The voice vol 5 issue 36 (28dec14) by USS Carl Vinson

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Table

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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

Contents 4

From Son to Shipmate

Supply Excels in SMI

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POW/MIA Seeking Answers

VFA-94 Honors Fallen Shipmate

Rallying Around AO3

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ON INS SON LV AR RL VIN N C O N SO N CA VINS SON O L N VIN RL L VINS N CAR RL VI ON A C S A ON N CAR VINSO ON C L VIN NSON S N MC2(SW) NICHOLAS LBROWN SO VIN INSO ARL VINS CAR RL VI ON R VIN A RL V N C CARL NSON N CA VINS SON RL O MC2(SW/AW) SCOTT A N C FENAROLI I S A C O L O N N C L VIN NSON ARL V VINS CAR RL VI N ON INS SOALEX I O R KING MC2(SW) N L C LV INS AR RL VIN N CA ARL V SON CAR INSO ON CA L VINS SON LV C R O N N A C V N I S R I A INS P. WAGNER MC2(SW/AW)CJOHN O L NC V INSON ARL V VINS CAR RL VIN ON CA ARL V SON SO RL MC3(SW) SHANTECE VIN N C CARL NSON N CA VINS SON C RL VIN INSON CA ARL V SGONZALEZ L O R I O V A A C VIN SON L V INS IN RL N NC CA RL V ON C ARL SON N V AR IN RL SO SO CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON C RL VIN INSO VIN VIN L V A C VIN SON L V INSO ARL VIN RL R N L C A A R O C R N L C S A V A R IN O NC RL ABF2 AMBER JANKOWSKI-JENKINS ON CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON C RL VIN INSO INS C VIN BODY LV ON RL V VINSO CARL L VIN N CA ARL V NSON ABHAN DERRICK R S A L I N A R I O R NC CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA VINS SON C ARL V SON SO C VIN SON L V INSO ARL VIN N C L VIN NSON VIN R LV O L L C L VIN I S A R R R R CA CA ARL SON C CAR INSON N CA RL VIN N CA ARL V SON ON The Carl Vinson Voice is an ON C VIN SON L V INSO CA INSO N C VIN SON INS INS R LV N L V NSO ARL VIN L VIN V A LV R O L C internal document produced AR CA ARL SON CAR VINS CAR RL VI N C ARL SON CAR C C VIN SON ARL SON CA INSO N C VIN SON ON by and for the crew of the 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 USS Carl Vinson and their C VI N C ARL SON CA INSO ON C RL V ON NC RL SO CA VINSO SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS N CA VINS SON families. Its content does not VIN R LV O L L L N C L VIN I S A R R R R CA CA ARL SON C CAR INSON N CA RL VIN N CA ARL V SON necessarily reflect the official ON ON C VIN SON L V INSO CA INSO N C VIN SON INS INS R LV N L V NSO ARL VIN L VIN V A LV view of the U.S. government R O L C AR CA ARL SON CAR VINS CAR RL VI N C ARL SON CAR C C VIN SON ARL SON CA INSO N C VIN SON ON or the Departments of 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 Defense or Navy and A C VI N C ARL SON CA INSO ON C RL V ON NC RL SO does not imply any CA VINSO SON C L VIN INSON ARL V VINS N CA VINS SON VIN R O L L L N C L V I S N A R R R I R CA endorsement therein. CA ARL V SON C CARL INSON N CA RL VIN N CA ARL V SON ON C VIN SON L V INSO CA INSO N C VIN SON INS R LV N L V NSO ARL VIN L VIN V A R O L C CA ARL SON CAR VINS CAR RL VI N C ARL SON CAR C VIN SON ARL SON CA INSO N C VIN SON C V IN SO RL IN IN N RL ON CA ARL V NSON ARL V VINS CARL RL VIN N CA ARL V INSO I O C N L V C C S A V R N L O RL ON CA N C VIN SON AR SO NS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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STRINGERS

