Nimitz News, October 13, 2011

Oct. 13, 2011 Nimitz News 1Page

October 13, 2011 Vol. 36, No. 40

For the past few weeks USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has been sending its Sailors to the Freemont Maritime Services live fire trainer, just north of Seattle for firefighting training.

“The school has two classes: a one day and a four day,” said Damage Controlman Chief Jeromy Hartley. “This school runs them through a complete series of firefighting simulations of a shipboard fire."

Freemont Maritime Services supports Naval commands in the Pacific Northwest including USS Nimitz, USS John C. Stennis(CVN 74) and USS Abraham Lincoln(CVN 72). “The majority of this training was originally going to happen while Nimitz was still in San Diego before the move,” said Heartly. “Due to scheduling issues this training is now being caught up here in Washington. The classes are scheduled into February of next year to make sure everyone has gone through.”

Sailors who participate in this training will go through team trainers to maintain the proficiency requirements needed to handle a shipboard fire. They also experience an individual firefighting trainer, requalifying every six years, as requirement by the Navy. The school

also features a wet trainer for pipe patching and shoring teams.

“This trainer was full of useful information,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Nathan

McBrien, a recent attendee of the training center. “I have to say this was the most realistic trainer I’ve seen in terms of firefighting. I ran through every position: investigator, nozzle man; all of it.”

The temperature inside the live fire trainer ranges from 300 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Students are required to wear full protective gear during the exercise.

“The fires themselves were exciting; the instructors simulated a rollover situation,” added McBrien. “That’s where the fire is so hot that it ignites the smoke as it rolling past your head. You end up going through all of the different classes of fires and the instructors do their best to make it seem like your fighting a fire on the ship.”

Students are taught by a team of instructors who are knowledgeable and well-versed in firefighting. “We have had a good success rate so far from Nimitz,” said Steven Bay, training equipment manager and senior instructor at Freemont Maritime Services Live Fire Trainer.

“More than 190 (Nimitz Sailors) have completed the course so far and most have done well.”

Sailors receive some hot trainingStory by MCSA Derek VollandPhotos by MC3 Ian Cotter

Nimitz Sailors extinguish a galley fire at the Freemont Maritime Services live fire trainer as part of a training exercise designed to improve the firefighting skills of Sailors. (TOP)Nimitz Sailors experience a rollover situation as part of a training exercise designed to improve the firefighting skills of Sailors at the Freemont Maritime Services live fire trainer. (BOTTOM)

Oct. 13, 2011Nimitz News2Page

Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jason ScarboroughMedia LCPOMCCM Jon McMillanMedia Production ChiefMCC Mike JonesEditorMC3 Robert WinnLead DesignerMCSN Jacob Milner

Media DeptMC2 James MitchellMC2 Amara TimberlakeMC2 Adam Wolfe MC3 Ashley Berumen MC3 Ian CotterMC3 Shayne JohnsonMC3 Mark SashegyiMC3 Glenn SlaughterMC3 Thomas SiniffMC3 Nichelle WhitfieldMC3 Devin WrayMCSN Andrew JandikMCSN Jacob MilnerMCSN Alexander Ventura IIMCSN Renee CandelarioMCSA Jess LewisMCSA Derek Volland

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 OfficerCAPT Buzz DonnellyCommand Master ChiefCMDCM William Lloyd-Owen

Early one frigid fall morning, a merchant leaves the warmth of his Boston home and begins the trek down to the dock where his tiny vessel is moored. He climbs in, ready to begin his journey south to gather cotton so scarves and gloves can be made for the upcoming cold winter months. He looks out, and as the fog begins to clear, he sees not one but numerous British warships bobbing in the calm waters. Sitting and waiting to block any and all water trade routes among the colonies.

Discouraged, the merchant climbs back out of the boat and walks back to his house. Others throughout the town gathered together later that afternoon, all agreeing that something needed to be done about the menacing British warships. It wouldn’t be

long before their resources would diminish and they would then be forced to surrender to the demands of the crown.

