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March 29, 2012 Vol. 37, No. 11

TRICAREDentalUpdate

MetLife has been awarded the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) contract and will begin administering TDP benefits on May 1, 2012. For Family members already enrolled in the program, no further action is needed to be covered under the MetLife umbrella. For new enrollees, they must enroll with an initial premium payment by the 20th of the month for coverage starting the first day of the month following the date of receipt. For example, if the premium payment is recieved by April 20, coverage will be effective May 1. For more information on the MetLife program, please refer to: mybenefits.metlife.com/tricareor the ship's TRICARE representative, Lt. Weiss.

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is scheduled to hold a change of command

ceremony today at 10:00 a.m.Capt. Jeffrey S. Ruth will relieve Capt. Paul O.

Monger as commanding officer.Monger assumed command of Nimitz Aug. 24,

2009. Since then, the ship completed a deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and finished its Docked Planning Incremental Availability (DPIA).

“It has been a true privilege to serve as commanding officer for such a historic and storied ship,” said Capt. Paul O. Monger. “I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and dedicated crew to serve with. They have made me proud every day of my tour.”

Ruth reported to Nimitz following his tour as the Fleet Readiness Officer of Commander Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet, in San Diego.

“To say this ship and crew have a sterling reputation would be an understatement,” said Ruth.

Capt. Paul O. Monger Capt. Jeffrey S. Ruth

Story by MCSA Vanessa Y. David

USS Nimitz changes command today

see "COC" on page 9

Things You Didn’t Learn in High School

LCDR Richard Townes

Lessons come from the strangest places. While searching the internet several years ago I came upon this list of things not taught in high school, then, as fate would have it, my son-in-law sent them to me again, only this time they came via Facebook. I took that as a sign, so I have posted them below for you to enjoy – slightly “Navy-ized”.

Lesson 1: Life is not fair – get used to it.

Lesson 2: The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Lesson 3: You will NOT make $40,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-presi-dent with a huge stock option until you earn both.

Lesson 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss (or a chief).

Lesson 5: Flipping burgers (or sweeping the deck) is not beneath your dignity. Your

grandparents had a different word for burger flipping – they called it opportunity.

Lesson 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault (or the Navy’s), so don’t whine

about your mistakes, learn from them.

Lesson 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents’ generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Lesson 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Lesson 9: Life (the Navy) is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time !

Lesson 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Lesson 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.

To this end, St. Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3, “Now we command you, brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day that we not be a burden to anyone of you…for even when we were with you, we would give you this command; If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. To such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”

Not bad advice if you ask me. Isn’t it amazing what you can learn if you just listen?

Public Affairs OfficerLCDR Karin BurzynskiMedia Division Officer

LTJG Jason ScarboroughMedia LCPO

MCC Mike JonesMedia Production Chief

MCC Mike JonesEditor

MC3 Ashley Berumen Lead Designer

MCSA Ryan MayesMedia Dept

MC2 Michael ColeMC2 James Mitchell

MC2 Vladimir PotapenkoMC2 Mark Sashegyi

MC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Jacquelyn Childs

MC3 Ian CotterMC3 Andrew Jandik

MC3 Shayne JohnsonMC3 Jacob Milner

MC3 Glenn SlaughterMC3 Thomas Siniff

MC3 Nichelle WhitfieldMC3 Devin Wray

MCSN Christopher BartlettMCSN Renee Candelario

MCSN Alexander Ventura IIMCSA Jessica LewisMCSA Vanessa DavidMCSA Ryan Mayes

Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. 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.

Commanding OfficerCAPT Paul MongerExecutive Officer

CAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master ChiefCMDCM Teri M. McIntyre

Chaplain's Corner

Chemical Biological and Radiological (CBR) technicians from Griffin

Technologies are aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) conducting fitting tests for Nimitz Sailors from March 26 until April 6.

The fitting tests are being conducted for the new CBR equipment Nimitz will be receiving. The CBR gear is used to protect Sailors from any chemical, biological or radiological attacks.

The CBR technicians are conducting the fitting tests on new CBR equipment in Wardroom 1 and 2 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fitting tests are conducted for every Sailor who has not been fit tested at a prior command.

“Prior to coming here we submit a list to the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) of all the personnel that have not been previously fit tested and then we will send them through to get it done,” said Keenan Ellis, CBR Fit Test Coordinator. “You may have someone from a command prior to this one and they have been fit tested.”

