The voice vol 5 issue 32 (30nov14)

NOVEMBER 30, 2014

VOL 5 ISSUE 32

CNO Breaks Bread with Sailors

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PUBLISHER

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LCDR KYLE RAINES Public Affairs Officer

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EXECUTIVE EDITORS

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CAPT KARL THOMAS Commanding Officer

LTJG TREVOR DAVIDS Assistant Public Affairs Officer

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF MCC(AW) RUSSELL TAFURI

Media Department Leading Chief Petty Officer

MEDIA DEPARTMENT

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

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

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT

MCSN JACOB KAUCHER MCSN CODY HOWELL

STAFF WRITERS

Contents 4

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Team Vinson

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Trotting for a Cause

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Rallying Around a Shipmate

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Grappling in the Hangar Bay

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MWR - Visual Art Class

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Facebook.com/USSVINSON

Captain’s Corner

Shipmates, This week we had many very special treats! It started when General Lloyd Austin, the Commander of United States Central Command dropped in to thank the crew for the impact we are having in the region, and to pass along the appreciation of a grateful nation during this holiday season. Responsible for an incredibly diverse and challenging part of the globe, General Austin’s message was well received and the time he spent with each of you was very much appreciated.

The General’s “Battle Buddy”, Command Sergeant Major Greca (the Senior Enlisted Leader for Central Command), gave a very motivating speech that I am confident will help carry us through this long deployment--the General even commented that he was ready to get down and start doing push-ups.

An area that I spend quite a bit of time thinking about is how to keep the Sailors below the flight deck connected to the mission and engaged with how their particular tasks directly impact the greater mission. General Austin effectively communicated the importance of what we are doing. He spoke of the evil that we are fighting. He talked about the strong coalition that we have formed to take on ISIS. He praised the Airwing pilots for their precision and accuracy. He discussed the progress on the ground, and gave each of you positive feedback right from the top.

It was also a pleasure to host our 30th Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, and our 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), MCPON Mike Stevens. As they spent Thanksgiving far from their home and with us on the tip of the spear, I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you. Everywhere CNO and MCPON traversed, you raised intelligent questions. They were both extremely gracious with their time, and as CNO stated during the all hands call, their primary mission on this trip was to listen--listen they did. They engaged each of you at every turn, and you provided insightful questions and valuable feedback.

Finally, you earned and were able to enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving meal prepared by our fabulous Supply Department. In case you were wondering what it took to feed all of us, here are the numbers that you devoured: 5,000 lbs of turkey

1,600 lbs of honey spiral ham 2,000 lbs of steamship round 1,500 lbs of shrimp What did we have to complement the main courses?

1,500 lbs of potatoes 1,000 lbs of cornbread stuffing 660 lbs of cranberry sauce Plus salads and kettles of collard greens And of course, what would Thanksgiving have been without dessert...

625 assorted pies which included: apple; cherry; pecan and sweet potato Our culinary specialists worked hard throughout the night and into the morning to make Thanksgiving at sea as memorable and as much like home as possible. Thanks to the entire Supply team for their hard work and dedication to the benefit of the crew! Thank you for what you are doing to protect the freedom of our nation and for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis.

All the best, CAPT Thomas

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Celebrating Thanksgiving with Team Vinson Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James P. Bleyle

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ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) received an early Thanksgiving greeting when the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens visited the crew in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility, Nov. 27 - 28.

“It’s great to be back aboard Carl Vinson,” Greenert said.

“The last time I was here was September 2013, and I got to see first-hand Carl Vinson’s camaraderie, professionalism and unparalleled team work. There is no question in my mind that this ship is an example of true excellence, and I want to thank the crew for their crucial role in making that a reality.”

Team Vinson had a chance to speak directly with the Navy’s most senior leadership during an all-hands call on the ship’s hangar bay. Greenert commenced the ceremony by administering the oath of enlistment to 43 Team Vinson Sailors.

“I am incredibly honored to have reenlisted with the CNO,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st class Issa Khalil, Carl Vinson’s senior Sailor of the year. “When he instructed me onstage I

was pretty nervous, but he is an incredibly personable man.

It was an awesome experience, being up there in front of everybody.”

Greenert joked with Khalil onstage before asking the crowd of over 5,000 Sailors to break ranks and gather around the stage in a more intimate arrangement.

