canned. I can’t imagine not having games next year, but it is a growing fear of mine as the NFL Players’ Association and league officials grow farther and farther apart in their desires for the leagues future. Perhaps not helping matters is a situation involving Steelers linebacker James Harrison, in which he keeps getting fined for supposedly illegal hits. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly made an example out of Harrison, fining him a total of $125,000 for four different infractions this season—all related to occasions when he simply tackled somebody too hard. If I was a defense attorney for the NFLPA, I would be irked by the fact that a player has become such a lightning rod for fines from the league. This whole situation reminds me of a game a few years ago when prettyboy quarterback Tom Brady was almost tackled by a defender, then gestured toward the ground, pointing at his feet, which prompted the ref to throw a flag for roughing the passer. The year before, Brady suffered a leg injury that took him out for the whole season. Understandably, he was scared of a repeat scenario, but the fact that the ref threw a flag in Brady’s favor with no real foul committed led me to believe that the NFL higher-ups had told referees to be more liberal with roughing the passer flags and unnecessary roughness calls. Harrison is catching the brunt of this policy change, receiving a fine practically every time he makes contact with another player. Apparently mothers SHOULD let their babies grow up to be (Dallas) Cowboys, because football isn’t even a contact sport anymore. Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels has apparently lost control of the reigns in Denver. The team has a 3-8 record this season and, even worse, is 5-16 in their last 21 games. Also, the Broncos and McDaniels were each fined $50,000 when a staff member was caught illegally videotaping a 49ers practice earlier this year. McDaniels denies knowing about the taping, but remember, he worked under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick when the “Spygate” scandal became known. Fishy, no? Owner Pat Bowlen says McDaniels’ job is safe for now, but Denver needs a new coach who isn’t a cheater and is ready to run the spread offense with Tim Tebow… Urban Meyer, anyone?
How Gragg Ranks ‘Em:
Barring an SEC Championship Game slipup, or any BCS computer shenanigans, we should see Auburn and Oregon in the ‘ship; so I think the No. 1 and No. 2 spots belong to the right teams. I predict that Auburn quarterback Cam Newton will win the Heisman on the way to leading the Tigers to a BCS title... TCU doesn’t have much of an argument because they were able to cake-walk their entire schedule. In 2012, the school plans to be a part of the Big East Conference, where it won’t be so easy for them to run the table... I’d most like to see the Horned Frogs play Wisconsin, who I would have as the No. 4 team right now. The Ohio State gets the edge over Stanford. I realize the Cardinal’s lone loss came at Oregon, but if the two square off in the Rose Bowl, I’d pick the Buckeyes... Oklahoma should be No. 11, while LSU and Boise State should both be in the Top 10. Florida State should be ranked ahead of Utah. After Arizona’s loss to Arizona State, I’d drop them and add NC State at No. 25.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
USS Cape St. George Cruises To Record In Combined Federal Campaign Program By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano With assistance from Ensign John T. Money, USS Cape St. George Public Affairs Officer
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uided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) is in the final stages of a recordbreaking Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) effort, raising more than $100,000 as of Dec. 5 in this year’s federal charity drive. With a crew of only 301 officers and enlisted Sailors, Cape St. George’s crew donated an unheard of $116,042 to numerous charities and non-profit organizations since the drive began, Sept. 15. Cape St. George is no stranger to record-breaking charity drives, with last year’s CFC effort raising what was then the record for all Navy cruisers of $50,717. The San Diego-based cruiser doubled last year’s record well before the drive’s deadline of Dec. 15. “All I tell Sailors is that their donations make a difference,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Loren Heaton, a native of Big Fork, Minn., and two-time Cape St. George record-breaking CFC coordinator. “Whether there is an organization that has changed their life or the life of someone they know, or there is a cause or organization that the Sailor believes in, there is something out there for everyone.” Heaton said the secret to Cape St. George’s success is simple. He personally met with every division on the ship and presented the charity options in a way to which all Sailors could relate. “I presented the campaign in such a manner that the booklet of charities was personal to each and every Sailor,” said Heaton. “I was there to educate them on how they could make a difference.”
The prestigious “Golden Eagle” award is presented to individuals who donate $1,200 or more to any CFC charity. During last year’s campaign, 12 Cape St. George Sailors were presented the award. This year, 30 Sailors received it in recognition for their selfless donations. Of the 30 awardees, 24 were from the junior enlisted ranks. “The incentive to the campaign is the personal satisfaction and the knowledge that the Sailor is making a difference in the group or organization that they donated to,” said Heaton. CFC is a fundraiser for charitable organizations conducted in the federal workplace and was first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Today, CFC is the single largest charitable giving campaign in the world, donating $275 million to charities in 2009. The Combined Federal Campaign has more than 300 drives throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. Since its inception, the campaign has raised more than $6 billion in charitable donations. Cape St. George is deployed with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Stephen D. Doyle II
Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Reunites in 5th Fleet Area OF Responsibility From Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
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uided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Shoup (DDG 86) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility Nov. 25, rejoining USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as part of their regularly scheduled deployment. The three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers will contribute to maritime security in the region by bringing the capability to share a common tactical maritime picture through their AEGIS and link systems and adding six helicopters and numerous surface, air and subsurface elements to maritime security operations. While Shoup, Momsen and Halsey will rotate through different duties during the coming months,
their overall focus will be supporting regional stability, suppressing piracy and improving maritime security. Shoup will be initially assigned to counterpiracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea; Momsen will be initially assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 152 in the Arabian Gulf; and Halsey will be initially assigned to CTF 50, supporting Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group operations. The mission of the strike group while deployed to 5th Fleet will be to focus on the United States’ commitment to help build security and stability in the region, deterring destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.
