Inside this Issue: Busan Cultural Tour -- Sailors Visit Orphans -- Sailor in the Spotlight -- Blue vs. Green Basketball at Camp Walker
VOL 2 / NO 5
January 16, 2011
Busan Cultural Tour Vinson’s First Port Visit Story by MC3 Megan L. Catellier USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
The smell of incense, the taste of kimchi, the melody of a foreign language and the sight of vendors in the streets describe the cultural city of Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK). Sailors assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 experienced the sites and sounds of Busan on a tour sponsored by Vinson’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division. “MWR offers tours to make sure Sailors can see something different they might not be able to see just wandering around on their own” said Vinson’s Fun Boss, Therese Guinane. The ‘Busan Cultural Tour’ included stops to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, Busan Aquarium and Bulguska temple. “The Busan Cultural Tour seemed pretty popular,” said Guinane. A total of 284 people participated in the tour while the ship was in port Jan. 11-14. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery displayed the flags of 11 nations that united during the Korean War to defend the ROK against communism. Sailors observed Korean soldiers conduct colors and read the names of American service members who fought in the Korean War. The history lesson offered at this See`BUSAN` page 4 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. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Megan L. Catellier
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SPOTLIGHT Story by MC2 Jessica Tounzen USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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ne heartbeat. One breath. One minute. Sometimes that’s all that stands between life and death. It’s an experience that’s unfamiliar to many people, but not to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC/SW) Richard O’Dell, 25, of Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron (HS) 15. O’Dell is a Search and Rescue (SAR) Medical Technician—the only one on board Vinson—and in the entire battle group, for that matter. It’s his job to respond to and care for injured Sailors on and off Carl Vinson, and prepare them for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) if necessary. Training is an important part of O’Dell’s job, because his injured Shipmates depend on his knowledge to save their lives. “[As a SAR corpsman], I have several qualifications to maintain, like emergency medicine, international trauma life support, pediatric emergency care and tactical combat casualty care,” said O’Dell. “I also get evaluated every year to ensure my training is up-to-date.” In addition to keeping his quals current, O’Dell is constantly working to ensure he’s in top physical form, so he can respond 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 Megan L. Catellier Staff Writers/Photographers MC3 Lori Bent MC3 Jessica Tounzen MCSN Nicolas Lopez
quickly in a medical emergency. For his quarterly physical fitness test as a SAR corpsman, he has to carry two 50-pound dumbbells a distance of 100 meters, do a one-mile litter hike carrying a SAR litter, and complete a minimum of four pull-ups. That’s on top of the regular Navy-wide biannual physical fitness assessment (PFA). But O’Dell knows it’s all for a bigger purpose. “It’s truly a great feeling to know I took someone to the next level of care, knowing I may have saved their life and my training paid off,” said O’Dell. And that feeling is not the only way his job pays off. “I have the best job in Medical because I get to leave the ship and go fly around in a helo,” he said, laughing. “I love the feeling of being 150 feet over the water, looking at the ship as it breaks through the waves. The feeling of flying is amazing. You know that one little mistake could cost your life…but you know that the risk you take to save a life is so worth it.” This mentality of putting others’ lives before his own garnered O’Dell the respect of his Air Wing Medical leading petty officer (LPO), Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (AW/CAC) Paul Sarsfield, of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134. “He’s very dedicated and extremely meticulous, especially considering he’s got more responsibility on his shoulders than any other corpsman on the ship,” said Sarsfield. O’Dell’s work ethic was also recognized by his squadron LPO, Naval Aircrewman 1st Class (NAC/AW/SW) Cory Merritt. “He needs no supervision. He goes above and beyond every day to make sure his job is done,” Merritt said. “He’s always willing to help out a Shipmate by using his diverse knowledge and experience.” “He’s phenomenal at helping out other Sailors. As busy as he is, he’s never too busy to lend a helping hand,” agreed Sarsfield.
