Jan. 18, 2013 Vol. 38, No. 2

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Story by Lt. Cmdr. Richard Townes, Command Chaplain

Rainy Days & Mondays

Before most of you were born, Richard and Karen Carpenter, troubadours from the 1970s, were crooning a very popular song. If you ask your mom’s and dad’s (well, maybe your grandparents) they would surely recall the words to one of the duet’s most popular songs, “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Verse two goes like this:

What I've got they used to call the bluesNothin' is really wrong

Feelin' like I don't belongWalkin' around

Some kind of lonely clownRainy Days and Mondays always get me

downIf there is one thing that many of us on

the USS Nimitz understand it’s rainy days and lonely Mondays. Perhaps the Pacific Northwest liquid sunshine has drenched our hearts. Perhaps we feel that we don’t belong. Perhaps we feel that we are merely going through the motions. Perhaps we feel like that lonely clown in the song. I know there are times in my own life when loneliness, homesickness, and “worksickness” get me down. Even lieutenant commander chaplains can have those bad days and feel as though nothing is really worthwhile. It’s easy to fall into deep emotional ruts during such episodes.

That’s why I am glad that God sent his holy Word. When I am feeling down I draw

strength from another song, one that comes from the Bible. That song is Psalm 13. It reads:

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?How long must I take counsel in my souland have sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over

him,”lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.But I have trusted in your steadfast love;my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD,because he has dealt bountifully with me.This is a classic Psalm of lament. The

author, King David, felt forgotten by God and oppressed by his enemies. Basically, he complained to God asking “Will you forget me forever?” It’s alright to complain to God, he wants to hear from you even if it is with a gripe, but then he’ll help you. His help comes in the form of words of comfort and the realization that, no matter how bad things get, he’s there listening and guiding you. Therefore, you, with David, can sing to the Lord songs of praise rather than tunes about rainy days and Mondays.

USS Nautilus (SSN 571) Did You Know?The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was

christened January 21, 1954 by First Lady, Maime Eisenhower, in

groton, Conn.The nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus (SSN 571) is in the Thames River shortly after a christening ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Karin BurzynskiMedia Division OfficerLt. Jason Scarborough

Media LCPOMCC Mike Jones

Media Production ChiefMCC Gregory Roberts

Media LPOMC1 Michael Cole

EditorMC3 Ryan Mayes Lead Designer

MC3 Renee L. Candelario

Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening. “Nimitz News” is an authorized publication for the members of the military services and their families. Its content does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby.

Commanding OfficerCapt. Jeff S. RuthExecutive Officer

Capt. Buzz DonnellyCommand Master Chief

Master Chief Teri M. McIntyre

Media DepartmentMC2 Jacquelyn ChildsMC2 Ashley BerumenMC2 Nathan GomezMC2 Thomas SiniffMC2 Robert Winn

MC2 Glenn SlaughterMC2 Andrew Jandik

MC2 Nichelle WhitfieldMC2 Ian Cotter

MC3 Ryan MayesMC3 Shayne Johnson

MC3 Jacob MilnerMC3 Devin Wray

MC3 Christopher BartlettMC3 Alexander Ventura II

MC3 Derek VollandMC3 Linda Swearingen

MC3 Jess LewisMC3 W. J. CousinsMC3 Vanessa DavidMC3 George Penney

MCSN Phillip LadouceurMCSN Kole Carpenter

MCSN Nathan McDonald

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Story by MC3 (SW) Renee L. Candelario

see "VITA" Pg. 10

Sailors will have the opportunity to utilize the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Jan. 30.

Volunteers consisting of certified Nimitz Sailors will set up a center in the ship’s library to assist other Sailors with filing their taxes cost-free for the 2012 tax year.

“VITA is a free service to Sailors,” said Lt. Adrienne Sadosky, Nimitz’ VITA program coordinator. “If you have never filed your own taxes, this is the best way to start because you will have

trained professionals experienced with military issues helping you through the entire process.”

Certified Nimitz Sailors went through a challenging certification process consisting of four online tests made up of questions based on real-life tax scenarios to be able to assist other Sailors with their tax preparation needs.

“I’m excited to volunteer for the VITA program,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Kai Hicks, a prospective VITA representative. “This program is a step toward proper financial management and Sailors are getting money back they

VITA Center Opens Soonto Assist Nimitz Sailors

First Class Petty Officers from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) filled the Naval Station Everett gym basketball court to take their Chief Petty Officer’s (CPO) advancement exam. For some, this was the first time taking it, and for the others, they’re coming in a little more confident and prepared for the questions laid before them.