Such was the scene when the Continental Congress decided to gather in 1775 and discuss the current events and what the colonists should do. With Naval Supremacy, the British ruled the seas, and therefore the world. For anyone to even begin to think about going against the British would be deemed crazy. Naturally, there was hesitation on outfitting an American fleet to go up against the world’s largest navy at that time.

Oct. 3, 1775, some delegates of Rhode Island decided to propose to Congress their resolution for building and equipping an American navy as soon as possible. Samuel Chase, a man from Maryland, attacked the resolution. “The maddest idea in the world to think of building an American fleet,” said Chase.

Congress continued to toy with the idea of having short-term solutions as opposed to a permanently established navy. Two days after the Rhode Island delegates gave their proposal, Congress received word of two English brigs en route to Quebec from England. These brigs were

carrying weapons and no convoy. Congress recommended to the governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island that they gather merchant boats and equip them with weapons and a crew. These boats would then be sent out to intercept any ships carrying supplies to the British army in the colonies. Meanwhile, General Washington took under his command at Continental expense, three schooners that would go out and intercept any ships carrying supplies. General Washington’s purchase of these schooners was the beginning of an American navy. Just a few days after these schooners, along with two more armed vessels, a Naval Committee was tasked by Congress to equip a fleet.

Among those serving in this infant fleet was Captain John Paul Jones. Jones was the first to raise an American flag over an American warship. He also gained possession of a former East Indiaman vessel from the French that was turned into a warship and later named “Bonhomme Richard” as a tribute to Benjamin Franklin’s “Poor Richard’s Almanac.” In the fall of 1779, while Jones was in command

U.S. Navy remembers birth, trial by fire

Story by MCSA Jess Lewis

Painting by William Elliot

See "Birthday" Page 12


USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is slated to move to the port of Everett for its permanent home port change and the Sailors aboard Nimitz will have to move as well. Naval Base Everett barracks housing stands ready and waiting for its new occupants to arrive.

“Our buildings here are all pretty good,” said Marc Brouqua, the unaccompanied housing complex manager for Naval Base Everett. “We don’t have any sub-standard barracks here. The oldest barracks are about 14 years old.”

The barracks on base at Everett are exceptionally clean and most are less than a decade old. The base is also looking to expand with more barracks in 2013.

“We’ve got good facilities and we’re expecting some new ones,” said Brouqua. “I think the bachelors that will be staying with us on base are going to be pleased with what we have.”

Naval Base Everett itself is located on a rather small lot of land. The limited space restricts the number of Sailors from Nimitz that will be allotted the opportunity to live in barracks while ashore.

“Right now it looks like we’re going to have approximately 500 beds for Nimitz,” said Brouqua. “That’s not a fixed number: it might be more than that. The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) never used more than the 500 and they never used their full complement of rooms.”

The Sailors who are selected to live in the barracks are likely to find a lack of activity on the base itself, with more selection for entertainment outside in the town of Everett and surrounding areas.

“On base we don’t have a movie theatre or a bowling alley like they have at Naval Base Kitsap or Whidbey,” said Brouqua. “We’ve built here on a very small parcel of land and the idea was to use the community. We’re in a big town with 100,000 people that has movie theaters and bowling alleys, so there’s not a lot on base.”

Without leaving base there are still many entertainment opportunities. The Commons is the entertainment mecca on base. Everything for entertainment can be found inside including a gym, Subway, an arcade and the MWR office.

“We have a good MWR over at the Commons and they have special movie

nights,” said Brouqua. “In the summer there is an outdoor movie. They project the movie up against the wall and people sit out in the grass and watch along."

Amenities other than entertainment will also be provided to those who are allotted barrack rooms. The basic essentials and more will be provided to every guest of the Naval Base Everett barracks and bachelor housing.

“Everyone in the main building has individual washers and dryers,” said Brouqua. “The other buildings have a common laundry room with 12 washers and 12 dryers and your CAC card, if you are assigned a room, will open that door so that you can do your laundry any time day or night.”

The lounging areas inside of the barracks have been designed for the Sailor getting off duty looking to blow off some steam or just relax.

“We have some pretty good amenities,” said Brouqua. “We have seven lounges. Three of them are movie lounges with big recliners where you can have a movie night, or people can hook up their games and play Xbox or Playstation.”

