USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71 )
ROUGH RIDER November 19, 2017
IN THIS EDITION
Counselor of the Year Three Carrier Operations
Family Values
CONTENTS
COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Andrew Frederick
The aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transit the Western Pacific. Photo by MC3 Anthony Rivera.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Cmdr. Beth Teach
From Corpsman to Counselor How NC1 Bell earned the Navy Career Counselor of the Year aboard the TR
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Three Carrier Ops
USS Nimitz, USS Ronald Reagan and USS Theodore Roosevelt transit the Western Pacific
Family Ties
Generations come together to serve their nation
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Rating on the Radar
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COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Fred Goldhammer
On the Cover
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STAFF
What it's like to be a Religious Program Specialist
h t 9 1 r e b m e v Sunday, No
ASST. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. j.g. Brittany Stephens SENIOR EDITORS MCCS Misty Flynn MCC Jay Pugh EDITOR MC1 Michael Russell MC1 John Heatherington MC2 Jason Pastrick MC3 Alex Perlman ROUGH RIDER CONTRIBUTORS MC1 Michael Russell MC3 Jimmi Lee Bruner MC3 Robyn Melvin MC3 Alex Perlman MC3 Anthony Rivera MC3 Spencer Roberts MC3 Rachael Treon MCSA Bill Sanders 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
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S and Story by MC3 Spencer Roberts Photo USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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ach year, Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific (CNAP) chooses one Navy Counselor (NC) as the CNAP Counselor of the Year. For the first time in USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) history, one of the ship’s Sailors was chosen: NC1 Loren Bell. Bell grew up in Los Angeles and joined the Navy 10 years ago as a Hospital Corpsman (HM). He served his first tour at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton for five years where he provided healthcare for Marines and eventually became the collateral duty command career counselor. “I really enjoyed it, so I started looking more into the NC rate,” said Bell. “I feel like it is very important to help Marines and Sailors medically, and very important to help them with their careers. I did the medical side, now I wanted to help them with the career side.” That dedication to Sailors and their success followed Bell to the TR where he became the CNAP Counselor of the Year. Bell’s supervisor received the call announcing the achievement during the ship’s port call in Guam, Nov. 3. “NC1 had just left our office when we got off the phone with our type commander back in San Diego, and they confirmed that NC1 Bell was selected for CNAP Counselor of the Year, which is a huge honor,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Mike Hill, TR’s command career counselor. “We went to his berthing and I told him, ‘You were selected as the counselor of the year! Good job, I’m proud of you!’” While winning CNAP Counselor of the Year may have come as a surprise to Bell, Hill knew his outstanding work would pay off.
“NC1 managed to exceed the TR’s career counselor standards. He finished their Career Information Program Review Inspection with an overall score of outstanding, 100 percent,” said Hill. “This placed TR as the number one carrier in Pacific Fleet. It was not mandatory for commands to nominate someone for the award because we take it very seriously. After everything NC1 Bell has done and getting our carrier to be number one, it just made sense to nominate him.” Bell’s supervisors were not the only ones that noticed his superior work performance; Sailors Bell counselled shared the same praise. “He took me under his wing and inspired me to stay in the Navy,” said ABE1 Revisa Bell. “He is so approachable and welcoming and a genius in the NC world. He can recite nuclear Navy enlisted classifications or what military personnel manuals I have questions about without even looking it up. I want to be like him when I grow up!” Revisa Bell was just one of the many Sailors Loren Bell inspired to achieve their career goals and though NC1 received the award, he said he could not have done it without the support of his coworkers. “I am one of the four NCs aboard the carrier helping over 3,000 Sailors,” said Loren Bell. “I definitely have to thank my divisional and departmental career counselors that helped me make our carrier number one and made it possible for me to be nominated.” Bell’s said that the crew’s success is the ultimate reward. “Winning this award shows that our career counselor shop aboard actually cares about all the Sailors with us,” said Bell. “Whether they are staying in the Navy or getting out, we are making sure that they are set up for success!” 3
This Week in Review
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1. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits the Pacific Ocean at sunset. Photo by MC1 Michael Russell. 2. Sailors perform warm-up exercises in preparation for the physical readiness test (PRT) in the hangar bay. Photo by MC3 Rachael Treon. 3. HM2 Lewis Ikwuagwu, left, sorts mail with LS2 Logan Kalzkowski during a mail call in the hangar bay. Photo by MC3 Robyn Melvin. 4. HTC Bryan Abbot explains brazing techniques to HTFN Alexis Rivero. Photo by MC3 Robyn Melvin.
