Inside this Issue: Day in the Life of... | Wog Day | Preventing Sexual Assault VOL 2 / NO 49
May 10, 2011
A Sweet Gesture:
Carl Vinson Receives Appreciation in a Box Story by MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
T
he message began its journey thousands of miles away from here, in a small Connecticut town. It traveled via small, multi-colored boxes to say “Thank You Berry Much” to Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors May 5. Lt. Cmdr. Marc Hanson, Reactor Department’s Training Assistant, received 12 cases of Girl Scout cookies, totaling 144 boxes containing Thank You Berry Much, Tagalongs, Lemon Crèmes, Trefoils and Thin Mint style cookies from a few caring individuals in Newtown, Conn. who wanted to show their appreciation. Hanson’s nephew Max attends Hawley Elementary School in Newtown and his mother Katherine, Hanson’s sister-in-law, recommended Carl Vinson to the outreach program “Valentines for Troops” for support. “’Valentines for Troops’ is a small group of dedicated individuals who just want to reach out to our service men and women to let them know how much their efforts mean to us,” said Jen Peterson, a member of the group who personally organizes every mailing label for all the letters and boxes the group sends. The program began about six years ago See `COOKIES` 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 ref lect 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 MC3 Christopher Hwang
2
Carl Vinson Voice
From `COOKIES` page 1
when a Newtown elementary school teacher sent letters from her students to the troops for Valentine’s Day., Former U.S. Army Capt. Donna Randle, now
thinking of me and that is always a good feeling.” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Heidi Borchert, who also
was the least they could do for those who are willing to sacrifice all to keep them safe. “Our goal is to hopefully put a
“It is nice to know that the people at home are thinking of us, and it is really the thought that counts.” L t .
C m d r .
STAFF
wife, mother and all-around volunteer/ community organizer in Newtown, joined the efforts and expanded the organization from letters to various care packages, including Girl Scout cookies. Newtown Girl Scouts collect money for cookies through another outreach program called “Cookies for Heroes.” However, they do not collect money for postage, so a partnership was formed with Valentines for Troops to complete a small town’s vision to support military servicemembers around the world. Sailors on board Carl Vinson received that message of appreciation as Hanson delivered several boxes of cookies to Reactor Department, following their completion of a successful Operational Reactor Safeguard Exam (ORSE) inspection, and passed out the remainder to Sailors on the mess decks during lunch time. “When I saw the Lt. Cmdr. handing out cookies, I thought it was very random but thoughtful at the same time,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Jonathan Martin, who received a box of Trefoils. “It showed me that someone is
M a r c
H a n s o n
received a box of Trefoils, agreed that the gesture boosted morale. “I think that it made people feel a little bit better,” Borchert said. “It’s been a long week and it’s always nice to receive something, no matter what it is. I appreciated the cookies that were handed out.” “I know I was happier afterwards. It’s the little things in life you have to appreciate,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Loren England, who got a box of Thank You Berry Much cookies. “I’m sure it made a lot of people happy. Hopefully they went back to their work centers a little nicer or in a better mood, or at least grateful they got some cookies.” In addition to Sailors who were happy receiving the cookies, Hanson said he appreciated the opportunity to hand them out. “It felt great and it was nice to see the crew smile,” said Hanson. “It is nice to know that the people at home are thinking of us, and it is really the thought that counts.” Peterson said that sending the cookies
smile on every servicemember’s face and to remind them that they are not forgotten,” said Peterson. “Your efforts are appreciated we are proud of you all.”
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 (SW) Ashley Van Dien Photo Editor MC2 (SW) James R. Evans Layout and Design MC3 (SW) Heather Roe Staff Writers/Photographers MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent MC3 (SW/AW) Stephen Hale MC3 Christopher Hwang U.S. Navy Photos By MC3 Christopher Hwang
May 10, 2011
3
Chaplain Lt. Gregory Hazlett baptizes Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Jovan Michel on the fantail May 8. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) James R. Evans
Bravo Zulu Carl Vinson Strike Group Vice Admiral Mark I. Fox Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet
C
ongratulations to the officers and crew of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group for your outstanding performance while deployed to the 5th Fleet (C5F) Area of Operations. Carl Vinson’s accomplishments were diverse and distinctive. Your performance as CTF-50 with two CSG’s assigned was particularly noteworthy. You executed with precision on all C5F tasking. Additionally, your team executed theater security
cooperation engagement, Eastern Falcon, Beacon Flash, and Neon Falcon that directly contributed to our national strategy with outstanding results. Additionally you performed superbly as you supported Operation Enduring Freedom with 1,515 sorties and Operation New Dawn with 141 sorties. The goodwill and appreciation you have generated will remain well after you have departed and has substantially reinforced our Navy’s image of a global force for good. As you depart the AOR, we bid you fair winds, a safe return transit, and well-deserved reunion with family and friends. Bravo zulu!
