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GROWLTHE GATOR

BATAAN SECURITY RECEIVES TASERS

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 10CWO2 BURT COMPLETES IRON MANMWR REVAMPS GYMNASIUM

The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by Bataan’s Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services at sea. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

Commanding OfficerCaptain John “J.C.” CarterExecutive OfficerCaptain Eric N. Pfister

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SW/AW) Scott HarvillePublic Affairs Officer MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis Herring

News Team 5MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis HerringMC1(AW/SW) RJ StratchkoMC1(AW/SW) Julie Matyascik

MC1(AW/SW) Gary Prill MCSN Caleb StrongSN Raymond Minami

Layout and Design MCSN Caleb StrongEditors MC1(AW/SW) RJ Stratchko & MC1(AW/SW) Gary Prill

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NOVEMBER 2015 MWR Activity Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1. Ferguson Center: Mavis Staples & Joan Osborne Solid Soul 1900 C&E Gun Show Scope Arena Time: 0900

2. Harvest Festival Hunt Club Farm – All Day Event

3. Norva: Pepper With Ballyhoo 1830 Menopause The Musical Sandler Center Show time: 1930

4. Virginia Beach Forum The Honorable Allen B. West Sandler Center Show time: 1930

5. Virginia Symphony Orchestra: An Innocent Man Ferguson Center Show time: 2000

6. Norva: Papadosio 2000 Norfolk Admirals: Greenville Swamp Rabbits 1930 Harrison Opera House: La Boheme 2000

7. Norva: Future & Pusha T 2000 Norfolk Admirals: Wheeling Nailers 1915 Funny Bone: John Heffron 2000

8. Patty LaBella Ferguson Center Show time: 1900 Sandy Bottom Nature Park: Scavenger Hunt 0930

9. 10. Norfolk Admirals: Elmira Jackals 1915 Wells Theatre: All My Sons (Various Times) Funny Bone: Place Hold 2000

11. Norva: Gwar with Born of Osiris 2000 Chrysler Hall: The Wild Kratts Live 1830 Funny Bone: The Sloth Show 2000

12. Munich Symphony Orchestra Ferguson Center Show time: 1930 Norva: GTA with K Camp 2000

13. Norva: Slightly Stoopid with Stick Figure 1930 Bodacious Bazar and Wine Festival: Hampton Roads Convention Center 1000

14. Chrysler Hall: Ron White 2000 Tommy Emmanuel Sandler Center Show time: 2000 Funny Bone: Aries Spears (Various Times)

15. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Ferguson Center Show time: Various Norva: Dustin Lynch & Chris Lane & Tyler Rich 1930

16. 17. Sinatra sings Sinatra Ferguson Center Show time: 1930 Chrysler Hall: Ambassador Nancy Brinker 1830

18. 19. Norva: Krs-One 2000

20. Sandy Bottom Nature Park: Campfire Fun & Wetland Hayride 1630 Scope Arena: Big Time Wrestling 2000

21. Blue Moon Harbor Lights Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Final Mile Norva: The Legwarmers 2000 Trace Adkins: Sandler Center Show time: 2000

22. The Oak Ridge Boys Ferguson Center Show time: 1900 Funny Bone: Godfrey (Various Times)

23. 24. 25. Norfolk Admirals: Greenville Swamp Rabbits 1915 Chrysler Hall: Tmannheim Steamroller Christmas 1900 Funny Bone: TBA 2000

26. Civil War Tours: Private James Cook Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel Show time: 1930

27. Norfolk Admirals: Manchester Monarchs 1930 Norva: Monica with Rico Love 2000 Funny Bone: Gary Owens (Various Times)

28. Norfolk Admirals: Manchester Monarchs1915 Norva: The Last Bison with The Hunts 1930 Funny Bone: Gary Owens (Various Times)

29. Norva: Borns 1930

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YOU’VE EARNED ITDON’T WASTE IT

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NORFOLK, Va. – USS Bataan is the first amphibious ship to have her Sailors go through taser training and use tasers for security.

“Bataan’s Security Officer reached out to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) for this opportunity and he was able to get it done,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jerome Cargill from Birmingham, Ala. “The taser provides another option for us.”

