USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
May 16, 2012 Issue
Enterprise’s Last Shooters Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Without its complement of Christopher Maurer, Air department’s V-1 division officer and a embarked squadrons, it’s not difficult to see that aircraft carrier shooter. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) would not be nearly as effective a Enterprise shooters will continue launching aircraft up until military asset. the final days of the ship’s deployment and eventual return to The crew that works the flight deck and arresting gear give homeport. This will mark the final time shooters will actively the ship her ability to launch planes, a vital function of any work on the flight deck of Enterprise, the last days a naval aircraft carrier. One important role on Big E’s non-skid is the aviator will stand on the flight deck in a yellow float coat with catapult and arresting gear officer, or flight deck “shooter.” painted-on pistols, firing off the hand signals to inform pilots to A shooter is a naval aviator, a pilot or a naval flight officer, prepare for launch. on their disassociated sea tour. This means they’ve completed two squadron rotations and have been assigned to an aircraft carrier where they get the chance to experience the other side of naval flight, the safe launch and recovery of aviators and their aircraft. Shooters also serve as division officers for different divisions of the ship’s Air department. “It’s the only job I wanted to do on a ship,” said Lt. Luke Whitmore, Air department’s V-3 division officer and shooter. “There are a few other jobs we can do out to sea, but you work with good people on the deck, get a lot of leadership opportunities as a division officer, and it’s a lot of fun shooting aircraft.” The transition from the cockpit to the flight deck can be difficult for some. “It can be very overwhelming at first as most of the shooters aboard Enterprise are land-based aviators. For some of us, Big E was the first time we were on the deck of a carrier,” said Whitmore. “However, the Sailors that have been on the ship Lt. Patrick Oneill, a flight deck shooter aboard aircraft carrier for a while taught us a lot about where to go and how to keep USS Enterprise (CVN 65), directs the launch of an F/A-18E Super ourselves out of harm’s way on the flight deck. You have to Hornet, assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron keep your head on a swivel, because if you get lazy, that’s when (VFA) 211, on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman) people get hurt.” However, as a pilot launching multiple aircraft, the risk can “It’s pretty cool, but it’s a humbling experience being on be considered well worth the reward. Enterprise’s final deployment,” said Maurer. “We’re the last “The most gratifying part of being a shooter is that you are ones on a long list of people, and it’s an honor.” the last system of checks and balances for an aircraft before “It is fortuitous to be one of Enterprise’s last shooters,” said it leaves the flight deck,” said Lt. Gary Ramsey, V-4 division Ramsey. “Especially when you think about the heritage of this officer and shooter. “You are the last link the warfighter has to ship, the history, the nation’s calls answered…it’s nostalgic the flight deck (until they return).” thinking about all of the shooters who have gone before us.” This level of responsibility makes it easy for Enterprise’s These may be the final days for shooters aboard Enterprise, shooters to stay energized. but their work in the Navy is far from complete, as other “It’s easy to stay motivated with all of the jets launching and carriers continue to deploy, and new carrier designs are being flying around you, especially now that we’re in 5th Fleet, flying built. Though the procedures and protocols may change, the actual combat missions,” said Whitmore. foundation of the shooter remains the same. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the recovery of aircraft Enterprise is currently conducting maritime security is equally as important and just as risky. operations, theater security cooperation efforts and supporting “We’re (also responsible for) making sure each approaching missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th aircraft is identified and the proper weight setting of every Fleet area of responsibility, all as a part of her final deployment individual aircraft is set for the arresting wires,” said Lt. before decommissioning.
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Big E Happenings Information Assurance Note USPS E-MAIL PHISHING SCAM
Be aware that there is an ongoing phishing campaign that is heavily affecting the Navy. The subject of the e-mail contains the following: Subject: USPS postage labels invoice. If you click on any of the links within that e-mail, you may be infected with malware that targets your personal banking account information. If you receive an e-mail like this, just delete it. Do not open any e-mail/ attachments from unknown sources and report all suspicious activity to the Information Assurance Office J-dial 5776 or e-mail issm@cvn65.navy.mil.
Photo by MCSN Brian G. Reynolds
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
The Shuttle USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65. navy.mil. Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.
