In This Issue: Pearl Harbor: A Family Legacy | Anti-Submarine Warfare Ex | Sailor ‘N’ The Spotlight | From the Deckplates
Vol 02 No 75 | December 6, 2011
The 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor MC2 (SW) Byron C. Linder| Carl Vinson Staff Writer
STORY BY
T
omorrow will mark the 70th anniversary of “a date which will live in infamy,” as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his address to a congressional joint session in 1941. The Imperial Japanese Navy’s attack against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7 came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to U.S. entry into World War II. On that Sunday morning, 353 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes launched from six aircraft carriers attacked the base in two waves. All eight Navy battleships there (USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West SEE ‘aNNIVERSARY’ ON 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.
Vinson Voice
2
Historical Pearl Harbor photos courtesy of Wikipedia
FROM ‘aNNIVERSARY’ ON PAGE 1
Virginia, USS California, USS Nevada, USS Tennessee, USS Maryland and USS Pennsylvania) were damaged; four of them sunk. The Japanese also damaged three cruisers (USS Helena, USS Raleigh and USS Honolulu), three destroyers (USS Cassin, USS Downes and USS Shaw), minelayer USS Ogala, repair ship USS Vestal, anti-aircraft training ship USS Utah and seaplane tender USS Curtiss. Arizona and Utah were the only two ships not raised, repaired and returned to service later in the war. One hundred and eighty-eight U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,459 Americans were killed. It was a surprise attack. Japan had not yet made a formal declaration of war. The time before the attack illustrates the importance of communication and vigilant watchstanding. Gordon Prange’s At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor details how as the first wave of aircraft approached, a radar post at Opana Point near the northern tip of Oahu detected it 136 nautical miles out and the two watchstanders called in a warning. The officer manning the Intercept Center who took the call presumed the scheduled arrival of six U.S. B-17 bombers was the source, as the direction from which the approaching aircraft came was separated from the scheduled route by only a few degrees. The operators had never seen a formation that large on radar, but neglected to report the size. For security reasons, the Intercept Center could not tell the operators the B-17s were due. Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Aaron Paul, a New York City native assigned to Operations Department Intelligence Division stands watch in Vinson’s combat direction center as an air intercept controller. While Vinson’s air search radar capability can detect air targets 120 nautical miles further than equipment from 70 years ago, and the intricate web of networked consoles display a wealth of information, Paul emphasized the importance of the human factor in keeping the ship safe from aggression. “A lot of the ship self defense system is automated, but it is still on the operator to correlate the information,” Paul said, emphasizing operator responsibility. “It’s on that operator to configure the equipment to make sure the information from that console is accurate, so he can make correct reports to the tactical action officer and the watch officer. Machines
break, and you can’t deviate from standing a proper watch.” Today the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu honors the lives lost on the day of the attack, with a plaque commemorating “the initial defeat and ultimate victory.” Paul encouraged Vinson Sailors to avoid the trap of complacency during deployment. “Every watch is a new watch. You never know what might happen. My first deployment was just regular underway steaming. We were supposed to go to Brazil and then go home, but then the September 11 attacks happened. Something can happen just like that,” Paul said, snapping his fingers. “You might not be friends with everyone, but once we pull away from the pier, we’re all we’ve got. We’ve got to take care of each other.”