Captain’s Corner

Facebook.com/USSVINSON

Team Vinson, As 2014 draws to a close and we look forward to a new year, you can truly be proud of all that you have accomplished! Your hard work at the beginning of this year as we started the training cycle is why we are succeeding today. Every inspection, every drill, every PMS check ensured that everything worked all the time. When it didn’t work or when we were thrown a curve ball, your training and preparedness enabled you to overcome and adapt. Now that we are at the tip of the spear putting that training into practice, you are delivering. You are delivering sortie after sortie in support of the Iraqi and Kurdish Security Forces. You are delivering hope to the people of Iraq that they will be able to one day govern their country. You are delivering a shift in the balance of power that will enable the ground forces to ultimately defeat the evil and radical terrorists called ISIS or Daesh (a loose Arabic acronym meaning ISIS that they don’t particularly like—so you will see me start using it more often). This shift in the balance of power is taking on many forms, but the impact is very real. Imagine trying to take over land and establish a Caliphate when you don’t own the skies. Imagine trying to communicate and organize a disparate group of foreign fighters with questionable motives when you know communicating could result in your demise. Imagine driving up to a house or to a meeting and seeing a bomb eliminate those that you were just about to meet. Although they are violent, ruthless and cold hearted extremists, every day your efforts are tilting the balance of power, the morale, and the hope of Iraq in the right direction. So how did this ship-airwing team become so formidable? The teamwork began with TSTA/FEP in January and February of 2014, which demonstrated our ability to safely operate this complex warship and her many systems. Over May and June, you completed a 35-day at-sea period which included a Supply Maintenance Inspection, 3M Inspection, a Reactor Training Team visit, and playing host to 217 Distinguished Visitors-all while maintaining safe flight operations. This underway culminated with the flawless passing of COMPTUEX/JTFX which certified the staff, ship, and air wing for deployment. Not only did you complete these inspections and certifications, you knocked them out of the park achieving some of the highest marks by any carrier—air wing team.

2014 also saw changes in leadership at all levels of the chain of command. Rear Adm. Grady took over Carrier Strike Group ONE from Rear Adm. Steindl; Captain Stuffle relieved Captain Elliott at Destroyer Squadron ONE; Captain Leahy assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 17; and I took over from Captain Whalen this September. These senior leadership changes are a small fraction of the changes that occurred throughout the year as leading petty officers, departmental leading Chief Petty Officers, Division Officers, and Department Heads all rotated in and out across every workcenter. This rotation of leadership and passdown at every level is what makes our Navy model so strong. Crews evolve. Personalities change. Experiences overlap. The different backgrounds and strengths of our evolving crew generate an efficient self-sustaining team that will continue to carry us into 2015. As we look toward 2015, we are entering what will be a challenging time for our crew. It won’t be challenging because we don’t know how to accomplish the mission or we lack the experience. It will be challenging because we must sustain this high tempo, unforgiving environment of carrier operations— day in and day out. Every member of the team must maintain high standards, follow procedures every time, look out for and respect our shipmates at every turn. It takes only a moment of complacency, a decision to neglect a procedure, or an air of overconfidence to undo what we have accomplished to date. The margin is slim. Every step matters. Every Sailor has a direct impact on the mission and safety of this ship. What you do and how you do it matters. We will continue to launch missions over Iraq and Syria. We will continue to work with our coalition partners to defeat Daesh. We will prepare to turn over to our relief, and we will continue to plan for the upcoming Planned Incremental Availability that will begin this summer. The strength of our Navy is rooted in the maintenance of our equipment and ships. No other navy gets 50 years out of their capital warships. No other navy has the versatility and capacity to trade out aircraft carrier-air wing teams. Just as we did when we relieved GEORGE H.W. BUSH, our relief will take station and pick up the pounding where we left off. There will be reunions, new family members, life changes and life challenges to contend with as we return to San Diego. We will begin to drive vehicles and motorcycles again. We will take liberty and offload ammunition. And then we will get down to work as a team with the shipyard—preparing this great ship for another cycle of work-ups and deployment. Over the course of 2014-2015 you will take this ship full circle. It won’t be easy, but it will be extremely gratifying. After all, you are serving in the most capable Navy on the most capable platform with the best-trained warfighting team. Be proud of what you have accomplished to date. Be more proud that you are serving your country on the front line where it matters most. Thank you for your service as we welcome in the New Year! All the best! Captain Thomas

Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Hoppe presents his son Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Mason Hoppe with a promotion certificate during a frocking ceremony aboard Carl Vinson.

Senior Chef Fire Controlman Brandon Hoppe and son Devin, far left, wife Terry, daughter Ashton, and oldest son Mason pose for a family photo aboard USS Hopper (DDG 70).

From Son to Shipmate Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Carlye Photos courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Hoppe, Published April, 6 2014

pril is celebrated as the Month of the Military Child. This tradition was started by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1986 in order to honor the sacrifices made by military children and families. The Voice staff is commemorating and acknowledging the critical role families play in supporting the Navy’s mission. Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Mason Hoppe understands what it means to be a military child. He understands how his son, Logan, born Nov. 6, 2012, will feel when Mason has to move the family from one duty station to the next. He knows the importance of cherishing every second he has with his wife, Aspen, and their son. He has seen how dedication to his service earns the unwavering support of his loved ones. Hoppe learned all of those important lessons in how to be a military father by first being a military child. His father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Hoppe, Weapons Department’s G-2 divisional officer (DIVO), has served in the Navy since 1992, a year before his first child, Mason, was born. Due to his lifelong exposure to the military lifestyle, Hoppe grew up accustomed to the inherent changes that come with the territory for a military family. “It was interesting growing up as a military child because I got to meet a lot of different people and see a lot of different

