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INSIDE
Prometheus Review
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Images of the Week
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What’s Your Playlist?
12 FROM THE EDITOR
It’s getting to the point in deployment where terms like “countdown” and “almost there” have begun floating into conversations around the deck plates. As the pages on our calendars grow thinner by the day, we all just have to remain focused on doing our day-to-day business before we get home. During the workday, distractions become an ever-increasing threat at this point. So distractions after work become that much more important. What better way to take your mind off the everyday grind then by watching a prequel to arguably one of the best science fiction films of all time? We begin this issue with a comic panel look at an ordinary Sailor doing extraordinary things. (I mean, come on, our Sailors are real-life superheroes anyway, so it wasn’t much of a stretch.) Anything that can help break up the monotony will prevent complacency as we start feeling like home is just around the corner. We’re going to be easily distracted in these final days, so it’s important that we choose the right times for our distractions. After all, the final approach is certainly the hardest.
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 22
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Logistics Specialist Seaman (LSSN) Ricky Clark spent his days issuing, receiving and taking inventory of aviation parts.
“I’ll work these replenishments-at-sea and anything that comes with the neverending job supplying an aircraft carrier.”
But now, Clark is working in a Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD) status for Supply department’s S-5 division. His days now consist of doing loads of laundry.
This is a complete change for Clark, a change that has taken some adjusting to. These days, his job requires more physical strength than mental.
Although being sent TAD has changed his duties as an LS, he maintains many of his previous responsibilities to the ship. A member of a damage control repair locker, Clark has to dress out for all general quarters drills and training stations. As always, maintaining the safety of the ship comes before taking inventory or doing laundry.
No matter what duty he is charged with, Clark always answers the call.
Though Clark is an E-3, the many responsibilities he faces on a daily basis make him something more: a shipboard superhero.
The End...?
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THE PENNY PRESS
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n the first installment of what seems likely to be a series of prequels, director Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus” sets the stage for the cultclassic “Alien.” After Scott kept news and production updates for Prometheus hush-hush, fans of the Alien franchise grew very excited to finally see how the story would unfold. Though it proved somewhat difficult to follow, the plot mirrored fans’ anticipations and was neatly summarized in one line from the movie: “Sometimes big things have small beginnings.” Scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace from “Girl with a Dragon Tattoo”) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover a constellation map on a cave wall that shares a characteristic similar to ancient artifacts found around the globe. All of these ancient peoples seem to Shaw and Holloway to have worshipped an alien race whose history may reveal nothing less than the truth of the genesis of humanity. Shaw and Holloway are sponsored by corporate financier Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) and assisted by Weyland Corporation employees David (Michael Fassbender), Capt. Janek (Idris Elba) and Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). Their mission: an expedition to investigate what may prove to be the most compelling discovery in human history by traveling across the reaches of deep space. While I’m familiar with the Alien franchise, I’m not a diehard fan. Nevertheless, I’m
certainly into it enough to enjoy what it’s brought to the table over the past 30 years. After watching Scott’s return to the franchise, I had to brush up on my “Alien” mythology in order to gain a full understanding of what I had just witnessed. I was disappointed that the Alien connection was vague and almost completely obscured by the ambition of the storyline. Many of my expectations were only loosely gratified by the subtle one-liners and loose references that left me wishing Scott had done more to connect “Prometheus” to the earlier films. The cast fit the story well and the production was well conceived. Overall, the story is a suitable introduction to what will hopefully be a much larger and more in-depth trilogy of prequels. What really captured my imagination, however, was the film’s rare and refreshingly eerie sense of suspense, one that isn’t often present in summer blockbusters. If you’re looking for the standard mile-aminute action juggernaut typical of the season (“Transformers”), you’ve come to the wrong place. On the other hand, the pace of “Prometheus” is certainly not slow. It’s a good film for more patient moviegoers than this author, but either way, I recommend you catch it when it comes out on DVD. Jerry’s verdict: 2.5 of 5 pennies.
