The voice vol 5 issue 35 (21dec14) by USS Carl Vinson

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Table

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AF ST

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITORS

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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 Leading Chief Petty Officer

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

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT

MC3 (SW) CORY D. SANDERS MC3 CODY HOWELL

STAFF WRITERS

MC3 JAMES P. BLEYLE MC3(SW) CURTIS D. SPENCER

Contents 4

100 Years of Naval Photography

Team Vinson’s New Command Chaplain

Things to do in Dubai

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Go Navy, Beat Army

The Fight Against ISIS

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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STRINGERS

Facebook.com/USSVINSON

Captain’s Corner

Team Vinson, As I reflect on my first 100 days in command of this great warship, I continue to be impressed with the teamwork, professionalism and morale of the entire crew. We quickly Sailed nearly half way around the world avoiding several tropical storms, at times flying blue water with no divert fields, avoiding significant shipping hazards ranging from squid fishing boats to dense merchant traffic in the Straits of Malacca, and arrived a day early to begin combat operations. We launched our first missions as soon as we arrived and we’ve been on a furious pace ever since. We have a few more days of furious pace before we pull into Dubai, and it is important that we stay focused until we are tied up alongside the pier. OPERATIONAL READINESS: Every critical system has worked every day, and the support to the Airwing has been incredible. I routinely receive positive comments from CAG about the efficiency of our flight deck. Our C4I systems have been on non-stop and our watch teams have successfully avoided contact by the Iranian fast inshore attack craft (FIAC) that would love to come out and take videos of us. We have tracked all the air contacts and assumed responsibility as the Air Warfare Commander on many occasions. When we call up a bell on the engine order telegraph, we know that our shafts will rapidly answer the bell and that the equipment will work--every time. We continue to run reactor drills, flight deck drills and general quarter drills to stay proficient. We have replenished at sea more than a dozen times with great efficiency. When it comes to the main thing--ensuring these aircraft can reliably launch off our flight deck--you have answered the call, every time. PERSONAL READINESS: We are doing very well on this front. Although there are individuals that have had challenges of one sort or another, as I walk through and talk to the crew I feel a vibe that you understand the importance of our mission and I see a crew that is upbeat and treating eachother with respect (most of the time). I also realize that this will be a bigger challenge as we work through this 10 month deployment. Our leaders will be taking a pulse of the crew in the coming days--I ask that you be transparent and honest if there are stressors in your life. There is no stigma with getting assistance, and bottling up stress will not solve problems that are likely quite solvable. FAMILY READINESS: I receive reports from our Ombudsmen on a monthly basis. I receive direct feedback off our FaceBook page from many of the family members that access our page (https:// www.facebook.com/USSVINSON). Your friends and family members don’t need to belong to FaceBook to access the website, and by posting blogs on this page twice a week I am keeping the families up to date on all that it takes to make this warship run. If you are not communicating at least twice a week with your family, I would suggest that it is not hard to

write a quick email to ensure you keep the communication flowing. This too will be very important the more we work through this 10 month deployment. LIBERTY AS A MISSION: We are about to get our third port call--it is a very long time coming. The crew did a fantastic job the last port call in Dubai with only minor cases of overindulgence. Due to the strong performance last port call, we are extending the hours in the Oasis so that E-4 and below can stay out until 0100 in the Oasis, E-5/E-6 until 0130, and E-7 and above until 0200. We have a large number of new E-4 that will be eligible for overnight liberty thanks to high promotion percentages. Although we didn’t have any run-ins with the Dubai police, I’m also smart enough to know that not all my crewmembers followed all the rules all the time. Don’t risk ruining your liberty for future port calls--it isn’t worth it. Remember that we are at war with some very terrible individuals--ISIS, ISIL, Da’esh--whatever you want to call them they are ruthless and wicked. Don’t get obliterated so that you are not aware of your surroundings. The buddy system works, and a sober buddy within a group that is drinking is required. We don’t have any indications that there are any threats in Dubai, but at the same time you don’t want to highlight yourself or be a soft target. Bottom line: I am proud to be your Captain and you should be very proud of the mission you are performing. The team is doing exceptionally well. It will get more challenging as the days begin to look the same. Keys to our continued success: 1) Keep the communication flowing. If you don’t understand something, ask. 2) Details and procedures matter. Don’t take the little tasks lightly or get complacent. Follow the procedures every time and don’t cut corners. Nothing we are doing is so important that we should jeopardize safety of our crew or equipment. 3) Continue to treat each other with great respect. Smile and say good morning. Think about your tone before you speak. Ask yourself if you would want to be the recipient of your orders were the roles reversed. Finally, I am not a proponent of relationships on the ship, but if you feel like you want to touch or kiss somebody--ask first. Don’t assume that you can read another individual’s body language or that you think they want to be touched, kissed or more. This is doubly important when alcohol is involved. The goal continues to be zero sexual assaults. 4) Take care of your shipmates. Everyone is not in their happy place right now. There are those amongst us that are hurting and need help. If you think a shipmate is hurting, ask them how they are doing and if you can help. Bystander intervention works! Thanks for everything you are doing. Enjoy your time in our upcoming port call. Continue to focus at the task at hand--all the way to the pier! With great admiration, Captain Thomas