places,” Hoppe said. “You don’t get to make a lot of longterm friends because you move so often, but it was a good experience.” The Hoppe family started in Texas and has since moved to Great Lakes, Ill., Norfolk, Va., Jacksonville, Fla., New Orleans, back to Texas, on to Hawaii and then to San Diego. They lived in Hawaii for eight years, the longest stay in one place the family experienced. Although constantly changing scenery can be jarring for a child, Hoppe embraced the adventure and molded his personality through the variety of his experiences. “I think the biggest benefit of being a military child is, it makes you cultured and open-minded,” Hoppe explained. “When you live in one place I’m sure you don’t get to see a lot of things out there. I mean, I’ve only lived in the U.S. but all the places I’ve lived are unique. Hawaii’s like another country itself. When you meet a lot of different types of people with diverse personalities, your personality grows off of those experiences and relationships.” Hoppe admitted the most difficult aspect of being a military child was his father’s absence during underways and deployments. No matter how long his dad was home, Hoppe appreciated how his father always seized the chance to spend time with his family.

“My dad being away wasn’t so bad because he was always part of my life when he was around,” Hoppe said. “I remember one time he was gone and he came back for about a week. In that week he taught me how to ride a bike. I was maybe seven years old. That is probably the most memorable experience of him coming back, spending most of his time with me and then leaving. When he was there, he focused on me and that was important to me.” Although he didn’t understand his father’s job until he joined the military, Hoppe was always impressed by his dad’s dedication to being a Sailor. “He was always motivated and always loved the Navy,” Hoppe said. “He loves wearing the uniform and loves what it represents. That made me appreciate everything he did for us.” Hoppe’s admiration of his father’s service inspired him to join the Navy Jan. 15, 2013. While he followed in his father’s footsteps, Hoppe respects

Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Hoppe poses with his son Seaman Mason Hoppe after his graduation from Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois.

Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Hoppe instructs Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Mason Hoppe during a weapons qualification shoot board Carl Vinson.

his brother Devin’s decision to create his own path and join the Army. He’s also excited for his sister, Ashton, who is currently in high school and planning to take the college route. “All three of us experienced the military child life a little bit differently,” Hoppe said. “Due to those experiences, I’m not surprised that we’ve all paved a different path for ourselves.” One lesson Hoppe and his siblings all learned from their father was to take advantage of your time with family. “The best advice I can give anyone is to be involved while you’re home,” Hoppe said. “That’s the most important thing, especially when you’re in the military. You’re going to be away a lot. If you’re involved, your family is not going to remember so much you being gone but rather what you’ve done to be there and be involved.” Now that Hoppe is a military father as well, he understands the sacrifices and appreciates the rewards of the military from a new perspective. It has increased the pride he has always felt for his father and his service. “His love for the Navy makes me love my job,” Hoppe said. “I say the Sailor’s Creed with pride every day. It hasn’t gotten old for him, and I don’t think it’ll get old for me either.”

Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Hoppe enjoys a football game with his two sons.

Eye on the Target: Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Carlye, Published May 14, 2014

he Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group crew parted ways with their homeports for an extensive month-long underway. During their time at sea, the unit will conduct various exercises and complete evaluations to certify their ships as deployment ready. The Carl Vinson training period will include a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Deployable Group Systems Integration Testing (DGSIT), and a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). This underway’s training evolutions are designed to drill every warfare area including sub-surface, surface and air, testing the strike group’s ability to operate in hostile and complex environments. “As the training cycle for the ship has changed throughout the years, we found a lot of individual events we used to do have been compressed into one long underway. Traditionally, those were three separate underways,” said Vinson’s Strike Operations Officer Cmdr. Bennett Goff. “There are a few reasons for this. One is simply the budget. We really need to take advantage of each day underway. It’s more efficient and cost effective to combine some of these events.” Strike Group 15, formally known as Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific (CFSTP) will conduct the ship’s COMTUEX. “When we encounter problems within the exercise scenario, they will evaluate and mentor us,” Goff added. “As we progress through the exercise we will receive constant feedback on what we can improve on and make better. By JTFEX, we will be firing on all cylinders and will wow Strike Group 3 when they come.” COMPTUEX will include a live-fire exercise of the ship’s weapon systems; simulated missile and small boat attacks; man overboard drills; underway replenishments; and ship boarding training by the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team. The Vinson will also sail in formation with its other strike group assets and will practice evasive maneuvers in an event known as a group sail. These exercises were designed to be as true-to-life as possible, said Goff. After completing COMPTUEX, CSG-1 will move on to

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USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) conduct a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans).

