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Tomorrow is the last day for

BCA weigh-ins

The Pysical Readiness Test will take place at the Naval Station Everett gym from the 6th - 13th of April. Due to a kids day camp, the official PRT today will be conducted onboard Nimitz (with the exception of the run which will take place on the normal PFA course).

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) attended Yellow Belt

Six Sigma training courses at Naval Station Everett April 3.

The free classes are targeted to improving efficiency and effectiveness of programs, shops and Sailors on board.

“Yellow belt is our initial training to introduce the methodology and techniques needed or required of a team member

who is going to be a part of a RIE or rapid improvement event,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class John Doll, lead petty officer for Nimitz Air Speed, Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) office. “This way, when we have an event that we plan to kick off, we can pull from a pool of yellow belt qualified people that we know have the necessary knowledge to conduct the planning, information gathering and data collection to brainstorm for appropriate

solutions and improvements.”The yellow belt program and its students

have proven successful on Nimitz before. Their most recent event involved the creation and continuous improvement of the new “I,” or indoctrination division. The division has proven much more successful helping Sailors check on board than the previous methods not overseen by the yellow belt system.

“We started up the ‘I’ division and presented it to the executive officer and he endorsed it,”

Yellow Belt training to improve efficiencyStory and photos by MC3 Jacob Milner

See 'Yellow Belt" page 3

It was the second half of the championship game, and she was already tired. The

harsh fluorescent light poured over her as she took the ball down the court, passing it to the polished wooden floor and recoiling back to her hand. Her opponent appeared from nowhere, and reached her arm out in an attempt to block. In any normal basketball game, this would force a player to pass the ball but Operations Specialist Seaman Tiphania J. Johnson was different. Like anything else aboard her ship, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), playing for the All-Navy Women’s Basketball Team required intense training, and that training pulsated in the back of her mind. Although she was 15 feet away from the basket, she scooped her arm

up under her opponent’s and let the ball go, making the shot and pushing her team one step closer to winning the championship.

“I’ve been playing ball all of my life; since I was eight,” said Johnson. “It’s pretty much been a pastime. My dad was a coach, so I was always around sports.”

Growing up, Johnson had opportunities to play professionally. From age 11, she competed in many states including Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois and Florida.

“We played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), which is a summer league. I got to travel all over,” said Johnson.

By 18, she had proven herself talented at basketball and attended the University of Mobile on a basketball scholarship.

From port to courtStory and photo by MC3 Ian A. Cotter

See 'Basketball' on page 5Operations Specialist Seaman Tiphania J. Johnson poses with her championship medal.

PhysicalReadinessTestBegins

ChiefsCelebrate119Years

April 5, 2012 Vol. 37, No. 12

April 5, 2012

Page 2

Families and friends, I reported on board in February and have just recently relieved Chaplain (CDR) Brent Johnson as the new

Command Chaplain. My wife, Rhonda, and I are excited to be here with our Sailors and families of the USS NIMITZ. We have just come from serving the Marines and Sailors stationed in 29 Palms, CA, and we are enjoying the change from the hot, dry desert. We consider it a humbling privilege to now serve aboard a ship where teamwork and excellence are honored traditions.

This next year will prove to be exciting and challenging times for each of us in different ways. Let me strongly encourage you to intentionally use your time and energy to build your relationships with God, family, and friends. As we prepare for the upcoming underway periods and the eventual deployment, please ensure you communicate with your friends and family – especially your spouse. Since this is something we can all use help with, please feel free to contact our Religious Ministries Department or the base Chaplain for resources to develop communication between spouses and among family members.

Surround yourself with encouraging people and uplifting conversation; and may we each strive to build each other up at all times. Let’s practice the words of wisdom from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” May God use each one of us to do so.

Blessings, ChapMo

Greetings from the new command chaplain...

“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound…” so begins America’s favorite hymn written by John Newton.

The son of a merchant ship captain, John set sail with his father at the age of eleven. As a child he had received religious instruction from his mother, who died when he was around seven. As a sailor he gave up his religious convictions and gravitated to a life of rebellion and sin. “I was capable of anything,” he recalled. After his father retired, John ultimately became captain of his own ship, an English slave vessel.