A Picture is Worth a Hundred Years By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer

n 2014, Naval Photography celebrates its 100th birthday; it all began with a Sailor aboard USS Mississippi (CGN 40) who had a simple hobby. Ensign Walter Leroy Richardson, a Navy cook by trade, began documenting Navy life with his off-duty photographs shortly after reporting aboard Mississippi in 1911. In 1914 the Navy introduced the multifaceted tool of photography into its repertoire and designated Richardson the Navy’s first official photographer. “You hear the term ‘a picture is worth a thousand words,’ and that tells you how important photography is,” said Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Crawford, a legacy Photographer’s Mate (PH) before the rate was folded into Mass Communication Specialist (MC) in 2006. “It’s no surprise that this art has become such an important instrument for the Navy.” Photography tells the story of the Navy and gives significant aid to furthering the Navy’s mission, and has undergone changes in techniques and equipment since its inception. “When I first joined the Navy we used film exclusively,” Crawford said. “In the last 15 years we have transitioned to digital technology. This made processing imagery much easier. The transition to digital cameras has also streamlined the editing process.”

The perspective of the medium has changed with technological advances as well. Crawford explained that photography is equal parts science and art. “We still respect and understand the rules of photography in the Navy,” Crawford said. “As time has progressed, we have been afforded the privilege of being a little more artistic. The most important thing is to tell as much of the story as you can in a single image.” Having the opportunity to be a part of the fraternity of the Navy photographer is significant to Crawford. While reflecting on the state of Naval photography, he notes a fact that might be contrary to a common perception of selfies and Instagram filters. “Navy photographers are going to take advantage of the most up to date technologies,” Crawford explained. “They are going to be drawn to what’s hip and new. They will look to make it more interesting and tailor it to the Navy.” The MCs assigned to USS Carl Vinson’s Media Department are the descendants of 100 years of documenting and telling the Navy’s story. Although technology has changed drastically, the script remains the same, tell the Navy’s story, one photo at a time.

Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class David Crawford poses for photo aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), in 2003.

Team Vinson Welcomes New Command Chaplain By Mass Communcation 1st Class Travis Alston

s the crew of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares to wind down for the night, the boatswain’s mate of the watch will pass “taps, taps lights out in 5 minutes, stand by for the evening prayer,” over the ship’s announcing system (1MC). Following that announcement, Team Vinson may hear an unfamiliar voice ministering the evening prayer, the voice of Cmdr. David Thames Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1’s command chaplain. He reported aboard Carl Vinson Dec. 1. Thames was commissioned in the U.S Army in 1983; he served six years as an infantry officer. Following the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001 he realized his life had a higher purpose. He would go-on to enroll in a seminary as a priest in an episcopal church. “Primarily the events of 9/11 made me realize I really had a heart for service members,” Thames said. “I made a few phone calls and was informed that the Navy needed chaplains. Having served in the army as a line officer, I knew I would be impactful in the Navy.” Thames said he was initially concerned he would fall back on a tendency to handle a chaplain position like a line officer. “I knew how to do that in the Army,” Thames explained. “But that’s not the way you need your chaplain to think or act. We need to think differently.” He previously deployed with Carl Vinson’s strike group in 2005 aboard Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). Thames said he feels right at home as part of Team Vinson once again. Although a Nimitz-class aircraft’s shear power and strength is quite impressive, Thames is most impressed by the ship’s crew. “Honestly the most impressive thing about this war-fighting vessel, is the young men and women who have selected and chosen to serve their country,” Thames said. “Each and every one of them has made huge sacrifices. I commend them for