Weapons Department Sailors conduct maintenance on an M61A1 20 mm gun aboard Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Fenaroli).

Carl Vinson Prepares for Deployment JTFEX, which is the strike group’s final exam prior to being certified for overseas duty. JTFEX is the culmination of training qualifications and is designed to ensure the carrier strike group is able to integrate itself into a joint task force anywhere in the world. Along with Carl Vinson, strike group assets participating in JTFEX include: USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Gridley (CG 101), USS Sterett (DDG 103), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Air Force components. Not only will the crew complete these three major strike group evaluations, they will also be tested and evaluated on various unit level requirements. “Over the next few weeks we are going to accomplish mobile training team 3 (MTT3) and mobile training team 4 (MTT4) inspections, preparing Reactor department for their major test which will be conducted later in the underway,” Goff said. “We are doing our supply management inspection, a material maintenance management inspection as well.” Goff added that conducting combined exercises such as this will allow leaders to cross-train and share ideas concerning tactics and mission readiness. “This gives us the ability to bring all those ideas and years of experience together to figure out how Carrier Strike One is going to operate on deployment,” said Goff. “We aren’t inventing the wheel. A lot of us have been through work-ups before and we have done these types of training scenarios before – but haven’t done it as a combined force. I look forward to the team-building aspect of the training. We are going to learn to work together as efficiently and lethally as we possibly can.” Though the underway will demand long hours and strenuous days, Goff is confident the crew will sustain their performance. “I want to emphasize, that this is a long underway. We are going to be working some long hours. It is an endurance event and not a sprint,” said Goff. “We are going to have to pace ourselves, but we have to anticipate what’s going to happen next.” Once the ship returns to her homeport, Sailors will get some

Sailors aboard Carl Vinson brace for shock during a general quarters drill. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston).

much deserved time with their family before the strike group departs on a 10-month deployment.

Culinary Specialist Seaman Kristina Curry dices onions in the galley aboard Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Giovanni Squadrito).

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brent Pyfrom, Published June 1, 2014

he supply department aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) scored Wa grade of “Outstanding” during the Supply Management Inspection (SMI), which ended May 29. “We earned a 100 percent on the inventory portion for food service but we scored a 95.3 in the food service area as a whole,” said Cmdr. Justin Debord, Carl Vinson’s supply officer. “The supply department as a whole received a 97.3 overall grade, which was the highest score given in the last six years to any of the ten in-service aircraft carriers.” With 396 Sailors, the supply department continues its achievements in preparation for deployment. Each supply division from the barber shop to the repair parts management shop was inspected in critical areas by a team of 21 inspectors from Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific. “The inspectors came out to the ship to look at the supply department to ensure we’re ready and capable to go on deployment overseas,” said Debord. “It’s our final certification to be able to forward deploy and conduct logistics functions such as inventory, financial transactions, food service and all the things the supply department does.” Three incremental inspection visits comprise the inspection cycle. A year prior to deployment the first assessment occurs which is a training evolution. Six months out from deployment the inspectors come back and do another assessment to track the department’s progression. Finally, approximately three to four months later is the inspection that has no training element. “All divisions did well from a grading stand point. Stock control had the greatest improvement; they went from an excellent score to almost perfect. That’s a critical element because that’s verifying our ability to take care of the taxpayer’s money

and making sure we’re spending it correctly,” said Debord. “The division with the lowest score but still improved overall was the hazmat division, it’s an extremely hard business but

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Patricia Smith sorts mail in the post office aboard Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Fenaroli).

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Trenton Baldwin hangs clothing in the ship’s service laundry room on board Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shantece Gonzalez).

Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Orlando Sanabria helps a customer in the ship’s store aboard Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shantece Gonzalez).