According to the deadly force continuum, deadly force should only be used as a last possible resort. The taser adds another option before deadly force must be used.

“The taser allows us to handle situations without causing permanent harm with the baton or having to pull out our weapon,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Josh McCloud from Pikeville, Tenn. “It is another weapon in our arsenal.”

The taser is effective because it leaves you immobile.

“Your whole body shuts down for a short time,” said Cargill. “Your muscles lock up and you can’t do anything, you can’t move.”

“The taser works really well for incapacitating someone you can’t control,” said McCloud.

Along with learning about the weapon, Bataan Sailors also went through a course in which they were subjected to the taser in a controlled environment.

“There is nothing fun about getting tazed, nothing at all,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Britney Manigault from Easton, Pa. “It’s like getting shocked by one of those battery powered pens, but imagine it multiplied by one thousand.”

“It’s like touching an electric fence, only it’s a lot worse,” said McCloud.

“My whole body shut down and the only way to move was to hit the ground,” said Cargill. “It only lasted 5 seconds, but it felt like the longest 5

seconds of my life.”Everyone agreed the taser’s effects are

not pleasant, but it only lasts a moment. Even though, they all thought it to be one of the best tools in their job. This will be an effective addition in security.

BATAAN WATCH STANDERS RECEIVE TASERS

Story by MCSN Caleb Strong

• Tasers provide a safety benefit to watch-standers, as they have a greater deployment range than batons, pepper spray or empty hand techniques. This allows watch-standers to maintain a safe distance.

• The Taser fires two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductive wire as they are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges.

• The air cartridge contains a pair of electrodes and propellant for a single shot and is replaced after each use. There are a number of cartridges designated by range, with the maximum at 35 feet.

• The electrodes are pointed to penetrate clothing and barbed to prevent removal once in place. Earlier Taser models had difficulty in penetrating thick clothing, but newer versions use a “shaped pulse” that increases effectiveness in the presence of barriers.

USS Bataan Deck Department Sailors are installing 74, Mark 7, 25-person life rafts, aboard the ship. Though the ship has the capabilities to carry 142 rafts, only 74 are required in order to get underway.

The Mk-7 is constructed of polyurethane coated nylon with radio frequency welded seam construction. It is inflated by a breathable air inflation system which will fully inflate the life raft in less than 30 seconds, in minus 22 degrees. We currently have the life rafts on a five-year service interval, with a 0.005% failure to inflate rate after the five-year certification cycle.

The current survival equipment is as follows:First Aid Kit: • Contains various wound dressings for combat related injuries, sunscreen,

lip balm, anti-seasickness medicine, aspirin, as well as, wire splint, arm sling, eye first aid kit, surgical scissors, and forceps.

Flare kit: • 6 Mk-124 day/night flares, 2 sets (14 cartridges) of Mk-79 pen gun type

flares.Other Signaling Devices: • Whistle, sea dye marker, glass signal mirror, and 2 or 3 D-cell flashlights

with spare batteries and bulbs.Other Survival Gear: • Fishing kit, 12 emergency blankets, standard military pocket knife, bailer,

sponges, 2 sets of leak clamps, spare sea anchor, manual air pump, paddles, 2 quart water storage bags, pressure relief valve retainer.

Sustenance: • 25 3-day food packets, 25.5 liter graduated nalgene bottle of water,

and military version of the PUR Survivior-35 manual reverse osmosis desalination kit.

LIFE RAFTS

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NORFOLK, Va. - USS Bataan’s flag football team, Team Alpha, came to an 18-13 last-minute victory against USS Abraham Lincoln’s team, the Bull Dogs, on Oct. 23, 2015.

After the high stakes game, Bataan’s coach, Information Systems Technician 1st Class Lamar Gordon expressed his pride in the team in their first championship win.

Out of 17 games played, with 15 wins and two losses, Team Alpha ended this game and wrapped up their short season, which lasted from August to October, on a high note.

The last play of the game saw Team

Alpha on the defense, guarding the goal line with five seconds on the clock.

