Reflecting on Pearl Harbor by USS Carl Vinson

DECEMBER 7, 2014

VOL 5 ISSUE 33

Reflecting on Pearl Harbor

E IC VO

Table

r ilo ing

rit f or

AF ST

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITORS

r ilo

CAPT KARL THOMAS Commanding Officer

LCDR KYLE RAINES Public Affairs 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) TRAVIS ALSTON MC1(SW/AW) RYAN TABIOS

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT

MC3 CODY HOWELL MC3 (SW) CORY D. SANDERS

Contents 4

Remembering A Day of Infamy

Kuwaiti Ambassador Tours Vinson

PRs: Priceless Mission Support

..................................................................................................................................................................................

Answering the Call to Duty

Team Vinson Motivators

..................................................................................................................................................................................

N SO N O VIN RL L VINS N A C ON N CAR VINSO ON S N VI INSO ARL VINS RL MC3 JAMES P. BLEYLE CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N N C SO IN SO N ON LV MC3(SW) CURTIS D. SPENCER SO VIN INSON ARL V VINS CAR RL VIN ON RL VIN CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON RL A N C C IN SO RL IN SO ON LV ON VIN INSON ARL V VINS CAR RL VIN ON CA ARL V SON INS N RL LV CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON C RL VIN INSO R A O L VIN C VIN SONBROWN MC2(SW) NICHOLAS N NC LV CA LV NS AR SO RL L VIN N CAR RL VI ON C CARL NSON N CAR VINSO ON VIN S CA SCOTT I A INS MC2(SW/AW) FENAROLI O L L R O N N C V I S R R S A O L V N A A C VIN SON V RL VINS CAR RL VI ON C ARL SON N NC ON A IN MC2(SW) ALEX KING RL SO INS CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON C RL VIN INSO VIN LV O L L V N N A C V N I S R R I MC2(SW/AW) JOHNL VP. WAGNER C ARL SON CA O AR L VIN V A S C R N L C N R L VI N CA RL N CAR NSO N C VIN SON ON CA ARGONZALEZ I SO A O L MC3(SW) SHANTECE INS C VINSO SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS CAR RL VIN SON LV R LV N C ARL SON CA AR L VIN I A C R N V C N CA ARL SON CAR INSO N C VIN SON ARL SON SO O L VIN C VIN SON N C VIN SON LV VIN NS AR RL RL L VIN N CAR RL VI ON C CARL VINSO CARL L VIN N A A C C ACLINTON S A R N O R ABH3(AW/SW) ALEXIS ON SO C VINSO SON C L VIN INSON CARL INSON N CA VINS SON INS VIN RL L VIN N CAR RL V SON RL V VINSO CARL L VIN N LV RL ABHAN DERRICK R A N CA ARBODY A A A R I O C C VINSO SON C ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SONC ON C V INS IN SO RL IN IN N RL ON LV CA ARL V NSON ARL V VINS CARL RL VIN N CA ARL V INSO R A I O C C V N C ARL SON CA INS ON C RL V ON ON RL The Carl Vinson Voice is an CA VINSO SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS N CA VINS SON INS R LV LV C ARL NSO ARL VIN L VIN A R R N C A I internal document produced CA ARL SON CAR INSO N C RL V N N C ARL SON NC SO C VIN SON SO L V VINSO N CA VINSO SON C L VIN INSON VIN by and for the crew of the VIN AR R IN RL O RL A CA ARL V SON C CARL VINS CARL RL VIN N CA ARL V SON CARL C C VIN SON ARL SON CA INSO N C VIN SON USS Carl Vinson and their ON C V INS IN SO RL IN IN N RL ON LV CA ARL V NSON ARL V VINS CARL RL VIN N CA ARL V INSO R families. Its content does not A C VI N C ARL SON CA INSO ON C RL V ON NC RL SO necessarily reflect the offical CA VINSO SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS N CA VINS SON VIN R LV O L L L N C L VIN I S A R R R R A view of the U.S. government CA ARL SON C CAR INSON N CA RL VIN N CA ARL V SON NC O N C VIN N O CA C VIN SON SO LV SO NS INS VIN or the Departments of RL L VIN N CAR RL VI SON RL V VINSO CARL L VIN N L A R C AR A A A R IN O C VINSO SON C ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SONC Defense or Navy and O L N IN SONCarl Cover 70) Sailors arrive at the USS Arizona Memorial in N L V Vinson VIN SO NS CARL(CVN N C -L VUSS I AR RL VIphoto R L O V N C A R I S R LV does not imply any N C CARL NSON N CA L VIN N CA L Harbor, VIN N CA ARHawaii O I S R Pearl for a reenlistment and promotion ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by O O R O endorsement therein. CA VINS SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS N CA VINS SON CSpecialist IN AR RL V RL LClass RL INSO 2nd IN RL Communication N V C Mass James R. Evans. A A V A N O C C N V C ARL SO S A R O C VIN SON C L VIN INSON CARL INSON N CA VINS SON R LV O L VIN N L VIN V S A R R O L N C A CA ARL SON CAR VINS CAR RL VI N C ARL SON C VIN SON ARL SON CA INSO N C VIN SON C V IN SO RL IN IN RL ON CA ARL V NSON ARL V VINS CARL RL VIN N CA ARL V I O

STAFF WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

..................................................................................................................................................................................