4
A
Carl Vinson Voice
A Day In The Life Story by MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
E
very day the meteorological and oceanographic data for Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 is provided by the Aerographer’s Mates (AG) of Operations Department’s Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) office. The AG work center is comprised of temporarily assigned duty (TAD) personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 and two Carl Vinson Sailors. They are weather forecasters and technicians trained in meteorology and in the use of aerological instruments to monitor air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction for the entire battle group. “What we do may not seem important on the surface but the phone rings off the hook at the sight of any adverse weather conditions,” said Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class (AW) Zachariah Carrothers, one of two Carl Vinson Aerographers. “Our job affects the ship’s mission, strike operations and flight quarters.” METOC prepares weather maps and forecasts and analyzes atmospheric conditions to determine the best flight levels for aircraft and is one of the first stops for the oncoming officer of the deck prior to assuming the watch. “Our primary function is safety,” said Lt. Cmdr. Shane Stoughton, METOCs principal assistant. “We try to prevent weather damage to the ship and to the aircraft. We’re so vulnerable to weather conditions while we’re out to sea.” An AG also measures wind and air density to aid the accuracy of anti-aircraft firing, shore attacks and delivery of weapons by aircraft. “We track weather in different areas in the event an aircraft needs to be diverted so they know what kind of weather they will be flying into,” said Stoughton. “The pilots are briefed in the ready rooms up to 12 times a day on the weather in the region because the weather impacts how they get to their targets and get back to the ship, refueling and strike missions.”
“Weather is a critical factor when it comes to flight operations,” added Chief Aerographer’s Mate (AW/SW) Matthew Malone, assigned to CSG 1 and METOC’s Leading Chief Petty Officer. “We work hand-in-hand with Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) to relay aviation parameters that affect aircraft performance.” As trained weather analysts, AGs record and disseminate weather observations critical for daily operations using the Kestrel or “pocket weather tracker” to collect dew point, air and wet bulb temperature. Other equipment used by AGs include a barometer to collect air pressure data and the Moriah to gather data on wind speed and direction. “Weather affects everything we do out here,” said Malone. “We have daily forecasts and briefs given to the admiral, commanding officer, intel department as well as replenishments at sea and integrated training teams.” Weather systems are tracked by a combination of real-time satellite imagery, computer generated products and shipboard and land observations. “The information we analyze is a combination of models created by computer-generated data,” explained Malone. “Each model will give us an idea of how to project what the weather conditions will be like in a given region.” METOC even uses Google Earth to track and detect lightening strikes, he added. METOC also supports Combat Systems Department with atmospheric data gathered by way of weather balloons that reach 30 to 40 thousand feet into the atmosphere to measure temperature, humidity and winds. “The information we receive from radiosondes tied to our weather balloons tell us how our radars are going to perform on any given day due to atmospheric conditions,” said Malone. AGs are part of a small community of Sailors and their impact is not all clouds with silver linings. METOC has manned 33 heavy weather watches, encountered snow, sand and dust storms, lightning storms and countless thunderstorm warnings.
