30 January 2011 Vinson Voice

Inside this Issue: Navy Cracks Down on Spice | Sailors Go on MWR Tours | COMSERVs Give Back VOL 2 / NO 8

January 30, 2011

Story by MC3 Jessica Tounzen USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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.

Airman Matthew Rose of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) IM-1 division has only been on board Carl Vinson a little more than a year, and already he’s accomplished a lot. Rose earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualification, serves as his division’s Damage Control Petty Officer (DCPO), and manages and maintains his department’s wide array of tools.

Now the son of a retired Master Chief has another notch to add to his belt.

Rose has been named Vinson’s Bluejacket of the Year for 2010.

It’s a recognition that came as a bit of a shock to the 23-year-old Sailor, who remains modest about the honor.

“I was surprised because I don’t think I work harder than anyone else,” said Rose. “A lot of people on the ship work just as hard and deserve it. I just got chosen for it.”

But Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AW) Jay Mapson, IM-3 division’s Electrical Branch Leading Chief Petty Officer, believes Rose’s nomination was well-deserved, due to his involvement in restoring the department’s Maintenance Material Management Damage Control (3MDC) work center after a fire that consumed the space in October 2010.

“The whole space was smoked out and covered with soot,” said Mapson. “Two of our big roll-away tool boxes were destroyed. One bulkhead was destroyed, and paint had melted off the opposite bulkhead.”

Rather than lamenting the damage caused to the work center, Rose decided to step up and take action.

See ‘BLUEJACKET’ Page 2 U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Megan Catellier

2

Carl Vinson Voice

From ‘BLUEJACKET’ Page 1

STAFF

“As soon as it happened, he wasn’t like, ‘Woe is me, I can’t believe our shop caught on fire’. Instead he thought, ‘We have Inspection and Survey (INSURV) in a matter of days and we’ve got to get this space built back up,” explained Mapson. “He took ownership of it and helped his [Shipmates] stay positive and get the work done. He got the space back to working condition in only six days, finishing the morning INSURV started, and it looks better than it did before the fire.”

Rose’s Leading Petty Officer (LPO), Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW/ SW) Alfred Romero, said Rose’s ‘can-do’ attitude motivates his peers to meet his standards. But the junior Sailor doesn’t just set the bar for his Shipmates…he also helps them reach it.

“Rose possesses a selfless, mentoring attitude,” said Romero. “He has helped many of his Shipmates prepare for 3M oral boards on his own free time.”

Rose described what it was like on the road to his nomination as Bluejacket of the Year.

“I just did everything I was told and went above and beyond,” he said. “It’s all about appearances. If you look like a dirtbag, you’ll be labeled as one. If you work hard and look good and have a good attitude, you’ll get recognized for it.”

It’s not just his disdain for being viewed in a negative light that kept Rose on track.

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 Patrick Green Staff Writers/Photographers MC3(SW) James R. Evans MC3 Lori Bent MC3 Jessica Tounzen MC3 Christopher K. Hwang MCSN Rosa Arzola MCSN Timothy Hazel MCSN Nicolas Lopez

Navy Leadership Disturbed by “Spice” Usage Rise Story by MC1(AW) Tim Comerford The Flagship Staff Writer

Navy leaders are expressing alarm at recent statistics that show that sailors’ use of “Spice” and similar so-called designer drugs rose in the last quarter of 2010. Spice and similar products are essentially an herbal, synthetic form of marijuana, mimicking the chemical compounds found in the drug. These products are banned for Navy personnel.

“The number of incidents of designer drug usage is rising at an alarming rate in our Navy. In the last four months alone, 79 of our Fleet Forces Sailors and 72 Pacific Fleet Sailors have been accused of using or possession of the drug. That’s 151 Sailors that if found guilty will be administratively separated from our Navy,” said Adm. John C. Harvey, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Harvey believes it’s everyone’s responsibility to deal with what could be a dangerous trend.

“I need each and every one of our sailors looking out for each other,” Harvey explained. “Talk to your shipmates about Spice and make sure they understand the dangers and serious consequences involved with its use.”

The junior Sailor revealed there’s another reason for his success.

“My son motivates me every day. I just want to make life good for him like my dad did for me. I want him to have good opportunities and not have to settle. I’m doing everything I can to help improve his situation.”

Romero described his feelings upon learning one of his Sailors had earned the honor of Bluejacket of the Year.

“It’s one of the best feelings any leader on any level can get,” said Romero. “It gives me great pride to have a Sailor work hard and be recognized for it. There are many hard-working Sailors on board, and knowing we have the ‘cream of the crop’ on our team makes my job as an LPO worthwhile.”

Now that he’s made his mark as Bluejacket of the Year, Rose plans to make petty officer third class, obtain his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification, and work toward his college degree.

In response to the rising concerns of the military over Spice and similar products, the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina placed 10 businesses in Hampton Roads off-limits to service members in November.

Since the release of Naval Administration Message (NAVADMIN) 108/10 in March 2010, which reemphasized the Navy’s drug policy, the U.S. Navy has been proactively campaigning to reduce the number of incidents related to the use of synthetic marijuana.

“Our Navy has zero tolerance for drug use.

If you are considering using Spice or a similar drug, I strongly urge you to reconsider,” Harvey said. “If you are caught using it, even once, you will be separated from the Navy.

There is no second chance.”

Navy personnel determined to be unlawfully using, possessing, promoting, manufacturing or distributing drugs and/ or drug abuse paraphernalia shall be disciplined, as appropriate and processed for administrative separation, according to Navy regulations.

