June 19, 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 22

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are now able to receive group training for enlisted aviation warfare specialist (EAWS) pins.

The training provides not only necessary signatures in Sailors’ personal qualification standards (PQS) paperwork but also gives them hands on training to ensure the qualification is earned and information is retained.

“This class is to help Sailors get further information on EAWS through training,” said Air-Traffic Controller 1st

Class Dimere Witherspoon, Operations Department EAWS coordinator and command EAWS class coordinator. “Every Monday and Wednesday a new department will come in and teach the class by going over both the study guide and any pertinent information that may not be covered by it.”

Along with teaching from the study guide and signing PQS booklets the class also prepares Sailors for their eventual walk-through with each department.

“For a space walk-through, Sailors will take their EAWS PQS and go with a qualified

Sailor in their space and go through their departments,” said Witherspoon. “They will go through the whole space so that they can have the visual training to go along with the studying they have done on that department.”

Though the class is a helpful source of knowledge for EAWS qualifications, it goes hand in hand with self motivation, said Witherspoon.

“The class is effective but only if Sailors both attend the classes and study on their own,” said Witherspoon. “As long as Sailors attend the classes and study the material, there should be no way that they shouldn’t pass their board to get pinned.”

The class is not only for Sailors who are preparing to take their oral certification boards next week, it is also for those Sailors just starting on their qualifications.

“I just started getting my books signed off,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Markeba Harrison. “I didn’t know anything before going

in there but I learned a lot. I’m really glad they signed the books there because now I feel like I’m more prepared to go to the different spaces and know what is going on when I get there.”

The EAWS class is being offered in the First Class Mess every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. with a different department teaching every session.

For more information see your departmental EAWS coordinator.

Sailors Get Help With EAWS QualificationStory and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

Sailors listen to different instructors as they receive EAWS training to help complete their qualification.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Magarbi Matthew takes notes during a command EAWS class.

Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of USS Nimitz, named Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Shaneka Mayo, Sailor of the Day, June 18 in the Pilot House. Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.

USS Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day

Commanding OfficerCAPT Jeff S. RuthExecutive Officer

CAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master Chief

CMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMC2 Robert Winn Lead Designer

MC3 Jacob Milner

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.

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Capt. Greg Harris, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, completed his 1,000th carrier arrested landing, or trap, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) June 18. Harris completed the trap in an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154.

Harris was joined by Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz’ commanding officer, who rode in the back seat for the trap.

“I wanted to have the CO in the back seat to remind the crew how closely Nimitz and the air wing work together,” said Harris. “I’m a firm believer that teamwork is a tradition.”

Despite this major milestone in Harris’ aviation career, he didn’t view this as a personal achievement.

“This wasn’t so much an achievement for me as it was a reminder,” said Harris. “Those 1,000 traps show the hard work from the guys maintaining the planes, working the catapults and arresting gears. You don’t get to 1,000 without

the sweat of someone moving those chains in 120 degree weather.”

Ruth presented Harris with a congratulatory 1,000th trap plaque in Ready Room Eight following the trap.

“I’m lucky,” said Harris. “The fact that I’ve been flying for so long around the people I love, most people don’t get to say they’ve done something they enjoy for 25 straight years.”

During his career, Harris has flown in eight different aircraft, amassing 4,000 hours over the past 25 years. Harris from Yarmouth, Maine, began flying A-6 Intruders as a bombardier/navigator. Harris has flown in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and commanded Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 115 and 122. He assumed command of CVW-11 in April 2011.

CVW-11 and Nimitz are currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises.

Commander of CVW 11 Reaches 1,000 CatchesStory by MC2 (SW) Robert WinnPhoto by MCSA Ryan Mayes

Capt. Greg Harris, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) land on the flight deck in an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154.

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Tracking : keeping Nimitz informed

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Christian J. Deknikker, from Woodland, Calif., checks a surface tracking radar system for surface contacts in the commanding officer’s tactical operation plot room (COTOP) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Story and photos by MC3 Ian Cotter

To many Sailors, the pilot house of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

is where the commanding officer watches over the flight deck, the navigator directs the ship’s movement, and the bridge team executes the technicalities of piloting the vessel. But, within the bridge is a tiny, dimly-lit room where the operations aspect of the bridge unfolds.

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The Commanding Officer’s Tactical Operations Plot room (COTOP) is an extension of the combat direction center (CDC) covers a broad scope of the operations spectrum. “We handle surface and air aspects, man overboard and search and rescue,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Christian J. Deknikker, one of COTOP’s watch standers.