STRINGERS

Facebook.com/USSVINSON

Captain’s Corner

usually sit down to jot down a post after taking on copious amounts of fuel and stores--depicting the huge amount of supplies it takes to run the ship. This time, I chose to seek out some hard working Sailors who prepare us to take on copious amounts of fuel and to learn a little bit more about the watches in our JP-5 pump rooms. JP-5 is the nomenclature for the jet fuel we use in our aircraft. It has a lower flash point than the fuel found on shore bases to improve shipboard safety. With Judge in tow, we headed down the 190 Frame ladderwell. Down, down we went well below the waterline to the 7th deck where the pump room is located. My intent was to show our Judge a shaft alley and then take him to the #3 JP-5 pump room where I knew I would find a few Sailors standing watch. We unexpectedly popped in on ABF2(AW) Ladeveontae “DV” Wardlaw and his under instruct ABFAA Whitney Anderson. ABF2 has been onboard CARL VINSON since April 2010. I had a chance to frock him to second class last week in the hangar bay, and he proudly mentioned it was his most memorable moment onboard the ship. I think it was his most recent memorable moment considering how long he has served on this ship (this is his second deployment onboard). As one of the more seasoned Aviation Boatswain Mate Fuels-nearly four years--he was teaching ABFAA how to stand

“Console Operator.” Wednesday, we took on nearly 500,000 gallons of fuel. After checking the replenishment ship’s fuel to ensure it was clean, we opened the down combers and allowed the fuel to fill storage tank after storage tank, opening and closing valves to control the flow and direction. At the console, the valves can be electronically manipulated and the tanks can automatically be sounded and totaled to keep track of every drop of fuel on the ship. I asked ABFAA what we do to the fuel to clean it before pumping it into the aircraft. Eager to display her knowledge, she explained how we “strip” the fuel from the storage tanks (pull it from the middle of the tank so we don’t pull up the impurities that tend to settle to the bottom of the tank), run it through our fuel purifiers which spin the fuel at 4,100 RPM to separate the more dense water out of the fuel, and then pump it up to the service tanks where it awaits a thirsty aircraft. The fuel is sampled throughout the process to ensure our jets receive only the highest quality fuel. As a young Airman Apprentice, I was impressed ABFAA Anderson was already working on the highest qualification. She was clearly a go-getter, and she explained the qualification progression started with “Sounder” (learning how to take manual readings in case our automated system fails), to “Fuel Security Rover” (learning where all our tanks are located to rove and ensure the integrity of our systems), to “Filter Pump/Purifier Operator” (the individuals who operate the purifiers and pumps in the room next to the console room that move the fuel around the ship and to the flight deck) and finally “Console Operator” (the supervisor of fuel for their portion of the ship). These two Sailors are yet another great example of young members of our team, located deep in the bottom of the ship, doing their job day in and day out to ensure we can take the fight to ISIS. Every job has a purpose, and it is very easy to trace the impact of each Sailor and his or her job to safely launching aircraft day in and day out. You are America’s finest and I’m proud to serve with you. As you relax about the ship on this Sunday, I hope you find time to unwind a bit, but also reflect on what this day means in the history of our great nation. It was December 7, 1941 when the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Japanese naval and air forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated this is “...a date which will live in infamy.” America was shook to her core but found an inner courage to prevail over the forces that would do us harm. Rest assured that your efforts today, fighting terrorism and the radicals who seek to do harm to innocent civilians, has roots in the response the nation displayed following this surprise attack at Pearl Harbor 73 years ago. Keep up the professionalism and great teamwork; you are making a tremendous difference in this world every day, just like our naval forefathers did back then.

Carl Vinson Reflects on the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Story and photos courtesy of NavyHistory.mil

he road to war between Japan and the United States began in the 1930s’ when differences over China drove the two nations apart. In 1931, Japan conquered Manchuria, which until then had been part of China. In 1937, Japan began a long and ultimately unsuccessful campaign to conquer the rest of China. In 1940, the Japanese government allied their country with Nazi Germany in the Axis Alliance, and, in the following year, occupied all of Indochina. The United States, which had important political and economic interests in East Asia, was alarmed by these Japanese moves. The U.S. increased military and financial aid to China, embarked on a program of strengthening its military power in the Pacific, and cut off the shipment of oil and other raw materials to Japan. Because Japan was poor in natural resources, its government viewed these steps, especially the embargo on oil, as a threat to the nation’s survival. Japan’s leaders responded by resolving to seize the resource-rich territories of Southeast Asia, even though that move would certainly result in war with the United States. The problem with the plan was the danger posed by the U.S. Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, commander of the Japanese fleet, devised a plan to immobilize the U.S. fleet at the outset of the