Cmdr. David Thames, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1’s command chaplain leads a Hanukkah observance aboard Carl Vinson. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Wagner

Cmdr. David Thames, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1’s command chaplain. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Alston.

that.” With such a diverse crew, on a lengthy deployment, Thames added that the morale aboard the ship is remarkable and he encourages crewmembers to improve their spiritual lives by believing in something outside themselves. “In my opinion, the crew’s moral is high for Sailors on a deployment as long as the current one,” said Thames. “Having strong constructive relationships will help sustain that. I believe adamantly that we as human beings are more than just the sum of our parts; we are more than simply meat, blood and bone.” Thames feels our souls require nourishment, just like our bodies and if you want to live a fulfilling life and be a person people admire, you must have a healthy soul. “Regardless of whether a person has a particular belief system or none at all, I want to minister that something extra,” Thames said. “Our shipmates are the closest thing we have to family, so lets take of and look out one another.” “I’ve been in, on and around Carl Vinson before,” said Thames. “I am honored and privileged to be back. I’m absolutely thrilled to be aboard. I’m looking forward to the next few years.”

Cmdr. David Thames, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1’s command chaplain shares a laugh with Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Terry Williams. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Travis Alston.

Things to do in Dubai Burj Al Arab

Truth is, there’s no such thing as a seven-star establishment; you can’t officially go higher than five. The Burj Al Arab’s seven-star rating may be an urban myth that got out of hand, but nothing dominates the Dubai skyline and tourists’ imagination quite like it. The only way to get inside without paying for a room is to book a table at one of the hotel’s costly eateries.

The Gold Souk

Whether or not you’re ready to buy, a stroll through the Gold Souk is a must. The stores also offer platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver. The government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.

The Traditional Dubai

While a lot of the city has been demolished in the relentless drive toward the future, one neighborhood harks back to the quiet fishing village that once was. The Bastakia Quarter, which is located between the Dubai Creek and the buzzing Bur Dubai district, is a mini maze of wind-towered buildings, which have been transformed into art galleries and cafés. Once refreshed, weave through the textile souk, where you’ll find magnificent bolts of fabric, and on to the Creek where you can either join the commuters abra (water taxi) ride across the water or hire your own boat for a scenic tour of the waterway. Back in port, head to the small but interesting Dubai Museum to see how oil and ambition mixed to make this modern oasis. If you get hungry again, check out Bastakiah Nights, an atmospheric Lebanese restaurant with a great rooftop area.

Ski Dubai

NOW AUTHORIZED. SAILORS ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FROM CARL VINSON’S MWR. Discover the ultimate indoor snow resort at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! With an amazing mountain-themed wintery setting, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Plus you can now meet and play with Ski Dubai’s newest residents; the Snow Penguins!

Shopping Malls

The Souk Madinat inside the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel boasts its own waterway to transfer people from its shops, bars and restaurants to the neighboring clutch of hotels. The gargantuan Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope with real snow. The recently opened Khan Murjan souk claims to be an example of “Islamic authenticity, unparalleled in the region”; it connects the Wafi Mall, home of Chanel, Marks & Spencer and Montblanc, with the Raffles Hotel. All may be surpassed by the Mall of Arabia, which is the largest mall in the world at 10 million sq. ft., complete with dino-park called Restless Planet.

Golf

Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. Better yet, head to the city’s most famous course, the Emirates Golf Club, where the annual Dubai Desert Classic is hosted. It’s a stunning course, whose 18th hole has one of the finest approaches in the world. Almost as impressive is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which has a challenging par-72 course along with a fun “pitch-n-putt” course, plus an impressive clubhouse whose architecture echoes that of the Sydney Opera House. Tee times go quickly, so you’d be wise to book in advance, especially if you want to be among the first to take a swing at Tiger’s tees: the first holes designed by Woods.