They arrived with a variety of equipment

to test the gas masks for a proper fit.“Our job is to try to get most of them

cause you don’t want the ship to try and get 300, 400 people in one day,” said Ellis. “With one machine you can get three people in one hour, if you’re really good you can get five.”

“We’re going to train shipboard personnel so when we’re gone they can take care of the new personnel,” said Ellis. “We do the fit testing and then leave one machine, so that you can conduct fit testing on your own because of the amount of people that you have.”

The technicians first check what size boots, gloves, trousers and jacket fit each Sailor. Then they will check the size mask necessary by conducting a series of tests while each Sailor is wearing a mask.

“For the fit testing we run you through a series of five tests, two minutes each,” said Ellis. “It’s just a normal progression to see if you will break the seal.”

After the last day of fit testing it will take approximately 30 days to collect the proper gear together, said Ellis.

“All this equipment is going to be

personalized for each Sailor; the trousers, boots, coat and of course the mask,” said Greg Gibson, Fit Test Technician. “Next time you go on deployment you will have the latest and greatest of CBR equipment.”

Aviation Electronics Technician Ayrton Arwood is fitted for a Chemical Biological Radiological (CBR) mask by Greg Gibson, a CBR fit test technician, on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz recently arrived to its new homeport of Everett, Wash.

March 29, 20123Page

Nimitz Sailors being fitted for CBR gearStory and photos by MC3 Thomas Siniff

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are fitted for Chemical Biological Radiological (CBR) suits.

March 29, 2012 4Page

Nimitz Sailors get early start on PRT

Chief Electrician’s Mate Joshua Moore performs the run portion of the physical readiness test (PRT) at Naval Station Everett. The early PRT kicked off on Wednesday March, 28 for Sailors who will be unavailable for the Cycle 1 Physical Fittness Assessment. Nimitz recently arrived to its new homeport of Everett, Wash. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Milner/ Released)

Read the rest on Nimitz' blog.

March 29, 20125Page

An island between the peaks

Between the Olympic Peninsula and the Everett area of western Washington lies a winding isle known as Whidbey Island. � e largest island in Washington State, Whidbey is dotted with

farms, shore towns, and parks. Being surrounded on all sides by towering mountains, the island also o� ers

some of the more breathtaking views in the state.

A hiker treks along an embankment by the shore of Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island, Wash.

On a cloudy Monday morning, I hopped into my car and drove o� to Mulkiteo where the ferry to Whidbey was waiting. Unlike the Seattle-Bremerton ferry, the ride to Whidbey Island only took 20 minutes, and upon arrival in Clinton, I headed north to see just how much this 35 mile-long strip of land could o� er.My � rst stop was in a small coastal town called Langley. Famed for its abundant whale sightings, the town is both quaint and comfortably claustrophobic, with winding inter-alley sidewalks linking the main street stores with the more hidden shops between the rustic buildings. With an art gallery, antique shops, specialty shops and even a market-general store combo the little town surprisingly has a lot to o� er. Heading north along State Route 525, the forests on either side of the road quickly dissipated revealing marshland and tall blu� s along the coast. Ebey’s Landing begins in

the marshes and

extends up the coast past the Port Townsend ferry tapering o� at a particularly large blu� at the edge of the island. � e marshland hosts a variety of wildlife as well, including deer, kestrels, and even bald eagles.Less than a mile up the road from the ferry sits Fort Casey, an abandoned coastal artillery battery built in the 1890’s that now serves as a historical park. Fort Casey still displays its disappearing guns, which could move up over the fort or behind its walls for protection, earning their name. Along with Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island and Fort Worden in Port Townsend, these batteries created a “Triangle of Fire” which was originally intended to sink enemy ships as they attempted to enter the Puget Sound. As I explored the fortress, a group of elementary school children on a � eld trip bounded over the hill and began to climb all over and examine the Fort. As they explored the old ammunition storage chambers and peered into the gun barrels, I le� and headed over the hill to take a look at

the Admiralty Head lighthouse. One of more than 20 lighthouses in the state, Admiralty Head stands

at the north end of Fort Casey and overlooks the Puget Sound

and Olympic mountain range.

