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NNS080122-09. Carl Vinson Sailors Emphasize Electrical Safety Awareness
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Monika Rios, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) began a weeklong electrical standdown Jan. 18 in an effort to provide refresher training on the potential dangers of electricity in shipboard environments.
The standdown was organized by the ship's leadership to heighten awareness and prevent mishaps as the crew makes preparations to move back aboard the aircraft carrier in late 2008.
Lt. Daniel Davignon, Carl Vinson's electrical officer, is leading the event and reemphasizing proper procedure and protocol from both a technical and operational standpoint.
"Using proper procedures and protective gear at all times may not only reduce the severity of a mishap if it was to occur, but it may very well prevent a mishap from happening all together," said Davignon. "All hands are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment throughout the ship, and routinely reeducating shipmates on how to effectively do this will go a long way with mishap prevention."
Davignon has a key message for Carl Vinson crew members in the effort to remain safe with electricity in shipboard environments.
"If you are not aware of your surroundings, you are doing nothing to prevent mishaps from occurring," said Davignon. "Always remain vigilant and continue to be observant of your surroundings."
Thus far, Carl Vinson Sailors who have attended the stand down classes have come away with a renewed respect for the dangers with electricity aboard ship.
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Kenyea Hamlin, a member of the ship's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance department, said the information helped her think about the simple dangers of a shipboard environment that Sailors can easily take for granted.
"None of us can afford to take our environments aboard ship for granted," said Hamlin. "Electrical safety awareness should be part of everyone's daily routine."
But even for the pros, the Sailors who work around electrical environments every day as part of their jobs, the training served as a reminder of the things they must do to keep safe while on the job.
"A basic reminder of safety precautions can only have a positive effect for Sailors," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Thomas Carlisle, of Carl Vinson's Combat Systems Department. "Today's training reminded me that getting the job done right means doing it safely."
Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.
For more news from the USS Carl Vinson, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.
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NNS080122-08. "Gold Eagle" Prepares for SCOOP
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nina Hughes, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Crew members aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the "Gold Eagle," are making preparations for a Shipboard Coordinated On-load and Outfitting Plan (SCOOP) slated to begin Feb. 12 at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard in Newport News.
The SCOOP process involves reloading much of the shipboard equipment removed when the aircraft carrier began its scheduled 40-month refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in 2005, and is one of the largest evolutions the crew will perform before Carl Vinson Sailors move back aboard ship in late 2008.
"Our own Sailors and departments will form working parties to bring necessary equipment back on board," said Senior Chief Ship's Serviceman (AW/SW) Jeffrey Davidson, the ship's SCOOP representative. "Teamwork will be the key to success for this evolution, but that's a trait our crew is known for."
Because some spaces on board are still undergoing the refurbishment process inherent to a RCOH, spaces with locks and proper lighting will be the first to be reoutfitted with equipment.
According to the planners of the SCOOP evolution, starting the equipment on-load process now enables the ship and its crew to facilitate a more seamless crew move-aboard evolution later in the year.
"Taking care of SCOOP within the next couple of months will cause less confusion and more organization with our crew move-aboard," said Chief Information Systems Technician (AW/SW) David Bucko. "There's a lot of organization involved with a SCOOP and we may have to fine tune our processes, but it won't take long for us to establish an efficient routine."
This routine will involve Sailors from every department aboard the aircraft carrier. Those involved in the SCOOP process will work closely coordinated schedules with crew members assigned to refurbishment teams and Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard employees, so space refurbishment and equipment on-load can happen simultaneously.
Once SCOOP is completed, crew move-aboard will begin and the ship will be one step closer in returning to operational status.
"We have a very capable crew, so we can handle all steps necessary to make SCOOP a success," said Bucko. "There's a lot of motivation from our Sailors in doing this right, because there's a general sense of excitement about moving back aboard."
But Bucko said Carl Vinson's crew has an intangible trait that's behind the success of every shipyard evolution; teamwork.
"Our crew takes the phrase 'one team, one fight' to a higher level every day," said Bucko. "This mission is the same as any other we've come across, in that we will undoubtedly succeed by working together."
Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.
For more news from the USS Carl Vinson, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.
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NNS080121-02. USS Taylor Makes Tampa Port Call for Navy Week Events
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Josh Treadwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
TAMPA, Fla. (NNS) -- The frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) arrived at cruise terminal six Jan. 18, to participate in a week of festivities and community service projects during Tampa Navy Week.