Nimitz will not be the only ship to be ported in Everett. Along with Nimitz will be several other ships, the largest of which will be the carrier, bringing the population of the pier up to six ships following the departure of Lincoln and arrival of Nimitz.

“The other ships that are here are the USS Monsen(DDG-92) and the USS Shoup(DDG-86) which are both destroyers,” said Brouqua. “We also have three frigates, the USS Rodney M. Davis(FFG-60),

the USS Ford(FFG-54), and the USS Ingriham(FFG-61). There are also two coast guard ships, the USCGC Henry Blake(WLM-563) and the USCGC Blue Shark(WPB-87360).”

New scenery and new adventures await Nimitz Sailors on the other side of the Puget Sound. The change is just one of many that has taken place since the move from San Diego and represents the last leg of a long journey filled with the frustration of dry dock and the hassle of moves off and on ship. With the final stop at Naval Base Everett, perhaps Nimitz’s Sailors can breathe a little easier.

Barracks on Naval Base Everett await Nimitz Sailors to move in once the Nimitz changes homeport to Naval Station Everett.

Story and photos by MCSN Jacob Milner

New homes await Sailors in Everett

A lounge area in the barracks on Naval Base Everett which await Nimitz Sailors to move in once the Nimitz changes homeport to Naval Station Everett.


Search And RescueBy MCSA Jess Lewis

Quarter Master Seaman Greg Celia does a freestyle swim in the pool. Photo by SN Aaron Owen.

Oct. 13, 2011 Nimitz News 5PageUSS Nimitz (CVN 68) has four surface Search and Rescue (SAR)

swimmers on board. Unlike the Air SAR rate, Surface SAR is a collateral duty. Any Sailor interested in this collateral duty must possess a 2nd class swim qualification and complete an intense, month-long Rescue Swimmer School in either San Diego or Jacksonville, Fla.

Quartermaster Seaman Greg Celia and Seaman Aaron Owen, two of the SAR swimmers on board Nimitz, were approached by Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Justin Alfonso who knew they were both good swimmers and asked if they would be interested in the collateral duty. They both eagerly embraced the challenge, deciding it would be fun.

“School was very technical,” said Owen. “We spent a lot of time in the water - usually six to eight hours a day. It’s not much different than the Air SAR School either. The only real difference is the way we enter the water.”

“We usually enter the water from a RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat),” said Celia. “The air SAR swimmers enter the water from a helicopter.”

All SAR swimmers train for two to three hours every day while in port. “We start with a work out then swim laps and do drills,” said Owen. He continued to explain that they will switch up their swim and workout routine to maintain optimal performance.

“We run through our basic rescue procedures,” said Celia. “We also practice strapping each other into a litter which is generally used for pilots after they eject themselves from their plane or for people with back injuries.”

When the ship is underway, the SAR swimmers work out in the gym on board. They will go out in the RHIBs for practical training as well. “We have an Oscar dummy we’ll take out to simulate a man overboard,” said Owen. “Oscar is shaped and weighted like a real human so it makes it more realistic. We also keep each other in check both mentally and physically when we’re out to sea.”

In order to keep their SAR qualifications, the swimmers must complete quarterly training. The quarterly training includes a fitness test consisting of a 500 meter swim, a 400 meter swim while towing someone else and a minimum of six pull ups. The training also includes a written test involving different communication methods, some medical questions and the proper way to enter the water. The swimmers will also run through their entire search and rescue drill sets, proving they know what they’re doing.

“If a SAR swimmer fails the inspection, they will go before a review board who then will decide if the SAR swimmer will get another chance at testing,” said Owen. “If a re-test isn’t offered, the Sailor will

Seaman Aaron Owen and Quarter Master Seaman Greg Celia run through "Escapes" and "Releases" drills at the pool. Photo by MCSA Jess Lewis.

Seaman Aaron Owen and Quarter Master Seaman Greg Celia run through "Escapes" and "Releases" drills at the pool. Photo by MCSA Jess Lewis.

get sent to CAT II School.”CAT II School is an intense refresher course offered to SAR

swimmers to catch them up on SAR skills. Celia explained going through CAT II School is a lot like going through SAR school all over again.

