Nimitz News, June 16, 2011

June 16, 2011 Nimitz News 1Page

June 16, 2011 Vol. 36, No. 24

Story by MC3 (SW) Matthew Patton

Legal marijuana. The herbal incense. K2. Potpourri. Spice.

The newest flavor of the month has hit the streets of Nimitz, and it’s leaving a bad aftertaste in its wake.

The new drug has generated more than 4,000 calls to poison control centers around the U.S. since 2010 when it reportedly first hit North America, and has been linked to several suicides. It’s created such a stir throughout the country, that the man who created the chemical compound, John W. Huffman, came forth and publicly clarified his intentions and the purpose behind mimicking the effects of marijuana in an interview with ABC News.

[Researchers] know the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, Huffman told ABC News, because they have been thoroughly studied. “The scientific evidence is that it’s not a particularly dangerous drug,” said Huffman (of marijuana).

And that’s as far as it was originally intended to go. According to Huffman, he never intended to launch a “legal marijuana” industry, even though he supports the legalization of the real thing. The class of compounds (JWH) that he invented have not been tested in the same way as marijuana, and pose many different risks. What we do know, he says, is “it doesn’t hit the brain in the same way as marijuana, and that’s why it’s dangerous.”

Dangerous may be understating it, but dangerous hasn’t kept it out of the hands of service members, even here on Nimitz. Since coming to Bremerton last December, Nimitz has experienced a dramatic spike in drug cases and outbreaks.

According to Nimitz leadership, Nimitz is fighting back with increased random inspections of the ship and barge, increased

leadership presence and inspections in the barracks and random drug tests for spice.

Various factors can lay claim to influencing Sailors to taking known illegal substances, common ones being the weather, depression and curiosity, among others.

But in spite of any reasoning (or lack thereof), using this substance has more detrimental long-term effects than any reprieve the short-lived “high” it provides. And further than that, the compounds in this drug bring more to the table than the “high” it advertises.

Hallucinations, paranoia, extreme blood pressure elevation, agitation … these are just some of the documented side effects from ingesting it. Heaven forbid anyone take this stuff while on deployment.

Klang.It’s the sound of a steel cell closing the door

on a host of potentials. The “what could have beens”

and the “if only’s” all take residence

behind the metallic klang of that steel cell, having found a permanent home in the mind and body

of the Sailor unfortunate

enough to be locked in there

with them. Two such Nimitz

Sailors were contrite, honest and forthcoming about

their experiences with spice, and how it completely changed their lives. Due to privacy and legal concerns, they will be referred to as the numbers “1” and “2,” respectively.

Nimitz News: When did you enlist?1: July 14, 20102: July 19, 20101: Same boot camp division, same “A”

school…2: Same state.NN: Been around each other that much?1: Yeah, pretty much.NN: When did you guys arrive at

Spice test here; Nimitz cracks downSpice creator calls recreational users “foolish”

see Spice, Page 2

Final DADT trainingThe final Don’t Ask Don’t Tell training will be held 1 p.m. today in classroom 2B on the barge.

June 16, 2011Nimitz News2Page

Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason Scarborough

Media LCPOMCCM Jon McMillan

Media Production ChiefMCC Mike Jones

Layout/ DesignerMC3 Robert Winn

EditorMC2 Nathan Gomez

Media DeptMC2 C.J. AmdahlMC2 James MitchellMC2 Amara TimberlakeMC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Ian CotterMC3 Matthew PattonMC3 Mark SashegyiMC3 Glenn SlaughterMC3 Thomas SiniffMC3 Nichelle WhitfieldMC3 Devin WrayMCSN Andrew JandikMCSN Jacob MilnerMCSA Renee CandelarioMCSA Jess LewisMCSA Alexander Ventura IIMCSA Derek Volland

“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 Paul Monger

Executive OfficerCAPT John Ring

Command Master ChiefCMDCM William Lloyd-Owen

Nimitz?2: October 2010, can’t

remember the exact date. But we got here at the same

time.NN: What were your goals

when you came in? What did you want to do/accomplish?

1: Me, when I came in… I wanted to go to as many countries as possible, you know… I wanted to see the world. I wasn’t sure about making it a career off the bat, but I knew that if I made E-5 within 4 years, I definitely would have re-upped. And then I would have just taken it term by term from there.

