INSIDE
4
Cooking Up Smiles
6 10
Teacher Appreciation
12 2
Captain’s Cup
Golf Tournament
CNP Answers Questions About Advancement Results Next week we will announce the names of about 20,000 Sailors selected for advancement to E-4 to E6. Sailors and COs routinely ask about the notification process –answers to two of the most frequent are below: Q: Why not provide command triads the chance to notify those who did and didn’t advance, before publicly releasing the results? A: In response to feedback from the fleet, we are going to make a change to the notification process. Many COs, XOs and CMCs tell us that by simply releasing the results on the web and via social media, they lose a valuable opportunity to counsel and mentor their Sailors–before they get the news from their Shipmates. An advance heads-up, that doesn’t slow down the notification process, allows time to reach out to congratulate and counsel as necessary. Q: When can we expect to see the advancement results? A: Typically, Navy tradition is to release E4E6 advancement results prior to Memorial Day and Thanksgiving; however, the timing does not always work out. We do try to meet these timelines and releasing the results via Navy social media helps expedite the process. Given fleet feedback and consistent with efforts to continue to reinforce the roll and authority of command triads, the goal for advancement results release for this cycle will look like this: -Monday, May 19 - E4-E6 Quotas released publicly -Thursday, May 22 (morning Eastern Time) – Command triad notified via BOL of their command’s results. -Friday, May 23 (morning Eastern Time) – Individual Sailor advancement notification on BOL, Navy Enlisted Advancement System (NEAS) and NKO. -Friday, May 23 (approximately 10 a.m. Eastern Time) – Public release via Navy social media, web and news sites. Feedback will be important–let us know if this improves the process and how we can continue to meet the collective needs of our leadership and our Sailors. Q: The designation, conversion, and advancement opportunities for Professional Apprenticeship Career Track
(PACT) Sailors are lower than in the past–why is this and what advice can you offer? A: First off, PACT Sailors are absolutely necessary to accomplishing the apprentice-level work required in the Fleet. Over the last two years we brought in a large number of these Sailors to help improve at-sea manning levels to reduce gaps at sea. As a result of these manning shortfalls, we were able to designate PACT Sailors in an expedited time frame, well below the 24-months onboard guarantee. We now recognize that this may have created an unrealistic and unsustainable expectation. In our efforts to stabilize communities and ratings, and to avoid unpredictable and unwelcomed advancement rate swings (the ones we all recognize as unproductive–100% for several cycles and then single digits for years to follow), we have reduced the immediate reliance on our PACT inventory to quickly fill rated apprentice-level gaps. Feedback is clear, this progress may be viewed as double-edged. Many view “stability” as helpful and needed, but to those who signed up with the understanding and expectation that they would quickly and easily convert, this “stability” has slowed down what appeared to be an expedited conversion timeline. PACT Sailors should still anticipate being on track for designation by 24 months at their initial duty station (and probably not much earlier) but should be encouraged to start the conversation process as soon as possible. Continued command and unit level leadership mentoring will help set expectations and prepare Sailors to achieve transition goals–encouraging Sailors to utilize Command Career Counselors, Career Development Boards and the Career Exploration Module within the Career Waypoints system, https://careerwaypoints.sscno.nmci. navy.mil. See you around the Fleet. -CNP To read the full blog, go to navylive.dodlive.mil
Lincoln Prepares Food For the Hungry Story and Photos by MC3 Jontiel Johnson
It’s a little past 8:30 a.m. A mixture of civilians and eager Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are lined up outside Oasis Ministries, a local organization that provides relief for those less fortunate. As the doors open they’re greeted by the kitchen manager, and the excited group of volunteers is ushered in to begin their community service. Sailors from Lincoln’s Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA) and First Class Petty Officer’s Association volunteered at Oasis Ministries May 5, to provide lunch for people in the community in hunger. “Oasis Ministries is an organization that gives care and food to the needy in our community,” said Jerry Mattoon, kitchen manager for the volunteer
4
service. “We only have six people working for us, so any help we receive is greatly appreciated.” Lincoln Sailors set to work in the kitchen, making salads, dicing vegetables and preparing other food before the 11:30 a.m. lunchtime deadline. Chief Hospital Corpsman April Harrison, Lincoln’s CPO 365 community relations committee chairman, organizes a trip to Oasis Ministries once a month. “It feels good to provide for those less fortunate than us,” said Harrison. “Personally, I’ve been volunteering since 2010, and I know it means a great deal to the community.” Mattoon said that it’s difficult to keep up with the demands of caring for the community and that Abe’s assistance is appreciated.