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January 16, 2011
Sung Ae Won Home for Children Story by MC3 Lori Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
kids made me appreciate my family.” “Taking care of children is not a one person job,” said Lee. “We are here to teach them and help them as they grow.” “I was impressed with how well the ailors from the Carl Vinson, Carrier children shared with one another,” said Air Wing (CVW) 17 and the Republic of Personnel Specialist 1st Korea Navy (ROKN) visited the Class Deonta Jones of Sung Ae Won Home for Children “We are here to teach them and Carrier Airborne Early as part of a community relations Warning Squadron 125’s (COMREL) project in Busan, help them grow,” said Lee. Admin Department. “One Republic of Korea, Jan. 13. The Sung Ae Won orphanage of the kids even shared his provides shelter for infants and children Vinson and CVW-17 continue to maintain chips with me.” without a family and in need of immediate a positive relationship with the Republic of Interior Communications Electrician help and care. Korea people. The Sailors and volunteers 3rd Class Trish-an Campbell of Combat Volunteers from several different at the home spoke about the importance Systems Department explained how departments participated in a joint effort of interacting with the children. volunteering can bridge gaps between to reach the Korean community. Vinson, “Participating in community relation cultures. CVW-17 and ROKN Sailors read to and events shows the world that we are more “Language isn’t important,” said played with the children. than just a military force,” said Culinary Campbell. “If you possess the basic “Even though you have military duties, Specialist 3rd Class Jasmine Anderson of human emotion of empathy, you can you still came here to protect the Korean Supply Department. “We have feelings communicate with anyone from anywhere Peninsula’s peace and at the same time too. Coming here and being around the in the world.”
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you gave your time to help our kids,” said Hee Jung Lee, a social worker for Sung Ae Won. “It really helps to have people volunteer their goods and services but most importantly their time.” COMREL projects are one of the ways
Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW) Chester Perez plays with a Korean child from Sung Ae Won Orphanage. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian T. White.
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Photos from Busan From ‘BUSAN’ Page 1
notable cemetery was very insightful and educational for some Sailors. “I was shocked to learn as much as I did,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Renarda Collins. “For instance, all men in Korea must serve at least two years in the military once they turn 18 [years old].” After the cemetery, the group of Sailorscontinued to the Busan Aquarium in Haeundae Beach. The aquarium featured marine life from all around Asia, as well as the nation’s longest underwater tunnel. “My favorite part of this tour, by far, was the aquarium,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Deshawn Williams. “I really enjoyed seeing cool animals (I wouldn’t see) in America.” The final stop on the tour was the Bulguksa temple, which is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art. The temple was constructed in 751 A.D. under the rule of King Gyeongdeok and was completed in 774 A.D. Bulguksa, which means “Temple of the Buddha Land,” houses several Buddhist sculptures and religious emblems important to Korean culture and history. “I really enjoyed the temple because I was able to take a lot of great photos,” said Collins. “It was very beautiful.” Bulguksa is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including two famous stone pagodas (Dabotap and Seokgatap) and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The Busan Cultural Tour allowed Sailors to safely explore different sites and experience some of the city’s history and customs. “Overall, I found the Republic of Korea very enjoyable,” said Williams, “and the cultural experience will have a lasting impression on my life.”