2: I was going to do 20 years from the outset. I wanted to retire [in the] Navy. I mean… we both wanted to make E-5 in four years, just… I guess we lost sight of it…

NN: Lost sight of it… how? Like… what made you try it (spice) out?

1: I really didn’t know about it. Truth be told, there is no “spice” where I’m from. When I joined (in October 2010), that’s when I started to hear about it. And then once we got to San Diego, I heard about it even more, but at that point it was mixed in with all the other drugs you’d hear about, like weed and “X” and stuff. Now when we came to Washington…? Spice was all I’d hear about. It’s everywhere!

2: In all the liquor stores, in plain sight…

1: Exactly! So at one point, I just wanted to try it out, and I did.

2: I had a bunch of friends that were doing it, and some people have told me that he (points at #1) was an instigator of this for me, but that wasn’t the case. Also, the environment we’re in, the weather, just… the nature of everything out here is so depressing…

1: (nods head) Definitely. 2: Unless you have a car, it kind

of feels like you’re stuck in some ways. And let me be clear, I’m not

pointing fingers at anyone here. This was my decision, and mine alone. But there was so much going on with me. Problems at home kept coming up, and… at some point I lost trust in my chain of command.

NN: Why? What happened in regards to your chain?

1: He wanted to strike for Master-At-Arms (MA) badly, man. In fact, he wanted to go cranking to Security when word came out that the guy we already had in Security was coming out. And (shakes head) I tell you, man… they do this all the time: they identify that he’s a hard worker, and instead of rewarding him for his work ethic, they screwed him over and said “you know what? Since he’s such a hard worker, we’re gonna keep him here with us!” They always do this [crap]. It never fails.

2: Yeah. NN:

Alright, so tell me this: what did it feel like?

1: (looks at #2) I got this.

2: (laughs) Yeah, you go ahead.

1: Honestly… and it’s different for everyone, but… to me, it felt like marijuana, only it didn’t last as long. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off of your shoulders, you know… like everything was funny. Video games that might be boring because you’ve beaten them before are now just… better.

2: The same gloomy weather, which is such a downer, now all of a sudden… it’s cloudy, rainy and sunny all at the same time, and… it’s great. (laughs)

1: Like… we would walk around base just laughing at the ground, or a piece of paper. For as long as it lasted, nothing bothered us. We weren’t depressed, or thinking about how much work sucked, or problems at home… nothing. It felt like… we were just chilling, you know… we weren’t getting into trouble, or anything like that.

NN: Did you guys do any of this prior to the Navy?

1: Just marijuana.2: Same as him…NN: So in light of everything

that’s happened to you all, would you do it again?

1: I won’t lie to you, man. In light of everything… I wouldn’t do it again. Now… I’ve got the rest of my life to think about, you know? I mean I’ve got a ton of plans, but…

2: Wouldn’t do spice or marijuana. I wanted to come here and handle business. Now I’ve got a whole lot more things to think about. Like what my next set of moves are gonna be. It’s a lot to think about and process.

1: Amen, man. It’s like this whole thing is a speed bump, you know… definitely a wake up. You know, even with all that’s gone wrong, I still have a chance to get back in line. It’s not over for me.

2: For me, it’s really a matter of correcting these mistakes I’m making. I’m pushing 30, I should be past the point of making [bad] decisions like this. My only solace from this is… I don’t have a family, a wife or kid to support right now. Otherwise it’d be worse.

1: (shaking head) Almost had it right in the Navy…

NN: Any regrets…?1: What I regret is that I let so

many people down, you know… my parents were so proud to see me in my uniform at graduation… it actually made me cry to see that on their faces. Like… literally. And now… they’re so hurt... (pauses) And not to mention the Navy is a steady check in an unstable economy. Now I have it’s down to “what do you do now?” This isn’t how I wanted to go out.

2: It’s a huge let down, to be sure. My parents were disappointed in the why I’m getting out. And I let myself down. I came in thinking “this is it.” Boot camp graduation was a turning point in my life. I thought I was going to travel the world, and defend my country… be a provider for my eventual family. It sucks, you know? But… I don’t regret something the Navy has taught me, which is how to manage my life better.

1: (nods head) Same here, man. Absolutely.