they still did very well receiving a grade of 89.4.” According to Debord, the stock control division, which does all the financial management for the ship, scored an 87.5 during the assessment but during the final inspection they challenged themselves and received a grade of 99. “We’re extremely critical, we support all divisions and customers around the ship,” said Lt. Dominic Raigoza, Carl Vinson’s stock control officer. “It feels great. It’s an outstanding accomplishment to be supply’s highest scoring division. I saw the hard work first-hand day in and day out. And to get the feedback and recognition and let the score show that this is the outcome, it’s really motivating to me because I’ve seen the hard work and extra time it took from my guys. I’m very proud of them.” Stock control had to be graded in four areas: S-1 main, finances, customer service, and postal services. And preparing for the inspection created its own challenges because they had to prepare and continue to execute the mission, which involves abundant paperwork. “Everybody wants to be a champion, everybody wants to take ownership of their area, and everybody wants to improve,” said Raigoza. “I think the determination and drive and extra effort we all put in is why we excelled so much. We recognized the deficiencies during the previous assessment and we took those deficiencies and figured out a way to improve the process. Each Government Purchase Card holder in S-1 took ownership of their area to make sure everything was in line and what was expected by the policy we operate under. We took pride in having our stuff inspection ready.” When it comes to food service, Debord says it’s one of the most scrutinized parts of the inspections. “The first thing the inspectors did was an inventory of the food-service line items. They took a sample, in this case it was 50 items and we got 100 percent on that inventory so that’s a fantastic indicator of how well we’re executing our processes on the ship,” said Debord. “Then they do a sanitation inspection. They make sure that it’s clean and up to the standards they require for the safety of food. Lastly, they look at the food preparation, which is to make sure we’re giving high quality food to the crew members on board.” The Food Service Officer added that she is extremely proud of the culinary specialists, food service assistants and the supply department as a whole. “To see all the hard work, dedication and passion that go into their job was definitely noticed by the inspectors. Once again, my hat goes off to this department,” said Chief Warrant Officer Kathryn Thompson, Carl Vinson’s Food Service Officer. The supply department has a lot to brag about when it comes to their accomplishments, receiving a 99.8 score in training across all divisions. This is just another example of why the supply department can say they’re the best. “Fourteen out of 17 storerooms, on the first count, scored 100 percent on the demanding inventory, that’s never been done before by the inspection team. The professionalism of the storeroom Sailors is outstanding, doing what’s right even when no one is looking,” said Debord. “I appreciate the work our Sailors and senior leaders have done in the supply department to get us ready for deployment, I’m very proud of them, I believe in them, they are the best supply department in the carrier fleet. Our score is verification that we are the

CSG 1 Ready for the Big Dance By Mass Communcation Specialist 2nd Class Brent Pyfrom, Published June 8, 2014

arrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 successfully completed a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California June 2. COMPTUEX, led by CSG 15, is an exercise that evaluates CSG 1’s ability to react to live-training scenarios as an integral unit throughout every warfare area including sub surface, surface and air. “These ships and the crews are very well prepared for deployment,” said Capt. Paul Mackley, CSG 15 operations officer. During the exercise, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) simulated a straits transit with other ships from the strike group, participated in replenishments at sea, vertical replenishments, and ran several general quarters drills. COMPTUEX is the capstone of the integrated training phase for the strike group. “Normally, as the ships and squadrons train, they train as individual units,” Mackley said. “This is the first time we brought them all together to see if they could operate as a team.” Following a year and a half of preparation involving the basic training phase, CSG 1 began COMPTUEX on May 13. “One of the biggest and most complex events we did during COMPUTUEX was flight operations. We coordinated missions through the various warfare commanders that we have in the strike group,” said Cmdr. Steve Delanty, CSG 1 operations officer. The exercise required the entire strike group to defeat simulated adversaries across all spectrums of warfare. With the successful completion of COMPTUEX, CSG 1 moves into final preparations for deployment this summer as it continues with its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) through June 9, an exercise led by U.S. Third Fleet. JTFEX is an integrated battle force exercise designed to test the capabilities

of carrier strike groups operating with multinational forces in a joint environment. It is the culmination of a series of exercises and training requirements and readies the strike group for challenges it may encounter while deployed. CSG 1 comprises Vinson and its embarked air power, Carrier Air Wing 17, along with the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sterett (DDG 104), and USS Dewey (DDG 105). U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

Guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) participate in a strait transit exercise with aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Wagner, Jr.)

POW/MIA: Missing…Seeking Answers By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Travis Alston, Published Sept. 14

s of September 2014, 83,189 Americans remain missing and unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam War, Cold War, Gulf War and other conflicts. Through investigations and excavations, over 6,900 Americans have been repatriated, identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. Those unaccounted for are said to have been lost in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, China, Japan, Burma and the island of Tarawa. The United States has been working with the governments of each country to recover the remains of those missing by looking into crash and burial sites and speaking with locals. War accounts and other documents have also been used to help determine their fates. Congress passed a resolution authorizing a national observance for prisoners of war/missing in action personnel on July 18, 1979. After an observance on July 19, 1985, the National League of Families proposed that POW/MIA Recognition Day be observed on the third Friday of September. Each year, the president proclaims a National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This year’s theme is ‘Missing…Seeking Answers.’ On Aug. 1, 2009, Capt. Michael Scott Speicher’s remains, recovered in Iraq, were positively identified. Speicher was attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 81 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. His F/A-18 Hornet was shot down over Iraq on Jan. 17, 1991. He was laid to rest Aug. 14, 2009, after being found 18 years later. Speicher was the first American casualty of Operation Desert Storm.

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Courtney Boarts stands the full board watch during a straight transit exercise on the fantail of aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Giovanni Squadrito).

