Vinson Voice - May 2011

Inside this Issue: Motorcycle Safety | Comedian at Great Lakes | Sailor in the Spotlight VOL 2 / NO 45

May 1, 2011

Learning the Navy way Team Quicksand home to Air Force Pilot Story by MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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arl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 deployed November 30 with more than 4,000 Sailors, eight squadrons, eight different types of aircraft and one Air Force captain.

Strike Eagle Weapons Systems Operator, ,Air Force Capt. Anthony “Rocky” Breck, a native of Sioux Falls, S.D. assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, served as an Army reservist for 8 years. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, his interest in aviation led him to the Air Force.

Breck is the only Air Force servicemember onboard Carl Vinson, and shares the cockpit of the EA-6B Prowler, an electronic attack aircraft, with Navy pilots and Naval Flight Officers as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO).

Inside the aft cockpit, Breck manages the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming Pod used in electronic warfare. When sitting in the front cockpit, he acts as the co-pilot operating the communication, navigation and radar systems.

“Basically we take out the eyes and ears of the enemy,” explained Breck. “We make sure the enemy doesn’t know where we are or that we’re coming their way.

We work hand-in-hand with the fighter jets in the air and with U.S. and allied troops on the ground.”

This is a new experience for the Air Force aviator, one which took him away from typical land-based deployments to launching and recovering on a moving runway at sea.

“Ship life is definitely a change of pace for an Air Force guy,” said Breck. “The remarkable efficiency of See `Air Force` 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 MC2 (SW) James R. Evans

Carl Vinson Voice

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From `Air Force` page 1

launching and recovering aircraft on an aircraft carrier is simply amazing.”

Life at sea, living amongst different ranks and working alongside each Sailor gives him a different understanding and appreciation of the Navy lifestyle, said Breck.

“An Air Force servicemember on an aircraft carrier is not something you see every day. The dynamic of operating strategically off a ship took some getting used to,” said Breck. “There is so much camaraderie and the ship community is just so tight knit.”

Breck also observed that the shipboard environment presents junior Sailors and their leadership unique opportunities

STAFF

U.S. Navy Photos By Mc2 (SW) James Evans

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 MC2 Byron Linder MC3 (SW) Lori Bent MC3 Travis K. Mendoza MCSN (SW) Nicolas C. Lopez

Julseth, assigned to VAQ-134. “Everyone is able to connect with him very easily, from Khakis to blue shirts.”

Getting familiarized with Navy structure was accompanied by an adjustment to the carrier itself.

“The first couple of weeks were tricky,” Breck laughed. “Walking out on the flight deck is more dynamic than I ever experienced walking to a jet in the Air Force.

At night, an Air Force pilot will turn his lights on to let you know the aircraft is running. But out here, you have to be mindful of where the ground crew is while still focusing on where you’re not supposed to walk.”

The structure and U.S. Navy Photo By Mc3 (SW) Lori Bent tradition of the Navy is incomparable to the often in the other branches of service, yet Breck Air Force, as believes it is the camaraderie of being m a i n t e n a n c e an American serving his or her country and operations that makes the differences in uniform commands are insignificant. separate.”

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where “He is a one of a you’re from, it’s about working together kind, a very easy- to get the job done,” said Breck. “I am going officer,” Air Force flying in a Navy aircraft being said Aviation fueled by an Air Force plane assisting E l e c t r i c i a n ’ s Marines on the ground. It just goes to Mate 3rd Class show how all the branches of service are (AW) Bryan intertwined.”

that not all branches experience.

“I got the opportunity to re-enlist a Sailor. To me, that speaks wonders of the role that a Navy khaki plays in the lives and careers of their Sailors,” said Breck. “Interacting with everyone from the maintenance crew to the operations crew is something that does not happen

May 1, 2011

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m a y

CAPTION CONTEST

1898

01

Battle of Manila Bay, Adm Dewey defeats Spanish at Manila, Philippines.

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.

Command Religious Ministries Department Invites You To Send Your Mom A Personal DVD Message This Mother’s Day! Cost? FREE!!!

Sign up in the Chaplain’s office J-6438, 2-126-4-L

(Located across from Disbursing)

This Week in Naval History

1975

02

US Navy departs Vietnamese waters at end of evacuation.