2: Yeah, we both screwed up, and now we have to man up and keep on moving forward. We learned that here in the Navy. This isn’t the end. It won’t be easy, but we’ll still make it.

Spice: USS Nimitz cracks down on use

“We both wanted to make E-5 in four years, just… we lost sight of it…”

- Interviewee #2

Continued from Page 1


Chaplain’s Corner

Chaplain Brent Johnson

Lookin’ For KeysWhen it comes to keys I get it now. I didn’t when I was

three years old. Back then I couldn’t figure out how my Mom and Dad operated a car. I knew they got in the front seat, turned the big round thing and the car made turns. It was kind of like my tricycle. I assumed they probably pedaled the car just like Fred Flintstone, but I wasn’t too sure on that count. Whenever my Dad and Grandpa invited me to ride up front with them on family outings (I was the oldest kid) I paid attention to Dad. He stepped on pedals and the car moved and stopped.

I guess I thought I had it figured out because one day I tried to drive the car. Mom had stopped at a grocery store in our little town and ran inside. This was in the days before car seats and seat belts so kids were free range in the back seat. I climbed over the seat, moved the stick on the steering column, tried to turn the wheel, and couldn’t reach the pedals, but the car did move. It moved backwards because in those days we didn’t parallel park, just turned the nose of the car in towards the curb, and Mom parked on a little hill. Down we rolled into traffic. A man jumped in the front street and stopped the car and Mom came running out of the store saying my full name; first, middle, and last. She was glad she took the keys in with her and I didn’t know I needed them. That was a good thing.

Early in June there was a religious holiday celebrated known as Pentecost. For Jewish people it is the commemoration of when Moses received the Law (Ten Commandments) on Mt. Sinai. For Christians it is the day when The Holy Spirit was given to all Christian disciples. These events are found in the books of Exodus Chapter twenty and Acts chapter two. It is the day for both religions when God gave his people a key they needed to practice their faith properly. That was a good event.

In Acts chapter two the Apostle Peter said that the reception of the Holy Spirit allows disciples to live out their faith in a way that makes it possible to share their core beliefs with other people. In that passage there is an example of the people with Peter, all of them Galileans from Northern Israel, suddenly having the ability to speak about God in the languages of many of the foreigners visiting Jerusalem for the Pentecost Holiday.

For many contemporary believers who understand their faith intellectually and know how to practice their faith through various physical movements; kneeling or bowing in prayer, standing during certain portions of the service, or expressing their faith in song, the spiritual portion can be a real mystery. Now I know many aspects of faith are a mystery, but the added key of the Holy Spirit is what makes many things clear.

I want to encourage you in your faith. There are times when it won’t make sense. Challenge someone intellectually and you may get them to change their mind. Challenge someone emotionally and you may change their mood. Challenge someone spiritually and you will rarely change their convictions. Accept the faith that God offers the key of the Holy Spirit to his people and grow in your faith.

By MCSA Renee Candelario

More than 30 Sailors from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in a community relations project (COMREL) at the Peacock Family Center (PFC) located in the village of Winslow on Bainbridge Island June 11. PFC is a non-profit organization for local children to socialize and express their artistic creativity.

The project took place to assist the PFC staff with different tasks indoors and outdoors to help develop the center’s new location in the heart of downtown Winslow.

“The Sailors are doing a great job helping to spruce up the area outside of the center and other small tasks that need to be done inside,” said Kim Burke, the childcare director for PFC. “We don’t have time to do these things during the day because our staff members are busy watching the kids. We are thankful Sailors give up their weekend to help.”

Sailors cut down shrubs, and measured wood foundation to help build an outdoor storage unit for an art area and a new toddler garden where the kids can play.

“It feels good knowing we can help out the local kids,” said Engineman 3rd Class Abraham Rodarte, a volunteer at PFC. “[COMRELS] are a good way to use a Saturday while meeting people from base, plus it’s a great team-building exercise.”

The PFC is just one of the many COMRELS Nimitz Sailors have the opportunity to participate in and it can benefit everyone.

“Helping out is a good opportunity to give back to your community and its also great for your evaluation reports,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Junnel Carandang, a volunteer at PFC. “It’s good to get outside instead of staying in your barracks room sleeping your Saturday away.”

“It’s fabulous to have folks willing to come out for a few hours and help out. It feels good,” said Burke.