“I feel good, very confident,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Isreal Thompson-Filip, the Jacksonville, Fla., native. “I went in there, not nervous, just relaxed and read the questions thoroughly.”

Most of the CPO hopefuls agreed on one thing and that was, the need to study. CPO 365 helped them prepare for the basic military requirements part of the exam but the in-rate knowledge is still the responsibility for the individual to learn.

“I put a lot of time into studying so I hope it paid off. You can never put enough time into studying,” said Aviation Ordananceman 1st Class Eliazar Bermea from Sullivan City, Texas. “I studied for about two months, but after taking the test, maybe I should’ve studied for four.”

Bermea went on to say he hopes to be board eligible so he can move on in the CPO process.

For some Sailors, not all the information was available for studying.

“A vast majority of my questions were about platforms I do not operate, such as fast attack and trident submarines,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Wendy Godin. “Those references are not available to us, unless you are at a command which covers all platforms.”

The Rialto, Calif., resident also added you can’t order that classified material to have on site to be able to study it. “I did

the best I can and feel confident in my preparation,” said Godin. With the CPO exam being one of the most comprehensive in-

rate tests in the Navy, passing this test is a great achievement, yet the First Class Petty Officers know this is just the first hurdle to earning their anchor.

Story and photo by MC2 Nathan Gomez CPO Advancement: The Time is Now

First Class Petty Officers from Nimitz take their Chief Petty Officer's advancement exam in the base gym Jan. 17.

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Story by MC3 (SW) Ryan Mayes

As the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service draws near, it’s important to remember why

his life was so impactful on not just our nation but to people around the world.

King was not only a man of vision but also someone who had the conviction to stand for what he knew to be right. His role in the Civil Rights Movement sparked a cultural change yet sadly his life ended in his tragic assassination on April 4, 1968. However, what’s important is the life he led and the people he impacted.

Personally, I believe Dr. King’s life plays an important role in the Navy of today. Today the Navy promotes diversity among Sailors and strives to promote a multi-cultural working environment in which we can all benefit. I also believe his life and actions mirrored the Navy’s own core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Dr. King’s approach and response to the oppression of his time was conducted with the highest amount of honor. In a time where many wished to answer violence with violence and disrespect with the like, King promoted non-violent resistance. Even upon being physically attacked he resisted the common urge to fight back. We can all apply this personally, maybe not under the same conditions, but in how we interact with each other. When we perceive disrespect our immediate reaction is to fight fire with fire. Basic damage control training will show you this is not the right approach.

Courage in the life of King is easily recognized as his willingness to speak out against the injustice of society at the time, even to the point of leading a march on our nation’s capital. As Sailors in the United States Navy, we are duty bound to follow orders, and a march to the commanding officer’s quarters is ill advised. However, speaking out against such things as harassment in the work place can take just as much courage, especially

when you know the offenders. Still, I imagine Dr. King’s struggle was more than just a little uncomfortable and at times probably seemed impossible.

King’s commitment can be seen throughout his adult life. At an early age King set out to make a difference in the community around him and by the time he received his doctorate his vision and commitment had grown incredibly. King didn’t quit at the first sign of resistance nor did he quit when the lives of his family were in danger. Dr. King was shot and killed for what he believed. Many service members know that their commitment to their country may one day place them in danger. By swearing in to the armed service we have taken on one of the highest forms of commitment, the commitment to defend our country and the liberty of its people, liberties that Dr. King fought and died for and even though our daily concerns may not amount to that of King’s, maybe we can gain inspiration from his life and commit ourselves to making changes for the better when we can, no matter how big or small.

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Twice a year, the Navy mandates that every Sailor, both enlisted and commissioned, participate in a physical readiness test, or PRT, to prove his or her physical standards are up to par with Navy standards.

While out to sea, Sailors have the opportunity to work out in the gyms or participate in various classes, such as Zumba or spin.

However, while the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in port, even more options are available to Sailors and their dependents at Seismos Fitness Center located in The Commons at Naval Station Everett. Seismos offers various classes, such as water aerobics, yoga, dynamic spin, Zumba, TRX and others. The schedule of events can be found at Seismos or online at www.navylifepnw.com

A unique feature Seismos offers that Nimitz doesn’t have is the Tsunami Room. Within the Tsunami Room, there’s a heated pool with eight lanes, 25 yards long, and depths ranging from four to 13 feet. The pool is a salt water based chlorine pool so the water isn’t so harsh on the skin or to swimsuits but it can dry out the eyes so goggles are recommended. There are always lifeguards on duty while the pool is open.

