Inside this Issue: Master Chiefs | MCPON Message | Sailor in the Spotlight VOL 2 / NO 48
May 8, 2011
A Mother’s A Mother’s Surprise Surprise Reunion Story by MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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n the afternoon of April 28, Engineman 2nd Class Timothy Baker, assigned to Reactor Department Auxiliaries Division, sat in Carl Vinson’s Air Transfer Officer (ATO) shack with his Division Officer Ens. Fred Ray waiting patiently for who he believed to be a Reactor inspector. He was in for the surprise of his life. Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Stella Baker, a Navy Reserve inventory control petty officer attached to Navy Logistics Support Group Forward, Camp Arifjhan, Kuwait, wasn’t aware what her assignment See `Reunion` 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
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Carl Vinson Voice
From `Reunion` page 1
entailed when she was told she was on her way to support a battalion of Marines in Bahrain. She boarded a plane and had no idea the destination was actually Carl Vinson and a Mother’s Day surprise a few weeks early. “I was wondering why I was picked for the assignment but I was ready and willing to travel outside of the desert to be in a different area,” she said. So she left the barren climate of Kuwait for the deckplates of Carl Vinson, and ran into the arms of her unsuspecting son. “I didn’t even recognize her when she walked into the ATO shack,” laughed Timothy. “Seeing her is just very shocking. It’s been way too long.” Stella and Timothy had not seen each other in more than one year due
celebrating Mother’s Day in their own ways. And thanks to the ingenuity of two commands and their willingness to reunite a family, one Navy mom was able to create a memory that for her will always be priceless. This is a special moment and an amazing Mother’s Day gift, said Stella. Both mother and son are aware of the challenges involved with being a military family and spent a few hours catching up and making plans to get together in the future. “As a Navy family, we can relate more. It’s good to have people close to you that you can talk to and they know what you’re going through,” said Timothy. “I am very proud of my son and where U.S. Navy Photo By MC3 Christopher Hwang he is in his life. He is following in the
“We were trying to arrange for them to have some time together but it was out of our control when the ship’s schedule changed. We were aware that Petty Officer Baker’s mother was deployed in the area of responsibility (AOR) and communicated with her chain of
“I was just hoping that we would get to see each other while we were in the same area of the world.” E M 2 T i m o t h y B a k e r
STAFF
to operational commitments. “He was a sight for sore eyes,” said Stella. “We didn’t anticipate seeing each other again until after the deployment,” said Timothy. “I was just hoping that we would get to see each other while we were in the same area of the world.” The pair had planned to meet in one of the ship’s 5th Fleet port visits, but changes in the ship’s schedule made implementing their plans difficult. Coincidentally, a planned visit for the elder Baker’s travel to Carl Vinson was the unexpected catalyst to a long-awaited reunion.
command to execute a way for them to see each other,” said Ray. “It just so happened that her command had business to conduct on our ship.” Today, mothers around the world are
footsteps and foundation that my husband and I have set for our family,” said Stella. “It shows that as a family, we have pride in our country and we are all willing to fight so our entire family will enjoy freedom.”
CAPTION CONTEST
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) Megan Catellier Staff Writers/Photographers MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent MCSN Christopher Hwang
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.