There is always an opportunity to give back to your local community. To sign up for a COMREL please contact the library at the barge and attend the COMREL meetings that are held weekly.

Engineman 3rd Class Abraham Rodarte cleans a childrens play area at the Peacock Family Center (PFC). The PFC is a non-profit organization designed for kids to socialize and express their artistic flair. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in the comutity relations program (COMREL) to assist the local community. Photo by MCSA Renee Candelario.

Sailors clean up local family center, build toddler garden


With Washington’s rain, gray clouds and gloomy atmosphere giving way to spring, now is a perfect time to be outdoors. An oasis of silence and peace resides just 10 minutes from Naval Base Kitsap off State Highway 16W. Elandan Gardens serves as a perfect place for Sailors to visit and also provide volunteer community service.

Sculptures, pottery and a miniature waterfall led me to the entrance of a gift shop. Exotic jewelry, artifacts, fi ne art and assorted merchandise decorated the shelves. Admission to the garden cost eight dollars.

This seven and a half-acre garden, which opened in 1994, originally served as a landfi ll. I was surprised. As I walked around the garden full of rows of bonsai trees and a pond full of lily pads I couldn’t imagine this place being full of garbage. The place smelled fresh and the garden was full of vibrant color.

The owner, Daniel Robinson, has been practicing the art of bonsai for more than 52 years. He has accumulated more than 220 trees for his garden. He explained that he traveled to Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon and Vancouver Island, Canada to retrieve these trees by climbing mountains and plucking stunted trees off rock cliffs. Some of the trees were more than 800 years old.

Sculptures and a man-made beach located at the end of the garden added to its visual impact. Time seemed to stand still in such a peaceful, quiet environment. I lost track of time while I was there. I felt at peace, and my usual worries drifted away as I concentrated on the garden’s beauty.

As I walked out the door, Robinson’s wife, the gift shop owner, invited me come back anytime and explained that they are always looking for volunteers. As I look back at the experience I was glad I did something new and out of the ordinary. Volunteering some off-duty time for Elandan Gardens would give me the perfect excuse just to go back and visit.

Finding serenity at Elandan GardensPhotos and story byMCSA Alexander Ventura II


By MC3 Devin Wray

It’s been 15 years since Senior Chief Legalman Robert Nail arrived as a seaman recruit at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Ill. After serving as a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) in 2006 and moving on to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in 2009, he returned June 7 with four other Nimitz Sailors as part of the ship’s sponsorship program aimed at helping recruit division 231.

“It’s a great program,” said Nimitz’ Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. “It has our fleet interacting with the recruits, so they know the Navy they’re going to be a part of is interested in them.”

When a ship sponsors a division, it provides added support by answering questions about fleet life and motivation to recruits who are adjusting to a new life style.

“When the recruits see Nimitz, it opens up their minds to the Navy, and Nimitz provides that visual,” said Chief Master at Arms Daniel Arroya, Division 231’s lead RDC. “Knowing that the command and big Navy are supporting us is outstanding.”

The Nimitz Sailors brought knowledge of the fleet back to RTC, and showed recruits where they could be later in their naval careers. Returning to boot camp brought something back to the five Sailors too.

A sense of nostalgia sets in with the

Sailors as they walk into the division’s compartment. Seeing recruits rushing to change to go to Freedom Hall, reading their training manuals, and the watch getting yelled at for mistakes takes the Sailors back to a time nearly forgotten by time served in the fleet.

The day was long. The recruits were rushed from place to place, their schedules packed with things like power point slides, the commissioning ceremony, and their baseline Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). Nail eagerly awaited his chance to run alongside the division during their first PFA, one of his favorite past times as an RDC.

“I love physical training with the recruits,” said Nail. “It gives them that little bit of energy to complete those 12 laps, or know that they can push through the pain and know they’re going to be okay.”

Having the fleet Sailors around for motivation means a lot to some recruits, especially during the beginning phases of

boot camp.“They’re great motivators and

we need people like that to give us that extra push sometimes,” said Seaman Recruit Noel Camacho, 231’s Chief Recruit Petty Officer. “I think with the motivation and support of USS Nimitz our division can do great things.”

At the end of the day, the five Sailors gave their final advice to the recruits as they unrolled the Nimitz flag at the division’s commissioning ceremony. The recruits will carry the advice and the flag throughout their time in boot camp.