Photo by MC2 Travis Alston

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Photo by MC3 Cody Howell

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Photo by MC2 Scott Fenaroli

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

Around Team Vinson Photo by MC2 George Bell

Photo by MC2 Alex King

Photo by MC3 Shantece Gonzalez

Photo by ADCS John Swaritz

Photo by MC2 John P. Wagner

1988 - 2014 Strike Fighter Squadron 94 Honors Fallen Shipmate Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston, Published Sept. 18

n Sept. 18, Sailors from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94, Carrier Strike Group 1, Carrier Airwing 17, and USS Carl Vinson gathered in the ship’s hangar deck to honor the life and service of Lt. Nathan “Donny” Poloski. Poloski, assigned to the “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA 94, grew up in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2009. During the ceremony, Poloski’s fellow pilot and close friend Lt. Richard Valenta shared a few fond memories of him. “I want to thank the leadership of this squadron for their support in helping us deal with this tragedy,” said Valenta. “The thing about Nathan was that he was positive about everything, and he was always himself.” “He absolutely loved being a fighter pilot,” Valenta said. “He was literally living out his life-long dream until the day he passed. He strived to do his best at anything and everything he did.” In 2011, Poloski told Lake Arrowhead newspaper, Mountain News, why it was his life-long dream to become a Navy fighter pilot. “Because there is one thing that separates us from any other pilot… landing on an aircraft carrier,” he said. Poloski leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Miriam and Steve Kendrick of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., and his father, Thomas Poloski of Austin, Texas. “On behalf of Nathan’s family and the ‘Mighty Shrikes’ of VFA 94, I want to thank you all for the outpouring of support during this time of grieving,” said VFA 94 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael Langbehn. “Your commitment is testimonial to our camaraderie, which is elemental to naval aviation. It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve as Donny’s CO. He possessed a slew of qualities that any strike fighter CO would want to have in a junior officer. He persistently displayed his contagious enthusiasm for our unique profession, and he was determined to do what he must to be the best among us.”

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The Navy Celebrates

Years of Excellence

By Mass Communcation Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer, Published Oct. 12

n the transition from civilian to Sailor, service members are exposed to a wealth of information. A bulk of which they are expected if not required to internalize and recall when prompted. At the rate of which Sailors are indoctrinated into the Navy, sometimes learning gives way to rote memorization. With regard to the Navy’s birthday, that just may be a disservice to the organization they are privileged to serve. For the crew of Carl Vinson, the 2014 western pacific (WESTPAC) deployment is in its infancy. Sailors have sacrificed the comforts of their personal lives to be part of something bigger than their individual selves. The ship has become a melting-pot of cultures and backgrounds, coexisting with one goal - mission success. As the Navy’s 239th Birthday dawns, we are reminded - one team, one fight, united by one creed.

I am a United States Sailor. The fraternity of the U.S. Sailor came to life amid adversity. In the spring of 1775, Americans began to mount an opposition against unfair management by the British. Chief among the colonial concerns in an armed conflict was the projected presence of the Royal Navy posing a significant threat to both trade and costal settlements. To this point, Americans had taken up arms, but they were not yet at war. The prevailing sentiment for the settlers was that their actions were strictly a measure of protection against the aggressive ‘Brits.’ Colonists still held to the hope that a reunion with England was possible and worried that establishing a Navy would be viewed as an unabashed dedication to combat. However, a small contingent still sought to establish a Navy. Among the minority, founding father John Adams backed the establishment of a seafaring fleet that would defend U.S.

coasts, protect trade, retaliate against British raiders and petition neutral nations for aid. By October, it was apparent that reconciliation with the crown was not possible. The notion of establishing a navy gained steam. On October 13, 1775, Congress would receive a letter from Gen.

George Washington that would provide a final push, and the U.S. Navy was born. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. The U.S. Navy, originally dubbed the Continental Navy, would prove a vital asset to the foundation of the United States. When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, Congress was given the power to appoint and facilitate a Naval force. Five years later, due to concerns abroad, they would utilize that power and call for six frigates. From their request, the USS United States, USS Constellation and USS Constitution were produced. In 1798, shortly after the completion of the famed frigates, Congress would also establish the Department of the Navy (DoN). The DoN would fill the necessity for an executive department solely concerned with Naval affairs. Benjamin Stoddert would be the first

