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Story by MC2 Byron Linder USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
Carl Vinson’s Supply Department Sailors set a new standard of Navy-wide excellence, earning the highest recorded score of 99.3 for retail operations and an overall score of 93.26 for a ship’s Supply Management Inspection (SMI) upon completion Dec. 15. SMI, held every eighteen months, inspects the ship’s Supply Department’s ability to carry out the mission. A comprehensive assessment, every aspect of Supply Department is heavily scrutinized. From logs to training to cleanliness to service ability, the inspection ensures and certifies the department’s ability to support the strike group’s needs. Cmdr. Ken Epps, Vinson’s Supply Officer, observed an apt timing of the inspection with the ship’s current operations. “This is kind of our Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which ensures all our key business areas in Supply can turn around and support the strike group when we go on cruise,” said Epps. The three-day inspection checks the proper way of operating the 13 Supply divisions. While ships are usuSee`SMI` page 2
The Carl Vinson Voice is an internal document produced by and for the crew of the USS Carl Vinson and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments of Defense or the Navy and do not imply any endorsement thereby.
December 16, 2010
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From ‘SMI’ Page 1
STAFF
ally in a regular at-sea operational status, Epps explained the distinctive challenge Vinson’s crew faced. “Obviously we were unique in this situation because we’ve been in refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). The last time Carl Vinson had a supply management inspection was in 2005,” Epps said. Supply Department met the challenge head-on, welcoming the opportunity to prove their department’s prowess at mission execution. “It’s basically 48 hours of grilling on everything we do day in and day out,” chuckled Lt. Cmdr. Jack Tan, Vinson’s Assistant Supply Officer. “It started from noon on Dec. 13 and ended last night (Dec. 14) at 9:00 p.m.” Preparing for the thorough inspection required action taken well in advance of departing San Diego. “There was a lot of upkeep to spaces before SMI. A lot of long hours, hard work, and paying attention to detail,” said S-3 Division’s Leading Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Ship’s Serviceman (SW/AW) Hector Quiroga. The contributions to SMI’s success did not begin and end Publisher
Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey Commanding Officer Executive Editors
Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds
Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Erik Schneider
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Managing Editor MC2 Ashley Van Dien Photo Editor MC2 Adrian White Layout and Design MC3 Patrick Green Staff Writers/Photographers MC2 Byron C. Linder MC3 Lori Bent MC3 Travis K. Mendoza MC3 Jessica Robertson MCSN Zachary D. Bell
“The 70” Keeps Vinson Sailors up to Date who’s doing what. “The 70” features news stories on subjects ranging all the way from the new satellite bars to underway Check out what’s happening on replenishments, Hanukkah celebrathe latest episode of Carl Vinson’s tions to NCPACE courses, and even newscast “The 70.” It’s a show made visits from people like “Wee Man” for Sailors, by Sailors, to showcase and a Padre pitcher. The news stowhat’s going on around the ship and ries offer information and entertainment for the crew about what’s happening on our ship. Hard-working, outstanding Sailwith Supply Department Sailors. ors are recognized in The 70’s “Two Master Chief Logistics Special- Minutes With…” where Sailors tell ist (AW/SW) Gil Ermitano, Sup- their personal and professional stoply Department’s Leading Chief ries. “Two Minutes With…” gives Petty Officer, cited the “one team, us an inside look at how motivated one fight” mentality as a key ele- Sailors’ enthusiasm and dedication ment. to their jobs and their Shipmates “The engineers were fixing the bumps up productivity and boosts equipment that we use in the gal- morale. ley and ship’s laundry and the All over the ship, Sailors are indibarber shop. You name it they vidually doing their part to accomwere there to support us. All the plish the strike group’s mission. “A departments and squadrons sup- Day in the Life” lets us peek into ported us. I can’t name a single some of our Shipmates’ work cendepartment or squadron that ters and see what they’re doing on didn’t help us,” said Ermitano. a day-to-day basis. Understanding Epps remarked on the SMI in- each other and our different jobs spectors’ notice of Vinson’s strong will benefit everyone when it comes support of Supply Department. to living and working together. “The SMI inspector was imIn “Movie Break!” Mass Commupressed and surprised