11may14 voice e mail

MAY 11, 2013

USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) VOL 5 ISSUE 11

Flex with FPEX In this issue: 3MA / Battle of Coral Sea / Master Chief Pinning / Military Child / NMCRS

Flex with FPEX

by MC2 Brent Pyfrom

C

onducted over the course of four days, Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) was a detailed antiterrorism exercise and program review for the Navy Security Forces of Carrier Strike Group One (CSG1) ships. Exercise evaluators were San Diego-area AntiTerrorist Force Protection (ATFP) subject matter experts who reviewed planning, training and qualifications, individual watch-standers’ level of knowledge, and weapons qualifications.

FPEX took place on three different piers in the San Diego area and culminated in a one-day practical exercise where simulated terrorist threats were brought to bear against units of the CSG. The threats included active and passive surveillance; operations security (OPSEC) probing; passive, angry, and violent protests; vehicle and pedestrian-borne improvised explosive devices, and others.

“This exercise provided an opportunity to test the entire carrier strike group’s ability to successfully execute a consolidated antiterrorism plan during a simulated foreign port visit in a high threat environment,” said Carl Vinson’s Security Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Todd Taylor. “It ensured that staffs and ships of the carrier strike group are familiar with integrated command and control, pre-planned responses, and threat-based escalation of defensive posture.”

The exercise coordinated by Commander, Third Fleet was completed while Carl Vinson prepared to get underway, creating some challenges for participants.

“The primary challenge was conducting this intense exercise concurrently with the air wing and stores onload,” said Taylor. “Exercise controller and ship Antiterrorism Training Teams successfully ensured all training objectives were met, while seeing that the on-load mission continued safely and efficiently.”

FPEX evaluation is an important part of the training

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cycle in preparation for deployment.

Master Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) Gerald Killinger, the leading chief petty officer in Security Department, commended his team for quickly and professionally responding to threats presented during the exercise and acting appropriately and safely in neutralizing threats.

“I am very proud of our Navy security force’s performance in this important exercise. I saw a great deal of enthusiasm and smart performance throughout all phases. I’m certain we have the right team assembled to effectively detect, deter and defend against terrorist threats that may be presented to us.”

-Carl Vinson’s Security Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Todd Taylor

Carl Vinson’s security forces benefitted from the opportunity to practice a unified response to realistic terrorism incidents in a simulated foreign port situation.

“I learned communication is important because without it everything goes downhill,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class (AW) Ray Asuega, chief of the guard. “I also learned anything can be accomplished through teamwork. If someone is weak in a particular area, another person with strength in that area will support, and ultimately, train their Shipmate.”

Exercising our forces in this fashion will go a long way in ensuring successful and safe port visits during our upcoming deployment, Taylor said.

“The security department will continue to train to combat terrorism,” Killinger added. “We’re always training to ensure the Sailors are ready regardless of our location.”

Riding for

Safety

by MC2 (SW/AW) Travis Alston

A

lthough great strides have been made in motorcycle safety gear and training programs in recent years, Sailors and Marines continue to incur injuries and, in extreme cases, lose their lives while riding motorcycles.

According to the Navy Safety Center, motorcycle injuries and deaths have decreased in the last five years, but there is still room for improvement.

In 2013, there were 17 Sailor motorcycle fatalities, a dramatic decline from the 33 fatalities in 2008.

To promote motorcycle safety and give fellow riders the opportunity to bond and exchange riding techniques, 21 Carl Vinson Sailors covered more than 180 miles over highways, roads, through canyons and other challenging terrain as part of a command ride.

“This command ride should be conducted once a quarter, and is part of guidelines set in place by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet,” said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Jamie Howe, Vinson’s motorcycle safety representative. “Riders from the command get together to make sure we know rules, laws and traffic patterns to abide by.”

Before the ride commenced, Howe emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and proficiency in order to avoid becoming a bad statistic.

“Since the Navy has a lot of new riders, these rides are very beneficial,” Howe said. “It shows that you know how to ride in a group. It’s not about showing off but is about enjoying the ride, safely.”

In addition to increasing the necessary skills needed to get safely to and from your destination, being in positive control regardless of level of experience or type of motorcycle is vital, according to Howe.

