Inside this Issue: Chief of Chaplains Visit | Joint Exercise in Manila | Sailor in the Spotlight VOL 2 / NO 39
April 17, 2011
Crew Overboard
Training leads to fun and safe swim call Story by MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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ooking out toward the horizon, keeping their legs and arms crossed and holding their noses, more than 3,000 Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 Sailors jumped off aircraft elevator (ACE) 3 into the Arabian Sea Friday. The swim call was successful with no serious injuries due to meticulous planning and training prior to the event. Sailors were encouraged to watch a swim call Safety Brief on SITE T.V. and read a story about evolution safety in the Apr. 14 edition of the Voice, prior to jumping off ACE 3. Department heads contributed to making the swim call 5050 instruction a useful tool to prevent mishaps, injuries and ensure all aspects of swimmer safety were considered. Numerous meetings and briefs with all departments’ key players were also held to ensure all hands were on the same page and prepared for the event. Khaki leadership also contributed to safety prior to the event by screening Sailors’ swimming capabilities and briefing them on proper water entry and exit procedures. Immediately prior to entering the water, Sailors were instructed See`SWIM` 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 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 Mc2 (SW) James Evans
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Carl Vinson Welcomes Navy Chief of Chaplains Story by MC2 Byron C. Linder USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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STAFF
arl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors welcomed aboard Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd yesterday. Tidd’s visit with Vinson and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) dovetailed with Palm Sunday on April 17, an event celebrated one week before Easter. “This is part of a wider visit to both 5th Fleet and Central Command,” explained Cmdr. Keith Shuley, Vinson and Carrier Strike Group 1 command chaplain. “His goal is to get the pulse of the crew and the ship, and give a snapshot to the Chief of Naval Operations Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark Tidd addresses a Roman Catholic congregation during mass in the ship’s chapel (CNO).” April 16. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Timothy A. Hazel. To meet as many Sailors as possible, Tidd conducted “I had an opportunity to visit Sailors, several “walk abouts” to visit various Walker encouraged Sailors to make the workcenters. Vinson and CVW 17 Sailors and I jumped on it. It’s important for me most of the opportunity to meet the Navy also attended a meet-and-greet on the aft to hear what’s going on, to have contact Chief of Chaplains. mess decks where Tidd warmly greeted and know what Sailors are doing and what “People feel more open talking to a Sailors and asked about their day-to-day they’re excited about,” said Tidd. “Folks chaplain. If he can hear what’s going on lives aboard Vinson. Later, Sailors took who are committed and passionate are with us, he can bring that to the CNO’s part in an all-hands call with the Chief of exciting to me, and that’s a message I want attention. He’s someone who is out here to to share with CNO.” Chaplains in Hangar Bay 3. help us.” Tidd emphasized the importance For Shuley, Tidd’s visit was a welcome of recognizing Gold Eagle and Team opportunity to reconnect with a mentor. Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey Quicksand’s work. “Our paths crossed back in 1995, and he Commanding Officer “For many years, this AOR has been has been a good mentor and pastor to me very important and very dynamic. Now over the years. I was thrilled when he was Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds more than ever, so much is going on. confirmed by the Senate to be the Navy The ability to respond and be present is Chief of Chaplains,” Shuley said. Public Affairs Officer a tremendous ability we have,” Tidd said. Hosting the senior pastor in charge of all Lt. Erik Schneider “But it doesn’t happen without Sailors the naval services; the Navy, Marine Corps, Deputy Public Affairs Officer making it happen. I felt tremendously Coast Guard and Merchant Marines; welcome, and appreciate the Carl Vinson also gives Vinson’s Religious Programs Managing Editor MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien hospitality.” department a valuable opportunity, Shuley Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Amber added. Photo Editor MC2 (SW)James R. Evans Walker, assigned to Supply Department “On board Vinson, we have about 15 S-2 division, was excited to meet a Navy different faith groups represented, and we Layout and Design career role model. are committed to this diversity,” said Shuley. MC3 Patrick Green “I’ve been looking forward to this since I “He comes from a Christian background, Staff Writers/Photographers found out he was coming a couple of days and it’s a great opportunity to reflect on MC2 Byron Linder ago,” said Walker. “I want to be chaplain, how we all work together. This crew is so MC3 (SW) Lori Bent MC3 Christopher Hwang and meeting the Chief of Chaplains is an welcoming, and it’s a great opportunity for MCSN Rosa Arzola honor.” our Sailors.” MCSN (SW) Timothy Hazel MCSN (SW) Nicolas Lopez
April 17, 2011
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Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman John Paul Johnson and other Sailors assigned to Air Department’s V-2 Division wrap the waist catapults in preparation for a recovery cycle on the flight deck April 12. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Timothy A. Hazel.
