EST. 2012
JAN. 2017
INSIDE
MKI Reaches Mid-Deployment Just Keep Spinning Makin the Perfect Brew Bahrain Port Visit
COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Mark A. Melson EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. David M. Oden COMMAND MASTER CHIEF MCPO(SW/AW) Larry A. Lynch PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. David Gardner DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC(SW/AW) James Thierry MEDIA LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1(SW/AW) Larry Carlson LAYOUT EDITOR MC2(SW/AW) Dennis Grube STAFF MC1(NAO/AW) Mathew Diendorf MC1(SW/EXW) Jason Perry MC2(SW/AW) Robin Peak MC3 Eric Zeak MC3 Devin Langer MC3 Clark Lane MC3 Asher Allen
AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crewmembers of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of MAKIN ISLAND. ATI is edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division. All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE ISLAND must be submitted to the PAO. All submissions are edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity and conformance to style. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
On The Cover A view of the chandelier in the Grand Mosque, Manama, Bahrain
Photo of the Month By Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin Langer “A view of Bahrain”
FEATURE
11 Makin The Perfect Brew 15 Just Keep Spinning
Ensign Collins leads MKI on a journey that is anything but stationary
How one MKI Sailor is dripping with passion for all things coffee
Grand Mosque Manama, Bahrain
NEWSWORTHY
20 NYE Bash
5 Bahrain Visit 8 MLK Observance 13 3 ati
HEADLINE
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9 Reel Reviews CFL Corner 17 18 Halfway There
Check out what MKI has accomplished through only 3.5 months
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New Year, New Resolve
MKI Sailors and Marines ring in forward deployed New year
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dennis Grube
“Ten!” Sailors and Marines buzz around the stage like bees to honey as the countdown begins. “Nine!” Pale blue lights of the hangar bay gleam off waves of silver streamers billowing around the edge of the space.
“Eight!” The volume of the music dies down as the tension of the crew comes to life. “Seven!” Noise makers can be heard honking and rattling anxiously. “Six!” The room turns to black leaving only the ball to illuminate
the room.
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Sailors and Marines gathered together to celebrate the new year in the hangar bay of the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Dec. 31. After spending over a month at sea, the ship’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee came together to throw a New Year’s Eve celebration for the crew. “We came together with the purpose of giving back to the Sailors and Marines because a lot is demanded of them day in and day out and we felt that should be rewarded,” said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Robert Flowers, a MWR council member and native of Little Rock, Ark. Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Fernando Diaz, of San Diego, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jimmie Carter, of Greenfield, Wis., and Fire Controlman 2nd Class Rachel Koons, of State College, Pa., worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition, said Flowers. They weren’t alone in their efforts though. “There was a great amount of effort put in throughout multiple departments and associations aboard the ship,” said Flowers. “A lot of work went into developing the mechanism to drop the ball, moving aircraft to make room in the hangar bay, cooking food for the crew, and setting up all the decorations.” In an effort to deliver entertainment and boost morale of service members aboard the ship, MWR provided a photo booth, corn hole, a DJ, dance floor and a live band comprised of crew members, including Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Teresa Lopez, from Grand Prairie, Texas. “I couldn’t say ‘no’ to an opportunity to give the morale of the crew a boost,” said Lopez, a vocalist for the band. “Even after being up since 0430, seeing their energy as they danced and sang along gave me the energy to keep performing throughout the night.”
“Five!” The glowing sphere hovers high above like
a beacon drawing everyone together dazzling the eyes of the crew with its shimmering lights.
“Four!” Bubbles
float defiantly to the top of raised glasses of golden cider mirroring the rising anticipation of the crew.
“Three!”
The sphere’s multicolor glow begins to touch the faces of everyone below as it makes its descent to the deck symbolizing the close of another year. Flowers, who acted as the master of ceremonies, stressed that the importance of this event and how something such as a New Year’s Eve party can still support the ship’s mission.
