Vinson Voice: 27 September 2011

In This Issue: Self Service Laundry | Sailor in the Spotlight | MCPON Note

Vol 02 No 69 | September 27, 2011

“Your country, Your Navy,

is asking a lot of you... I can’t thank you enough for what you do.” |Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet|

PHOTO BY: MC2 (SW) James R. Evans 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

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Vice Admiral Gerald R. Beaman Visits Vinson

3RD FLEET ADMIRAL DISCUSSES DEPLOYMENT, BUDGET & FUTURE OPERATIONS

PHOTOS BY: MC2 (SW) James R. Evans | MC3 (SW/AW) Rosa Arzola | MC3 (SW/AW) Timothy Hazel | USS Carl Vinson Staff Photographers

STORY BY

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

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arl Vinson Sailors welcomed Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman to the ship Sept. 26 during the carrier strike group’s underway operations off the coast of Southern California.

Beaman received a Fleet Week brief from Carrier Strike Group 1 staff, and held three calls throughout the day; an officer’s call in Vinson’s Wardroom Three, a Chief Petty Officer’s (CPO) call in the CPO Mess, and a crew call for all E-6 and below on the ship’s aft mess decks.

With the dining tables pushed to the side, Vinson Sailors formed ranks and filled the mess decks, standing for the admiral’s call.

Before the admiral’s arrival, Third Fleet Command Master Chief, CMDCM (AW/SW) JoAnn Ortloff,

explained Vinson’s role in Fleet Week.

“We only select the best to go to Fleet Week to represent the Navy and the Third Fleet. The San Francisco Fleet Week is the largest in the United States, so you have an opportunity to make this a memorable event not just for yourself but for San Francisco, the Bay Area, and the United States,” said Ortloff. “We chose you because of your reputation.”

Upon his arrival, Beaman entered and parted the ranks, standing in the middle of the gathered Sailors to address them and take their questions.

“Your country, your Navy, is asking a lot of you with the quick turnaround from your last deployment to your next. I can’t thank you enough for what you do,” said Beaman. “We wouldn’t ask if we didn’t

know the Vinson crew could respond.”

Beaman answered questions from Vinson Sailors on a variety of topics ranging from the Navy’s deployment schedule, retirement benefits, and the Vinson’s future operations.

Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (AW/ SW) Ricardo Amezcua, Intel Department’s OZ Division leading petty officer (LPO), emphasized the importance of hearing from the admiral on a personal level.

“I wanted to hear what the admiral had to say, and it was outstanding. He has the finger on the pulse of the ship, and it was exciting to hear his experiences and what we’re going to do with Fleet Week,” said Amezcua. “These calls are where you find out what your junior Sailors are thinking, and it’s nice to see the broad range of what we’re talking about on the Big Navy level.”

September 27, 2011

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Laundry Etiquette

STORY & PHOTOS BY

SELF SERVICE RULES & REGULATIONS

MC3 Jessica Tounzen| USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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etting your laundry done onboard can sometimes be a time-consuming evolution, with Sailors facing long lines and equipment that may or may not work at any given time. But while it’s easy for many Sailors to lay the blame on those who maintain the ship’s Self-Service Laundry, the actual fault lies on Sailors who ignore the rules laid out to keep the laundry running smoothly and efficiently.

The laundry facility’s operation was interrupted Sept.

23 when the space was flooded; it had to be shut down temporarily while Vinson’s Galley Maintenance team worked to clear the source of the flood: a tank clogged with pens, potato chip bags, plastic bags, earplugs, and paper.

Several 3-in-1 laundry sheets were also discovered, which are prohibited for use in the laundry. According to Supply Department, the sheets will get sucked into the drain and clog the tank, contributing to the flooding incident.

“These items had to be extracted via S-type educators, and then we had to remove and clean the suction pumps…that’s how bad it was,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Michael McQuay, Supply Department S-7 (MWR) Division’s Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO). “The smaller items ended up penetrating the filters within the strainers in the machines, causing larger items to accumulate within the tanks.”

The reason this wide array of items caused such a massive problem is simple: Sailors failed to remove them from their pockets. This caused a domino effect, clogging the tank, causing the water to overflow and flood the compartment, and eventually shutting down laundry, inconveniencing other Sailors who planned to do their laundry at that time.

Whether it’s a matter of forgetfulness, or simple disregard for rules and regulations, McQuay said he can’t stress enough the importance of empty pockets.