U.S. Philippines Wrap Up Annual Balikatan Exercise Travis J. Tritten STARS AND STRIPES
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he U.S. and Philippines wrapped up a joint military exercise Friday after 10 days of combat and disaster-relief training, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. TheannualBalikatanexerciseincludedcounteringroadsidebombs, explosive-ordnance disposal and trauma care. Servicemembers also gave medical care to about 8,000 people, constructed new buildings at several Philippine schools and provided veterinary care for thousands of animals, the embassy said. The exercise has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance since the United States closed its sprawling Cold War-era bases and pulled out of the country in 1991. This year, the event was overshadowed by a natural and nuclear disaster in Japan that underscored the need for such joint disaster training and also diverted U.S. military forces that had planned to participate, including the USS Essex amphibious ready group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “You should all be proud knowing that the next time an earthquake reduces a town to rubble or a volcano blankets everything in ashes
for miles around, you will be there to provide immediate relief and longer-term recovery assistance,” U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett said Friday during Balikatan closing ceremonies in Manila, according to the embassy release. The Philippines is prone to typhoons, landslides and earthquakes. At the opening of the exercise earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. said the training will prepare the armed forces for such events in the future. Meanwhile, the two nations conducted the largest combat field training exercises ever during this year’s Balikatan, the embassy said. Teams trained on how to deal with improvised explosive devices, defuse and dispose of bombs, conduct live-fire operations in a convoy, evacuate casualties and perform trauma care. The appearance of roadside bombs has complicated the fight against al-Qaida-linked, Islamic separatist guerrillas in the southern Philippines, where U.S. Special Forces advise the Philippine military in a decades old insurgency. Two U.S. soldiers and a Philippine marine were killed in September 2009 when an IED sheared their Humvee in half in Jolo. Officials said the bomb technology has leached into the southern Philippines from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Carl Vinson Voice
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to keep their eyes on the horizon, cross their arms and legs and don’t lean backward or forward. When they completed the jump and surfaced, Sailors gave rescue swimmers and observers on the elevator a thumbs up to indicate a safe landing. “Proper water entry technique training was crucial to the safety of all swimmers,” Lt. j.g. Zachary Moody, Vinson’s Assistant Weapons Officer and assistant swim call coordinator. “ACE 3, even in the lowered position, is still approximately 30 feet above the water. Jumping into the water the wrong way would undoubtedly lead to injuries. Training on whistle signals was important in the event of an emergency, for both the Rescue Swimmers and the Sailors swimming.” In addition to contributing to training and maintaining safety, numerous departments provided essential equipment for swim call, such as whistles, bull horns, hydras, life rings, water/boxed meals, sunscreen, trash bags and mats. Also, every department along with Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15 provided watchstanders for coordination, safety observers, egress assistants, gear stowage watches, ID card collectors,
shark watches, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat crews, SAR swimmers, and various other positions. “This truly was an all hands event and took the entire Gold Eagle/Quicksand Team to make it fun, safe, and successful,” said Moody. A swim call for the crew has been one of Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey’s goals since reporting on board as commanding officer. The swim call was Capt. Lindsey’s first on an aircraft carrier in his 27-year naval career, and the first for many Sailors on board. “It was pretty fun,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Joseph Dunbar, who participated in his first swim call Friday. “It was a lifechanging experience. People don’t get to just jump in the ocean every day.” “At first when I stood at the edge of the elevator, I thought it was quite high,” said Legalman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Raymond Alamo, “but I did not look down. I looked straight ahead and just leapt. It was really fun.” In addition to offering fun and excitement to the crew, the swim call doubled as some uncommon training.
“Swim call is a huge morale booster, especially when it breaks up the monotony of longer at-sea periods,” said Moody. “It is a chance for Sailors to participate in a very unique experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. It greatly contributed to building camaraderie among the crew. It also emphasized the training of proper high water entry technique, which is something we do not get to practice during abandon ship drills.”
April 17, 2011
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a p r i l 1778
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The Sloop-in-war Ranger captures a British brig.
1906
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The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco earthquake and Fire.
1783
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George Washington proclaims the end of hostilities with Great Britain.
U.S. Navy Photos By MC2 (SW) James R. Evans, MC3 Christopher K. Hwang, MCSN (SW) Nicolas Lopez and MCSN (SW) Timothy Hazel
This Week in Naval History
1796
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Congress authorizes the completion of three frigates.
1898
21
U.S. declares war on Spain.