Man-Made Islands

The most audacious of all of Dubai’s megaprojects is the collection of reclaimed islands just off-shore, the palm-tree shaped Palm Jumeirah, which the city bills as the eighth wonder of the world. There are two more islands, Jebel Ali and Deira, in varying stages of development. Jebel Ali will feature a breakwater that spells out a line of poetry by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Last, but certainly not least, is The World, an archipelago of islands that forms a world map in miniature; the islands are for sale, so if you can afford it, you can buy a “country” for yourself.

The Beach

You’ll definitely want to see the shore while you’re in town. Most beach hotels have partitioned off the majority of the sand, so if you’re not staying on the Jumeirah beach strip, your best bet is Al Mamzar, a public beach near the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. Other good alternatives are Jumeirah Beach Park with its small coffee shops or the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim, known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers. If you insist on a more luxurious beach experience, then a few hotels will allow you to sit on their sand for a fee: Try Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

The Desert

A visit to the desert isn’t as peaceful as you’d think. The desolate Sahara this is not. The easiest way to get at the dunes outside the city is on a four-wheel-drive safari. The tours are incredibly popular, but your enjoyment will depend on your tolerance for being thrown around the sand in a Jeep, touristy barbecues in the desert replete with a belly dancer and henna painting services and lots of other tourists. If you can handle all three, then Blue Banana has a number of expeditions offered. If you just want to see some sand head out to the plush desert escape Bab Al Shams. Here you can sit on the rooftop and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the dunes

Vinson’s SCPOA Host Air Warfare Rodeo Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James P. Bleyle Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Wagner

SS Carl Vinson held an air warfare rodeo Dec. 14, in the hangar bay as the ship patrolled the 5th Fleet Area of Operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Four hundred and twenty Sailors in pursuit of their Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) pin swarmed the area to receive hands-on training in all pertinent fields. “Getting your warfare pins helps you stand out and teaches you a sense of follow through,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Christine Roe, Navigation leading petty officer and Vinson’s second class petty officer Association (SCPOA) warfare program coordinator. “If you get your pin, and absorb all of the information that goes along with it, then you have the skills to study for any Navy advancement exam or school that you might attend in the future, because you’ve already devoted that kind of time to studying.” The event was initially conceived by the SCPOA. Roe took the lead in organizing the Air Warfare Rodeo, both because of her position in the association, and her convictions for providing her shipmates with opportunities to get their qualifications. “We were looking to put together training for the warfare programs on a large scale,” Roe said. “The ship has done Surface Warfare Rodeos in the past, but nobody has done anything for air warfare on the ship before. Initially we wanted to cover both air and surface in this rodeo, but we decided to start with air. This was sort of a test to see how well we could run something like this.” Additionally, Roe says she chose air warfare because Sailors in Air department work extremely long hours, which makes it difficult to work on their pin. “Events like this give Sailors opportunities that they may not normally have,” Roe said. “We wanted the opportunity to get all our facilitators and trainers in one room so we could get as many people down there as possible to get some good quality training.”

Departmental enlisted air warfare specialist (EAWS) coordinators sign PQSs during the EAWS rodeo in the hangar bay on board Carl Vinson.

Yeoman 2nd Class Tio Lathen conducts a question and answer session during an enlisted air warfare specialist rodeo in the hangar bay on board Carl Vinson.

Team Vinson members attend the enlisted air warfare specialist rodeo in the hangar bay on board Carl Vinson.

Once the plan was set in motion, the different elements fell into place quickly for Roe. “We talked to the air warfare test coordinator, who spoke with the overall air warfare coordinator,” Roe said. “He took the idea and ran with it, trying to get as much training together as possible, including CPR and GITMO-8 training. I worked closely with the SCPOA and the training coordinator to get everything ready for the event. It all just clicked into place.” Roe, a dual qualified Sailor herself, actively encourages every Sailor she meets to get both their warfare pins during this deployment. “You have the opportunity to get your pins, so why not?” Roe said. “There is no reason why you should walk away from an aircraft carrier without both surface and air warfare pins. Even if your work schedule is a little more hectic, you really don’t have an excuse.”