Another issue Sailors experience in laundry is that they’ll see a blinking light on a washer and assume the machine is out of order. McQuay explains what causes this to happen.

“Sailors sometimes start several washing machines at once, and what happens is the machines are all trying

to draw water at the same time, and that’s just not possible, so the status light starts blinking and the timer resets for 30 minutes. This makes the machine unavailable for use until those 30 minutes have elapsed,” he said.

When a Sailor opens his or her machine mid-cycle, hoping to check on its progress, it causes the machine to go into a 30-minute reset. McQuay strongly urges Sailors to keep their hands off the machines until the status light has gone off entirely.

Although Sailors may find themselves in a time crunch, impatient to get their laundry done, McQuay said it’s important that they uphold the rules of the laundry, to keep the machines running efficiently and to avoid issues like the flooding that was seen only days ago.

In addition to emptying pockets, not starting simultaneous wash loads, and not interrupting loads mid-cycle, there are several other guidelines Sailors must keep in mind when they find themselves in need of clean laundry.

First, the only detergents and fabric softeners allowed are those labeled as High Efficiency (HE) liquid or powder substances. Bleach is not allowed, nor are 3-in-1 laundry sheets.

Sailors may not start more than one load of laundry at once if others are waiting, and it is the responsibility of each Sailor to clean out the lint traps in their dryers after use, discarding the lint and used dryer sheets in the bags provided in the laundry.

Sitting on the machines is strictly prohibited, and Sailors may not leave laundry unattended. They are not permitted to use electronic devices like laptops or iPads without headphones.

And finally, uniforms are never allowed to be washed in the Self-Service Laundry.

While McQuay said the laundry is slated to receive new washers and dryers prior to the upcoming deployment and a complete space rehabilitation in 2012, it falls on each Sailor to follow the rules and treat the existing and future machines with care to avoid inconveniencing others or damaging the only laundry facility available to the ship’s junior enlisted personnel.

The Self-Service Laundry is open 24-hours-a-day, excluding Cleaning Stations and General Quarters, and is secured Fridays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for cleaning.

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Vinson Voice

September 27, 2011

SAILOR

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‘N’

the

SPOTLIGHT HM2 (SW/AW) Travis Stephens | Medical | Preventive Medicine

STORY & PHOTO BY

MC2 (SW/AW) Lori D. Bent| USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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here are a few Sailors in Vinson’s Medical Department’s Preventive Medicine Division whose job takes them down and dirty into every crevice and corner of the ship to ensure that safety, sanitation and health standards are being upheld by everyone on board.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Travis Stephens, a Birmingham, Ala. native, is one of the Sailors who inspects all spaces on the ship that may foster bacteria to test and instruct Sailors on clean, healthy habits and practices.

In his department, Stephens is a hub of knowledge for anyone seeking information.

He is the department’s Enlisted Surface |HM2 Warfare Specialist (ESWS) coordinator, a team member on the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) final board and an integral player on Vinson’s Medical Training Team (MTT).

His mentor and leading petty officer (LPO) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Kenneth Matthews describes Stephens as an exceptional young talent who impacts others without trying.

“He has an unquenchable thirst for success,” he said. “He has a pure natural ability to lead others and it is my hope that his story inspires Sailors not only in our department but around the ship.”

Stephens’ solid work ethic speaks for itself and is noticed not only by his immediate supervisors.

During Medical Department’s Health Services Medical Readiness inspection Aug. 9 -10, Stephens received noteworthy accolades from Commander Naval Forces (CNAF) inspectors on his outstanding quality of work as the lead presenter for his division.

“He exudes total professionalism and is always willing to train and get junior Sailors motivated,” said Medical Department’s Leading Chief Petty

training Sailors is his way to give back and share what he has learned from his eight-year career.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. If you fail it’s showing that you are trying, just don’t give up, your head is in the right direction,” explained Stephens when asked how he drives himself and his Sailors.

His job plays an immense role in preventing the breeding and transmitting of bacteria but his contagious attitude towards his job spreads throughout his department and to Sailors around the ship.

“Learn from Stephens,” urged Ramey.

“If you work hard you will be successful in whatever you try to do.”

When asked what he wanted his legacy to be once he detaches from the command, Stephens responded saying, “I want to be remembered as the one who always gave his best no matter e p h e n s | how difficult or minute the task was.

