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 neces-sarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments of Defense or the Navy and do not imply any endorsement thereby.

VOL 1 / NO 40 August 29, 2010

My Plane,My Responsibility

Story by MC2 Ashley Van DienUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White

Responsibility at a young age and a junior rank has long been standing operating procedure for Sailors at sea. Leadership gives them the tools to succeed and it’s up to them to complement those tools with initiative and technical expertise. The plane captains from the line shack in Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 are every-day proof that the process works.Plane captains are often the most junior Sailors in

the squadron, and they are overall responsible for the proper maintenance, cleanliness and operability of aircraft. The plane captains are “brown shirts” on the flight deck.“We have many of the qualifications all the other

shirts have,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman

Xakkary Evans. “You mix all the other colors together and you get brown.”The plane captain’s primary job is to ensure jets are

safe and ready for flight. They spend 12-to-15 hours per day with their assigned aircraft. In addition to constant inspections, brown shirts check fluid levels, prepare the cockpit for flight and ensure there is no foreign object debris (FOD) that could damage the “bird.” Prior to handing the aircraft over to the pilot, the plane

captains act as the final set of eyes. It’s up to them to make sure the entire start up and shut down process is accomplished safely.Attention to detail is crucial, because not only are

they responsible for the aircraft they maintain, they also hold people’s lives in their hands.“I take my job seriously because we are the first

and last eyes on the jet when we launch and recover See CAPTAINS, Page 6

Coronado Speed FestivalNaval Air Station North Island will

highlight a different type of machine as 250 prestigious historic race cars gather for the 13th annual Coronado Speed Festival held on September 25 - 26. Known as the “race at the base,” the Coronado Speed Festival features nine different race groups divided according to make, age and horsepower. The cars race at high speeds on a spectator friendly 1.7-mile course constructed in mere days on the runways and taxiways of the military base. This year’s marquee will celebrate the rich race heritage of Shelby American cars, from the legendary Cobra and the Daytona coupe to the GT40 and GT350. The festival offers free admission for active duty military and their dependents courtesy of MWR. Free general admission for all children 12 and under with adult paid admission. Discount tickets for retirees, DoD employees and MWR patrons at all MWR ticket offices or on site either day of the event. Open to the public. Admission is $12.50 for a one-day ticket and $15 for a two day two-day.

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Follow Vinson on Facebook: www.facebook.com/USSCARLVINSON

Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey

Commanding Officer

Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Managing Editor MC2 Ashley Van Dien

Photo EditorMC2 Adrian White

Layout and DesignMC3 Patrick Green

Staff Writers/PhotographersMC3 Patrick Green

MCSN Rosa A. Arzola

Vinson AnnouncementsPOW/MIA 5k Run

The free POW/MIA 5k run/1-mile walk will be held Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Check-in and day-of registration begins at 0830 at the NBSD track, behind the Admiral Prout Field House, Bldg. 3279. Register your command by Tuesday, September 7 and your group may win an award for most participation. All participants receive a free remembrance T-shirt. For more details call the Admiral Prout Field House Gym at (619) 556-7444.

FFSC Job FairAre you separating or retiring soon?

Do you have a family member looking for employment? Then mark your calendars for The fleet and family support center (FFSC) job fair on Sept. 29th. This event is completely free and open to all service members on active duty, reservists, retirees, spouses, and family members.

Female Veterans Event Join us at the Female Veterans,

Active Duty, and Reservist Health and Wellness Fair on Oct. 2. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, 2115 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101. Family members and spouses welcome.

2010 FFR Survey Help shape the future of Fleet and

Family Readiness (FFR) programs by participating in the 2010 FFR Customer Satisfaction Survey, Aug. 2 - 31. The survey allows participants to voice their opinions on various FFR programs, providing Navy leadership with information that will be used to enhance current and future programs. Access the survey online at http://cfigroup.net/Navy.

MWR Announcements

FFSC Announcements

Register to VoteHave you exercised your right to vote? Important decisions about how our society and military life are all determined by your vote. In making those decisions, elected officials respond to people who bother to vote than those who don’t. The first step is to register. If you haven’t taken that step, please contact OSC Schumpert at J-6858.

Informal Resolution System

Military and civilian personnel alike are encouraged to use the Informal Resolution System (IRS) as a means of direct resolution of discrimination or sexual harassment complaints that are not independently criminal in nature. The IRS provides an opportunity for the individuals involved, to resolve the conflict at an informal level.

Announcements

1861- U.S. squadron captures forts at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina.

1862- Union gunboat Pittsburgh supports Army troops in landing at Eunice, Arkansas.

1915- Navy salvage divers raise F-4, the first U.S. submarine sunk on accident.