“The U.S. has been a presence in this region for more than 60 years,” said Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, strike group commander. “We will continue to support our friends and allies here by maintaining our commitment to cooperation and protecting the free flow of commerce.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of the flagship, Lincoln, embarked Carrier Air Wing 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. Ships assigned to DESRON 9 include Everett-based destroyers USS Momsen and USS Shoup and San Diego-based destroyers USS Halsey and USS Sterett (DDG 104).
ET3 Tyler Hinrichs Best Groomed ‘Stache
LT Daniel Metz Best Scary ‘Stache
ETC Brian Bieche Best Man ‘Stache
MR3 Dylan Ringer Little ‘Stache That Could
U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Brian Morales
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales
Lincoln Skyrockets To No. 1 Carrier In Advancement Test Scores From Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
Hundreds of petty officers were frocked to the next highest paygrade during a promotion ceremony aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Dec. 3. Of 268 Sailors frocked, 160 are Lincoln’s ship’s company, 104 are attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and four are members of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group staff. Overall, more Lincoln Sailors from were selected for promotion from the September exam cycle than any other aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Lincoln ranked No. 1 in advancement to petty officer first class, No. 4 to petty officer second class, and No. 3 to petty officer third class, for an overall top ranking among all aircraft carriers. According to Navy Times, 15,664 Sailors throughout the Navy will move up to the next paygrade this advancement cycle. Overall advancement is .3% greater than in the spring, from 16.4 to 16.7%. Newly-frocked Yeoman 1st Class Isarielina Harris, leading petty officer of Lincoln’s engineering department, attributed her and Lincoln’s advancement success to the ship’s great number of mentors. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
“I have several mentors, and I’m a mentor to several junior personnel,” Harris said. “Learning goes both ways. Everyone here is always learning from one another.” Harris said the Navy’s mentorship program provided her with an entire supportive community who helped prepare her for success on her exam. “A lot of our chief petty officers motivated me when I didn’t feel like I could make it,” she said. “I think everybody kind of needs an extra push. Having chiefs who mentor you kind of forces you to study.” Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Teeples, a Klamath Falls, Ore. native attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, said he appreciates making rank in such a competitive environment. “All my hard work and dedication has paid off,” Teeples said. “Especially in today’s Navy, where competition for advancement is tough and every effort must be made to go above and beyond your peers.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
U.S Transportation Command Commander Visits Lincoln By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg
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he commander of U.S. Transportation C o m m a n d (TRANSCOM) visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at sea Nov. 23. While U.S. Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander, TRANSCOM, was on board, Lincoln’s crew was able to demonstrate the logistics of passenger and cargo transportation via carrier onboard delivery, show how flights are briefed and provide a tour of the ship to McNabb and his staff. “You’re doing an amazing job out here. Those of us at TRANSCOM know what it’s like to be a resource needed on a global scale, and aircraft
carriers are a great example of the Navy promoting stability and maritime security operations around the globe,” said McNabb. TRANSCOM is responsible for creating and implementing worldwide global deployment and distribution solutions in support of the Department of Defense and regional combatant commanders by orchestrating transportation options. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
Lincoln Salutes Our IA Sailors
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Colby K. Neal
MA2(SW) Jason A. Scoppa Hometown: Wayland, Mass. Details of IA Assignment:
While on IA at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Scoppa was responsible for providing care and custody of more than 70 detainees in a medium/maximum security facility. He served meals, exchanged linen and observed detainees in the recreational yard. He also escorted detainees to the shower and yard, as well as medical, dental, and other appointments. Scoppa put requests, daily block operations and significant action reports into the Detainee Information Management System.
Details of Abraham Lincoln Assignment:
Before the IA, Scoppa was assigned to the ship’s brig of Lincoln’s Security Force Division. He worked as the Brig Administrative Supervisor and Work Center Supervisor (WCS) for the division. In this capacity, he was responsible for supervising and managing a two-duty-section watchbill consisting of approximately 12 security force personnel assigned as guards, control center supervisors, quarters supervisors and escorts responsible for the safety, housing and rehabilitation of prisoners confined to the ship’s brig. Additionally, Scoppa was assigned as the security force work center supervisor, where he was critical to the completion of the ship’s Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) while at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash.