Know Your Shipmate
Operations Specialist 3rd Class Stephanie Phipps Strike Operations
O
perations Specialist 3rd Class Stephanie Phipps joined the Navy for the same reason many people do: to see the world. And so far for Phipps, the Navy has been a great way to experience new things. “I like getting to see all these different countries that I would not have been able to see had I not joined the Navy,” she said. After graduating from Recruit Training Command in February 2009, Phipps reported to Operations Specialist “A” school in Great Lakes, Ill. Phipps then reported to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), knowledgeable and ready for the mission. A native of Sequim, Wash., the 20-year-old Phipps enjoys many of the outdoor activities that life in the Pacific Northwest offers. “I like adrenaline-filled activities like snowboarding, wakeboarding and riding my dirt bike, but sometimes I also like to just relax and lounge around the house being lazy,” she said. Phipps, who describes herself as an avid music lover, enjoys a wide variety of genres and tempos. “Music is definitely my life,” she said. “I don’t discriminate, and I don’t have a favorite type because they’re all my favorites.” As Lincoln begins its journey home, Phipps looks forward to having some down time to spend with family and friends. “I look forward to relaxing and having a day off where I can sleep in and not wake up on the ship. I also look forward to having a home-cooked meal with my family.”
DESRON Commodore Speaks to Singaporean Students about Leadership, Opportunities Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee
C
apt. Carol A. Hottenrott, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, spoke to a class of students from National University of Singapore School of Public Policy, Feb. 17, during a port visit by USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in Singapore. Hottenrott, the senior most female leader among the nearly 7,000 men and women of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, talked about her experience as a woman in the military and the impact women can have in the world. She also gave the students advice and told stories about how to build a successful career without letting gender differences limit one’s opportunities. “The lecture was so inspiring for me and my students,” said Dr. Suzaina Kadir, National University of Singapore School of Public Policy senior lecturer. “Women succeeding in the military and civilian world is still new in Singapore, so hearing what Capt. Hottenrott had to say showed us what is necessary for us to succeed. But most importantly, this experience opened doors and showed us that it is possible.” Hottenrott, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y., native, spoke of her naval career, her experiences growing into a leader, handling competition between peers and colleagues, mentorship and
balancing professional and personal choices. “It’s an honor to give these women an example of possibilities,” said Hottenrott. “Opportunities for women are plentiful, and it is wonderful to see how the world is changing and becoming more open-minded.” After the lecture, the students were given a tour of the ship’s hangar bay, flight deck, bridge and mess decks. “It was wonderful to see the ship and speak with Capt. Hottenrott,” said Kadir. “This was overall a great experience.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. The ships of Lincoln Strike Group currently reach all corners of 7th Fleet, from USS Shoup in Australia to USS Halsey underway near Hong Kong, and USS Cape St. George visiting Phuket, Thailand. Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and the embarked DESRON 9. Ships assigned to DESRON 9 include the Everett-based destroyers Momsen (DDG 92) and Shoup (DDG 86), as well as USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
Liberty’s Mission - Community Service From Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
S
ailors from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group donated some of their liberty time in Singapore to participate in six community service projects Feb. 17-19. Sailors served the community at the Riding for the Disabled Association and Catholic AIDS Response Effort center, Feb. 17. The next day, three projects took place; at the genesis school for special education, another at Singapore’s International Community School, and the third at the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. The organized community service projects gave Sailors the opportunity to lend a helping hand. For example, Sailors cleaned horse stables, windows and fences and painted signs at the facility. RDA is an organization that provides free, therapeutic horse riding lessons to children and adults
with disabilities from all over Singapore. Cmdr. Thomas Webber, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) command chaplain, said the strike group personnel are performing important work that the Riding for the Disabled Association staff lacks the time and manpower to do. “We’re performing a vital cooperative role for this organization,” Webber said. “These Sailors are glad to be able to help. They’ll be tired when they’re done, but their hearts will be more full of joy because of it.” Riding for the Disabled Association Head Instructor Rosemary Ratcliffe said the efforts of the Lincoln Sailors and other volunteers enable the facility’s staff members to focus their time and efforts on making a difference in children’s lives. “It’s a great help,” Ratcliffe said. “When the ship came in, we were certainly able to find plenty for the Sailors to do.
They’re always welcome here.” Sailors who worked at Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped helped clean up decaying bamboo debris and trees, raked leaves and cleaned walkways and handrails around the site. Regardless of the labor, Sailors were proud to give up some of their personal time to assist with the cleaning. “It is worth giving up four or five hours of our liberty to help these people out,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Arturo Mendez, who served at SAVH. “Cleaning up the bamboo and trees was exhausting work, but it needed to get done.” “We had a team of about 20 Sailors to complete a job they would’ve had to hire additional help for,” added Mendez. “I would say this is one of the more rewarding service projects I’ve been a part of because I know we’re helping them a great deal.”