Do you have photos from a tou Vinson Cruisebook? Contact ADMIN Personnel - PS2 Raynard Grant Admin - YN3 Jamie Davis AIMD IM1 - AZ3 Zania Saunders IM2 - AZAN Chaundrell Thompson IM3 - AE2 Paul Gonthier IM4 - AS2 Robie Davis AIR ABH1 Julian Molinar ABE2 Shannon Sears ABH2 Rahgene Ross ABF2 Geovanni Carmona ABE2 Amy Richards COMBAT SYSTEMS IT2 Cyrena Douglas IT2 Sarah Peachey IT2 Antonisha Fox
RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES RP3 Jesse Seward DECK BMC Sorrells Claiborne DENTAL LT Vicky Chang ENGINEERING MR2 Adam Ferenbach DC2 Erika Tello HEALTH SERVICES- MEDICAL LCDR Eugene D. Osborn LT Christine Maclan INTEL IS1 Kyle Cook LEGAL LN2 Gina Camacho
January 16, 2011
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U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Adrian White, MC3 Megan L. Catellier & MCSA Nicolas Lopez
ur or COMREL you would like to see in the Carl your departmetal Cruisebook Representative: MEDIA MC2 Ashley Van Dien Mc3 Megan Catellier NAVIGATION QM2 Vannessa Park YN3 David Byars OPERATIONS OSC Cynthia Matta-Spriggs REACTOR James R. Morton EM1 Busan Kelley SAFETY BM2 James Langley AC2 Brandon Bullock SUPPLY YN2 Sean C. Cummins LS2 Stacey Adams
CS2 Stacy Evangelista LS1 Maggie Applewhite TRAINING MCC Dan Wolsey HM3 Diandra Bondurant WEAPONS AO2 Chris Berning
CARRIER STRIKE GROUP CSG- 1 EN2 Joel Durano IT2 Crystoferlee Conley CAG- 17 OS2 Antonio D’Andrea VAW-125 LS1 Kodjo Yovogan YN3 Kalvin Wilburn
VFA- 81 LT Brent Nyheim NC1 Gary Coumbe VFA -113 AT2 Eric Cox VFA-22 AO1 Paul Clark NC1 Tina Bibby VFA-25 YN2 Lemarkus Thompson AM2 Christopher Lambert VAQ-134 AME1 Michael Porter PR1 Kevin Smith HS-15 PS1 Jessica Letts
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J a n u a r y
C APTION C O N T E S T
* last week’s winner *
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Operation Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq, begins.
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This Week in NAVAL History
Think you can come up with a clever, cunning or comedic caption for this photo?? If your caption is chosen, you can pick a movie to play on SITE TV Saturday at 2000. Submit your caption to “Media Suggestions” in the ship’s global. The winner’s caption will be featured in Thursday’s paper.
1991
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The frigate USS Peacock makes contact with Vietnamese court off icials.
1911
First aircraft landing aboard a ship, USS Pennsylvania (ACR 4) by Eugene Ely.
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Lt. Charles Wilkes, aboard the sloop Vincennes, is the first American to discover the Antarctic coast.
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Hostilities cease between Great Britain and the United States.
1954
Launching of USS Nautilus (SSN 571), f irst nuclear submarine, at Groton, Conn.
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“The pilot lost his keys… again.” Caption submitted by Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Jasmine Onweneme
Capt. Thomas Tingey is ordered to duty as the f irst superintendent of the Washington Navy Yard.
January 16, 2011
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BLUE MC3 Jessica Tounzen USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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arl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors teamed up Jan. 12 for a little hoop action against U.S. Army teams at Camp Walker in Taegu, Republic of Korea (ROK). The Navy male team beat the Army 91 to 77. The females lost in overtime 58 to 52. The two games presented an opportunity for the Sailors to work together toward a common goal…literally. “This ship has proven over the last few months that teamwork is the key to every one of our successes. This is another example of that,” said Vinson’s Command Master Chief, CMDCM(AW/ SW)April Beldo, coach for the women’s team. “Both these teams came together, got to know one another as teammates and then excelled on the court. They represented Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, Carl Vinson and CVW-17 very well.” “The teamwork was through the roof,” said the male team’s coach, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) James Henry, Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) of Vinson’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division. “Everyone was dedicated, played their hearts out and left it all out there on the floor. I couldn’t be more proud of the effort both teams gave.” The games also gave the Sailors the opportunity to interact with U.S. Army soldiers, something many Sailors don’t have the chance to do very often. “We were able to go out, engage in a sporting event with a sister service, promote
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basketball games @ Camp Walker
