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May 26, 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 14

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage

meal

Crowds of Sailors and their Tigers flocked to the flight

deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to witness flight operations as part of an air display put on by the ship and Carrier Air Wing 11.

“It was good,” said Lt. Russell A. Lawrence, Nimitz’ Handler. “It seemed like [the Tigers] enjoyed it. It’s always good to show friends and family what we do.”

Spectators to the air show witnessed F/A-18 Super Hornets (fast) overhead as well as launch and recovery operations and helicopter operations.

“It was a safely executed event thanks to the crew and the

cooperation of all of the Tigers,” said Lawrence. “We had no issues with FOD (foreign object debris) or encroachment into the landing area.”

Lawrence also explained that the event was a good opportunity for the crew, since many Nimitz Sailors are rarely able to witness flight

Nimitz puts on air show for Tigers, SailorsStory by MC3 Ian Cotter

See AIR page 3

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors and their families watch an F/A-18 Super Hornet launch during an air show on the flight deck. Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.

Three-hundred and eighty-two Sailors learned yesterday that they were selected for promotion

aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).There was an increase of more than 100 Sailors

selected for promotion to petty officer from the last cycle to include 225 for 3rd class, 127 for 2nd class and 30 for 1st class.

“I got the bibs and looked over them for about three months,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Ryan Biehl, who was recently selected for promotion to petty

officer 3rd class. “Any chance I had in my shop, I asked as many questions as I could. I’m super excited and ready to be a leader.”

Beihl was able to share his excitement on making rank with Tigers he brought on board.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Donna Martin, Biehl’s Aunt. “He’s a hard worker. I hope he does the Navy well.”

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Greg Hutchinson, who was recently selected for promotion to petty officer

Navy-wide advancement results announcedStory and photo by MC3 (SW) Thomas Siniff

See ADVANCED page 6

Commanding OfficerCAPT Jeffrey S. Ruth

Executive OfficerCAPT Buzz Donnelly

Command Master ChiefCMDCM Teri McIntyrePublic Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin Burzynski

EditorMC3 Ashley Berumen

Lead DesignerMC3 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.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (AW)Jerrel McKissick was awarded USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sponsor of the Month by CMDCM Teri McIntyre, Nimitz’ Command Master Chief. The Sponsor of the Month program provides an added incentive for Nimitz sponsors. McKissik is the first recepient of the award and was recognized for the high quality sponsorship he provided to Sailors checking on board Nimitz.

USS Nimitz names Sponsor of the MonthPhoto by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Memorial Day message to the fleet May 24.

“Shipmates and Navy families,Across our great country this

weekend, Americans will revel in the opening act of summer with burgers on the barbecue, road trips to an array of destinations near and far, and recreational pursuits drenched in adrenalin or draped in tranquility. Many will pause to reflect on the supreme sacrifice made by those quintessential heroes of liberty; our sons and daughters who selflessly laid down their lives in the name

of the nation’s cloth. Memorial Day festivities unite us in uniquely American celebrations of patriotism and freedom, made even more profound by a decade of sustained valor on the front lines.

Regardless of how you choose to observe Memorial Day, I encourage each of you in uniform and the devoted families who stand beside you to take a well-deserved sense of honor in your own loyal service. You are part of something bigger than yourself ... a precious embodiment of the ideals etched in history by men and women who gave their last breath defending the things we hold most dearly. You fortify us with the force of personal courage, the durability of unshakeable resolve,

the precision of noble purpose and the endurance innate in our sacred oath to defend the Constitution. You are truly the source of America’s military strength.

For more than 236 years, veterans like you have marched, sailed and flown into the violent storms of war to preserve our sovereign interests at home and abroad. They fought and died for friends, family and our flag. A republic survives only so long as such people pledge allegiance to protect its posterity with nothing less than their lives. We must never forget that conviction or fail to recognize the warriors whose blood left behind on the battlefield represents eternal proof of their own immortal faith in our country.

MCPON sends Memorial Day messageSpecial from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West

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operations from the flight deck.“I’ve never been on the flight

deck during flight ops before, so it was really cool to see all of the jets,” said Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Derrick M. Costley who accompanied his father-in-law to the flight deck and vulture’s row to watch the demonstration. “It’s awesome to see how much teamwork and skill it takes for everyone on the flight deck to be able to do what they do.”

Costley’s father-in-law Richard

Getz, a correctional officer from Attwater, Calif. came to Nimitz to experience first-hand what his son-in-law does for a living.

“I was looking forward to it; I’ve never been on an aircraft carrier before,” said Getz. “Actually seeing the planes land and take off instead of just watching them on film is an awesome experience.”