the captain nication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick came on and discussed Supply Green shares his opinions on sevDepartment and what we were eral films coming up on SITE TV. going through. Not a lot of ships Exuberant, sarcastic and bleeping do that. A lot of times, we operate awesome, Green will give you the in the background and you don’t synopsis of films without a spoiler, always get that visible support complete with actual movie footfrom the chain of command,” said age. Epps. “They understand how imContent of The 70 is driven by portant it is for us to do what we what’s happening on board, forward do well so the rest of the ship can to aft, port to starboard, featuring do well,” he said. Sailors above and below deck from With SMI in the books, Epps all walks of life. If you have a stoemphasized the importance and ry idea, recommendation for “Two rewards of maintaining the stan- Minutes With…” or “A Day in the dard set on a daily basis. Life” for The 70 newscast, email it to “I hope my Sailors take away the mediasuggestions@cvn70.navy.mil lesson that you will be rewarded New episodes of The 70 will air because you’ve put in the right on SITE TV Channel 5 Sunday at amount of work and you’ve made 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., and repeat Monthe sacrifices. You work excep- day through Saturday at 5:00 and tionally hard, but you also work 7:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 and 8:00 exceptionally smart,” he said. p.m. MC2 Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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LS2 (AW/SW) Maggie Applewhite Dec. 13, 2010
LS2 (AW/SW) Maggie Applewhite’s perseverance and dedication to duty was key to the unprecedented material and operational readiness of Carl Vinson. Petty Officer Applewhite successfully processed 70 credit card purchase requirements worth $250,000 for 19 departments in support of Carl Vinson’s deployment. Applewhite successfully coordinated and expedited 22 highly critical casualty report (CASREP) parts through various Department of Defense, Navy and commercial supply channels which resulted in restoring seven primary mission critical equipment. Applewhite’s enthusiasm and dedication to Supply Department and USS Carl Vinson is noted daily and truly deserving of special recognition.
MM3 Alexander Moos Safety Department
Electrical safety is probably one of the most overlooked, underappreciated safety programs on board. There is not a single person on board, or in the Navy for that matter, that is not affected by electrical safety. If you use anything that plugs into a wall, you are participating in the electrical safety program. Not everyone, however, cares. Our job in Safety Department is to educate and enforce the programs for which we are responsible. That means electrical safety, and many others. The Electrical Safety Program is vital to preserving the operational stability of the ship. We cannot afford a shipmate being electrocuted due to carelessness. Nor can we afford the effects of a fire caused by
faulty gear or unattended electronics. Carl Vinson had a close call just before INSURV. An unattended laptop power adapter overheated and started a fire. The fire completely destroyed a space, and if not for the efforts of the duty section’s fire party, the damage could have been much more severe. Electrical items that are NOT authorized on board U.S. Naval vessels. 1) Personal fans that plug into the ships power system. (Battery operated fans are allowed.) 2) Power strips and surge suppressors that are not labeled “APPROVED FOR SHIPBOARD USE” Approved power strips can be acquired through your department’s electrical tool issue workcenter. 3) Space heaters of any kind. 4) Portable A/C units. 5) Hot plates/ Rice cookers/ Crock pots (any personal cooking appliances). 6) Extension cords of any kind. (Only departmental tool issue workcenters are authorized to possess / is-
sue extension cords.) 7) Personal drills/ power tools of any kind. All other personal electronics must be safety checked and labeled with the authorized stickers. This can be done at either the ship’s electrical tool issue or at your department’s electrical tool issue room. It is the responsibility of all hands to ensure that all electric tools and electronics on board are safety checked, whether they are personal gear or work center tools. Do not plug your electronics in until they have been safety checked. Please remember to always ensure that you are not resting your electronics on or near any materials that can easily catch on fire, as was the case in the earlier mentioned accident. Finally, if you are not actively using your electronics, make sure they are not plugged in, and are turned off. Always remember, electricity can be your best friend, but the moment you stop respecting it, it can and will hurt you and possibly your shipmates.