“This is our third Thanksgiving visit to the Arabian Gulf, to speak with the strike group that is currently deployed,” Greenert said. “My wife Darlene has joined me every time we’ve been out as well. MCPON and I are here to listen and to learn so we can go back to Washington and do what we need to do to lead, organize, train and equip the Sailors that will be relieving carrier strike group one, and to make the Navy a better place than it already is.”

Greenert and Stevens then opened the floor to questions from the crowd. Among the topics discussed were deployment cycles, the physical fitness assessment (PFA) and advancement regulations.

“Seeing this crew of focused experts, doing what they do best, is not only humbling and inspiring, but incredibly confidence-building for us.” Greenert said. “Seeing that dedication gives us strength to go back to Washington and fight those administrative battles, so we can continue to have the best Navy possible.”

Greenert and Stevens also served and shared a Thanksgiving meal with Team Vinson Sailors.

“It’s not everyday you get to sit down and talk with somebody that high up the chain of command,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Moffit, one of the Sailors selected to eat dinner with the CNO. “I felt honored to spend my Thanksgiving with them. I didn’t expect it, let alone know that it was going to happen. I was pretty excited when I found out about it.”

To conclude the all-hands call, Capt. Karl Thomas, Carl Vinson’s commanding officer expressed his gratitude to CNO and MCPON, for spending their holiday with the crew of his ship.

“I want to thank the CNO and MCPON for taking time out of their busy schedules to come out and spend Thanksgiving with us,” said Thomas . “It means so much to everyone aboard to have them with us during the holidays.”

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), serves cake to the crew during Thanksgiving dinner on the mess decks of Carl Vinson. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Brown.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), administers the oath of enlistment to 43 Team Vinson Sailors on the hanger bay aboard of Carl Vinson. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli.

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CENTCOM Commander Visits Carl Vinson Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James P. Bleyle

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en. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command, spoke to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an all-hands call held in the ship’s hangar bay, Nov. 25.

During his visit, Austin toured the ship, viewed flight operations and spoke with the ship’s Sailors of the year. He expressed his gratitude for their service and explained how Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 are impacting Operation Inherent Resolve.

“As you know, we have been in this fight against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) for several months now.

Carl Vinson’s transition into the theater was quite frankly, better than seamless,” said Austin. “This team has been executing well above the standard, even beyond imagination, ever since the ship has been in theater.”

Even though many of Carl Vinson’s crewmembers are not afforded the opportunity to see first-hand how their dayto-day work effects the fighting on the ground, Austin explained that the effects of their work is nothing shy of inspiring.

“Let me assure you that you are making a difference,” said Austin. “You are creating the effects that will cause us to be successful. ISIL wants to be perceived as invincible.

However, due to the hard work of the crew of Carl Vinson and the relentless force they bring to the fight, ISIL can no longer do that. The tide is turning.”

Austin added that Carl Vinson and CSG 1 have executed strikes against ISIL leaders, vehicles, maintenance facilities and ISIL-controlled oil collection and refineries, disrupting nearly every facet of their operation.

“We will be successful,” said Austin. “It will take time, but thanks to this crew’s hard work, dedication, and professionalism, Operation Inherent Resolve will succeed.”

Carl Vinson and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, are currently deployed supporting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, right, greets Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli.

Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) addresses the crew of Carl Vinson in the hangar bay, during an all-hands call. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex King.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Andre Fournier, right, briefs Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on the operations of a smart bomb in the hangar bay of the Carl Vinson. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli.

Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) addresses the crew of the Carl Vinson in the hangar bay, during an all-hands call. Photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli.

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Team Vinson participates in the “Turkey Trot” 5K Run to promote leukemia awareness on the flight deck aboard Carl Vinson.

Sailors assigned to Carl Vinson Weapons department pose with a photo of Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ashley Marie Ciepley after participating in the “Turkey Trot” 5K Run to promote leukemia awareness on the flight deck.

Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer of Carl Vinson poses in a photo with weapon department Sailors after participating in the “Turkey Trot” 5K Run to promote leukemia awareness on the flight deck.

Team Vinson members participate in the “Turkey Trot” 5K Run to promote leukemia awareness on the flight deck aboard Carl Vinson.

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Trotting for a Cause Story by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Travis Alston Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Alex King

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n an effort to promote leukemia awareness, and honor a shipmate, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) participated in a “Turkey Trot “ 5K Run, on the flight deck, Nov. 23.

The event gave Sailors an opportunity to engage in physical training and to support their Shipmate, Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ashley Marie Ciepley in her fight against leukemia.