On March 10, 1748, on a return voyage, a storm surprised the crew; the ship was on the verge of sinking and all appeared to be lost. In his great distress John cried out to the God of his childhood, “Lord have mercy on us!” Later he wrote, “That tenth day of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748—the Lord came from high and delivered me out of deep waters.”

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me,

I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved,

How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come,

‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures,

He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun

forbear to shine,But God, Who called me here below, will be forever

mine.When we been there ten thousand years, bright

shining as the sun,We’ve no less days to sing His praise, then when we

first begun.”Newton’s tombstone reads,”John Newton,

Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

The story of this sailor shows us that no one is beyond God’s grace. John Newton knew the definition of grace which is the freely given unmerited (undeserved) favor from God. God is always ready to receive you with open arms because of His Amazing Grace.

Newton’s lawBy Chaplain Eric J Melvin

The Chaplain's Corner

425.304.5196 (comm)emile.moured@cvn68.navy.mil

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 Jeffrey S. Ruth

Executive OfficerCAPT Buzz Donnelly

Command Master ChiefCMDCM Teri M. McIntyre

April 5, 2012

Page 3

said Doll. “They implemented the division right away. The call for the improvement came after we took a sample of 230 new check-in records and only 30 of those records had completed check-in sheets.”

The system of improving a process or program is unique to each situation, but the goal of efficiency is always the same.

“The indoc. instructors had a problem and came to us,” said Doll. “They came up with a problem statement that concluded that it was taking an extraordinary amount of time to check people into the command. It was a pretty broad statement that they then narrowed down to the numbers. They then gathered their data and came up with a solution which was to consolidate the check-in and indoctrination into one division. As with all of our programs, we shot for the moon, but if we make it into the sky above the clouds, we’re doing good.”

The improved program is producing better results than the original program and is continuously being scrutinized for inefficiencies.

“Now people are actually completing their check-in cards,” said Doll. “New Sailors are no longer introduced to Nimitz as this big ship that they’ll get lost on. They’re funneled through the system and go to indoc., which has improved also. They started looking into who lectured at the indoc. classes and who was on the

check-in sheet and removed redundancies so that we were able to shorten the classes.”

Yellow Belt Six Sigma training was founded by the Motorola Corporation in 1985, and was made popular by the General Electric corporation after its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jack Welch Jr. made it a central focus of GE’s business strategy in 1995. The training and practice was soon picked up by the Navy and put into use among its Sailors.

“Back in 1995 Boeing came in and introduced it to us while I was at AIMD (Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department) Oceana and we ran it on our BRU-32 bomb rack assembly build-up line,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Roger Hayden, leading chief petty officer for the Air Speed, CPI office. “The bomb racks were due for inspection and we would have a lot of them come back for re-work. What they did, was build an assembly line and committed a full break down with new parts for the whole bomb rack. There was no re-work needed for those bomb racks after it started. I’m just glad the Navy adopted this program. Back in ’95 when you walked into a work center there were parts out on the floor, cables were just left out and it just wasn’t a good working environment. Now it forces people to follow these guidelines and make a more efficient work center.”

The pedigree of the program and its

continued success in both civilian and military sectors ensures it will continue to improve the day-to-day operations for Nimitz and its Sailors.

“We hope Sailors will come away from this with a way to be more efficient and effective in their work centers, and they will have the knowledge of how to cut the waste out of their daily routine and work,” said Hayden. “With the Navy downsizing, this program is needed. Sailors have to be more effective and efficient with what they have to ensure job security. You have to make it easier on yourself and you’re

people to get the job done.”The program is not exclusive to

improving the efficiency of entire work centers, but also helps to improve the daily work habits of individual Sailors.

“Hopefully they go into their work centers and ask why they have a bunch of extra junk on their desk, and if someone asks for a job to be done, that they in turn ask what exactly it is that they need, so they can get the job done.”

For more information on the Yellow Belt Six Sigma program, visit Nimitz’ Air Speed CPI office or contact AT1 John Doll at john.doll@cvn68.navy.mil.

Yellow Belt: 'Ship Shape' with Six Sigma

Sailors participate in a team building and problem-solving exercise during Yellow Belt Six Sigma training at Naval Station Everett.