Secretary of the Navy. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. In its 239 years, the Navy has been an ever-relevant institution. Millions of Sailors have carved their legacy from thousands of deployments and numerous battles around the world. Pioneers of the past blazed a trail today’s Sailors still follow today. They set standards for combat and conduct in war that forced all to take notice. During his tenure in Congress the name-sake of CVN 70, Carl Vinson, earned the moniker as the father of the Navy. He took initiatives to establish a larger Naval fleet, which in part allowed the U.S. to rebound from the attacks of Pearl Harbor leading into World War II. Vinson gave the Navy the chance to deliver freedom and democracy in an era when it was desperately needed. I proudly serve my country’s Navy

combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. From the Revolutionary War to the most recent operation of the forward deployed Carl Vinson, dubbed Operation Valiant Shield and beyond, the Navy has sliced a piece of unrivalled excellence. The traditions of honor, courage and commitment remain as the Navy continues to mold to the needs of our nation. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all. For 239 years the Navy has fueled America’s sea power. Those who serve are reminded they cannot climb the ladder of success with their hands in their pockets. They are urged to reach for the highest rungs of success regardless of race, religion or gender. The melting-pot that is the Navy is not solely satisfied with the past. They are focused on the mission at hand and look to build upon their past for the foreseeable future. Happy 239th Birthday U.S. Navy!

Carl Vinson Notches 230,000th Trap Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli, Published Oct. 26

Two F/A-18F Super Hornets from the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 launch from the flight deck of the Carl Vinson as the ship conducts flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Brown).

Team Vinson Conducts Operations in 5th Fleet Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston, Published Oct. 26

he Carl Vinson Strike Group began conducting operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Oct. 19. After transiting the Straits of Hormuz and relieving the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), the Vinson arrived in the AOR and began operations immediately. Team Vinson is in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, backing maritime security operations, providing strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed and theater security cooperation efforts. The strike group conducted various training evolutions, to include Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise, prior to deploying Aug. 22 to prepare for real-life scenarios in the AOR. “Our team has been extremely successful supporting the president’s tasking, so far,” said Capt. Karl Thomas, Carl Vinson’s commanding officer. “We have had a few drops but I expect things to pick up very soon. The Air wing is doing an exceptional job meeting all their tasking. “

An EA-18G Growler, from the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 launches from the flight deck of Carl Vinson as the ship conducts flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Fenaroli).

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Sunliners of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 makes an arrested recovery on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson as the ship conducts flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Brown).

Thomas thanked the crew for their continued exceptional performance in completing the mission at hand. “The flight deck team is doing a great job getting aircraft off on time,” said Thomas. “I know our ordies [Ordnanceman] are enjoying their job of getting the bombs built and loaded on board the aircraft. “There is a lot of team effort ensuring we meet the tasking and I appreciate all the hard work going on around the ship to make that happen.” For the pilots making the strike group’s first launch in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the experience was an honor. “I was real excited and real hopeful to do the best that I could, and do what the ship’s crew set us up to do,” said Lt. Tristan Brandenberg, from the “Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron 22. “It was a real honor to be one of the first guys across. “I’m excited to go in, excited to do the work that all of us have trained for.”

aptain Karl Thomas, commanding officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), hosted a cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the ship’s 230,000th arrested landing, Oct. 23. During the ceremony Thomas spoke of the significance of the milestone. “This is a big occasion,” said Thomas. “Notching 230,000 traps is pretty awesome. I appreciate all of the hard work that went into this achievement.” The landmark trap was accomplished by pilots Lt. Sean Stuart and Lt. Josh Raymond of the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22. They, alongside Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Eli, took the honors of cutting the cake. “We feel honored to be a part of this milestone,” said Stuart. “We can’t land on the ship with out all the hard work between the ship’s crew and air wing.” Raymond took the opportunity to let those in attendance know exactly how grateful they are. “I just want to say thank you very much,” Raymond added. “After every mission, it is nice to come back to a carrier with such a reliable crew.” Eli was the arresting gear room’s supervisor at the time of the trap. “It was exciting to be part of the achievement,” said Eli. “It definitely ranks among the top experiences in my naval career.”

Lt. Josh Raymond, left, assigned to the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class, Michael Eli, center, and Lt. Sean Stuart, cut a cake commemorating the 230,000th arrested landing aboard Carl Vinson.

Lt. Sean Stuart speaks to Air Department Sailors about the 230,000th arrested landing aboard Carl Vinson.

Capt. Karl Thomas, Carl Vinson’s commanding officer, holds a piece of the wire used during the 230,000th arrested landing.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 makes an arrested recovery on the flight deck of Carl Vinson as the ship conducts flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Carl Vinson (1883-1981) By James F. Cook, Published Nov. 23

arl Vinson, recognized as “the father of the twoocean Navy,” served twenty-five consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. When he retired in January 1965, he had served in the U.S. Congress longer than anyone in history. He also set the record for service as chair of a standing committee. He chaired the House Naval Affairs Committee for sixteen years (1931-47) and its successor, the House Armed Services Committee, for fourteen years (1949-53 and 1955-65). By concentrating on military affairs throughout his long career, Vinson became the foremost advocate of a strong national defense and the most powerful voice in Congress in shaping defense policies.

