USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71 )
ROUGH RIDER October 22, 2017
IN THIS EDITION
TAD Sailors Aboard the TR E O D I n te g r a t i o n
Chillin’ with A . Corona Rating on the Radar
CONTENTS
STAFF COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Fred Goldhammer COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Andrew Frederick PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Cmdr. Beth Teach
Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) handle line during a fueling-at-sea with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Photo by MC2 Jason Pastrick.
ASST. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. j.g. Brittany Stephens SENIOR EDITORS MCCS Misty Hubbard MCC Jay Pugh EDITOR MC1 Michael Russell MC1 John Hetherington MC3 Alex Perlman
PUSH UP, CURL UP
Getting ready for the PRT, Q and A with TR’s Command Fitness Leader
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Photos of the Week 4
Highlighted photos from TR’s Media Department.
TAD Sailors
Sailors from fellow carriers ride with the Rough Riders
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Chillin’ with A. Corona 10
Seven leagues under the sea to conquering the ocean’s surface.
Integration with EOD
How explosive ordnance disposal plays a vital role on TR
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Rating on the Radar 13
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Navigating our oceans, the life of a Quartermaster.
ROUGH RIDER CONTRIBUTORS MC2 Jason Pastrick MC3 Jimmi Lee Bruner MC3 Robyn Melvin MC3 Kyle Peterson MC3 Alex Perlman MC3 Anthony Rivera MC3 Spencer Roberts MC3 Rachael Treon COMMAND OMBUDSMAN
cvn71ombudsman@gmail.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story you’d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at J-Dial 5940 or stop by 3-180-0-Q. CHECK US OUT ONLINE about.me/ussTheodoreRoosevelt @TheRealCVN71 TR
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This Week in Review
1 1. Cmdr. Chris Jason inspects an EA-18G Growler, assigned to the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139. Photo by MC3 Spencer Roberts. 2. Lt. Dani Leary climbs through a recompression chamber during a medical drill. Photo by MC3 Alex Perlman. 3. Sailors assigned to the Battlecats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 await the launch of an MH-60R Sea Hawk. Photo by MC3 Rachael Treon. 4. Sailors perform curl-ups during their physical readiness test. Photo by MC3 Spencer Roberts.
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5. Sailors from the Multicultural Commitee cut a cake in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in the hangar bay. Photo by MC3 Robyn Melvin. 6. EOD3 Patrick Cardillo demonstrates the capabilities a small unmanned ground vehicle. Photo by MC3 Alex Perlman. 7. An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, transports cargo during a replenishment-at-sea. Photo by MC3 Anthony Rivera.
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ONE TEAM! ONE FIGHT!
Photos and story by MC2 Jason Pastrick USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
F l e e t S a i l o rs Support TR Deployment
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ne team, one fight. For generations, those words have echoed through ship passageways and Sailor’s hearts. From the first day of boot camp to their final moments being piped ashore, Sailors share a common understanding; support the ship, support their shipmates. More than 80 Sailors assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) flew across the country to support USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and gain sea experience on deployment. “Regardless of which ship you come from, we consider you Rough Riders just the same,” said Capt. Frederic Goldhammer, TR’s executive officer, during a welcome-aboard meeting with all temporarily assigned personnel. “For every day, every week and every month while you’re out here, set goals for yourself. If it’s going to the gym, do that. If it’s studying for advancement, do that. Make the most out of your time and don’t walk away from this valuable experience empty-handed.” For many of the TAD Sailors, this deployment marks their longest time at sea since joining the Navy. “I like being out to sea,” said ABFAN James Canady, from Hoover, Alabama, temporarily assigned to TR’s Air Department from Ford. “We’ve been out to sea, but never for this long. We’re finally underway and in deployment mode where we can focus on what needs to be done.” Coming from a newly-commissioned, firstin-class carrier means many USS Gerald R. Ford
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Sailors have been working outside of their rating. During this deployment, these Sailors are gaining real-world experience in their respective ratings for the first time in their career. “On the Ford, I learned my job, but out here I actually get to do it,” said LS3 Michael Benjamin, from Camden, New Jersey, temporarily assigned to TR’s Supply Department from Ford. “You can be trained or read from a book, but you never fully learn something until you get your hands on it.” In addition to hands-on experience, Sailors are also benefiting from the personal connections made with ship’s company and their fellow TAD personnel found only while underway. “It’s a great learning experience,” said ABHAN Dominique Simmons, from Suffolk, Virginia, temporarily assigned to TR’s Air Department from George Washington. “This deployment will give everyone a taste of the fleet Navy that we’ve all heard about. Everyone comes from a different background with different experiences, so we all have something to learn.” For other Sailors, success doesn’t come from personal accomplishments, but rather from empowering junior Sailors under their watch to experience moments and milestones that they themselves have already achieved in their career. “It’s all about helping others improve,” said ABHC Jamorn Driver, from Griffin, Georgia, temporarily assigned to TR’s Air Department from Eisenhower. “For me to bring a group of 33 Sailors, and watch that many people grow and become better Sailors - I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”
Top: Capt. Fred Goldhammer, XO of USS Theodore Roosevelt, addresses Sailors from CVN 69, CVN 73 and CVN 78.
