The Carl Vinson Voice is an internal document produced by and for the crew of the USS Carl Vinson and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments of Defense or the Navy and do not imply any endorsement thereby.

VOL 1 / NO 29 July 11, 2010

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John O’Neill Herrera

CARL VINSON UNDERWAYTRAINING FOR DEPLOYMENT

For the very first time since April 12th, Carl Vinson is underway, launching and recovering aircraft, onloading ordnance and ammunition, preparing for Inspection and Survey, or INSURV,

and working on qualifications and training.After coming out of a ten-week maintenance period, Carl Vinson participated in a fast cruise June 28th

and 29th to test the ship’s mission readiness through a series of drills and emergency scenarios that the ship may encounter while at sea.

Carl Vinson’s Command Master Chief, CMDCM (AW/SW) April Beldo, said that the fast cruise was an indicator of how prepared the crew is to get underway. “This was an effective way to determine whether this ship and this crew are ready to get back

to business. We put our Sailors to the test and simulated as many underway scenarios as we could,” said Beldo. “We’ve been in a maintenance availability period for nearly three months so the intent was to get us all back into the mindset of taking this ship to sea.”

Every department and every Sailor on the ship contributed to the exercises. Drills, such as man overboard and general quarters, allowed Carl Vinson Sailors to increase their knowledge of the ship and its mission.

Carl Vinson’s Executive Officer, Cmdr. Putnam Browne, believes that a fast cruise is an accurate simulation of being out to sea.

“We may not have left the pier, but for the two days our Sailors lived and worked like a crew does when a ship is operational and sailing into harm’s way,” said

Browne. “It’s a significant milestone for us because it signifies our transition from a ship undergoing

repairs to a ship ready for tasking,” said Browne.The fast cruise prepared Carl Vinson for sea and also served the purpose of making sure

the ship is up to par for INSURV.“During fast cruise we conducted general quarters, simulated flight quarters and ran man overboard drills. We did all this in preparation for INSURV,” said Aviation Maintenance

By MC3 Megan Catellierand MCSN Zachary BellUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writers

See UNDERWAY, Page 2

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performance. “Fast cruise leads

us into INSURV and full deployment,” said Boeve. “INSURV is important because that’s our qualification and certification that the ship is no longer a shipyard ship and now it’s a war ship.”

Carl Vinson will participate in inspection and survey Oct. 16th through the 22nd.

Some of the main goals for this current at-sea period include training pilots, air traffic controllers, and all flight deck personnel for the aircraft carrier’s primary mission: launching and recovering aircraft at sea.

“We’re going out so we can practice our at-sea work ethic,” said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Megan Bench. “All these evolutions are critical because they are preparing us to complete the mission at hand.”

In addition to preparing for flight operations, Carl Vinson is preparing for deployment with weapons onload and training. Vinson conducted its largest live ammunition onload since 2005. More than 1,120 tons of ammunition were brought on board July 8th.

“I am extremely excited and motivated to be underway so the crew can properly execute the current mission,” said Cmdr. Stephen Polk, head of Vinson’s Weapons Department.

Weapons department will conduct gun qualifications and certifications for security forces, gunner’s mates and airwing personnel. Qualifications will include training with 9 mm handguns, .50-caliber machine guns, and M16, M4 and M240 rifles.

In addition to earning shipboard qualifications, Vinson Sailors are also working on personal quals.

“I think that being underway will be

beneficial for me because it will give me time to earn qualifications, study for my exam so I can make rank, and work on my enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) pin,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Sara Eastman.

Eastman is one of many Vinson Sailors who are underway for the first time.

“I’m just trying to learn my way around the ship,” said Eastman. “One of my biggest concerns is getting used to living on the ship and making sure I am always punctual. Overall, I think being underway is going to be an interesting experience that I can learn from and take something from.”

Administrationman 3rd Class Nicholas Minor.

Inspection and survey is a review of the ship’s components and compartments to determine if the ship is able and ready for sea.

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Edward Boeve describes preparing for underway with this phrase: prior proper planning prevents poor

Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey

Commanding Officer

Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Managing Editor MC2 Ashley Van Dien

Layout and DesignMC3 Patrick Green

MCSN Rosa A. Arzola

Staff Writers/PhotographersMC2 John O’Neill Herrera

MC3 Megan Catellier MC3 Stephen G. Hale

MC3 Heather RoeMCSN Zachary D. BellSTAFF

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Follow Vinson on Facebook: www.facebook.com/USSCARLVINSON

UNDERWAY Continued

3July 11, 2010

varied program of recreation, social and community support activities. MWR’s mission is to provide quality support and recreational services that contribute to the retention, readiness, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of Sailors.

A good location is critical when it comes to watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. This Independence Day, Vinson Sailors and their families had the chance to enjoy the celebration from the aircraft carrier’s flight deck.

The off-duty activity gave Sailors a chance to enjoy liberty together, building camaraderie and boosting morale.

“This event allows us to be together. It unifies us,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/SS) James Osgood. “I think this is the best seat in town.”

Vinson’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Division hosted the event, which started at 6 p.m. and ended after the local San Diego fireworks show. MWR also provided food and refreshments.

“It’s a great chance for Sailors to come here and celebrate this big American holiday,” said Chief

Independence DayAboard USS Carl Vinson

Electrician’s Mate (SW/AW) David Baker, MWR’s Leading Chief Petty Officer. “This is what MWR does: we take care of our Sailors.”

The flight deck was a unique place for many Sailors’ families and friends to watch the show.

“I live in a very small town, so I’m not used to seeing places like this,” said Sonja Sickefoose, mother-in-law of a Vinson Sailor. “I’m very proud of my son-in-law. When he asked me to come to the Carl Vinson, I felt very honored. The view is overwhelming.”