May 8, 2011
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POTLIGHT
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Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class
Erin Forster
Story & Photo by MC3 (SW) Lori D. Bent USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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etting sail on deployment is nothing new for Reactor Department Mechanical Division Sailor Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Erin Forster, but this cruise has a different meaning for her, especially today, as she celebrates her first Mother’s Day at sea. Forster signed a six-year contract with the Navy in 2006. She has been deployed on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 68) and served on shore duty at South West Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), San Diego. On June 6, 2010, she gave birth to her first child, Joey. Down in the reactor plants of the Carl Vinson, she is a ship’s service turbine generator (SSTG) watch stander responsible for two of the four generators that supply power to the ship. However, this is just one of two very important jobs that fall on her shoulders. In her pockets you can find numerous photos of her son, which she willingly shares with her Shipmates, and credits him for her success and determination to achieve the unexpected. “She is a great Sailor and an excellent watch stander,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW) Soloman Stanton, Reactor Propulsion Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. “She has aggressively pursued her reactor qualifications and has set a standard for her peers. What she does every day is no easy task.” Working in an environment that requires strict procedural compliance and attention to detail leaves no room for distractions. Forster uses this time to focus on her job responsibilities. “Her work ethic is incomparable,” said reactor propulsion division officer Lt. David Semko. “She gets the job done and I can depend on her
to assist me and other watch standers at any time.” The reactor plants may be challenging for many Sailors but Forster believes that being interactive and having something to break up the repetitiveness of a watch schedule rotation takes the monotony out of a long deployment. “When I’m on watch, I focus on my tasks but when I’m off watch I am the ultimate new mom,” she laughed. “I am constantly showing photos of my son to almost everyone and sharing all his new tricks. It adds normalcy to a life at sea.” Life out to sea for Forster means being a qualified reactor watch stander and a provider for her son. “I took these orders when my son was six months old,” she explained. “I am a Sailor and a mother and I decided that both my responsibilities had to meet half way. I love both my jobs.” Forster’s will-power exceeds that of an average Sailor and her determination to set a good example for her peers is unmatched. “It’s tough to imagine leaving your child behind for any period of time, but she does not let it bring her spirits down,” said Semko. “It’s easy to tell how much she cares about being away from her child and she gets a lot of joy from being a parent. This joy pours over in the way she attacks her job.” Self-sacrifice to support the mission is very valuable, and Forster is a testimony to the burdens on a military mother, said Stanton. “Supporting her family is a great motivation and many people are unaware of the pressures we as Sailors deal with so we can provide for our loved ones. MM2 is a great example of that,” he said. “She also has the ability to interact with Sailors and share her experiences.” Looking toward the future, Forster hopes to earn the rank of petty officer first class, become qualified in both the enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) and enlisted aviation warfare specialists (EAWS) programs, and see her son on the pier when the ship returns to Naval Air Station, Coronado, Calif. “I remind myself that there are other parents on board who are fighting the same battles I am, and we’re winning everyday we stay focused on completing our mission while also sustaining the motivation to be great parents,” said Forster.
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Carl Vinson Voice
Congratulations Ma Story by MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
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arl Vinson welcomed four new Master Chiefs during a pinning ceremony in the ship’s foc’sle May 6. Carl Vinson’s Command Master Chief, CMDCM (AW/SW) April Beldo, opened the ceremony by greeting the crew and congratulating the selectees. “Whether we are promoting a seaman to petty officer or promoting Senior Chiefs to Master Chief, it is always a good day,” said Beldo. “These new Master Chiefs are joining the top one percent of the enlisted ranks.” Pinned by various ship’s force Master Chiefs and Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Lindsey were Master Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Jonathan Myers, Navigation Department Leading Chief Petty Officer; Master Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) William Houlihan, Media Department Leading Chief Petty
Officer; Master Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Thomas Rousseau, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department’s Production Control Leading Chief Petty Officer; and Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) Richard Terrell, Weapons Department G-3 Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. “It’s always an honor to recognize a fellow Master Chief on this very momentous occasion,” said Master Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Gilbert Ermitano, Supply Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. “I have always had faith in these four individuals and I am really glad to see them get selected, it is tough.” Terrell said that he could not have made it this far without his support system at home and his Navy family. “I couldn’t have done any of this without
the Chief ’s Mess and the Sailors I have lived and worked with,” said Terrell. “The Sailors have done it all, we have asked and they have done it. I love being able to teach them, and
standing beside them is the greatest honor anyone could ever ask for.” Myers said that his new collar device is a visual representation of sustained and added responsibilities.