Left: TAD Sailor, AOAN Jeremiah Fitzgerald, fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a crew-served weapons qualification on the ship’s fantail. Right: TAD Sailor, LSSN Michael Benjamin, sorts mail in the hangar bay during a replenishmentat-sea.
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DCCM Mark Geer gives training on donning protective gas masks on the mess decks of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Photo by MC3 Austin R. Clayton.
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Chillin’ with
A. Corona: I
Submariner
moved around countless times as a kid,” said YN2 Brandon Morris, temporarily assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) from the Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) in order to gain experience and qualifications on a bigger platform. “I was born in Columbus, Ohio, but because of family issues we moved to California, then to Colorado, then back to Ohio where I attended middle and high school.” Morris said that his father was in prison for all of his childhood and his mother married his stepfather, who was a stern and unforgiving man, when he was a child. Luckily his brother, two years his senior, was always there as his rock. “It’s kind of crazy how much he looked after me and I looked up to him,” said Morris. “I looked to him as my real dad, since mine was locked away. He would always say, ‘Don’t open the door for Jesus unless I’m here.’” Morris said that when he turned 11, his brother moved away for several years to live with their father’s side of the family. “That was a rough time,” said Morris “I got into a lot more physical altercations and I learned to overcome obstacles that I never had to face before.” Morris said he wanted to join the Navy right out of high school but he scored poorly on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Not to be deterred, he decided to attended the University of Cincinnati and major in engineering. 10
Photo and story by MC3 Alex Corona USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
“Eventually I couldn’t afford college and I had my first son, Allen,’ said Morris. “It was then I knew I needed to make things happen.” Morris said that he saw a recruiting video playing on various TV screens while shopping in a video rental store. It was at that moment that he decided to call a local recruiter. “Man, that video was so ‘hooyah,’ it had me hyped,” said Morris. “It wasn’t an easy start for me at the beginning of my naval career, but I persevered and made it my first command.” Morris said that the real turning point in his career happened when he got to his first command, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Helena (SSN 725). It was at that command where he met his first leading petty officer, YN1 Emilio Gamboa. “He was the first person in my naval career to really sit me down and just talk to me,” said Morris. “He understood my background and showed me the good and bad sides to our rate, and just kept it real with me.” Morris went on to serve at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and Naval Recruiting District Michigan before arriving TAD here on the Roosevelt. His background as a submariner has given him a unique outlook on carrier life. “I hear a lot of Sailors complaining about how bad it is on a carrier,” said Morris. “Honestly, ya’ll have it so good. You don’t even know.” Morris explained that the amount of personal space, number of gyms, soda machines, having your own bed and various other amenities are things he
has never experienced before at sea. Another thing that gets overlooked is everyday interaction with people. “Being on a submarine is like living in a small town in America, and going to a carrier is like moving from that small town to New York City,” said Morris. “People are so busy they forget about the individual. Take a moment, get to know people and ask how they are doing.” Morris explained that being a submariner or carrier Sailor doesn’t matter. We all want to return home to our families safely. “I want to get home to my oldest and my
youngest son, Jayzon. He’s my mini-me,” said Morris. “I love my kids and can’t wait to get back to them.” Morris said he plans to continue his naval career, earn Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist and Information Warfare Specialist pins, and advance to petty officer 1st class. Outside of the Navy, he plans to continue being a family man, coaching youth football and giving back to his community. [This is a continuous series by MC3 Alex Corona in which Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) provide a glimpse into their personal lives and aspirations.]
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integrating with
EOD
Explosive
Ordnance
Disposal
Photo and story by MC3 Alex Perlman USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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e’re going to take this deployment head on,” said EOD1 Ernest Hines. “I’ve done a ship deployment before. I was a submariner prior to this, so being out at sea is not completely new to me. Having this many people around is a little different, but we’re excited to work with such a large crew.” A platoon of Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1 integrated with the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Carrier Strike Group Nine, said EOD2 Dennis Miller. “We’re mission-essential because if there’s an ordnance issue with any of the other ships in the strike group, we’re the ones who are trained to respond,” said Miller. “For example, if there’s an issue on one of the destroyer’s five-inch guns and the GMs can’t clear it, we’ll get on a helo and respond to their call.” For the embarked EOD technicians, the average work day starts off with finding out what types of ordnance will be used in operations that day. Then they choose a team of who is responsible for being on call to any potential mishaps. “By chance, if any ordnance or munitions were to malfunction, it’s not really the AO’s job, or anybody else’s job, to render that ordnance safe,” said Hines. “They aren’t trained to know the RSPs, or render safe procedures, at all and that’s where our expertise comes into play. It would be our responsibility to handle that. We’re dealing with a bunch of conventional warheads on the carrier, so that’s our bread and butter.”