1949

03

First Navy Firing of a high altitude Viking rocket at White Sands, NM.

1994

04

Operation Restore Hope begins in Somalia.

1980

05

USS Robert E. Peary (FF 1073) rescues 440 Vietnamese refugees from disabled craft south of Thailand.

1909

06

Great White Fleet anchors in San Francisco.

1779

07

Continental Navy sloop Providence captures British brig Diligent off Cape Charles.

Carl Vinson Voice

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

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rom the seat of a motorcycle, a person’s awareness of the road and world beyond the bike takes on a more sensory significance. Eighty miles per hour has the flimsiest buffer, with the wind hammering every inch of exposed skin and the noises of traffic, a roar unbroken by windows and steel, traded for the freedom of open air filled with the rumble of an engine’s thunder.

Whether these are fond memories Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors are looking forward to reliving, or a new experience Sailors are hoping to have upon returning to San Diego, Carl Vinson’s Motorcycle Mentorship Program (CVMMP) “Gold Eagles” are inviting riders of all experience levels to attend a series of Friday meetings beginning May 6, focusing on camaraderie, education and safety for May’s Motorcycle Safety Month.

CVMMP president Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Luke Willdigg, hangar deck chief for Air Department’s V-3 Division, explained the importance of Vinson’s motorcycle riders being able to recognize each other.

“We have more than 100 riders registered, and there’s going to be a lot more coming in after this cruise. Sailors are seeing a lot of things; the thrill of the ride, tax-free money in the bank and gas prices on the rise. A bike is cheaper, you can get to work faster in the traffic, and you can ride 12 months out of the year in California.”

With these benefits, a Sailor looking to purchase a new bike would do well to learn from the voices of experienced riders, Willdigg continued.

“With a lot of sports bikes for sale on the street lots, their racing circuit counterparts are pretty much identical. The key is the experience level of the rider. If you have not ridden before, you probably don’t need a 1300cc or 1600cc sport bike,” explained Willdigg.

While inexperience and going too fast is a bad combination, external factors on the road are just as lethal.

“In San Diego, the local drivers are used to motorcycles, but the military is so concentrated there and you have a lot of out-of-state drivers,” said Willdigg. “People from Texas or Utah who don’t have bikes around a lot don’t like when motorcycles drive between traffic lanes. In California, it’s perfectly legal, but they don’t always know

that. I’ve seen statistics that say close to nine out of ten motorcycle fatalities happen when a driver isn’t paying attention to bikes on the road. The rest is the rider not having the proper training.”

The CVMMP is an avenue for Sailors to gain that training, as well as receive opportunities not easily available to a single rider.

“A lot of people don’t want to report their riding status, because it seems like another thing for the Navy to track and impose rules on.

We want to show you what we can do, and we can do a lot. I like to go fast on my bike, but you have to be smart about it. Instead of racing on the street, we’re looking to pool our money and set up track days. You can go as fast as you want on a closed circuit so you won’t get killed in traffic or get arrested and your bike impounded.” said Willdigg. “We’re showing the love and passion of riding, but with safety in mind.”

For the Sailor who has years of experience in the saddle, the CVMMP offers a valuable chance to learn about getting back into mental riding shape.

The Navy has an Experienced Rider’s Course (ERC) that provides a refresher. With seven months on a ship, we all condition our minds to what’s 10-20 feet in front of us. Walking through the hangar bay, we’re focused on that one aircraft and that one piece of equipment so we don’t run into it. Going 60 or 70 miles per hour, we need to be looking 300 or 400 yards ahead,” said Willdigg.

The classes on board Vinson, emphasized Willdigg, are for riders and potential riders of all experience levels, to maximize the possibilities for training and ride destinations.

“Even if you don’t have a license or are just thinking about it, come on down. This is for riders in general from every paygrade,” said Willdigg. “I want to get new ideas from everyone on the places they’ve been that would make cool rides. To see a pack of 30-plus Carl Vinson Sailors rolling down the highway would be awesome.”

Having a group with a variety of paygrades and ratings also provides a prime opportunity for personal and professional mentorship, added Willdigg.