war with a surprise attack. The key elements in Yamamoto’s plans were meticulous preparation, the achievement of surprise, and the use of aircraft carriers and naval aviation on an unprecedented scale. In the spring of 1941, Japanese carrier pilots began training in the special tactics called for by the Pearl Harbor attack plan. In October 1941, the naval general staff gave final approval to Yamamoto’s plan, which called for the formation of an attack force commanded by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo. It centered around six heavy aircraft carriers accompanied by 24 supporting vessels. A separate group of submarines was to sink any American warships, which escaped the Japanese carrier force. Nagumo’s fleet assembled in the remote anchorage of Tankan Bay in the Kurile Islands and departed in strictest secrecy for Hawaii, Nov. 26, 1941. The ships’ route crossed the North Pacific and avoided normal shipping lanes. At dawn, Dec. 7 1941, the Japanese task force had approached undetected to a point slightly more than 200 miles north of Oahu. At this time the U.S. carriers were not at Pearl Harbor. On Nov. 28, Adm. Kimmel sent USS Enterprise under Rear Adm. William Halsey to deliver Marine Corps fighter planes to Wake Island. On Dec. 4, Enterprise delivered the aircraft and on Dec. 7 the task force was on its

way back to Pearl Harbor. On Dec. 5, Kimmel sent the USS Lexington with a task force under Rear Adm. Newton to deliver 25 scout bombers to Midway Island. The last Pacific carrier, USS Saratoga, had left Pearl Harbor for upkeep and repairs on the west coast. At 6 a.m., Dec. 7, the six Japanese carriers launched a wave of 181 planes composed of torpedo bombers, dive-bombers, horizontal-bombers and fighters. Even as they winged south, some elements of U.S. forces in Oahu, realized there was something different about this Sunday morning. In the hours before dawn, U.S. Navy vessels spotted an unidentified submarine periscope near the entrance to Pearl Harbor. It was attacked and reported sunk by the destroyer USS Ward (DD 139) and a patrol plane. At 7 a.m., an alert operator of an Army radar station at Opana spotted the initial wave of the attack force. The officers, to whom those reports were relayed, did not consider them significant enough to take action. The report of the submarine sinking was handled routinely, and the radar sighting was passed off as an approaching group of American planes due to arrive that morning. The Japanese aircrews achieved complete surprise when they hit American ships and military installations on Oahu shortly before 8 a.m. They attacked military airfields at the same

time they hit the fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor. The Navy air bases at Ford Island and Kaneohe Bay, the Marine airfield at Ewa and the Army Air Corps fields at Bellows, Wheeler and Hickam were all bombed and strafed, as other elements of the attacking force began their assaults on the ships moored in Pearl Harbor. The purpose of the simultaneous attacks was to destroy the American planes before they could rise to intercept the Japanese.

Of the more than 90 ships at anchor in Pearl Harbor, the primary targets were the eight battleships anchored there. Seven were moored on Battleship Row along the southeast shore of Ford Island, while the USS Pennsylvania (BB 38) lay in dry-dock across the channel. Within the first minutes of the attack all the battleships adjacent to Ford Island had taken bomb and or torpedo hits. The USS West Virginia (BB 48) sank quickly. The USS Oklahoma (BB 37) turned turtle and sank. At about 8:10 a.m., the USS Arizona

(BB 39) was mortally wounded by an armor-piercing bomb, which ignited the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forward ammunition magazine. The resulting explosion and fire killed 1,177 crewmen, the greatest loss of life on any ship that day and about half the total number of Americans killed. The USS California (BB 44), USS Maryland (BB 46), USS Tennessee (BB 43) and USS Nevada (BB 36) also suffered varying degrees of damage in the first half hour of the raid. There was a short lull in the fury of the attack at about 8:30 a.m. At that time the USS Nevada (BB-36), despite her wounds, managed to get underway and move down the channel toward the open sea. Before she could clear the harbor, a second wave of 170 Japanese planes, launched 30 minutes after the first, appeared over the harbor. They concentrated their attacks on the moving battleship, hoping to sink her in the channel and block the narrow entrance to Pearl Harbor. On orders from the harbor control tower, the USS Nevada (BB 36) beached herself at Hospital Point and the channel remained clear. When the attack ended shortly before 10 a.m., less than two hours after it began, the American forces had paid a fearful price. Twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were sunk or damaged: the battleships USS Arizona (BB 39), USS California (BB 44), USS Maryland (BB 46), USS Nevada (BB 36), USS Oklahoma (BB 37), USS Pennsylvania (BB 38), USS Tennessee (BB 43) and USS West Virginia (BB 48); cruisers USS Helena (CL 50), USS Honolulu (CL 48) and USS Raleigh (CL 7); destroyers USS Cassin (DD 372), USS Downes (DD 375),

USS Helm (DD 388) and USS Shaw (DD 373); seaplane tender USS Curtiss (AV 4); target ship (ex-battleship) USS Utah (AG 16); repair ship USS Vestal (AR 4); minelayer USS Oglala (CM 4); tug USS Sotoyomo (YT 9); and Floating Drydock Number 2. Approximately 188 aircraft were destroyed and 159 damaged, the majority hit before they had a chance to take off. More than 2,400 American lives were lost. That figure included 68 civilians, most of them killed by improperly fused anti-aircraft shells landing in Honolulu. There were 1,178 military and civilian wounded.