1778
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Capt. John Paul Jones of Ranger leads a landing party raid on Whitehaven, England.
1956
23
Project Vanguard, earth satellite launching program, assigned to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air).
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Sailor Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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wo years ago, when Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Cesar Casillas, a native of Tolono, Calif., joined the Navy, he had no idea that his job would take him to the busy, fast-paced flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Casillas is Supply Department’s S-6 Repairable Asset Management (RAM) Division work center supervisor (WCS) and primary flight deck handler for C-2A Greyhound (COD) evolutions. In his division, Casillas is responsible for more than $160 million in depot level repairable (DLR) parts used to support Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 squadrons and Carl Vinson’s Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). S-6’s leading petty officer (LPO), Logistics Specialist 1st Class (AW/ SW) Frederick Sharpe, describes Casillas as a determined junior Sailor who tackles all challenges with a level of energy unmatched by most of his peers. “He is dedicated to every assignment until the job is complete. He sees a job all the way through from the COD to the store room,” said Sharpe. “He starts on the flight deck and tracks and follows-up with every part that comes in.” A job, Casillas said, that he enjoys and takes pride in. “I believe that if I have to do a job then I must be good at it,” said Casillas. “I want to do the best I can. I have to give 100 percent all the time because so much relies on us (Supply) being accountable for things the ship needs.” When he’s not busy inventorying, verifying and storing all aviation and surface DLR parts for the ship, Casillas is busy checking and double-checking that each storeroom has the correct parts and equipment, and that all personnel, mail and DLR arriving or departing the ship are accounted for. “It’s all about accountability,” said Casillas. “I will take two to three hours making sure every part or piece of equipment is where it needs to be. Misplacing million-dollar equipment is not an option for S-6.”
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT Casillas’s Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO), Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Edwin Calma, said that Casillas’s “can-do” attitude motivates the division to work together to get the job done and challenge themselves to constantly grow and improve. “He has an incomparable drive to excel,” said Calma. “Sometimes he is one step ahead of me already, thinking of ways to tackle a situation before I can even come up with one. He is constantly thinking of ways to improve the way we operate.” After Vinson came out of Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH), the experience level of the division grew with the modifications and steadfast attitude Casillas contributed, eliminating many foreseen complications, added Calma. Working on the flight deck may be challenging for many Sailors, but Casillas believes that being interactive on deck takes the monotony out of a long deployment. “I’m a physical work kind of person,” he laughed. “I like being outside and working with my hands. We work long hours but the time goes by so much faster.” Casillas’s willpower exceeds that of an average Sailor and many responsibilities fall on his shoulders. “He is a valuable Sailor and is capable of handling any job he is faced with,” said Calma, “whether it is on the job challenges, working toward his enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) qualification or developing as an outstanding leader.” Looking toward the future, Casillas hopes to earn the rank of petty officer second class, pursue his degree in Criminal Justice and be qualified in both ESWS and enlisted aviation warfare specialists (EAWS) programs.
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault affects people from all backgrounds, sexual orientations and lifestyles and also affects the victims’ loved ones. Sexual Assault can happen at a bar, on the ship, or even at home. Common types of harassment you might hear or see on ship are verbal, electronic or hand gestures. When someone hears or witnesses harassment on the ship they may take it as a joke but to others, they are offended and don’t tell anyone. If everyone knew how to keep their words to themselves and respect each other’s boundaries, then you wouldn’t be reading this blog today. Unfortunately, that is not the case, whether they decide to share the experience or not.
E-2C Hawkeye: Provide airborne early warning of approaching air/missile attacks.
The fuel oil service system includes fuel oil service tanks, manifolds, piping, and fuel oil service pumps to Fill aircraft with JP-5.
Do your part to prevent Sexual Assault on board Carl Vinson.
It takes all hands.
DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues
“What was the best part of swim call?”
IT3 Ariel Collado
AWR3 (NAC/AW) Rylin Chavez
MM3 (SW) Jose Gari
“It was a big morale booster for the ship and broke up the monotony.”
“it was great for the rescue swimmers to spend some time in the water.”
“It was a lot of fun and a oncein-a-lifetime experience.”
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.
