Nimitz News - November 10, 2011

Nov. 10, 2011 Nimitz News 1Page

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in the final stages of the crew re-inhabiting the ship as part of the conclusion of Docking and Planned Intermediate Availability operations.

Nimitz Sailors are concluding the process of moving their belongings from the barracks to the ship on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton.

“Sailors are indeed checking out of their rooms on time,”

said Chief Culinary Specialist Sherwin Penaranda, command barracks coordinator. “The problem we are running into is that Sailors are failing to see their building manager to do the room inspection required to complete check out.”

Failing to see the building manager after check out results in the Sailor being added to a delinquency list, said Penaranda.

“The room can’t be

reassigned if there is still a Sailor marked down as delinquent with an incomplete check out,” he said.

Penaranda explained that there were approximately 80 Sailors marked as delinquent as of Monday in their check out. All Sailors on the list must now physically walk back to the barracks, meet with their building manager and conduct

November 10, 2011 Vol. 36, No. 44

Sailors be sure to take advantage of discounts and promotions going on at many local businesses and restaurants. Check POD for list of opportunities.

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) move their belongings aboard as the ship nears the end of its Docking Planned Incramental Availability period.

Move aboard:

Story and photo by MC3 Nichelle Whitfield

It is never too early to think about your career as a Navy Sailor. Becoming a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) or Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) is an option for Sailors looking to make the Navy a career. For Sailors interested in the LDO/CWO program, Oct. 1 is the deadline every year.

“LDO/CWO program is an enlisted to officer ascension program that provides the Navy with officers who have more technical expertise and experience along with proven management and leadership skills,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jacinto Gutierrez, Admin officer. “This program is geared toward Sailors who are high achievers and have a desire to make the Navy a career.”

Lt. Carlos Chairez, Weapons G-4 division officer, who became an LDO in March 2007 after 13 and a half years in the Navy, suggests Sailors take the opportunity if it presents itself.

“Even if you’re an Airman or 3rd Class, if there are any open

LDO/CWO an option for SailorsStory by MC3 Shayne Johnson

See "LDO" on Page 8 See "MOVE" on Page 5

Nimitz Sailors finish moving from barracks to ship

Veterans' Day Discounts

Nov. 10, 2011Nimitz News2Page

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Commanding OfficerCAPT Paul MongerExecutive OfficerCAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master ChiefCMDCM William Lloyd-Owen

It is a common perception that despite all the joy and cheer the holidays bring, a large amount of stress or depression comes with it.

Being in the military can only add to these feelings through separation from family members and short holiday leave periods.

“In terms of mental health, Christmas is the most stressful for two reasons. First, people have fun on leave and return to a stressful environment,” said Lt. Angel Lugo Steidel, USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Shipboard Psychologist and Suicide Prevention Coordinator. “Second, people have very high expectations for the holidays and things don’t typically go as planned.”

According to Lugo Steidel, it’s perfectly normal to feel depressed when returning to work.

“Depression is feeling sad or irritable or losing the ability to enjoy things that are normally fun,” said Lugo Steidel. “The physical symptoms to look for are tiredness, fatigue, can’t concentrate at work, loss of appetite or ability to sleep. The cognitive symptoms are hopelessness or worthlessness. Hopelessness is the big one among those, and you have to realize, this isn’t something that happens over a day or two, depression refers to a period of at least two weeks.

Some things you can do to help combat the effects of this stress are to exercise, eat a balanced diet and good sleep patterns by avoiding nicotine and tobacco before bed.

“The best stress reliever is having a group you can hang out with after work,” said Lugo Steidel. “A group of people you can call on and be like ‘hey, let’s go do something later.’ This works well because if you see someone not participating in the group anymore – a big red flag – you can ask them if everything is okay.”

Sometimes you may not have the option to go out after work, Lugo Steidel admits. This is when you employ stress tolerance techniques: acknowledge that there will always be bad things, don’t get mad at them, have tolerance and remember the bad times will end.

“The best way to head into the holidays is to be realistic,” said Lugo Steidel. “If you have a grandpa that’s always grumpy, year after year, don’t think to yourself ‘I hope grandpa isn’t grumpy this year.’ It’s a good theory but you shouldn’t expect that. If he is nice this year, that’s just a perk to your holiday, but if he’s not, you’re not going to be disappointed.”

“If you see someone who seems like they’re taking the holidays especially hard, don’t be afraid to ask if they’re okay,” said Lugo Steidel. “You can refer them to their mentor, leadership, the chaplains or the psycho, it doesn’t matter how they get help, just as long as they do.”