Leaving the fort

and travelling on State Route 20, I came upon an interesting fact about Whidbey Island. Just inland from the fort, the landscape changes from marsh to farmland, and the sky opened up bright blue and sunlight poured through the clouds. Whidbey Island lies in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, meaning the central part of the island receives less rainfall than the surrounding Puget Sound area. � is, combined with the fertile soil already on the island, provides excellent agricultural conditions making farm and vineyards possible and abundant throughout Whidbey’s interior.One of the more Sailor-oriented attractions on Whidbey is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Visiting Sailors can watch aircra� take o� and land or go to the base movie theater and catch a matinee. Surrounding the base, the town of Oak Harbor has all of the amenities for the modern Sailor including shopping, lodging and even aviation-themed restaurants and bars. As the day drew to a close I � nally reached the northern point of the island at Deception Pass. � e pass was given its name in 1792 by George Vancouver during his expedition because he had originally thought that Whidbey Island was a peninsula. Most famed for its almost 1,000-foot scenic bridge built in the 1930’s, the pass provides a majestic view of the sound and San Juan Islands.

I parked my car at the bridge and headed down into Deception Pass State Park where

I followed a mile-long beach to the western point of the park and watched the sun set as planes took o� and landed at the Naval Air Station to the south. I’d travelled the whole island, from bottom to top and spent a whole day just travelling 35 miles. � ere’s something about that island. Maybe the size, or the community mentality; perhaps the scenery is what draws visitors in. Something about Whidbey sets it apart from the Olympic Peninsula to the west and the mainland to the east, making it a truly unique little island to discover.

The Deception Pass bridge provides automobile transit from Whidbey Island to the mainland and borders Deception Pass State Park.

(Left) Admiralty Head lighthouse, a landmark at Fort Casey, is accessible to tourists who want to learn more about the history of the structure.

(Right) Fort Casey, at the edge of the Puget Sound, was built in the 1890s as a protective measure in case enemy ships tried to attack by entering the sound.

On a cloudy Monday morning, I hopped into my car and drove o� to Mulkiteo where the ferry to Whidbey was waiting. Unlike the Seattle-Bremerton ferry, the ride to Whidbey Island only took 20 minutes, and upon arrival in Clinton, I headed north to see just how much this 35 mile-long strip of land could o� er.My � rst stop was in a small coastal town called Langley. Famed for its abundant whale sightings, the town is both quaint and comfortably claustrophobic, with winding inter-alley sidewalks linking the main street stores with the more hidden shops between the rustic buildings. With an art gallery, antique shops, specialty shops and even a market-general store combo the little town surprisingly has a lot to o� er. Heading north along State Route 525, the forests on either side of the road quickly dissipated revealing marshland and tall blu� s along the coast. Ebey’s Landing begins in

the marshes and

extends up the coast past the Port Townsend ferry tapering o� at a particularly large blu� at the edge of the island. � e marshland hosts a variety of wildlife as well, including deer, kestrels, and even bald eagles.Less than a mile up the road from the ferry sits Fort Casey, an abandoned coastal artillery battery built in the 1890’s that now serves as a historical park. Fort Casey still displays its disappearing guns, which could move up over the fort or behind its walls for protection, earning their name. Along with Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island and Fort Worden in Port Townsend, these batteries created a “Triangle of Fire” which was originally intended to sink enemy ships as they attempted to enter the Puget Sound. As I explored the fortress, a group of elementary school children on a � eld trip bounded over the hill and began to climb all over and examine the Fort. As they explored the old ammunition storage chambers and peered into the gun barrels, I le� and headed over the hill to take a look at

the Admiralty Head lighthouse. One of more than 20 lighthouses in the state, Admiralty Head stands

at the north end of Fort Casey and overlooks the Puget Sound

and Olympic mountain range.

Leaving the fort

and travelling on State Route 20, I came upon an interesting fact about Whidbey Island. Just inland from the fort, the landscape changes from marsh to farmland, and the sky opened up bright blue and sunlight poured through the clouds. Whidbey Island lies in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, meaning the central part of the island receives less rainfall than the surrounding Puget Sound area. � is, combined with the fertile soil already on the island, provides excellent agricultural conditions making farm and vineyards possible and abundant throughout Whidbey’s interior.One of the more Sailor-oriented attractions on Whidbey is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Visiting Sailors can watch aircra� take o� and land or go to the base movie theater and catch a matinee. Surrounding the base, the town of Oak Harbor has all of the amenities for the modern Sailor including shopping, lodging and even aviation-themed restaurants and bars. As the day drew to a close I � nally reached the northern point of the island at Deception Pass. � e pass was given its name in 1792 by George Vancouver during his expedition because he had originally thought that Whidbey Island was a peninsula. Most famed for its almost 1,000-foot scenic bridge built in the 1930’s, the pass provides a majestic view of the sound and San Juan Islands.