“As we go through our current deployment, it is important that we do events like this every few weeks to break up such a long deployment and build camaraderie,” said Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. “But most importantly, we are here to show our support to Airman Ciepley, who was diagnosed with leukemia. It is great to see this many people come out and support our Shipmate, and get a good work out.”

Jacquelyn Hernandez, Carl Vinson’s fit boss added that no matter how busy ship-board life becomes for her, she always makes time to honor and support her shipmates, “We are committed in acknowledging and supporting Ciepley,” said Hernandez. “Keeping those suffering from this illness motivated while educating ourselves concerning the disease, is extremely important.”

“Knowing that we are out here supporting the cause could make someone’s day and motivate them to keep pushing,” added Hernandez.

The 5k held special significance for crewmembers such as, Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Ashley Jones.

“Showing support is a big deal for me, since I lost a parent to cancer,” said Jones. “I’m going to take advantage of any opportunity to show my support.”

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Rallying Around a Shipmate Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer Photos courtesy of Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ashley Ciepley

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ailors are trained to run like well-oiled machines.

Some Sailors even appear to be invincible, due in part, to the circumstances they endure.

Occasionally, situations arise that shatter this perception for Sailors and expose the harsh truth that nothing in life is guaranteed and without warning, anyone can get news that will change their lives.

On Oct. 25, the life ofAviation Ordnanceman Airman Ashley Ciepley, assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Weapons department, was suddenly derailed, when the ship’s Medical department discovered that she had a blood disorder that would require evaluation ashore.

Ciepley was flown back to San Diego where, on Nov. 5, it was determined that she had leukemia.

“I instantly broke down into tears,” Ciepley said. “The news was completely unexpected.”

The news was equally devastating for everyone on the ship who knew Ciepley, and although they were separated by thousands of miles, they rallied around her.

“It is tough to realize that someone so young has this terrible illness,” said Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Al Schiftner, the ship’s weapons department leading chief petty officer. “Everybody wanted to help her as much as possible.”

With Carl Vinson currently deployed and Ciepley back in the United States receiving treatment, her Shipmates felt compelled to support her anyway they could.

“I have received emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls,” Ciepley said. “I still receive a great deal of messages, on a daily basis. Knowing I have so many people backing me up every step of the way helps me stay strong, positive and confident.”

Honored by the outpouring of support from her Shipmates, Ciepley says the disease has done little to alter her outlook on life.

“I refuse to let it effect me negatively,” Ciepley said. “I’m a very positive person and have learned that if you keep an

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optimistic attitude through all of this, it makes it a lot easier.”

According to Ciepley, she avoids getting overwhelmed by focusing on what she can control and remains grounded in reality by getting the care needed.

“I’m just putting one foot in front of the other and taking things day-by-day for right now,” Ciepley said. “I just finished my first cycle of chemotherapy. I also have another bone marrow biopsy coming up in a couple weeks to determine whether I will have to undergo more chemotherapy treatments. “ Ciepley feels her experiences have given her a more enlightened perspective and she has found the silver lining in the battle she is fighting.

“This has brought my family closer together, we’re much stronger now,” said Ciepley. “When you have cancer, you truly learn to cherish every moment and to savor every minute, of every day.

“I wake up and think, ‘today is a great day’,” said Ciepley.

“I am alive and feeling well, surrounded by my family and friends, and I am fortunate.

“I challenge everyone to try to live this way,” said Ciepley.

“It’s an amazing way to appreciate what you have in life, and to take nothing for granted.”

CNO Releases Navy’s Postition Repor t From the Chief of Naval Operations ,Public Affairs

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he Navy’s top leader released a detailed report Friday that highlights the U.S. Navy’s progress toward its vision, plans and current goals.

The Position Report: 2014 was posted to Navy’s website and to the leadership page of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert.

The document reviews the Navy’s progress over the last year in pursuing objectives laid out in the Sailing Directions and Navigation Plan 2015 - 2019, which can also be found on CNO’s leadership page.

“Just as we rely on a position report to aid navigation at sea, Position Report: 2014 allows us to ‘take a fix” on where we are today,” said Greenert. “It identifies the ‘course and speed’ changes necessary to stay on track while countering the ‘set and drift’ caused by emerging challenges or institutional issues that tend to take us off our intended track,” he said.

Greenert highlighted several areas across the service where Navy intends to build upon its 3 tenets of Warfighting First, Be Ready and Operate Forward. From information on ships and platforms to changes in presence the document highlights progress and continuing efforts.

One of many highlights included the development of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (O-FRP); a new readiness construct that improves maintenance and training predictability, ultimately providing stability for deploying Sailors, Marines and their Families.