May 8, 2011
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aster Chiefs career. “It has always been my long term goal of mine to complete 30 years active duty,” said Rousseau. “With this promotion I will now be able to achieve this goal. It felt awesome to see so many Sailors supporting us four during the pinning.” Terrell encouraged the Sailors he will continue to mentor that, just as he set a goal and achieved it, they can do the same. “The Navy offers every Sailor the same opportunities for growth, maturity and knowledge in life,” said Terrell. “If you have a dream, realize that dream, build a plan to reach it and never stop. It will come to you. Maybe not at all once or when you expect it, but it will come.”
U.S. Navy photos by MC2 (SW) James Evans & MC3 Christopher Hwang
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Battle of the Coral Sea ends with Japanese retiring from area.
1942
This Week in Naval History
“One star is for better taking care of Sailors, which will we will continue to do,” said Myers. “The other star is for the mission, both in my department and across the deckplates.” For Rousseau, reaching this milestone will enable him to achieve what he has been pursuing through his rewarding and challenging Navy
1942
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USS Wasp in Mediterranean launches 47 Spitfire aircraft to help defend Malta.
1862
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Confederates destroy Norfolk and Pensacola Navy Yards.
1964
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U.S. destroyers deliver f irst shore bombardment of Vietnam War.
1986
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Destroyer USS David R. Ray (DD 971) deters an Iranian Navy attempt to board a U.S. merchant ship.
1908
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Navy Nurse Corps established.
1801
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Tripoli declares war against the United States.
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Carl Vinson Voice
MCPON Sends Military Spouse Appreciation Day Message MCPON Rick D. West NAVY NEWS SERVICE
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aster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West and his wife, Bobbi, Ombudsmanat-Large, released the following Military Spouse Appreciation Day message to the Fleet May 6. “Shipmates and families, Bobbi and I would like to say thank you to all Navy spouses and families for your steadfast support of your Sailor, our great Navy and our nation. We know that the lives of a Navy spouse and Navy family are unlike any other. The Navy asks for you to give us your husbands, wives, sons and daughters for months at a time. The Navy asks for your support and understanding of weekend duty, deployments, missed holidays and birthdays, and we owe you a huge debt for the sacrifices you make. Your role in your Sailor’s life and the
Navy is vitally important to family readiness and has a direct impact on your Sailor, their job satisfaction, performance and retention. A strong family support structure enables your Sailor to excel both personally and professionally. Our Navy simply would not be the Global Force for Good it is without your contributions. Communication is key. It’s important that you stay engaged with your Sailor and your Sailor’s command through your ombudsman and family readiness groups, as well as each other. We encourage you to take advantage of the numerous command, and fleet and family support center Web sites available, as well as Facebook pages and other media to stay upto-date on the issues. Through these channels, you will be better connected to the programs and policies that affect your lives as Navy spouses. Thank you, spouses and families, for what you do every day and for your continued service and dedication to your Sailor, our Navy and the United States of America.”
The functional characteristics of electrically initiated ordnance causes Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO).
Cross-connected Steam Plants: Both propulsion plants are operating from one reactor.
DECKPLATE Deckplate Dialogues
“How has your mom supported you this deployment?”
OS3 Matt Smith
BM3 James Back
OSSN Josh Croyts
“She sends me cards and letters in the mail and tells me how my brother in iraq is doing.”
“She e-mails every day and keeps me updated on what’s going on at home.”
“She mails me packages with candy, Steelers t-shirts and photos of my baby nephew.”
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.