Sailors participate in a team building and problem-solving exercise during Yellow Belt Six Sigma training at Naval Station Everett.

Continued from page 1

April 5, 2012

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" Fair winds and following seas Capt. Paul O. Monger...

...Welcome aboard Capt. Jeffrey S. Ruth"

April 5, 2012

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200 Years Ago

Learn moreby visitinghttp://ourflagwasstillthere.org

" ... Congress ought to declare war ...“

Secretary of State James Monroe meets with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss relations with Great Britain. During this meeting, he will tell the committee that President Madison’sadministration “believed that Congress ought to declare war before adjourning if Britain did not abandon her hostile policy … ” Monroe will also indirectly suggest a 60-day embargo to allow the Hornet time to return from Europe with news, but will not commit the Administration to a formal request for war upon its return. He will also report that the nation is “inadequately prepared for war.”The Siege of Badajoz continues.

“During my sophomore year, my team won the National Championship at Jackson, Tenn.,” Johnson said.

Johnson continued her college education at Dillard in New Orleans, and finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee. After graduating college in 2008, Johnson moved to Texas to play professional basketball but soon moved back to Louisiana and thereafter enlisted in the Navy.

“I was ready for a change,” she said. “I wanted to get out and travel so I joined the Navy. I always had the discipline, because of sports, and besides, my favorite color is blue.”

Aboard Nimitz, Johnson played for the Nimitz league and was soon given the opportunity to submit an application for the All-Navy Women’s Basketball Team.

“I have to thank my fellow Sailors here who supported me,” she said. “Everybody wanted me to go. I remember Cmdr. Colin Bowser said, ‘when you make it,’ and I said, ‘if I make it.’ He replied with, ‘no, you’ll make it.’ That kind of support has really helped me through it.”

With so many required signatures, her application to the All-Navy team wasn’t submitted until the day it was due.

“I had to get signatures from my LPO all the way up the chain

to the CO,” Johnson said. “We were running around like chickens with our heads cut off.”

Her perseverance paid off and Johnson was flown to Pensacola to attend the All-Navy basketball training camp.

“Our coach had us practicing three times a day,” Johnson explained. “Though we weren’t wearing the (NWU) uniform and working on the ship, we were still working. We spent nine or more hours a day playing ball.”

Finally, the All-Navy Women’s Basketball Team competed in the championship game at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fla., and won.

“We came together as a team,” said Johnson. “We weren’t being selfish, and we won the gold medal.”

Johnson plans to continue playing basketball while simultaneously progressing in her Naval career.

“I’m working on my officer package now, and I’ll make a career out of it if all goes well,” she said.

With only two years in the Navy, Johnson’s career has been filled with ambition and opportunity so far.

“Sure, I’ll go back [to Pensacola] if I get a chance,” she said. “I’m still going to continue going to the gym and playing pro ball.”

Basketball: Nimitz Sailor selected for All-Navy basketball teamContinued from page 1

April 5, 2012

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Into the (somewhat) WildStory and Photos by MC3 Ashley Berumen

Fifty-foot trees tower over both sides of the road as they guide visitors

through a mile-long journey from the entrance to the free guest parking lot. The green of the leaves seems almost exaggerated, making it seem as if entering an enchanted forest.

Entering the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, trails lead to every direction. We were scheduled for a tram tour that was leaving in 10 minutes, so we followed the trail ahead. While we waited for the tram to arrive, our tour guide gave the more than 60 visitors some facts about the animals they might see during the tour.

As the tram arrived, children raced past me to pick the best seat they could find. I chose to sit on the right side for

the duration of the nearly one hour tour. Big mistake. The tour guide used a clock system to direct our eyes to the animals’ locations. Throughout the tour, we encountered black-tailed deer, bison, caribou and other animals that all just so happened to be hanging out between nine and eleven ‘o clock. Unless I wanted to climb over a stranger, I wasn’t going to get a very good view.

The tram guide did a good job of keeping the tour engaging. She asked questions, while tram riders spouted out answers -- both right and wrong. She said the park keepers try to keep everything the way it is; if a tree falls, unless it’s blocking the tram route, it’s not going anywhere. One of the many reasons a wildlife park is more authentic than a zoo. The tour also

In a small town called Eatonville, lies 435 acres of

undisturbed land; a land not affected by the growing city just outside of its perimeter. Four hundred and thirty-five acres of meadows, woods and lakes allow visitors from around the world to get a close-up view of animals native to the northwest in their natural habitat.

