29 January 2012 Vinson Voice

In This Issue: Farewell | All-Female Flight | Flight Deck Fun Day | Chaplain’s Corner | Movie Schedule

Vol 03 No 13 | January 29, 2012

Vinson Bids Farewell To Fallen Nimitz Sailor

The Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Community Mourns a Hero Photo by: MC2 (SW) James R. Evans | Carl Vinson Staff Photographer

CONTINUE ‘Farewell’ ON PAGE 2

Vinson Voice

2 FROM ‘Farewell’ ON PAGE 1

“The AB community lost not only a great person but a great AB.” | ABCM (AW/SW) Raul Castillo |

STORY BY

MC2 (SW) Byron C. Linder | Carl Vinson Staff Writer

T

he Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AB) community aboard Carl Vinson came together on the flight deck Jan. 25 to pay tribute to a pioneer and a Shipmate.

Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, formerly Rogers, was the Navy’s only female aircraft handling officer and assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in Bremerton, Wash. She was struck and killed by a vehicle when she stopped to assist others involved in a traffic collision in Gig Harbor, Wash., Jan. 23. Two days later, the afternoon Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walk-down on Vinson was held in her memory and preceded by a moment of silence.

Her influence and accomplishments were known and revered across the AB world, explained Master Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AW/SW) Raul Castillo, an El Paso, Texas native and Vinson’s senior enlisted aircraft handler. Castillo served with Mills for two tours of duty, one aboard the Nimitz and one at Afloat Training Group San Diego. She was his division officer at both commands.

“Being part of such a small community, we all know each other,” he said. “Everybody respected her and loved her passion for life.

She shared a lot of moments with me that would have broken a person down, but her passion for life is what will always stick with me.”

The AB’s “small community” spans 21 total platforms for ABs to serve at sea. Castillo noted the high attrition and turnover rates have resulted in longtime ABs being a rare commodity, and degrees of separation from one senior AB member to another are very small.

“Not too many people stick around. But the ones that do, we know each other fleetwide,” he said.

Castillo revealed FOD walk-downs were a favorite for Mills, and a memorial FOD walk-down was most appropriate.

“In the seven years I knew her, that was her thing,” he said. “She found it a way to

Sailors aboard Vinson search the flight deck for debris during the memorial FOD walk-down for Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills jan. 25. Photo by MCSN George M. Bell.

relax. When she called it, she’d take off her gear and go out there. She really liked being out there with the young ABs. She was a big promoter of female ABs because there are not very many, and the places she went in her career should be very inspirational to young female ABs to pursue the same route.”

Hundreds of Sailors from a wide range of departments and divisions joined the ABs the flight deck for the walk-down, with no flight deck gear required. At 4:26 p.m., the attendees observed a moment of silence.

The walk-down commenced one minute later, and concluded at 4:35 p.m., the sun descending on Vinson’s port side.

Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW/ AW/FMF) Monica Kuhl, a Cheyenne, Wyo., native and Vinson’s Command Religious Ministries Department leading chief petty officer, was one of the hundreds in attendance. She had served aboard the Nimitz with Mills, and noted her influence spanned far beyond the flight deck and the AB circle.

“I just knew her from around the ship, but she was the highest-ranking female

there,” Kuhl said. “A lot of the junior females looked up to her and respected her because she had done so much in the Navy. She set the example for everybody, and I would like to be that kind of leader.”

Mills’ leadership also affected and continues to impact Lt. Paul Dussault, a Barrington, R.I., native and Vinson’s flight deck officer.

“I served on several ships with her, and she was one of my best friends ever,” he said.

“She was the emcee at my commissioning and one of my mentors when I became an officer. She was an amazing human being and one of the best ABs I’ve ever known.

She had to overcome some hurdles that we as males did not, and I always respected her for that.”

“The AB community lost not only a great person but a great AB and one of my personal friends,” Castillo added. “She truly will be missed. This tragedy happened because she was trying to help somebody else. She’d take the shirt off her back to give to someone in need. She gave a lot to the community, and she gave a lot to the young ABs in hopes that one would take her spot.”

January 29, 2012

WWYDFAKB?

3

WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR

A KLONDIKE BAR? Lt. Gregory Hazlett | Carl Vinson Chaplain

A NOTE FROM

R

emember the old commercial, “What would you do for a Klondike

bar?”

Would you stand on your head? Would your wrestle a polar bear? Would you listen to another sea story from MMCM Armstrong?

It is an interesting question. At the end of the day, it is really asking, “What are you willing to sell out for? What’s your price?”

The ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, asked the same question when he told a story about a ring that enabled the wearer to become invisible at will. Like Frodo in Lord of the Rings, Plato’s wearer went on many adventures with the ring. The story asked if you would be virtuous if you did not have to fear the consequences of your actions.

Basically, what would you do if you know you would get away with it? What’s your price? Would you kill a total stranger if you knew there was no way to trace the

crime back to you? Would you do it for a million dollars? How about ten million?

Are you a person of character when you do not get praised for it?

With the power of the ring, Plato’s hero, an outcast shepherd named Gyges, ended up lacking all virtue. What do you think you would do if you could become invisible at will? It’s human nature to be tempted to use power for our own benefits. I am very confident I would, at the least, walk to the shower without a bathrobe.

Plato asks the question, “What are you made of? What is your character?”

President Thomas Jefferson once penned, “Whenever you do a thing, act as if the whole world was watching.” While that might lead to some sort of paranoia, it could also lead us to a deeper understanding of a world where we are judged by our character. No matter how hard we try to hide it, our true character will always seep out. So would you do what is right when no one would ever know?

The people on the Klondike bar

commercials would sell out for very little.

Would you hold out for more? What would you sell out for? How many times have you seen someone lie to a Chief to get out of trouble? How many times have you seen someone skating off when there is work to be done? Be honest – how many times have you done the same thing? Are you one of those people who say, “What happens on deployment stays on deployment?” If you are, then now you know your price and the content of your character.

The great thing about knowing your price is you can always choose to set the going rate on virtue. You set your price.

You have the choice of determining how precious your character is for you. Selling out is easy, often much easier then doing what is right. But you can never buy character; it must be forged through the hard steel of perseverance.

Naval Missions and Heritage Naval Missions and Heritage

Taken from the 24th edition Blue Jackets’ Manual

Code of Conduct - Article V

W

hen questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Navy regulations explain the United States has agreed to abide by an international agreement entitled the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (known more commonly as simply the “Geneva Convention”), and as a member of the U.S. armed forces, you are subject to the requirements and protections of this agreement.

In accordance with the Geneva Convention, a POW is required to reveal her or his name, rank, service (social security) number, and date of birth. A POW may tell the enemy about his or her individual health or welfare and, when appropriate, about routine matters of

camp administration, but the following are forbidden: -Oral or written confessions (whether true or false) -Filling out questionnaires -Providing personal-history statements -Making propaganda recording and broadcasts -Signing peace or surrender appeals, criticisms, or other oral or written communication on behalf of the enemy or that is critical or harmful to the United States, its allies, or other prisoners It is a violation of the Geneva Convention for captors to subject a POW to physical or mental torture or any other form of coercion to secure information of any kind. If, however, a prisoner is subjected to such treatment, he or she must strive to avoid by every means the disclosure of any information, the making of any statement or the performance of any action harmful to the interests of the United States or its allies, or that will provide aid or comfort to the enemy.

Vinson Voice

4

First All -FemE-2 al First All-Female

Historic E-2C Hawkeye Flight Aboa

accomplished and had fun at the same time. It was a flight I will never forget.”

“Since April 2011, when Ellison STORY checked onboard as the fifth female in

PHOTOS

BY MC2 (SW) James R. Evans the squadron, we have been attempting | Carl Vinson Staff Photographer to organize the all-female combat mission flight. Due to operational ive “Tigertails” of Carrier Airborne constraints, it had not been possible Early Warning Squadron (VAW) until now,” said Jackson, the squadron’s 125), embarked aboard the Nimitz-class operations officer. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN The Tigertails are one of twelve active 70) as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) duty VAW squadrons in the Navy.

17, flew a historic flight Jan. 25 when Eleven are carrier-based, but as Driver they participated in the Navy’s first all- explained, VAW-125 is the only fleet female E-2C Hawkeye combat mission. Hawkeye squadron with enough females Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander Lt. to fill a complete flight crew.

Cmdr. Tara Refo, Mission Commander The number of female Hawkeye pilots Lt. Cmdr. Brandy Jackson, Second Pilot in the fleet is still small sitting at less Lt. Ashley Ruic, Air Control Officer Lt. than five percent, but the number of Nydia Driver, and Radar Operator Lt. j. female naval flight officers appears to be g. Ashley Ellison flew an E-2C Hawkeye growing, Refo noted. “During my junior - the Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based officer tour from 2003 to 2006, I was the tactical battle management airborne first female officer and only female pilot early warning and command and control in my squadron. Now having five women aircraft. in the same squadron with varying The aircraft was also manned up by rank and experience, it is gratifying to multiple female maintainers including witness the progression of women in the Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class community.”