December 6, 2011
The Past Remembered
3
Pearl Harbor: A Fa mily Legac y
STORY BY
MC2 (SW/AW) Lori D. Bent| Carl Vinson Staff Writer
M
ore than 70 years ago, USS Yorktown (CV 10) set sail from its homeport of Pearl Harbor, its Sailors doing a job most of us are familiar with today. Unbeknownst to them, they left just days before the Japanese Imperial Navy would invoke a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, catapulting them into the beginning of America’s role in World War II, where they would soon become American and military heroes. The Sailors who proudly wore the Navy’s uniform decades ago did not know their bravery and actions would influence the decisions of Sailors today. But one such Vinson Sailor proudly wears our uniform to honor the memory of his grandfather, an Engineman aboard the Yorktown at the time of the attacks. Seaman Joshua Perschbacher, assigned to Training Department, has profound respect for the man who influenced his decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy. “Before I left for boot camp, I went to visit my grandfather and he pulled out his old dress blue uniform and told me to try it on,” Perschbacher said. “I respect him and all the Sailors that worked to save their sinking ship, to salvage what they could to continue launching attacks.” Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Randall Daniel of Administration Department has also been influenced by the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Daniel’s grandfather enlisted in the Navy directly as a result of the Pearl Harbor attacks. Daniel remembers seeing pictures of his grandfather in his dress blue uniform. “The way my grandfather looked in his uniform aboard the USS Missouri decades ago mirrors the way I looked getting ready to sit down for my cruise book photo,” Daniel said, who derives a sense of pride and patriotism in sharing commonalities with his grandfather. “Every generation has a catalyst that caused a patriotic response,” Perschbacher said. “For me the Sept. 11 attack on American soil was my generation’s Pearl Harbor. I remember the impact those events had on me. I wasn’t there on Dec. 7, but I can only imagine how people felt a need to do something.” “Pearl Harbor had such an impact on the military. It made America and the military stronger back then, a lot like 9/11 did for our generation,” added Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW/AW) Thomas Ingram, Vinson’s equal opportunity advisor. Ingram believes it’s important to remember the sacrifices service members made after both attacks on America. “It’s a part of who we are,” he said. “If we forget the Sailors and what they went through we lose a piece of our Navy history.” Incidents in our history that have defined what we do every day aboard Carl Vinson, whether it’s manning a radar system watch or bridging the gap between generations. “My grandfather went to tour the Yorktown when he was 80 years old and for him to share his memories with his family was a profound moment for him,” said Perschbacher. “It’s the same way for me when I bring my family on board.”
Bridging the generation gap and understanding the struggles and improvements implemented years ago to shape the Navy into its current incarnation is all part of remembering our history, Ingram explained. “Things are different today from what they were back then the people, culture and military. In some ways the Navy was still evolving,” he said. “It is now our responsibility to pay attention, stay safe and remember we are in the military at all times. We are trained to be ready for when orders are given and these orders have to be executed and executed well.” Ingram stressed the importance of maintaining readiness in the face of shifting mission requirements. “We just have to be ready at all times to carry out a mission and go to general quarters and fight,” Ingram said. “Times can change and things can happen rapidly. We cannot take things for granted.”
Carl Vinson Sailors arrive at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a reenlistment and promotion ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 (SW) James R. Evans.)
Vinson Voice
4
C S G 1 P r e pa r e s f or A n t i - S ub m a r i n e Wa r f a r e E x c er c i se
December 6, 2011
5
From the Deckplates:
Tuesdays with the CMC A NOTE FROM
CMC (AW/SW) April D. Beldo| Carl VInson Command Master Chief
H
A Carl Vinson Sailor stands half-bore watch on the ship’s flight deck. U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 (SW) Christopher Hwang. MC2 (SW) Byron C. Linder| Carl Vinson Staff Writer
STORY BY
C
arrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 Sailors are preparing to conduct a series of evolutions in an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) exercise off the coast of Hawaii, Dec. 8-10, in the first major event of Carl Vinson’s Western Pacific deployment. The exercise, which will take place in a 100 by 100 nautical-mile area will challenge CSG 1 Sailors to identify and respond to undersea threats while conducting critical strike mission ashore. Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Dillon, future plans officer for Destroyer Squadron One (DESRON 1), is one of several CSG 1 warfare commander planners responsible for coordinating skill sets across the warfare spectrum. The planning process, he said, is extensive and involves a wide range of coordination on many levels “This exercise, in particular, will help us establish ASW superiority in the operating area and then allow us to conduct strike missions in support of the overall mission. Everybody has a role. The overall goal is everyone up and down the chain of command,