“Anything that increases morale for Sailors and Marines helps us become a more efficient fighting force,” said Flowers. “When the crew is able to relinquish some of their burdens and blow off stress from the rigors of being deployed, they are able to put their hearts and minds more in sync with the mission.” Lopez, who has previously sung for the command during special events, said it’s important to her that Sailors are given a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday work. Especially when people may be missing the comfort of home during the holidays, it’s rewarding to give them the chance to get spend more time with their Navy family and recuperate. However, aside from being provided the opportunity to sing, dance and clink glasses of sparkling cider together, there was one unique aspect of the celebration that stood out. “I’ve spent the New Year in Texas, Florida and even Duqm, but it’s definitely a different atmosphere being able to have a new year’s event the size of this on a warship floating in the middle of the sea,” said Lopez, a three-year Navy veteran. “This isn’t my first time being away from family over the holidays, or even being deployed during them, but I’ve always been on land either with friends at a party or at home watching the ball drop on TV.” Even for the saltier Sailors, this event stood out as something to remember when they look back at their career. “I’ve stood watch in the Middle East, been in a convoy, enjoyed liberty in a foreign port all while the new year was being rung in,” said Flowers, a 19-year Navy veteran. “However, what makes this one unique is that we are in highly active waters, but still able to ring in the New Year complete with ball drop, live band and everything. A warship booming with the sound of cheers and celebration on the water instead of ammunition is beyond comprehension to most, but it was a great event laugh, dance and enjoy.”
“Two!” Time appears to slow as everyone stands still with anticipation. “One!” Phones are raised expectantly as camera flashes begin to pop and the clock strikes midnight.
“Happy New Year!”
Faces are aglow with, not only the brilliant shine of a sign but also with the fervor and hope for what a new year will bring. The crew will soon return to performing maintenance, conducting drills and preparing to fight the ship, however, for a night, they were able to dance, sing and enjoy the camaraderie of their shipmates and the fresh slate offered by a new year.
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The Only Show in Town MKI Visits Bahrain
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Perry
S
ailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) visited Manama, Bahrain, Jan. 9-15, for the ship’s first port visit since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Nov. 30. Makin Island, and its crew of more than 2,400 Sailors and Marines, visited Bahrain to replenish supplies, perform maintenance and repairs, and take the opportunity to experience the country’s culture. "Since arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet operating area, our Sailors and Marines have maintained a steady tempo conducting training with our regional partners in order to stay ready to perform the range of maritime security operations on a moment’s notice," said Capt. Mark Melson, commanding officer of Makin Island. "We’re thankful to visit Bahrain, both for the logistical and maintenance capabilities afforded to the ship that allow us to maintain our high level of readiness, as well as the wonderful culture for our team to explore and enjoy." Sailors and Marines also teamed together ashore to help the local community at outreach events at two local schools and a women’s shelter in Manama. “I love doing community relations events and giving back to the community,” said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Tiffani Hess from Carson, Calif. “It’s one of the reasons I love what I do, seeing the happiness on their faces knowing that someone cares about them.” The ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation team organized a variety of activities ashore such as sporting events, horse back riding, city tours and spa packages. "It was great to tour the city and enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern dinner," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Euserbio Morenoortiz, from Naples, Fla. "It was interesting to learn about the culture and experience it firsthand. I had a really good time." Makin Island, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts during deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. "As the flagship for 5th Fleet’s self-sustained crisis response force, the Makin Island ARG and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, we must maintain the highest level of readiness," said Melson. "That means taking care of the ship and the crew, and we were able to do both during our visit to Bahrain.” Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central CommandCommander U.S. 5th Fleet's responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The area is comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
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Just Keep Spinning, Just Keep S p i n Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Clark Lane