“We wanted it (the victory) more,” said Gordon. He explained that due to Bataan’s strong defense, the Bull Dog’s quarterback couldn’t make his last few throws of the game connect.

Team Alpha took this championship seriously, as well as every game leading up to it.

“We were the most disciplined team in the league. We never disrespected another team that we were up against or a referee because of a play call,” said Gordon.

Team Alpha used their free time during weekends to meet and practice, starting as far back as June in hopes to secure this victory. Obviously it paid off for them.

After the game both teams received trophies for the tournament, as well as each player receiving a participation

trophy, which was presented by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

Team Alpha presented their coach and “Team Mom” with an “Outstanding Coach” plaque to show appreciation for all their hard work in keeping the team motivated, together and for organizing and scheduling practices all while keeping the team fresh by washing their uniforms throughout the season.

The team also presented Electronics Technician 2nd Class Anthony Shepler with an offensive most valuable player (MVP) trophy. Shepler was injured during the season and was not able to participate in the championship game, yet was on the sidelines rooting the team on.

After their decisive victory, Alpha team got together at a local restaurant to celebrate together and enjoy some food.

Story by MCSN Raymond Minami

BATAAN’S ALPHA KENNELS LINCOLN BULLDOGS

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NORFOLK, Va. – As USS Bataan (LHD 5) Sailors continue to make strides in returning the ship back to full operation, some of the crew spent a few days recently assisting Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) in the ship’s gym.

Although it’s a space that didn’t receive large renovations, the ship’s gym did receive upgrades and repairs to include a fresh coat of paint, new floor tiles, updated and replaced equipment and repairs to faulty equipment.

As Bataan Sailors make great strides completing renovations and preparing the ship for its future missions, time is spent taking care of areas that are important to the crew’s morale. Among those spaces to also see use in the near future are the berthing and galley, scheduled to be open before the end of the month.

“Most of what we’ve done to the

gym is replacing equipment that was damaged,” said Kizzy Dunbar, Bataan’s Fun Boss. “We will also be putting in updated equipment for items that have outlasted their use-life or just out dated.”

Along with replacements to equipment that is damaged beyond repair, MWR will host a technician to visit the ship and repair the remaining equipment in order to ensure its use for the future.

“The tech will be designating four days to the repair of broken equipment in the gym, to include the boxing machine among others, said Dunbar. “During this time he would also like to teach a group of Sailors basic maintenance of the equipment, like changing belts and minor parts, in order to maintain functionality when a tech cannot come out for repairs.”

In the future MWR has plans for a few more new pieces to join the already vast

gym equipment. The main piece being purchased is a speed ball machine, in response to the numerous requests on deployment.

“We will continue to take suggestions for new equipment,” said Dunbar. “And although Navy Fitness does not support “Cross Fit”, the command may be able to purchase equipment to outfit a small area for that also.”

Among the many changes will be extending the new floor matting to the vestibules on either side of the gym for Sailors who would like to do body weight workouts to include push-ups and sit-ups.

For future changes or to request equipment stop by the MWR office on the ship or talk with your department MWR Reps.

Story by MC1 Gary Prill

BATAAN RECEIVES NEW GYM EQUIPMENT

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Two of our Navy’s ships have been named Bataan, after the Bataan Peninsula, the scene of the Battle of Bataan in 1942 in the Philippine Islands. There is the current amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), and there was the light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29), commissioned on November 17, 1943. Weighing in at 11,120 tons and 622 feet long, she fought in the Pacific campaigns of World War II, then saw action again in Korea in 1952.

The first Bataan (CVL-29), was originally projected as the Cleveland-class light cruiser Buffalo (CL-99), but was re-designated CV-29 and renamed Bataan in June 1942. Her keel was laid down in August 1942 at Camden, N.J.

by the New York Shipbuilding Corp. then re-designated CVL-29 in July 1943. The ship was finally launched on August 1, 1943, sponsored by Mrs. George D. Murray. She was later commissioned November 17, 1943 with Capt. Valentine H. Schaeffer in command.

After shakedown training in the Chesapeake Bay, the crew reported to the Pacific Fleet. In her initial engagement of WWII, Bataan’s aircraft supported the attack on Hollandia (currently known as Jayapura), New Guinea, in April 1944.

