Soundwaves

the

SHUTTLE USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Friday, February 18, 2011

Soundwaves Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse L. Gonzalez

New Enterprise chorus making big splash on deployment

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Friday, February 18, 2011

the SHUTTLE

Happenings Seeing stripes

Big ‘E’

Save $$$ on deployment!

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Justin R. Dixon helps to hoist the American flag during a photo exercise on board the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

3-Day Outlook

18

SAT

19

SUN

0500-0545 Intermediate Spin/Cycle

1600-1700 Chuck Norris Power Hour Cardio Kickboxing

1430-1530 Advanced Spin/ Cycle

FRI

PT

1600-1700 EOD/Diver PT 2000-2100 BiggEst Loser 2000 Team Workout

MWR

2000-2100 Advanced Spin/ Cycle

Outlook

20 1700-1800 Stretch It Out

Don’t confuse the Savings Deposit Program (SDP) with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). TSP is available to everyone in the military. However, the Savings Deposit Program is available only to those serving in designated combat zones.

Military members deployed in combat zones, qualified hazardous duty areas, or certain contingency operations may be eligible to deposit all or part of their unallotted pay (pay check minus taxes and allotments) into a DOD savings account up to $10,000 during a single deployment (our six-month cruise). Interest accrues on the account at an annual rate of 10 percent (per Executive Order 11298) and compounds quarterly. Interest earned on the amounts deposited into the SDP is taxable.

Example: ENT enters combat zone/tax exclusion zone February 2011. Sailor deposits $1,000, interest (at a rate of 10% per year, compounded quarterly) begins accruing March 1st of 2011. First interest payment will be June 1st 2011 and will equal $25.00 (based on $1,000 deposited).

Although federal income earned in hazardous duty zones is tax-free, interest accrued on earnings deposited into the SDP is taxable. Members can designate the allotment amount in five-dollar increments and deposits may be discontinued at any time. Funds can be left in an SDP account indefinitely, however, the account will stop accruing interest 90 days after a member returns from the combat zone. Generally, withdrawals may only be made upon termination of eligibility for the program.

Celebrate Black History Month

1800-1845 Get it right, Get it tight

Multi-Cultural Heritage Committee’s Black History Drawing class Open Month with ET1 Karaoke Rhodes Aft mess decks Cake-cutting ceremony Aft mess decks 2030 Aft mess decks 1500-1700 2030

I

n February 1944, the Navy commissioned its first African-American officers.

This long-hoped-for action represented a major step forward in the status of African-Americans in the Navy and in American society.

The twelve commissioned officers, and a warrant officer who received his rank at the same time, came to be known as the “Golden Thirteen”. the

SHUTTLE USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

ENG/ MEDIA

CSD/EXEC/ VMFA-251/ OPS

*Cruise book photos will be taken at the Media department photo lab studio, located at 3-67-3-L (J-dial 7407). **Studio hours: 0900-1130 / 1300-1700 / 1900-2100

ESWS QUESTION OF THE DAY Q: What piping system has handwheels colored yellow and black?

A: Lube oil

Cruise Book Photos

WEPS/LEGAL RMD/CCSG-12 TRAINING

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and 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 MC3 Peter Melkus at melkusp@cvn65.navy.mil.

Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne

Executive Officer Capt. Ryan Scholl

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Keith G. Oxley

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Editor MC3 Peter D. Melkus

Friday, February 18, 2011

the SHUTTLE

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Enterprise News

Big ‘E’ chorus speaks international language of music

By MC2 Aaron Chase

USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, Red Sea – The deployed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise’s (CVN 65) chorus is learning new songs as the crew completes its second day of operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Feb. 17.

It can be difficult for Sailors to find sources of artistic expression while deployed, but thanks to the formation of a 50–Sailor chorus, Big ‘E’ crew members are able to do just that.

The Enterprise chorus conducted its first public performance Feb. 8, which began with them singing the Turkish national anthem in the dimmed lights of Enterprise’s hangar bay - quite the debut for a group of singers that began rehearsing together merely two weeks prior.

Before them were hundreds of people gathered for a hangar bay reception, kicking off a port visit in Marmaris, Turkey.

Among those hundreds were numerous Turkish dignitaries, locals and military members.

“The chorus performed flawlessly,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith Oxley. “We could not be more proud of all of them.”

This is part of the job for the all-volunteer chorus.

Its director, Lt. Jonathan Pohnel, says the chorus exists to inspire the Sailors of Enterprise and act as a catalyst for international friendship between the United States and our allies.

