July 20, 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 41

The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan Greenert, visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for the Navy’s Great Green Fleet demonstration during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, July 18.

The Great Green Fleet demonstration is a step toward the Department of the Navy’s goal to reduce consumption of energy, decrease reliance on fossil fuels and significantly increase the use of alternative energy.

Nimitz took on more than 180,000 gallons of 50-50 biofuel, a new blend of hydro-processed renewable jet (HRJ-5) and aviation (JP-5) fuel July 17, in preparation for the Navy’s Great Green Fleet demonstration.

Greenert emphasized the importance of the Navy’s biofuel initiative and why it’s important for the Navy’s future energy plan.

“Biofuel is made with algae, plants and animal fat. We’ll be using a 50-50 mixture of that to show that in fact there is an alternative to petroleum products,” said Greenert. “We’ve got to look for alternative fuels, we’ve got to look for alternative opportunities and we’ve got to be efficient in energy.”

Mabus spoke about how biofuels are a “drop-in” fuel and will not change operations at all.

“We don’t have to change the operations and we

SECNAV, CNO Visit Nimitz for GGF DemoBy MC3 Jonathan A. Colon

Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, speaks to the crew during the Great Green Fleet Demonstration as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Renee Candelario/Released)

See SECNAV Page 7

Commanding OfficerCAPT Jeff S. RuthExecutive Officer

CAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master Chief

CMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMC3 Ryan Mayes Lead Designer

MC3 Renee L. Candelario

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.

Nimitz Recognizes Sailors of the DayCongratulations to Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Sharita Marshall, Supply Department’s CASREP coordinator for receiving Sailor of the Day July 16. As CASREP coordinator, she has processed, tracked, and expedited more than 100 repair requisitions to assist other departments restore vital systems. She has personally trained seven junior and senior Sailors in the work center on the processing and expediting of CASREP requisitions. Her efforts have directly improved the material readiness of our ship. Additionally, as Command Government Commercial Purchase Card holder, she processes over 78 thousand dollars monthly, purchasing Non-Standard material requirements for the crew’s morale and to support the ship’s general maintenance.

Congratulations to Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Alexander Highland, plane captain and landing signalman (enlisted) of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, for becoming Sailor of the Day July 19. Highland performed demanding duties such as leading 10 Sailors in the safe and expeditious execution of 20 daily turnaround inspections and 40 launch and recoveries on 8 MH-60S Seahawk helicopters. His efforest were evident in maintaining the division’s highest standards of quality and readiness, exemplifying the true spirit of the Indians’ “One Team, One Scream!”

Congratulations to Airman Steven Blassingame, calibration petty officer for Weapons’ G-2 division, for receiving Sailor of the Day July 17. Blassingame displayed exceptional work, technical skill, and dedication in the calibration of over 70 gauges covering 35 magazine sprinkler groups. His involvement led to the recertification of all 35 magazine sprinkler groups during the Magazine Sprinkler System Verification with no major discrepancies. As a duty gunnersmate, he was responsible for the maintenance, issuance, an receipt of 220 small arms, 32 night vision devices, 12 crew serve weapons, and 95 high security locks. His meticulous attentioon to detail ensured the highest standards for safe and secure stowage of arms, ammunition, and explosives. He continues to be a major contributor ensuring the success of G-2 division and Nimitz.

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The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) completed its Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) July 17 with a final grade of excellent overall (395.3/440) 89.9 percent.

FEP is the final evolution before being certified as an independent unit ready for mission tasking. This evaluation is required every 32 months or after every Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA), which Nimitz completed early 2012.

FEP reviews damage control, medical, air, seamanship, combat systems and operations on board.

Nimitz excelled despite having the unique challenge of having to complete FEP during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.

“I will tell you we were pressed into this schedule,” said Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. “But, this great flagship of

mine took this and worked all the way from San Diego. Coming over here, we worked really hard and all of your efforts, every one of you, you did a great job and you know what, your final score reflected it.”

Usually scheduled to be a two-day evolution, RIMPAC’s busy schedule has expanded FEP to last for four days.

Nimitz’ Training Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Webster, explains that the challenge from here is to capitalize on where we’re at and the momentum we have.

“We now have Sailors on the teams with experience,” said Webster. “We need to keep them where they are. For those that are leaving, we need to identify and train their replacements early so when the time comes, the transition is seamless. This will ensure our continued success.”

Nimitz is currently underway participating in RIMPAC 2012.

Nimitz Completes Final Evaluation ProblemStory by MC2 Robert Winn

Medical staff treat

injured victims on the mess decks of Nimitz

during a Mass Casualty drill during the final days of FEP. Photo by

MCSN Jess Lewis.

S a i l o r s assigned to locker 7 Alpha put shoring beams in place during the last general quarters drill of the Final Evaluation Problem (FEP). Photo by MC3 Jonathan Colon.