“First those who choose to ride must understand the risks they are assuming. Once that fact is acknowledged, a rider can then develop effective risk management practices. Risk management is an essential part of safe riding and lessons learned from motorcycle mishaps highlight this fact.”

All Sailors know how to implement Operational Risk Management, or O.R.M, in their jobs at sea and on shore. The same applies to risk management when riding a motorcycle.

“As riders we have to be aware of our surroundings and understand that just because we follow traffic laws don’t mean the next driver will,” said Howe. “I love it and enjoy every moment of it. I get joy out of seeing people learn new things. Riding and teaching others - definitely the best of both worlds.”

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Q&A with

MRCS

Laforteza

3M Inspection:

Making Maintenance Magic

by MCSN Matthew A. Carlyle & MRCS (SW/AW) Chris Laforteza

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S

ince Carl Vinson will undergo its Maintenance and Material Management (3M) Inspection June 2-6, The Voice met with Senior Chief Machinery Repairman (SW/AW) Chris Laforteza, Carl Vinson’s 3M Coordinator, to help prepare the crew.

A 3M Inspection is conducted every 24 months onboard aircraft carriers to examine the ship’s ability to effectively record and correctly perform maintenance throughout the ship.

During the five inspection days, Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) will evaluate 18 departments, conduct 250 spot checks, and assess the ship’s zone inspection program, maintenance data system (OMMS-NG) and maintenance screening program (TSIMS).

Q: How can Sailors be successful during 3MI? - Refer back to the basics.

- Preparation is the key.

- Understand the scope of the maintenance.

- Know the hard kills.

- Ask questions if procedures are not understood.

Q: How can Sailors improve their readiness for their spot check?

- Prepare ahead of time because all checks will be live monitored spot checks.

- Provide and lay out all Tools, Parts, Material, and Test Equipment (TMPTE).

- If the checks require tag-outs, run the danger tags before the spot checks starts. That means the maintenance person must have tags authorized by authorizing officer but not hung.

Q: What are some common discrepancies found while conducting spot checks?

- During our 3M Assessment last year, maintenance persons failed to follow procedures and steps in MRC. Recommendation - Perform the maintenance as written, step by step. If the maintenance cannot be performed as written, stop the check. The maintenance person should consult with his or her work center supervisor (WCS) for further instruction.

WCS should ensure the maintenance person understands all instructions and any other pertinent criteria.

- Maintenance persons did not accurately verify space location and serial number on the location guide list (LGL).

Recommendation – WCSs should provide training in the execution of LGL verification and the importance of doing it correctly. All maintenance and supervisory personnel need to ensure that when maintenance is performed, the space location and unique identifiers are accurately verified.

- Hazardous material (HAZMAT) secondary labels were not provided or were unavailable, incomplete or expired.

Recommendation – The Hazardous Material

Minimization Center must issue labels on primary and secondary containers per OPNAVINST 5100.19 series. The maintenance person is still responsible for verifying material that does not have an expired shelf life at the time of issue or prior to use. They also must examine for proper labeling and reject HAZMAT if it is not labeled correctly.

- Maintenance persons were not familiar with safety precautions.

Recommendation – Maintenance persons must familiarize themselves with HAZMAT HMUG grouping and mandatory or situational personnel protective equipment (PPE) use. They should also know electrical IVV checks for MRCs which require breaking the plane should be in accordance with ship instruction, NSTM 300 REV 9 IVV chart and subsequent IVV procedural section (establishing independent ground, safety brief, etc). Follow up on all PPE required for situational maintenance that is attained separately, like rubber gloves, harnesses and electrical safety checks.

Q: What are the top five maintenance data system (MDS) discrepancies?

1. Work Candidate (CSMP) Summary - failing to provide an adequate statement of what was done wrong 2. Maintenance persons were unable to demonstrate knowledge of the deficiency and current status.

3. Write-ups did not match the configuration item.

4. Incorrect equipment status codes 5. Problem descriptions or solutions were inadequate.

Q: What are the top five zone inspection discrepancies?