to include the third class petty officer standing watch, understands the mission,” Dillon said. “Everyone brings something to the table. The one who saves the ship could be a newlyreported deck seaman standing the lookout watch.” Established in 2007, this ASW exercise measures the overall effectiveness of fleet ASW and has the potential to influence tactics Navy-wide and future funding. “This is very important for the state of ASW across the Navy. The data will be collected from every fixed-wing aircraft, rotary aircraft, submarine and surface ship,” Dillon said. “Evaluators will recreate every engagement and tracking scenario. Once the data is examined and combat effectiveness is evaluated, decisions can be made concerning how the Navy will adapt to this particular threat in the future.” On Dec. 8, before Vinson and CSG 1 physically enter the operating area, DESRON 1 and Theater Anti-Submarine Commander will pre-search the area with P-3 assets to build situational awareness and sanitize the area for
potential awaiting threats. This, Dillon said, will allow Vinson to maintain superiority and conduct the exercise’s strike missions. When Vinson and CSG 1 enter the operational area the morning of Dec. 9, they will be challenged to conduct their mission for nearly 48 hours until the exercise’s conclusion at midnight the evening of Dec. 10. A crucial component of strike warfare is being able to conduct it in environments with hostile submarines. Aircraft from Vinson’s flight deck will play a key role in combating the threat. “We will see a lot of flight operations and coordination of movement when we see a submarine possibly popping up in our vital area,” Dillon said. “We’ll have to make a quick decision whether to land those planes or keep them in the air longer so we can turn Vinson and focus the air craft and surface ships to pounce on that submarine. It’s a huge synergy of resources.” The versatile nature of deployment demands honed skills in every warfare area, Dillon said. “You never know what’s going to happen. This is another great opportunity to hone our warfare fighting skills as a team and everyone can make a difference.”
ooyah Shipmates. Right off the bat let me tell you how proud I am of you and your families for preparing the right way for this deployment. You came aboard November 30th ready to go and your loved ones expressed the same to me in the days leading up to our departure. Around the world, our Navy family members are known for being resilient. But no one can match the Vinson family. They’re as ready for this as you are. I plan to speak with you each Tuesday here in the Voice, and every week we’ll touch on a different topic. A lot of it will depend on where we are in the world, what liberty ports are coming up, what subjects are important to Captain Whalen and what’s important to you. I’ve been keeping an interested eye on a group of our youngest Sailors for some time now. They’re the Vinson chapter of CSADD, or Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions. CSADD was started several years ago in Navy Region Southeast by a small group of junior Sailors. They wanted to make a difference
and talk with their peers about decision making. Not only have they made an impact in the Southeast Region, they branched out and pushed their themes Navy wide. Now hundreds of chapters have been established and we’re seeing Sailors at the PO3 and below ranks making a real difference in all our lives. They didn’t stop with drinking and driving. Around the Navy, they’ve become a significant voice on a number of topics that affect all of us. Their focus is sound decision making and positive peer pressure. Here on Vinson, we have a chapter of our own and they are gaining momentum. They just recently completed annual elections for new officers and plans are being made to determine how they’ll best impact Carl Vinson during WestPac 2012. Now here’s the question for some of you junior Sailors. Do you seek that kind of influence? Because that’s what we’re talking about here. CSADD has the attention of the chain of command and they are listened to. If you’re E5 or
below and haven’t reached 25 years of age yet, look into it. CSADD meetings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 2030, usually in the NCPACE classroom. Those locations may change so talk to IT3 Morris, CSADD secretary, about specific locations and times. Is this for you? It is if you’re the Sailor who genuinely feels he or she is ready to make a difference in the lives of your Shipmates. Because that is exactly what CSADD does. It’s practically their mission statement. It’s up to you. But don’t take it lightly. This isn’t a social club. They’re organized and they’re serious about pushing us all to be the best Sailors we can be. Consider this, Shipmates. CSADD is here to stay and you can be a part of it.
Courtesies, Customs and Ceremonies Courtesies, Customs and Ceremonies Taken from the 24th edition Blue Jackets’ Manual
The Hand Salute
It is a centuries-old custom, and it probably originated when men in armor raised their helmet visors so they could be identified. The tradition continues today as a means of showing respect among naval warriors. Salutes are customarily given with the right hand, but there are exceptions. If your right arm is injured in such a way as to prevent you from saluting or if you are using your right hand for some military purpose, such as holding a boatswain’s pipe while blowing it, then it is considered appropriate for you to salute with your left hand. Interestingly, people in the Army and Air Force never salute left-handed. On the other hand,
a soldier or airman may salute uncovered, while Sailors must be covered if they are going to salute. Be aware that these differences in custom among the services should be modified if the circumstances warrant. Consider, for example, if you are in an office with several soldiers and none of you are covered. An Army officer enters and the soldiers jump to their feet, come to attention, and salute. Your naval custom would not include the salute, since you are uncovered, but not to salute would seem disrespectful under the circumstances, so you should do as the soldiers do and salute. The old (and customary) saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” is good advice.