It’s not part of the job to bring Turkish nationals to tears in gratitude for quality of the performance, but it is a benefit,

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase

Members of the new Enterprise chorus prepare to perform at a reception ceremony for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise’s (CVN 65) port visit to Marmaris, Turkey Feb. 8.

he said. Pohnel recounts a few in the audience coming up to him misty-eyed after their performance of the anthems, followed by a an upbeat performance of “Anchors Aweigh”.

“It’s not only to inspire our Sailors, but to inspire unity with other nations. You can use music to do that,” said Pohnel, who was first a member of the United States Marine Band before becoming a naval officer. “Music is an international language, and we want other nations to know we care enough to learn their music. We may not be able to learn Turkish conversationally before a port visit, but we can learn their songs, and I think that goes straight to the heart.”

While performing for foreign guests is a goal, Pohnel says he put together the chorus to perform at ceremonies and events for the ship itself. The music will be a mixture of ‘sea shanties’, classical and sacred music, and patriotic songs. Pohnel says he wants Enterprise Sailors to feel

as strongly when they hear the chorus sing the National Anthem as the Turks did when they heard theirs; that he wants the music to bring goose bumps to the back of listeners’ necks.

The group of Sailors tasked with these performances is less than a month old. Auditions were performed on Jan. 22 and judged by Pohnel, who holds a degree in music. The chorus practices once a week in harmony and pronunciation, often breaking words down phonetically, especially foreign words. Choral members are also expected to take recordings of the songs with them for personal practice.

“It’s cool to have that out-of-rate experience, to do what I used to do and sing,” said Information Systems Technician Seaman Shauna Matheny, who has been singing since she was 11 and has a background in musicals and opera performance. Matheny is also a member of a special 12-member ensemble within the choir, put together to

provide chamber music for smaller events like formal dinners.

While the chorus is a voluntary act, it could lead to larger possibilities for those in the choir. Within the Navy’s music community, there are numerous opportunities for skilled vocalists including Music for Recruiting, which gives Navy vocalists the chance to recruit new Navy musicians while perform in pop or rock bands, Navy Fleet Bands, with their vaunted jazz and pop vocalists, and the Sea Chanters, the United States Navy’s official chorus, often performing at the White House.

For anyone interested in joining the chorus, Lt. Pohnel is still accepting auditions.

While the process is rigorous and much is expected of its members, existing members say it’s rewarding.

“I think the chorus lets people know there are opportunities on the ship outside of your job,” said Information Systems Technician Seaman Skyler Mullis. “We are still Sailors, but we get to enjoy our time while we get to show what we do to different people around the world.”

“This is not just something for people to put on their evaluation,” said Pohnel. “This helps people remember that they are serving on Enterprise, that they are serving the United States of America, and the music reminds us of our of mission.”

Those interested in joining the chorus should contact Pohnel, or contact the Religious Ministries Department.

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the SHUTTLE

Sailors of the Day

Friday, February 18, 2011

Interior Communications Electrician Fireman

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class

ICFN Fuller, a technician assigned to Combat Systems’ CS-6 division, joined the Navy one-and-a-half years ago to earn money for college. To Fuller, the most rewarding aspect of his job is meeting and interacting with new people every day. Fuller is working hard to earn his warfare pins, make E-4 and attend college after his naval career is over. During his spare time, Fuller enjoys watching movies, attending concerts and going on road trips.

CS3 Ringgold, a stateroom DCPO supervisor assigned to Supply’s S-5 division, joined the Navy four years ago to provide for his family and earn money for college. To Ringgold, the most rewarding aspect of his job is giving 100 percent toward customer service in order to make the lives of others more convenient on the ship. Ringgold is working hard to make E-5 and aspires to obtain a degree in business communication. Ringgold enjoys all things having to do with Baltimore Ravens football.

Kyle Fuller - Virginia Beach, Virginia

SUDOKU

Wilmer D. Ringgold - Baltimore, Maryland

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse L. Gonzalez

Marine of the Day

Lance Corporal

Shannon M. Davis - Rush, Kentucky

Lance Cpl. Davis, a micro-miniature and cable repair technician assigned to the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, joined the Marine Corps two-and-a-half years ago to fund a college education and set himself up for a great career. To Davis, the most rewarding aspect of his job is hearing about items he repaired helping to get equipment running and jets off the ground. Davis aspires to finish his bachelors in physics, teach high school physics and run his own self-sustaining farm one day. Davis enjoys reading and going biking with his wife during his free time.