1. Outdated CCOL’s.

2. Poor space cleanliness.

3. Missing system labels.

4. Outdated temporary tags.

5. Valve and system piping not correctly stenciled or color coded.

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around the

V I N S O N

Battle of Coral Sea

by MC3 Curtis D. Spencer

P

yrrhic [pir-ik] victory is victory with such an overwhelming cost that it is equivalent to a loss. The Battle of Coral Sea was such a circumstance for the Japanese Navy. Japan bested the allied forces in terms of ship losses, the light carrier Shoho for the fleet carrier USS Lexington, the oiler USS Neosho and the destroyer USS Sims. However the efforts of the United States Sailors cost the Japanese the services of two fleet carriers, Shokaku and Zuikaku, and important pilots and aircraft when they could least afford to lose them.

Following this battle Japan would go on to occupy the Solomon Islands. However, the toll they would sustain following the battle would wipe out any sense of achievement or advantage.

Leading up to the skirmish, the allied forces, unknown to the Japanese, had broken Japan’s secret war code. They learned of a plot to invade Tulagi and Port Moresby in the Solomon Islands and sent forces to cut-off the Japanese fleet in the Coral Sea. Rear Adm. Frank J. Fletcher commanded the American

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forces, consisting of two large aircraft carriers, the Lexington and the Yorktown and other support ships. The United Kingdom and Australia also provided cruisers to mount surface opposition.

The four day World War II battle occurred in May of 1942.

The engagement marked the first battle in history when two opposing forces fought via aircraft from ships at sea. None of the carriers involved fired directly at one another. In the wake of the battle, 70 Japanese and 66 American war planes were destroyed.

The U.S. struck first and subsequently sunk the light carrier Shoho. The forces would trade air strikes. The U.S. lost the carrier Lexington and 216 of her crew members. The Japanese suffered damage to the carrier Shokaku and were left without enough planes to cover the ground attack of Port Moresby, resulting in a significant allied force victory.

The result of this battle would have a fundamental impact upon the Battle of Midway a month later. The conflict significantly reduced Japanese forces available for that successive clash.

Seven for the 70

by MC3 Curtis D. Spencer

S

ailors and family members assigned to USS Carl Vinson took time to recognize seven of the Navy’s newest master chief petty officers during an all hands call on the ship’s hanger deck.

The ranks of senior chief and master chief were created June 1, 1958, under a 1958 Amendment to the Career Compensation Act of 1949. Eligibility for senior chief was restricted to chiefs holding a permanent appointment with a minimum of four years in grade and a total of ten years of service. Eligibility to promote from chief to master chief required a minimum of six years service as a chief and a total of 13 years of service.

Service-wide examinations for outstanding chiefs were held Aug. 5, 1958. The first promotions became effective Nov. 16, 1958.

A few months later, a second group of chiefs were promoted to senior and master chief.

Following the May 1959 promotions, advancement to master chief was only possible through the senior chief rank.

During Carl Vinson’s all hands call, Commanding Officer Capt.

Kent D. Whalen promoted Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AW/SW) Arnel Atienza, Senior Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/ AW) Gerald Killinger, Senior Chief

Personnel Specialist (SW/AW/EXW) Hector Leyco, Senior Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Michael Martin, Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Joy McGill, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Jerry Ramey and Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) (SW/AW/IDW/SG) Michael Smith. Shipmates, friends and family members were selected by the master

chiefs to pin their anchors – this time with two stars – on their uniform.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to frock seven of the Navy’s newest and most deserving master chief petty officers,” Whalen said while addressing the crew. “Promoting seven master chiefs at a command, in one cycle, is significant. It is certainly something I haven’t seen in my career. It is a testament to the crew and certainly

the Chief Petty Officer mess.”

The achievement gave the master chiefs an opportunity to reflect on their years of Naval service.

“This is the pinnacle of my Navy career. I can’t put words to how honored I am,” said Atienza, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, IM-4 Division’s leading chief petty officer.

Atienza, whose wife was unable to make the pinning ceremony, asked two of his Sailors to pin him, and one of them to cover him, because he knows that in addition to the support he has received from family, he wouldn’t be where he is without the support from his Sailors.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Recruit Shemmon Elmes, the most junior Sailor in Atienza’s division and Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AW/SW) Danita Winfrey, his senior Sailor, pinned master chief anchors on him.

Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AW/SW) Nelson Rivo covered him with the new master chief cover.

“Success takes all hands,” Ramey affirmed, agreeing with Atienza.

Ramey is Medical Department’s leading chief petty officer. “I have worked very hard to get here, but I wouldn’t have made it without my Sailors.”

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Sticking Together: A Military Family Story

A

by MCSN Matthew A. Carlyle

pril is celebrated as the Month of the Military Child. This tradition was started by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1986 in order to honor the sacrifices made by military children and families.

Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson’s Media Department dedicates this article to Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/ AW) Reagan Pescoso and his family and through them acknowledges the sacrifices all Navy families endure in supporting the Navy’s mission.

“Returning from my first deployment in 2007 was a special homecoming,” Pescoso remembered. “I wasn’t there when my daughter was born; I was underway. Three months after she was born, I left for deployment. So when I stepped off the brow and my family came up to me, my wife holding my daughter in her arms…even though I had seen her prior to deployment, it felt like the first time.

That really hit me and brought me to tears. It was a really special moment to me.”

Being a military parent is tough.

Not only are military parents required to devote significant time and effort to their job supporting the Navy’s mission, they must also make time to tend to their family’s needs and maintain communication with them.

“The hardest part about being in the military is spending time away from my family,” Pescoso explained. “I miss a lot of important events like Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries but – and I’m sure a lot of Sailors would agree with this – it’s the time being away from family, and at the same time being the man of the house, that’s the hardest part about serving.”

That’s why Pescoso and his family understand the importance of cherishing their precious time, enjoying things they like to do together like travelling, playing board games and going out to restaurants.

“We like to pig out,” Pescoso said with a smile. “When we travel we like to stop at different restaurants and try new food. We also go out to eat before and after I go out to sea; it’s one of our rituals.”

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Though Pescoso’s family wishes they could spend more time together, his wife, Marichu, and his children, 12-yearold Lance and 7-year-old Sofia, patiently await his return from sea so they can fall right back into rhythm.

“I feel sad when he leaves,” Lance admitted. “But I know I’ll get to see him again and I just look forward to that moment when I get to see him.”

While their father is away, both Lance and Sofia said they always enjoy keeping their father up-to-date on what’s happening at home.

“I like to send him emails and pictures,” Sofia said.

When she was asked how much she misses her dad on a scale of 1-100 while he’s away, she earnestly replied, “I miss him up to 100.”

Although they miss their dad when he is gone, Lance and Sofia understand the importance of his job. They are able to appreciate all he’s done to support them and respect the accomplishments he’s made.

“I’m proud my dad’s in the Navy,” Lance said. “I think it’s cool he gets to go around the world helping people and support his country.”

Conversely, Pescoso’s appreciation for the sacrifices his family has made and the constant care they provide him has left an indelible impression on him, which helps him cope with the time apart.

“Their strength, patience and love have meant a lot to me,” Pescoso said. “I can’t even imagine how I could really express my appreciation for all they’ve done for me.”

Since Pescoso plans to retire from the Navy, he’s looking forward to focusing on family when he is one day honorably discharged from service.

“The first thing I’m going to do is spend time with my family and do everything we love to do,” Pescoso said.

“We’ll go on a two-week road trip somewhere and just spend time together and make up for lost time.”

Until that day, Pescoso will continue to proudly serve the Navy’s mission and hopes his children’s gratitude for his support and service helps them grow even more humble, resilient and compassionate.

“I hope they learn that their father did something big for our family by being in the military,” Pescoso said. “I hope they learn to be better people because of it. I hope they learn from me how to be strong, patient and value the importance of time with family.”

NMCRS Offers Assistance to Service Members

I

by MC2(SW/AW) Travis Alston

n 1904, several naval officers, wives of naval officers, and a group of their civilian friends saw the need for a formal, organized process in order to provide financial assistance for Sailors in need. The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) was incorporated Jan. 23 of that year.

Initial funding for the relief society came from the proceeds of the 1903

Army-Navy Football Game held at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa. In its first year, the society gave $9,500 to widows and families of enlisted men.