More Nimitz Sailors will have a chance to look back on the past as they pass on their knowledge during damage control, firefighting classes and while the command continues to support 231 up until the division’s graduation.

Nimitz is the first ship to sponsor a division in five years.

USS Nimitz ‘leans forward’ at boot camp

GREAT LAKES, IL (June 7, 2011) - Recruit division 231 presents a flag with the logo of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after the division’s commissioning ceremony. Nimitz is sponsoring recruit division 231 as a way to inform new recruits about fleet life and things to expect in their new career. Photo by MC3 Devin Wray.

GREAT LAKES, IL (June 7, 2011) - Cmdr. William Carroll, the Combat Systems Officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), talks to recruits about life in the fleet. Nimitz is sponsoring recruit division 231 as a way to inform new recruits about fleet life and things to expect in their new career. Photo by MC3 Devin Wray


Keep Your BBQ From Going BoomBy Nimitz Safety Department

Summer is prime season for backyard barbeques. Warm weather, good friends, and grilled meat combine to form a perfect afternoon for many Sailors, Marines and their families. Unfortunately, every year casual afternoons are ruined by fires resulting from improper use of barbeque grills.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that from 2003 – 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year. These fires cause an estimated $80 million in direct property damage. They also kill 10 people and seriously injure 120 every year.

A third class petty officer found this out the hard way when he was preparing to cook on a propane grill. He tried to use the button that provides a spark to light the grill, but it didn’t work. He kept trying for about 30 seconds, which allowed 30 seconds worth of gas to flow. When he pulled out his cigarette lighter, he ignited the gas and ended up with burns to his hand and four days of light duty. The Naval Safety Center sees reports of similar mishaps each summer.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are routine checks that can easily be performed on gas grills and significantly reduce the risk of a fire. Check the tubes that lead into the burner for blockage; check hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, or leaks. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Don’t use it in a garage, breezeway, carport, or under any surface that could catch fire.

While charcoal grills cause less fires annually than gas grills, the biggest safety concern is lighter fluid – or the various substitutes Sailors and Marines often use to try and light the grill. Only use lighter fluid that is meant for charcoal, never gasoline, kerosene or other volatile fluids, and, never add lighter fluid to coals that are already warm.

No matter what type of grill is used, the most important thing is to keep an eye on it. Never leave it unattended and watch out for children. Ultimately, common sense is the secret ingredient that will keep cookouts from leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

By MC3 Ian Cotter

Eight Nimitz Seamen were meritoriously promoted to Third Class Petty Officer yesterday by Nimitz’ Commanding Officer Capt. Paul O. Monger.

“Periodically, we have the opportunity to advance people on the spot for the hard work that they do,” said Monger. “These guys are automatically (advanced to) Third Class Petty Officer. They’re not frocked and they don’t have to wait like everybody else to get paid.”

The Commanding Officer made his way throughout the ship to stop in different workspaces and inquire about what their task was for the day. Then, he surprised certain outstanding E-3 Sailors and promoted them to Third Class Petty Officer.

“I didn’t expect it,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Ana M. Gallo, one of the meritoriously promoted Sailors. “I thought there might have been a meeting. Everyone was just looking at the Captain

and then back at me.”Another meritoriously promoted

Sailor, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Marvin K. Conway, also expressed his astonishment. “I was really nervous,” he said. “I thought (the Commanding Officer) was just coming to the store to buy some merchandise.”

First and Second Class Petty Officer meritorious promotions are scheduled to be announced today.

“I appreciate all of the hard work,” said Monger. “For those (Sailors) who look around for who are hard working and who are making a name for themselves, it’s these (newly promoted) Sailors.”

In order to be meritoriously promoted, Sailors are nominated by their Department Leading Chief Petty Officers, and a package is arranged to be reviewed by a board of Master Chiefs. Once the Sailor’s package passes the board, it goes up the chain to the Command Master Chief, and eventually the Commanding Officer for final approval.

Machinist Mate 3rd Class Lauren Weirch shakes hands with Capt. Paul O. Monger, Commanding Officer USS Nimitz (CVN 68) along side Machinist Mate 3rd Class Joshua Aylesworth, after both being capped from Seaman. Eight Seaman were capped to Petty Officer 3rd Class by Monger. Photo by MCSA Alexander Ventura II.