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weat hits the deck beneath rows of stationary bikes. The Sailors’ and Marines’ faces contort with effort, and their legs pump in a furious flurry as they fight to pedal up an invisible hill. Ensign Kassandra Collins’ voice resounds above the cyclists’ heavy breathing and echoes through the Makin Island hangar bay as she leads her spin class through the last leg of an excruciating uphill sprint, “grab some water and let’s go!” Collins, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla., recently started teaching spin class to Sailors and Marines deployed aboard Makin Island. She’s a veteran instructor who taught her first spin class in college, more than six years ago. “I was working in my college gym just swiping cards or handing out towels when I came across a flyer that was advertising a class to become a certified spin instructor. When I saw that I remember looking at the spin instructors and how they just seemed cool, fit, and like they had a lot of fun,” reminisced Collins. “I had a background in running, so I thought that it was something I was in good enough shape to do. Then, the first class I ever took I ran out of the room after the first hour and thought I was going to throw up; it was horrible, but about a week later I was certified.” Collins admits that she has not actually taught a spin class since her college days, but you wouldn’t know that by watching her as she pushes her students through a challenging workout. Makin Island’s Fun Boss accepted instructor applications before deployment. “I just threw my name in just in case,” said Collins, “and sure enough about a week ago Fun Boss asked me when I could start. I immediately sat down on my laptop, made a quick workout, and hoped for the best.” Collins believes the hardest part about being an instructor is making a workout that will motivate the class. “I always research before a class to see what they will enjoy more; hills with a lot of resistance or speed work with less resistance.” The list of health benefits from taking spin classes goes on and on, but Collins briefly explained a few reasons that she believes to be important.
“You burn a lot of calories, and sweat a ton, which is why it’s really important to hydrate during these workouts. It’s also great if you want to focus on quad or hamstring workouts, because you can increase or decrease resistance during a spin class,” explains Collins. “You can’t always find steep hills to climb or run, so if you really want to build your quads, hamstrings, and even glutes then spin is the way to do it. Not to mention you can burn 500 calories in a one-hour class.” Even with all these health benefits, Collins says there is more to cycling than just getting in better physical shape. “These classes are for people to get a good sweat and cardio workout in, but I think even more important than that is to feel like you are somewhere else, doing something else, and just having one hour to yourself,” said Collins. “Of all the hours you spend working or missing loved ones back home, just take an hour when you are just focused on one thing, where you are in the zone, having fun, and listening to good music.” When asked what her favorite class was that she ever taught, a grin crept across her face as she looked into the distance remembering all the classes she had ever taught, all the memories she had made, and all the lives she had changed. After all those classes there is one in particular that sticks out among the rest as the best class she had the pleasure of coaching. “I think one of my favorite classes ever might have been Monday, because it was my first class in a while. I also can’t think of many people who can say they taught a spin class on a warship in 5th Fleet,” said Collins. “So that has to be number one; teaching class to deployed Sailors and Marines in the middle of the ocean.” As the class ends, peddles slow little by little until they come to a complete stop. Sailors and Marines replace the gritting of their teeth with smiles of satisfaction and sighs of relief. One hour of spin has come to an end and though it may have been challenging, one can’t help but notice service members leaving the sanctuary of spin class with renewed energy and readiness.
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Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin Langer
“I am happy to join you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King said in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech that one day his children will “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Sailors and Marines aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8), deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations, celebrated Dr. King’s accomplishments on the mess decks of the amphibious assault ship, Jan. 16 “We are a resilient team of strong men and women in the most powerful military in the world. We hold true to our core values of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Lt. j.g. Jason McClinton, a Chicago native and the ship’s administration officer. “We pause to reflect upon the contributions of an amazing man,” he added. “These contributions changed our nation for the better.”
The celebration included remarks from Capt. Mark A. Melson, commanding officer of Makin Island, and a tribute video produced by Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Zemario Sheppard, a Sacramento, Calif. native, followed by a reading of the “I Have a Dream” speech. The ceremony was concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting.