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Channel 6 Sunday, Apr 17
0815-Hancock 1000-Alice in Wonderland 1200-The Spirit 1400-Tommorow Never Dies 1600-Escape From Alcatraz 1800-The 70 1815-Hancock 2000-The 70 2015-Alice in Wonderland 2215-The Spirit 0015-Tommorow Never Dies 0215-Ice Station Zebra 0500-The 70 0515-Daddy’s Little Girls
Monday, Apr 18 0815-The 70 0830-Hot Shots 1030-The Great Santini 1230-The Express 1445-Premonition 1630-The Karate Kid 1900-Hot Shots 2100-The Great Santini 2300-The Express 0115-Premonition 0300-Just Wright
Tuesday, Apr 19 0815-The Bourne Ultimatum 1015-Away from Her 1215-Diary of a Wimpy Kid 1400-The World Is Not Enough 1615-LotR: The Two Towers 1915-The Bourne Ultimatum 2115-Away from Her 2315-Diary of a Wimpy Kid 0100-The World Is Not Enough 0315-LotR: The Two Towers
Wednesday, Apr 20 0815-Get Smart 1015-Leap Year 1200-Swing Vote 1400-Where the Wild Things Are 1545-The Nanny Diaries 1730-Old Dogs 1900-Get Smart 2100-Leap Year 2245-Swing Vote 0045-Where the Wild Things Are 0230-The Nanny Diaries 0415-Harry Potter: Sorcerer’s Stone
Thursday, Apr 21 0815-Iron Man 1030-Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull 1245-Sydney White 1445-I Can Do Bad All By Myself 1645-They Were Expendable 1900-Iron Man 2115-Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull 2330-Sydney White 0130-I Can Do Bad All By Myself 0330-Enchanted 0530-Penelope
Friday, Apr 22
0815-Transformers 1045-Once Upon a Time in the West 1345-Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married 1545-Mamma Mia 1745-Marley and Me 1945-Transformers 2215-Once Upon a Time in the West 0115-Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married 0315-Mamma Mia 0515-Step Up 2: The Streets
Saturday, Apr 23
0815-Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls 1000-Pride 1145-Bedtime Stories 1330-CLEANEX!!!! 1530-Tora! Tora! Tora! 1800-Memphis Belle 1945-Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls 2130-Pride 2315-Bedtime Stories 0100-Battle for Terra 0230-Memphis Belle 0415-No Reservations
Channel 7 Sunday, Apr 17
0815-88 Minutes 1015-Paranormal Activity 2 1200-The 13th Warrior 1345-Body of Lies 1600-The Peacemaker 1800-The 70 1815-Grown Ups 2000-The 70 2015-88 Minutes 2215-Paranormal Activity 2 0000-The 13th Warrior 0145-Pathfinder 0315-Grown Ups 0500-The 70 0515-The Invasion
Monday, Apr 18 0815-The 70 0830-From Paris with Love 1015-The Wolfman 1200-Crimson Tide 1400-Alpha Dog 1600-Broken Arrow 1745-The Wolfman 1930-Shutter Island 2200-From Paris with Love 2345-Crimson Tide 0145-Soul Men 0330-Broken Arrow 0515-The Crazies
Tuesday, Apr 19 0815-My Best Friend’s Girl 1000-Taking of the Pelham 1 2 3 1145-Cadillac Records 1345-Fight Club 1615-Weather Girl 1800-Takers 2000-My Best Friend’s Girl 2145-Taking of the Pelham 1 2 3 2330-Cadillac Records 0130-Fight Club 0400-Alien Vs. Preditor: Requiem 0530-Shutter
Thursday, Apr 21 0815-Semi-Pro 1000-Obsessed 1200-The Secret Life of Bees 1400-Old School 1545-My Sister’s Keeper 1745-Goodfellas 2015-The Goods 2145-Semi-Pro 2330-Obsessed 0130-The Secret Life of Bees 0330-My Sister’s Keeper 0515-Dragonball Evolution
Friday, Apr 22 0815-Hitman 1000-The Number 23 1145-The Time Traveler’s Wife 1345-Brooklyns Finest 1600-The Fast and the Furious 1800-The Hurt Locker 2015-The Other Guys 2215-Hitman 0000-The Number 23 0145-The Time Traveler’s Wife 0345-The Contract 0530-Scorpion King
Wednesday, Apr 20 Saturday, Apr 23 0815-Sweeney Todd 1015-The Kovak Box 1200-Aliens vs. Predator 1345-My Bloody Valentine 1530-Blood and Chocolate 1715-The Professional 1915-Sweeney Todd 2115-The Kovak Box 2300-Aliens vs. Predator 0045-My Bloody Valentine 0230-Blood and Chocolate 0415-Eat, Pray, Love
0815-Cop Out 1015-Wind Chill 1145-Extract 1330-CLEANEX!!! 1530-Appaloosa 1730-The Rocker 1915-Mr. Brooks 2130-Cop Out 2330-Wind Chill 0100-Extract 0245-Appaloosa 0445-The Rocker