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Water Conservation is a Must For All Hands By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer

n board USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), water conservation is more than just the right thing to do – It’s a necessity and it’s everyone’s responsibility. Each water-distilling unit on board the ship is designed to produce 100,000 gallons per day and must operate at an 80-percent or better capacity in order to do so. This is crucial to the ship’s safety and mission readiness. Mandatory conservation actions could be set into place if capacities drop below 80-percent. According to Chief Machinist’s Mate Kurt Mette, reactor department’s RPO2 propulsion division chief, the crew of Carl Vinson uses more than 200,000 gallons of fresh water daily. “Once we hit that limit, that’s when people really start noticing, because we have to take preventative measures to preserve potable water,” said Mette. “We may secure the ship’s laundry services or introduce restricted use water hours.” Restricted use water hours are scheduled when the distilling capacity drops below 50-percent. All potable water gets secured, or rationed until the distilling units can regain acceptable supply levels. The water distilling units run non-stop so they could break down like any other system on the ship, causing a water shortage. “It’s very important that the crew understands we don’t have an unlimited amount of water,” said Mette. “Our goal is for each Sailor to use less than 30 gallons of portable water a day. Right now, Sailors are using an average of 41 gallons a day, which is a little higher than we’d like it to be.” Some ways to help conserve water include turning off the water while washing your hands, brushing your teeth or shaving. Turning off the water when you are lathering in the shower will help conserve water as well. “Having restrictions on water can be very inconvenient. Following a few suggested guidelines can make a huge difference,” Mette said. “As long as we all stay aware of our water usage and keep each other in check, we can ensure we’ll have potable water for all our needs.”

NSERVE CO RL VINSON

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Navy celebrates its 13th straight victory over Army By Rick Vasquez/Stars and Stripes

unior quarterback Keenan Reynolds rushed for a touchdown and passed for another score, and Navy survived a late Army rally, as the Midshipmen extended their unprecedented dominance of the Black Knights with a 17-10 victory in the service academies’ 115th meeting on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. The victory was Navy’s 13th in a row over Army. Until this winning streak, neither team had defeated the other more than five consecutive times in the storied series. The Black Knights’ last victory over the Midshipmen was a 26-17 win on Dec. 1, 2001, in Philadelphia. Navy has outscored Army 417-142 during the streak. “Our approach has always been don’t talk about the streak,” said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, who has guided the Midshipmen to the past seven victories over the Black Knights. “Our thoughts have always been about preparation for this game. It’s not as if you carry points over from one year to the next. It is a heck of a run, and you have to give credit to a lot of players and coaches.” Niumatalolo became the winningest coach in Navy history with his 56th victory (56-35). He entered the game tied with College Football Hall of Famer George Welsh, who guided the Midshipmen to 55 victories from 1973-81. Niumatalolo also became the first coach to win his first seven games against Army, surpassing the 6-0 mark of the man who brought him to the school, former Midshipmen and current Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson. His players showed their appreciation by carrying him off the field. “My players did that. I didn’t want to do that,” Niumatalolo said. “I have so much respect for Army and Jeff (first-year

coach Monken, who was a Navy assistant with Niumatalolo under Johnson) and those guys. I didn’t want to upstage anybody. I just wanted to do our normal deal and pay respects to them.” The teams were tied 7-7 at halftime after both struggled to score on offense in the opening 30 minutes. Navy (7-5) had the better of it in the second half, making adjustments while keeping Army (4-8) from scoring an offensive touchdown in the game. The Midshipmen finished with a 282-235 edge in total offense. Coming into the contest, Navy ranked No. 1 in the nation with an average of 357.8 yards a game, while Army entered at No. 5 (305.5). “They did what we expected them to do, but we were just shooting ourselves in the foot,” said Reynolds, who led Navy’s triple-option attack with 100 yards on 26 carries. “We just did a poor job on offense of executing. We knew what we needed to do. Once we stopped shooting ourselves in the foot, we were able to be successful.” The Midshipmen were much more successful in the second half. Ryan Williams-Jenkins gave Navy a jump-start by returning the kickoff 41 yards to midfield. The Midshipmen moved the ball another 22 yards before Austin Grebe kicked a career-long 45-yard field goal to put Navy up 10-7 with 9:43 left in the third quarter. Army had some success moving the ball on its ensuing possession, but the Navy defense stiffened deep in its territory. On fourth and 2, Daniel Grochowski missed a 49-yard field goal attempt that would have pulled the Black Knights even. Navy capitalized on the miss, marching 69 yards on 15

