The Shuttle
USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
January 25, 2012 Issue
VAW-123 Maintenance, Admin Sailors Prepare for Deployment Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Peter Melkus USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) enters the second week of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 25, Sailors assigned to the carrier’s squadrons continue to work around the clock to ensure their aircraft and the personnel who make them fly are ready for Big E’s upcoming deployment. For the Sailors assigned to the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the importance of keeping aircraft “mission ready” is amplified by the fact that they possess only a fraction of the aircraft their fellow squadrons have. With only four E-2C Hawkeye aircraft aboard Enterprise, “Screwtop” Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Thomas P. Eaton preforms a bulkhead change on an E-2C Hawkeye . mechanics have worked can correct issues in a shorter turnaround time.” tirelessly since the conclusion of their last deployment in July While “Screwtop” mechanics are charged with the to ensure their upkeep and repair skills remain on point. “During the span of two months, our Sailors completed three responsibility of keeping their aircraft in proper working order, VAW-123’s administrative team is responsible for keeping the major aircraft modifications that will improve the capabilities affairs of the more than 150-Sailor crew in order as well. of the E-2C in relation to the strike group’s deployment “Our job is to take care of the people taking care of the mission,” said Lt. Robert Franklin Kersey III, VAW-123’s aircraft,” said Yeoman 2nd Class (AW) Jarrell R. Riggins, assistant maintenance officer. “They have done an amazing who has worked with the “Screwtop” administrative team for job maintaining our aircraft while building upon their range of the last two-and-a-half years. “Whatever the issue, whether skills in the process.” personal or career-oriented, we focus on those issues so our From mid-July through the commencement of COMPTUEX, “Screwtop” Sailors completed more than 17,000 Sailors can, in turn, focus on their jobs.” Riggins said his team is very excited to be part of man hours of maintenance, which included nearly 6,000 Enterprise’s final deployment, and it’s their goal to do the best preventive and corrective maintenance actions. The diligent job they can do every day in order to account for, and take care efforts of “Screwtop” mechanics on the ground also paved the of, every Sailor within the “Screwtop” command. way for VAW-123 pilots to complete 459 flight training hours Enterprise is currently underway conducting training in the air. exercises and evolutions as part of a composite training unit “Unlike last deployment, 80-percent of our Sailors are now exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for the ship’s 22nd and returning with previous deployment experience,” said Kersey. “Our crew is much sharper now. They know what to expect and final deployment following 50 years of Naval service.
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Big E Happenings Big E Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory W. White Sailors of all rates, ranks and backgrounds came together in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 23. The Enterprise’s Multi-cultural Heritage Committee hosted the ceremony to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his dream and contributions to American society and his leadership in the fight for equality. Key speakers recounted stories of witnessing the impact King had on their personal lives, as well as his effect on our nation and our Navy. “I was born in 1956 in the state of Alabama, and so, as you can imagine, I grew up in a time when Dr. King was sorely needed,” said Capt. William C. Hamilton, the commanding officer of Enterprise. “The brilliance of Dr. King was that while he was a very intelligent man, he also had a vision.” “Actively keeping pace with our nation’s diversity, there are now more than 90,000 African-Americans serving in the United States Navy, including 19 active and reserve flag officers, 105 command master chiefs, and 16 members of the senior executive service,” said Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12. “These numbers show that the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other minority leaders have made a difference in the future of this nation.” A slideshow played on a projection screen as a visual representation of how King lived and who he was, and Enterprise’s Sailors of the Year recited key portions of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. “It was definitely powerful,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Jose M. Perez, an Enterprise Sailor who attended the ceremony. During the hour and a half event, Sailors recited poetry and listened to several performances by Enterprise’s gospel choir and band. The celebration concluded with a specially
Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) Monday, 26 March 2012 Saturday, 30 June 2012
prepared cake and ice cream. “I enjoyed the event,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Anna Chow, who also attended the ceremony. “I especially enjoyed the choir and the poem.” Enterprise’s Multi-Cultural Heritage Committee works to promote an awareness of the diversity and experience amongst Sailors through entertaining ways while celebrating the crew’s cultural diversity.
Photos by MC3 Scott Pittman
The Shuttle USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
ESWS Question of the Day: What is the running time for a P100 pump with a full tank of gas? Yesterday’s ESWS answer: The Supply department which handles HAZMAT is S-8 A.