“One thing we offer is water aerobics,” said PJ Mallon, aquatic manager at Seismos. “It’s aimed at joints, flexibility and range of motion. Aside from Zumba, it’s probably one of the most popular classes we offer.”

If a Sailor is unsure about their swimming abilities or would like to work toward being a stronger swimmer or learning new swim techniques, swim lessons are available at Seismos. Each session consists of eight classes and are offered to active duty service members for a small fee. Classes are made up of one instructor and no more than six students. Sailors interested in taking advantage of classes offered can sign up at Seismos or online.

“We also run various events such as the swimmer’s club,” said Mallon. “We have ‘Swim the Hawaiian Islands’ going

on right now where people swim a total of 70 miles between October and February. For those who finish, we’ll offer some prizes.”

“In addition to the various events we have, we also work together with the liberty programs,” added Mallon. “We’ll do things like kayaking and scuba lessons. The lessons will initially begin here and then after a little while move out to the real water.”

For the less amphibious Sailors, Seismos has a staff equipped with numerous fitness specialists ready to assist Sailors with their fitness needs.

“When Sailors come to us, we start off with a basic assessment to see what fitness level they’re at and we’ll come up with a fitness template with slight modifications to get them going,” said Bryan Boon, a fitness specialist at Seismos. “The key is to not wait until the last minute to start preparing for the PRT. First, master the basics and go from there.”

Sailors interested in meeting with a fitness specialist can do so at Seismos on the second floor of the fitness area.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Boon. “People will gravitate toward certain things so try out a little of everything until you find what works best. If you start to get bored, just take a break for a couple days or try something else. Take a class or if you’re taking a class, try a different one.”

The ten-week notice for Nimitz’ PRT has been released so Sailors should take advantage of what’s available both on and off the ship.

“Get started now,” said Boon. “Practice now to better your confidence and your form. The benefits to working out are that you’ll feel better overall, mental empowerment, you’re taking charge of your body and physical changes.”

Other things available at Seismos are intramural sports teams. Basketball and volleyball are just a few offered and sign-ups are available at the front desk.

With so many fitness options available to Nimitz Sailors, there’s no reason why fitness should be a hassle or chore.

Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Jess Lewis

Nimitz Sailors Prepare for Upcoming PRT

Many Sailors utilize the Seismos Fitness Center's treadmills daily. Treadmills are an option for the cardio portion of the physical readiness test.

Sailors play a basketball game at Seismo's Fitness Center.

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Story and photos by MC3 William J. Cousins

"It's a cool place for car people to be."

Smokey Point's

Auto Hobby Shop

Assorted products consisting of oil, coolant and other items to assist personnel with their vehicles.

An outside work bay where personnel can work on their own vehicles.

The Auto Hobby Shop also provides services through their own staff of professional technicians.

Indoor work bays where personnel can work on their own vehicles.

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For those who have cars and know how to repair them, but might not have a

place to work on them or simply do not have access to the proper tools, there is a place you can go. The Auto Hobby Shop at Smokey Point Naval Support Complex provides Sailors (active duty or retired) a place to work on and repair their own vehicles.

“They get to stay out of the weather, they are indoors, the heaters are on and there’s a lot of light,” said Joseph Chadwick, the supervisor at the Auto Hobby Shop. “They get to talk amongst each other, learn off of each other, it’s a cool place for car people to be.”

Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there are five work bays dedicated to those who know how to repair their own cars. Four work bays provide car lifts, three of which are indoors and one is outdoors. There is also another work bay outside without a lift. If you use the car lifts, the bay rental costs $6 an hour, but if you don’t need to use the lifts to work on your car, it costs $4.50 an hour. When you rent a work bay, complimentary tools are provided.

“It’s on a first come, first served basis,” said Chadwick. “You can’t call in and try to save a work bay for when you come in later.”

If an affordable workspace isn’t enough, the Auto Hobby Shop also offers free disposal of oil and coolant, and has a mini store in the shop for people to buy oil, coolant and batteries so they don’t have to travel to a store. If you need to leave your car overnight

and keep working on it the next day there is a $5 overnight storage fee.

“Thursday through Saturday we can order parts for you guys,” said Chadwick. “We get them ordered and delivered to the auto hobby shop.”

Even though this is a place for Sailors to work on their vehicles, there are still limitations on what repairs can be performed.

“Specifically for the hobby shop we don’t want any welding, no painting your car because of the fumes, no pulling your motor,” said Chadwick. “Basically, anything that’s going to take a long time to repair. We can’t have cars just sitting around here taking up space.”

