Vinson Voice 24 Feb 11

Inside this Issue: Register To Vote | A Day in the Life of Dental | The History of Cranking VOL 2 / NO 19 February 24, 2011

Vinson’s Foc’sle Goes

Retro

Story by MC3 Jessica Tounzen USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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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.

ow will you remember your time on Carl Vinson? Maybe it’s the people you’ve met, the laughs you’ve shared, or perhaps it’s the sweat you’ve invested in making the ship your own. However you remember it, the ship has made its mark on each of its Sailors…and every day, each Sailor leaves his or her mark on the Vinson legacy.

One crew member’s legacy was created nearly two decades ago…and it’s being brought back to life by another Sailor today. Carl Vinson’s Deck Department is restoring its forecastle to the way it looked when one of the ship’s current junior officers first set foot in it as a junior enlisted Sailor.

“As a young Sailor on board Carl Vinson in the late ‘90s, I was given the opportunity to work and supervise personnel on the forecastle,” said Ensign Dustin Miller, who is now serving as Deck Department’s Assistant First Lieutenant (AFL).

“The Ship’s Boatswain at the time was Chief Warrant Officer Lorenzo Looper. The colors [that were used in the forecastle during that time] were passed on to me in a book from him.

[Soon after we pulled out of Port Klang, Malaysia], I went to the book and we brought back the colors that made the forecastle stand out as it did when I was here before.”

Those colors include a specially-created color palette based on the formula passed down to Miller from Looper.

See ‘RETRO’ Page 2

Carl Vinson Voice

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U.S. Navy photos by MC2(SW) James R. Evans

Publisher

STAFF

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(SW) Ashley Van Dien Photo Editor MC2(SW) Adrian White Layout and Design MC3 Megan L. Catellier

Staff Writers/Photographers MC2(SW) James R. Evans MC2 Byron C. Linder MC3 Lori D. Bent MC3 Christopher Hwang MC3 Travis K. Mendoza MC3 Jessica Tounzen MCSN Nicolas Lopez

“The story goes that the Ship’s Boatswain ran out of paint, went to HAZMAT, and they gave him three colors: haze gray, blue and white. He combined those colors to make ‘gundeck blue’ and that’s the color we’re using on the deck of the forecastle today,” said Seaman Brandy Smith. “It’s really amazing how [Ens. Miller] remembers the formula for that and for another color we’re using, the ‘Admiral’s blue’. We had to make it ourselves…it was really important to him.”

In addition to giving the forecastle a new coat of paint, Deck Sailors are also adding little touches here and there that will serve to enhance the space’s new look, things like patriotic red stripes on the anchor chain covers and a Battle E on the wildcats, the color and design of which was Smith’s idea.

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class (SW) Hilary Luke has been hard at work on the focal point of the forecastle: a handdrawn, hand-painted ship’s seal on the deck, complete with intricate details like shading on the eagle’s feathers and talons, added by Luke’s artistic hand with the clever use of Q-Tips. It’s the first of many aesthetic touches Luke will be contributing. Her intent: to pay homage to a time gone by.

“Some traditions and history gets lost as we progress, and I like to bring some of it back, especially being in one of the Navy’s oldest rates,” said Luke.

Miller shared his personal reason for bringing back some of the ship’s history.

“I believe that you have to know where you come from before you can know where you are going,” he said. “Nobody has to remember me by name once I leave this ship, but they’ll remember the tradition that was passed on to me and hopefully the traditions I passed on to them. A new legacy has begun with the resurrection of the forecastle.”

As his Sailors add their legacy to the forecastle, Miller has nothing but praise for the hard work they’ve invested to restore the space to its former glory.

“They work as a team without thinking about it. It’s like watching a well-choreographed play. They’ve taken a great space and turned it into the most ceremonial space on the ship…it’s a great accomplishment and they deserve all the credit.”

Smith is also impressed with the forecastle’s new look.

“I love it…I think it’s exactly what [Ens. Miller] was going for. It’s very regal and it has a very ‘Sailor’ look to it,” she said.

Miller added he expects the work on the forecastle to be completed Feb. 28.

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REGISTER TO Story by MC2 Byron C. Linder USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jessica Wilson, assigned to Operations Department, registers to vote on the ship’s mess decks U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas C. Lopez.

t has been 228 years since the end of the American Revolution culminated in the establishment and recognition of America’s democratic government. As Sailors on board Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 work to support Operation Enduring Freedom in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, they are being offered the opportunity to actively participate in the process.

From Feb. 23-26 on the aft mess decks, Sailors can register to vote and submit absentee ballots. This Voter Registration Drive (VRD) is open to all U.S. citizens over the age of 18.