Japanese losses were comparatively light. Twenty-nine planes, less than 10 percent of the attacking force, failed to return to their carriers. The Japanese success was overwhelming, but it was not complete. They failed to damage any American aircraft carriers, which by a stroke of luck, had been absent from the harbor. They neglected to damage the shoreside facilities at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, which played an important role in the allied victory in World War II. American technological skill raised and repaired all but three of the ships sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor; the USS Arizona (BB 39) considered too badly damaged to be salvaged, the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) raised and considered too old to be worth repairing, and the obsolete USS Utah (AG 16). Most importantly, the shock and anger caused by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, united a divided nation and was translated into a whole-hearted commitment to victory in World War II.

Story by Aviation Boatswain’s Mate(Handling) Airman Derrick. P. Body Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shantece Gonzalez

ouglas A. Silliman, United States ambassador to Kuwait, visited USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), to witness Team Vinson’s impact on Operation Inherent Resolve first-hand, Dec. 1. During his visit, Silliman toured the ship, viewed flight operations and met with Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1’s top leaders. “I am very impressed with the dedication, professionalism and preciseness of this crew,” Silliman said. “I commend you all on your perpetual sacrifice. Every minute you all spend away from your families serving our country, creates a more safe and secure environment for them. I am happily married and a father of two. Leaving for business engagements is too long to be apart. On the other hand, the more time you all spend out to sea, allows everyone to become more proficient at his or her various jobs.” Although Silliman has no military experience, he has served in various U.S. and foreign jobs and is exceptionally knowledgeable concerning military operations. “Carl Vinson and her strike group is imperative in regard to Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Silliman. “As a team, you’ve contributed to the mission’s success. I want to assure you that your hard work and diligence is not going unnoticed.” Before departing the ship, a few of Team Vinson’s aviation ordnancemen briefed Silliman on the capabilities of their ordnance. “I am astonished and enlightened,” Silliman said. “This is evidence that supports the success and effectiveness of the air strikes against ISIL. Thank you Carl Vinson and CSG 1 for planting the seed of confidence back into our hearts. If you ever need anything from Kuwait or me, we will be happy to lend a helping hand.”

Members of a distinguished visitor tour group pose in the hangar bay of the Carl Vinson.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Brittany Gippi explains ordnance capabilities to a distinguished visitor tour group.

Capt. Karl Thomas, Carl Vinson commanding officer, briefs members of a distinguished visitor tour group.

The Priceless Mission Suppor t of the PR Shop Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer

Aircrew survival equipmentmen (PR) attached to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), work day and night supporting the ship and its embarked air wing missions. Assigned to Vinson’s aviation intermediate maintenance department’s (AIMD) IM-2 division, PRs are responsible for a wide range of tasks encompassing maintenance for all aviation life support systems (ALSS). “Primarily, we maintain, inspect and test the gear our pilots and aircrew need to survive in the event of an emergency,” said Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Peter Petroski, PR shop branch chief. “We are responsible for the systems that save their lives. We inspect parachutes, seat pans, oxygen regulators, life preservers and anything else needed to survive in the event the aircrew are forced to eject.” Petroski is proud that a group of only 11 Sailors can produce the quality and quantity of work his Sailors regularly complete. With the never-ending cycle of gear issue and maintenance, the PR shop is very busy. “This keeps us on our toes with new challenges every day. Since we started this deployment, we have logged 3,505 [pieces of gear] processed,” stated Petroski. For the PR shop, managing the work-load is a team effort. “Our day and night shifts work seamlessly together,” Petroski said. “One shift fills in behind the other to ensure every job is completed based on the squadron’s priorities.” Typically, when a squadron has gear due for inspection, the PR Shop issues the squadron new equipment, while also testing gear and repairing discrepancies. Like anything else in Navy life, there are many factors beyond this small department simply doing its job that make it worthy of accolade. The success of the shop rests in more intangible attributes.

One of the many pieces of aviation life support equipment that Aircrew survival equipmentmen (PR) attached to Carl Vinson maintain.

“Our team is top notch,” said Lt. Phil Torem, IM-2 division officer. “There is a lot of hard work that enables the team to succeed. Everyone has a role to play and a contribution to make.” According to Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen 3rd Class Domonique Wray, PR shop night production supervisor, the motivation to perform at such a high-tempo level is driven by the drastic importance of their support to the warfighter. “You only get one shot to do the job right. You can’t take anything for granted” Wray said. Wray also takes a lot of pride knowing that others rely on his division to get the job done right the first time, every time. “I really love this job,” Wray added. “I know we are making a huge impact. The job we do might be responsible for saving somebody’s life. You can’t put a price on that.”

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Tanya Rosales mends a piece of equipment inside the para-loft shop.

? ?

ASK THE

CHIEF

What advice would you give to Sailors who did not advance this past exam cycle? - First, do not give up! Second, get ahead of the game and check out the in-rate bibliography and start studying now!

How do Sailors maximize the opportunity of a port call they are expected to visit a few times? - The ship has great MWR tours. I would recommend signing up for at least one tour every time the ship pulls into port and experience the culture as much as possible. You should always take advantage of the opportunities the Navy has to offer.

The Holidays are upon us, what can Sailors do to alleviate the stress and feelings of homesickness? -The most important thing here is to always keep in touch with your family back home. And now with WiFi everywhere and all the devices Sailors have, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot easier to speak to and often have video conversations with your loved ones.

4. How have liberty policies changed since you joined the Navy?

-Wow!! I have lost track of how many times the policies have changed, but I have to say it is night and day from my first days in the Navy to now!