I have accomplished a lot in a year and I’m still willing to do more.”

On his off-time Stephens enjoys bowling, spending time with family and volunteering with Feeding America San Diego, Father Joe’s Kitchen, beach cleanup and community relation (COMREL) projects.

Looking toward the future, Stephens hopes to pick up the rank of petty officer first class, pursue his degree in Healthcare Administration and help his department attain 100% primary warfare qualification.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. If you fail it’s showing that you are trying, just don’t give up, your head is in the right direction.” ( S W / Aw ) Tr av i s S t Officer (LCPO) Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Jerry Ramey. “He works tirelessly to improve himself and his shipmates.”

When he’s not busy making on-thespot decisions required to treat a casualty or rectifying a health discrepancy, Stephens is hitting the deckplates mentoring and motivating Sailors.

“He has a huge willingness to succeed and he spreads his positive attitude throughout the department,” said Ramey.

His active role in mentoring and

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Vinson Voice

A Note from the MCPON STORY BY

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West

Shipmates, Our nation annually celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct.15. This year’s theme is “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories . . . One American Spirit.” Hispanics and Latinos, both Military and Civilian, have long sacrificed and answered the call to service to our Navy and nation. They have led our Total Force from the top including three flag officers, 158 master chief petty officers and five members of the Senior Executive Service.

Our Navy’s strength is a product and reflection of its diversity. As of today, nearly 70,000 Hispanic and Latino Sailors and civilians serve in our Navy’s Total Force.

HOOYAH to all of our men and women who continue to make our Navy strong and diverse!

V/R MCPON (SS/SW) R.D. West

The Jewish New Year Celebration will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, September 28 at 1800.

ROSH HASHANAH

HISPANIC HERITAGE Hispanic Heritage cake cutting will be held in the aft mess decks at 1300 & a Celebration will be held September 30 in the foc’sle at 1930.

September 27, 2011

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S E L U R

• Each team must consist of 3 members • You can only participate on one team • All 3 members must be from the same department or squadron, if TAD can participate with TAD department or parent department • Each team will complete a combined total of 100 push ups and 100 curl ups • All members must contribute to push ups and curl ups • No starting and stopping watch • All team members must run/walk 1.5 miles and finish together

• • • • • • •

•

PRT Challenge

Department/Squadron

Must complete pushups, curl ups and run/walk in the same day Challenge began September 24 Challenge ends October 2 When finished, submit flyer with below portion filled out to MWR office NLT 2200, October 2 Stopwatches can be checked out from the MWR office All participants receive FREE T-SHIRT! Prizes Awarded: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place teams AND top coed team, top female team, top male team (if not 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) PLEASE USE AND RESPECT THE HONOR SYSTEM! Questionable times may be challenged to a repeat!

DEPT/SQUADRON: RATE/NAME:

PUSH UPS M/F

CURL UPS

RUN

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Vinson Voice

DIALOGUES D E C K P L A T E

| What is your Goal for the upcoming PRT? | “I want to run the mile-and-a- half in ten minutes or less.”

“I want to score a Good High.”

A B E 3 ( A W ) Andre w Elvir

A B F A N H e idi B or c he rt

“If I could do 90 sit-ups, I would be so happy.”

“I want to score an outstanding high. I want to be the best of the best.”

L T J G Ashle y McCawle y

M M F N Marques Gause

STAFF

Did You Know Did You Know...

ESO will be administering ASSET tests for English and Math courses for the upcoming NCPACE terms on Sep. 28. Call J 2253 for more info.

On Dec. 22, 2010 President Obama signed the legislation that led to the repeal of DADT. Failure of any portion of the Physical Health Assesment (PFA) is counted as one PFA failure.

Classified information can be unintentionally revealed to unauthorized persons in many ways.

Always be extremely cautious of everything you say when talking over unsecured telephone lines.

There are approximately 29,000 light fixtures on board USS Carl Vinson

STAFF

|PUBLISHER|

CAPTAIN BRUCE H. LINDSEY COMMANDING OFFICER

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

LT. ERIK SCHNEIDER

ASSISTANT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

|EDITOR IN CHIEF|

MCCM (SW/AW) WILLIAM HOULIHAN MEDIA LCPO

|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/AW) TIMOTHY HAZEL MC3 JESSICA TOUNZEN