In addition to local family members and friends who attended the event, some people like Paula Osgood traveled a long way to spend Independence Day with their loved ones.

“I flew all the way from Virginia to spend a couple of days with my husband in downtown (San Diego),” said Osgood. “We’ve been spending this holiday together for the past ten years.”

MWR Division administers a Phot

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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John O’Neill Herrera

By MC2 John O’Neill HerreraUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Van Dien

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Haran

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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shentel Yarnell

5July 11, 2010

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White

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An AmericanI’m Proud to be

After a Military Naturalization Ceremony on board USS Midway July 2nd, ten Vinson Sailors are now U.S. citizens.

The Sailors were part of a group of 300 military men and women from more than 30 countries who received citizenship from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“The naturalization process can be quite expensive, costing upwards of $3,000 for civilians,” said Legalman 1st Class Chris Salinas. “The process was free for Vinson Sailors, with

the help of the Legal and Personnel Departments on board.”

It is also quite a lengthy process which can take as long as six years. In the Navy, Sailors may earn their citizenship in as little as three months.

“I’ve been in the states for over 30 years and never was able to get my citizenship,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kennedy James from Nigeria. “The Vinson Legal Department helped my shipmates and I get our citizenship in about 45 days.”

There are several personal benefits to becoming a citizen, including the ability to vote, travel with a U.S.

passport, bring family members to the states, obtain citizenship for children born abroad, and become eligible for federal jobs.

In addition to personal benefits, U.S. citizenship also affords Sailors many professional benefits and opportunities.

“I have always wanted to go overseas as an individual augmentee (IA), but that wasn’t an option for me before,” said James. “Now I can go IA and do my part.”

Sailors with U.S. citizenship can go IA, become officers, and get higher security clearances.

“This is just a blessing,” said James. “I feel like I have so many options.”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Hale

By MC3 Stephen HaleUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

7July 11, 2010

Carl Vinson Participates in Walking Blood Bank

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luis Ramirez

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luis Ramirez

of blood they have.”The donation was on a

volunteer basis and Sailors were required to meet certain criteria in order to give blood. Sailors who had “boots-on-ground” in Haiti were automatically ineligible for one year.

Others who didn’t meet weight or blood pressure requirements were also unable to donate.

“Sixty Sailors out of 100 were eligible to donate blood during the give blood bank,” said Byrum. “Each Sailor could potentially save three lives with one unit (pint) of blood.”

Donated blood can be separated into plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells,

and platelets before being stored. This process allows the blood of a single donor to be used for several patients with different needs.

“The first time I donated blood was back when I joined the Navy [when] my brother was in Iraq,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Jefferson Daniels, assigned to Combat Systems Department on board Carl Vinson. “He told me some stories that made [me] really eager to help.”

Carl Vinson plans to hold another blood drive with the Armed Services Blood Bank Center in September 2010 to continue supporting Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa) and American troops who may need it.

Fifteen representatives from the Navy Medical Center facilitated the blood drive. The donated blood was transferred to Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa). After being tested for purity, the blood will be made available to clinics and medical personnel in the central command theater of operation.

Carl Vinson held walking blood banks during Southern Seas 2010, including several to support Operation Unified Response in Haiti.

“The blood drive was in support of our possible future walking blood banks because the Sailors are already screened, so if there was an emergency, medical knows who’s qualified to give blood,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Nakita Byrum, a Vinson laboratory technician. “It was also to help Balboa (Naval Hospital) because they have a quota to make on the amount

According to the American Red Cross, when a person is asked to donate blood the two most common answers are: “Never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles.”

These were not the replies heard from 60 willing Carl Vinson Sailors who donated blood during a blood drive on board June 28th.

The blood drive was open on the aft mess decks from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in support of the Armed Services Blood Bank Center.

“I donate blood to help those in need,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Jeston Franco, assigned to Air Department on board Carl Vinson. “I think it’s important to donate blood to help the deployed troops.”

By MC3 Heather RoeUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

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I want to first, THANK YOU for your superb leadership over the last couple of weeks getting CARL VINSON successfully out of our Maintenance Upkeep Period, successfully through our Fast Cruise, and prepared for the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Change of Command – all while keeping the ‘normal business’ of the ship humming right along! Not many crews can manage to keep so many plates spinning – but you can!

I wanted to offer you a Hearty BRAVO ZULU for a job well done – specifically, a spectacular CNAF Change of Command. Admiral Willard, who was a previous XO of the CARL VINSON, mentioned how impressed he was with the ship – that she looked better than when he was the XO. Admiral Harvey stopped on the brow and examined the ship closely and when he came across the brow he mentioned that the ship was definitely ready to go to sea. Harvey also made a special point of acknowledging how well the ship and Sailors looked during his remarks – and he is a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Nuke so that is indeed a very high accolade! Both the old Air Boss, Vice Admiral Kilcline, and the new Air Boss, Vice Admiral Myers, were extremely proud of the ship, how she looked and how the crew made their Change of Command extremely successful and special, not only for them but also for their families and guests. Rear Admiral Branch was especially proud of how well the Sailors performed and how well the ship looked too. And there were many other Air Wing Commanders, Chiefs of Staff and Commodores and Civilians who all commented on how well the ship looked – these were heartfelt comments and not the usual remarks made in passing.

To get so many comments and to have them all say the same thing but in ever more glowing terms means that they really must be true! You all have really done a SUPERB job. Your actions make the CARL VINSON the premier CVN on the San Diego waterfront. You should be VERY proud of what you have accomplished and what your Sailors have done under your leadership and guidance!

I am extremely proud of your leadership and I count my lucky stars to be assigned to this ship and to be a part of this crew!

GOLD EAGLE TEAM,

Keep up the Good work!

All the Best,

Captain and Mrs. Lindsey