Enterprise Crew Prepares for SAFE Return

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle Newsletter Edition

“We are Legend”

October 31, 2012 Issue

Enterprise Crew Prepares for SAFE Return Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jared King USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – As the Sailors and Marines of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) prepare for the ship’s final homecoming they have more than just festivities and reunions on their mind; they are also thinking about safety.

After being at sea for nearly eight months, reaclimating back to life ashore brings with it concerns regarding issues that are not at the forefront of Sailors’ minds while deployed. Sailors are transitioning from a mission-orientated and regimented routine to an environment that requires them to consider factors that have not been an issue for some time.

“I wish we all could use the same rigor when we get home as we have on this deployment, reducing hazards and mitigating risks in our private lives as (we have) here on the ship,” said Capt. William C. Hamilton Jr., commanding officer USS Enterprise, during a recent “Safety Standdown.”

“The thing to remember is that about 70 percent of fatalities in military service are due to private vehicle, motorcycle or recreational mishaps. We are actually much safer going on deployment than we sometimes are at home. I implore you to have the same mindset after we get home as you have had on the ship.”

In addition to the big-ticket safety concerns, such as drinking and driving, Sailors also face issues which may not be so publicized.

“One of the things that will be a big thrill for most folks when we get home is being connected again, and one of the most hazardous things that comes with that is texting,” said Hamilton. “(If you’re texting and driving), your attention isn’t on controlling your vehicle. Many states have completely outlawed the practice. Please abstain from texting when driving an automobile.”

Perhaps the biggest adjustment Sailors will face is the need to slow down from the high-tempo pace that operations have demanded.

“We have lived a structured life out here and are accustomed to how quickly things happen,” said Hamilton. “There will be several aircraft carriers (in port in Norfolk) and the traffic will be bad, so we have to take a big dose of patience, because as long as we understand the situation we will be coming into, we will be alright.”

In addition to the normal adjustments necessary coming off deployment, the crew of the Enterprise also faces a change in conditions based on the arrival of the winter season. The Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) offers tips to help Sailors and their families get ready for inclement weather.

One of the most important things to do before winter weather strikes is to prepare vehicles. A NAVSAFECEN “Safe Tips” factsheet entitled “Winter, Your Car, and You” states that the first order of business is a winter checkup that includes

inspecting the battery, the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses, and fan belts; changing and adjusting the spark plugs, ensuring tires have adequate tread, and checking the antifreeze level.

Snow may also be in the future for many Sailors…an element they haven’t had to deal with for many months. Should it snow, and you need to go out and shovel the driveway, it’s important to take it slow. Drink plenty of water, because dehydration also stresses the heart. Dress in layers, and wear a hat. Much of the body’s heat is released through the head. Don’t ignore chest pain or tightness. Assume the worst if it strikes and call an ambulance or have someone take you to the emergency room.

For more information about winter safety, and safety in general, visit www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Big E Happenings

F/A-18F Super Hornets sit on the flight deck of Enterprise.

(Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

An F/A-18 Hornet, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, launches from flight deck of Enterprise for the final time. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)

A Marine pilot, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, prepares for his final flight from the flight deck of Enterprise. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

F/A-18 Hornets, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 fly in formation in the skies above Enterprise. (Photo by Cpl. Rubin Tan)

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 Public Affairs Officer CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler Editor MC3 Brian G. Reynolds

An F/A-18 Hornet, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine FIghter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, prepares for its final flight from the flight deck of Enterprise.

(Photo by Cpl. Rubin Tan)

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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In the News U.S. Navy Ship Rescues 7 In Bahrain Waters

By Habib Toumi, GULF NEWS

MANAMA -- Seven Bahrainis were rescued from two fishing boats by a U.S. Navy ship during a hailstorm off the coast of Bahrain.

The occupants of the two small fishing skiffs were spotted on Monday morning waving for help about 55.56 kilometres northeast of Bahrain.