“We find someone who’s never ridden before and we’ll match them with an experienced rider. The new riders have someone to look to for advice and questions, a mentor,” explained Willdigg. “Riding is the glue that keeps us together. You can learn how to buy a bike, size a bike, and you have that common ground and the doors are open for talking about things like getting qualifications on the ship.”

Willdigg encourages Sailors interested in attending to check the Green Sheet for the CVMMP meeting times and locations.

May 1, 2011

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SUNLINERS Recognized by CAG for Selfless Devotion to Duty

AO3 Jason Barfield, AO2 Adam Beutell, AO2 Nickelous Burgess, AMC Shawn Bush, AO2 Cassandra Carr, AMAA Jenniffer Castro, AO2 Jason Cooley, AO1 Ponce Cureton, AOAN Christopher Detwiler, AO2 Jerimie Dortch, AO1 Robert Hamblin, ADAN Franck Happi-Happi, ADAN Jason Hunter, AOAA Donavan Leavens, AOAN Amir Lindsay, AO1 Monica Lyde, AOAN Akeen Malone, AOAA Kyle Minckler, AN John Northcutt, AOAN Thomas Olsen, AMEAN Tyler Ripley,AO2 Keaton Smith, AD3 Van Vong

On April 11, 2011, an F/A-18C Hornet experienced an engine fire off of a “touch and go”. April 29, Capt. Stephen McInerney, Commander, Carrier Airwing (CVW) 17, recognized 23 Sunliners as CVW-17 Safety Professionals. While performing their routine duties on the flight deck during the first recovery of the day, they answered the call of a fellow aviator in distress by rushing to the mishap aircraft as soon as it landed. With the entire aft section of the Hornet engulfed in flames, each of these brave professionals assisted the Crash and Salvage crew in putting out the rapidly spreading fire, thus preventing a catastrophic explosion and further damage to nearby aircraft. Their quick thinking and selfless actions epitomize the noblest of qualities in a United States Sailor. These 23 Sunliners displayed the Navy’s Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, exemplifying the Sunliner motto of “Anytime, Anyplace…”

A Comedic Approach To A Serious Issue Story by James F. Antonucci NAVY NEWS SERVICE

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omedian Bernie McGrenahan brought his “Happy Hour” comedy show to Great Lakes’ Ross Theatre, Ill., educating over 3,000 Sailors on topics such as drug abuse, sexual assault and harassment and suicide, April 25-26.

McGrenahan headlines a one-man performance based on the serious subjects.

Having opened for top stars in Las Vegas and visits to late-evening television shows, he travels to military installations across the globe, bringing his humor and personal experiences to people of all services.

Opening with stand-up comedy, McGrenahan got the show rolling with thirty minutes of upbeat and timely jokes that found the attention of military and civilians alike. His approach gains a rapport with the audience that allows him to continue with the serious part of his presentation with equal interest.

McGrenahan says, “My mission is to reduce DUI arrests, cases of sexual assault/ rape, encourage Sailors to use Chaplains and counseling as a solution to their challenges.

Alcohol has ruined more careers than any other one substance, and we need to acknowledge this and respect the drug called

alcohol.”

Mr. Randy R. Carpenter, Naval Education and Training Command North Region leader and TSC Great Lakes safety manager commented, “This was outstanding!

Bernie mixed comedy with a message that helps recognize when you have a drinking problem.”

“A high percentage of our students are in the age group at highest risk for drinking problems, sexual assaults and suicide,” continued Carpenter. “TSC’s mission is to train Sailors to serve in the fleet, in a training environment students need to be at 100% mentally and physically to achieve maximum results.”

“I’m excited to have had this opportunity to address Sailors at Great Lakes, bringing them a comedy show filled with laughter, and a serious message; the dangers and consequences of high-risk drinking and substance abuse, sexual assault, DUI information and suicide prevention,” said McGrenahan.

McGrenahan isn’t coy in speaking about the mistakes in his past and he wants others to learn from his mistakes.

After twenty-one years of sobriety, his prime motivation is to make sure service members can make good, non-destructive decisions in regards to all these areas.