NEWLY

QUALIFIED ABH1 Martinez, Jesus CS1 Schoeppner, Bryan AC2 Collazocabrera, Juan AC2 Lincoln, Charles IS2 Lino, Elmer J. ABH3 Parker, Kaitlin AD3 Casillas, Adrian AO3 Reed, Jonathan BM3 Tidd, Jeremy EM3 Dante, Jessica EM3 Gonzalez, Javier EM3 Gonzalez, Margarita HM3 Ramirez, Florentino IC3 Marcus, Taunisha

IC3 McHargue, Ian IS3 Wilkey, Christopher IT3 Martinez, Nadine AMEAN Jemison, Terrell AOAN Collins, Daneeca AZAN Leach, Ulises BMSN Franklin, Tyteanna LSSN Gay, Daniel OSSN Dominguez, Zakiya OSSN Ruiz, Javier SN Balis, Marlee SN Brown, Angel SN Grassmuck, Maicie SN Keylor, Brandi

AC2 Suppes, Austin GM2 Johnson, Zachary OS2 Chatlin III, Walter OS2 Lopez, Estephanie ET3 Estes, Tasha PR3 Varner, Antonio ABEAN Arrien, Drew

ABFAA Brooks, Clifford ABHAN Earley, Shaquille AMAN Pleasant, Tyler AN Broadfoot, Cody AN Smith, Steven AOAN Mceacharn, Ashton

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 Alex King

Around

Photo by MC3 Bryan Jackson

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC3 Eric Coffer

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Team Vinson Photo by MC3 Bryan Jackson

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Tournament Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James P. Bleyle Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Wagner

nswering America’s call to duty, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which includes strike operations in Iraq and Syria, the crew of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was given the opportunity to answer a slighty different call to duty, Dec. 3. Vinson’s morale, welfare and recreation division held a Call of Duty: Advance Warfare video-game tournament on the ship’s mess decks, to give the crew a chance to unwind and enjoy some much deserved off-time. Ten players engaged in bracketed 1-on-1 combat in the “Search and Destroy” game mode, in which they lead small groups of computer-controlled teams and try to destroy one of two odjectives located on the map. “Setting up for this tournament was fun,” said Rebekah Team Vinson members play Call of Duty: Advance Warfare during a bracketed McKoy, Carl Vinson’s fun boss. “I played the videogame 1-on-1 combat tournament on the mess decks of Carl Vinson. myself, to decide on the perfect game mode to use for the competition.” “Events such as this are an important part of keeping morale high for the crew and can provide a much-needed change of pace,” said McKoy. “These events help me relax,” said Hull Technician 3rd Class Marvin Gonzales. “I get to meet new people who all play the same games as me. Back home, I play a lot of Call of Duty, so being able to go head-to-head while at sea, is fantastic.” Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was released Nov. 3 of this year amid a flurry of media buzz. Some of that talking was happening right here aboard Carl Vinson. “Some of my MWR personnel were talking about some of the new games that were coming out this year,” McKoy said. “Call of Duty Team Vinson members prepare to play Call of Duty: Advance Warfare during a bracketed 1-on-1 combat was the most exciting one on the tournament on the mess decks of Carl Vinson. list. The game is so new, I had to have it specially ordered. My on-shore contact bought several copies for the ship the day it came out, just so we could have this tournament.” The tournaments and events like this seem to be doing their job. Many Sailors claim these events make them feel more at home during deployment. “These events remind me of being back with my friends,” Gonzales said. “We would stay up late playing video games and have a blast doing it. Going to these events has helped me make friends on the ship and brought some of that feeling back.” So while Team Vinson is deployed supporting their role in the fight against ISIL and anwering their country’s callto serve, their off-duty time is spent responding to another call – the Call of Duty. Team Vinson members play Call of Duty: Advance Warfare during a bracketed 1-on-1 comabt tournament on the mess decks of Carl Vinson.

Q: Why did the Department of Labor start the program? A: To give military members the chance to use the skills they acquire while on active duty and help them transition to a career in the civilian sector.

Q&A with

AZ1

Craft

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James P. Bleyle

USMAP

he United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), established by the Department of Labor, is designed to give active duty military members the opportunity to earn an apprentice journeyman’s license, by working in a specific field as an apprentice, while doing their primary military job. To gain a better understanding of this program, the Voice staff met with Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Rodshawn Craft, Carl Vinson’s USMAP coordinator.

Q: Why is USMAP an important asset to Sailors? A: The job you do in the military most likely matches a career in the civilian job sector. That’s why the Department of Labor wants veterans to have the credentials for jobs outside the military. If I’m an employer and you just tell me, or someone informs me, that you have 20 years of experience in a job, I still need to see the proof that you are proficient. That’s where USMAP comes in. It documents specific jobs, so you can earn your journeyman’s license, which will provide proof of your experience in your career field. Competitors in the civilian world often have their hours of apprenticeship documented for employers to see, so USMAP is the avenue for Sailors to have that documentation as well. Q: How do you enroll in USMAP? A: It’s very simple: Go to https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil, and click on “Enroll/ Reinstate” and then fill in your information on the site, and you’re enrolled. Q: What qualifications do you need to enroll? A: You must be active duty Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy, be designated in a rating, have sufficient time to complete the program while on active duty and possess a high school diploma or GED. Also, the trade you select, must be your primary job at your command. Q: What rates does USMAP apply to? A: Almost all rates. In the past, the program lacked apprenticeships opportunities for aviation rates. During a recent briefing concerning the program, it was confirmed that the program would add more journeyman’s licenses for those ratings. Q: What are the benefits of enrolling in this program? A: The greatest benefit is having a journeyman’s license. It gives you the advantage over those in the civilian sector who only have apprenticeship experience. You also have documented hours of the apprenticeship tasks you needed