Three More Battle ‘E’ Awards Announced By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Mickler
A
few more Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group commands are Battle “E” Efficiency award winners. Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) awarded the Battle “E” to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, Feb. 2, and Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) awarded the Battle “E” to the guided-missile cruiser USS Sterett (DDG 104) and the fast frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60). Sterett and Rodney M. Davis won the awards as the two outstanding ships among the seven in the strike group. HSM 77 Command Master Chief Toby Ruiz said the Saberhawks rose above all the challenges they faced throughout the year and deserve the recognition. “This is a huge accomplishment for this crew,” said Ruiz. “These guys have been busting their butts since the very beginning of the year. Each and every one of our Sailors has what it takes to meet the mission. They continue to better themselves, and that’s reflected by our squadron winning the Battle E.” The Battle “E” competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance. “It feels good to take pride in being known as the best HSM squadron on the West Coast right now,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Matthew Bertschinger. “Teamwork is probably the most important thing that our crew members have demonstrated,” said Ruiz. “It’s not just the avionics, it’s not just the ordnancemen or the pilots, everyone has got their specialty, and we all play our parts to make the squadron a success.” Having won the 2010 competition, HSM 77 is trying to ensure the “E” stays put in the future. “This is the first of many more to come,” said Ruiz. “These guys never quit, and they never rest. This is what we do; it’s the Saberhawk tradition.” “Our reputation precedes us,” said Bertschinger. “We do the right thing at the right time all the time.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. William Marks
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Arif Patani
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Lauren Howes
g
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Colby K. Neal
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
U.S. Navy photo U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Stephen D. Doyle II
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Colby K.
Neal
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Colby K. Neal
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Chris Dollar
U.S. Navy photo
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
Fear
and
Laundering
in the
Lion City
A Savage Journey through Singapore to the Heart of Clean Clothes By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano
I
t was our last day in Singapore and somehow—I have no idea how—I had again missed my chance to get my laundry done on the pier. I could have just dropped it off and had it ready by now, but when I originally left the ship on the first day, I didn’t know enough to bring my dirty clothes with me. I stayed out overnight, stood duty, and now here we were: the danger zone. I was about to go back to sea with no clean clothes, facing the prospect of an unbearable laundry sign-up line on the ship. Legend has it that some Sailors have needed haircuts while in line to stay in regulations during the lengthy wait for a machine. My liberty buddy also had a sack of soiled duds, so we decided that by hook or by crook, we would not return to the ship without accomplishing our goal. Liberty is a mission, and today that mission involved laundry. Surely somewhere out there in the Lion City there was a laundromat or a dry cleaner that could turn our request around in time to get back to the ship. It had to be out there, and we would find it. We were professional world travelers, and we would not be deterred. Our day started early, and like decent Sailors, we began our adventure by standing in a line. Right there in the liberty line, we agreed that no guts would mean no glory, and regardless of where this crazy trip would take us, we had to ride it out to the fresh linenscented, freshly folded end. Off the ship now, we made our way to the Navy facilities in Sembawang, where rumor had it there was a self-service laundry facility. If only life were that easy. Apparently, a thousand of my dear, beloved shipmates had also heard about this magical land of laundry. The washers were quite crowded to say the least. The crowd of hot, tired Sailors milling about for a washing machine was an impending specter of doom. Time for plan B. Unfortunately, we had no plan B, so we set up camp at the bar for some regrouping. After a few refreshing Tigers and some free WiFi, we had the address of an express laundry facility. We broke away from the herd and made our way to the front gate to hail a cab. This also proved not to be as easy as imagined. Evidently, cabs don’t routinely stop at the front gate there, and we soon realized that we were going nowhere fast. We started walking, trying to get out near some main roads. Maybe we’d have better luck finding a cab from there. It was hot. Sweat continued to pour as we carried our huge bags of dirty clothes. This must surely have been some sort of punishment in the olden days: sentence a man to walk around the city carrying his dirty laundry in unbearable humidity. I considered leaving the bag in a dumpster. There was nothing in it that I couldn’t replace.