“Everything happened so fast,” Charles Linton, an information systems technician on the U.S. naval vessel said. “I was on security detail when we received word of the vessels needing assistance. The boats came close enough to the ship so that we could throw them a line and pull them alongside. We eventually used the accommodation ladder to bring the fishermen aboard the USS Ponce.”

The Bahrainis were on a leisure fishing trip when the storm set in unexpectedly in the vicinity of their boats.

“The wind became so strong, and then ice and rain started to come down hard,” said Syed Saleh, a sales executive who was among those rescued. “We saw the

navy ship and we knew we only had one choice since the weather was so bad. All of us waved our hands, white cloths and started yelling for help. We did our best to get close to the ship.”

Allison Rogers, a deck hand aboard the USS Ponce, said that they were glad they could rescue the Bahrainis. “As soon as they came aboard we made sure they had food, water, warm clothes and blankets.”

The USS Ponce returned to port in Bahrain at 2.10 pm towing the two fishing boats. The fishing vessels were transferred to the Royal Bahraini Coast Guard once the U.S. vessel moored in Bahrain, the U.S. Navy said.

“The U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet contributes to security and stability in the Gulf on an enduring basis,” ViceAdmiral John Miller, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said. “When our presence puts us in a position to render aid to mariners in distress, it validates the importance of our 60-year partnership with the kingdom of Bahrain,” he said.

MCPON Sounds Off: Stevens Takes on Sailors’ Hot-Button Issues

By Mark D. Faram, NAVY TIMES

When you walk into the office of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, the first thing you see is a portrait of George Washington in his Army generalís uniform.

Across the room is yet another image of Washington, praying at Valley Forge. Stevens’ bookshelf includes books on Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

“These are two Americans who led this country through some very, very difficult times,” Stevens said.

“Frankly, they inspire me, and I can learn a lot by seeing how they dealt with the challenges they had.”

Stevens spoke to Navy Times for an exclusive first interview, less than a month on the job, to talk about the challenges ahead and respond to Sailor complaints he’s heard around the fleet and read in this newspaper.

He’s already spent the better part of two weeks on the road, and soon plans to announce his vision for moving forward.

In the Oct. 25 interview, Stevens fired back at Sailors on hot-button issues such as “aquaflage,” unfair evaluations and alleged “micromanaging” in the fleet.

There’s been a lot of talk among Sailors lately about the Navy working uniform Type 1 and its divisive aquaflage. Some Sailors love it; others hate it. And some high-level officials have even discussed

ditching it, in favor of the NWU Type IIs or IIIs, the desert and woodland utility uniforms.

But Stevens said he’s not getting on the bandwagon to ditch the so-called “blueberries.” The Navy has a habit of constantly tweaking its uniforms, and Stevens said it’s time to hit the pause button.

“We’ve been going through change after change after change with these uniforms,” he said. “A lot of that change has been good, but what’s really important now is that we, as a Navy, get really good at wearing the uniforms we have before we do anything else.”

“Frankly, because of our diverse missions and communities, I don’t think there’s one uniform that can meet all the Navy’s needs. But I think that for now, the Type I gets us pretty close to middle ground.”

While talking NWUs, Stevens said he’s also seen too many Sailors who either don’t know the wear rule, or aren’t looking squared away.

“I see [the uniform] worn many different ways,” he said. “There is a lot of confusion in the fleet about where it can be worn, how it is supposed to be worn, so there comes a point when you have to stop the discussions and figure out how to really wear this thing.”

He says he sees Sailors wearing the wrong boots with the uniform and not properly blousing the trousers or wearing the eight-point cover correctly.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Sailors of the Day Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Taylor Chandler

AZ3 Taylor Chandler, from Staunton, Va., joined the Navy three years ago to travel the world and better herself. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter. In the future, she plans to earn a degree in psychology.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Charles D. Renfrow

AO1 Charles D. Renfrow, from Oklahoma City, joined the Navy twelve years ago to serve his country. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family. In the future he plans to earn a degree in criminal justice.

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