“Military pay was not routine like it is now. It was much more sporadic, but Sailors and Marines still had family at home that needed to be taken care of,” said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Eric Gravely, this year’s NMCRS fund drive enlisted coordinator. “If the service member couldn’t make it to the clerk for their check to get their pay, that family was in a world of hurt. Therefore this organization was, and still is, vital.”

Navy Sailors of all ranks have continued to fund the relief society so that it, in turn, can help Sailors with basic living expenses or during a lifechanging event.

The organization provides service to active duty Sailors and Marines, retirees and spouses. However, representatives can assist any military service member with a majority of their programs.

NMCRS programs and resources other than loans include the NMCRS Thrift Shop, Baby for Budget classes, and visiting nurses who will see mothers and their newborns up to two weeks old at their home residences.

The NMCRS offers a variety of loan and grant options. The most common one is a $500 interest-free loan.

For this loan, Gravely said eligible applicants need to bring their current Leave and Earning Statement (LES) and military identification (I.D.) card to their appointment at the NMCRS

office.

“All you have to do is walk in the office with your military I.D. and LES,” said Gravely. “It is an interest-free loan. The funds will be deducted from your account in desired increments, automatically. Depending on the type of loan or grant, the member may need a budget work sheet or documents from the school you are attending. But for day-to-day items, the quick assist loan (QAL) is your best option.”

While deployed, crew members no longer have access to NMCRS funds and a spouse or someone with the service member’s power of attorney would have to request the loan on their behalf stateside.

“We have had Sailors with financial issues on previous deployments.

This is why establishing a power of attorney is so important,” said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Ryan Duncan, Vinson’s NMCRS command representative.

In fiscal year (FY) 2013, Carl Vinson Sailors used more than $300,000 in relief efforts, but raised only $76,000.

“As always, we would like the Navy and Marine Corps service members to make NMCRS their first resource in order to get help,” Gravely said. But in order for Sailors to get help, there needs to be help available.

So far for FY 2014, Carl Vinson has raised $77,412 and the fundraiser drive will end May 14. Sailors are encouraged to speak to their departmental representatives about making a donation if they have not already.

Users are reminded that connecting USB devices that are not government issued or approved by the Command’s Information Assurance Manager is unauthorized on DoD Information Systems for any reason to include charging.

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E IC VO

at

DECKPLATES

ea

DIA LO GU ES

m

What do you hope to accomplish this underway?

of

“100 percent SORTIE completion, YCBAR!”

“I am going to pass my air murder board and final board and get my wings.”

LTJG TREVOR DAVIDS Assistant Public Affairs Officer

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF MCCS (SW/AW) MONICA HOPPER Media Leading Chief Petty Officer

MCC (AW/SW/EXW) DAVID CRAWFORD

MEDIA DEPARTMENT

LS2 (SW) Alex Odiase

LCDR KYLE RAINES Public Affairs Officer

s

AOCM (AW/SW) Jose Rivera

EXECUTIVE EDITORS

r ilo

“As the ship’s integrated barcode system coordinator, I’m going to help my division pass our upcoming Supply Management Inspection.”

CAPT KENT WHALEN Commanding Officer

F

“I want to get more Sailors trained on our new weapons systems and increase my gym time.”

Sa

Lt Marshal Fauld

PUBLISHER

f or

IS3 (SW) Caitlyn McKenna

ing

“We are going to get our Medical Readiness Inspection and meet or exceed the results of our last one.”

rit

“I am hoping to get my air pin.”

sw

EM2 (SW) Kevin McCain

AF ST

CSSA Charles Jones

r ilo

“I want to get all of my requals and get acquainted with all of my maintenance responsibilities.”

Sa

“I want to knock out my 3M and RPPO qualifications.”

Media Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer

JUNIOR EDITORS

NOW PLAYING CARL VINSON CINEMA

AT3 (AW) Justin Knappenberger

MC1 (SW/AW) RYAN TABIOS MC2 (SW/AW) TRAVIS ALSTON

AM3 Michael Bradford

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7

CH 6

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT MC2 MICHAEL H. LEE MCSN CODY HOWELL MCSN ERIC COFFER

CH 7

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