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Makin' the Perfect Cup of Joe
How one MKI Sailor is dripping with passion for all things coffee Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Zeak Whether it’s a delectable double shot peppermint mocha latte topped with whipped cream, a refreshing glass of cold brewed iced coffee, or a piping hot mug of dark Italian roast served black, there are many different options when it comes to drinking coffee. No matter your taste, one Makin Island Sailor knows how to serve up the perfect cup of joe. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Clark Lane is a coffee aficionado. Until four years ago, Lane, a native of Flower Mound, Texas, never had a cup of coffee. Heavy workloads and a few late-night watches soon had Lane seeking out a beverage that could provide a caffeine boost. “I didn’t like coffee because I hadn’t had a good cup of coffee,” said Lane. “I started trying coffee from different shops around San Diego and I was hooked. I also realized there was much more to coffee. There’s farming, roasting, and brewing techniques. I can watch videos or read about the coffee industry all day and not be bored.” Doing research by reading books or articles and watching videos made Lane fall in love with all things coffee. “It’s not just about the actual drink,” said Lane. “The care that goes into the planting and farming of 15 ati
the beans is interesting to me. You have the science of the roasting and the art of the barista. A lot goes in to making the perfect cup of coffee. If any link in the process is missing, you’ll end up with a lessthan-perfect cup of coffee.” It’s no surprise that someone filled to the brim with passion for coffee prefers to brew his own each morning. Lane sources his beans from a small roasting company in Texas and uses a variety of methods to make his morning cup. Lane explained that many methods exist, each with unique flavor characteristics. He said the best brewing method depends on the specific taste an individual desires. “A French press is going to provide a full bodied cup of coffee,” said Lane. “The metal filter allows more to pass through, resulting in a silty, almost heavy texture. A Chemex uses a thick paper filter which creates a clean and clear cup of coffee. It’s similar to the auto drip coffee makers many people are familiar with. The Chemex just allows for more control during the brewing process.” Yeoman 3rd Class Ryan Scott, from Las Vegas, has tried Lane’s coffee many times and attested to the zeal Lane has for the coffee industry. “Watching Lane make coffee is interesting,” said Scott. “He’s very particular about his coffee, and he takes the brewing process very seriously. He’s very focused while he measures out and grinds the beans. From the way he pours the water and serves the coffee, it’s almost like a presentation. You can tell he cares about creating something with exceptional quality.” As Lane’s interest in the coffee industry grows, he has thought about the idea of opening his own coffee shop. Lane said it will be no small undertaking, but the Navy has prepared him for the challenge.
“It’s a long-term goal of mine to own my own shop,” said Lane. “The skills I’ve developed in the Navy such as attention to detail and critical thinking will benefit me tremendously. Whenever the time comes for me to leave the Navy, I plan to use my military benefits to go to school for business and economics. After that, I’ll get barista training and managerial experience by working in a coffee shop. I’ve already had the opportunity to try coffee from all over the world by traveling in the Navy. I want to continue to travel and also see coffee farms in different parts of the world. Learning as much as I can will allow me to serve a high quality product.” Lane said he has analyzed different coffee shops he has been to while traveling in the Navy, and he has an idea of what he wants his shop to be like. “The atmosphere can make or break a coffee shop,” said Lane. “I want people to feel comfortable when they come to my shop. I want it to be like a home away from home. People come to a coffee shop to hang out with friends or meet new people. They talk and discuss things. It’s a vital part of our culture, and I want to be a part of that.” As Lane serves Scott a cup of specialty roast coffee made with Ethiopian beans, you can’t help but notice the happiness that exudes from both of the Sailors. Scott eagerly trying a new blend of coffee, and Lane enthusiastically answering questions about different types of beans. Though they may be hundreds of miles away from the nearest coffee shop, the two talk and laugh about different things just as they would in a coffee shop back in the United States. Refreshed, Lane finishes his cup and packs up his gear, ready to take on another day as a Navy Sailor after having the perfect cup of joe.
