SHUTTLEtheUSS Enterprise (CVN 65)- Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Photos by MC2 Brooks B. Pattonand MC2 (SW) Michael L. Croft

‘E’ HAD IT‘H.W.’ GOT IT

began its journey toward the end of deployment and turned over 5th fleet responsibilities to Bush after over four months in the AOR. “Our Sailors performed every mission asked of them to their highest ability and should feel great pride in all we’ve accomplished,” said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. “Today was a small reward for the separation they have endured over the past five months. I know we leave the ongoing mission in the Fifth Fleet AOR in capable hands, and that Bush will continue to execute this critical mission.”

the Page 3Wednesday June 22, 2011 SHUTTLE

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – As the U.S. Navy’s oldest and newest aircraft carriers passed each other in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait June 21, a few Sailors had the chance to reunite with family members stationed aboard the other ships. USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), commissioned in 2006, is arriving on a schedule deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), as USS Enterprise (CVN 65), commissioned in 1961, wraps up its time in 5th Fleet. Both carriers are supporting maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet AOR. Before the carriers headed toward their particular missions, six Sailors from Bush were flown via helicopter to Enterprise, and one Enterprise Sailor to Bush, for the opportunity to see loved ones stationed on flight decks less than a mile away from each other at the time. Brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and fiancées were reunited due to the efforts of Enterprise and Bush leadership. “It was a total surprise, I was happy and shocked to see her,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Donald R. Lake, after seeing his sister, Operations Specialist 1st Class Mabel Lake. Chief Lake knew the Bush was passing by, but did not know his sister was coming to see him. He was

Enterprise News

surprised that I had the chance to see my wife,” said Vargo. “I’m happy, and I’m thankful the captain helped this happen.” Sailors crowded the flight decks of both aircraft carriers to catch a glimpse of their counterparts as they passed by. Enterprise rendered honors to Bush, with five whistles blown as the carrier passed- the first two indicating attention to the port side, the third a call to attention, and the last two an indication to carry on. After the family members were flown back to their respective ships, Bush and Enterprise returned to their respective missions. Enterprise

Familes reunite aboard Big ‘E’, H.W. Bush

told he had a package waiting for him in Enterprise’s Air Transfer Office before he headed up and found Mabel there. “I’m just so pleased my command did this for me,” said Chief Lake. “It’s really rare to get to see family where you’re deployed, and I’m glad I got to spend a few hours with my sister on our deployments.” Operations Specialist 3rd Class Joseph E. Vargo had the chance to see his wife and spend nearly eight hours with her after over five months apart. “I knew flyovers happen between ships, but I was

By MC2 Aaron ChaseUSS Enterprise Public Affairs

Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Donald R. Lake, a member of USS Enterprise’s crew, poses for a photowith Operations Specialist (SW) 1st Class Mabel Lake, a Sailor with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) andalso Chief Lake’s sister. The sibling were reunited after a helicopter flew OS1 (SW) Lake over for a brief visit as Big ‘E’ and H.W. Bush passed by each other. .

Photo by MC3 (SW) Alex. R. Forster

the Wednesday June 22, 2011Page 4 SHUTTLE

Photo by MC3 (SW) Jared M. King

Sailors of the Day

Cryptological Technician (Technical) 2nd ClassJedon Hayden- Lancaster, SC

CTT2 Hayden, who works with Carrier Strike Group 12 Information Operations, joined the Navy seven years ago “to provide for my daughter.” To Hayden, the most rewarding aspect of his job is “putting on my uniform everyday knowing I’m protecting my family and country.” Hayden aspires to become a chief petty officer and later a chief warrant officer in the Navy. In his spare times, Hayden likes to listen to music.

AMAN Vandergriff, a plane captain assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, joined the Navy one year and 10 months ago “to provide a better future for my family.” To Vandergriff, the most rewarding aspect of his job is “seeing the end result of a successful mission from a jet I’ve helped maintain.” Vandergriff is woking hard to make petty officer 3rd class, pick up his aviation warfare pin, and earn a college degree in the future. When he returns home from deployment, Vandergriff plans to “drive around in my firebird, listening to rock and roll.”

Aviation Structural Mechanic David E. Vandergriff- Rossville, GA

Photos by MCSN Gregory A. Pickett II

Aviation Ordnanceman AirmanDonald A. Matuszak- Toledo, Ohio

AOAN Matuszak, an elevator technician for Enterprise’s Weapons Department, joined the Navy one and a half years ago “because of family tradition.” To Matuszak, the most rewarding aspect of his job is knowing the elevators he works on play a part in medical emergencies and morale day events. Matuszak is working hard to “make rank” and get his enlisted aviation warfare pin. Later on, he would like to possibly become a search-and-resuce (SAR) swimmer. When he returns from deployment, Matuszak plans to play poker and work on cars.

AMAN (AW) Chajon, a corrosion control technician assigned to the “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, joined the Navy three years ago to “better my educaiton and see the world.” To Chajon, the most rewarding aspect of his job is “knowing I am making a difference out there somewhere.” Chajon is working hard to advance to third class petty officer and and would like to start his own business someday. During his free time, Joseph enjoys lifting weights and hanging out.

Aviation Structural Mechanic AirmanMichael A. Chajon- Paris, CA

Strike Group 12 Sailor of the Week