the Navy…and even promote all services, which was really great,” said Henry. Legalman 2nd Class Alahnna Taylor, of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, who first picked up a basketball in the second grade, said the game presented a chance to challenge herself and show off skills honed through military service. “It’s a good day when you can compete against a team that is by all accounts just as good or better than you,” said Taylor. “Any time joint forces get together, whether it’s to compete in a basketball game or execute a critical mission in a hostile environment, it
shows how well each branch of the military is highly trained.” Beldo agreed the female team spared no effort in practices and the game. “I’m very proud of these ladies,” she said. “No one but us really knows the kind of schedule a Sailor keeps at sea, but they made time to practice and they worked together so well as a team. It would have been nice to win this one, but there will be more and all they’re going to do is get better.” Master-at-Arms 2nd Class George Mosley, of Operations Department OSF Division, has been shooting hoops since the age of six. He described what he thought was the highlight of the male game. “I got to play with a wonderful group of guys and represent Carl Vinson in a positive
way,” he said. “[The game] gave us a chance to meet new Shipmates and work together as one.” Taylor explained who she thought were the best players in the female game. “It’s definitely the unselfish ones,” she said. “It’s a great game when you have a player give up the ball to someone who is in a better scoring position, instead of attempting to make the play themselves.” Taylor said even though her team lost in the end, it wasn’t for a lack of effort. “Although the final shot didn’t fall the way we wanted it to, we still strongly executed the play, and that in itself was a victory,” said Taylor. “We took eight different individuals who had never played together and it didn’t matter… every girl stepped on that court with a fighting attitude and high motivation. The Navy won, no matter what the scoreboard said.” The games were arranged through Camp Walker’s and CarlVinson’sMWR representatives. Prospective male and female team members were solicited through command-wide e-mails. Players tried out for their position and the best players were selected by Henry and his fellow coaches. A passion for the game was the reason Henry chose to coach his team in the game against Camp Walker. “I love basketball. I also love putting time and energy into junior Sailors, especially when they’re as passionate about basketball as I am,” revealed Henry. “Giving life lessons both on and off the court and being able to help young Sailors, that’s why I love coaching.” The teams’ future games are tentatively scheduled to coincide with the ship and air wing’s upcoming port visits.
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Gold Eagle Team, I can hardly believe that we are well into our underway period. If not for the sound of the catapults or the arresting gear I almost think that we are on a fast cruise. We’ve been traveling for quite some time, but the bulk of journey is still ahead. One thing that makes these days surprisingly out of the ordinary is that we are visited frequently by celebrities, athletes, TV stars, film makers, business magnates and the list goes on. What is even more amazing is that our guests watch what we do, listen to our stories
and see us as the celebrities. All of a sudden the people who were only images and sounds on a screen become real for us. Likewise, we who were mere sound bites flashing by on news reports, become real people for them. Then we start sharing stories and realize that we are all in it together. We are all characters in the story called life. We not only read and hear about world events, we become part of it. We are part of a much bigger family. The conversations we’ve had around the dinner table will be repeated around
the tables of families we’ve just met. Remember these days. The stories we tell when we return will be the stories that will be handed down from one generation to the next. If you need help remembering, send these issues of the USS CARL VINSON VOICE home. Sometimes reading is believing. Take care of one another, be well. Chaplain James West Principal Assistant Chaplain
Jet Blast DeFlectors (JBD)- designed to prevent jet blast from harming personnel or equipment.
ship helmmaneuvers the ship. lee helm-provides the speed input to the ship.
DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues
What was the highlight of your Busan experience? HM2 (AW/SW) Calvin Amerson
CTT3 Jessica Nieves
ABH3 (AW) Michael Flosi
“I enjoyed the trip to Osan. There were a lot of familiar American stores and American food.”
“I had a blast shopping. The Shinsagae Mall had 14 floors. There were so many different things to do in the mall.”
“It was a humbling experience for me when I visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery.”
January 16, 2011
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