For more information on depression and suicide prevention contact the ship's Suicide Prevention Coordinator or your chain of command.

Holiday depression could pose problem for SailorsStory by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West addresses Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Navy Region Northwest during an all-hands call on Naval Base Kitsap- Bremerton.

Photo by MC3 (SW) Robert Winn

MCPON pays visit to Bremerton Sailors


An enormous amount of work goes into ensuring USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is habitable for the crew and is able to effectively execute its mission. Whether it’s warm water for showers and sculleries or heated air for comfortable berthings, A-Gang and E-division (A and E) are hard at work making sure the crew is well taken care of and the ship is fully operational.

With approximately 160 Sailors in A and E combined, they give the ship warm water for heads, dishwashers and laundry, heat and air-conditioning for nearly every compartment on the ship and electricity for lights among other uses.

“They work on the water heaters, provide V-2 support on the catapults that launch aircraft,” said Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Derek Johnson. “They own aircraft elevators that transport to and from the flight deck and hanger bay, they provide oxygen for pilots, nitrogen to put into tires of aircraft. They provide air-conditioning for the crew and refrigeration to store food in, steam and heat. A and E does a lot for this ship,”

A and E is integral to the operation of the ship, said Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Rufino Cachola.

“They are one of the cornerstones for the readiness of the ship,” said Cachola. “Without A and E, material condition of the ship wouldn’t be met and the ship wouldn’t be habitable.”

Many other departments wouldn’t be able to operate without steam and the services A and E provide for the ship, said Johnson. “The radars we use depend on the correct temperature in

order to operate,” said Johnson. “Without the fire main, which we work with, combating fires would be next to impossible. Hot showers are possible because of A and E, as well as the refrigeration of food, heating and ventilation. The crew are the end users of the product A and E are producing.”

A and E works hand in hand, said Johnson. There is so much on the ship that involves both mechanical and electrical assistance.

“We work on everything,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ramil Cabute, electrical technician. “We’re like yin and yang. A-Gang can’t function without E-division, and E-division without them. Say there’s a problem with a dishwasher. A-Gang provides steam for warm water, but E-Division owns the circuitry in the washer. It’s a combined effort between the two.”

The work A-Gang and E-division does is easily overlooked and often goes unnoticed by the crew, said Johnson.

“Think of it like turning on your faucet at home or even flushing the toilet,” said Johnson. “No one stops to think how it works or the process that goes into it. They just know it works and think nothing more of it.”

Machinist Mate Fireman Lauren Benoit and Engineman Fireman Daniel Gonzalez take out the shaft of a chilled water pump aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

A-Gang and E-Division hard at work making the ship habitable for SailorsStory and photos by MC3 Shayne Johnson

Machinist Mate Fireman Devon Kimball takes a reading from a refrigeration reciever for temperature, level of refrigerant and pressure aboard the air craft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).


After a few weeks off for rewriting and revamping the tests and boards, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) held its first Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) exam with the new changes Nov. 3.

Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW/AW) Eric Wilson, Command ESWS Coordinator and Chief Cryptologic Technician Collection (SW/AW) Jessica Keith, Assistant Command ESWS Coordinator worked with all the departmental ESWS representatives to write a new test, reschedule the boards, and reorganize some of the ways the ESWS program has been running.

“I think it’s just a good practice to revamp your program every once in a while and get refreshed,” said Keith. “If you have something in place, it gets predictable. What you want is to challenge people.”

To rewrite the exams Keith had all the departmental representatives email her with a list of questions to form an extensive database. She can now easily pull as many questions as she needs from this bank at any time. With these

questions she was able to create three different tests for the initial qualification and three for a requalification.

Another major change Keith described is that the questions are no longer all multiple choice. They are now a mix of multiple choice and fill in the blank. This gives Sailors the opportunity to see the type of questions they will be faced with at their oral board.

The test is not the only thing that has changed during this process. Keith also reorganized the way in which Sailors will be issued their ESWS books and scheduling their exams and boards. She wanted to place more responsibility on the departmental coordinators.

“You should have a departmental rep that is issuing you your book, letting you know who to contact, and letting you know when you’re supposed to get qualified, and being your advocate so to speak as far as ESWS goes,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael Parke, health services department ESWS representative. “It shouldn’t be the command coordinators.”

Before the change, a couple of command assistants like Parke, were issuing out all the books, collecting all the paperwork, and scheduling all the tests and boards for everyone on board. With the changes, these responsibilities will fall on the departmental representatives.