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GREENER

NIMITZ RECEIVESBIOFUELFOR A

FLEETStory by MC3 Renee L. Candelario

Sailors attached to Cargo Afloat Rig Team (CART) 1 and crewmembers of Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) prepare to transfer biofuel to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during the Great Green Fleet demonstration as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Eva-Marie Ramsaran)

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) approaches Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) in preparation for a replenishment at sea (RAS). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Ryan Mayes)

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The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN

68), currently underway for participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, took on more than 900,000 gallons of 50-50 biofuel and 200,000 gallons of hydro-treated renewable aviation fuel (HRJ5) July 17 in preparation for the Navy’s Great Green Fleet demonstration July 18.

The fuel will be used for aircraft and other naval surface ships to reduce the U.S. dependency on foreign oil by blending traditional petroleum-based fuel and biofuel made up of a mixture of algae oil and waste cooking oil.

“There has been a lot of rigor in our Navy to try to test bio fuel and see how we can be more efficient in terms of how we operate our engines and aircraft,” said Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander Carrier Strike Group 11. “If the biofuel works it can potentially increase our legs in combat maneuverability in terms of our ability to fly longer and sail

further.“Nimitz received the

fuel delivery from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) using connecting fuel hoses between both of the ships.

The fuel will be tested for accuracy and similar properties as unblended fuel in the ship’s fuel laboratory.

“This is the last step,” said a representative from NAVAIR. ”To make this Great Green Fleet possible with the expertise of these sailors, [this evolution] will not be a problem.”

The Great Green Fleet demonstration was attended by the Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operation Jonathan Greenert.

It’s more than biofuel when you talk about energy efficiency,” said Gumataotao. “The bottom line is [the fuel] improves our combat capability and improves the way we fight.”

Biofuel undergoes its initial inspection as it’s loaded into the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a Replenishment

at Sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187).

(U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Robert Winn)

Aviation boatswain’s mates (fuels) manage as biofuel is loaded into the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN

68) during a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry

J. Kaiser (T-AO 187).(U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Ryan Mayes)

Find all imagery at: flickr.com/cvn68

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The largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), has been going on for more than 40 years. Beginning in 1971, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that strengthens international maritime partnerships, enhances interoperability and improves the readiness of participating forces for a wide range of potential operations.

This year, different countries will be leading various exercises throughout the course of RIMPAC 2012.

Sailors from different nations, such as Chile, Columbia, Peru and Australian, are currently working on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Chile alone has provided 11 officers and four enlisted personnel to the crew.

“Chile has been a part of RIMPAC since 1996,” said Capt. Luis Sanchez, Chilean Sea Combat Commander from Command Task Group (CTG) 170.1. “The only year we didn’t send ships, we sent staff to help.”

For Sanchez, this is his first time as Sea Combat Commander on an international ship and has been appreciative of the hospitality he and his crew have been receiving since embarking July 6.

“We have been very busy, but it’s been very good training that we’re receiving here,” said Sanchez.

The goal for the Chilean navy while on this RIMPAC is to enhance their capabilities of working with other countries, the other international task forces on board Nimitz and how to better coordinate between partners.

“Each year we participate in UNITAS (Latin for unity) which is an exercise done in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans,” said Sanchez. “We take what we learn here at RIMPAC and apply it there. The more you know about what you’re doing, the easier it is to work together.”

The average sized group of the Chilean strike group is eight to 10 ships. However, during RIMPAC, they have the opportunity to work d irectly with 18 different ships while integrating themselves into Nimitz’ ship life.

“Seeing the battle rhythm of the force, how the air wing operates and the flow of operations here is very impressive,” said Chilean Cmdr. Arturo Oxley, Operations Officer from CTG 170.1 “We are working hard to achieve the goals of the ship, like completing our man overboard muster in less than four minutes.”

Nimitz Welcomes Chilean Navy OfficialsStory and photo by MCSN Jess Lewis

Members from the Chilean navy pose for a photo with Chile’s national flag in front of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

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don’t have to change anything that we are doing,” said Mabus. “The fuel is used in exactly the same way, by the same platforms and by the same engines.”

During an all hands call, Greenert took time to thank the crew of Nimitz and encouraged the crew to continue what they are doing.

“To the crew of the Nimitz I’d like to say thank you very much, you guys are awesome,” said Greenert.

“Everytime I come aboard a great ship like Nimitz and talk to a grea t crew , it helps me understand what we’ve got to do and that’s go back to Washington, make sure you are organized, trained and equipped to do the job you need to do.”

For the demonstration, Mabus and Greenert also visited the USS Chafee (DDG 90), and the USS Princeton (CG 59) to see the biofuel on load and to observe how they will use the fuel on board.

SECNAV cont’d from page 1

Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus and Rear Adm. Tim Barrett, commander, Australian Fleet, shake hands after signing an energy efficient pact during the Great Green Fleet Demonstration as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 on board Nimitz.

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