to complete in order to earn that license. Q: How often do you need to update your information on USMAP and why is it important to stay on top of it? A: You should log your work hours at least once a month, but document those hours weekly. It’s important to stay on top of that because you don’t want to get behind on those hours and not receive credit for the work you’ve done. Q: If you don’t want a job similar to your Navy rate, should you still enroll in USMAP? A: It broadens your technical knowledge, area of expertise and options available to you after you transition to the civilian work force. It also looks impressive on your resume. Even if you’d like to convert rates, earn a journeyman’s license in your current rate just to have that experience and certification. Q: When it comes to tracking work history in the Navy, what other programs in addition to USMAP should Sailors be aware of to set themselves up for post-military success? A: If you want more credentials, I’d suggest checking out both Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) and Defense Activity for Non Traditional Educational Support. (DANTES). You can find links to information for both programs by navigating to the Navy e-Learning tab on NKO or with a simple Google search. Q: Why is it important Sailors safeguard their careers with programs like USMAP? A: People often don’t account for all the programs that are offered to them. There are so many resources at your disposal with the Navy College offices, tuition assistance, the G.I. Bill and USMAP where the Department of Labor is even reaching out to military personnel to help them succeed in their occupations. That’s one of the great things about the military, if you want to do something with your career there’s likely an avenue for it already set in place. You just have to seek out the program that best fits your plan for your career.

Team Vinson Motivators Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Alston

oping to encourage physical fitness and break the routine of standard Navy physical training, two new motivators have joined Carl Vinson’s fitness team; Master Chief Master-at-Arms Gerald Killinger and Senior Chief Navy Counselor Kim Lewis. Killinger, the ship’s security department leading chief petty officer, facilitates a functional fitness class Mondays and Fridays at 1600, in the ship’s hangar bay. Functional fitness includes elements of gymnastics, metabolic conditioning and Olympic style weightlifting. “When I first checked aboard the ship, the previous fit boss was running the class,” said Killinger. “I was just a participant and really enjoyed the class. Once she left, the previous security officer, and I continued to run the classes. Once the new fit boss arrived, I asked if I could continue, and she agreed.” But those looking for a more up-tempo work-out, capable of burning more than 1,000 calories in 45 minutes, can catch Lewis, sweating, peddling and partying, during spin class. Spinning is an exercise where a person rides a stationary bicycle with a weighted flywheel, in a group setting, Mondays at 2359 and Thursdays at 1730 in the ship’s seaside gym.

Master Chief Master-at-Arms Gerald Killinger ensures participants are doing exercise correctly, during a functional fitness class on the hangar bay of the Carl Vinson.

Senior Chief Navy Counselor Kim Lewis facilitates a spin class at the seaside gym aboard Carl Vinson.

“I’m currently the command fitness leader for Carrier Airwing 17, and in my opinion, if you are going to take on that role, you should facilitate or assist with some type of fitness class at the command,” said Lewis. “I coordinated and trained with the current fit boss, and was allowed to facilitate spin class. After recovering from an injury, the ship’s physical therapy technician, HM1 [Hospital Corpsman 1st class] Bernard advised me to reduce my work-out routine. So in order to maintain my fitness and get a good work out, I started spin.” Lewis added that spin’s midnight session allows those who work uncertain schedules the opportunity to join in the spinning experience. “Depending on the flight schedule, the class can be extremely packed,” added Lewis. “A lot of our pilots will attend the midnight class, due to their schedule.” According to Killinger, fitness level has a drastic impact on a Sailor’s ability to do their job, therefore no matter how unpredictable their schedule is, regular exercise should be included in their lives. “Although our job isn’t as physically demanding as the Army or the Marines Corps, fitness plays a major role in our day-to-day lives. You may have to pull, drag or carry a Shipmate to safety. How can you do that if you can barely run a few yards without getting out of breathe? The culture of fitness is extremely important to the warfigther.” Unlike Killinger’s stern hand during functional fitness, Lewis’ goal is to motivate the crew while having a little fun. “Make your workouts fun,” said Lewis. “Even though you are focused on the end result, you still have to make them fun. If you take it all too serious, you will never really achieve your goal. One of your workouts have to be fun, and it will encourage you to come back. Every session has been enjoyable for me. It’s like a party on a bike.”

Team Vinson in the Spotlight

PS3 Antonio L. Hill Date:Dec. 1 Dept: Administrations

AO3(AW) James McCaughan Date: Dec. 2 Dept: Weapons

A W D D

PS3 Hill assisted the education service officer preparing for the frocking ceremony, ensuring 320 frocking letters were available and sorted in the order in which they were presented to the candidates. Additionally, Hill contributed to the military pay section in preparing $103,000 worth of collection vouchers for Sailors contributing to the saving deposit program while the ship is operating in the combat zone tax exclusion area.