Vinson Voice
6
SAILOR
‘N’
the
SPOTLIGHT IT3 (SEL.) (SW/AW) Money Williams Combat Systems - OC Division
STORY BY
MC3 (SW/AW) Rosa Arzola | Carl Vinson Staff Writer
Williams is a self-motivated hardcharger. “He has a great work ethic. He never leaves a job unfinished,” said Leading Chief Petty Officer of CS-1 Division Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Lawrence Washington. “He will stay extra time to get his duties done and I know he never needs supervision.” “Combat Systems is always getting a phone call when communications go down,” Washington continued. “He and the rest of my Sailors play a vital
shipmates. “He has the ability to put anyone in a better mood and motivate my new Sailors to want to learn more about their rate and their ship,” Douglas said. “He brings in a nformation Systems Technician sense of unity and boosts up our morale 3rd Class (Sel.) (SW/AW) Money tremendously. His great attitude, while Williams, assigned to Combat Systems doing his job, makes his new shipmates Department CS-1 Division, has earned enjoy working and learning from him. the reputation from his peers and It’s rare to find junior Sailors who have supervisors of performing above and such professionalism.” beyond at all times. It’s a matter of asking That professionalism and strive for anyone that works around him to notice excellence has not only caught the that he is the definition of a true attention of his superiors but has shipmate. also inspired his junior Sailors. “I look up to him. Williams, a Chesapeake, Va. Information Systems Technician native, joined the Navy in January Seaman Diana Acosta, also assigned He is always motivating 2009 and arrived aboard Carl Vinson CS-1 Division, credits Williams as me to get qualified in my to in June during the ship’s Refueling her inspiration to pursue her ESWS rate and work as hard as and EAWS qualifications. She has Complex Overhaul (RCOH). He was eager to learn during the spent hours learning 3M information possible.” Southern Seas and WestPac 2010and how to troubleshoot equipment | I T S N D i a n a A c o s t a | 2011 deployments, tackling both the from him. process of troubleshooting and of “I look up to him. He is always operating the ship’s internal and external role in providing Internet, e-mail, and motivating me to get qualified in my communications equipment. general communications throughout the rate and work as hard as possible. As One of the highest qualified Sailors ship. He takes pride in doing whatever a mentor, he always tells me to keep a in his department, Williams is a assignment I throw at him. I can trust positive attitude,” Acosta said. transmission supervisor technician him, and have done so, to run my shop Williams knows the phrase “lead by (TST), CS-11 and CS-12 work center whenever I am not here.” example” can have an impact on any supervisor, 3M work center supervisor, Williams’ leading petty officer Sailor new to a command. and a mentor to his fellow shipmates. Information Systems Technician 1st “I don’t know if my positive attitude is “I am in charge of making sure radio Class (SW/AW) Cyrena Douglas praised what motivates the people I work around, communications, messaging, voice his attitude and efforts to help the but I know if they see me working hard circuiting, and the Internet is up and division, department and ship. they will eventually notice it and will try running. I also help out the division’s “He is a great Sailor and a great to help me or get involved with whatever repair parts petty officer and I train new example to follow in the Navy. Just needs to be executed,” Williams said. “I Sailors on our equipment’s maintenance,” last deployment he obtained his ESWS also think maybe that sparks them to Williams said. [enlisted surface warfare specialist] pin, accomplish their personal goals.” As a technician, he understands his his EAWS [enlisted aviation warfare Although Williams has reached three role and knows his job makes the ship’s specialist] pin and became 3M work important milestones during the last mission achievable. center supervisor. He helped organize deployment - getting dual qualified “We make it possible for the pilots to the main communication watch teams, and making rank - he is committed to communicate with the ship while they are and has found better ways to operate the improving himself in every aspect of his flying,” Williams said. “Everyone in my equipment in our shop.” life. He has enrolled in two Navy College division makes my job more enjoyable With the beginning of a second Program Afloat College Education since we have a strong camaraderie.” deployment this year, Williams has again (NCPACE) courses and hopes to advance His chain of command all agrees taken it upon himself to help out his new to the rank of petty officer 2nd class.