Story By MC3 Jeremiah Mills
watch it on site tv in the coming weeks
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Story By Ensign Lexi Dauernheim, USS Cape St. George Public Affairs
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ailors from guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) took part in a four-day training exercise with the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Daring (D32). The first event between the ships was a weapons exercise. Cape St. George delivered a firepower demonstration firing on several targets at different distances with their Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Daring demonstrated her capabilities by also firing her weapons. During the training exercise, Daring assumed the duties as Air Defense Commander (ADC). The teams demonstrated Daring’s air defense capabilities, as well as provided useful insights toward future coalition operations with the new Royal Navy destroyers. The highlight of the exercise was the personnel exchange between the ships which allowed the ships to learn and share new techniques and traditions. “The trip to Daring was very informative,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Derrick Jones. “I learned a lot about their air warfare systems. Their sailors were very eager to integrate into our every The Penny Press
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day mission and took the duties with a great sense of pride.” Capt. Guy Robinson, commanding officer of HMS Daring, visited and toured Cape St. George for the first time to gain a better understanding of her capabilities. “Having worked closely with Capt. Gabrielson and his crew over the last four months, it was a great opportunity to finally get aboard Cape St. George,” said Robinson. “Cape is an impressive ship and it was very beneficial to compare her capability with that of Daring.” After visiting Daring, Lt. j.g. Jennifer Floyd, Cape St. George’s fire control officer, gained a new perspective on her cruiser. “Daring is the first ship in her class. Being able to compare our long-standing procedures with their newly developing system of war fighting gave me a new viewpoint with ideas on how to self-assess and improve our own tactics,” said Floyd. Cape St. George and Daring also conducted an underway replenishment-at-sea.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
VISITS LINCOLN
Story By MC3 Timothy D. Godbee
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U.S. Navy Photo By MCSN Brenton G. Poyser
incoln welcomed six members of the U.S. House of Representatives aboard the ship to observe underway operations and to meet with Sailors. The group of delegates included U.S. Reps. John C. Fleming, Jack Kingston, Stephen Lynch, Tom Marino, Todd Platts and Glenn Thompson. While aboard, the representatives spoke with Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, about challenges the Navy faces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the importance of maritime security around the world, carrier operations and future budgets for the Departments of Defense and the Navy. “We get a lot of briefings in Washington, but none of them ever match up with being out here with a carrier strike group,” said Platts, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “You get a lot more feedback when you’re closer to the point of the spear.” The group also observed daily operations around the ship. “I’m so impressed with our military personnel,” said Marino. “Our young people have stepped up voluntarily to protect not only the U.S. but the world, and they do it so efficiently and effectively. They are experts at everything.” During the visit, the congressmen also took time to sit with Sailors and answer questions about a variety of topics, including domestic issues and legislation up for debate in Washington. Before visiting the ship, the delegation visited troops on the ground in and around Afghanistan.
PLAYLIST FEATURE: SHIPBOARD MUSICIANS ON THEIR HEROES Inspiring Stuff! “What Top 5 Albums Influence You As A Musician?” Whenever an exciting new artist takes the scene or hits the decks, eventually the music press will want to know exactly what they are all about. Typically an excited interviewer/journalist/blogger and the compelling artist/songwriter/DJ will have a sit-down backstage, in a cafe or at a studio. Or maybe they will simply communicate through a phone call or email. During that period of initial contact, one question is usually bound to come up: “So, what are your influences?” It can go anywhere from there. Some musicians will gush about how much they love certain groups, while others may play mysterious and swear that they are beyond such simple categorization. Let’s see what some of our ship’s creative musical forces have to say on the subject of their musical stimulation…
LSCM Joselito Tolentino
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Simon & Garfunkel “Greatest Hits”
My all time favorite, just because I grew up listening to and learning to play all of their songs. Paul Simon is a genius. Together with Art Garfunkel, they have the most perfect blend of voices put together. I am also a “mellow” junkie when it comes to my personal music listening preference. I even listen to them while running or working out.