Midshipmen tip their covers to fans of Army before the start of the 115th Army Navy football game. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Anthony Koch/Released)

plays. Reynolds, after being stuffed at the goal line on second-and-goal from the Army 1-yard line, took it into the end zone on the next play to give the Midshipmen a 10-point lead with 12:18 left in the final quarter. The key 7-minute, 41-second drive was Navy’s longest of the season. Reynolds has 62 career-rushing touchdowns, a school record and the most among quarterbacks in NCAA history. Army advanced into Navy territory on its ensuing possession. But in a recurring storyline over the past 13 years, the Black Knights’ chances were hurt by a turnover. Junior quarterback A.J. Schurr, who replaced senior Angel Santiago in the second half, fumbled on a keeper and the ball was recovered by Navy with 8:07 remaining. Army got a turnover of its own with 3:47 left. Reynolds mishandled a snap, and the ball was recovered by Army’s Joe Drummond on the Black Knights’ 21. Army again moved into Navy territory under Schurr’s direction, but again the Midshipmen responded with another victory in sight. Chris Johnson recorded his first career sack

to bring up a fourth-and-11 with 1:54 remaining. The Black Knights opted for a 52-yard field goal from Grochowski that cut the lead to 17-10. Navy’s Thomas Wilson recovered Army’s onside kick with 1:49 left, and the Midshipmen were able to run out the clock after Army took its final timeout following a first-down stop. Reynolds carried the ball for 19 yards after the clock stoppage to add insult to injury. Two kneeldowns later, it was over. “I thought our guys fought tremendously hard and I am really proud of their effort,” Monken said. “We just didn’t make enough plays to win the football game.” After more than a decade of frustration, it looked like it might finally be Army’s day in the first quarter. The Black Knights punted on the opening possession of the game, but also held Navy to a three-and-out the first time it had the ball. On fourth-and-6 from the Navy 26, Army’s Josh Jenkins blocked a Pablo Beltran punt. Xavier Moss picked up the loose ball and returned it 7 yards for a touchdown with 9:36 remaining in the opening period. The score marked the first time Army scored first against Navy since 2009, and Grochowski’s PAT kick gave the Black Knights a 7-0 lead. ‘I’m proud of the way our kids bounced back after they blocked our punt,” Niumatalolo said. “I told the team you don’t win too many games when you have a punt blocked for a touchdown. That showed the resilience of this team.” Navy, which was held without a first down in the first quarter while gaining just 15 yards, picked up steam in the second. The Mids’ defense helped change the momentum. Coming out of a timeout with 2:16 left in the first half, the Midshipmen stuffed Santiago on a fourth-down sneak at the Navy 30. Taking the ball on downs, Navy’s offense responded with a six-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a 9-yard pass on a rollout from Reynolds to Jamir Tillman with 18 seconds remaining in the half. Grebe’s PAT made it 7-7 and gave the Midshipmen an emotional boost heading into halftime. Army’s season concluded Saturday, while Navy next takes on San Diego State (7-5) in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 in San Diego.

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus congratulates the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen in the locker room for beating the Army Black Knights for the 13th consecutive year. Navy beat Army 17-10. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

Navy celebrates a win with fellow midshipmen after Navy beat Army 17-10 in the 115th ArmyNavy game in Baltimore. (U.S. Navy photo by EJ Hersom/Released)

A Desert War on ISIS, Fought From a Floating City Story by Eric Schmitt, New York Times Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob G. Sisco