I parked my car at the bridge and headed down into Deception Pass State Park where

I followed a mile-long beach to the western point of the park and watched the sun set as planes took o� and landed at the Naval Air Station to the south. I’d travelled the whole island, from bottom to top and spent a whole day just travelling 35 miles. � ere’s something about that island. Maybe the size, or the community mentality; perhaps the scenery is what draws visitors in. Something about Whidbey sets it apart from the Olympic Peninsula to the west and the mainland to the east, making it a truly unique little island to discover.

(Top) The marshlands of Ebey’s Landing are abundant with wildlife and scenic views.

(Bottom) A cargo plane lands at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on the northwest corner of the island.

March 29, 2012 8Page

Naval Station Everett parking remindersStory and photo by MC3 Jacob Milner

As Naval Station Everett (NSE) welcomes Sailors from USS

Nimitz (CVN 68), base personnel would like to stress that there are a few rules regulating the use of parking lots on and around base.

While parking limitations at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton were mainly limited by the controlled industrial area and rank, NSE’s limited area and lack of space will add more restrictions to traffic patterns, parking areas and access.

“Alpha parking is for all hands,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Brandy Brossard. “That goes from the main gate on the left hand side, all the way to the reserve center. Anyone can park there, and it is also where long term parking is allowed.”

This will be the only area for all hands parking aside from the Commons parking area and the Navy Exchange, said Master-at-Arms 1st class Joel Brown.

“Bravo lot is located right in front of building 2000,” said Brossard. “Medical and building 2000 patrons are the only vehicles allowed here

and overnight parking is not allowed here. You will be ticketed if you park there, and you will be towed if you’re parked there for too long.”

Along with the different lots, security personnel would also like to stress the importance of other rules and regulations when transiting NSE.

“All parking lots, unless otherwise posted, have a speed limit of ten miles an hour,” said Brown. “The stop signs for the parking lots are not vertical. They are painted on the ground. We have work orders in to have them repainted, but just realize and be vigilant when walking or driving.”

When dropping off others in the morning or picking them up, there are certain areas to avoid.

“All areas off of Spruance Boulevard which is the road that leads down to the ship are considered to be industrial areas,” said Brossard. “Recycling, corrosion and steam plants are all areas where we don’t want to see pedestrians and only want people who need to be there.”

“I know it’s not fun to walk to the

ship,” said Brown. “We have quite the walk here and the weather in Washington isn’t the best, but wharf access is limited to vehicles with wharf access passes only. Pass and I.D. deals with that and issues the passes.”

After Nimitz Sailors deploy they will need a place to store their vehicles. Base security can cover that also as long as it’s handled in the correct way.

“When ships get ready to deploy, you can do long term parking through the Pass and I.D. office,” said Brossard. “We understand that registration expires while you’re on deployment. We are not trying to boot people’s cars while they are out on deployment, serving the mission. If you get the proper paperwork done, we’re going to take care of you while you’re gone but you have to work with us and go through the right channels so we know that it’s your car.”

For more information on Naval Station Everett rules and regulations visit http://www. cnic.navy.mil/everett/index.htm.

Sailors assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) walk down Spruance Blvd. following liberty call March 27.

March 29, 20129Page

“This is a fantastic ship – a true testament to Capt. Monger for all the outstanding efforts put forth during the overhaul period.”

Ruth graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He reported to Flight School at Naval Air Station Pensacola later that year, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in January of 1988.

Ruth made two deployments to the Western Pacific aboard the USS Ranger (CV 61) for his first fleet assignment with the Bountyhunters of VF-2. During his second deployment, he flew 43 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm.

In 1994, he earned his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School (NPS/TPS) Co-op program.

Ruth has served as the F-14D Project Officer at Naval Air Warfare Center, Point Mugu, Calif., he joined the Patriots of VAQ-140 and completed deployments with both the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He also deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy where he flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation Allied Force.