In the Navy, drug abuse includes: the wrongful use, possession, manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance. Drug abuse also includes: the unlawful use of controlled substance analogues (designer drugs), natural substances (e.g., fungi, excretions), chemicals (e.g., chemicals wrongfully used as inhalants), propellants and/or prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or pharmaceutical compounds with the intent to induce intoxication, excitement or stupefaction of the central nervous system and will subject the violator to punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and/or adverse administrative action. Examples of other substances, the wrongful use of which constitutes drug abuse, includes, but is not limited to the following: Products that contain synthetic cannabinoid compounds, such as Spice, Genie, Blaze, Dream, Ex-Ses, Spark, Fusion, Dark Knight, Yukatan Fire and K2. Natural substances such as Salvia divinorum and mushrooms. Common items abused by inhaling or huffing, such as DustOff, glue, paint thinner and gasoline. Overthe-counter products such as Robitussin and Coricidin HBP. Prescription medications such as Oxycodone, Vicodin, Adderal and Valium.

3

January 30, 2011

Vinson Sailors Meet the Locals

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW/SW) Tyrell L. Thomas, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, visits with Lucinda Chong, a resident of the Wesley Senior Citizen Home during a community service event.. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy Hazel.

Story by MCSN Timothy Hazel USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Sailors from Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 visited the Wesley Senior Citizen Home as part of a community service (COMSERV) project Jan. 24.

The Wesley Senior Citizen Home is sponsored by a local congregation in Kuala Lumpur, said Lt. Cmdr. James E. West, command chaplain.

The visit was about two cultures finding common ground. Sailors and residents sang songs together and shared stories.

“Today’s community service project had more to do with telling stories about what it’s like to be a Sailor and what it is like to be Malaysian,” said West. “We both shared and learned more about each other.”

COMSERVs have changed over the past 15 years. They are much different, compared to the days of yard work and cleaning, said West. “Community service is more about outreach and telling the Navy’s story.”

Since Wesley opened in 1994, the Navy has visited many times to paint the home.

This visit, Sailors did not come to paint, but to have fellowship and sing together,

said Yap Wai Kheong, Wesley caretaker and supervisor.

For Sailors who participated in the event, it was a chance to see that people from all over the world may be more connected than they had realized.

“People can be so far apart, and yet have so much in common,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Tara E. Smolka. “It was really neat seeing firsthand how (Malaysians) live.”

It was also an opportunity to escape the common tourist traps where many Sailors find themselves. Smolka said how it was nice to see the culture of the country and not just the just the major attractions.

4

Carl Vinson Voice

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

U.S. Navy photos by MC2(SW) James R. Evans, MC2 Adrian White, MC3 Travis K. Mendoza, MC3 Patrick Green, MC3 Christopher Hwang, MCSN Rosa Arzola, MCSN Timothy Hazel and MCSA Nicolas Lopez.

January 30, 2011

5

6

Carl Vinson Voice

Sailors Go

“Beyond the City” Story and Photos by MC3 Patrick Green

USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

For some visitors to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the hustle and bustle of the city might seem overwhelming. The traffic, which is one of the highest densities in the world, floods the streets with noise and speed.

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division on board Carl Vinson offered a reprieve to the high-paced urban area by providing more than 90 Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors a chance to go “Beyond the City.”

The half-day trip showed Sailors two very different sides of Kuala Lumpur: its religious heritage and modern industry.

“I love the culture here,” said Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Marlow

Pornan, a tour participant. “It’s why I keep going on the tours when I come (to Malaysia).”

Sailors first visited the Batu Caves, one of the largest Hindu ceremonial shrines outside of India, roughly eight miles away from Kuala Lumpur. The caves are home to a shrine devoted to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, and feature statues and paintings of the Hindu god’s various accomplishments and legends.

After climbing the 272 steps to reach the caves, Sailors could observe Hindu religious ceremonies and also feed a mischievous group of macaque monkeys.

“I’m a big monkey fan,” said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Joshua Theisen. “Any time I can almost get assaulted by monkeys and make it

through, that’s a good day.”

After visiting the caves, the tour moved on to the Royal Selangor factory, one of the world’s largest pewter distributors.

At the factory, Sailors were shown the “ins” and “outs” of the pewter-creation process. They even got to try their hand at it, such as trying to round out a cup with a hammer. After the factory tour, Sailors could buy the pewter products in the expansive gallery.

At the end of the tour, the Sailors came away with lots of photos and memories.

“It’s a great first experience being in Kuala Lumpur,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Andrew Gonzalez. “It’s really exciting seeing all of the different cultures in a new city and a new part of the world. It’s something I may never see again.”

7

January 30, 2011

C A P T IO N C O NTEST 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.

minimum personnel required to move an aircraft.: Director, safety observer, two wing walkers/ chockman, brake rider

Global Positioning System (GPS)-A highly accurate Navigation System that uses satellites to provide the ship’s position.

DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues

What did you enjoy most about the tours in Malaysia?

ET3 Austin Allen

MM3 Kyle Burns

OSSN Nicole Furguiele

“The Kuala Lumpur Beyond the City Tour was very interesting.

It offered a fascinating look into a culture that is so different from our own.”

“The Adventure Walking and River Trekking Tour was not a typical trail through the forest. Our tour guide made the paths as we hiked. It was a fantastic experience.

“The Kuala Lumpur City Tour was short and sweet. I saw different aspects of Malaysian culture when we visited the King’s palace and different temples.”

8

Carl Vinson Voice

January 30, 2011

9