The Navy continues to rebalance its forces to the AsiaPacific region, as noted in the report by the end of the fis-

cal year 2014 there were 41 ships and submarines based in theatre. In keeping with the tenet of Operating Forward Greenert said the Navy is on track to establish a fifth Amphibious Ready Group in the Pacific by 2018.

“It will be the most advanced and capable ARG in the fleet with one amphibious assault ship and two amphibious dock ships.”

CNO was clear in his Position Report that the Navy has an eye to the future with superb Sailors, Civilian, and their Families that have enabled the Navy to remain, ready, forward and engaged during challenging times.

Full Position Report: 2014 can be read here: http://www.navy.mil/cno/docs/141104_PositionReport.pdf

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), addresses the crew of the Carl Vinson in the hangar bay, during an all-hands call. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli.

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Photo by MCSN James P. Bleyle

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 Alex King

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Photo by MCSN Cody Howell

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

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Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 Alex King

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Team Vinson Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 Alex King

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

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From bottom left, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Airman Wesley A. McDonald, Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Dane N. Metz, Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Adrian R. Frausto, and Engineman Fireman Luis C. Lopez pose for a photo in the hangar bay aboard Carl Vinson.

Grappling in the Hangar Bay Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer

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o break the monotony of standard Navy physical training (PT), four Sailors aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are looking outside the proverbial box.

Training in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Dane N. Metz, Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Adrian R. Frausto, Engineman Fireman Luis C. Lopez and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Airman Wesley A. McDonald, hope to establish an all-inclusive PT program that will foster physical fitness, mental toughness and solidarity.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Airman Wesley A. McDonald, top, practices a choke hold on Engineman Fireman Luis C. Lopez, in the hangar bay, aboard Carl Vinson.

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Newcomers are welcomed to join the group’s training sessions in the ship’s hangar bay, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 - 11 a.m.

“Anyone is welcome to join us,” said Metz. “BJJ fosters confidence, dedication, attention to detail, respect for others, brotherhood, physical readiness and mental resilience.

All these are right in line with qualities required to be successful in the Navy.”

Metz’ was first introduced to BJJ, after returning from his first deployment.

“During my first deployment, my wife decided to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes,” Metz said. “When I got back, she showed me what she had learned and I was hooked. My wife and I started training together.”

Metz added, that he did not want to lose his passion for the sport, while Vinson is on her current deployment.

“I realized that others could benefit from the BJJ training regimen and it would be an appreciated social outlet,” said Metz. “So I began to train with my Shipmates, while underway. “ “I got started by watching Metz train in the hangar bay,” Frausto said. “When we train it is tiring, but fun. Having good training partners motivates me to keep coming back to workout. ” Having a safe training environment is vital in encouraging members to continue attending the training.

“It is important that anyone who watches us train, understands that safety is paramount to us,” said Metz. “We take

These Sailors are looking to not only build their numbers, but build on their individual Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills as well.

“When I started I just wanted to learn as much as possible and get into better shape,” Lopez said. “Now that I have made progress on that goal, I would love to one day participate in some tournaments and earn some belts in the BJJ discipline.”

The group also has some unified goals of what they would like to do for Sailors who may want to join them in their fitness efforts.

“Ideally we would like to talk to MWR and maybe order some new mats to roll on,” Metz said. “Maybe there is an opportunity to work our training into the classes they provide.”

Metz, Frausto, Lopez and McDonald have found a treasure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and none of them are shy about sharing what they gain when they train.

“This sport gives me so much energy and happiness and I love it,” Metz said. “Because of my experiences with BJJ, I’ve gained confidence, critical thinking and humility, not just with regard to BJJ but in all areas of my life.”

Engineman Fireman Luis C. Lopez, bottom, attempts a triangle choke on Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Adrian R. Frausto, in the hangar bay, aboard Carl Vinson.

all the necessary precautions to avoid injuries. The training people see is very slow and controlled.”

A session normally garners interest from crew members transiting the hangar bay and inevitably, the foursome will pause to hold an impromptu question and answer session.

“When they see us work out, people always ask us questions,” Frausto said. “We are happy to tell them what we are doing and to let them know they are more than welcome to join us.”

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USS Carl Vinson Intermediate Maintenance department, IM-4 division pose for a photo in the ground support equipment shop aboard Carl Vinson.

No Air Support without Ground Support Story and Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston

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viation support equipment technicians (AS) assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance department’s (AIMD) IM-4 division play a pivotal role in keeping the ship and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 mission ready.