Pink Floyd
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“The Wall”
Pink Floyd’s music takes you into their deep sound with their complex blend of tones, textures, lyrics and instrumental arrangements. David Gilmore is one of my favorite guitar soloists. He’s very melodic and tone-centric. I learned a lot from his style and approach to guitar soloing.
Jackson Browne
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“Running On Empty”
Great musician. Great steel guitar solos by Lindley; Jackson Browne’s best album. I always make a point to listen to this album every now and then.
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America
“America’s Greatest Hits”
Just because I played session guitar with them live and got to know them. Great album, great songs, great musicians.
Bob Dylan
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“Greatest Hits”
You can turn any of his songs into something great and play them with your own style, just like how he does it. He never plays his songs the same way he played them before. The most interesting and complex musical and lyrical genius of our times.
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THE PENNY PRESS
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OTHER INFLUENTIAL TOP FIVES AROUND THE BOAT... DC3 Alissa Reiher Burzum - “Filosofem”
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Varg Vikernes’ ability to create intense metal and then simple, dark ambient music completely on his own has truly been an inspiration to me to branch out and create music of my own. Plus, he is an integral part of the foundation of Black Metal, so that right there is inspiring.
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Danny Elfman - “The Forbidden Zone”
This album is a soundtrack, but I think it encompasses his amazing abilities from Oingo Boingo to his classical pieces. Danny Elfman is a man of many talents and is definitely one of the few modern day classical composures that truly evoke feeling. Just watch Pee Wee’s Big Adventure!
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AT2 Theron Halsey
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Wilco - “Kicking Television”
I went to a Wilco concert with a friend when I was in college, having never heard their music before. And after being treated to the greatest three and a half hours of music I have ever heard, I walked out with a new favorite band. Thank you again, Sophie Lee, for inviting me out that night.
POLYSICS - “Now Is the Time!”
I have a vague memory of reading something either in an album booklet or off POLYSICS’ website that “POLYSICS sing in English, Japanese, and their own specially created space language.” That there should tell you what the band is all about. Also, the song “Wild One” contains the greatest video game sound effect solo of all time.
New Order - “Power, Corruption, & Lies”
This album inspired me to get up and buy a keyboard. It’s fun, makes you want to dance, and is kind of dark at the same time. It definitely fueled the new wave generation.
Mr. Bungle - “Disco Volante” This was my first introduction to the genius that is Mike Patton. He is also a man of many talents and has been in numerous bands ranging across several different genres. He pushes the envelope regarding what can be considered music and that is beautiful in and of itself. I’ve never heard of anyone being able to do what this man can do with his voice.
The Berzerker - “World of Lies”
This band, to me, is the epitome of grindcore: incredibly fast and heavy with the typical “cookie monster” growls and sound clips from movies only someone with rough taste would be able to identify. They use a drum machine to create incredible blast beats and actually have really great guitar. At the end of this album is a long slow piece that is difficult to explain but is nothing short of fantastic. Because of this band, I constantly keep an ear out for clips, and I’m able to keep in mind that music has no boundaries.
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Sigur Ros - “Takk...”
I have no idea what the lyrics to any of their songs, or even the song titles themselves, mean. But I like it that way. This album is pure catharsis. It’s also the album that helped me get over the death of my cat.
The Flaming Lips - “The Soft Bulletin”
The first time I specifically remember hearing The Flaming Lips, I was riding around town with my friend when we were both back from college for the summer. He played “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” for me, which I liked. But from there, I found “The Soft Bulletin,” which I loved. It’s an absolutely wonderful mix of oddity and sentimentality.
!!! - “!!!”