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5. An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, takes o from the flight deck. Photo by MC3 Alex Perlman. 6. Sailors fire a .50-caliber machine gun o the fantail during a gun quarters drill. Photo by MM3 Andrew Langholf. 7. Sailors fight a simulated fire during a general quarters drill. Photo by MC3 Rachael Treon.
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A Sailor watches the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) sail through the Pacific Ocean. Photo by MC3 Alex Perlman.
THREE CARRIER OPERATIONS Story by MC3 Janine Jones USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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he USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) strike groups participated in a three-carrier strike force exercise in the Western Pacific, Nov. 11. “We’re trained for a multitude of missions, but when you bring three aircraft carriers in one space at the same time, there’s a lot of things we’ve got to do,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group 9. “The command structure, the communications, all those things have to be worked out, and we did that. That’s what made it work so well.” While at sea, the strike force conducted air defense drills, sea surveillance, replenishments-at-sea, defensive air combat training, close-in coordinated maneuvers and other training. This is the first time that three carrier strike groups have operated together in the Western Pacific since exercises Valiant Shield 2006 and 2007 off the coast of Guam. Both exercises focused on the ability to rapidly bring together forces from three strike groups in response to any regional situation. “The crew has performed amazingly on deployment, and this evolution was no different,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, Theodore Roosevelt’s commanding officer. “Whether there’s one carrier, two carriers or three carriers, it doesn’t matter. We’re very proud of the Theodore Roosevelt crew with what they’ve done, from the deck plates all the way to the aircrew.”
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To ensure the three-carrier operations were documented for the world to see, an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the Indians of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSC) 6, carried TR Media Department Sailors above the formation to capture aerial photos and video. “During the first photo exercise, I remember looking through my lens and seeing the planes doing a flyby in formation. As soon as I hit the shutter, I knew that one was going to be big,” said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony J. Rivera. “It didn’t feel like part of history at the time. I tried really hard to look at it as just another shoot and focus on the task at hand.” Several photo and video products produced during the three-carrier operations were shared worldwide by dozens of news agencies, including CNN, FOX News, Popular Mechanic, Task and Purpose, Stars and Stripes and Business Insider. The three-carrier operations in the Western Pacific were a visible assurance of U.S. commitment to the Navy’s Indio-Pacific allies, partners and international order. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Pacific Fleet has been a persistent and stabilizing presence conducting operations throughout the region. The fleet is just as committed to maintaining those security commitments for the next 70 years.
The aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transit the Western Pacific. Photo by MC3 Rachael Treon. U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships transit the Western Pacific. Photo by MC1 Michael Russell.
Ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy transit the Western Pacific. Photo by MC3 Spencer Roberts.
The aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transit the Western Pacific. Photo by Lt. Aaron B Hicks.
