Voice, Jan 26

JANUARY 26, 2014

USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) VOL 5 ISSUE 3

Closing Remarks to a

Strike Group Crew The Office Life: The Role of the Secretary of Defense

Promote the Vote

Pinning It Up

Sailor Year of the

Rear Adm. David F. Steindl

“There is nothing like sea duty.

You hear the sound of freedom upon the flight deck; you watch the sun rise every morning. It is so special to be out here.”

-Rear Adm. David F. Steindl

Closing Remarks to a Strike Group Crew

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native of Stillwater, Okla., Steindl assumed command of CSG-1, Feb. 21, 2013, in a ceremony conducted pierside at Naval Base Coronado.

“One of my first goals was to conduct safe flight operations,” Steindl said. “It is such a dangerous environment on the flight deck and to conduct operations safely is a priority.”

Steindl also purposed to establish a robust operational

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by MC3 Curtis D. Spencer

planning capability throughout the strike group, something he is very pleased with since the strike group passed each test given them by U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Mission safety and operational planning weren’t the only things on his mind when he took over the strike group, though.

People have always been a big part of Steindl’s vision as a leader.

Building a solid foundation of trust and communication between all of the warfare commanders, Carl Vinson, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 and the cruisers USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) was Steindl’s third main focus during his tour.

Now, a few days before his upcoming

move, Steindl takes note of the growth he’s seen in Carl Vinson and CVW-17’s crews specifically.

“We have a lot of new Sailors who have never deployed,” Steindl said. “I have noticed a growing confidence in the crew.

We started with basic operations and now we are more confident and are executing more complex evolutions.”

The crew’s growth leaves Steindl with one lament.

“I sure wish I could have deployed with CSG-1,” said Steindl. “Deploying in the United States Navy is always the highlight of any tour. I have done seven deployments.

I can tell you about every port visit, every operation I have ever done; it is a memory you will always have, to be in the limelight serving your country.”

Steindl was quick to remember significant moments during his tour as commander

CSG-1 aboard Carl Vinson as well.

“I love watching night flight operations. No matter how many times I see them, they take my breath away,” said Steindl. “Hosting the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy CNO Adm. Wu Shengli aboard Carl Vinson was also a highlight. I will never forget how impressed Adm. Wu was with the crew of this ship.”

Perhaps just as memorable to Steindl will be the Sailors he served with.

“I love to get out and see the crew,” said Steindl. “I like to hear about their jobs. There are so many diverse types of people on the ship and I like to hear about what they do, their hometown, why they joined the Navy and their goals in life. Everyone has a unique story and I learn a lot about the crew and issues we need to work on.”

For a leader who spent a lot of time on the deckplates, his assignment to Navy Personnel Command seems fitting. On Jan. 28, Sailors of CSG1 will bid farewell to the 30-year Navy veteran leaving for his next command tour.

“I have orders to be the commander of Navy Personnel Command and the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tenn. I will be working on Navy personnel policy, promotion boards, community management, retirement planning – it will be a pretty complex portfolio,” said Steindl.

But involvement with Sailors is one pass-down item Steindl has for his successor, prospective commander of CSG-1, Rear Adm. Christopher Grady.

“I have spent a lot of my time walking around the ship and meeting people, I don’t want that to be lost when I walk away. I want my relief to understand how good a crew this is and that they will do anything to make the mission happen. ” Under the guidance of Rear Adm. Steindl, CSG-1 ships completed four successful deployments to the 4th and 5th fleet area of operations.

These deployments supported 4th Fleet efforts in countering organized crime syndicates, as well as 5th Fleet Ballistic Missile Defense and maritime security requirements.

Lt. Cmdr. Mike Harper reviews aircraft catapult launch weights with Commander Carrier Strike Group (CSG) One Rear Adm. David F. Steindl during flight operations on the flight deck Photo by MC3 (SW) Dean M. Cates

CMDCM Jeffrey Pickering asks Rear Adm. David F. Steindl how long he’s been in the Navy.

Photo by MCCS (SW/AW) Monica R. Hopper

Lt. Cmdr. Mike Harper shows Rear Adm. David F. Steindl a jet-blast deflector during flight operations on the flight deck.