From 2003 to 2005, Ruth deployed to the Persian Gulf on board USS Enterprise (CVN 65), assumed command of

VAQ-137, and served as the Navigator on board USS George Washington (CVN 73). In 2008, he reported aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) where he served as the executive officer until December 2009. From August 2010 until 2011, he commanded the U.S. 6 Fleet’s flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).

200 Years Ago

Learn moreby visitinghttp://ourflagwasstillthere.org

March 25, 1812

Spies and SiegesThe Centinel in Gettysburg, Pa., publishes the following brief concerning alleged British spy John Henry:“On the very day that Henry communicated to government his plot, Congress passed a law placing $100,000 ofSecret Service money in the hands of the President.”From the following extract, from the Federal Republican, it appears highly probable that Henry had alreadyhandled nearly half of this money:“When Mr. Henry passed through Baltimore on his way to Washington, he had little or no money but received100 dollars from his correspondent in New York. He remained upwards of a week at Washington and in theneighborhood. On his return to Baltimore he called with a friend at a Bank in this city and produced a certificatefrom an officer of the Bank at Washington that forty eight thousand dollars had been deposited in said bank to hiscredit. On this certificate, the Cashier of the Baltimore Bank gave him drafts, &c. on a Bank in New York where Mr.Henry’s business lay and whence he informed his acquaintances here he was to sail for Europe in the Wasp."American “Patriots” underMajor General Thomas Pinckney (pictured) and Colonel Thomas Smith lay siege to St.Augustine, Fla. The action follows a previous foray into Florida by the “Patriots,” in which militia troops occupiedFernandina and declared Florida as United States territory.The Siege of Badajoz continues.

continued from page 1COC: Ruth relieves Monger in ceremony today

The bell to be used on Thurs. will announce the arrival of the new Commanding Officer. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Christopher Bartlett)

See next week's issue

of Nimitz News for a

full coverage view of today's

ceremony and events!

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy's High Year Tenure (HYT) program is a force management tool used to size and shape the active-duty and Reserve enlisted force, officials said March 26.

HYT sets the maximum number of years an enlisted Sailor may serve based on rank before he or she must advance, separate or if eligible, retire.

"High Year Tenure assists in force management by limiting the number of years a Sailor may serve without showing professional growth via the advancement system," said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist John Gigliotti, Navy Total Force Policy Advancement Planning for HYT Policy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

By limiting how long Sailors can remain in the Navy, the HYT program increases advancement opportunity for high-performing Sailors across paygrades and Length of Service (LOS).

"HYT policy recognizes Sailor performance by separating Sailors who have not advanced after a set amount of time," said Gigliotti. This gives other Sailors who are performing at or above Navy standards better advancement opportunities, because the Navy advances Sailors to fill openings in the next

higher rank. Actively working towards advancement to the next higher pay grade is critical, because advancing is the only way a Sailor can maximize the length of their career."

Command master chiefs may exceed 30 years of service with certain provisions, according to Gigliotti.

Continuing beyond 30 years isn't associated with the advancement system like E1 to E9, but it is associated with incentivizing professional growth and increased responsibility for senior enlisted leaders in command leadership positions for flag/general officers.

Officers are not subject to HYT, but instead limited to statutory service limits by paygrade. In addition, the Navy uses other force-shaping initiatives to manage the officer community, including the Selective Early Retirement Board and Probationary Officer Continuation and Redesignation Boards.

HYT waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis for approval. Requests to continue beyond a Sailor's current HYT date in support of an urgent and immediate operational requirement, in a deployed or soon to be deployed unit, or in an undermanned rating have the best chance of being approved.

All waiver requests for active-duty and Reserve Sailors must arrive at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) ten months

prior to the service member's HYT date.Gigliotti encourages Sailors to

take advantage of every advancement opportunity possible. Command Career Counselors can advise Sailors on what's required to be advancement eligible, show them how to study and assist them with getting the study material they need for their rate and pay grade.

MILPERSMAN 1160-120 is a revision of the HYT policy that will incorporate both active-duty and Reserve policy, and will be effective July 1, 2012.

For more information, visit the HYT Web Page on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil/CAREER/RESERVEPERSONNELMGMT/ENLISTED/Pages/HYT.aspx or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or 1-866-827-5672.