“I want Sailors to know that alcohol is cunning, baffling and powerful,” noted McGrenahan. “It becomes a dependency and constant in the lives of many of us, creating destruction of careers, families and goals along the way. None of us want to admit that alcohol is bigger than, or has control of us, when in fact, it does.”

“A million dollars would not take me back to the bar, or desire to drink alcohol again. I never thought life could be this good. I have too much going for me now, without it,” he finished.

Capt. Peter R. Lintner, commanding officer for Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes commented, “This is such an important issue. Almost all of the disciplinary issues are due to the abuse of alcohol. Bernie’s message is so important for our Sailors to hear. He opens their ears with his very funny comedy and then delivers a powerful personal message.

Every Sailor was listening! I’m thrilled to have him here for three shows!”

Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes is the only training command located within the same vicinity as Boot Camp and is the home of five learning sites operated independently. The command supports 85% of the Surface Navy School and averages 13,500 students per year.

Sailor

Carl Vinson Voice

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Story and photo by MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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n an environment that can become very stressful at times, Aviation Administrationman 2nd Class (AW) Stephanie Logan brings relief with her sense of confidence and comedy.

Logan is the assistant leading petty officer (ALPO) in Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department’s (AIMD) Production Control Office. She is the lead Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information Systems (NALCOMIS) data analyst for AIMD, processing more than 140 maintenance documents daily.

She also collects pertinent data used to expedite critical

IN THE

SPOTLIGHT

Standardization System records,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Thomas Rousseau, Production Control’s Leading Chief Petty Officer. “Also she ensured complete and accurate records for all AIMD’s test benches and equipment during initial outfitting.”

Now, Logan supports the ship and squadrons by ensuring the accuracy of engine logbooks and transfers logsets for major aircraft components in support of 61 assigned aircraft.

“As aviation administrationmen, we need to know everything in aviation from A to Z,” said Novida. “Our job may not be physically demanding, but it is very mentally strenuous.”

“Every day I am learning something new,” said Logan. “In our shop, we are always

“In our shop, we are always sharing our knowledge and experience with each other.”

-AZ2 (AW) Stephanie Logan

aircraft components. And she does it all with a smile.

“She is always laughing, and her positive attitude really improves our working environment,” said Production Control’s leading petty officer, Aviation Administrationman 1st Class (AW/ SW) Cynthia Novida. “She is also very knowledgeable and dependable and always gets things done.”

Logan, a Buda, Tx. Native, joined the Navy in 2003 and was attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, where she completed deployments on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). She reported to Carl Vinson in 2009, when the ship was wrapping up its refueling complex overhaul (RCOH).

“Petty officer Logan is a professional, career-minded individual who was a key player in the stand-up of AIMD’s Production Control upon leaving RCOH. She provided training to 7 AZ’s in the build up of over 1,200 Support Equipment

sharing our knowledge and experience with each other.”

Logan shares her knowledge in the shop by answering questions and mentoring junior personnel as training petty officer and a divisional career counselor. She is also an on scene leader in repair locker 1F. “Logan is considered one of the top performers in AIMD who willingly accepts greater responsibility outside her rate as demonstrated by her actions to train Sailors assigned to 1F in proper damage control,” said Rousseau.

“I really enjoy seeing the progression of junior Sailors,” said Logan. “It makes me proud to see where they came from and where they are today.”

Logan’s professional goals include earning her enlisted surface warfare (ESWS) pin and earning the rank of first class petty officer. She also plans to take college courses while the ship is in San Diego, and hopes to earn her degree in Business while staying Navy.

May 1, 2011

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retractable sheaves can be lowered if they interfere with the passage of aircraft and deck equipment when in the raised operating position.

The cable length of NIXIE is 1600 ft

DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues

“What’s your favorite way to spend sunday underway?”

IC1 (SW) Anthony Tatum

AOAR Jake Bonifacio

ABE3 Colton Abbott

“I like to catch up on my sleep.”

“I work out at the gym.”

“I always try to eat healthy, so on Sunday i treat myself to a sweet snack.”

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.