Aerographer’s Mates May 10, 2011
5
of
U.S. Navy Photos By MC3 Christopher Hwang
6
Carl Vinson Voice
POLLYWOGS BEWARE: the royal court awaits you Story by MC3 (SW/AW) Stephen Hale USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
T
he boisterous ceremony of “Crossing the Line” is of such ancient vintage that its derivation is lost. Observances of this nature took place in the middle-ages, when ships crossed the 30th parallel or passed through the Straits of Gibraltar. It is highly possible that ceremonies marking the Crossing of the Equator were passed to the Anglo-Saxons and Normans from the Vikings. This was the beginning. For some Sailors, the ceremony is rich with tradition and the amount of pleasure and joy cannot be measured by mere mortals. The transition from a slimy wog to a Trusty Shellback may be a painful one. It requires humility on the part of the wog and loyalty on the part of the Shellback. “Loyalty to whom?” one might ask. A just question. But a question that needs its due attention. For many years, counting back to the days of yore, King Neptune and Davy Jones have ruled the vast deep waters in search of souls worthy to join their Royal Court. The Royal Court is comprised of only the most worthy and prestigious leaders, and slimy pollywogs have been known to cower in the presence of its members. Davy Jones, in all his infinite wisdom, wanders the sea in search of a vessel who dares to carry the unclean. In due time, when Davy Jones sees the vessel is fit, he will embark upon her, only to make way for King Neptune and the Royal Court. The mayhem that follows is unspeakable, and if a slimy pollywog was worth his weight in sea salt, he would rather
wish for a pirate’s life than to endure the cleansing transition to a Shellback. “I can’t really speak to the order of the deep,” says Aviation Boatswain Mate (Fueling) 3rd Class (AW) Tyler Hale, a Trusty Shellback. “All I can tell you is that the time will soon come when Davy Jones shall embark on this fine vessel, and the will of King Neptune and the Royal Court will be done.” For many current Shellbacks, the cleansing was not easy. They are in unison, though, on this: it was necessary and most, if not all, are thankful to have turned from the ways of a slimy wog. “The task of changing from slimy wog to a Shellback felt like a long, painful process, but the feeling after made it all worth while,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 1st Class (AW) Cory Casper, a Shellback of five years assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Staff. “It was a test of will and showed the quality of a Sailor who passed the test of true seamanship.” Wogs are warned to be wise in their pursuit of the Royal Court’s approval. It is through humility alone that they shall be cleansed and have their names written in the sands of the ocean deep. For those who are fortunate enough to join in the pursuit of cleansing, tread lightly, for King Neptune does not welcome you into his kingdom without your allegiance. “In the olden days, if you failed, you were put off in the next port and shame and dishonor was bestowed upon you,” said Casper. “Hopefully, the slimy pollywogs will be good, humbled stewards and will be granted grace by Davy Jones, King Neptune and the Royal Court.” Four words of caution, nay, five, for the pollywogs who will soon cower in the presence of the mighty Shellbacks: 1) Do not seek to negate the system. You will be cut out. 2) Do not seek to bribe a Trusty Shellback with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. You will be cut out. 3) Do not try to deceive a Shellback with your trickery and lies. You will be cut out. 4) Do not try to rise against a Shellback. You will be overcome, for there is strength in the numbers of the Shellback and you will be cut out. 5) Do not speak ill of Davy Jones, nor of his locker. He controls the seas and you will be cast into it. And then you will be cut out. Woe to the slimy wog who challenges the order of the deep. They are most unclean. But, if they are willing and obedient, they shall be cleansed and earn the title of Trusty Shellback. Be humble and be cleansed, for the Royal Court awaits all wogs. In due time, if deemed worthy, they shall receive their just reward.
May 10, 2011
7
‘This Ought To Make Us Mad’
Navy Leaders Call For Increased Effort To Prevent Sexual Assaults Story by William H. McMichael NAVY TIMES
by motorcycle crashes, 75 suicides —and 925 reported sexual assaults. “The amount of resources we are expending on suicide prevention and prevention of motorcycle deaths right now vastly exceeds what we’re spending on sexual assault prevention,” Work said. The high likelihood that the numbers are greatly underreported concerns Work even more. The Pentagon estimates that only about 20 percent of incidents of unwanted sexual contact are reported. If that’s true, he said, it could mean that thousands of such incidents take place every year in the Navy and Marine Corps. “It is just astounding to me,” Work said. “I think as a department, we’ve got to really,