I have a friend who swears she doesn’t dance. It runs in her family. “Wymers don’t dance,” she says. But she dances to !!!. Everyone dances to !!!.
“Heard anything good lately?”
VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 22
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lancers’ shooters launch
400 flights
Story By Lt. Josh Lang, VAQ-131 Public Affairs
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he Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 launched the 400th sortie of its current deployment. Since December 2011, The Lancers have flown 1,500 flight hours and 240 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Behind those 400 launches were VAQ-131’s “shooters,” five dedicated personnel who troubleshoot maintenance concerns to ensure jets get airborne to perform their missions. Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Kristopher Backlund, Aviation Electronic Technician 3rd Class Travis Albright, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Roger Conlin, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Sean McDonald and Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) Airman Justin Pagan are all on their first deployment as shooters. To become a shooter, each Sailor had to complete specific qualifications, including the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designation, among others. They were also required to demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and make mature decisions. Conlin said the experiences the troubleshooters gained from working on jets during the ship’s 2010-
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2011 deployment contributed to the knowledge and expertise they use on the flight deck every day. He said each gripe he fixed in the hangar bay gave him experience he could apply to shooting. “Technical knowledge is great, but as an airframer, you also have to really know whether you have an ‘up’ or ‘down’ gripe - can this jet fly or not?” Conlin said. “You never really learn the job until you start doing it, and you never really stop learning the job.” Albright said Backlund, the troubleshooters’ leading petty officer, has earned the respect of the team as well as Sailors throughout Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and can often be seen staying late helping fellow shooters work on gripes during meal times. “As soon as you mess something up, Backlund is there making sure you learn from each mistake,” said Albright. Albright said all five maintainers had a careerdefining moment earlier this cruise when a Prowler sheared a starter shaft after getting fuel. In less than 20 minutes, they pulled the broken starter from the jet, brought a new one up to the flight deck, installed it, finished the jet’s final checks and launched it on time.
Photo and information by MCSN Jonteil Johnson
Know Your Shipmate
EM3 James T. Edwards
REACTOR DEPT./RT DIVISION
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ecoming a Sailor in the U.S. Navy was a life-changing experience for Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class James T. Edwards. Edwards had completed two years of college in broadcast meteorology when he decided he wanted to join the Navy. When his recruiter noticed how high he had scored on the ASVAB, he offered Edwards the opportunity to work hard and earn more money. “When the recruiter told me about becoming a nuke, he told me I would have a $25,000 signing bonus,” he said. “As a poor college kid, I couldn’t say no.” After getting through boot camp and nuke school, Edwards married his then-girlfriend, Alyssa, who gave birth to a baby girl, Daphne Kaylynn, in April. “Up to this point, the Navy has been awesome for me,” he said. “I’ve got everything I could ask for and more.” He said his time in the Navy has been useful. He said he has learned how to manage money and has built a network of people who can help him expand further in his future. “The Navy has also helped me build some great friendships that I will have forever,” he said.
Briefly CNO announces FLTCM Stevens as new MCPON
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he Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert, announced his selection of FLTCM (AW/NAC) Michael D. Stevens as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) at a Pentagon press conference June 27. “I was extremely proud to have such a highly and fully qualified group of candidates,” said Greenert. “After a thorough and deliberate process I selected FLTCM Stevens to be our Navy’s senior enlisted leader and my advisor for dealing in matters with enlisted personnel and their families.” “I’m honored to have been selected as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy,” said Stevens. “MCPON Rick West has certainly made a lasting and positive impact on our Navy. I look forward to continuing to provide the leadership and commitment that our Navy and our Sailors both deserve and expect.” Stevens has served as the fleet master chief at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., since August 2010. His prior command master chief tours include U.S. 2nd Fleet, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 and Naval Air Station Pensacola. A native of Montana, Stevens joined the Navy in 1983. He will relieve MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West during a ceremony Sept. 28 at the Washington Navy Yard. (source: www.navy.mil) VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 23
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