I
December 6, 2011
7
TRASH DISPOSAL
Getting rid of trash daily enables normal plant operations. If departments hold trash until Monday, trash plants will likely back up and force the PWP Crew to secure from taking trash for a few hours. Please direct your personnel to routinely get rid of their trash throughout the day, especially during Sundays and holiday routine. This will help us all avoid problems.
Worship Schedule MON 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1000-1100 Life Skills Class – Chapel 1130-1200 Roman Catholic Mass – Chapel 1800-1900 RCIA/ Adult Education/Roman Catholic – Chapel 1930-2030 Pagan Service – Chapel TUE 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1130-1200 Roman Catholic Mass – Chapel 1930-2030 Bible Study – Chapel WED 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1000-1100 Life Skills Class – Chapel 1130-1200 Roman Catholic Mass – Chapel 1800-1900 RCIA/ Adult Education/Roman Catholic – Chapel THU 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1130-1200 Roman Catholic Mass – Chapel 1900-2100 Gospel Choir Practice – Focsle 1930-2030 Bible Study – Chapel FRI 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1130-1200 Roman Catholic Mass – Chapel 1400-1500 Muslim/Jummah Prayer Service – Chapel 1830-1930 Jewish/Shabbat Service – Chapel SAT 0615-0630 Matins/Morning Prayer – Chapel 1730-1800 Roman Catholic Mass/Sunday Vigil – Chapel 1930 -2100 Gospel Bible Study SUN 0900-1000 Roman Catholic Mass – Focsle 0900-1000 Liturgical Christian Service – Chapel 1100-1200 Anchor of Faith/General Christian Service – Focsle 1300-1400 Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints –Chapel 1500-1600 Church of Christ – Chapel 1900-2015 Gospel Praise and Worship Service – Focsle 1930-2030 Bible Study – Chapel
Vinson Voice
DIALOGUES D E C K P L A T E
| What are you doing to help conserve water? | “I take shorter showers and turn the faucet or shower off when I am not using water, I also try to supervise in my berthing that water is not being wasted. ”
“When I shave, take a shower or brush my teeth I turn the faucet off when I am not using water.”
M A 2 ( S W / A W ) Jacquelyn London
E T 3 Jacob Hickerson
“I am taking shorter showers.”
“When I shave or shower I only use the water I am going to need. I also encourage my junior Sailors to do the same. ”
G MS N John Baughman
A O 1 ( A W ) Charles Dukes
STAFF
|PUBLISHER|
CAPT. KENT D. WHALEN
STAFF
8
COMMANDING OFFICER
|EXECUTIVE EDITORS| LT. CMDR. ERIK REYNOLDS PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
LT. ERIK SCHNEIDER
ASSISTANT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
ESWS||EAWS Displacement: 95,000 tons Speed (Knots): 35+ A PELICAN HOOK IS A quick release device made in various sizes. May be opened while under strain by knocking away a locking ring that holds it closed.
The foul line designates areas to remain clear of during launching and landing. A BULLSEYE IS A term used in pilot/controller communications to refer to the Independent Landing Monitor (ILM).
|EDITOR IN CHIEF| MCC (AW) MONICA NELSON MEDIA ALCPO
|MANAGING EDITOR| MC2 (SW/AW) LORI D. BENT
|PHOTO EDITOR|
MC2 (SW) JAMES R. EVANS
|GRAPHICS/LAYOUT|
MC3 (SW) MEGAN L. CATELLIER
|STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS| MC2 (SW) BYRON C. LINDER MC3 (SW/AW) ROSA ARZOLA MC3 (SW) CHRISTOPHER HWANG