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Carl Vinson Voice
U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Travis K. Mendoza and MCSN Zachary D. Bell
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December 16, 2010
Story by MC3 Lori Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
The San Diego Padres hit a home run with the crew of the Carl Vinson when they flew out to the ship, stayed overnight and signed autographs for Sailors Dec 13. “It’s a great feeling to be able to bring baseball to the crew,” said Dave Roberts, San Diego Padres coach. “We get the chance to show our appreciation and come face-to-face with the men and women whose job it is to protect our freedom.” The Padres have an ongoing relationship with the men and women in uniform. Before every Sunday home game, members of the Armed Forces take the field at Petco Park to a standing ovation from the Padres organization and their fans. “It’s good to see the team come
out here to see us because it shows that they support us and what we do,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Janice Alvey of Operations Department. The Padres visitors posed for photos and signed baseball gloves, ball caps and fan gear for Vinson Sailors on the mess decks. “I grew up with baseball so it means a lot to see the players come out to support us,” added Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jeffery Tratenburg of Operations Department. “I am a huge baseball fan, so it’s a big deal for me to come out and meet talented players.” Luke Gregerson, pitcher for the Padres, explained how he enjoys showing appreciation for the military that protects him, his team and his country. “One of the most rewarding experiences of being a ball player is having the support of the men and women in uniform,” said Gregerson. “Coming on board is our way of
showing our appreciation. We have the support of the military during the season and during the off season we come out and show our support.” Renowned Sports Broadcaster Dick Enberg joined the Padres in showing their support as he shook hands and thanked Sailors for their service during an autograph session on the carrier’s aft mess deck. “We are incredibly impressed to see how this all works,” said Enberg. “To see the rhythm of so many people working together and making so much happen. There is a roster of almost five thousand people and the camaraderie is the same as a baseball team of twenty five people. We are left incredibly impressed.”
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A Gold Eagle All American
Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Antonio Arbelo plays rugby for the All Navy Rugby Team. Photo courtesy of Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Antonio Arbelo.
Story by MC3 Lori Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
Ninety minutes in the gym, 45 minutes on the treadmill, countless reps of weight lifting. Two hours of water resistance training, sprint drills and weight lifting in an Olympic-sized pool. Just a typical (in port) routine after a full day’s work for one Carl Vinson Sailor who pushes on the ship and on the field. Carl Vinson Sailor Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Antonio Arbelo, from Weapons Department G-1 Division Weapons Support Equipment, is one of three enlisted Sailors from San Diego to make the cut for the All Navy Rugby Team. Since then, he has been managing his duties as a Sailor and his passion for playing rugby. “I started playing competitive rugby with Naval Academy graduates and Sailors from other commands while we were still in Virginia,” said Arbelo. “That’s when I got introduced to the All Navy Team. They helped me understand my role as a team player just like
the Navy does.” In 2009 and early 2010, Arbelo travelled with the All Navy Rugby team to compete in tournaments in Jacksonville, Fla. where they played the British Navy and the University of Florida. The team had a successful run in November against the Marine Corps and Air Force Rugby teams during the Armed Forces Rugby Tournament. “We practiced twice-a-day for two weeks to get ready for the tournaments,” said Arbelo. “The water workouts are the worst. Imagine having to do sprints and weight lifting in a pool, then two hours later doing tackling drills and running plays.” In port, the team trains at the San Diego Chargers practice stadium three-times-a-week with tournaments and games on the weekends. With the support of his chain of command and Shipmates, Arbelo is able to manage his work and practice schedule without losing sight of either one. Underway Arbelo uses the ship as his training field. He commits to daily muscle resistance training in the ship’s weight room and spends up to an hour
per day doing sprint drills on the treadmill. “I don’t have a coach telling me how or what to work out and I don’t have a lot of space to practice tackles and ball handling,” said Arbelo. “What I do have is the natural athletic ability to train the essential muscles and body parts to still be in top shape.” “Arbelo is a self-motivator. The rugby team brings out the enthusiasm in him,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Alfredo Razo, Weapons Department G-1 Division leading petty officer. “The experience helps him broaden his views of the Navy and gives him opportunities that he wouldn’t have expected.” On and off the field, Arbelo has learned to tackle challenges from every angle to take on multiple tasks with the determination of a champion. “Commitment to his team reinforces commitment to his job,” said Razo. “He does what he has to do at work to do what he wants on the field. His determination motivates his peers to do more with their time and abilities. In turn they motivate him to do his best.”