is known as bystander intervention might be the best way to reach the wider fleet as a prevention strategy. he Navy Department’s top civilian “Bystander intervention — and there’s was visibly angry when he took to the evidence-based research that points to stage. this — it fits our culture,” said Capt. Chuck The reason: More than 900 sexual assaults Hollingsworth, CO of the Center for were reported in fiscal 2010. And as Navy Personal and Professional Development at Secretary Ray Mabus told the more than Dam Neck Annex, Va. He managed a 2010 300 commanders, enlisted leaders and pilot program conducted at 23 fleet units, sexual assault response coordinators one schoolhouse and one shore command gathered here for a three-day conference, that has persuaded the Navy to expand the commanding officers will have to answer concept. for the problem. “There are a thousand times more potential “I’m going to continue to hold our COs bystanders to intervene than there are either responsible for their command sexual assault perpetrators or victims. The bystanders prevention programs, demand that they are there,” Hollingsworth said during his properly train their remarks. “They personnel, and hold are our eyes “There are a thousand times more potential and ears on them accountable if that doesn’t occur,” bystanders to intervene than there are either the deck plate. Mabus told the perpetrators or victims. The bystanders are there.” They are out attendees of the where C a p t . C h u c k H o l l i n g s w o r t h there Navy Department’s we can’t be, as 2011 Sexual Assault commanders. Prevention Summit, held here May 2-4. really step up our game.” And so we need to empower them with the That means accelerating training for Work said he first became aware of what message.” sailors and Marines so they can learn how he called this “terrible epidemic” during And teach them to take care of their own, to intervene when they suspect someone is the first annual summit meeting, held officials said. According to the Navy’s latest about to become a victim. The training will in 2009. This was the third. And it only statistics, 65 percent of all reported sexual be on site for recruits and at “A” schools, reinforced that same sense for the officer assaults in fiscal 2010 were of the “blue-onMabus said. who commands every Navy base around blue” variety. During that same year, MarineMost attackers and victims hold ranks of the world. on-Marine assaults totaled 61 percent of all seaman recruit through petty officers third “I’m a data-driven guy,” said Vice Mm. completed sexual assault investigations. class, the Navy says. Michael Vitale, attending his second sexual “If two out of three of these cases... Mabus said his daily operational briefings assault summit. “They’re providing a lot of involves a blue-on-blue,” said Adm. Jonathan nearly always contain a report of a sexual data. And it’s a very compelling case. So I’ve Greenert, vice chief of naval operations, “the assault on a sailor or Marine. had a realignment. Is sexual assault a real very concept that one sailor would assault, “That’s almost three every ... single ... day issue? Absolutely.” attack, another sailor — that’s contradictory of the year,” Mabus said, pausing slightly for Vitale, who oversees all 81 of the Navy’s to good order and discipline.” emphasis. “Three times a day, somebody Family Service Centers and implements Bystander intervention, Greenert said, that wears the uniform of this country, and the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and “needs to be embedded and inculcated has sworn to defend it and protect it, is Response program, made sure that his down to the deck-plate level.” being assaulted. Three times a day. subordinate leaders had the opportunity to Intervening, Navy leaders acknowledge, “If somebody was being shot at three gain a similar appreciation. He brought 186 can be a difficult thing to do — particularly times a day, we would do something about officers and sailors to Orlando, including for a younger sailor or Marine. it,” Mabus said. “This ought to make us nine regional commanders and 69 of his 72 “Sometimes, it’s just the willingness to mad.” total COs, all 12 of his regional command step up and do the right thing at the right The Navy needs to do more — and more in master chiefs and 60 of his sexual assault time,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the proportion compared with other behavioral response coordinators. Navy (SS/SW) Rick West. “But I think for concerns, Navy Undersecretary Robert It was at that first summit that Navy the most part, our deck-plate leaders are Work told Navy Times at the summit. In leaders began recognizing that in addition stepping up to the challenge. We have some fiscal 2010, he noted, the Navy and Marine to the training workshops now provided for that may not. And that’s where we have to Corps together registered 22 deaths caused commanders and specialists, teaching what put our focus at.”
T
8
Carl Vinson Voice
Major responsibilities of Combat Direction Center (CDC) are detection, evaluation and reporting of air, surface and subsurface contacts to the appropriate control stations.
Boat Engineer: The boat engineer performs maintenance on the engine, as needed.
DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues
“What are you most excited about for wog day?”
ADAN (AW) Randall Smith
ET3 James Vance
AD2 (AW) Joshua Cordero
“Getting treated like a wog and experiencing this great Navy past time.”
“Since this is my first ceremony as a Trusty shellback, I’m looking forward to washing the slime off the wogs.”
“As a Trusty Shellback, Watching almost my entire squadron (VAQ-134) go through as wogs.”
USS Carl Vinson’s Media Department is home to the 2010 Navy-wide Junior MC of the Year, Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) 3rd Class Stephen G. Hale II and winners of the following Chief of Information (CHINFO) awards: 1st place for Social Media Presence; Honorable Mention for 2010 Outstanding New Navy Writer, Mass Communication Specialist (SW) 3rd Class Lori D. Bent; 2nd place for Broadcast Television News Report and 3rd place for Broadcast Television News Feature, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaac Needleman.