“It’s wonderful to have Lincoln Sailors come out to help,” said Mattoon. “It means a lot to have a military presence to assist with the community.” Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Wilbert Strickland, Lincoln’s CPOA vice president, is grateful to have an opportunity to help. “It feels good to represent the Navy in a positive way,” said Strickland. “It feels even better to provide a meal to the people who can’t always afford it.” Harrison said she’s noticed how willingly Lincoln Sailors give up their time and labor to help the community. “It makes me proud that my shipmates sacrifice their time to help someone in need,” said Harrison. “They just love to give back to the community and understand it’s important to appreciate what we have instead of dreading what we don’t have.” With the help of Lincoln Sailors, Oasis Ministries provided over $777,000 in goods and services and helped more than 5,000 people in need in 2013. With the support of Abe, Oasis Ministries plans to do even better in 2014.
5
Lincoln Weapons Closes Out Softball Tournament With A Boom Story by MCSN Michael Fiorillo Photos by MCSN Evan Parker
Weapons Department Sailors defeated Combat Systems team, 20–5 and 20–6, to win the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Captain’s Cup softball double elimination tournament May 5 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Annex softball field. Weapons department scored early and often in game one as they pummeled Combat Systems. The second game was close through the first three innings, until Weapons department broke out the lumber in the top of the fourth, winning by the 10-run limit rule. Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Oliver Lee and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Joshuah Bowland organized the event and played on the winning team. The four-week tournament narrowed down the 17 team field in a double elimination format. Bowland and Lee maneuvered around obstacles such as weather, the command physical readiness test, and the Chief Petty Officer’s birthday when scheduling games for the
6
tournament. “Captain’s Cup is important because it builds team morale,” said Bowland with a smile. “It’s always a fun time.” Bowland has been playing slow pitch softball for eight years and will be joining the 2014 All-Navy softball team next month. As a first time participant, Lee was the team’s ace pitcher in the championship game but also played first base in some games. “Everyone plays a role,” said Lee. “If everyone gives 10 percent of 100 percent, we have a good chance of coming out on top.” The Captain’s Cup tournaments help build morale and give Lincoln Sailors a respite from work. “It’s a great way of getting away from the battle and taking your mind off of RCOH work,” said Lee. “I really look forward to getting out and letting loose.”
Photo by MC3 Brenton Poyser
Photo by MC2 Zachary Welch
Photo by MC3 Brenton Poy
yser
A Week With Lincoln
Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas
Lincoln Sailors Support National Teacher’s Day
Left Page: Top; Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brenton Poyser interviews Sarah Lawrence at Achievable Dream High School May 6. Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Media Department visited Lawrence’s Technology and Life Skills Class to help students with homework and other course assignments as well as share some life experiences on National Teacher’s Day, an annual celebration of the contributions and sacrifices teachers make for students as well as the impact teachers have on their future. Left Page: Bottom; Mass Communication Specialist Michael Fiorillo mentors an Achievable Dream High School Student. Right Page: Top Right; Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Fiorillo mentors an Achievable Dream High School Student. Right Page: Bottom Far Right; Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rob Ferrone mentors an Achievable Dream High School Student. Right Page: Bottom Left; Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rob Ferrone talks to Sarah Lawrence, a teacher at Achievable Dream High School.
10
Lincoln Sailors and NNS Workers Join for Golf Tournament
Story and Photos by MCSN Rob Ferrone
Sailors aboard Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) joined their counterparts from Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipyard May 8 at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va., for a golf tournament. Lincoln’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored the morale-boosting event. Capt. Karl Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer, said that the event was held to strengthen bonds between Sailors and shipyard workers who work together every day but may not interact. “Events like this, where we get to come out and talk a little business but also have some fun helps build morale, teamwork and unity, and is going to help us be successful in the long run,” Thomas said. “The whole point of this project is to build camaraderie among our ship’s forces.” The tournament paired two Sailors and two shipyard employees in foursomes to play a scramble format. Although
12
there was a winner, the goal was to show solidarity and working toward the same goal, Thomas said. Lt. j.g. Bobby Eastman, reactor department, put the event together for the first time last year in hopes of building personal relationships that benefit the professional environment “For us, it’s all about team building and spending time away from the ship with our shipyard counterparts making sure we’re building not only a professional relationship, but a personal relationship,” Eastman said. “When things go wrong or questions arise on how things are supposed to be done, it’s a lot easier to get with the shipyard counterpart and work things out when you have that personal relationship with them.” Also participating in the event was Lincoln’s Command Master Chief, CMDCM (SW/AW) Gregg Weber, who emphasized the importance of camaraderie in and out of the working environment. “The shipyard workers understand our challenges and we
understand theirs,” said Weber. “It’s a great way to come together as one team to deliver Abraham Lincoln back to the fight on time.” The shipyard staff also understands and appreciates the importance of being on the same page as their counterparts. Bruce Easterson, program director for Lincoln’s refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), was paired with Capt. Thomas and looked forward to the opportunity to share ideas in a relaxed setting. “You learn a lot about the people you work with,” said Easterson. “When you have a strong team, you see them as a person, not just a position. This helps us break down those barriers.” The timeline of RCOH is a huge focus, Easterson said, and events like the golf tournament are essential to the success of the program. “When we have tough issues to deal with it’s easier to work through them with people we know and respect instead of strangers,” said Easterson. “We do have a tough job, and it’s a challenging environment. These kinds of team building events help us get to the truth, talk about what’s important and make sure everyone’s committed to the right thing, which is getting the ship out on time.”