LaTasha Lawrence, Aviation Machinist’s The opportunities opened up by Mate 1st Class Farzana Lively, Aviation women aviators like Capt. Sarah Joyner, Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 2nd the first female deputy carrier air wing Class Ana Wilson, Aviation Structural commander, and Cmdr. Val Overstreet, Mechanic Airman Denise Birchfield, the first female VAW commanding and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class officer, have allowed many females Racheal Watson who ensured the safe to pursue their dreams with no launch and recovery. limitations.

“I have only had the opportunity to fly After the flight, Jackson expressed with one other female pilot,” Ruic said. interest in repeating this event should “It is nice to be a part of history, not just the opportunity arise. “We are getting because we are females, but because we a new female naval flight officer soon, are also close friends. It was a unique and we can’t wait for her to join us as experience.” we continue to make history as Naval Ellison added, “We got the mission Aviators,” Ellison commented.

MC3 (SW/AW) Rosa A. Arzola BY | Carl Vinson Staff Writer

F

January 29, 2012

l e Fligh t Cr e w -2C Flight Crew

ard USS Carl Vinson

5

6

Fun Day Vinson Voice

Flight Deck

PHOTOS BY: MC2 James R. Evans | MC3 (SW/AW) Rosa A. Arzola | MCSN George M. Bell | MCSA Andrew K. Haller | Carl Vinson Staff Photographers

The AHOC band plays music for Sailors during Flight Deck Fun Day hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recreation aboard Vinson. Photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Rosa A. Arzola

Jacob Airman sumo n a i c i t in a s Techn ctronic his opponenight Deck Fun e l E n o Aviati body slams h during Fl d Recreation.

Ording estling matc e, Welfare an(SW) James R suit wrsted by Moral to by MC2 Day ho Vinson. Pho aboard Evans MC2 (SW/AW) Stephen G. Hale | Carl Vinson Staff Writer

STORY BY

V

inson Sailors enjoyed a picnicstyle lunch and flight deck fun day Jan. 27, four weeks since a Hong Kong port call.

“Based on operational training requirements, it was the only available day,” Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul C. Spedero said. “We originally planned for a full steel beach picnic with food on the flight deck. Unfortunately, we had to maintain alerts and conduct a training exercise critical to upcoming operations, preventing us from opening the flight deck until 1300. Our two options were to cancel altogether or conduct the fun day as we did. I believe we made the right choice.”

Sailors dined on hamburgers, hot dogs and other barbecue-style food on the mess decks before assembling on the ship’s flight deck for games and musical entertainment.

“Staying alert 24-hours a day can be a lot on a Sailor, so it’s good to see everyone enjoying themselves,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd

g contest during Sailors compete in a pie-eatin Morale, Welfare by Flight Deck Fun Day hosted son. Photo by MCSN Vin ard abo and Recreation George M. Bell

Class (AW) Brandi Simmons assigned to Air Department’s V-2 Division. “Our crew works hard and even a simple day like this is a very much-needed break.”

Sailors participated in 3-on-3 basketball, ping pong and golf chipping, and relaxed in small pools set up

by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

“It’s good for us to have today. We have a job to do out here and we deserve it,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW/AW/SCW) Dunstan Lowe, Deck Department’s 3rd Division leading petty officer. “After today though, we will go back to work and take care of business again, just like we always do.”

Sailors competed for prizes in events sponsored by MWR, American Heritage Observance Committee, Coalition Of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions and Second Class Petty Officer Association. Strike Fighter Squadron 25 also sponsored a pie-eating contest.

“It’s good to get out here and do a few things that remind us of home,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class (AW) James Symon, assigned to Air Department’s V-4 Division. “We can’t forget about the mission, but it’s nice to have a day to relax.”

Sailors compete during in a Do Flight uble Du De Welfare tch comp and Recr ck Fun Day etition hos eation ab George M. oard Vin ted by Morale Bell son. Phot , o by MCSN

A Sailor practices his Deck Fun Day hosted golf swing during Flight Recreation aboard Vin by Morale, Welfare and son. Photo by MCSA And K. Haller rew

NOW PLAYING CARL VINSON CINEMA

January 29, 2012

7

CHANNEL 6

CHANNEL 7

ALL REQUEST Call J-6789

SUNDAY

PG&PG-13

PG-13&R

A request will only be taken when the previous movie’s credits start rolling.

Requests are first come, first serve.

Once a request has been made, no more requests will be taken until another movie is over.

Make sure you request a movie rating appropriate to the channel.