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Reel Review
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Clark Lane
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n “The Accountant,” Ben Affleck plays Christian Wolff, an autistic math genius who works as an accountant, but who also happens to be a trained killer. The movie follows Wolff’s story as he untangles the mess from a consultant accounting job gone wrong, while avoiding an investigation from the Department of the Treasury. At the start of the movie the audience is dropped right into the action, as a man, unidentified, rushes across a busy street, toward a building and the sound of gunfire from within. As he uncovers the gruesome scene inside, his investigation comes to an abrupt halt. The movie cuts to the first of several flashbacks, introducing the viewers to Wolff as a child. As an adult, Wolff, eerily intelligent and socially awkward due to his autism, fights to maintain the guise of a normally-functioning, independent bookkeeper. However, intriguing flashbacks detail Wolff’s childhood past, revealing his struggles with autism, his father’s hard-edged approach, and painting a portrait of a much more complex character. Dana Cummings, played by Anna Kendrick, meets Wolff during his consulting job and is a pleasant addition to the cast. Kendrick’s sweet, outgoing character adds a quirky, likeable personality to the plot, and it’s not long before the audience is rooting for things to heat up between Cummings and Affleck’s 17 ati
highly volatile, number-crunching Wolff. While some viewers weren’t banking on a love story in “The Accountant,” other parts of the formula – the treasury investigation, manhunt, Wolff’s challenging childhood, or his unique way of dealing with his lifelong battle with autism – keep the storyline complex and appealing for almost any taste. The plot, at times, may be a lot to keep up with, and a few twists keep viewers surprised and guessing throughout. Wolff, unrelenting in his quest to complete anything and everything he starts, never succumbs to his increasingly unpredictable and complex problem. But it’s up to the audience to decide if everything balances out in this fast-action, intellectual, romantic, and occasionally witty film. “The Accountant” requires a little concentration to keep up, unless you’re just out for some wellchoreographed action scenes. The movie definitely kept my attention throughout. And although I had to do more thinking with this flick than I budgeted for, I give it a strong three-and-a-half out of five stars.
WOULD RECOMMEND
CFL CORNER
Stay the course of physical excellence
Ah, mail call. A bittersweet evolution. Some receive mail while others don’t. But with online shopping, ensuring you get a box during the next deployment mail call has never been easier. As I look across this sea of extra large Amazon and Bodybuilding.com boxes, two thoughts come to mind. The first being, I am so thankful for our Communications Division (Electronics Technicians included) for keeping us connected, and the second thought… I bet the majority of these boxes contain protein powder. This thought was later confirmed as I walked through spaces and noticed both Sailors and Marines cracking that new plastic seal and sifting through the powder to find that always-hidden scoop cup as if it were a toy at the bottom of a cereal box. Then, further confirmation could be heard as I was awakened the next morning by the vigorous shaking and rattling of more than one protein shaker bottle. This got me thinking, “how much protein do we need?” Harvard University and the United States Department
of Agriculture agree that I, specifically a 38 year-old male, require 65 grams of protein per day; however, Bodybuilding. com says I need 232 grams! If I take the advice of Harvard and the USDA, then the three meals served aboard for less than $7 per day provide more than enough protein. Alternatively, if I follow the advice of a website that profits from selling products such as protein powder, then I must assume that I need to spend an extra $700 to $1,500 a year on more protein. Search the Internet for old pictures of great bodybuilders like Lee Haney and Arnold Schwarzenegger and you will not find them promoting, selling, or drinking protein powder. Therefore, if you feel as though your liver is not working hard enough for you, consider the source of where you are receiving your nutrition information. Also, know that your local galley provides at least two animal-based protein sources each meal, plus some of the vegetables and all the beans on the line contain protein, too! This is the only body you get, so take extra care of it.
Protein Culture Contributed by: Command Fitness Leader ITC Chris Stanley
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Home is now within sight...