13
USS Vandegrift Departs San Diego for Deployment From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) departed Naval Base San Diego for an independent deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, May 9. The crew of Vandegrift will play an integral part in the counter-transnational organized crime (C-TOC) mission Operation Martillo (Spanish for “hammer”). Operation Martillo is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner-nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters in Central America. Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), leads U.S. military participation. “My officers and crew are ready and fully prepared as we head out to conduct this very important mission with our maritime partner nations,” said Cmdr. Luis Alva, commanding officer of Vandegrift. Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government’s coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat
transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative. Along with the crew of Vandegrift, the drug interdiction team includes the ship’s organic Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team providing support for the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 402. Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) Squadron 49 Detachment 3 will provide embarked air support. The law enforcement phase of counterdrug operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District headquartered in Alameda, Calif. Vandegrift helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and humanitarian/disaster response. Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Mediterranean Sea. Vella Gulf is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Guttierrez III/Released)
140509-N-AG657-011 SAN DIEGO (May 9, 2014) Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Christopher Scott holds his baby daughter with his wife before deploying aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-Class guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48). Vandegrift Sailors and U.S. Coast Guard personnel are deploying to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility to support cooperative maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory Booth/Released)
14
Center for Service Support urges Sailors to Prepare for Hurricane Season By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs
NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support (CSS) emergency management team is providing evacuation and emergency preparedness training to Sailors and civilians for this hurricane season, May 14. Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. “Hurricanes are a reality here in Newport,” said Command Master Chief (SW/SCW/AW) Ray Rosado. “It’s a common misconception that storms and bad weather don’t occur this far up the coast but there have been numerous hurricanes and major storms to hit the area since 1985. Hurricane Sandy is a good example of how unpredictable the weather can be in the southern New England area.” Hurricane Sandy struck the southern New England area Oct. 29, 2012, producing heavy storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall before the storm’s landfall in New Jersey. Sandy devastated the New Jersey Shore, New York City, parts of Long Island, and the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines. Flooding and power outages lasted several days, while thousands of trees, telephone poles and traffic lights were snapped. “Everyone must closely monitor the weather projections in their area,” said Rosado, who is from New Britain, Conn. “Hurricanes form in the tropics unexpectedly and make their way up the coast rapidly. Be prepared and always have a plan. Your family’s lives may depend on how well your plan is formulated and executed.” Rosado said that every Sailor, Marine, Soldier and Airman residing in the area should have a hurricane preparedness kit and should include important documents, clothing, medication, tools, food and water, hygiene items, first aid supplies, kitchen items, comfort items and most
The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) conduct a replenishment-atsea. Roosevelt is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert/ Released)
importantly cash.” “Every family should have unique evacuation plans and hurricane preparedness kits,” said Rosado. “Every kit and plan should have the specific needs of different family members. Current information about your family and their statuses are also very important. Every learning center and school house must ensure their Sailors update contact and family information online in NFAAS.” NFAAS is the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System, a standardized method for the Navy to account, assess, manage and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected by a significant event such as a hurricane. NFAAS can also be utilized by retirees and contractors and their family members. Rosado also cited myriad products and services offered by the Fleet Family Support Center (FFSC), including hurricane preparedness checklists, classes and especially counselors. “We must utilize the resources in place,” said Rosado. “There are also professional counselors to help people deal with a storm’s aftermath. Counseling services are a valuable resource, particularly for coping with displacement or loss. We all need someone to talk to and we should never discount our Sailors or our family member’s feelings.” CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet’s warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities.
Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Cruz Gutierrez, from San Pedro, Calif., cuts sheet metal using a pneumatic grinder aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is in the composite unit training exercise phase in preparation for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lawrence Davis/Released)