At this point, I have to credit my liberty buddy and his intrepid commitment to the mission. He wouldn’t let me quit. We trudged ahead. Moments later, we met an angel. A car pulled up to the sidewalk, and the woman inside asked if we needed a ride. She was an American, active duty service member currently serving in Singapore. She plucked us from the desolate roadside abyss and whisked us off toward a new taxi stand, one she assured us was more frequented. We thanked our Toyota-driving angel for her help and decided to stop for lunch near the taxi stand. Fate had handed us an ally when we needed it most, and we had earned a break. And after all, a Sailor’s still gotta eat. Sustenance acquired, we set out again in a new taxi to our laundry site. I’ll save you the suspense—this one didn’t work out. We found the address, which now housed a café, where a very pretty girl directed us to a nearby mall. We, along with our amused cab driver, followed her directions. We investigated the mall, only to find that even the super-expensive, super-deluxe and speedy turnaround would take two days. This was unacceptable, and I left the mall resigned to failure. Then it started to rain. My liberty buddy would not have his parade of optimism rained on, though, and we ducked inside a video store to get out of the rain and come up with a new plan. Here again, fate was waiting for us. The kid behind the counter thought our tale was hilarious, and he and his friend pledged their assistance in our quest. They began leafing through the phone book and calling people. Before I could finish browsing the used movie selection, they found us another chance. Even my relentless liberty buddy agreed this would be the last ditch effort in our quest for clean clothes. We thanked them again and set out in a new cab into the brightening city. Fate, it seems, protects children and desperate Sailors. It was here, at the Junction 8 Professional Laundry, that we would at last succeed. They had washers on site and could take care of our problem in just a few hours. Success, thy name is Tide. Sweet relief washed over me, and I felt a real sense of camaraderie with our host country. Her obstacles had been playful, and in the end we got what we sought. My entire time in Singapore, my schedule had deviated from the plan more than once, but it had all been fun. Singapore is adventurous, unpredictable and filled with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. We returned to the ship exhausted, but as winners. We had entered the ring unarmed, and we had tamed the Lion City. The next day, we would return to the sea and get back to doing the business of the nation, but we would be returning as men of dedication, men of purpose. And we would be returning with clean socks.
U.S. Navy photo
Briefly San Diego Celebrates Aviation Centennial A “Parade of Flight” including more than 180 vintage and modern era aircraft took to the skies above San Diego, Feb. 12, the highlight of the Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), Calif. The Parade of Flight, featuring aircraft ranging from World War II to the jet era, concluded a day-long open house that was open to the public. More than 75 vintage and modern aircraft were on static display on the flightline with their pilots and aircrew nearby to answer questions. The centennial celebration is a year-long tribute to the scope of all naval aviation activities.
Navy Test Pilot Completes First F-35C Flight From Joint Strike Fighter ITF Public Affairs
T
he carrier variant of the F-35 (CF-1) Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with a Navy test pilot at the controls, Feb. 11. Taking off at 2:06 p.m., Lt Cmdr. Eric “Magic” Buus flew the F-35C for approximately two hours. Buus’ first flight in the CF-1 checked the function of the flutter excitation system, which will help measure structural loads of the airframe during various flight maneuvers. “The aircraft flew great for more than two hours with no issues. It’s a really smooth, solid flying airplane and a joy to fly,” said Buus. “This flight was a great milestone for me, personally, and more importantly, for the services during the 100 year anniversary of naval aviation. This airplane is going to give us a great leap in capability, and I’m looking forward to putting it through the demanding carrier suitability tests required to ensure it’s ready for the fleet.” The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier
take-off and landing environment. “Magic’s flight today is a tremendous accomplishment for him and the test team, and a historic event for naval aviation,” said Capt. Thomas Huff, commodore of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. “The determination and thoroughness of test professionals across all our programs is shaped by the education and training they receive at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and Test and Evaluation University, ensuring delivery of warfighting capability to Sailors and Marines.” Coincidentally timed with the kickoff of the Centennial of Naval Aviation in San Diego, this milestone represents the Navy’s first hands-on experience in its future fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities. The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system design and development phase, focusing on delivering three different, new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The integrated test force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., is focused on testing and evaluation of the F-35B and F-35C.
‘Don’t Ask’ Repeal Training Set to Begin Training will begin shortly for experts in certain specialties and leaders as part of the plan for finalizing repeal of the law that bars gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the military. The current policy remains in effect until 60 days after the SECDEF, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president certify the military’s readiness to implement the repeal. SECDEF Robert Gates has said he wants repeal done expeditiously and effectively, and that it can happen this year.
Obama’s 2012 Defense Budget - $671 Billion Pentagon officials said President Obama’s fiscal 2012 defense budget request continues the department’s reform agenda, but protects personnel and family programs. Overall, the Defense Department budget is declining, with funding for overseas contingency operations dropping by $41.5 billion, due mainly to military operations winding down in Iraq, officials said. The Army portion of the base budget is $144.9 billion, the Navy and Marine Corps is $161.4 billion, and the Air Force is $150 billion.