After numerous other missions, Bataan was then returned to the United States for repairs. Following the completion of her repairs, she joined Task Force 58 and participated in the fleet raids in support

HISTORY OF OUR PREDECESSOR

Landing signal officers on the deck of the light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29), during the Second World War.

A U.S. Navy Grumman TBM-3W Avenger of Anti-Submarine Squadron VS-871 is launched from the light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29). VS-871 was reserve squadron which was called to active duty on 1 July 1951. Two years later, it was re-designated VS-37 “Rooster Tails”.

of the Okinawa operation in the spring of 1945.

Again after numerous missions, Bataan’s crew returned to the United States, arriving at New York in October 1945, and was assigned to “Magic Carpet” duty. In January 1946 she arrived at Philadelphia to prepare for inactivation and was taken out of commission and put in reserve in February 1947.

Bataan was recommissioned on May 13, 1950 at Philadelphia. In July 1950, she stood out for San Diego, and upon arrival she loaded Air Force cargo and personnel, and departed in November for Tokyo Bay. She arrived in Korean waters in December, and until June 1951 her aircraft flew strikes in support of

ground forces.Bataan steamed to Bremerton, Wash.

in July for overhaul. In January 1952 departed for Yokosuka, Japan, and then to Buckner Bay, Okinawa where she conducted air exercises and other training maneuvers off Okinawa until April, when she sailed for Korean waters. Bataan continued operating between Japan and Korea throughout the summer of 1952 carrying personnel and supplies to the fighting area and launching strikes

against the enemy. She later returned to the San Diego

area undergoing overhaul and training July 1953. Then she sailed via Pearl Harbor to Kobe and Yokosuka, Japan, and then back to the United States where she reported for inactivation in August 1953. She went out of commission in reserve on April 9, 1954 at San Francisco, Calif. She was stricken from the Navy List in September 1959, and was sold for scrapping in May 1961.

HISTORY OF OUR PREDECESSOR

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A U.S. Navy Grumman TBM-3W Avenger of Anti-Submarine Squadron VS-871 is launched from the light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29). VS-871 was reserve squadron which was called to active duty on 1 July 1951. Two years later, it was re-designated VS-37 “Rooster Tails”.

The U.S. Navy light aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL-29) underway in January 1952 with Vought F4U-4B “Corsair” fighter-bombers of VMF-312 “Checkerboards” on board. The photo was taken as she was working up in preparation for her second Korean War deployment.

Captain Valentine H. Schaeffer, USN, the carrier’s Commanding Officer, cuts the cake at a reception following her commissioning ceremonies, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 17 November 1943. Looking on are Philippine Commonwealth Vice President Sergio Osmeña and Miss Rosie Osmeña.

Bataan Public Affairs wrote a story on Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Burt who was training for an upcoming Iron Man. His training was worth it because the race was not a walk in the park.

What were some challenges you faced in preparation for the Iron Man?

“The biggest challenge going into it was I wish it had been eight weeks prior. The month of September and the beginning of October I had a bunch of things that distracted me from my training. I was much more prepared at the end of August going into September than I was coming in here October 17th.”

“The day before is the most nerve wracking, stressful thing ever. It’s was a point to point race, so you never go to the same place twice. You have to make sure that your stuff is pre-staged at each transition location. If you forget something, like your running shoes or your bike shoes, then you’re done. Your race is over.”

What was most difficult about the 2.4 mile swim?“Each discipline had its own challenges. The first 10 minutes of the swim I thought I was going to die. I thought, what am

I doing here? I have no business being here. You’re in the froth; it’s a mass start so everybody is getting elbowed, punched and kicked. Its not on purpose but you’re scrambling to get out. You’re swimming way faster than you trained to swim and you’re getting hit.”

