Nimitz at sea for first time since December 2010The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

(CVN 68) departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5, to conduct sea trials and complete its homeport shift to Naval Station Everett, Wash.

The ship has been in Bremerton for the past 15 months conducting a Docked Planned Incremental Availability where the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Ship’s crew completed a $239 million maintenance package that included upgrades to the carrier’s self-defense, combat, navigation and potable water systems.

Story by MCSA Vanessa David

Nimitz makes VITA program available while underwayThe Legal Department on board USS

Nimitz (CVN 68) is offering Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) in the library from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

The complimentary service will be available throughout the month of March for Sailors, while the ship is underway.

Four Sailors from different rates volunteered for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsored program. VITA that trains those who desire to prepare basic tax returns in less privileged communities across the country.

“We started with a lot more

volunteers, but the certification process is really difficult,” said Lt. Adrienne Sadosky, Nimitz’ Deputy Command Judge Advocate and VITA site coordinator. “You only get two chances to take each test, and if you fail, there’s no way to get you to the certified level.”

Although the path to certification is not easy, volunteers on board find enjoyment in helping Sailors file their taxes and have found valuable knowledge that will continue to benefit them after their time in service is complete.

“This made me so happy,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Augustine Ilomuanya. “There

was a Sailor who came here for help with his taxes. He used a professional service last year that charged him 400 dollars and didn’t get him his maximum return. We walked him through the itemized option and earned him 400 more dollars on his return than in the previous year – at no charge.”

The volunteers learned a lot of helpful information during the training process.

“There are a lot of things that I didn’t know before becoming a part of this program,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd

Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5 to begin sea trials. The underway marks the first time the ship has been to sea since its Docked Planned Incremental Availability. Photo by MC3 Robert Winn/Released.

Story by MCSA Vanessa David

See "Underway" page 4

See "Taxes" page 3

Page 2March 7, 2012

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are scheduled to take part in the Petty Officer 2nd Class Navy-wide advancement exam on the ship’s forward mess decks, tomorrow.

The Navy-wide advancement exams take place for qualified enlisted Sailors E-3 to E-5 twice a year. The exams test Sailors’ knowledge in areas of basic military regulations and in-rate training.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Alejandro Santana adopted solid plan early. “I feel prepared for this exam,” the Modesto, Calif., native said. “I reviewed the material for two hours each night and hit the books after each PT session for the past two months.”

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Victor Aquino prepared for the exam by studying in a group. “We had a lot of hands-on training,” the Los Angeles native said. “I also attended study sessions with my magazine group. Using flash cards was helpful too, so I feel pretty confident about it.”

Hands-on training was beneficial to Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Bailey. “Usually I’ll ask one of my first classes to give me

a demonstration,” the Pocahontas, Ill., native said. “If I work out of the books, I write it down. I have filled several notebooks already.”

Early preparation is crucial because it allows Sailors to spread the study sessions out and avoid stress, explained Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jessica Williams. “I started studying for this exam before Thanksgiving,” the Edgefield, S.C., native said. “I will also make sure to get enough sleep and eat breakfast that

morning too.”If he doesn’t advance from this

exam Bailey plans to immediately prepare for the next. “I have never failed a test, so I’ll probably focus on getting a better [evaluation] if I don’t make it this time,” he said.

Sailors taking the exams are expected to be in their seats at no later than 6:30 a.m.

For bibliographies and other advancement-related material, visit the Navy Advancement Center website at www.nko.navy.mil.

Nimitz Sailors to take on Advancement ExamStory by MCSA Vanessa Y. David

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) take part in the Petty Officer 1st Class Navy-wide advancement exam on the ship’s forward mess decks, March 1. U.S. Navy Photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II/Released

Commanding OfficerCAPT Paul MongerExecutive Officer

CAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master Chief

CMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMCSA Vanessa David

Lead DesignerMC3 Nichelle Whitfield

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.

Page 3 March 7, 2012

Class Nathan Woody, a VITA volunteer. “If you find a dollar on the street, you have to file it into your taxes. You can claim plane tickets if you’re on active duty, even if it was a flight for leisure. This is because we’re separated from our families. You don’t get the full reimbursement. You’ll get two or three percent back, but that’s still something.”