His strong support of the Navy earned him the nickname “the Admiral.” Born on Nov. 18, 1883, in Baldwin County, Georgia, Vinson was one of seven children born to Edward Storey Vinson, a farmer, and Annie Morris. He attended Middle Georgia Military and Agricultural College in Milledgeville, read law with county judge Edward R. Hines, and earned a degree from Mercer University’s law school in Macon, Georgia in 1902. Admitted to the Georgia state bar, Vinson became a junior partner of Judge Hines in Milledgeville. After serving two terms as county court solicitor, he won a seat in the Georgia General Assembly at age twenty-five. Re-elected two years later, he was chosen Speaker pro tempore during his second term. In 1912, Vinson suffered his only defeat at the hands of the voters of middle Georgia in a political career that spanned six decades. His bid for a third term in the legislature lost by five votes. The governor then appointed him judge of the Baldwin County court. However, when the U.S. representative from the Tenth District resigned, Vinson ran for the vacant House seat. Easily defeating three wealthy opponents, he was sworn in on Nov. 3, 1914, as the youngest member of Congress. Competent and hardworking, he became a fixture in Congress. After defeating the former populist leader Thomas E. Watson in 1918, he rarely faced opposition. In 1921 he married Mary Green of Ohio. They had no children. She died in 1949 after a lengthy illness, and he never remarried. Although Vinson represented a landlocked district, he secured a seat on the Naval Affairs Committee in 1917. Convinced that

increased spending for national defense was absolutely necessary, he believed this committee would provide a needed arena in which to present his views. He foresaw a growing role for both sea and air power. Throughout the 1920s’ and 1930s’ Vinson consistently called for strengthening the nation’s defenses. Committed to arms reduction, the U. S. had agreed to the Washington Treaty of 1922 and the London Treaty of 1930, which limited the size of the naval fleets of the major powers. Vinson protested that the U. S., unlike the other powers, had not even built its Navy up to the level authorized by these treaties. He made little headway during the administrations of Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover, but found President Franklin Roosevelt more receptive to his arguments. In 1934, Roosevelt signed the Vinson-Trammell Act, which would bring the Navy to the strength permitted by the treaties of 1922 and 1930. As conditions in Europe and Asia became more ominous, Vinson wrote several bills strengthening the Navy and applying aircraft in national defense. Twenty months before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, an event that precipitated America’s entry into World War II (1941-45), Vinson steered two bills through Congress. The first called for expanding naval aviation to 10,000 planes, training 16,000 pilots, and establishing 20 air bases; the second speeded naval construction and eased labor restrictions in the shipbuilding industry. Assessing Vinson’s impact on sea power, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz later remarked, “I do not know where this country would have been after Dec. 7, 1941, if it had not had the ships and the know-how to build more ships fast, for which one Vinson bill after another was responsible.”

A modest man of simple tastes, Vinson shunned the limelight and quietly did his duty. When Congress was in session, he lived in a modest six-room bungalow in Chevy Chase, Maryland; when it adjourned, he retreated to his 600-acre farm near Milledgeville. Unlike most of his congressional colleagues, he rarely traveled. He went to the Caribbean once in the 1920s and never traveled abroad again. He rarely set foot on an airplane or ship and never learned to drive a car. Eccentric in many ways, he smoked or chewed cheap cigars, wore his glasses on the end of his prominent nose, and spoke with a middle Georgia drawl.

Although he appeared to be a country bumpkin, his shrewd political instincts, enormous common sense, and mastery of detail enabled him to dominate his committee and steer legislation through Congress. Vinson asserted, “The most expensive thing in the world is a cheap Army and Navy.” During the cold war he continued to stress the need for military preparedness, especially a buildup of strategic bombers. He rammed his views through Congress, often over the objections of the president. Indeed, throughout his career he tangled with presidents, cabinet members, and top brass, whittling pompous admirals and generals down to size. When he was rumored to be in line for appointment as secretary of defense, his standard rejection was, “I’d rather run the Pentagon from up here.” After serving fifty years and one month, Vinson quietly retired to his Baldwin County farm, having set the record for longevity in the House. In 1964 U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Vinson the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest award that a president may bestow upon a civilian. U.S. president Richard Nixon honored Vinson in 1973 by naming the nation’s third nuclear-powered carrier for him. He died in Milledgeville on June 1, 1981, at age ninety-seven. In 1983 the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Georgia was renamed the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Team Vinson Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James P. Bleyle, Published Nov. 30

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

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).

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 have 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), 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).

Rallying Around a Shipmate Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer Photos courtesy of Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ashley Ciepley, Published Nov. 30

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

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.”