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MRS. DOUBTFIRE ABDUCTION THE BIG YEAR I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC MRS. DOUBTFIRE ABDUCTION THE BIG YEAR I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC DESPICABLE ME

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DOLPHIN TALE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE FOOTLOOSE (2011) 2012 BAD NEWS BEARS DOLPHIN TALE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE FOOTLOOSE (2011) 2012 BAD NEWS BEARS

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TANGLED THE DILEMMA HOT SHOTS DOUBT INVICTUS LIFE AS WE KNOW IT TANGLED THE DILEMMA HOT SHOTS DOUBT INVICTUS LIFE AS WE KNOW IT

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INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE THE LONGSHOTS OLD DOGS THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL LOVE HAPPENS SEASON OF THE WITCH INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE THE LONGSHOTS OLD DOGS THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL LOVE HAPPENS SEASON OF THE WITCH

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WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS SMALL SOLDIERS TWILIGHT THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS SMALL SOLDIERS TWILIGHT THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS

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THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX TRON: LEGACY HALLS OF MONTEZUMA DAN IN REAL LIFE MONTE CARLO FIREPROOF THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX TRON: LEGACY HALLS OF MONTEZUMA DAN IN REAL LIFE MONTE CARLO FIREPROOF

THE HAPPENING 21 BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM BLACK SWAN WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER I LOVE YOU MAN THE HAPPENING 21 BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM BLACK SWAN WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER I LOVE YOU MAN

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FIGHT CLUB THE HELP BLADE RUNNER IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH LYMELIFE WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY FIGHT CLUB THE HELP BLADE RUNNER IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH

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SHARK NIGHT IDES OF MARCH THE DESERT RATS DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK LAW ABIDING CITIZEN GOOD MORNING VIETNAM SHARK NIGHT IDES OF MARCH THE DESERT RATS DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK LAW ABIDING CITIZEN GOOD MORNING VIETNAM PRIEST

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PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 EAT, PRAY, LOVE FIRST SUNDAY BLACK HAWK DOWN CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR THE PROPOSAL PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 EAT, PRAY, LOVE FIRST SUNDAY BLACK HAWK DOWN CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR THE PROPOSAL

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THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER SLAP SHOT SPIDER-MAN THE PROFESSIONAL QUANTUM OF SOLACE TAKERS THE GENERALS DAUGHTER SLAP SHOT SPIDER-MAN THE PROFESSIONAL QUANTUM OF SOLACE

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NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN ANCHORMAN NO STRINGS ATTACHED PUNISHER: WAR ZONE PUBLIC ENEMIES THE ROOMMATE NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN ANCHORMAN NO STRINGS ATTACHED PUNISHER: WAR ZONE PUBLIC ENEMIES

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MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Vinson Voice

8

DIALOGUES D E C K P L A T E

| What is your favorite picnic food? | “I have my own recipe for barbecue chicken, and it’s the bomb.”

ABF3 (AW) J a m e s S y m o n

“I love the all-American hot dog. You can’t go wrong with the dog.”

B e n

AZAN H o l m e s

“Potato salad is the best picnic dish. I love the mustard mixed with potatoes.”

“I’m a huge fan of watermelon. I had my fingers crossed that we might get some.”

PS3 (SW) James Bryan

ABE2 (AW) Brandi Simmons

STAFF

|PUBLISHER|

STAFF

CAPT. KENT D. WHALEN COMMANDING OFFICER

|EXECUTIVE EDITORS| LT. CMDR. ERIK REYNOLDS PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

LT. ERIK SCHNEIDER

ASSISTANT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

|EDITOR IN CHIEF|

MCC (AW) MONICA R. NELSON

ESWS||EAWS

HERO - Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance

CATCC - Carrier Air Traffic Control Center

Attention On Deck!

It is basic military and shipboard courtesy for personnel to stand aside when seniors approach in a passageway or a ladderwell. Additionally, “Attention on Deck” is expected and appropriate when CSG-1, the CO, XO, or Captains or above enter a space. Heads of departments are extended the same courtesy.

MEDIA ALCPO

|MANAGING EDITOR| MC2 (SW/AW) LORI D. BENT

|PHOTO EDITOR|

MC2 (SW) JAMES R. EVANS

|GRAPHICS/LAYOUT|

MC3 (SW) MEGAN L. CATELLIER MC3 PHOENIX LEVIN

|STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS| MC2 (SW/AW) STEPHEN G. HALE MC2 (SW) BYRON C. LINDER MC3 (SW/AW) ROSA A. ARZOLA MCSN GEORGE M. BELL MCSA ANDREW K. HALLER