“The responsibility for the entire program itself has been pushed back on the department,” said Keith. “So it’s the department rep’s responsibility to make sure that you have 100 percent accountability in the program and they’re all enrolled in RADM (Relational Administrative Data Management).”

Sailors who have just checked on board have 30 months to get their ESWS pin, E5 and above have 18 months. They are encouraged to start as soon as possible.

“I encourage everyone to go out and get their pin,” said Parke. “Don’t be afraid to go out there and learn your ship. It will actually help you become a well-rounded Sailor. That’s what we need.”

“The goal is to have 100 percent enrollment because as soon as we have 100% enrollment in RADM we’ll be able to fly the ESWS pin and I don’t think any aircraft carrier’s been able to do that,” said Keith.

Exams will be held every first and third Thursday of every month and the boards will be held every fourth Thursday. For more information, contact your departmental ESWS representative.

Chief Cryptologic Technician (SW/AW) Jessica Keith signs Personal Qualification Standard sheets for an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) revamps ESWS written tests, oral boardsStory and photo by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs


a room inspection with them. Upon passing, the Sailor will be removed from the list and officially completely checked out, he said.

“I contact the leadership of the Sailors on the delinquency list daily,” said Penaranda. “I still go to the barracks to inspect rooms. If I see that the room is clean, then we can do what is called a force check out, but only if the room is clean.”

Waiting on Sailors to have their barracks room inspected isn’t the only thing depending upon completion of re-habitability; the berthings on the ship must also pass inspection.

“To expedite the move in process,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Andrew Luque, preventative medicine technician, “departments need to ensure their berthings with hits or discrepancies at least have a job control number attached to those hits to indicate the department knows there is a problem and they are working to fix it.”

Luque said the heads attached to the berthings need to be clean, the toilets need to flush, and if they don’t, they need to be fixed. Gear lockers need to be neat, old mops need to be thrown out, there needs to be trash lids on any trashcans inside the berthing and there needs to be running hot water to pass inspection, he said.

“We have about 30 or 40 berthings left to inspect on the ship. The departments come and tell us when their berthings are ready for inspection. Some of them just call to say they will request an inspection after they correct their discrepancies,” said Luque.

The berthing inspections should be completed before the start of Thanksgiving break, said Luque.

MOVE: Sailors adjusting to life aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Continued from Page 1 NIMITZ

2011

For more information contact your department CFC represenative or visit www.opm.gov/cfc


JourneyTo Suquamish VillageStory and photoS by MCSN Renee Candelario

November is Native American Heritage month, so what better way to start it off than to experience the past first hand? The Pacific Northwest seems to be the epitome of Native American history.

Twenty minutes away through the evergreen trees in the city of Poulsbo lies the serene and discreet Port Madison Indian Reservation, home of the Suquamish tribe.

The experience was ideal in its entirety. I was welcomed with a warm hello from one of the

employees at the Suquamish Museum & Cultural Center who happened to be standing in front of a huge 60-foot wood-carved and hand-painted totem pole placed at the entrance to the museum. For four dollars I had the opportunity to see handmade antique Native American baskets, canoes, necklaces and get a taste of what life was like when the Suquamish tribe first inhabited the area.

A short drive away, I visited the once leader of the Suquamish tribe, Chief Seattle’s gravesite

(CENTER) A totem pole greets visitors at the entrance to the Suquamish Museum at Port Madison’s Indian Reservation. (BELOW) Port Madison’s Indian Reservation. (RIGHT)A fish sculpture greets visitors at the entrance to the Suquamish Museum at Port Madison’s Indian Reservation. The Suquamish tribe has been around for 10,000 years inhabiting the Kitsap Peninsula, many of the remaining tribe members reside on Port Madison Indian Reservation.


on the Kitsap Peninsula. There was something peaceful about the location, the sun was shining in the bright blue sky and a cool ocean breeze was drifting through the pine trees. The history that was provided at Chief Seattle’s tombstone was amazing along with articles of past visitors who had stopped by to pay their respects to their fellow native. Chief Seattle was head of the Suquamish tribe in the 1800’s and was known for his strength and courage as a tribal leader.