Sailors meritoriously promoted


Thursday, June 16*Beach Party Luau at Sam Adams, $20, *TX Hold’em Tourney, Bremerton Recreation Center, 1800, FREE*Steak n’ Brew, 1700-2030, Sam Adams*80’s Night, Bangor Plaza In-&-Out*Yoga, West Concourse Gym, 1645, FREE*Spin, West Concourse Gym, 1800, FREE*Movie Trivia, Bremerton Liberty, 1645

Friday, June 17*Foosball Tourney, 1800, Bremerton Rec, FREE*Family Movie Night, Bremerton Rec, 1800, FREE*Seattle Storm vs. Indiana, Key Arena*Gun & Knife Show, Kitsap Fairgrounds*Mariners vs. Philly, 1900, Safeco Field

Saturday, June 18*Oregon Gardens & Gorden House Tour, 0630-2130, $64 (includes transportation, host, entry fees, and boxed lunch)*WA Brewfest, 1100-2130, All Ages*Family Movie Night, Bremerton Rec, 1800, FREE*End of School Pajama Bowl, 1800-2300, Bremerton Rec Center*Rock-n-Bowl, Bremerton Rec Center, 1800, bring your report card and get 50% off lane price*Rat City Rollergirls, 1730, Key Arena*Spin, West Concourse Gym, FREE, 0930*Zumba, West Concourse Gym, FREE, 1000*Slaughter County Roller Vixens, Kitsap Fairgrounds*Gun & Knife Show, Kitsap Fairgrounds*Mariners vs. Philly, 1900, Safeco Field*Freemont Fair, Seattle, 1000-2000, $5 transportation fee

*Whitewater Rafting, sign up at the Bremerton Recreation Center, $80

Sunday, June 19*NASCAR Weekend, Bremerton Liberty Center, FREE popcorn*Father’s Day at the Phillies, 1030-1900, Safeco Field*Father’s Day Bowling, Bremerton Rec Center, Dad’s Bowl for FREE*Father’s Day Brunch, Bangor Plaza, 0900-1400, $20*Gun & Knife Show, Kitsap Fairgrounds

Monday, June 20*Evening Mountain Bike Ride, 1730*Weekly Game Night, Bremerton Rec Center, 1800, FREE*Step, West Concourse Gym, 1645, FREE

Tuesday, June 21*NIMITZ 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney, 0900, West Concourse Basketball Court, Sign up at the MWR Barge Office*Billiards Tournament, Bremerton Rec Center, 1800, FREE*Yoga, West Concourse Gym, 1645, FREE*Spin, West Concourse Gym, 1800, FREE*Zumba, West Concourse Gym, 1800, FREE*AMC/Regal Night, Bremerton Rec Center, 1800

Wednesday, June 22*Premier Movie Night, Bremerton Recreation Center, 1900, FREE popcorn*Step, West Concourse Gym, 1645, FREE

This WEEk’s MWR EVENTs

Machinist Mate 2nd Class James Crossman serves a hot cup of coffee to Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW) Charles Roberts at the newly opened Five-Star Java. Photo by MC3 Robert Winn.

By MC3 Robert WinnThe “Five-Star Java” espresso stand opened

Monday at the foot of the crew messing and berthing barge’s brow by Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department.

“We wanted to do something unique,” said Jennifer Vess, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Fun Boss. “It’s very convenient having it right here in the Controlled Industrial Area (CIA) and all the proceeds go right back to the ship.”

The stand offers a variety of Starbucks brew coffees including regular, espresso, café latte, café mocha cappuccino and caramel macchiato ranging from $3-$4.

“I’ve been saying they should do this forever!” said Yeoman 3rd Class Brittany

Five-Star Java cafe brews fresh morale Sherwood. “I’m so glad they finally did. It’s a really good idea.”

The coffee is boosting more than just energy levels of Sailors, “This is definitely going to boost morale throughout the ship,” said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW) Charles Roberts.

Machinist Mate 2nd Class James Crossman, Five-Star’s barista, said that he knows the art of making a quality cup of coffee.

“I’ve made a lot of espressos, I even have my own espresso machine at home,” said Crossman. “I know how great it feels to get that really good cup of coffee in the morning.”

Five-Star Java will remain open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m.

Nimitz News, June 16, 2011

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