“I like to think of this as a voice registration drive,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW/ AW) Samuel Simmons III, a Kershaw, S.C. native and Operations Department’s voting representative. “Everyone should have a voice, and a chance for their voice to be heard.”

“There were a lot of people in my department I didn’t know weren’t registered to vote,” said Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Tijuanna Schumpert, Vinson’s Voter Registration Officer. “For those who have registered, there’s a lot of people who haven’t gotten absentee ballots and we have those. Your voice can be heard despite not being at home.”

While voting in the presidential election every four years is a major event, Schumpert emphasized the importance of staying politically active on a state and local level.

“I pay my state taxes, and my parents are living back home. The things back home may not directly affect me, but they will affect my family and the people I care about,” said Schumpert.

“All of us are from around different parts of the country, and many from different cities or small towns. There’s a lot of stuff happening back there we don’t think about,” added Simmons. “The best way to be heard on issues back home is to vote on the local and state level.”

Everyone should have a vested interest in the movements of the political machine, said Simmons.

“We’re defending our country at all times, and the expectation is to be more than U.S. ambassadors overseas. At home, so many political issues impact the military. I want a voice when the pay charts come out at the beginning of the year,” said Simmons.

“My philosophy is ‘if you don’t vote, you can’t complain,’” added Schumpert.

Schumpert observed the parallels between America’s revolt against oppressive rule and current events in Bahrain and Egypt.

“America has been the example, and we have a voice many don’t. These people feel they have an opportunity to make their voices heard. They’re coming out of their shell,” Schumpert said.

“We fought a long time ago, and the people of Bahrain and Egypt want to be heard and not have one person make all the decisions,” added Simmons. “A lot of changes are happening in the world right now, and voting will make a big impact.”

A new voter assumes a set of responsibilities to stay informed and make educated decisions with their vote, said Schumpert.

“A lot of new voters are young and not very involved in politics. But politics plays a role in everything we do,” said Schumpert. “They’re responsible for making informed choices, doing research on the issues and knowing the laws of their home state before casting their vote.”

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class (AW) Ray Trudy, an Escondido, Calif. native assigned to Air Department V-2 Division, emphasized the importance of becoming involved.

“California is my home state and I try to vote every year,” said Trudy, filling out a California absentee ballot. “I don’t have a specific party, but the military is a powerful unit. We want certain things from our leadership. We need to know who’s going to be beneficial to us.”

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Steven Gilmore, a Gardner, Kan. native assigned to Weapons Department G-3 Division, registered to vote on board Vinson.

“Last year I didn’t vote and I think I could have made a difference,” said Gilmore. “If you don’t like what’s going on, you can do something about it. I want to understand more about what’s going on and make the right decision.”

Simmons encouraged Sailors to find out more information on registering to vote and acquiring an absentee ballot on the aft mess decks or by contacting their departmental voting representative.

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A Day in the Life Story by MC2(SW) Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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he ‘Gold Eagle’ Dental Department supports Carl Vinson’s mission by supporting it’s Sailors. Their mission includes improving Sailors’ health, alleviating pain and boosting self-confidence. Dental is responsible for the overall oral healthcare and readiness of the crew and embarked air wing.

The department uses the Dental Common Access System (DENCAS) to keep track of nearly 5,000 dental records and ensure that dental readiness is maintained. Whenever a new Sailor checks on board, Dental puts their record information into the system.

DENCAS is used for scheduling annual check-ups and any other procedures necessary to sustain readiness.

Dental readiness is divided into four classes. Class 1 is the optimum level of readiness. A Sailor in this class is considered dentally fit with no care needed until their annual examination. A Class 2 needs a non-

emergency procedure, such as a cleaning, filling or wisdom teeth removal. Class 3 required urgent care within 6 months of classification, and a Class 4 is delinquent on their annual check-up.

In addition to administratively monitoring Vinson’s readiness, the Dental crew is fully-equipped to accomplish all the same procedures as a shore command, except for braces because additional orthodontic care is required. Dental provides annual checkups, X-rays, teeth cleaning and even teeth whitening for eligible Sailors. They can fill cavities, remove wisdom teeth, and perform root canals, implants, crowns and bridges.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW) Ivan Alston works in prosthesis, where they create retainers, crowns, mouth guards and porcelain veneers.

“My favorite part of the job is making people smile,” said Alston. “It means a lot when they personally thank me, and it feels good to help them increase their selfconfidence.”

Hospitalman Myles McClendon said he enjoys patient interaction and the opportunity he has to improve what some Sailors might view as a scary situation.

U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Christopher K. Hwang

“For some people, they might have had a rough experience before,” said McClendon.

“It’s my job to break the ice and make sure their procedure goes as smoothly as possible.”

Dental’s sick call is open 24 hours-a-day, in port and at sea. There is always at least one duty dental technician and one duty officer to assist Sailors in need.