May 8, 2011
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Sunday, May 8 0815-Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows 1045-Nothing Like the Holidays 1300-College Road Trip 1430-Happy Gilmore 1615-Did You Hear About the Morgans? 1800-The 70 1815-The Tourist 2000-The 70 2015-Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows 2245-Nothing Like the Holidays 0100-College Road Trip 0230-Destination Tokyo 0500-The 70 0515-Happy Gilmore
Monday, May 9 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 0500-Martian Child
Tuesday, May 10 0815-Chariots of Fire 1030-Friday Night Lights 1230-Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns 1415-Fantastic Four 1630-Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 1815-Charlie St. Cloud 2000-Chariots of Fire 2215-Friday Night Lights 0015-Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns 0200-Fantastic Four 0415-Seven Pounds
Wednesday, May 11 0815-Rudy 1015-Cast Away 1245-The Blind Side 1500-I, Robot 1700-I am Legend 1900-Rudy 1800-Cast Away 2030-The Blind Side 2245-I, Robot 0045-I am Legend 0245-Avatar 0530-Dance Flick
Channel 6 Thursday, May 12 0815-The Dilemma 1000-Moulin Rouge 1215-Flash of Genius 1415-The Family That Prey’s 1615-Iron Man 2 1830-Doubt 2015-The Dilemma 2215-Moulin Rouge 0030-Flash of Genius 0230-The Family That Prey’s 0430-Iron Man 2
Friday, May 13 0815-The Green Hornet 1015-10,000 B.C. 1215-Speed Racer 1430-Leatherheads 1630-Raiders Of The Lost Ark 1830-Race to Witch Mountain 2015-The Green Hornet 2215-10,000 B.C. 0015-Speed Racer 0230-Raiders Of The Lost Ark 0430-20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Saturday, May 14 0815-The Secret of Moonacre 1000-The Roommate 1145-Armored 1330-CLEANEX!!! 1530-Wild Wild West 1730-Star Trek 1945-Knight and Day 2145-The Secret of Moonacre 2330-The Roommate 0115-Armored 0245-Wild Wild West 0445-Star Trek
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Carl Vinson Voice
Sunday, May 8 0815-The Mechanic 1000-The Rite 1200-Epic Movie 1345-Tin Cup 1600-Definitely, Maybe 1800-The 70 1815-Fighting 2000-The 70 2015-The Mechanic 2200-The Rite 0000-Easy A 0145-Crank: High Voltage 0315-Good Luck Chuck 0500-The 70 0515-The Orphanage
Monday, May 9
Channel 7 Thursday, May 12 0815-Hot Tub Time Machine 1000-Illegal Tender 1200-Terminator: Salvation 1400-Sorority Row 1545-The Ghost Writer 1800-The Kite Runner 2015-Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li 2200-Hot Tub Time Machine 2345-Illegal Tender 0145-Sorority Row 0330-The Last Exorcism 0500-Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li
0815-The 70 0830-Slow Burn 1015-Gone Baby Gone 1215-Salt 1400-Love and Other Drugs 1600-Death at a Funeral 1745-Men of Honor 2000-Slow Burn 2145-Gone Baby Gone 2345-Salt 0130-Love and Other Drugs 0330-She’s Out of My League 0515-Death at a Funeral
Friday, May 13
0815-The Whole Nine Yards 1000-Year One 1145-The Last of the Mohicans 1400-Kill Bill Vol 1 1600-The Hunting Party 1745-Street Kings 1945-The Whole Nine Yards 2130-Year One 2315-The Last of the Mohicans 0130-Kill Bill Vol 1 0330-The Warriors Way 0515-The Hunting Party
Saturday, May 14
Tuesday, May 10
Wednesday, May 11 0815-40 Year Old Virgin 1015-Stomp the Yard 1215-Code Name: The Cleaner 1400-Reservoir Dogs 1545-Jonah Hex 1715-Disturbia 1900-40 Year Old Virgin 2100-Stomp the Yard 2300-Code Name: The Cleaner 0045-Reservoir Dogs 0230-Disturbia 0415-Letters from Iwo Jima
0815-The Good German 1000-Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins 1200-Blades Of Glory 1345-Pride and Glory 1600-Lakeview Terrace 1815-Gran Torino 2015-Enter the Dragon 2200-The Good German 2345-Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins 0145-Blades Of Glory 0330-Pride and Glory 0500-Lakeview Terrace
0815-The Heartbreak Kid 1015-500 Days of Summer 1200-Mr. Woodcock 1330-CLEANEX!!!! 1530-Tropic Thunder 1730-The Last Legion 1915-The Heartbreak Kid 2115-500 Days of Summer 2300-Mr. Woodcock 0030-Tropic Thunder 0230-The Last Legion 0415-Defiance