ore than a dozen Navy F/A-18 warplanes roar off this aircraft carrier every day to attack Islamic State targets in support of Iraqi troops battling to regain ground lost to the militants in June. These Navy pilots face an array of lethal risks during their six-hour round-trip missions. Surface-to-air missiles and other enemy fire lurk below, as the downing of an Iraqi military helicopter late Friday underscored. About 60 percent of the aircrews are still learning the ropes on their first combat tours. The United States-led coalition improvises how the Iraqis call in airstrikes: Iraqi troops talk by radio to American controllers at Iraqi command centers, who in turn talk to the Navy pilots to help pinpoint what to hit. Senior commanders have said that placing American spotters with the Iraqi troops would be more effective, but they have yet to recommend that step knowing that President Obama opposes it. But in recent days, the Iraqis have been advancing, forcing ISIS to fight more in the open. The airstrikes are severing the militants’ supply lines, killing some top leaders and crimping their ability to pump and ship the oil that they control. “It wasn’t going so well there for a while, but the momentum seems to have reversed,” said Cmdr. Eric Doyle, a 41-year-old F/A-18 Hornet pilot from Houston who also flew combat missions in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. About one quarter of the 1,200 total airstrikes in Iraq and Syria so far have been flown off a carrier — the other missions began from bases around the gulf — an enduring symbol of American power in the Middle East. After ISIS fighters rolled south into Mosul six months ago and threatened Baghdad, the Pentagon rushed the carrier George H.W. Bush to the Persian Gulf from the coast of Pakistan, where it was flying missions in support of American troops in Afghanistan.

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 prepares to land on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson.

Aviation Ordnancemen unload a laser guided bomb from the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet from the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson.

Within two days, the carrier was sending surveillance and reconnaissance flights over Iraq and Syria. It was weeks before the United States ironed out arrangements with regional allies to allow land-based planes to carry out strikes. The Vinson relieved the Bush in mid-October, and will stay until next spring. “You don’t have to ask anybody for permission to use a carrier,” said Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander of the Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. “It’s five acres of sovereign U.S. territory.” This ship has an unusual place in the annals of the campaign against terrorism. Some of the first airstrikes of the Afghan war in October 2001 were by jets from the Vinson; nearly a decade later, it was here that Navy SEALs brought Osama bin Laden’s body after the raid in Pakistan, and buried it at sea after religious rites on the lower hangar. The flight deck is the bustling hub of this nuclear-powered behemoth, which is home to 5,200 sailors and officers for nearly 10 months at a time. Sailors in light helmets and goggles, mostly in their early 20s, scurry about in vests and long-sleeve shirts color-coded to their jobs — red shirts handle bombs, purple shirts handle fuel, yellow shirts handle the flights.

An F/A-18C Hornet from the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 makes an arrested recovery on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson.

Racks of bombs and missiles rise from elevators below deck amid the din. MH-60 Seahawk search-and-rescue helicopters buzz overhead on their way out to sea. It is like a crowded suburban parking lot, except these are $57 million jets taxiing for takeoff with 500-pound laser-guided bombs tucked under their wings. The slightest misstep around these high-performance jets and turboprop planes could be fatal. “Beware of Jet Blast, Propellers and Rotors” is emblazoned in large yellow letters on the ship’s superstructure, lest anyone forget. Key points in the terror group’s rapid growth and the slowing of its advance as it faces international airstrikes and local resistance. It is a dangerous business, even when the ship is not at war. In September, while training in the western Pacific, two F/A-18s from the Vinson collided in midair soon after takeoff. One pilot was rescued in the accident, but the other was killed. His body was never found in waters nearly three miles deep. About 20 percent of the 100 daily flights are strike missions into Iraq and Syria. The others are a mix of training, supply, reconnaissance and other flights, usually between 10:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. About an hour before takeoff, fighter pilots in flight suits stride to their planes for a final inspection. Tiny black bombs are stenciled below the cockpit for each weapon dropped from that aircraft. A giant steam-powered catapult then hurls the jets off the ship, from a dead start to more than 125 miles an hour in less than three seconds. By then, the pilots have studied their routes, the weather and the targets assigned by an American air command center in Qatar, a tiny gulf state. Targeting specialists have selected bombs big enough to do the job but mindful of the risk to civilians. The allied jets are operating under some of the strictest rules intended to prevent civilian casualties in modern warfare. “If there’s any doubt, we do not drop ordnance,” said Capt. Matt Leahey, a 44-year-old Naval Academy graduate from Lewiston, Me., who commands the 2,100 personnel and 63 aircraft in the carrier’s air wing.