“We want you to be free from pain so you can focus on your work,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Rossel Dioso-Lee. She also added that a lot of pain can be avoided if Sailors realize how important yet easy oral health care can be.

“It’s as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing,” said Dioso-Lee. “There is time, you just have to find it. If you don’t properly maintain a good oral healthcare regiment, you could face more problems and more pain in the long run.”

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The History of MC2 Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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he Chief Petty Officer (CPO) mess, wardroom or enlisted mess decks: where are you going for the next 90 days? Food Service Attendant (FSA) or “mess duty” is a tradition as old as the Navy itself. Once a Sailor reports on board and completes the indoctrination process, they might give back to the ship by doing mess duty.

An old Navy tale states that servicemembers who worked in the ship’s mess were called “cranks” because a handturned crank mounted on a wood ship mast and turned when calling the crew to mess.

Contrary to the belief of some Sailors today, mess duty is assigned out of necessity and not as a punishment. Mess duty of the past strikes up the image of enlisted servicemembers peeling potatoes in a command galley. Today the responsibilities of an FSA include food preparation (except cooking), serving food on the chow line, busing and wiping down tables, washing dishes in the scullery and maintaining a sanitary dining area for the crew in support of Vinson’s Supply Department food service divisions.

Medical Department’s Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (AW/SW) Richard Gotautas was fresh out of “A” school in 1986 when he was sent to the wardroom for 120 days of mess duty on his first Western Pacific Deployment on board USS Whipple (FF-1062) .

“There were two of us working in the wardroom and we had to prepare meals, clean the staterooms, make the beds and do laundry,” said Gotautas.

“Every Thursday was formal dinner night and we had to wear formal dress and serve the officers.”

There are a lot of advantages to FSA duty, such as interacting with personnel outside of a Sailor’s department and learning the tasks of the food service division. It also introduces the

etiquette of setting a table, serving a formal dinner and networking, added Gotautas.

In 1989, Lt. Bryan Lukie of Supply Department S-1 Division checked on board USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and was sent to the wardroom for 90 days as the attendant for the commanding officer’s cabin.

“You learn to appreciate the importance of good housekeeping and cleanliness,” said Lukie. “It was always important to understand the need for a clean environment much like it is today.”

While on FSA duty, Sailors will gain an understanding of the ship’s operational requirements in regards to supply and demand. According to the ship manpower document (SMD), the total number of FSAs assigned to Supply Department food service division is based on projected workload within the defined mission scenario contained in the required operational capabilities and projected operational environment of the ship.

“I’ve been on mess duty since we left on deployment,” said Airman Christopher Seamon, attached to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15. “It has given me a better understanding of ship life and the job of other rates.”

“It’s a good place to meet people,” added Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Paige Beckler, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 25. “For the past 82 days I have been working with different people and experiencing what others do on a day-to-day basis.”

The Navy has many traditions and mess duty is one that has made the journey through generations of change, but many aspects of mess duty remains the same. It has been called a number of names, from “kitchen police” to “cranking” to today’s title, Food Service Attendant.

“We have different jobs and the experience reminds me of working in a Denny’s or Waffle House,” said Seamon. “I’ve learned to make the best of being a FSA. It’s all what you make of it.”

Senior Chief HospitaL Corpsman (AW/SW) Richard Gotautas, at the time a Fireman, in his cruisebook photo from USS Whipple (FF-1062) in 1986. (Photo Courtesy of HMCS (AW/SW) Richard Gotautas)

U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Travis K. Mendoza a

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Mess Cranking

and from USS Carl VInson cruisebook, 1983-1985.

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Winning Caption SPS-49: Long range 2-D (Bearing, Range) Air Search Radar, Min range 500 yds to 256 N.M.

confLagration stationa 4-hour watch requiring constant vigilance to detect and report the outbreak of fIre or other hazardous conditions at the earliest possible moment

for last week’s photo

“Missed it again?!”

Caption submitted by ABHAN Curtis Offutt

A LETTER TO THE GOLD EAGLE TEAM from a recent visitor to CARL VINSON Dear Commander Browne, Thank you so much for an incredible 25 hours aboard USS Carl Vinson. The Distinguished Visitor Embark last week was truly a memorable experience. Most impressive were your officers and crew. Each Sailor we met had so much pride and enthusiasm for their work, the Navy and USS Carl Vinson. I won’t forget how impactful that was for me and I am taking several lessons back with me to my work. I am deeply appreciative for the opportunity to experience just a bit of what life is like aboard a carrier.

Everyone was so professional and attentive, please extend my sincere thanks to all who met and escorted us during our visit. Their insights and explanations really brought the tour to life.

I hope you and your staff will have a safe tour and had a happy holiday season.

Warm Regards, Joan Gurvis Managing Director, Center for Creative Leadership