The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and biweekly 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 Harry Gordon
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
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Around the Navy Navy Confirms 3rd Carrier For SD Bay By 2016 Naval chief says Asia strategy bodes well for region By Jeanette Steele, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE The Navy’s new top officer said Monday that the Defense Department’s shift in focus to Asia and the Pacific bodes well for San Diego, the principal home of the Pacific Fleet, and confirmed that a third aircraft carrier probably will be assigned to San Diego Bay by 2016. “It’s clear in the strategy — the Asia Pacific region is No. 1,” said Adm. Jonathan Greenert in an interview after he addressed 800 Sailors at San Diego Naval Base. “That portends in a positive nature for San Diego.” Looking toward a downsized Pentagon budget, expected to be released soon, the chief of naval operations called it “reasonable” for the Navy — which along with the Air Force will take on a larger role as the Afghanistan war ends, the ground forces decrease and the U.S. focus turns to the growing military power of China and North Korea. “$489 billion over 10 years, $261 billion over five years — that portends some reduction. You can’t just throw that off (on) somebody (else),” said Greenert, who has held the Navy’s top uniformed job for four months. “But, we have got to balance toward the Asia Pacific. So I would expect this region to be relatively satisfied.” Greenert’s confirmation of a third flattop for San Diego comes after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s announcement this weekend that the United States will maintain its fleet of 11 aircraft carriers despite budget pressures. Panetta spoke aboard the Enterprise, the nation’s oldest operating aircraft carrier, which is scheduled to be retired
after a final deployment later this year. The Virginia-based flattop is being replaced by the Gerald R. Ford, the $11 billion carrier that will be the first of its class. There will be a nearly three-year gap before the Ford is commissioned, which led to speculation that the Navy was considering permanently cutting back to 10 because of cost. But Panetta is apparently making the budget cuts without damaging the carrier delivery schedule. “Our view is that the carriers, because of their presence, because of the power they represent, are a very important part of our ability to maintain power projection both in the Pacific and in the Middle East,” the defense secretary said Saturday, according to The Associated Press. That carrier calculus will apparently include a third assigned to North Island Naval Air Station. The region was knocked down to two-carrier status when the Nimitz left San Diego for Washington state in December 2010. The Ronald Reagan, which departed this month for a yearlong overhaul, is expected to return. Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, has said Navy officials told her another would be stationed here by 2016. Greenert endorsed that plan Monday. “We’re still on that track. That’s a good date,” he said, declining to name the third carrier. Speaking to Sailors, Greenert revealed an energetic and casual manner. The tall, lean former submarine officer moved around the San Diego Naval Base theater where he spoke, joking and shaking hands with Sailors who posed questions at what’s known as an “all hands call.”
New Concept Emphasizes Joint Force’s Speed, Synergy By Karen Parrish, AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE President Obama has nominated Vice Adm. Bill Gortney as the next commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, a move that if approved by the Senate would likely occur this summer. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made the announcement Monday. Gortney, director of the Pentagon’s Joint Staff, would be promoted to admiral and replace Adm. John Harvey, who has commanded what was once known as U.S. Atlantic Fleet since July 2009. Gortney reported to the Pentagon in July 2010. Harvey, with three years on the job come summer, is expected to retire.
Naval observers and industry insiders told Navy Times in late December that Gortney appeared to have the inside track on the job, saying he possesses the right combination of experience in preparing ships to deploy, readiness funding requirements and fleet operations. The job, one retired flag said, requires someone who’s “excellent in standards and execution … and sustaining what you’ve got.” Gortney has commanded a carrier air wing, a strike group and 5th Fleet, as well as two aviation squadrons. He understands requirements, having served as deputy chief of staff for
global force management and joint operations at the former U.S. Joint Forces Command. His current job is his second go-round on the Joint Staff, having worked at the J-33 Joint Operations Department, Central Command Division, in 1998-1999. Fleet Forces Command is responsible for manning, training and equipping all Navy forces east of the Mississippi and providing same to overseas combatant commanders. It advises the CNO on all integrated warfighter capability requirements. It also handles the Navy’s anti-terrorism/ force protection, individual augmentee and sea basing programs for the CNO.
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Sailors of the Day Legalman 3rd Class Ashley Marie D’Aunoy
Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman John Truhe
LN3 Ashley D’Aunoy from New Orleans, joined the Navy four years ago to become a Legalman and start a steady career. D’Aunoy enjoys visiting museums, lifting weights, traveling, watching movies and trying different foods. Her future goals include completing her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
AMAN John Truhe from Wheaton, Md., joined the Navy two years ago to launch and recover Super Hornet jets. Truhe enjoys exercise and playing basketball. His future goals include advancing to 3rd Class Petty Officer and learning more about the Super Hornet.
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