The port visit is part of the Navy's commitment to reach out to communities throughout America.
"The crew is really looking forward to the events," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kurush F. Morris. "Tampa has done a nice job of providing entertainment. The city really rolled out the red carpet for us."
To kickoff the week's festivities, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio presented Commander Navy Region Midwest, Rear Adm. John W. Bayless, Jr. and Morris an official proclamation designating Jan. 19-26, Tampa Navy Week.
During a tour of the ship, Tampa Navy League representative, Skip Witunski, encouraged the crew of Taylor to get out and see the city during their stay.
"We appreciate what the Navy does for our nation," said Witunski. "You will have a good time with everything Tampa has to offer."
During the port visit, Taylor Sailors will participate in a variety of activities, including a "Caps for Kids" visit to a local children's hospital and a trip to Busch Gardens to celebrate Navy Day at the park. The ship will also welcome aboard cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers professional football team.
Tampa Navy Week is the first of 22 Navy weeks scheduled all over the United States in 2008. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities which do not have a significant everyday Navy presence.
For more news from the Navy Office of Community Outreach visit,
www.navy.mil/local/navco.
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NNS080120-03. Africa Partnership Station Band Play for Local Elementary School
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Jason Morris, Africa Partnership Station Public Affairs
PORT GENTILE, Gabon (NNS) -- Africa Partnership Station (APS) musicians, stationed aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), performed live for Belise Elementary School students, here Jan. 16.
APS is an international effort to enhance regional and maritime partnerships in West and Central Africa.
APS musicians, a contingent of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band stationed in Naples, Italy have been playing at various community engagements throughout the country.
"Music is an international language that everyone can understand. While there may be small variables, music can relate to all people," said Lt. Cmdr. Steve Trzcinski, CNE band master. "Music demonstrates in a very real way, that why we may have different customs, we all enjoy the same things. Through our interaction with local musicians, we were able to connect together and enjoy each others? talents and company."
Playing for over 1,200 students at the school, the children soon began to cheer and sing along to the music. It was not long before many of the students joined in and performed with the band.
"I felt the kids enjoyed the event as much as I did, it really moved me. They are so warm, you cannot help but be motivated by them," said Musician 3rd Class Tobias Jaeger. "The music lit up everyone, the teachers were so proud to have this for their students."
After the band was finished performing, the school children put on their own performance that they had rehearsed as a way to say thank you to their American guests.
"The children really enjoyed the music; they want to learn about other cultures. It is through these exchanges that they are able to learn about the world," said Emerie Ngondo, a teacher at the elementary school. "We want to build partnerships, to share our customs and traditions with our friends."
APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard Fort McHenry and High Speed Vessel 2 Swift. Commander Task Group 60.4 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked aboard Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services in West and Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
For more news from Africa Partnership Station and USS Fort McHenry visit,
www.navy.mil/local/lsd43.
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NNS080120-02. North Island Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station North Island held its 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration at the base theater Jan. 17, celebrating King's legacy.
The event started with a walk from the north side of the bowling alley to the theater, symbolizing King's famous marches.
"We came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," said Capt. Michael Kelly, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest commanding officer. "Dr. King, primarily remembered as a leader of civil rights, spoke often and eloquently about those traits he believed would inspire the most humble among us to greatness."
Active-duty and retired service members and DOD employees filled the base theater to listen to the singing group, Brothers of Praise Phase II, along with soloists Hjordis William and Charles Ray Warren.
"This celebration is really important," said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Kathryn Roe. "It helps us to find ways to plead for nonviolence and provides man with a moral sense for prosperity."
Lt. Rodney Weaver, base chaplain, reemphasized one of King's dreams. "Hopefully, one day, children won't be judged by the color of their skin, but for their character."
The Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (EEOAC) sponsored the celebration. Ken Freeman, EEOAC member, said the event allows service members to reflect upon the past while seeking hope, determination and an opportunity to act upon a promise of a brighter future.
Kelly concluded the celebration by thanking everyone for their attendance. "This is not a conclusion; it is just the start. I also challenge you to go out and treat each other right."
King was born in Atlanta, Jan. 15, 1929. He studied at Morehouse College in Atlanta when he was 15 years old. At 18, he was ordained a minister and elected assistant pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. At 19, King received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Morehouse. At 25, he received a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University.
King organized and led marches for African Americans' right to vote, desegregation, labor rights and other basic civil rights. Most of these rights were successfully enacted into U.S. law with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
For more news from CNRSW visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.