Comprised of 46 Sailors, IM-4 division Sailors maintain and operate equipment needed to maintain aircraft aboard the ship.

“We are tasked with maintaining more than 1,382 pieces of GSE [ground support equipment] aboard the ship,” said Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Danita Winfrey, IM-4 leading chief petty officer. “Without support equipment, aircraft can’t safely launch from the flight deck.”

The division is broken down into six individual work centers, that resolve a variety of equipment issues.

“As a whole, we can deal with anything that comes our way,” said Lt. j.g. James Reach, IM-4 division officer. “We have a shop for engine related issues, hydraulics, tire and wheel, repair parts and general troubleshooting.

“In my opinion, we are the backbone of a replenishmentat-sea, due to the fact that our forklifts are used to onload and offload supplies, for nearly every department on the ship,” added Reach.

The job proficiency of IM-4, according to Reach, also has a drastic impact on various work performed around the ship.

“Our tow tractors are used to reposition aircraft in the hangar bay,” said Reach. “The maintainers in the jet shop use our crane to lift aircraft engines for better access, and the crash and salvage team utilizes our fire trucks on the flight deck.”

A major goal within the division is knowing when equipment is getting to its breaking point. This is a trait that must be honed by even the division’s most junior Sailor.

“It feels good to know that my rate has such a major im-

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pact on the ship,” said Aviation Equipment Support Technician Airman Janine Elpidio. “It gives me a lot of pride and job satisfaction to know what I do to help accomplish the Navy’s mission.

“We have to be knowledgeable on each piece of equipment we own,” added Elpidio. “Failing to do so, could cause serious damage to gear and most importantly, harm personnel.”

Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Apprentice Elmes Shemmon performs maintenance on a piece of ground support equipment (GSE) in the hangar bay of Carl Vinson.

IM-4 identifies and solves more than 10 trouble calls every day on board the ship.

“We understand and live by our motto ‘No air support without ground support’,” said Winfrey. “So we understand how important our role is. I’m very proud of my team and their hard work and motivation in their day-to-day task. I’m honored to be a part of this team.”

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review

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory D. Sanders

f you consider yourself to be a true basketball fan, a true ‘hooper’, or have ever thought about playing basketball, NBA 2K15 will fit perfectly into your life.

The second installment of the NBA 2K series, to be produced for X-box One and Playstation 4, 2K15 brings almost unreal graphics to the forefront the same way previous renditions of the series have. These graphics seat you on the bench with some of the best athletics in the world.

The soundtrack, executively produced by renowned musician Pharrell Williams, combines the intensity of hip hop and the relaxing vibes of pop, to get your adrenaline going.

The controls of 2K15 have not changed much from previous games in the series. But they didn’t need to be changed at all. The movements of players is just as crisp as before, although defenders may find themselves dealing with being driven to the paint more often by a faster player.

One of the newest features added to 2K15 is the shot meter, used to help players with the timing of a player’s shot, which veteran players and new players alike may

Keel-Hauled

have a hard time adjusting to. However, once perfected, a player can knock down nearly any shot with every player on their favorite team.

The game mode of MyPlayer is back, allowing you to put yourself into the NBA, literally, using the camera attachment on your game console. You can engage in a head-to-head game with friends with your favorite teams and have the usual, “Durant vs. Lebron” or “Irving vs.

Rose” contests. You can also manage and play as a franchise in 2K15’s general manager mode.

Overall, NBA 2K15 maintains the standards set by its predecessors; spectacular graphics, a smooth soundtrack, highlight moments, updated rosters including the rookies…. You name it, this game has it. Slight updates, like the shot meter or the increase in how frequently “and ones” occur; give gamers an opportunity to ask for changes, but change wouldn’t be necessary. The only complaint I could possibly have, is that there isn’t much more that I could ask for from the series.

This game is definitely a must play.

9/10

by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James P. Bleyle

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Team Vinson in the Spotlight

CTT3 Garrett E. Ivester Date: Nov. 21 Dept: Intelligence

LS3 (SW) Chao, Kelly Date: Nov. 24 Dept: Engineering

MC3 (SW) Shantece Gonzalez Date: Nov. 25 Dept: Media

CTT3 Ivester’s motivation and diligence in the electronic warfare module has superseded those normally set for and expected from a junior Sailor. His duties as a GALE-lite operator are usually preformed by a seasoned second class petty officer and carry a very high level of responsibility. He diligently tracks all vessels of interest and directly contributes to the daily identification of operationally significant signals of interests that provides indications and warnings.