“I’m trying to breathe and I am breathing in salt water. I go up to take a breath and a wave hits me. I breathe in more water and I’m starting to choke. I’m having a mild panic attack. I’m 400 yards in and I’m out of breathe and I remember looking over and seeing the sun rise. I’m thinking I’m getting ready to die and this is the last thing I’m going to see. So I held up, pulled back and side stroked for a little bit. I let the majority of the racers get away from me, calmed myself down and I started swimming my race. I finished the swim, which was a fast swim because it’s with the tides, but still it felt like forever. It was an hour and twenty minutes on the swim.”

What was most difficult about the 112 mile bike race?“I changed from swimming, jumped on the bike, started riding and about eight miles into my 112 mile bike ride, I

crashed. We where all grouped up and we’re going down the interstate where the left lane is closed. There are orange cones blocking that lane off. The left lane is all bikes and we’re riding four and five abreast right next to each other, real tight. You have to have good bike control. On the right side is normal traffic speeding by at 70 miles an hour. It made me a little nervous. I was riding on the right side because I was one of the slower bike riders. My strategy going into it was that I was going to cruise on the bike. I’m not going to press it very hard on the bike, I just want to maintain above 16 miles per hour

and that should give me about eight to nine hours to do the run, which I can walk it if I need to.”

“I’m riding and this guy passes next to me. I look over at him and I look back. By the time I look back one of the cones had gotten kicked in a little bit and I went smack into the cone. I flipped over and in my mind I did this sick ninja move to save my bike, but in reality I probably looked like a tub of guts just sprawled out. I got road rash all over the side of my leg and my arm and my shoulder.

The first thing I did was jump up to make sure I didn’t get hit by any bikes or by the cars. Then I got over on the shoulder. I

checked to make sure I still had my high gear functioning and then I jumped on the bike, started pedaling again and made up some time.”

“Mentally, I was very shaken at that point. This was not how I wanted the day to go. Nothing

really hurt yet and I was really trying to ignore that piece of it.”

“Around mile 80 I was like, I think I got this. At that point, I made up the time that I had lost when I crashed and I maintained a 17 miles per hour pace and I had plenty of juice left for the run.”

What was the most difficult obstacle about completing the 26.2 mile run?

“I started the run and my back started to spasm. It’s never done that before. My legs felt

really strong, but my back was like, ‘no, no, no’. One of the aid stations had icy hot, so I put some icy hot on my back. I took some Motrin and I started to just run between the aids stations. I finished the run in about six hours. I finished the run at about 10pm and I started the Beach2Battleship at 7am, so it was about 15 hours total.”

What advice do you have for new runners?“Challenge yourself. Go out and do races. Have fun with it. Don’t be so concerned with the distance or

the time, just go out and enjoy yourself. ‘Can’t’ should not be in your vocabulary.”

Why did you do the Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon?“This was my first one. I thought it would be fun. I had always been a runner and doing the bike and

swim could mix it up a little bit. It was my 40th birthday this year, so this was my challenge to myself.”

“There are a few things on my bucket list in life that I wanted to do and this was one of them. I wanted to prove that anyone can do this, specifically I can do this and I wanted to show my kids and set an example

for them that there is nothing in life they can’t accomplish if they want it.”

MOTORCYCLEPPE.COM

FOOL’S GEAR COOL GEAR

FACE SHIELD

GLOVES

JACKETS & PANTS

BOOTS

BOTTOM LINE

Impact or shatter resistant safety glasses, goggles, wrap around glasses sealing the eye, or face shield properly attached to the helmet.

Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.

Dress for the ride as well as the crash.Proper riding gear allows you to enjoy the ride in comfort and helps minimize injury.

Keep hands comfortable, functional and protected with full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle.

Riders and passengers shall wear a long sleeved shirt or jacket and long trousers.

HELMETMost important gear a rider can use.

HEADNever expose!

EYES, EARS & FACEExposure can lead to irritated eyes, noise-deafening winds and being distracted by debris such as being hit by bugs.

HANDSWill not withstand abrasion.

BARE LIMBSExposure can lead to injuries such as road rash should a crash occur.

FLIP FLOPSNever expose toes and feet to potential contact with road surfaces, shift lever, brake pedal, or footrests; this can lead to injury.

BOTTOM LINEFool’s gear identifies an unaware rider. Learn how to avoid embarrassment, ridicule and injury by completing a MSF rider course.