Located in the rear of the pilot house, COTOP watch standers coordinate with the bridge team to identify contacts, track the ship’s course, and offer assistance with the operational aspects of the ship. Each tactical operations plot (TOP) watch lasts six hours.

“My team and I stand many different TOP watches,” said Deknikker. “We use navigation charts, and compare and contrast them against our GPS and radar. We also operate the SSDS (ship’s self defense system) and coordinate surface tracking.”

The SSDS is a tracking radar system that can track air, surface and sub-surface contacts in 360 degrees of direction more than 30 nautical miles out.

“When we find a contact on the SSDS, we find out what the lookouts see compared to the radar,” said Deknikker. “From there, we coordinate with the OOD (Officer of the Deck) and the information goes straight to the bridge.”

Tracking movement is only part of identifying a contact.

“Anytime we find a contact, we’ll get information on who it is, what they’re doing, and their course of approach,” said Deknikker. “When we get information, we report it and make recommendations on our course of action.”

Navigational charts are also an integral part of TOP watch standing. Watch standers plot the ship’s position and direction of travel.

“The charts let us know where we are,” said Deknikker. “In the event of a worst case scenario, we’d have a navigational chart as a hard copy. Along with GPS and satellite fixes, charts are what we use to determine our location.”

In charge of COTOP operations is the TOP watch supervisor, who oversees the TOP watches to assist the bridge team with piloting, shipping underway and navigation.

“If we come into a contact situation, we want to have alternative solutions in accordance with the CO’s standing orders, said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jesse A. Moses, one of COTOP’s watch supervisors. “We have the SSDS and secondary charts so that we can take care of anything within 30 nautical miles. We also assist the lookouts in verifying contacts.”

By definition, the TOP watch supervisor is under the command of the ship’s Tactical Action Officer (TAO) and provides support to the bridge team.

“I take pride in assisting the navigation of the Navy’s finest warship,” grinned Moses. “I did it on the [USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)] for three years, and I still learn something new in my rate every day.”

Day and night, the COTOP team stays vigilant in helping to ensure Nimitz’ safe passage across the high seas. Tracking and plotting, they quickly identify and assess air, surface and sub-surface contacts, and report them accordingly.

“The rapid tempo of information and the fast-paced environment is what makes the watch go by fast,” said Deknikker. “That’s what I like about it; knowing that what we do is crucial to the ship’s mission.”

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Kelsey Edwards conducts dead reckoning training in COTOP aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

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Life aboard an aircraft carrier can be noisy and chaotic and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is no exception. Transiting the passageway across the aft mess decks can be a testament to the hectic carrier lifestyle, but this June, the chaos halted with an enthusiastic “Hey, how’s it going,” of a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

George Franz, a representative from Navy Auto Source, is the company’s “CARBOSS”. With a friendly grin and a handshake, he welcomes Sailors to his table and gives them the opportunity to purchase brand new cars priced equal to or below a U.S. dealer’s true cost.

“As CARBOSS, I primarily come on board carriers and amphibs and I work hard to get the message out to the crew about a great auto purchase program,” said Franz. “This program gives Sailors the opportunity to order a brand new vehicle, specialized, built for them and shipped out to the city they’ll come back to, all while saving them loads of money.”

Navy Auto Source is a worldwide military distributer of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln and Harley-Davidson vehicles.

“I’ve had people come

to my table and see these prices,” said Franz. “In a lot of cases, these prices are lower than they would normally get on a used model.”

When interested Sailors make their way to the CARBOSS’s table, Franz lets them decide what they want, and starts the process of helping them get the best value for their money.

“When they tell me what they’re interested in, I’ll prepare a no-obligation quotation of the vehicle that shows its net cost,” he explained. “In addition, we have a financial services group that will help the Sailor get financing from various credit unions and manufacturers’ financing. I’m able to offer extra discounts and incentives that are only available while I’m onboard.”

Franz usually embarks with different U.S. Navy warships six to eight times a year, offering deals and discounts to Sailors across the Navy.

“So far, I’ve taken a lot of quotes and two orders, and this is only my third day here,” said Franz. “One Sailor wants to get a new Harley-Davidson so he’s going to fill out an application and I will submit it to our financial services group.”

Navy Auto Source is a program approved by Congress, implemented by the Department of Defense, and audited by the Navy Exchange to give Sailors the best deals with the most comfortable delivery.

“It keeps the Sailor from having to undergo the dog-and-pony show typically found at a stateside dealer,”

said Franz. “We guarantee the lowest price for these vehicles even up to 14 days after the Sailor picks up his delivery. If the customer was to find a lower price, we’d match it, but in the four years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never seen it happen.”