LS3 Chao is a vital member of the Maintenance Support Center (MSC). She is responsible for ensuring that the more than 7,000 ship’s drawings and 8,000 technical manuals are ready for use and issue.

Her extensive knowledge of the inner workings of MSC contributes to her duties as the automated shore interface manager enabling her to maintain the ship’s consolidated shipboard alliance list, which ensures that the ship has the parts and material needed to remain fully mission ready.

MC3 Gonzalez provided photographic support for more than 40 events, and released 732 images on our social media sites and the Navy’s official website Navy.mil. As the media department social media P.O., she produced “10 Minutes with a Sailor,” connecting family members with their Sailors while on deployment. Her efforts increased the command’s social media presence, reaching more that 90,000 followers and 155,000 views.

DECKPLATE DI A LO G U E S What are you thankful for?

YN1 Tanishayla Andrews

IS2 Caitlyn Mckenna

LN1 Belinda Hall

YN3 Julian Hall

HM1 Erik Campos

“The opportunity to serve my country and my beautiful family.”

“Working with a lot of funny people.”

“America, Jesus, and freedom.”

“Each and every day.”

“Family!”

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OS3 (SW) Estephanie Lopez Date: Nov. 26 Dept: Operations

MMFN Daniel P. Raepsaet Date: Nov. 27 Dept: Engineering

MA3 (SW/AW) RAY S. ASUGEA Date: Nov. 28 Dept: Security

LS3 (AW) Sh-Shawna Jones Date: Nov. 29 Dept: Supply

OS3 Lopez has been essential in developing and publishing Carl Vinson’s daily schedule.

She is responsible for the identifying ship-wide training requirements for 19 departments. Her ability to generate the ship’s daily routine is impressive. Lopez actively seeks opportunity for increased responsibility and professional development. An active junior enlisted association participant, she was elected by her peers to serve as the association’s secretary. She is also enrolled in multiple NCPACE courses.

MMFN Raepsaet was a key member of a team who replaced a 1A main condensate pump. He worked 18 hours a day, removing interference piping and the old pump from 1 main machinery room. Additionally, he helped install the new main condensate pump and restore the system to full capability and saved the Navy $300,000.

MA3 Asuega is the first third class petty officer to qualify as watch commander and runs a section comprised of more than 45 personnel.

He directly supervises the day-to-day operations of the naval security forces (NSF) and in port security forces (ISF) personnel while in port.

He provides operational and administrative facets of law enforcement and anti-terrorism force protection (ATFP), training, investigations, non-judicial punishment (NJP), brig duties, and restriction for a major sea command.

LS3 Jones enforced strict inventory management controls in the main storeroom and maintained accountability of more than 12,000 repair parts valued at $7.5 million.

She also played a key role in the execution of 11 replenishment-at-sea evolutions and daily crane operations while inport, resulting in the safe and efficient transfer of 40,000 pallets of provisions, ship’s stores stock, mail, and general stores. Jones also facilitates a weekly in-rate training program for 39 Logistics Specialists.

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Art Class

our morale, welfare and recreation team provides a wide-variety of events for your enjoyment. I can’t please everyone, but as your fun boss, I owe it to you to try.

That said, a visual arts class is starting Dec. 4, every Thursdays on the aft mess deck at 2000.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jake Trubman, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, will facilitate the class.

Trubman, who has been drawing since he was a toddler, specializes in all sorts of media including painting, sketching, sculpting and metal-work. When not employed on the flight deck, Trubman is sketching portraits or painting.

Attendees can expect to walk away from this class with a greater knowledge of different techniques, improve on skills they may already have, or learn basic sketching techniques.

When asked about the Sailors who said they cannot draw, Trubman replied, “Even if you think you cannot draw, you still have a unique style, it just needs to be developed more. Drawing can be taught; it just takes a lot of time and practice to perfect. With the right drive, practice, and techniques, anyone can learn to create amazing artwork.”

Trubman also hopes to start an art club aboard the ship. Anyone interested in joining the art club, should contact Trubman or me.

As your fun boss, morale is my top priority. Therefore, if you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to contact me, or anyone on your MWR team.

Illustration by AM3 Jake Trubman

Illustration by ABEAN Broderick Antoine

Illustration by ABEAN Broderick Antoine

Illustration by AT3 Daniel Kopylov

Illustration by AM3 Jake Trubman

TV

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