TNT Leaves Competition

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April 17. 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 4

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully got underway from its homeport of Naval Station Everett, Wash., April 16.

Nimitz returned to sea to conduct carrier qualifications including flight deck certification for the first time in nearly two years. The ship recently arrived to Everett following a major maintenance overhaul as part of its Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA).

“The stellar efforts of all hands ensured this great ship was able to safely and successfully get underway,” said Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. “With the exception of our transit to the ship’s homeport of Everett, this marks the first time that Nimitz is underway for operational purposes. I know this crew is ready to get back to sea and show the professionalism that marks our every move.

Nimitz Sailors will be joined by See UNDERWAY page 5

See SAFETY page 5

USS Nimitz gets underway, begins carrier qualificationsStory by MCSA Vanessa Y. David

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Safety Department is hosting a safety stand-down in hangar bay two from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and tomorrow.

“We’re required to do these at least once a year,” said Lt. Cmdr. Josh Porton, Nimitz’ industrial health officer. “We like to do it more often than that and include required training.”

Some of the topics the stand-down will cover include recreational safety, electrical safety, hazardous material, heat stress, safe lifting, and traffic safety.

Six different tables will be set up in hangar bay two to inform and educate Sailors about the various safety related topics.

“Each table will be manned by a subject matter expert in each safety topic,” said Porton. “Carpenters will be talking about power tools, and

Safety stand-downtakes place todayStory by MC3 Ian A. Cotter

Sailors in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pull in a mooring line as the ship begins to get underway. (Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter)

Page 2April 17 , 2012

An undefeated basketball season? Great skills. For two consecutive seasons? A little luck, perhaps. But three? That’s Nimitz.

TNT basketball team comprised of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

(CVN 68) went head to head against Sailors from USS Ford (FFG 54) in a championship game at Naval Station Everett’s gym, April 12.

TNT’s perfect season remained intact as they defeated the Ford, 76-53, for the 2012 Men’s Basketball Captain’s Cup

Championship.Led by head

coach, Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Sherwin Penaranda, TNT delivered Nimitz its undefeated season with the championship trophy. “The team has come a long way from what it was, from the underway we had to playing every week,” said Penaranda. “The entire team is what you would consider a ‘Dream Team’.”

The game started with both teams contributing outstanding defense as Nimitz lead 30-24 at the half. One of the key defensive players was

Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas, TNT’s shooting guard who led the team

with three steals.“The defense did their best to

keep me off the rim,” said Douglas. “They really tried their best to keep me boxed out. I give them kudos for that, but they couldn’t stop the team.”

The game’s most valuable player, Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears, TNT’s point guard, had a huge second half with a team high of 25 points – 21 of which came from 3-pointers.

“I try to be all around and just play my role so if everybody is around the perimeter, or inside

Commanding OfficerCAPT Jeffrey S. Ruth

Executive OfficerCAPT Buzz Donnelly

Command Master ChiefCMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMC3 Ashley Berumen

Lead DesignerMCSA Ryan Mayes

Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All. 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.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Kai Douglas from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) “TNT”, slam dunks the ball against USS Ford’s (FFG 54) basketball team.

Another undefeated season for TNTStory and photos by MCSN Chris Bartlett

Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jared Fears (Right) and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Sean Payne (Left) from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) basketball team “TNT”, drive down the court during a fast-break against Sailors from USS Ford’s (FFG 54) team.

Page 3 April 17, 2012

200 Years Ago

Learn moreby visitinghttp://ourflagwasstillthere.org

French attack on the high seasRep. Laban Wheaton of Massachusetts presents to the House of Representatives documents concerning the capture and destruction of the American brig Comet by French privateers on Jan. 28. The House votes to refer the documents to the Secretary of State.

Revenue Service gets a new shipShipbuilder Benjamin Marble of Newport, R.I., signs a contract to build, equip, furnish and finish the revenue cutter Vigilant(pictured in action in 1813).

the paint, I just try to find an open spot, normally it’s on the 3-point line,” said Fears. “We definitely have a lot of key players on the team that allow me to get open looks, so I credit that to my teammates. “

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Ernest Williams really portrayed what it takes to be a team player.

“There’s no selfishness,” said Williams. “We have all played together for the last year so we perform well as a team.”

Congratulations to the TNT basketball team for achieving another remarkable undefeated season and continuing its winning streak of excellence.

“TNT” holds the Captain’s Cup Championship trophy after defeating the USS Ford’s (FFG 54) basketball team in the gym at Naval Station Everett.

Page 4April 17 , 2012

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as well as other service members arrived at The Commons at Naval Station Everett to donate blood April 12.

The Armed Services Blood Drive is the first to take place on base since Nimitz’ arrival March 9, and is in support of forward deployed service members who are in need of blood and blood platelet transfusions.

“There are others who are in need of it more than me,” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Keyla Dixon. “I just wanted to help out.”

The attending staff, consisting of service members from both Army and Air Force, had a caring hand and an enthusiasm for their job, said Dixon.