For every vehicle purchased through the CARBOSS, Nimitz’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation department will receive a commission, which will be put toward MWR programs, services and events.

“I feel it’s my way of giving back to the military for what the military does for us,” smiled Franz. “I’m able to provide a service that offers American vehicles for America’s heroes.”

Franz will continue to ride with Nimitz during RIMPAC, and will depart from the ship when Nimitz reaches Pearl Harbor. In the meantime, he will happily greet and sit down with Sailors who are interested in making the first step toward seizing this rare opportunity.

“I enjoy this because I like helping people,” said Franz. “When I come on board a carrier, there are no strangers; just 6,000 new friends.”

For more information, visit the CARBOSS’s table on the aft mess decks.

Navy Auto Source represenative George Franz, currently embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), sits ready to help Sailors with the process of purchasing vehicles.

CARBOSS Helping Nimitz Sailors Get WheelsStory by MC3 Ian CotterPhoto by MCSN Jesse Monford

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Branch Health Clinic Bangor officially reopened with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony June 14 after completing a significant 17-month facility upgrade.

The complete renovation has revamped and remodeled the facility.

“We made it,” said Cmdr. Christian Wallis, BHC Bangor officer in charge. “Seventeen months ago we broke ground before this day. There are two reasons to hold this ribbon-cutting. One [reason] is to reflect on all we have gone through to reach this point, and it’s been a lot. There’s been noise, electrical outages, a number of moves, even emus to deal with. We did it with class, style, and professionalism. We have been flexible, dedicated and shown perseverance not only by our staff, but also by our patients. Through all the disruptions, our beneficiaries still think we’re the best.”

The clinic now has a well-organized 21st century layout with additional exams rooms, as well as associated medical and dental services in close proximity resulting in greatly improve patient flow.

“The previous layout had become cumbersome as all of our medical and dental services have expanded over the years. Our new layout provides staff and patients with a better design that automatically improves patient flow throughout the clinic. We also have improved patient care and our clinic staff can now operate as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Wallis.

The new interior design is more than just cosmetically appealing with a consistent visual appearance throughout all spaces. The renovation conducted an architectural re-design of the entire health clinic based on the concepts of Medical Home to completely improve patient and provider flow while upgrading facility services. The recapitalized of 2.8 miles of square footage allowed an

increase of clinical space including additional exam rooms, a second optometry eye lane and a four man audio booth. The redistribution of provider staff and reengineering of work flow processes to accommodate two-part physical exams reduced patient wait times by more than 50 percent while increasing patient throughput by 25 percent.

The increase in clinical space has also allowed the implementation of a new Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Team (SMART) clinic to provide comprehensive treatment and management of musculoskeletal injuries within the family medicine clinic.

“This was an important project because it helps take care of our people; our Sailors on the waterfront and their family,” said Capt. Pat Rios, Navy Facilities Northwest commanding officer. “There is usually nothing worse to an engineer than an occupied renovation, especially a medical center. But this project worked out very well.”

According to Wallis, the clinic renovation was handled in four phases for a cost of $7.4 million and resulted in little or no degradation in services. Additionally, due to the detailed planning, coordinating and communication between three organizations working together on the projects, the renovation was completed three months ahead of schedule. The effective planning of the clinic helped maintain a 94 percent customer satisfaction rating and 99 percent access to care rating while being upgraded.

“Usually during a ground breaking ribbon-cutting ceremony there are guest speakers, but we are all ‘guest-thankers’ today,” said Capt. Christopher Culp, Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) commanding officer. “What a remarkable achievement it was to continue through dealing with everything from jackhammers to emus during the renovation project to provide for our patients and keep morale high.”

Bangor Health Clinic ReopensBy Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

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Channel 29Channel 8

1000 / 2200

Repo Men

1200 / 0000

Million Dollar Baby

1400 / 0200

Letters to Juliet

1600 / 0400

Just Wright

1800 / 0600

Splice

0800 / 2000

Robin Hood

Channel 6Channel 5

Knight and Day

The Day After

Tomorrow

Killers

The Rock

The A-Team

G.I. Jane

Journey 2: Mysterious

Island

Madea’s Family Reunion

Act of Valor

One for the Money

Office Space

John CarterMacGruber

Shrek Forever After

Cats/Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore

Marmaduke

Prince of Persia: Sands

of Time

Death at a Funeral

2 - AFN Sports3- AFN NEWS 4 - AFN XTRA5 - 8MM MOVIES6 - 8MM MOVIES7 - 8MM MOVIES8 - ROLLER9 - DVD TRAINING10-FLIGHT DECK11-CNN29-DVD MOVIES