Down the road located on the waterfront of the Kitsap Peninsula was the Suquamish village. There were local restaurants and a rather intriguing Native American-inspired art workshop called Rain Bear Studio, which displayed works of art by Rainey Daze, a local artist but original member of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. Outside of the studio, Rainy had her recent project displayed, a large copper salmon that is designed with shells and various other objects. Inside were all of her projects she made herself in the past 40 years and has collected from different Native- American artists and foreign countries. Rainey’s colorful personality kept me in conversation with her for a couple hours where I learned much about the Suquamish people and the area. As a departing gift, Rainey showed me some local color by performing a “welcome dance” through

chanting and banging on her handmade Native American ceremonial drum.

I was told by one of the Suquamish tribe members that I should stop by the Old Man House down on the beach. A short drive around the corner from the village I saw the remains of what used to be the Old Man House, a 900 foot home made by the Suquamish tribe which housed Chief Seattle and his family back in the 1800’s. There were couples walking along the shoreline picking up seashells and children playing in the sand and swinging on a rope suspended over the shore by a tree. The water was crystal clear all the way to the deepest part of the peninsula. I could easily see the ocean floor that was covered with different shells. The way the sunset glistened over the water was as if I had stepped into a dream. I have never seen something so beautiful since I arrived in Washington.

I left the Port Madison Indian Reservation with knowledge of some Native American history and I was invited to come back anytime by the locals. It was truly inspiring to know that places exist where the people are friendly and you don’t need a great deal of money to enjoy life and nature’s beauty. I will definitely return and encourage anyone to see this place before they leave the area.


doors that say, ‘come do this’ and you are interested, you need to get all of the information necessary,” said Chairez. “You have to prepare yourself for what’s ahead. It’s not easy.”

Chairez says that becoming an LDO is something he wanted to do after his mentors suggested it to him. His mentors, also LDOs and CWOs, pushed him to strive for it and he accepted the challenge.

“I think it was the mentorship and pride that led me to becoming an LDO,” said Chairez. “I researched everything I needed to become an LDO, and went for it. Accountability became responsibility instantly and suddenly you’re leading people. Sometimes you have to be able to tell people what they don’t want to hear. It’s unfortunate, but it is what a good leader has to do.”

Being an LDO is for Sailors who want to take on that leadership responsibility, said Chairez.

“It’s that next big step in one’s Navy career,” said Chairez. “You have that fork in the road where you ask yourself if you want to make Master Chief or become an officer.”

Chairez says that being an LDO is one of the best choices he has made since being in the Navy. It gives him a sense of accomplishment.

“It’s all about making sure the job gets done,” said Chairez. “I like the idea of being in the wardroom and having a say in our mission. Being an LDO also assists in taking care of family.”

Chairez suggests that researching the option to become an LDO is key, and knowing what you want is necessary.

Sailors interested in the LDO/CWO program should look through the OPNAVINST 1420.1B, which contains the required documentation for submission of applicants. Also, Cmdr. Ted Johnson, chief engineer and senior LDO, as well as any LDO or CWO are reliable sources to speak with concerning the program.

LDO: LDO/CWO program offers Sailors an alternate career path as Navy officers with technical skill and in-rate knowldge

Continued from Page 1

(From left) Jennifer Vess, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) fun boss, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Ashley Strozier, Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Ashley Miller, Capt. Paul O. Monger, commanding officer and Lt. Jacob Prentiss, S-3 division officer celebrate the money that was raised since the ship was in dry dock. Morale, Welfare and Recreation has raised $100,000 from activities and events throughout the ship.

Photo by MCSN Renee Candelario

Nimitz awards $100,000 to MWR for Christmas celebration


Nimitz SportsYour one stop shop for all things sports

“Let’s go Cupcakes!”The Cupcakes of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) gave another

gutty performance in a losing effort on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to a growing audience of Nimitz Sailors on Naval Base-Bangor.

The Cupcakes played with their signature grit and effort, drawing repeated cheers from the audience and other volleyball teams. It was common to hear cheers whenever Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Amanda Soliai hurled herself towards the net in attempts to block the opposition, or whenever Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) Airman Lyndsey Reid would catapult herself into the deck in attempts to keep the ball in play. The team exuded a different feel with the return of Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Jennifer Oquendo, whose aggressive style of defense and spiking kept the opposition on their toes during each match.

It was that signature style of play that brought fans out to support them, like Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Christopher Greene, who liked what he saw from them. He even wore a pink polo in support of their primary color.

“I loved it,” he said afterwards. “I love how the play with heart, and most importantly have fun. That’s what it’s all about.”

The fans were just as involved in the game as the players. Shouting at the other team or crying foul whenever the referee would make the correct call against the Cupcakes. These same fans seemingly turn every “away” game into a home game for the Cupcakes.