EOD1 Ernest Hines, left, and EOD3 Patrick Cardillo, both assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1, work on missionspecific equipment in the hangar bay. Photo by MC3 Alex Perlman.
Despite always having a round-the-clock team on standby, EOD Sailors can be found working to maintain their physical fitness, integrating with the ship’s crew, and constantly training for the unexpected. “We try to get out with every division that we work with on a regular basis, like the helo squadrons for example,” said Hines. “We’ve already done some training with them so whatever opportunities we have to integrate with the commands on the ship, we take it. We’ve done insertion and extraction training with the helo squadron and we plan on doing gun shoots with the Weapons Department if they want to shoot with us.” Hines said that as time goes on, Sailors aboard the Theodore Roosevelt can expect to see drills in the hangar bay, fast-roping operations on the flight deck, and further integration with the crew.
Rating on the Radar
Quartermasters Photo and Story by MC3 Robyn Melvin USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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ccording to the Navy’s official website and the Army’s Quartermaster website, QMs have been around since before the birth of the United States. Its origins trace back to Great Britain in 1686. The American Army adopted the title after seeing England’s success during campaigns against the French and Indians. Originally, a quartermaster’s duties closely resembled today’s Supply Corps, but now QMs assist the officers of the deck and navigator, maintain navigational and oceanographic charts and publications, and render honors and ceremonies in accordance with national observances and foreign customs. “There are a lot of manuals and publications that we study to stay fluent as the master-of-ceremonies,” said QMSN Alissa Reynolds. “Whenever there’s a question about anything, from flags to gun salutes, they come to us because we are supposed to know.” QMs are also in charge of instructing the helmsmen on how to steer the ship and which direction they should steer it, according to the Navy’s official website. “The best part of being a QM is knowing where the ship is geographically at all times,” said Reynolds. “I can just look at a chart and see exactly where we are, where we need to go, and what route we need to take in order to complete the mission.”
Rating Facts
- One of the three original ratings in the Navy that are still active today - Sea-Shore Rotation - five years at sea/three years at shore - Work environments tend to be clean, airconditioned electronic equipment spaces or the ship’s bridge / pilot’s house - QMs can be stationed on any Navy ship - Five recommended college credits are earned in “A” School
Rating Requirements
- ASVAB: AR+VE=97 - Secret clearance is required - Nine week “A” School - Normal color perception and hearing - Must be a U.S. Citizen Facts and requirements found on the Navy’s recruiting website and Navy COOL
According to QM1 Kelton Gulley, leading petty officer of the Navigation Department, throughout the history of the Navy, technology may change, but the principles stay the same. Equipment like GPS satellites have made it easier to navigate, but QMs can do it with just a clear view of the sky and a sextant, an instrument that measures the angular distances between celestial objects. “We are one of the few rates with a view because our office has windows and we go outside,” said Gulley. “So if you’d like to work in a clean environment, learn navigation or if you just work outside every once in a while, then you will love being a QM.” 13
THIS WEEK IN
N av y H i s t o r y
Oct. 22, 1846 - Lavinia Fanning Watson of Philadelphia christens the sloop-of-war Germantown, the first U.S. Navy ship to be sponsored by a woman. Oct. 23, 1942 - Gato-class submarine USS Kingfish (SS 234) sinks Japanese gunboat at the entrance to Kii Suido, Honshu, Japan. Oct. 24, 1944 - Gleaves-class destroyer USS Woolsey (DD 437) and British destroyer HMS Fortune sink two German explosive boats off the coast of Cap Ferrat, France. Woolsey and the minesweeper USS Sway (AM 120) then recover the prisoners. Oct. 25, 1986 - USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is commissioned at Newport News, Virginia. Oct. 26, 1922 - Lt. Cmdr. Godfrey de Chevalier, flying an Aeromarine, makes the first landing on board a carrier, USS Langley (CV 1), while underway off Cape Henry, Virginia. Oct. 27, 1858 - Theodore Roosevelt is born in New York City. Oct. 28, 1812 - During the War of 1812, the brig Argus, commanded by Commodore Arthur Sinclair, captures the British merchant brig, Fly, in the North Atlantic.
A Theodore Roosevelt comic by MC3 Jimmi Lee Bruner
Information provided by Naval History and Heritage Command
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Accepting the fact that you didn‛t get mail...
Starting a rumor that mail fell overboard...
NAME: LN2 Terrell Mitchell Jr. HOMETOWN: Washington D.C. Favorite Thing About the Navy: You meet people you never thought you would. You can create lifelong friendships. Message to the crew: Get as much out of the Navy as the Navy gets out of you. Favorite Food: Steak and shrimp Favorite Movie: The Wood