“I think since I have been in the Army a while and haven’t deployed there’s a certain feeling that I need to do something to help and this is one of the things we can do,” said Army Specialist Medic Vanessa Houston. “If we didn’t do this the military would have to buy the blood. In this case, the blood goes straight overseas into a medical refrigerator to be pumped into a waiting Soldier. So it gives me

a feeling of worth because I feel like I’m doing something good for those who are actually risking their lives.”

The turnout for the blood drive is an important factor for those waiting for donations and Everett is doing well, said Houston.

“Today we’ve had a pretty decent turnout,” said Houston. “Normally this is one of our slower blood drives when there isn’t a ship in port. Last time we came in while the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was here and we had almost 200 donations. That was one of our best blood drives which actually set a record.”

The turnout for today’s drive was just as impressive, said Houston.

“It’s a really good turnout so far,” said Army Staff Sergeant Jason Kniskern, mobile blood laboratory non-commissioned officer for the blood drive.

“We’re anticipating 100 to 125 donors and as of right now we’re on track to meet that goal. We have Soldiers down-range who are always in need of blood so we need people to donate.”

The next blood drive is slated to take place Friday, June 8. For more information about the Armed Service Blood Drive visit http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/.

Sailors donate in support of service members down-rangeStory and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Apprentice Dennis Nemeth squeezes a stress relief ball while donating blood

An attending Army medic wraps Nemeth’s arm after removing the syringe used to collect his blood.

Page 5 April 17, 2012

several squadrons from Carrier Strike Group Eleven including the “Hawkeyes” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, the “Argonauts” of VFA-147, the Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323.

Nimitz is scheduled to conduct drills and commence training for initial flight deck qualifications, said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Shane Krueger, crash and salvage leading chief petty officer.

“We have a lot of junior Sailors on board who have done a lot of drills and taken a lot of tests,” said Krueger. “This is a great opportunity for training, and it will get us a step closer toward being prepared for deployment.”

Before arriving in its new homeport, Nimitz underwent a maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash., where Sailors and shipyard workers worked side-by-side to complete $239 million worth in upgrades to the carrier’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

a physical therapist will talk about safe lifting.”Much like the safety stand-down Nimitz

hosted last August, the tables will be interactive. “We want to get more hands-on interaction,” Porton explained.

“Right now we have a captive audience,” said

Porton. “Our goal is to get the requirements out to the Sailors, and get them familiar with how things are done safely on Nimitz.”

Safety stand-down attendance is scheduled by department to accommodate each division between today and tomorrow.

SAFETY: SMEs to provide training today, tomorrowContinued from page 1

Continued from page 1

UNDERWAY: CQs Next

Seaman Amadeo Conta checks a mooring line down in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship begins to get underway. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Ian Cotter)

Page 6April 17 , 2012

More than 25 USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors volunteered at Snohomish High School,

April 14, in one of the largest track and field events held in Washington State.

Throughout the day, the group of mostly junior Sailors timed races, marked distances for the high jump, worked concessions and helped wherever needed.

“This was the first time in almost 20 years where I had to find jobs for people,” said Mark Hintz, volunteer coordinator. “The Sailors have done a great job volunteering.”

Saturday’s weather definitely made the volunteer opportunity worth it, said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Adam Baez.

“The event was sort of last-minute,” he said. “It’s awesome to have so many people show up and use their last Saturday before we go out.”

Nearly 50 high schools from the U.S. and Canada attended the invitational. Many of the volunteers had a track and field background and were excited for the opportunity.

Sailors lend a hand in the communityStory and photos by MC3 Ashley Berumen

Air-Traffic Controller Airman Matthew Dutcheshen, Operations department OC division, hands a hot dog to a visitor during a track and field invitational at Snohomish High School

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Martinez times runners during the track portion of the event.

Page 7 April 17, 2012

“I wanted to get out there and run too,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Ricky Wilson. “I want to see if I can still do it, or if they can hang.”

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Arnold, who ran track in high school, brought her husband to lend a hand. “I think it’s great to help out and give back to the community,” she said. “I definitely recommend others volunteer. It’s a lot of fun.”

Baez, who is the head of the volunteer committee in the Junior Enlisted Association, encourages more Sailors to get involved.

“Volunteering gives people on the ship different experiences on the weekends than just going out and drinking,” said Baez. “When looking for COMRELS (community relations projects) for the ship, I like to have a variety so that there are options for people to volunteer for the things they like to do.”

To inquire about upcoming volunteer opportunities E-5 and below Sailors can attend bi-weekly JEA meetings, or contact ABH3 Adam Baez.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class David Castro (lef t) and Air-Traf fic Controller Airman Joseph Wagner (right) laugh while working the concessions at a track and field invitational hosted by Snohomish High School , April 14. More than 25 USS Nimitz (CV N 68) Sailors participated in the community relations project .

Air-Traffic Controller Airman Matthew Dutcheshen, Operations department OC division, hands a hot dog to a visitor during a track and field invitational at Snohomish High School

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