The Vinson has steamed to the northern part of the gulf to shorten flight times as much as possible, but it is still 450 miles to Baghdad and much farther to Syria. The F/A-18s burn 5,700 gallons of fuel on a typical mission, and pilots must refuel in midair three or four times. The jets fly well above 20,000 feet, out of the range of most antiaircraft guns. ISIS has surface-to-air missiles and has downed a few Iraqi helicopters, so pilots cannot fly as low as they would like to get the best look at their targets. “Manpads are a real threat,” said Commander Doyle, referring to Man-Portable Air Defense Systems. In some cases, pilots are striking specific, planned targets such as headquarters buildings. But most of the Vinson’s missions are targets of opportunity while safeguarding Iraqi troops below. Pilots fly over designated grid areas, typically 60 miles square, searching for fighters, artillery and other signs of the enemy. An aerial armada of surveillance planes with names like Joint Stars and Rivet Joint track militant movements on the ground and intercept their electronic communications, feeding a steady stream of information to pilots. “It can be pretty boring, then all of sudden it gets heated and you’ve got a whole lot of work to do in 120 seconds,” said Commander Doyle, who has flown eight strike missions so far. “We’re trying to find things and kill them.” Working with the American air controllers in the Iraqi command centers — special operations troops in contact with Iraqi or Kurdish ground troops — pilots say they are aiming to weaken ISIS’ war machine in a fight they caution could take months or even years. “We’re taking away the enemy’s ability to reinforce and resupply,” said Lt. Adam Bryan, 31, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot from northwestern Connecticut. “It’s a pretty dynamic situation.”

Aviation Ordnancemen unload a laser guided bomb from the wing of an F/A-18C Hornet from the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson.

Team Vinson in the Spotlight

Airman Beatriz Villa Date: Dec. 15 Dept: Supply

YN3 Julian Oliver Hall Date: Dec. 16 Dept: Safety

As the galley watch captain, Airman Villa immediately raised the bar and set a new food service standard in the chief petty officer’s mess. She has been the driving force behind improved cleanliness and customer service standards. She oversees the flawless production of 900 nutritious, high-quality daily meals. Additionally, she contributed to the successful execution of a high profile Thanksgiving meal attended by the Chief of Naval Operations and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

YN3 Hall is responsible for all administrative duties in the Safety Department. He prepared 10 pieces of correspondence interacting with the Navy Safety Center and 10 instructions for Safety Health and Occupation programs, ensuring Vinson’s safety program was in accordance with Navy regulations.

DECKPLATE DI A LO G U E S

What is your favorite part of the holidays?

ABH3 Alexis Clinton

AN Dakota Peayt

PS1 Charles Wright

QMSN Alex Minneman

Ensign Marcus Lee

“Having the opportunity to be around new people as well as family.”

“Camaraderie with my new shipmates.”

“Being off of work… normally.”

“A Christmas Story on repeat.”

“NBA Basketball.”

AO3(AW) Jacorrey Simmons Date: Dec. 17 Dept: Weapons

AZ3(AW) STEPHAN JEAN-PAUL Date: Dec. 18 Dept: AIMD

ABE3(AW) Michael Fishback Date: Dec. 19 Dept: Air

AO3 Simmons ensures the ordnance load plan is fully supported on a daily basis. She produced more than 450 ordnance bomb-build and 20MM configuration cards since the beginning of deployment. Additionally, she validated a wall–to-wall inventory of the 54 ready service magazines ensuring the accurate reporting and accountability of 4,500 line items and 1,800 tons of conventional ordnance, directly contributing to Vinson’s mission readiness.

AZ3 Jean-Paul is single-handedly responsible for the expeditious screening and verification of 10 F404GE-400 and F414-GE-400 aircraft engine log-books and associated electronic log sets during the month of December. Jean-Paul’s unsurpassed dedication and devotion to duty ensured each engine transaction received the same meticulous attention to detail that is essential to the safety of our engines and aircraft supporting Carrier Air Wing 17 and Operation Inherent Resolve.

ABE3 Fishback always puts extra effort in all tasks that are assigned to him, no matter how big or small. His eagerness to take on added responsibility has vastly improved the work-center’s qualified watch standers by 98 percent. He qualified five jet blast deflector operators, six holdback operators, six waterbrake operators, eight steam watch operators and 10 flight deck familiarization personnel, significantly increasing air department’s readiness. Fishback consistently outperforms his peers.

Team Vinson Welcomes Tyler Farr

NOW PLAYING CARL VINSON CINEMA SUNDAY

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