The services on board encompass most issues that apply to thosein the military, but there are some issues that are out of their scope of jurisdiction.

“We can handle most situations that I’ve come across,” said Sadosky. “We can handle Sailors who have a house and a kid, but we tend to stay away from things like foreign income. If our internet access is working, we will do state taxes, but what our certification is limited – you can’t be certified in every state. If they’re beyond our ability to prepare them, we refer them to a professional tax service. ”

For more information about the VITA program, visit the ship’s library or go to http://www.vita-volunteers.org.

Taxes: Crew given free quality service on boardContinued from front page

Learn more by visiting http://ourflagwasstillthere.org

“The talent and professionalism this crew demonstrated in getting our ship underway is a testment to the hard work, training and dedication of all hands during our maintenance period,” said Nimitz Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul O. Monger. “This crew is confident in their abilities and in the work the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard/Nimitz team accomplished over the last year. We are ecstatic to be at sea again, and Nimitz is even more capable and effective than any time in her 37 years of service.”

While underway for sea trials, Nimitz is scheduled to test its equipment and procedures to include conducting high-power steering evolutions, testing the ship’s weapons and combat systems and conducting damage control drills.

“The most important thing about sea trials is to go out to sea, shake the Nimitz up and make sure that repairs that we completed were done correctly,” said Master Chief (SW) James Webster, Nimitz’ Engineering Leading Chief Petty Officer. “We went through DPIA and we’ve had so many new systems installed on board to make the equipment operate more efficiently, and the personnel have received adequate training on the new systems in place.”

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brent Hammond said the sea trials get junior Sailors up to speed. “It makes us more functional as a unit. We’ll know what’s expected of us, and we’ll be less likely to have any incidents, as a result. After we arrive in Everett, we’ll have a normal routine, and that’s a really good thing. ”

Continued from front page

Right- Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5 to begin sea trials. Photo by MCSN Jessica Lewis/Released.

Underway

Nimitz gets Underway From Bremerton ... to Everett...

Sailors pull in the mooring lines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, March 5 to begin sea trials. Photo by MCSA Vanessa David/Released.

Quartermaster 3rd Class Tyler Shear stands barring taker watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5 to begin sea trials. Photo by MC3 Nichelle Whitfield/Released.

Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton March 5 to begin sea trials. Photo by MC3 Robert Winn/Released.

Nimitz gets Underway From Bremerton ... to Everett...

Page 6March 7, 2012

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) partnered with the ship’s Morale Welfare and Recreation and S-2 division to host an ice cream social for the ship’s crew on the aft mess decks March 1.

The JEA planned the event to raise the crew member’s morale, said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Revisa Bell, JEA’s treasurer.

“The ship’s morale is very important to us,” said Bell. “Collectively as a group, the JEA thought of an ice cream social to get people’s mind off of work for a while. We threw the ice cream social because we wanted to do something for our people and take care of our own.”

The JEA worked closely with the ship’s S-2 division to acquire the ice cream and set up for the event.

“S-2 division was an enormous help to getting this event going,” said Bell. “We really appreciate that they provided us the ice cream and some man power to set the event up. They even trained us on the proper attire while serving and cleanliness to ensure none of the food is contaminated.”

The ship’s MWR provided karaoke for the event. “I thought the event was really fun,” said Aviation

Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Makeda Harrison. “Just hanging out in the mess decks with my friends and

eating ice cream was great. The karaoke was also a great addition. My favorite part was when the Chaplain played with his harmonica. It’s not every day you get enlisted and officers just having fun with each other.”

For a few Sailors, the event was a way to escape from the stress their jobs demand of them.

“The ice cream social really made my day better,” said Seaman Apprentice Deja Davis. “I needed to laugh. I’ve been on watch and working all day which was really stressful. Whenever we all can get together and have fun is great.”

As the ship prepares to return to sea the JEA is planning to throw more events.

“I really appreciate what the JEA is doing and look forward to more of their events,” said Harrison. “I liked everything they put together for us, and appreciate how they are trying to help other people out.”

The JEA is welcoming any Sailor E-1 to E-5 to join the organization.

“We encourage more people to join our committee,” said Bell. “The JEA is a voice for the junior Sailor. As a group, our goal is to work together to enhance the quality of life for the crew.”