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Family Values Story by MC3 Rachael Treon USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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ccording to the Pentagon, approximately 51 percent of Navy recruits have a close relative (parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin) who served in the Navy. Since the draft ended in 1973, Americans exposed to the military lifestyle are more likely to join and carry on a family service tradition. MC2 Anthony Hopkins II followed his mother’s footsteps, not only to the Navy, but to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Hopkins’ mother, Michelle, served on board from 1998 to 2001 as a Postal Clerk. “My mother has always been my role model,” said Hopkins. “She is proud of my decision to become a Rough Rider and I am proud to be a true, legacy TR Sailor. I wouldn’t be where I am today if she hadn’t led the way.” Although having a family member who served may be more common in today’s military, serving alongside a child is a rare occurrence. Senior Chief Electronics Technician Christopher Wright and Lt. Christopher Okimura, an aviation support officer, had the chance to pass their Navy legacy onto their sons, both of whom recently turned 18 while at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Wright’s son, Aaron, a fourth-generation Sailor, graduated RTC this month and is attending Gunner’s Mate “A” school. “Our family is very unique,” said Wright. “My grandfather, father and I have all served at least 20 years and Aaron is just getting started. My grandfather and father served together, I served two years with my father, and now I have the honor to serve a few years with Aaron.” Multi-generational Navy families likely form from 8
the passing of personal stories, accomplishments and encouragement to younger generations. “I’ve always told him that Sailors have been to the deepest parts of the oceans, furthest parts of space and everywhere in between,” said Wright. “No other service branch can say that.” Sailors joining after a parent also have the advantage of learning from challenges accompanying the Navy lifestyle and receiving advice for their future endeavors. “A benefit for my son is that I can share the hard lessons I had to learn going through the ranks,” said Okimura. Okimura became an officer through the Limited Duty Officer program after 16 years of enlisted service, and now his son, Jaden-Anthony, uses him as inspiration. Jaden-Anthony, a future Cryptologic Technician (Networks), is scheduled to graduate RTC in December. “He wants to earn it the way I did,” said Okimura. “He jokes that he’s going to beat me, but I feel that he already has. I know he’ll do really well. He has a great head on his shoulders.” With less than 1 percent of Americans in the military, the way of life may be difficult for most to understand or even imagine. Sharing the experience with a family member means sharing a connection in an even bigger family. Multi-generational Navy families ensure the true honor of being a Sailor continues to be passed along into the future. “I’ve always respected and appreciated the sacrifices my mother had to make during her time serving,” said Hopkins. “Joining the Navy has strengthened our bond and made us closer as a family.”
Top: MC2 Anthony Hopkins' mother, then PCSN Michelle Barnes, featured on the cover of the Roug h Rider, February 1999. Photo courtesy of Michelle Freeman. Top Right: Lt. Chris Okimura's son, Jaden-Anthony , photographed after swearing into the Navy to beco me a CTN. Photo courtesy of Lt. Okimura. Bottom Righ t: ETCS Wright's boot camp photo along with his father and his son's boot camp photos. Phot os courtesy of ETCS Wright.
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Three F/A-18E Super Hornets, assigned to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 115, fly in formation over the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Strike Groups and ships from the Republic of Korea Navy as they transit the Western Pacific. Photo by Lt. Aaron B. Hicks.
R a t i n g on the R a d a r
Religious Program Specialist Photo and Story by MC3 Robyn Melvin USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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eligious Program Specialist is one of the smallest ratings in the Navy, consisting of less than 700 Sailors. Originally RPs were created to support clergy of all faiths in the facilitation of religious activities. Today, their duties include providing physical security to chaplains in the field, publicizing their command’s religious activities, maintaining religious facilities, and operating and maintaining libraries, according to Navy’s official recruiting website. “Running the library may sound like a simple and mundane task but it provides an outlet for the crew to relax and wind down after working hours,” said RPC Alan Brandt, leading chief petty officer of Command Religious Ministry Department (CRMD). “Dating back to the 1800s, religious leaders were assigned to maintain the library. We provided books and assisted with the education of Sailors. Today, we also have an internet café, where you can speak to your loved ones on social media and a movie theater that is open to the crew.” RPs also train lay leaders, who are representatives ordained to teach in their respective faiths. The lay leader program is sanctioned by the CO and designed to facilitate as many different religious groups as possible aboard the ship. “What I love about my rate is that we are uniquely designed to protect and defend a Sailor’s right to religious freedom,” said Brandt. “Some Sailors see their religious groups as their community and I help walk lay leaders through the application process and find a place and a time for them to worship as well.” RP3 Tina Philman said that being away from family
and friends while deployed can be very hard on Sailors. To help mitigate those stressors, CRMD hosts programs like United Through Reading, where Sailors can send videos of themselves reading books back home to their loved ones, and life skills classes which are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. “The life skills classes, created by chaplains and instructed by RPs, are designed to teach Sailors how to uphold the Navy core values of honor, Rating continued on page 15
Celebrating Native American Heritage
Photo and Story by MC3 Joseph Yu USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
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he Multicultural Committee hosted a Native American Heritage Month celebration aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which featured guest speakers, a slideshow presentation and a celebratory cake. The event highlighted the pride, strength and heritage of the first of Native American service members. Examples included PRAN Misty Warren, the first Native American woman to be designated as a naval test parachutist, and Marine Pfc. Ira Hays, who helped raise the second American flag on Mount Suribachi, Japan. “We are trying to show what Native Americans have done for us and their history within the Navy,” said CS3 Shaquille Elmore, Multicultural Committee
Master-At-Arms. “What they have accomplished in the Navy is special.” The presentation featured a history of Native Americans in the Navy and their stories to show appreciation for their service. HM1 Dominique Navarro, 1st Class Advisor to the Multicultural Committee, said that the committee’s goal is to unite people from different backgrounds. The events also serve to raise awareness and acceptance of different cultural experiences and what they bring to the Navy team. The Multicultural Committee holds themed events every month, as well as regularly scheduled meetings every Wednesday on the forward mess decks at 9 a.m. for those interested in the program.