Thankfully there hasn’t been a SAR situation where Owen and Celia were needed but it’s still necessary for them and the other SAR swimmers to be on board. “I dressed out once and waited for the call,” said Celia. “It turned out to be a false alarm but it happened around 2 a.m. and I definitely had a big adrenaline rush. Knowing we have the responsibility to keep the crew safe is a good feeling.”


Chasingthe

falls

Story by Ian Cotter

Oct. 13, 2011 Nimitz News 7PageLandmarks and road signs streaked in the rain on the windshield of the Subaru Forrester as it headed north on Interstate Five. I was headed to Everett, to explore what would soon be commonplace in our future homeport, and with three of my friends, we were game for just about anything. The plan was to spend a day in Granite Falls, a small town about 20 miles east of Everett named for its famous waterfall. Getting off of I-5, we headed east toward Lake Stevens listening to VH1’s 100 greatest hits of the 00’s and watching the environment transform from an urban townscape into farmland filled with pigs and cattle and soon the highway became a winding country road and weaved through mountain valleys until finally pouring into a roundabout just outside Granite Falls.Granite Falls was a small town, complete with a pet shop, hair salon and two Mexican restaurants, plus a convenience store that also sold cigars, remote-controlled airplanes and paintball guns. We were definitely off of the beaten path. As we drove through the town, I spotted a sign that read “Falls: next left”, so I turned left and headed down the road.Driving around the twists and turns of the rural highway was far from what would be expected in Bremerton. Granite quarries lined the road around every turn, and the weather above seemed to have multiple personality disorder. The sky changed every minute from rain, to wind-whipped cloud cover, to sunshine in almost a heartbeat. It was like a dream, and as the evergreen forest grew denser, choking the road, we entered Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.The trees in the foreground grew taller and rushed past as the mountains in the distance rose gradually toward the distant sky. Soon the pavement became a gravel mine trail and the SUV jostled over rocks and potholes. The road danced over and around the creek as they both twisted through the mountain pass and as the elevation rose, the clouds overhead began to dip down to touch the earth.The Subaru came to a stop at the edge of a scenic overlook adjacent to the abandoned mining trail. I stepped out and took a breath of the alien air. Saturated with flowing mist, it was devoid of the industrial essence of the urban environment of Bremerton; completely different from what I was used to. At the edge of the ridge, the clouds began to part revealing steep peaks and meandering valleys.

Rain fell sporadically as we descended back down the mine trail. Lining the road, rocks stacked one on top of another reached up like little towers. Finally, the sun broke through the cloud cover, and pulled away the mist that was hiding the mountains in the background. Almost mirroring the stony towers on the ground, the mountains grasped for the sky, etching their mark on the late afternoon air. The road back to town weaved between them, and soon they disappeared behind the trees of the forest as we left the park.A tacky bridge crossed the stream about 12 miles from the park. Lined with shrink wrap and plywood, it wasn’t inviting, but a parking lot just past it was a small parking lot and a trail that led down into the woods. Following the trail, it opened to reveal turbulent water tumbling over

solid granite. I had found the elusive Granite Falls. Blue water pouring by the millions of gallons cut a canyon straight through the white granite. Both a powerful and amazing sight, it was certainly worth getting lost trying to find.The sun was well below the horizon when we returned to the small town of granite falls. Stopped at the Shell station to fill up on gas, the mountains’ silhouettes could still be seen in the distance. Inside the gas station I picked up a map of the park to try and find out where I ended up. To my astonishment, I found that Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest was about the size of New Jersey and stretched from Canada to Oregon. We had only barely scratched the surface, and there were more excursions to come.

Sheets of water cascade over rocks at the Granite Falls site inside of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Photo by MCSN Jacob Milner.

Water cascades over rocks at the Granite Falls site inside of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Photo by MCSN Jacob Milner.

Photo by MC3 Ian Cotter.


Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West sends his 236th Navy birthday Message to the Fleet Oct. 12.

"Shipmates and Navy families,As we honor the birth of the United States

Navy 236 years ago, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all Sailors, civilians and family members for their service and dedication to our great Navy team.