Ensuring Sailors are fully aware of the issues that affect their careers is an important element of the continuum of service area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

Understand High Year Tenure to maximize your career

March 29, 201211Page

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy wrapped up its largest annual security exercise March 23 after a week of training designed to test the service's ability to respond to nation-wide threats to its installations, units, personnel and families.

The exercise, known as Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield (SC-CS) 2012, was led by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and began March 19.

"Our intent was to accurately simulate real-world conditions, and to assess how our forces operate in that environment," said Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander of USFF. "Overall, it was a resounding success and a large part of that can be attributed to the lessons we've learned from previous years."

One of the takeaways from last year's exercise was that sudden increases in security could have a major impact on traffic caused by personnel entering and exiting local bases under increased scrutiny.

"Whenever you have Sailors and other citizens in a gridlocked situation outside of a Navy base, they're in an environment where they're vulnerable," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, USFF's director for operations and intelligence. "We opened up our lines of communication and worked with state and local officials to ensure everyone -- both service members and local residents -- understood how base access could be affected and the potential for delays on adjacent highways and roads near naval installations. We

also took many important steps to reduce the likelihood of gridlock."

"I am very impressed with the professionalism and support our Navy received from our civil partners around the country during this exercise," said Adm. Harvey. "We began reaching out to state, local and tribal officials weeks ago to make sure everyone that might be affected by the exercise understood our intentions and make them aware of how we could work together to avoid problems. They really came through and did a superb job!"

The two exercises, each with a distinct focus, occurred simultaneously and trained and tested security force personnel throughout a number of force-protection scenarios. These scenarios ranged from identifying surveillance to large-scale, multifaceted threats originating from the sea and air. Security forces were assessed on their response to the emerging threats.

Information was collected throughout this year's exercises and will be assessed to identify tactics, techniques and procedures that can be improved going forward.

Exercise SC/CS 2012 was not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise.

Training evolutions like SC/CS 2012 are important elements of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.

NEWPORT, R.I. (March 20, 2012) Local emergency responders attend to simulated casualties during the mass-casualty portion of an active-shooter training scenario at Naval Health Clinic New England during a Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2012 training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Dietrich/Released)

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

Navy concludes Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2012

March 29, 2012 12Page

Nimitz softball team strikes out competitionStory by MC3 Jacquelyn Childs

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) dominated play

at the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor softball field March 25 during the Early Bird softball tournament.

The Sailors from Nimitz’ Air Department blazed through the opposition at the MWR-sponsored event, walking off the field with 2nd place honors.

“It was the first tournament we have played this year,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 1st Class Nicholas Janda, ROCO’s coach and left fielder. “I felt we played a lot better than I thought we would. We had four new players due to people checking out and one of the guys we had playing last year is currently IA.”

The tournament consisted of nine teams from all different divisions playing in an intense double elimination competition. Nimitz’ team ROCO came in second to a team made up of civilians

and contractors that were above ROCO’s division level.

“They are really good,” said Janda. “In my opinion they shouldn’t have even been in this tournament. We’ve played against them a few times and beat them once.”

On top of the tough competition, this was also the team’s first time getting to play for awhile and the players feel they performed extremely well given that fact.

“I think we did well for not playing in the past four or five months,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Kyle Brown, first baseman, who’s been playing

with the team for two years.The team from Nimitz has a winning

record of 79-24 for the past 12 months including placing in a few different tournaments.

They won first place in the regular softball season in the Bremerton-Fall League last year and went on to take second place in the all-division tournament. They also took first place in the Northwest Military Championship in Everett, Wash., last year.

“Since we all know each other and work together the team gets along very well,” said Janda. “As a coach I don’t let the guys yell at each other because it brings them down and they just mess up again.”

Since all the players on the team are in the Air Department and work together on a daily basis, they know each other well and get along.

“We work very well as a team,” said Brown. “There’s a lot of good communication. We work together on the boat and it creates a good atmosphere on the field.”

The team practices as much as they can and plan on winning some more games and tournaments in the future.

“We play hard,” said Brown. “Every tournament we go to we go in expecting to win.”

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) softball team poses after taking first place at a Northwest all-military softball tournament June 26 at Naval Station Everett, Wash.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class James Timanus, a player from USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) softball team, swings at the ball during a softball tournament June 26 at Naval Station Everett, Wash.