1916- U.S. Congress passes act for the expansion of the Navy, but most of the ships are not completed until after World War I.

1964- USS Boxer and two LSDs arrive off the coast of Hispaniola to give medical aid to Haiti and Dominican Republic which were badly damaged by Hurricane Cleo.

Day in Naval History

said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) James Pizinger, a member of the group and a coordinator for the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP). “As a Substance Abuse Counselor, I’ve had the opportunity to see how alcohol and drugs affect the lives of Sailors and Marines. I wanted to be a part of this program because of its probability of reaching and educating these individuals.”Although the Ani-Spice Committee is

just getting started, it’s never too soon for departmental leadership to start educating their Sailors.“Find out what [Sailors] know about

Spice and get them smart on it,” said Moorefield. “Ignoring this will not make it go away.”

3August 29, 2010

Story by MC3 Patrick GreenUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Carl Vinson Unites Against Spice

Carl Vinson Sailors have banded together to combat a problem affecting many of today’s Sailors: Spice.Spice, a synthetic cannaboid that

produces marijuana-like effects, is on the rise across the Navy, and a group of Sailors aboard Vinson has decided to change that.“At this time, the severity of the

problem is truly unknown, but the cases (across the Navy) coming to light have been adding up at an alarming rate,” said Chief Information Technician (SW/AW) Shawn Moorefield, Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA). “Due to the ease of purchase in the civilian sector and the Navy’s current inability to detect this substance, it has become popular among younger Sailors.”Moorefield and six other members

make up the Anti-Spice Committee, a group focused solely on education and the prevention of Spice. Although newly formed, the group has already put plans in motion to promote their cause.“Some of our Sailors don’t understand

the full repercussions of their actions,” said Moorefield. “Using any item that can alter their state of mind can place them or a fellow Shipmate’s life at risk at any moment, especially in an environment as dangerous as a fully-armed and operational carrier.”Already in 2010, ten Sailors have gone

to Captain’s Mast for use or possession of Spice, with every case resulting in an administrative discharge for the user.“Sailors have been put on notice and

should realize that the use or possession of Spice will result in the end of their Naval career, and they possibly could lose all benefits,” said Lt. Jared Hernandez, Vinson’s Disciplinary Officer.Although most Sailors are aware of

the repercussions, some haven’t got the picture yet.“They believe it to be harmless,” said

Moorefield. “However, use or possession of any drug, including drug paraphenalia, is illegal in the Navy and will get you an immediate separation under non-

favorable conditions, which can ruin your future for years when attempting to get a job.”The first project the group has in store is

a poster and slogan contest, enabling all Vinson Sailors to get involved with Spice awareness. Sailors can design their own Anti-Spice Campaign poster or slogan and submit it to Media Department by Sept. 30. The crew will vote Oct. 4 - 6 and choose a winner. The winning poster design will then be printed and displayed across the ship.“I feel that for the Anti-Spice program

to be successful, all hands need to be educated on the effects it has on the human body, the legal problems that can arise, and how Spice is affecting the Navy,”

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Story by MCSN Rosa ArzolaUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

RAS Continued

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa Arzola

4August 25, 2010

Siblings, Sailors

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jenna Rainbolt and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW/SW) Richard Rainbolt are on board together and will be together for the next deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa Arzola.

Very few things can rival family support when it comes to the factors that affect a Sailor’s happiness and productivity while at sea. For two lucky Sailors on

board Carl Vinson, having their sibling with them this underway period has been one of the greatest rewards.Operations Specialist

2nd Class Jenna Rainbolt from Vinson’s Operations Department OI Division, and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW/SW) Richard Rainbolt, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 113, are on board together and will be together for the next deployment.“I am so thankful that I have

my older brother with me,” said Jenna. “I think the fact that he got attached to this ship is one of the best things that could have happened to me. I have him for support and he gets me through the difficult days underway.”Jenna and Richard joined the Sea

Cadet program when they were younger and continued with the program until each had graduated high school. Richard joined the Navy in 2005 and Jenna followed in 2008. “He got orders to Lemoore, Calif.,

and I was sent to the Vinson,” said Jenna. “His squadron was attached to the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) but then they came here.” “This is going to be interesting,”

said Richard. “We have each other for moral support and this next deployment should be easier for the both of us.”Both siblings admire and respect each

other professionally and personally.“My brother has a great, interesting

job,” said Jenna. “I had the opportunity

to shadow him one day and I was impressed by how good at his job he is.”Richard is responsible for fixing the

engines of F/A-18 Hornets. Jenna works on the bridge as a watch supervisor who decodes messages from other ships.“My sister is really important to me,”

said Richard. “Family comes first and we get along so well, we have been through a lot.” Richard has been in the Navy for five

years and has already deployed. This is Jenna’s first ship and will be her first full deployment. The Rainbolt siblings plan to hang out with each other in foreign ports. “I’m going to take care of my little

sister,” said Richard. “She is my little

baby.” Not only do both of them like to

have fun and plan to get the most out of deployment, they have also set the same career goal: to become officers. “Both of us are planning to submit

our officer package next year,” said Jenna. “I want to become a Naval Flight Officer while he wants to become a pilot.”Richard and Jenna support each

other in pursuing their personal and career-oriented goals.“When I have problems I always

go to him and vent it out,” said Jenna. “He is always giving me advice and showing how protective he is of me. At the end of each talk, I learn a lesson from him.”