AO3 McCaughan was a key player in the repair of a fireplug serving 6-128-0-M weapons magazine. He led a team in clearing debris that caused a leak, thereby ensuring the fire station and the magazine sprinkler system remained fully operational. As G-3 division zone liaison, he prepared and corrected more than 100 zone spaces, to include all six magazine series groupings. Also, he was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of 250 spaces and more than 2,000 pieces of damage control equipment.

A u p s d e i c h f t i w d i p $

DECKPLATE DI A LO G U E S

What do you think will help boast morale aboard the ship?

Lt. Curtiss Dwyer

ABHAN Marino Waters

HM2(SW) Zachary Frates

SHSN Elisha Briscoe

AM2 Amanda Palmer

“Stay good with God.”

“More sports nights.”

“Being able to take a nap in the middle of the day would boost my moral.”

“More crew-wide festivities, like movie nights.”

“More game nights and departmental functions.”

AD3 William Probeck Date: Dec. 3 Dept: AIMD

ABHAN Kevin Ryan Trussell Date: Dec. 4 Dept: Air

IT3 Stephen C. Gilbert Date: Dec. 5 Dept: Combat Systems

SN(SW) Dillon W. Froom Date: Dec. 6 Dept: Deck

AD3 Probeck discovered unidentifiable granular particles on the seventh stage compressor blades during a F404-GE-400 engine inspection. He immediately made the call to remove the top half of the compressor for further inspection leading to the discovery of a 5/8 inch piece of .032 safety wire that was not visible during pre-cell bore scope inspection. His attacks potentially saved the Navy $ 1.5 million dollars.

Airman Trussell’s motivation and perseverance on the flight deck has superceded those normally set for and expected from a junior Sailor. His duties as a flight deck aircraft director are usually carried by a senior second class petty officer. His responsibilities include the preparation, spotting, launching and safe recovery of all fixed-wing aircraft. His understanding aided in qualifying six Royal Navy sailors during a joint military effort with the United Kingdom to address Carrier and Air Wing capability and interoperability.

IT3 Gilbert oversaw the scanning and electronic filing of 600 system authorization access request forms, ensuring that all Carl Vinson Sailors were able to support the command’s mission. He installed seven anti-virus definitions, ensuring compliance with U.S. 5th Fleet’s best practices and procedures. Additionally, Gilbert responded to five Navy cyber defense operations command tickets and provided network stability and protection on 28 tactical and non-tactical systems.

Seaman Froom is responsible for the cleanliness, appearance and maintenance of the XO’s passageway. His work was praised by the chain of command during recent DV visits. He applied fancy work on the handrails, made and hung new curtains, painted the bulkheads and polished the bright work. Also, he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification within one year of being onboard and is now pursuing his Enlisted Aviation Warfare qualification.

review

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Alston

rom jump, I want you all to know, I am a very mediocre Call of Duty player, but in the words of Lt.j.g Robert Bell, “I’m a gamer.” Before we get into the specifics, there are some drastic differences in this year’s Call of Duty. It’s the first in the series to benefit from a threeyear development cycle – an ideal length of time for creating a big-budget game, and a length of time not always afforded by publishers. The idea now is that three developers will take turns making a new game each year: Infinity Ward (Ghosts), Treyarch (Black Ops), and new studio Sledgehammer Games. Developed by Sledgehammer, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, predicts battlegrounds of the future, where both technology and tactics have taken steps to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. The game unfolds in a future incarnation of earth in which weapon technology and military might have been denationalized. Private military corporations have become the dominant armed forces for many countries, which must outsource their military needs, redraw borders and rewrite international law. The storyline is as compelling as a movie, and stars

Keel-Hauled God, I HATE that Rick guy!

I know! He‛s so annoying!

Uh oh, don‛t look now, but here he comes...

Kevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons, the founder and president of the Atlas Corporation, the world’s largest private military corporation. Thanks to an exoskeleton (EXO) suit, you can boost jump 20 feet in the air, which immediately increases your tactical options in any situation. In both single and multiplayer modes, the maps are cleverly designed to encourage and reward vertical movement. The EXO allows the player to do more than simply jump high, they’re also able to change direction in mid-air and boost forward. You can also dodge left, right, and backwards when on the ground, with a simple flick of the analogue stick. Visually, this game is beautiful. The graphics are second-to-none. When I started playing a few days ago, a Shipmate asked me what movie I was watching. This game really pushes the limit of a next generation engine. I’m not going to spoil much more concerning the story, but the game is a must have.

10/10

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James P. Bleyle

Wassup man?

Hey guys!

Is he gone? Hey Rick! Finally. What a jerkface!

Hey, I can‛t stay, but I just wanted to let you know I got you a pizza in the back to say thank you! See you guys!

So rude.

NOW PLAYING CARL VINSON CINEMA REQUEST A MOVIE!