Executive Officer Capt. G. C. Huffman
Command Master Chief ABCM (AW/SW) Eric M. Young
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler
Editors MC2 (SW) Kristin L. Grover MCSN Brian G. Reynolds
Photo by MCSN Heath Zeigler
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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In the News
FY-13 CPO Selection Board Package Deadline Approaches
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- Sailors who have submitted a in their package is marked with their full social security board package to the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY-13) Chief Petty number,” said Moody. “And please don’t wait until the last Officer (CPO) Selection Board can confirm its receipt minute to send in your package.” at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) by clicking on the NAVADMIN 349/11 provides guidance and mailing “Selection Board Status” link on www.npc.navy.mil, information for those who wish to submit a package. officials said May 14. Documents reviewed by the CPO board can include: Per NAVADMIN 349/11, the selection board will - Procurement, enlistment/reenlistment data review the Official Military Personal File (OMPF) of all - Navy Enlisted Classifications and Warfare Designations candidates. If documents are missing from a candidateís - Evaluations and Fitness Reports OMPF, they may submit those documents, along with a - Administrative remarks cover letter to the selection board president, to be reviewed - Training and education by the board. - Decorations, medals, and awards “Last year, the Customer Service Center (CSC) received Letters sent to a selection board for consideration will more than 16,000 packages for the chief petty officer not be added to a service member’s OMPF permanently. board,” said Greg Moody, deputy director of customer BUPERSINST 1070.27 outlines all items that should or relations management, NPC. “So far this year, we have should not be submitted by service members and how to only received about 900.” submit those documents. Packages submitted to the active-duty CPO board must The FY-13 Active CPO Selection Board is scheduled be received by the NPC CSC by June 4. According to to convene June 18. The active-duty CPO selection board NAVADMIN 108/12, packages submitted by Reservists for is the largest selection board conducted in the Navy. The the FY-13 Selected Reserve CPO Selection Board must be board typically lasts five weeks, with results forwarded to received by NPC’s CSC no later than July 9. the Chief of Naval Personnel for final approval. “Sailors need to make sure they send a cover letter, The FY-13 Reserve CPO Selection Board is scheduled don’t send classified documents and that each document to convene July 23.
Saudi Arabia Seeks Union of Monarchies in Region
By Kareem Fahim and David D. Kirkpatrick, NEW YORK TIMES MANAMA, Bahrain — Saudi Arabia fact that no agreement was announced, pushed ahead Monday with efforts as some had expected, seemed to to forge a single federation with its signal deep misgivings among several five Persian Gulf neighbors as the of Saudi Arabia’s neighbors. But conservative monarchy seeks to build Prince Saud’s public push forward a new bulwark against the waves of despite their opposition underscored change sweeping the Middle East. the kingdom’s continuing scramble — The Saudi foreign minister, Prince with diplomacy, money and even arms Saud al-Faisal, said after a meeting — to preserve or rebuild what it can of in Riyadh of the loosely allied, sixthe old regional order in the wake of nation Gulf Cooperation Council that the Arab uprisings. the group had distributed a draft plan Saudi Arabia’s rulers fear that the for the union to its members’ foreign contagion of popular revolt could ministers to review so they could reach their country’s borders and resolve any issues. “I am hoping that stir its own disenfranchised citizens the six countries will unite in the next and residents, including dissidents, meeting,” he said. members of minority groups and Several smaller gulf states have foreign workers, analysts said. “They publicly balked at the idea, fearing don’t want the spirit of our uprising to Saudi domination of the group. The reach their shores,” said Sayed Hadi
al-Mosawi, a Bahraini opposition politician. The move also highlights the Saudi monarchy’s preoccupation with its regional rival, Iran, which has been reflected in a series of Saudi interventions that have taken on distinctly sectarian overtones, including its support for Sunni opposition groups in Syria and its military intervention last spring on behalf of the Sunni monarchy in Bahrain. Thousands of Saudi troops rolled into Bahrain last year to help Bahrain’s monarch put down a popular uprising led by members of the country’s Shiite majority. Bahrain, which is linked by a bridge to Saudi Arabia, is virtually the only country publicly endorsing the Saudi push for a tighter regional federation.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sailors of the Day Quartermaster Seaman Robert J. Stallcup
QMSN Robert Stallcup, from Hesperia, Calif., joined the Navy two years and eleven months ago to gain life experience and educational opportunities. He enjoys learning, working out and working on qualifications in his spare time. Stallcup plans to get out of the Navy, earn his degree and return to the Navy as an aviator.
Logistics Specialist Seaman Arel Watson
LSSN Arel Watson, from Mobile, Ala., joined the Navy two years ago to better himself and pursue an art school education. Watson enjoys skateboarding, drawing, painting and playing the guitar and piano. His future goals include advancing in rank and earning his surface warfare pin.
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