Unfortunately, they don’t allow people to work on boats, RV’s or any automobile over 9,000 pounds because it exceeds the lifting capabilities of the car lift. If you find that the repair is too much work to accomplish, or you just don’t know how to fix your car, trained auto technicians can be hired.

“If people love to work on their own cars like I do, it gives them a chance,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Josh Smith. “It gives them a chance to utilize all the equipment and they have tools that you can borrow, you don’t have to have your own tools. It’s just a good place for Sailors who have cars to go and fix them.”

If you want to find out more information about the shop give them a call at 425-304-4926.

Story and photos by MC3 William J. Cousins

"It's a cool place for car people to be."

Smokey Point's

Auto Hobby Shop

An outside work bay where personnel can work on their own vehicles.

The Auto Hobby Shop also provides services through their own staff of professional technicians.

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Small Town,Big Business

Story and photos by MC1 (AW/SW) Michael Cole

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In an isolated part of Washington State, just south of the Canadian border, sits a speck of a town with a small

shop that’s a big deal. In Silvana, Wash., which has a population peaking at just

over 100 residents, there is a butcher shop bringing smiles to hungry faces from all around. Silvana Meats, found just off the side of Pioneer Highway, is about the size of a ranch house and brings all the same small town warmth and hospitality one might expect.

As one opens the door that seems to belong to a ranch house out of the 1940s, the senses are overwhelmed by a plethora of meat products. The smell of summer sausage and fresh ham are particularly prevalent, but there is much more than simple smells coming from this little shop as a greeting rings out from behind the counter, “What can I get for ya?”

Almost 30 years ago Silvana Meats only distributed to companies and not the local people of Washington. Then, native Jon Kalberg and his father bought the butcher store. Jon is an older gentleman with deep crevasses in his face, worn hands, a soft smile and kind heart. He served four years in the Navy before he and his father purchased the store. His father passed away several years ago and he now runs the store with his daughter and son-in-law.

“I would love to turn the store over to my son-in-law, but as time goes by it gets more difficult,” said Jon. Working upward of 80 hours a week as a “small business owner” (even though bringing in $3 million a year), Jon just can’t yet hang up his apron.

He is also interested in expanding his business but has found it difficult with the change in times, “It’s so difficult to borrow money anymore,” said Jon. “When the recession hit the banks clammed up.”

Competing with large grocery stores only miles away, Jon relies on his personal customer service for business, “A lot of my reputation is built on what I can do”.

Though not comparing to the grocery stores in some areas, all the meat is organic and more often then not, freshly cut when you ask for it.

“It’s a niche, we don’t try to compete,” he explained. And there’s really no need to, with a line out the door on any given day.

As you drive the small bridge into Silvana, Wash., population just over a 100 people, there isn’t much. But there sits a small butcher store, the size of a ranch house. Silvana Meats.

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Sailors received their warfare pins today aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from Vice Adm. David Buss, commander, Naval Air Forces. One Sailor in particular, Senior Chief (SW/EIDWS/AW) Intelligence Specialist James Christopher Williams received the Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) pin.

Three months ago, Nimitz provided enlisted Sailors of the Information Dominance Corps (IDC) community on board the opportunity to obtain the newest warfare pin in the Navy. While other Sailors have earned the pin at other commands, Williams is the first person to earn the pin while on board Nimitz.

“It took about three months to complete,” said Williams.The EIDWS personnel qualifications standards (PQS)

consist of skills and knowledge relating to the information dominance warfare doctrine, policy, history and warfare-fighting capabilities.

“It’s mandatory for my rating,” said Williams. “Anybody in an information dominance corps rating is required to get it.”

The EIDWS pin can be earned by Sailors within the Information Dominance Corps (IDC) ratings. Which include: Information Systems Technician (IT), Cryptologic Technician (CT), Intelligence Specialists (IS), Aerographer’s Mate (AG) and Sailors who are in direct support of the IDC mission.

With only a few qualified people on Nimitz, there was a list of subject matter experts who helped sign off his packet.

“So you go see those subject matter experts,” said Williams. “They sign your line items and help you learn the things that are important to study. It’s entirely possible to be

designated as a subject matter expert, but not have the pin, otherwise you wouldn’t have enough people.”

For the IDC community on board Nimitz, the introduction of the warfare pin is a big step forward.

“The reason we as a community thought it was important is because I was the first one to earn it on the ship, that is significant because that was part of what made our program official,” said Williams. “Navy Cyber Warfare command had to send somebody here to observe that first board, so the board had very little to do with me, but established our program here on the ship.”