5August 25, 2010

Story by MCSN Rosa ArzolaUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa Arzola

5August 29, 2010

Since the day he arrived on board Carl Vinson, Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class David Rinehart has proven to everyone in his division that he is a hard worker, earning respect, admiration and trust from his shipmates up and down the chain of command. “Petty Officer Rinehart is a phenomenal Sailor,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 J. D. Dickson,

Vinson’s Air Gunner. “His performance rivals even the most seasoned second classes.”Rinehart is responsible for safely and efficiently moving ordnance, planning and

scheduling maintenance, issuing and receiving equipment to and from the squadrons and other collateral duties. “What amazes me is his work ethic,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW)

Marc Ethington, Weapons Department G-1 Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. “If he is in port or out to sea he will not leave until he finishes his job to perfection, even if it means staying an extra three or four hours.”So why does Rinehart put so much extra effort and time into his job?“I like working on all the equipment and gear that goes into ordnance,”

said Rinehart. “Everyone I work with is enjoyable. The whole division contributes in everything, we look out for one another and the chain of command always has our back.”The junior Sailors in G-1 Division also enjoy working with him and

agree that he is a shipmate they can count on for help and guidance.“If you need help with anything you can go to him,” said Aviation

Ordnanceman Airman Justin Enriquez. “Everybody in this division respects AO3 Rinehart. I look up to him and I can count on his help outside and in the Navy.” Although Rinehart feels grateful for the respect and admiration he

has from junior Sailors, he admits he has had a lot of help from his superiors. “I have always had the help from AO2 Rosario and AO2 Romero,”

said Rinehart. “They are the ones who I can say I look up to and are there to help me all the time.”His superiors understand that Rinehart is an important asset to the team.“The average Sailor comes to work on time, listens to his superiors, gets

the job done, and goes home,” said Dickson. “But Rinehart contributes leadership, knowledge, confidence and ability to execute with authority in this division.” “When he does a job we know it will get done that day without it being

questioned or done over again,” said Ethington. “I can say that because of AO3 Rinehart we are one of the best divisions on board.” According to Rinehart, he learned from his grandmother that nothing

is given for free and you have to work hard for everything. He also acknowledges that his daughter Katheryne is his motivation for doing the best he can. Although Rinehart works hard and has a lot of dedication to his

job, he also enjoys his off-duty time.“I enjoy doing outdoor activities such as fishing or

lumberjacking and of course I like exploring San Diego,” said Rinehart.

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Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Xakkary Evans signals the pilot of an F/A-18 Super Hornet on the flight deck. Plane captains are often the most junior Sailors in the squadron, and they are overall responsible for the proper maintenance, cleanliness and operability of aircraft. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White.

from the flight deck,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman James Halprin. “It’s not only our lives we are responsible for, it’s also the pilots and final checkers around us.”When airmen first report to the

line shack, they are trainees. There are several qualifications they must earn before they can receive the plane captain title. They must also pass an oral board before their chain of command and technical experts in their field. The process is so strict because planes, pilots, other personnel and ultimately the mission rest on their shoulders.“The job is a lot of work,” said

Halprin. “What keeps me motivated

is seeing those jets take off knowing that I am one of the main reasons that jet is flying.”“The great responsibility these

junior Sailors shoulder sets them up for success and trains them on all the aspects of the aircraft so when they return to their respective shop, they will be better maintainers,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Robert Hamblin. Because plane captains are

ultimately responsible for the aircraft they are assigned, they take great ownership and pride in their “bird.” They even get their name and hometown painted on the side of the aircraft.

At the end of the day, plane captains are rewarded for their many hours of hard work and dedication when they see their aircraft launch and recover safely on the flight deck. “I actually like seeing the jets take

off of the flight deck at sea,” said Halprin. “No matter how many times you see it, it never gets old.” “VFA-81’s plane captains are a

great bunch of Sailors who hold a very high standard for themselves on having the best looking aircraft on the flight deck,” said Hamblin. “As demanding as their job may be they stay focused and flexible for what the day-to-day evolutions of the flight deck might send their way.”