Coincidentally, Getz’s father-in-law worked at Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia and helped build and install Nimitz’ reactors before the ship

was commissioned.“Up close, you get to experience

the power of the jets,” said Getz. “You have to be there; television can only do so much.”

Getz expressed his excitement in being able to join Costley for the Tiger Cruise.

“When I found out I was going to be able to come out for the Tiger Cruise, I felt like a kid who couldn’t wait to open presents on Christmas Day,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Continued from Page 1

AIR : Tigers enjoy a free show from Nimitz’ flight deck

Sailors and their families watch from the tower of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during an air show as helicopters perform above the flight deck. Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.

Flight crew members from USS Nimitz (CVN-68) standby on the flight deck during an air show put on for the crew’s family and friends. Photo by MCSN Christopher Bartlett.

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Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Wallace Pelesasa serves food to Sailors during a National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month meal in the aft galley.

Nimitz celebrates diversity

Story by MC3 Ashley BerumenPhotos by MCSN Jess Lewis

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Hawaiian music echoed throughout the hangar bay

yesterday as USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Multicultural Committee hosted a ceremony to celebrate National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Sailors and their Tigers gathered as the ceremony speakers commemorated the accomplishments not only of Asian Americans serving in the military, but of those throughout American history.

“The United States is the most diverse nation on earth, and Asian Pacific Americans are certainly an important and valuable addition to the priceless blend of American families,” said Lt. Karen Woo.

Woo, whose parents were born in Hong Kong, serves on board as Nimitz’ first Chinese American surgeon. Woo has more than 15 years of medical experience including five years of general surgery training.

“Our ancestors have abandoned their homelands to risk bright and prosperous futures here, preserving your cultures and traditions in the land of the free and home of the brave,” said Woo.

Today nearly 90,000 Asian Pacific Americans are currently serving in active and reserve forces, said Woo.

“I marvel at the expanse of cultures we, as a nation, honor this month,” said Woo. “All cultures are different, and while we are a small group within this powerful nation, we nevertheless have a large impact.”

The speakers also highlighted the diversity of service members throughout the country.

“By taking the oath, each of us has pledged to take these differences and apply them to our common goal of defending our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” said Nimitz’ Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. “Together we are stronger as a Navy and as a nation.”

The event concluded with the cutting of an 80-pound cake as well as an Asian inspired meal prepared by the ship’s culinary specialists.

“Remember, the sacrifices these pioneers have made to the Navy and what it is today,” said Ruth. “Find the strength in that remembrance to carry on the mission.”

The Multicultural Committee holds monthly observances to honor the diversity of the nation. For more information on how you can get involved, look for email announcements for meetings and upcoming events.

Members of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Multicultural Committee cut a cake celebrating National Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month along with Nimitz’ Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth and CMDCM Teri McIntyre, Nimitz’ Command Master Chief.

Culinary Specialist Seaman Jose Gomez prepares Pan De Coco for Sailors and their families before a National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month meal.

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3rd class, also had a Tiger on board. Hutchinson took the test three times before making rank on this exam.

“I’m pretty excited,” said Hutchinson. “I had my dad with me when I found out. We have a basic aviation ordnanceman book and my wife helped me with the note cards. I’ve been waiting for this day to come. I wanted to make my grandpa proud, he’s the reason I joined the Navy.”

Some Sailors were trying hard to catch up with others they checked on board with.

“I put in the effort to where I wanted to be, luck had nothing to do with it and I’m very happy to catch up to my peers,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class (SW) David

Taylor, who was recently selected for promotion to petty officer 2nd class.

Many Sailors were able to celebrate with each other when they found out they advanced, but there are those who did not make it and will have to wait for the next cycle.

“Try to study hard and make your evaluation better,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Emma Millan. “Education is a big part, if you have an associates or bachelors degree.”

Sailors have just more than three months to prepare for the next advancement exam. They can check their profile sheets to see where they need to improve and ask those who advanced what they studied.

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) check the advancement lists posted on a bulk head in the aft mess decks to see if they have advanced.

Continued from Page 1

ADVANCED: Sailors move up in rank

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Capt. Jeff Ruth, Commanding Officer of USS Nimitz, named Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Lauren Powers, Sailor of the Day, May 25 in the Pilot House. (Photo by MCSN Jess Lewis)

USS Nimitz’ Sailor of the Day

An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 takes off from the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for a scheduled air show to entertain the civilians and Sailors on board. Photo by MCSN William Cousins.

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Channel 7Channel 6

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