Photo by MC3 (SW) Dean M. Cates

Rear Adm. David F. Steindl presents Hull Technician 2nd Class Andrew Vanwagner with his personal coin to show his gratitude for Vanwagner’s hard work and dedication. Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) Travis S. Alston

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Sailor Year of the

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L A I N K O E T Z F E LI C

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by MCSN Matthew A. Carlyle

lthough he has many personal and professional achievements during a naval career spanning more than 14 years, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Ezekial Clifton attributes his success to his family, friends and Shipmates. Now he has one more accolade to add to his record: Carl Vinson’s Sailor of the Year (SOY).

“I don’t work for myself; I work for my Sailors,” Clifton said. “I go out there every day and try to involve myself in their lives, as well as the lives of my other Shipmates.

My mentors have told me, ‘It’s not about you; it’s about your Sailors,’ so I try to take that approach when leading.”

As Air Department’s V-3 Division leading petty officer (LPO), Clifton doesn’t waste an opportunity to motivate and impact the 104 Sailors under his leadership.

Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW) William Sullivan first noticed Clifton’s positive impact on Sailors four years ago when they were stationed together at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily.

“He was the president of the First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) when we were in Sigonella together,” Sullivan said. “It was a big deal because we did a lot of community relations projects overseas. He spearheaded a lot of volunteer events we participated in.

He’s one of those Sailors who goes above and beyond in all he does.”

While stationed in Sigonella, Clifton also devoted time to coaching the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) kid’s soccer team.

Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Roland Wright, V-3 Division’s leading chief petty officer (LCPO), met Clifton when his son joined the team.

“My first impression was that he was very helpful,” Wright said. “Whether the kids were good or not, he gave them all time to play. The parents loved him. He grew on me from that point on. He made a good impression on me personally before professionally.”

Both Sullivan and Wright are serving with Clifton again aboard Carl Vinson; each emphasized how Clifton continues to go the extra mile.

“He’s one of the most well-rounded Sailors I know,” Sullivan said. “He takes care of his Sailors, contributes to his community and command, and does the jobs others may not want to do. He does all these things not because he thinks they’ll net him an award or higher pay grade, but because he believes they’re the right thing to do.”

“I think this award is a little overdue because he’s done so many great things,” Wright added. “He did great things in Italy and he continues to do them here. On top of doing community service and other activities for the command, he leads more than a hundred Sailors in his division and handles it extraordinarily well.”

According to Wright, Clifton’s exceptional talent for balancing everything he does to give back sets the standard for all Sailors.

“When you’re talking about Sailor of the Year, you want someone who will represent the command well,” Wright said. “When Sailors get a good impression of him, they also get a good impression of Carl Vinson. He projects a model image for the ship just by being the great Sailor he is.”

That’s why Wright recommends Sailors should strive to be both a great Shipmate and a good person, like Clifton.

“He’s a special person with a good heart and mind,” Wright said. “I’ve seen him go through tough times and he always bounced back stronger. That’s the kind of person you want to look up to – someone who has been through hard times and still tries to do big things.”

Both Sullivan and Wright suggested junior Sailors look to Clifton for guidance, and they admitted he continuously inspires them to step up their game as fellow leaders.

“He’s definitely someone I look up to,” Sullivan said.

“Whenever I look for things to improve in myself, I look to see what Petty Officer Clifton’s doing and try to follow suit.”

Though Clifton felt honored to be selected as Carl Vinson’s 2013 SOY, he hopes it is a stepping stone for him to achieve his ultimate goal of being a chief petty officer – so he can have an even greater impact on Sailors.

“In some ways I can say he helped me put on khakis and I’m not ashamed to say it,” Wright said. “Even though I’m a chief, he has an influence on me and I still learn things from him.”

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around the

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V I N S O N

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by MC3 Curtis D. Spencer

I

t is important to register to vote because your vote can make a difference,” said Command Judge Advocate Lt. Cmdr. Michele V. Rosen. “Voting is the fundamental process that keeps our system of government working.”

Voting gives citizens a voice in the government by allowing them to choose their representative – whether it is a local official, a state or national representative, or the president. The results of the November 2014 elections in the Senate, and elsewhere, have the potential to affect the course of our nation and should not be taken lightly.

“Elections, especially local elections, can be tight races and won by a handful of votes,” added Rosen.

“When you vote, you have a direct impact on how the government makes appointments and drafts legislation, budgets, public policies, and regulations.” “

“Voting gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion on issues that affect you and those in your community, allowing you to shape government and its policies.”