Carl Vinson Voice

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Channel 6 Sunday, May 1

0815-Mister Roberts 1030-Morning Glory 1230-Paul Blart: Mall Cop 1415-Guadalcanal Diary 1600-Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 1800-The 70 1815-X-Files: I Want To Believe 2000-The 70 2015-Mister Roberts 2230-Morning Glory 0030-Paul Blart: Mall Cop 0215-Where Eagles Dare 0500-The 70 0515-Guadalcanal Diary

Monday, May 2 0815-The 70 0830-Clash of the Titans 1030-Unbreakable 1230-New in Town 1415-Be Kind Rewind 1600-Cloverfield 1730-The A-Team 1930-Clash of the Titans 2130-Unbreakable 2330-New in Town 0115-Be Kind Rewind 0300-Sisterhood of Traveling Pants

Tuesday, May 3 0815-X-Men Origins: Wolverine 1015-You Again 1200-The Fighting Seabees 1345-Halls of Montezuma 1545-The Mummy 1800-The Bounty Hunter 2000-X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2200-You Again 2345-The Fighting Seabees 0130-Halls of Montezuma 0330-Torpedo Run

Wednesday, May 4 0815-Amelia 1015-Eagle Eye 1215-Meet the Parents 1415-Pearl Harbor 1730-Midway 1945-Amelia 2145-Eagle Eye 2345-Meet the Parents 0145-Pearl Harbor 0500-Bandslam

Thursday, May 5 0815-Wild Hogs 1000-Confessions of a Shopaholic 1145-Tooth Fairy 1330-The Enemy Below 1515-Freedom Writers 1730-Imagine That 1930-Wild Hogs 2115-Confessions of a Shopaholic 2300-Tooth Fairy 0045-The Enemy Below 0230-Freedom Writers 0445-Imagine That

Friday, May 6

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, May 7 0815-We are Marshall 1030-2012 1330-CLEANEX!!!

1530-The Natural 1730-Beowulf 1930-We are Marshall 2145-2012 0115-August Rush 0315-The Natural 0515-Twins

Channel 7 Sunday, May 1

0815-Shanghai Kiss 1015-Step Brothers 1200-Devil 1330-Knocked Up 1545-Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps 1800-The 70 1815-Snatch 2000-The 70 2015-Shanghai Kiss 2215-Step Brothers 0000-Devil 0130-The Unborn 0300-Three Kings 0500-The 70 0515-Snatch

Monday, May 2 0815-The 70 0830-Men Who Stare at Goats 1015-Waitress 1200-Skyline 1345-Kick Ass 1545-The Women 1745-Over Her Dead Body 1930-Men Who Stare at Goats 2115-Waitress 2300-Skyline 0145-Kick Ass 0345-Reno 911: Miami 0515-Over Her Dead Body

Tuesday, May 3 0815-An American Werewolf In Paris 1000-Adventureland 1200-The Comebacks 1330-The American 1515-The Brave One 1730-Because I Said So 1915-An American Werewolf In Paris 2100-Adventureland 2300-The Comebacks 0030-The American 0215-The Brave One 0430-Rules of Engagement

Thursday, May 5 0815-We Own The Night 1015-The Soloist 1215-Quantum of Solace 1415-Charlie Wilson’s War 1600-Black Hawk Down 1830-Balls of Fury 2015-We Own The Night 2215-The Soloist 0015-Quantum of Solace 0215-Charlie Wilson’s War 0400-Black Hawk Down

Friday, May 6 0815-Daybreakers 1000-There Will Be Blood 1245-Anchorman 1430-Vacancy 1600-The Town 1815-The Eye 2000-Daybreakers 2145-There Will Be Blood 0030-Anchorman 0215-Vacancy 0345-Camille 0515-The Eye

Wednesday, May 4 Saturday, May 7 0815-The Hangover 1000-Burlesque 1200-The Kingdom 1400-Eastern Promises 1545-State of Play 1800-Blazing Saddles 1945-The Hangover 2130-Burlesque 2330-The Kingdom 0130-Eastern Promises 0315-Sex Drive 0515-Blazing Saddles

0815-28 Weeks Later 1000-Taken 1145-Transporter 3 1330-CLEANEX!!!!

1600-The Untouchablese 1800-The Next Three Days 2015-28 Weeks Later 2200-Taken 2345-Transporter 3 0130-Once 0315-Going the Distance 0500-The Untouchables