JEA’s next scheduled meeting is March 19 in the first class mess.

JEA builds morale: hosts ship ice cream socialStory and Photo by MCSN Alexander Ventura II

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) serves ice cream to the ship’s crew on the aft mess decks. The JEA collaborated with the ship’s supply division and Morale Welfare and Recreation to host an ice cream social to increase the crew’s morale.

Page 7 March 7, 2012

Speaking to the fleet during a worldwide All Hands Call on board USS Bataan (LHD 5) which was televised and web-streamed live to the fleet March 5, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the establishment of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative.

The secretary explained that the initiative consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness. The programs are divided into five categories, or “areas”; readiness, safety, physical fitness, inclusion, and continuum of service.

“The new defense strategy will put increased responsibilities on the Navy and Marine Corps in the years to come,” the secretary said. “You are the department’s most essential asset, and it is the duty of the department’s leadership to do all we can to provide each individual Sailor and Marine with the resources to maintain that resiliency.”

Various programs fall under the readiness area, all of which help ensure we have the most mentally prepared service members and family in department history.

Continued emphasis on the responsible use of alcohol, zero tolerance for drug use, suicide reduction, family and personal preparedness, and financial and family stability all work together to prepare Sailors, Marines and their families for the challenges that they may face and reinforce healthy alternatives on liberty or off-duty. A new initiative will include breathalyzer tests when Sailors stationed onboard ships, submarines and at squadrons report for duty and randomly elsewhere to reduce the occurrence of alcohol related incidents that can end careers and sometimes end lives. This month, the Navy will begin random testing of urine samples for synthetic chemical compounds like Spice.

The initial testing will be conducted by a contracted laboratory, with the Navy Drug Screening Laboratory capable of conducting in-house testing later this year. Every positive result on a urinalysis for synthetic drugs

will be sent to NCIS for investigation. Synthetic chemical compound drug use impacts a Sailor’s career and family. Sailors found to have positive urinalysis results and possession of synthetic chemical compounds like Spice will be punished under the UCMJ.

“We will enable and support our Sailors and their families. I am extremely proud of our people,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. “We have a professional and a moral obligation to lead, to train, to equip and to motivate them. Our personnel programs deliver a high return on investment in readiness.”

In addition to ensuring the readiness of our Sailors and Marines, the initiative will aim to make the Navy and Marine Corps the safest and most secure force in the department’s history. All personnel in the fleet should expect to work in a safe environment, free from harassment or hazards, and when confronted with these, have the resources available to immediately correct the problem.

The Department of the Navy (DoN) continues to work aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable. Part of this effort is implementing new training at multiple levels in both the Navy and Marine Corps.

A recent program, the Bystander Intervention (BI) course, which is part of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, began in January for all A-school students. BI is intended to educate Sailors that, as bystanders, they have the power - and responsibility - to intervene in a potentially harmful situation, regardless of rank. BI training is part of a larger strategy addressing changes in attitudes and behaviors in the Department of the Navy. SAPR training for Navy leadership and the fleet is in development.

Everyday Sailors and Marines do a great job of managing risks on-duty, proven by FY 2011 being recorded as the safest in terms of operational fatalities.

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

SecNav Addresses Fleet

To finish this story and get more information about the Secretary of the Navy and the speech transcript, visit www.navy.mil. “Secretary of the Navy Announces 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative”

Page 8March 7, 2012

Nimitz Movie List

6 p.m.

6 a.m.

4 p.m.

4 a.m.

2 p.m.

2 a.m.

12 p.m.

12 a.m.

10 a.m.

10 p.m.

8 a.m.

TIMES

Juno

5

Juno

30 Minutes Or Less

30 Minutes Or Less

40 Year Old Virgin

40 Year Old Virgin

Funny People

Funny People

Bride Wars

Bride Wars

Old School

Old School

Precious

6

Precious

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones

Brothers

Brothers

Up In The Air

Up In The Air

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire

The Social Network

The Social Network

Immortals

7

Immortals

No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men

The Strangers

The Strangers

The Fourth Kind

The Fourth Kind

Inglorious Bastards

Inglorious Bastards

Super 8

Super 8

8 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012

BCA 1st Week of April

PFA1st & 2nd Week of April