Command Judge Advocate Lt. Cmdr. Michele V. Rosen For Americans stationed abroad, on a deployment or otherwise away from the polls on Election Day, there is a solution.

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“An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone unable to attend the official polling station,” Rosen explained.

“You can vote absentee in local, state and federal elections if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older, and are an active duty member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, a family member of the above, or a U.S. citizen residing outside the United States.

American service members and civilians overseas can register with the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) to request an absentee ballot at FVAP.gov.

Anyone needing an absentee ballot should register and request their ballot in January of the election year, or at the very least, 90 days prior to Election Day. Sailors first need to find out where their legal voting residence is, which may not always be their home of record.

“Legal residency refers to the place where a military member intends to return and live after discharge or retirement, and which they consider their permanent home,” Rosen said.

“To claim a new legal residence, you must have physically resided in that state and have the intent to return to that location as your primary residence.

“Legal residency determines the state tax laws a military member is subject to, and in which city, county

and state elections they may vote,” said Rosen.

Rules and regulations vary from state-to-state and require individual research, but Sailors can both register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the same time by submitting a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

“If you have requested an absentee ballot from your state of residency but have not received it, you can also vote by using the backup Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB),” Rosen added. “You may submit the FWAB at any time after you submit your FPCA.” Although Sailors can change their legal residence each time they change permanent duty stations, Rosen advises them to consult a JAG or legal counsel because there are multiple factors to consider when changing one’s residence.

“For example, each state has different tax consequences for military personnel. If you change your state of residency, you may be liable for state and local taxation, depending upon that particular state law,” said Rosen.

No matter what location a Sailor chooses to call home, every state holds elections of some type every year. Voting is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, but the benefits of it are determined by the individual.

“For me, the most rewarding aspect of voting is knowing I am contributing to our democratic process and making a difference,” said Rosen.

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Pinning It Up

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by MC2 Brent Pyfrom

he flight deck is one of the busiest and most dangerous environments to work in.

Since personnel and aircraft are constantly moving, communication – verbal or otherwise – is a must.

Carl Vinson maintains effective communication on the flight and hangar decks using not only hand signals and voice transmissions, but also a board referred to as the Ouija board.

The Ouija board on Carl Vinson is not the real deal; it does mimic the board game though, as they both have moving pieces. A replica of the actual flight deck or hangar deck with tiny aircraft pieces, the boards are smaller-scale models used to position and identify aircraft on the actual decks.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Petty Officer (AW/SW) Julian Molinar, the leading petty officer of Air Department’s V-1 Division, says there are two reasons

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why anyone who deals with aircraft goes into flight deck control to view the board: location and readiness status.

“We have 40-something aircraft on the flight deck at one point or another and it helps us locate the aircraft,” said Molinar. “It’s also important we know what’s going on with that aircraft. It’s the safest and easiest way to coordinate the operations.”

On the Ouija board, aircraft model cut-outs are identified using a color and number system which denotes the side number of each aircraft. On top of each aircraft, small symbols are placed which identify the aircraft’s status on the flight deck. When an aircraft’s status changes, the symbol is changed or removed. This is why each Sailor who works with aircraft needs to understand ‘pinology’.

“When we have aircraft on jacks, we use little jacks on the template,” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW) Jessica Brown explained. “We have pinology for everything such as: small bolts for low-power turns or red bolts for high-power turns. Also, a purple nut means the aircraft needs fuel, and a red wing nut is used for upload and download of ammunition. We’ll even put a washer on it if the aircraft needs to be washed.”

“The symbols are also able to describe when maintenance needs to be done and which aircraft are part of the first event, second event, and so on,” said Brown.

“It’s a way of viewing the flight deck and what’s going on on the flight deck before going out onto it,” said Brown, elevator operator in Air Department’s V-1 Division, who added that it is especially important for the handler.

The aircraft handling officer, commonly known as the handler, is responsible for aircraft movement on the flight deck. He operates inside flight deck control, the nucleus of flight deck operations.

Even though the handler has windows through which he can view the flight deck, he uses the board to decide where to launch and park an aircraft, because his windows do not allow him to view the entire deck.

“We have an elevator operator on the 0-7 level that has a view of the flight deck,” said Brown. “He communicates down to us so we can update the board in real time.”

The proper use of pinology and the board itself are critical to Air Department’s daily – and nightly – duties.