Williams expressed the importance for the IDC community to learn and understand the concepts that come with the pin.

“Having an understanding of how all information ties together gives a tactical picture to operators,” said Williams. “It’s definitely a benefit.”

Story by MC3 William J. CousinsSailor First to Earn EIDWS on Nimitz

continued from Pg. 3 VITA: Sailors Assist Sailors With Their Taxesare entitled to from paying taxes all year. I think Sailors will be more comfortable getting help from a VITA representative because it is a Sailor helping a Sailor so there is common ground and that’s always a good thing.”

The tax program also helps the Sailors learn how to do their own taxes step-by-step.

“VITA representatives are considered to be more of an assistant to Sailors with their tax preparation,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Kolette Mellott, a previous and prospective VITA representative. “It provides the knowledge to help Sailors do their taxes the correct way.”

Sailors will need to bring appropriate

identification and documentation in order to have their tax returns prepared by the VITA staff.

“At a minimum, Sailors will need to bring their W-2 and their electronic filing pin from last year, if applicable,” said Sadosky. “Beyond that, the Sailor may have received documents from banks or educational institutions that will be required for filing.”

If filing a joint tax return without the presence of his or her spouse, Sailors need to pick up a Form 2848 that can be found online or outside of the ship’s legal office. This form must be signed by the spouse and one witness authorizing the Sailor to sign for the spouse’s taxes, explained Sadosky.

A Sailor filing their taxes electronically using direct deposit can expect to see their tax refund within 21 days.

VITA services will be offered on a walk-in basis until deployment and can be extended if needed. The hours of operation will be posted in the ship’s Plan of the Day and will be designed to accommodate every work schedule, Sadosky explained.

For more information regarding the VITA program contact Lt. Adrienne Sadosky through email at adrienne.sa-dosky@cvn68.navy.mil. VITA services are also offered on many of the surround-ing bases and are available to all active duty personnel and dependents.

Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist James Christopher Williams receives the Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist pin from

Vice Adm. David Buss, commander, Naval Air Forced on board Nimitz. (Photo by MC3 Ryan Mayes)

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On the Cover:

Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz team up to roll up a fuel hose on the flight deck. Maintenance on fuel equipment is done routinely for ship readiness. (Photo by MC3 Chris Bartlett)

Story by MC2 Jacquelyn Childs

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Family Readiness Group (FRG) held their first meeting of the year Jan. 15 at the Commons at Naval Station Everett to discuss the upcoming deployment and preparations for the next few months with Sailors and their families.

During the meeting, FRG President Colleen Dilbeck gave out basic information about preparing for the deployment including the new program ‘Deployment Buddies’.

“Basically it pairs you up with someone of similar interests to keep in contact with throughout deployment,” said Dilbeck. “It helps just to make a friend with someone you might never have known.”

After Dilbeck spoke, one of the Ombudsmen, who work hand in hand with the FRG to help families, gave some basic information about the ombudsman program including their email address ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo.com and their number 360-340-7040.

Shari Schmidt from Everett

COMPASS talked about the benefits of the COMPASS program and everything it entails.

“It’s a program helping spouses helping spouses help themselves,” said Schmidt.

The volunteer program helps give Sailors and their families many different ways including mentorship, support, and even free childcare for a few hours.

“When families are happy, Sailors tend to be happy and vice versa,” said Schmidt.

Nimitz Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) President John Porter discussed tickets and recreation opportunities available to Sailors and their families before deployment. For more information, Sailors are encouraged to visit MWR on the ship or families can send an email to mwrreps@cvn68.navy.mil.

Finally, Nimitz Command Master Chief Teri McIntyre, and Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz commanding officer, talked to the Sailors and families in the audience about the ship’s

upcoming schedule and answered whatever questions the crowd had.

Everything from financial or car problems to just needing someone to talk to who understands, the FRG provides any necessary support for families, especially while their Sailors are away.

“Please tell your family about the FRG and hook them up with a great support system,” said Molly Johnson, Nimitz FRG secretary. “It’s mostly just feeling connected and like part of a family but it’s also comforting to know if they have a question they have someone they can turn to.”

Nimitz’s FRG will be holding pre-deployment briefs for Sailors with families Feb. 21, 25, 27, and 28 at the Commons. They also have upcoming potlucks, volunteer meetings, and general meetings. For information about any of these events or about the FRG in general, email the group at teamnimitz@yahoo.com or check them out on Facebook.

FRG Prepares Families For Deployment