Park keepers are posted along the walking tour with porcupines and other animals.

April 5, 2012

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mixed both education and humor which made it fun for visitors of all ages.

After the tour, we followed the signs around the park to the different exhibits. I enjoyed the simpleness of the environment. There weren’t vendors around every corner, coaxing me into purchasing a souvenir or snack I didn’t need. There was a souvenir shop and a restaurant, but past the entrance, there was nothing but the animals in the exhibits among the trees, and the visitors touring them.

The paved-windy trail led you from exhibits featuring grizzly bears to wolves and snow owls to vultures; we even encountered a porcupine sitting on a bench with one of the park’s keepers. Families raced from one exhibit to the

next, reading facts about the featured animal. Children argued over who was best at making the sound of the animal’s “call”.

We were lucky to enjoy a dry afternoon, but let’s face it, the state of Washington rains a lot. If you’re waiting for the perfect weather to enjoy an outdoor activity, there are about two weeks in the summer to go out and explore. The Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a great way to spend a day out with the family or just with a couple of friends.

For more information, visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park web site at: www.nwtrek.org.

An adult male compares the size of his hand to the size of a bear’s paw.

The 50-minute tour takes visitors around meadows, woods and lakes filled with herbivorous animals native to the northwest.

April 5, 2012

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The earliest example of the

use of “Chief” was on the Continental

Navy warship “Alfred” when Jacob Wasbie, a Cook’s Mate, was promoted to “Chief Cook” on June 1,

1776.Before 1865, there were two classes of Petty Officers: Petty Officers of the Line, and Petty Officers of the Staff. The Master at Arms title of Chief Petty Officer was one of function not rank with emphasis of the word “Chief” or primary. In 1893 the Navy established the pay grade of Chief Petty Officer. Originally the Master-at-Arms rating badge had three chevrons, an eagle and three arcs (rockers). It

April 5, 2012

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description the grades were established

by rank from Seaman Apprentice to Chief Petty Officer. During WW II, COs

were authorized to advance and promote deserving and qualified Sailors to CPO. Chiefs began to direct First Class Petty Officers to prepare themselves by recording i n f o r m a t i o n passed down by the Chiefs to PO1s about additional responsibilities , technical aspects of various ratings, l e a d e r s h i p , accountability, and support of the

chain of command. This form of professional development was the original “Charge

Book.” The pay grades of E-8 and E-9, Senior Chief and Master Chief

Petty Officer, were created in 1958. Selected Chief Petty Officers were promoted to Senior Chief and Master Chief. In 1959 the Fouled Anchor as a collar device became an official part of the CPO uniform.The position of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy was created

in 1967 and Master Chief Gunners Mate Delbert D. Black was selected as

the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

was the basis for today’s CPO

chevron which has a single rocker and

became official in 1894.The Fouled Anchor was first used as a cap device with the Chief Petty Officer uniform

in 1905.Later during World War I the Secretary of the Navy authorized the enlistment of women in the Navy. They were given the designation, “Yeoman (F)” and came to be called, Y e o m a n e t t e s . Loretta P. Walsh may be the first Yeoman (F). She was sworn in on 21 March 1917 as a Chief Yeoman. Formal structuring of the pay grades occurred in 1920. Instead of being paid by job

Years of Tradition. 119 Years of Commitment.

USS Nimitz celebrates the 119th birthday of the Chief.

- April 1, 1893 -

April 5, 2012

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Morning ColorsChief Petty Officers of the aircraft carrier USS

Nimitz (CVN 68) gathered Monday morning on the flight deck to perform as the ship’s colors detail.The Nimitz’ Chief Mess showed up in force, despite

the cold wind and adverse conditions, to render their salutes and respect to the National Ensign, an honor generally

delegated to the duty section of that day. The event was organized in celebration of the 119th birthday of

the Chief Petty Officer rank and to coincide with The United States Navy Memorial’s “Year of the Chief”, a worldwide spotlight on the history

of Chiefs and their contribution to the Navy.