“The Ouija board lays out our mission from morning to night, allowing the handler to see how the flight deck is respotted between event launches,” Brown stated. “It gives him a head start and it keeps everyone up-to-date.

When the handler gets busy with phone calls, he could get sidetracked, but when he looks at the board, he’s right back in action.”

“Obviously we all understand communications are important, but from time to time the message may not come through, so pinology is like a reference,” Molinar added. “It’s controlled and there aren’t too many hands on the board.”

‘Pinology’ may be a made-up word, but it’s a word Air Department understands. It’s a system that helps make their jobs safer, and even pilots use it to locate their aircraft.

For those who work with aircraft, Molinar has one thing to say.

“If you know pinology, you’re setting yourself up for success,” said Molinar.

The Office Life: The Role of the Secretary of Defense

by MCSA James P. Bleyle

Office of the Sec Def MCSN Bleyle

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orld War II was a huge logistical achievement for the U.S. For our country and our allies to emerge victorious from the conflict, the combined might of the U.S. Navy and Army had to be carefully controlled over multiple fronts.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the command structure to accommodate the increased need for organization by creating new leadership positions such as fleet admiral in 1942.

After the war was won, the U.S. Government further centralized the military command structure to more effectively manage the different military branches. In 1947, the National Security Act created a new national military establishment that would take charge of all branches; it was headed by the newly created position of Secretary of Defense (SECDEF).

Constitutionally, all military power still lies with the President while Congress procures and provides the resources it needs. All of the authority the SECDEF exercises derives from the President’s delegation and money authorized by Congress.

Title 10 of the United States Code (USC), describes the role of the U.S. Armed Forces and currently provides that the SECDEF has “authority, direction and control over the DOD” and is also designated as “the principle assistant to the president in all matters relating to the DOD.” James Forrestal, a former Secretary of the Navy and the first Secretary of Defense, found that the amount of control his position held at the time was insufficient to properly exercise authority over the different military branches. At his urging, the National Security Act was

Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Chuck Hagel speaks to service members and civilian mariners aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I)15) in Manama, Bahrain. Hagel thanked the service members and civil service mariners for their service and wished them happy holidays.

(U.S. Navy photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Released)

amended in 1949 to further consolidate the structure of our military defenses and place the Secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force directly under the SECDEF in the chain of command. The amendment also established the Department of Defense (DOD) as an official executive department.

Forrestal used the newly granted powers of the office to push for wide-ranging policy changes such as complete racial integration of the services.

The SECDEF is tied very closely to the president, and must continuously keep the president abreast of any and all situations that could threaten national security.

Along with the president, the SECDEF makes up the National Command Authority, which can authorize nuclear strikes provided that they both agree.

No active duty military member may serve as the SECDEF. The president may appoint a former service member, but only if at least seven years have passed since they left the service.

Although SECDEF is appointed by the President, the choice must be approved by the Senate, because the position is considered a cabinet position. Though the SECDEF falls after the vice president, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of the State, and Secretary of the Treasury, like all cabinet offices it is in the line of succession for the presidency.

Since the role was created it has expanded to meet the necessities of an ever more complex military.

The SECDEF’s unique position as a civilian military specialist creating policy that shapes our armed forces allows the office to act as both advocate for the military and a balance point ensuring civilian control of it.

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LTJG TREVOR DAVIDS Assistant Public Affairs Officer

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

MCCS (SW/AW) MONICA R. HOPPER Media Leading Chief Petty Officer

MCC (AW/SW/EXW) DAVID CRAWFORD Media Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer

JUNIOR EDITORS

ABH3 (AW) Kim Simmonds

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MEDIA DEPARTMENT

“Thank you for being approachable and friendly, sir.”

LCDR KYLE RAINES Public Affairs Officer

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“Air Department Sailors will miss you and your appreciation of their hard work, sir.”

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“Thank you for all you’ve done, Sir. I hope to see you again in the future.”

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“Thank you, Sir. I hope your next command is just as awesome as Carl Vinson!”

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LT Christopher Montague

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MC2 (SW/AW) TRAVIS S. ALSTON MC2(SW/AW) JOHN P. WAGNER MC3 (SW) SCOTT FENAROLI MC3 SHANTECE GONZALEZ MC3 CURTIS D. SPENCER MCSN MATTHEW A. CARLYLE MCSA JAMES P. BLEYLE he

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