Rating continued from page 14 courage and commitment,” said Philman. “We discuss topics like avoiding disruptive behaviors, personal development and grief counseling.” Brandt and Philman agreed that as RPs, they see Sailors at their low points, but they also get to see them at their highs during CRMD-sponsored community outreach events. “A part of our job is giving Sailors bad news, like the death of a loved one back home,” said Brandt. “That part can be lot to deal with, but I also see Sailors who have spent 45 days at sea spend one of
their only days ashore volunteering to help the local community.” Philman believed that maintaining and strengthening Sailor resiliency is one of the most important aspects of her rate. “I build relationships with the Sailors that I meet through CRMD,” said Philman. “Everything I do is to help my fellow Sailors keep a positive outlook and attitude about not only this deployment, but life.”
C OM B I N E D F E D E R A L C A M PA IG N THE
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ailors aboard Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) have the opportunities to support local, national, and worldwide charity organizations through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. The CFC’s mission is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employeefocused, cost-effective, and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. “Growing up, during long summers, my siblings and I would flock to events held by our community that were meant to keep kids out of trouble,” said HM1 Dominique Navarro. “The majority of these events and camps were put on by local charities through donations. The CFC is my resource to send monetary donations to charitable causes much like the ones I used growing up. As a CFC representative, I can do my part to see the donations increase.” Donations can be made online at https://cfcgiving. opm.gov/welcome via the centralized giving platform using a payroll deduction, one-time donation or recurring monthly pledge using a credit card, debit card or direct bank transfer to the charity or charities of their choosing. Paper pledge cards are also available for payroll deductions or checks. Paper pledge donors can submit their contributions to the Central Campaign Administrator using the address provided on the pledge form. The option to support thousands of organizations allows donors to give to causes like health care, medical research, disaster relief, housing, youth development and many more, regardless of geographic location. Local organizations such as animal shelters, homeless shelters and community outreach programs allow donors to give back right in their communities. EMN1 Aaron Delarosa, a CFC representative, donates monthly to his church. “It’s easy to just 16
Story by MC3 Rachael Treon USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs open the booklet and find a random charity, but it will mean more if it’s something you can relate to,” said Delarosa. “Reflect on a time in your life when you benefitted from the charity of others and find an organization that means something to you.” For the first time, Sailors also have the opportunity to pledge volunteer hours in addition to monetary donations. The hours can be “monetized” to count toward the total amount raised by departments. “I have a deep love for animals and I’m so excited to find out we can also donate our time,” said YN1 Gregory Nicolaisen. “Donating my time is more meaningful to me than just donating my money.” Cash donations, undesignated contributions and fundraising events will no longer be allowed. However, campaign awareness, education and recognition events are still encouraged. “It is very important for us to be able to donate because we know that our money will be used to bless the lives of many people throughout the world,” said Delarosa. “We’ve been blessed to be financially stable so making this sacrifice is a monthly lesson in humility for us and I hope that I am setting a good example for my two boys.” More information can be found on the share point under the CFC tab. Digital contribution forms are located on the shared drive at: S:\_ALL HANDS\Combined Federal Campaign 2017 http://www.southerncalcfc.org/ : Overall CFC site http://opm.gov/ShowSomeLoveCFC : Donations http://cfcgiving.opm.gov/offerings : Charity
NOT ON MY WATCH A THEODORE ROOSEVELT COMIC BY MC3 JIMMI LEE BRUNER
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G N I K A C CUP G N I K A C SHORT ING K A C E CHEES
Name: CS1 Monique Blue Hometown: Hacienda Heights, California Favorite thing about the Navy: Travel and opportunities Message to the crew: Always make lemonade out of lemons Favorite food: Chinese food Favorite movie: The Other Woman