US Navy photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.

US Navy photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.

US Navy photo by MCSA Ryan Mayes

April 5, 2012

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By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terrina Weatherspoon, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

'Year of the Chief' Kicks Off

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The United States Navy Memorial hosted the official kick-off of the Year of the Chief and the 119th birthday celebration of the chief petty officer during a ceremony April 2.

For the first time in history, the Navy Memorial is casting a spotlight on the history, heritage and contributions of chief petty officers.

The guest speaker for the event was Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert. Remarks were also given by both Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West and former MCPON James L. Herdt. Former MCPON Duane R. Bushey was also in attendance.

"The chief is the center of gravity," said Greenert. "There is not a seaman, petty officer or officer out there who cannot turn and say, 'I had a chief petty officer take care of me and get me where I am today.'"

The ceremony was attended by chiefs from across the nation who came not only to be a part of the official kick-off, but also to see the Memorial transformed into a Chiefs' Mess, resplendent with history and memorabilia spanning 119 years.

"We are becoming a part of history today," said West. "I see retired veterans in our midst and I am proud to carry on down a path they've laid for us so long ago. I couldn't be more pleased to be spending this day with representatives from so many commands. To stand in front of a sea of fouled anchors as your MCPON, and know that we are as much making history as we are a part of it ... I am truly humbled."

After the ceremony, guests were invited into the Memorial for the cake cutting. Visitors were then encouraged to walk through the Memorial, which has been decorated to reflect historical uniforms, anchors and other iconic symbols from the colorful heritage of CPOs.

"Happy birthday chief petty officers, you've earned it," said Greenert. "Absorb the moment, have a great year, remember your legacy and what got you here."

West added his expectations and appreciation for chiefs serving today.

"You are bold and accountable, executing the Navy's mission wherever you are, and developing the next generation of Sailors," West said. "Thank you shipmates - including those who have gone before us and those who are no longer with us - you have served your country well and will continue to do so as long as we sail the seven seas."

Members of the U.S. Navy Honor Guard perform during the Year of the Chief kickoff event at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Year of the Chief is a yearlong celebration of past and present chief petty officers hosted by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim/Released)

From the Fleet...

April 5, 2012

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Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) have begun the Body Composition Analysis (BCA) and the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) portions of the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) for the spring 2012 cycle.

The BCA is being conducted on board Nimitz in ready room seven and the PRT will take place at the Naval Station Everett base gym.

“For the PRT at the gym on base they’re doing the pushups and sit ups and we have the running path,” said Melyssa Patterson, Nimitz’ Fitboss. “The elliptical and the bike will be held on the ship in our ‘gerbil gym’.”

The PRT lasts until April 13 and the optional swim test will take place from April 11 to April 13, said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Yolanda Adams, Command Fitness Leader. Sailors who are TAD, new check-ins who checked in between April 13 to June 4 or on emergency leave will be able to take the PRT from the fourth to the eighth of June.

After the last PRT there were more than 200 Sailors placed on the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP).

“Most of them were BCA failures and not necessarily PRT failures,” said

Patterson. “We definitely had to start changing the eating habits first. After that, it was just some very intense workouts.”

“We ran FEP six times a week,” said Adams. “Sailors have to participate three times a week. I think that we will be much more physically fit overall this time than we were last time.”

Other than FEP, Patterson also scheduled nutrition classes to teach Sailors how to improve their eating habits.

“I really tried to focus more on nutrition this time around,” said Patterson. “I always say you get in shape in the gym and you lose weight in the kitchen. Since food intake is so important from a weight loss standpoint, I really wanted all of the Sailors to learn how to eat to lose weight.”

The PRT is held twice a year to ensure Sailors are within health and fitness standards.

“The Navy wants to make sure that everybody stays physically fit and that we create a culture of physical fitness,” said Adams. “The PRT is about smoking cessation, healthy lifestyles and about proper nutrition. The Navy does the PRT twice a year to make sure we are achieving all those objectives.”

Spring PRT has begunStory and photos by MC3 (SW) Thomas G. Siniff

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) perform the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) at Naval Station Everett. Nimitz recently arrived to its new homeport of Everett, Wash.