MONDAY

BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL ENDLESS LOVE ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS HEAVEN IS FOR REAL NEW YEAR’S EVE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL ENDLESS LOVE ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS HEAVEN IS FOR REAL NEW YEAR’S EVE FANTASTIC 4: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER

0815 1000 1230 1445 1645 1830 2015 2230 0045 0245 0430

BRICK MANSIONS ABOUT TIME BROKEN CITY LET’S BE COPS NEIGHBORS BRICK MANSIONS ABOUT TIME BROKEN CITY LET’S BE COPS NEIGHBORS CLOUD ATLAS

TUESDAY

0815 1015 1245 1430 1615 1800 2015 2245 0030 0215 0400

ALL IS LOST BEAUTIFUL CREATURES FOUR CHRISTMASES A THOUSAND WORDS ONE FOR THE MONEY ALL IS LOST BEAUTIFUL CREATURES FOUR CHRISTMASES A THOUSAND WORDS ONE FOR THE MONEY LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING

0815 1015 1200 1415 1630 1845 2030 2215 0030 0245 0500

FILLY BROWN ENOUGH SAID 47 RONIN 300’ END OF WATCH FILLY BROWN ENOUGH SAID 47 RONIN 300’ END OF WATCH LEE DANIEL’S THE BUTLER

0815 1045 1300 1500 1645 1900 2130 2345 0145 0330 0545

THE BOOK THIEF ENTRAPMENT THE GRINCH THE NUTCRACKER GRUDGE MATCH THE BOOK THIEF ENTRAPMENT THE GRINCH THE NUTCRACKER GRUDGE MATCH JACK AND JILL

0815 1030 1245 1430 1630 1815 2030 2245 0045 0245 0445

ACT OF VALOR ARGO TAMMY THE VOW WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ACT OF VALOR ARGO TAMMY THE VOW WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER 30 SECONDS OVER TOKYO

0815 1015 1215 1415 1700 1845 2045 2245 0045 0330 0515

BIG MIRACLE NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION THE SIXTH SENSE INCEPTION FUN SIZE BIG MIRACLE NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION THE SIXTH SENSE INCEPTION FUN SIZE 42’-THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY

0815 0945 1130 1330 1545 1745 1915 2115 2345 0200 0400

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SNOW DAY THE HOST IDENTITY THIEF DREDD THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SNOW DAY THE HOST IDENTITY THIEF DREDD PRISONERS

0815 1030 1315 1530 1830 2045 2300 0145 0400

GOD’S NOT DEAD WANDERLUST WON’T BACK DOWN WHITE CHRISTMAS TYLER PERRY’S SINGLE MOM’S CLUB GOD’S NOT DEAD WANDERLUST WON’T BACK DOWN WHITE CHRISTMAS

0815 1015 1215 1445 1645 1845 2045 2245 0115 0315 0515

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE COMES THE BOOM IN THE LINE OF FIRE HIT AND RUN KILLING THEM SOFTLY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE COMES THE BOOM IN THE LINE OF FIRE HIT AND RUN KILLING THEM SOFTLY MAJOR LEAGUE

0815 1015 1230 1415 1615 1815 2015 2230 0030 0215 0430

A BUG’S LIFE FROZEN DREAM HOUSE ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT IN TIME A BUG’S LIFE FROZEN DREAM HOUSE ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT IN TIME SKYFALL

0815 1015 1200 1430 1615 1815 2015 2200 0030 0215 0415

TAMMY A THOUSAND WORDS WINTER’S TALE HANSEL AND GRETEL WITCH HUNTERS ABOUT LAST NIGHT TAMMY A THOUSAND WORDS WINTER’S TALE HANSEL AND GRETEL WITCH HUNTERS ABOUT LAST NIGHT MALCOLM X

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

0815 1045 1245 1445 1700 1915 2130 2330 0130 0345 0600

WEDNESDAY

You may call J-Dial 6789 with your request only during a previous movie’s credits.

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

CHANNEL

CHANNELS CH 2. CH 3. CH 4. CH 5. CH 6. CH 7. CH 8. CH 9. CH 10. CH 11. CH 12. CH 13. CH 14. CH 18. CH 20. CH 70.

ILARTS GBS TRAINING ALL REQUEST MOVIES G - PG MOVIES PG13 - R MOVIES AFN PRIME PACIFIC AFN NEWS AFN SPORTS MRI TRAINING TRAINING SLIDES SLIDES AFN XTRA AFN SPORTS RSEP TRAINING

NN NEW CHA

ELS

TV TV

CH 21. BBC WORLD CH 22. OSN SPORTS 4 CH 23. TRAVEL CHANNEL CH 24. DISCOVERY ID CH 25. CRIME&INVESTIGATION CH 26. HISTORY CHANNEL CH 27. E! ENTERTAINMENT CH 28. MBC4 HD CH 29. MBC ACTION CH 30. STARS MOVIES HD CH 31. MGM CH 32. TCM CH 33. MBC2 HD CH 34. OSN FIRST HD CH 35. OSN FIRST MORE CH 36. OSN FIRST +2 CH 37. STAR WORLD HD CH 38. MTV CH 39. VH-1 CH 40. TRACE CH 41. CARTOON NETWORK CH 42. BOOMERANG CH 43. OSN COMEDY +2 CH 44. BBC ENTERTAINMENT

“The 70”

newscast airs Sundays at 1800.

Catch it daily between movies on CH 6 and CH 7.