Vol. 2 Issue 31May 24, 2013

ReturnTHELINETO

Continued on page 3

As the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrives within King Neptune’s domain and prepares to pay homage by ridding our

mighty ship of slimy pollywogs, it is important to remember those who have come before. The trusty shellbacks, members of Neptune’s court and keepers of this time honored naval tradition.For three chiefly shellbacks on board Nimitz, this

year will mark the 20th anniversary of their initial line crossing ceremony aboard the same ship they now call home.Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling)

Michael Hayes, Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Alan Pecsan and Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Daniel McMurtrey crossed the line together as junior Sailors in 1993 aboard USS Nimitz. It was an experience that forged memories, which endure to this day.“They woke us up at 0400…in the morning, which

was followed by a breakfast of peanut butter and jelly,” said Pecsan. “After that you start dressing up and standing by your rack.”An early wake-up call would only be the beginning

of a day filled with events originally designed to test the fortitude of the ship’s company.“Chief(Pecsan) and I met on the flight deck,” said

McMurtrey. “We crawled on our hands and knees

Story by MC3 George J. Penney IIICover photo provided by ADC Daniel McMurtrey

Commanding OfficerCAPT Jeff S. RuthExecutive Officer

CAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master Chief

CMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMC2 (SW) Jason Behnke

Lead DesignerMC3 George J. Penney III

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.

DC3 Timothy Rak

Story and Photos by MC3 Raul Moreno Jr.

Damage Controlman 3rd Class Timothy Rak, a local of Queen Creek, Ariz., was named Sailor of the Day aboard the aircraft carrier

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) May 23.Rak was commended based on his performance

as high pressure and air repair locker technician. Rak’s dedication to his demanding duties helped in the restoration of the ship’s high-pressure filter assemblies and air booster pump assemblies. He also took charge in training junior Sailors and ensured that self-contained breathing apparatuses would be available at all times.

According to Rak, being Sailor of the Day is another big accomplishment to go along with his selection for 2nd class petty officer. “I love where I’m at right now,”

said Rak.Aboard Nimitz, his pastimes

include watching movies, playing videogames, and working out. Rak joined the Navy on July 2,

2008 after going to high school. He also said the military has been in his family for generations. Both his father and his uncle have served in the Navy. “I’m following my uncle’s

footsteps more than anything because he was also a damage controlman,” he said.Today, Rak’s plans stretch beyond being a damage

controlman. “I’ve been wanting to become a Navy SEAL for a

while now,” said Rak.His hopes are high for receiving extra training,

putting in a special warfare package, and sees Rota, Spain, as part of his future.His overall devotion to his duties led to his

selection as Sailor of the Day, and although Rak’s time aboard Nimitz hasn’t been the easiest. “When times get tough, just keep pushing,” he

said.

SAILOR DAYOFTHE

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Continued from page 1while worshipping King Neptune, after which we were taken to the elevator to be sprayed by the hoses.”Throughout the years, the ceremony has taken on

many shapes and forms, but as Hayes recalls, the 1993 ceremony was not for the faint of heart.“It was a lot different,” said Hayes. “I remember

being stuck in the stockades while garbage was being dumped on my head. It was a lot harsher than it is now.”Beneath it all, when the ceremony is stripped to

its core, it is about sharing the experience with your fellow Sailors and building a sense of camaraderie while deployed.“It can definitely be a bonding experience if you

do it right,” said Hayes. “It can bring people closer together. The key is go with the flow, because it is meant to be fun. It can be something that people talk about for days, weeks, months or years.”This sentiment, shared by all three chiefs, harkens

to our own traditions here on Nimitz.“It is very teamwork based,” said McMurtrey.

“Relying on one another is a big part of the ceremony.”Although the 2013 ceremony is optional for all

hands, Pascan believes it to be a tradition that helps bring people together.“It is a bonding experience, like joining a

fraternity,” said Pascan. “We laughed together and

it brought us together. The experience helped to boost my morale because it was fun and different.”A sense of togetherness hits home as all three

men prepare to celebrate the occasion, while a new group of pollywogs prepare to crossover the hallowed line.“I am glad I am still with Chief(McMurtrey),

and that the three of us will be taking part in the ceremony,” said Pecsan.King Neptune’s hordes have gathered to cleanse

Nimitz’ pollywog infestation. Within his court, three battle-tested shellbacks stand united by shared experiences and years of loyal service.

AA Michael HayesCourtesy of 1993 Cruise Book

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The crashing and thudding of aircraft launches and recoveries are as much a part of the daily routine of being underway

as chow lines and cleaning stations. Behind the scenes, though, aviation boatswain’s mates (fuel) (ABF) work feverishly to keep the aircraft fueled and ready for flight operations. “We work during flight operations,” said Airman

Esmeralda Silvestre, of Van Nuys, Calif. “After our first recovery we go down and fuel the birds. We run the hoses out, make sure the bird is electrically grounded and find their starting load. That determines how much fuel we put in.” Being responsible for fueling the aircraft aboard

the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) can be a rewarding endeavor. “I feel like I’m a big contributor to supporting

our mission and the air wing,” said ABF3 Kyle Brown, of Gorham, Maine. The hours can be long and the equipment is

heavy. Being a purple shirt can be difficult at times.“The most challenging aspect of my work is

driving hoses to aircraft that aren’t near the fuel station,” said Silvestre. “The hose feels 10 times heavier than I am and there are couplings on it that you can’t let drag.”

Working in the pump rooms below decks brings a host of challenges as well. “There is a lot of maintenance to perform,” said

ABF3 Shelby Slone, of Roseberg, Ore. “It can be a challenge, diagnosing all of our equipment.”

While the work can be tiring, it offers unique benefits.“When you’re fueling and planes are landing

you pretty much have a front row seat for the launches,” said Silvestre. “ When it’s night you can see the jet exhausts as they take of. It’s beautiful. People back home don’t get to experience anything like it.” Although the work may not be for everyone, for

some, it is more than a mere rate. “Some people really love it,” said Silvestre.

“You can tell it’s what they’re about and what they’re here for. Our Chief still comes out and helps us with the hoses sometimes.” Slone said her rate, along with all aviation

boatswain’s mates, require a particular type of

Story and Photos by MCSN Nathan McDonald

Page 4

individual to thrive.“You have to be attentive,

patient and motivated,” said Slone. “You’re on your feet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”ABF3 Jason Comer, of

Sahammish, Wash., said accomplishing the mission is their primary concern. “You have to be willing to do

whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Comer.

“”

It’s beautiful. People back home don’t get to experience anything like it.

SilvestrePage 5

Photos ByMC2 (SW) Robert Winn

(Top Left)MC3 Derek Volland

(Right)MC3 Raul Moreno Jr

(Bottom Left)

THEAROUNDDECK PLATES

HTFN Chase Olson adjusts the flow of air to his torch in the pipe shop.

MA2 John Kuchler supervises a Sailor fire an M240 machine gun during a crew-served weapons shoot from the fantail.

AE1 Joseph Corelli is interviewed by a member of the Media department in the hangar bay.

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