Reid, head coach of the Cupcakes, expressed optimism after the game.

“We’re getting better,” said Reid after the game. “With every practice and every game we get better, and eventually it will show.

Cupcakes gut it out, fall shortStory and photo by MC3 Matthew Patton

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors compete in a volleyball game against a civilian based team from Bremerton as part of a Bremerton Parks and Recreation basketball league.


USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) basketball team, T.N.T., stomped Suquamish at the Bremerton Parks and Recreation building 81-64 Monday night.

“We started strong and we finished stronger,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda, T.N.T.’s coach. “Going into the game we focused a lot on defense and shut their offense down. A team’s best defense is their best offense.”

During the first quarter, T.N.T. led by two to four points against Suquamish, keeping a relatively tight defense and pushing past their defense to score on jump shots.

“When we play full-court, other teams have a hard time dealing with that for the whole game,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears, point guard for T.N.T. “If we come into the game with a sense of urgency from the tip-off, we’re a hard team to beat.”

By halftime Nimitz led 36-32. The game up to that point had been mostly back-and-forth between teams.

“We needed to just continue what we were doing in the first half,” said Penaranda. “The team also had to fix some errors from the first half like missing layups and three-point shots.”

During the second half, Suquamish began to get tired. T.N.T. rushed past their defenses and scored at least one point every minute. Unfazed and still pumped with stamina, T.N.T. charged onward and racked up points like a slot machine.

“As soon as we started to apply pressure, the game changed,” said Fears. “As a team, we don’t practice, so for a lot of these guys, each game is recreation. We come out to have fun.”

Nimitz stompssuquamishStory and photoS by MC3 Ian Cotter

By the last two minutes of the game, Nimitz was ahead by 16 points. Suquamish couldn’t keep up so T.N.T. was able to score without having to deal with the opposition’s defense. By the end of the game, Suquamish was basically leaving their basket open and after the buzzer sounded, T.N.T. had won with a 17 point lead.

“We’re number one in the league now,” said Penaranda. “We missed a game because we hosted the Harlem Ambassadors last week, so we’ll play a double header later on. I’m looking forward to another championship trophy from this league.”

Nimitz T.N.T. is slated to play against Olympic College at Bremerton Parks and Recreation Monday night at 1900.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors compete in a basketball game against a civilian based team from Bremerton as part of a Bremerton Parks and Recreation basketball league.


The lights on the football field at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton beamed bright the night of Nov. 3. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) flag football teams, Spades and G-Force, were up against each other for the play-offs. The cold fall weather didn’t stop the players from playing hard on the mud-covered field.

The game began with a kick off from the Spades and finished with the Spades as well who ended up taking home the win with the final score 26-19.

“Everybody came through tonight,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) Airman Bruce Matthews, the Spades’ team

captain. “That’s all we needed. It feels good to win the game. All the Spades are looking for is to take home the championship.”

It seems that if the Spades keeps playing the way they played Nov. 3, they are one step closer to meeting their goal.

“I’m real excited about the game,”said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Rashad Whitley, corner back for the Spades. “G-Force thought they were going to come out here and run the game. “We came to win the championship. All we are thinking about right now is victory.”

Both teams were playing extremely well and both showed motivation and determination to take home the win. Team G-Force seemed to be making some personal mistakes that cost them the game.

“We are beating ourselves right now,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Romey Frazier, a player for G-Force. “We are making small mistakes when we should be making no mistakes. This is the first time we are going through a little animosity between each other. We keep messing up on small things like blowing coverage’s and seconding the quarterback. We usually don’t let the quarterback have time to think, but tonight their quarterback had time to think.”

Team G-Force wants a second round at defending their undefeated reputation with the Spades.

“We gave it to them,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Cedric Davis, a player for G-Force. “I would like a grudge match.”

Although there may be a grudge between both teams the reason they both come out to play is still valid.

“Camaraderie and fellowship are the reasons I play,” said Damage Control Fireman Apprentice Brenner Pantoja, wide receiver for the Spades. “It’s nice to come out to the field and meet some new people and play the game that we all like to play.”

G-Force defeated by Spades in play-offsStory and photoS by MCSN Renee Candelario

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) flag football teams, G-Force and Spades, compete for the play-offs on Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton’s football field Nov. 3.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) flag football teams, G-Force and Spades, compete for the play-offs on Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton’s football field Nov. 3.

Nimitz News - November 10, 2011

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