Our traditional maritime requirements, counter-piracy efforts and the many non-traditional missions we have adopted in support of overseas contingency operations are making a difference every day.

On any given day, we have at least 150 ships and 25 submarines underway, and let's not forget about our Sailors who are boots on ground. That's more than 40,000 Sailors who are deployed, on station around the world executing our Navy's core capabilities of the maritime strategy.

From our beginning in 1775 with just six frigates to our present-day highly diversified, modern Fleet with a total of 285 deployable ships and submarines, our Navy is the best

it has ever been. Our Navy has remained steadfast and ready for 236 years, and we continue to be ready to answer every call our nation makes thanks to your outstanding dedication and selfless support.

I also want to say "thank you" and express my sincere appreciation to our Navy families for your continued love and support of your Sailor and our Navy. You are the cornerstone of a Sailor's readiness and your role is vitally important.

Please take a moment to remember the thousands of our Shipmates who are deployed around the world vigilantly standing the watch, and those who have gone before us in service to our great nation.

Happy birthday shipmates ... you look pretty darn good to be 236 years old!

HOOYAH!" For more news from Master Chief Petty

Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.

ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 8, 2011) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West speaks to Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

From Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West

MCPON Sends 236th Navy Birthday Message

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Separation Counseling Standardized OnlineWASHINGTON (NNS)

-- The Navy announced Oct. 7 the Fleet will convert to a standardized pre-separation checklist available online which will help ensure Sailors fully understand their eligibility and how to access transition services and benefits.

"Making the move from uniform to the civilian sector is an important transition which demands a Sailor's full attention in order to be successful," said Rear Adm. Martha Herb, director, personnel readiness and community support (N135). "These standardized checklists will ensure Sailors have a thorough understanding and

access to the full range of benefits available to them, no matter where they are in the world."

NAVADMIN 300/11 guides Navy Career Counselors and separating Sailors to the Web sites where they can download the new versions of pre-separation counseling checklist for active component service members (DD Form 2648) and pre-separation counseling checklist for Reserve Component service members released from active duty (DD Form 2648-1).

These forms became mandatory Oct. 1, and will guide the legally mandated pre-separation counseling session for transitioning Sailors who have

been on active duty for more than 180 days. This counseling should occur no later than 90 days before a Sailor's projected separation or retirement date.

Transition counselors can access these forms and the "Transition Assistance Program (TAP) User Access Guide," at www.dmdc.osd.mil/tap. To gain access, counselors should contact their local Fleet and Family Support Center TAP staff.

If counselors are unable to access the online tool, scannable forms will be available for download at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/dd/ddforms2500-2999.htm.

Standardized online separation counseling is one of many transition benefits available to separating Sailors including those affected by the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB).

For the latest ERB information visit Navy Personnel Command's ERB website; www.public.navy.mil/bupers-nps/boards/ER B/Pages/default2/aspx.

To read NAVADMIN 300/11, visit www.npc.navy.mil.

For more information from the Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/cnp.


MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Remembering to ACT can make all the difference in preventing suicide, Navy officials reminded Sailors and Families in a suicide prevention update released Oct. 7.

"This year, more than 1,400 Sailors at some level of personal crisis were reached by a shipmate, family member, friend or leader who remembered to ACT and found help," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "I want to thank each of you who had the courage to seek help and those of you who recognized a need and reached out to help a shipmate."

ACT, which stands for Ask, Care, Treat, is an acronym to remind Sailors and their families of what they can do if they encounter a shipmate, friend or loved one who may need help.

Warning signs include:* Suicidal ideation* Substance abuse* Purposelessness * Anxiety* Hopelessness* Withdrawal* Anger * Recklessness

Sailors should familiarize themselves with warning signs for depression and suicide and review resources available to help Sailors in crisis. Medical, base or shipboard chaplains and Fleet and Family Support Centers are resources where Sailors can get help for themselves or their shipmates.

"Just remember to ACT - ask the question, care and help them find treatment," said West.

NAVADMIN 299/11 highlights additional information and resources that can help Sailors to ACT. Preventing suicides and connecting those in need of support is a top priority among leadership.

"I ask that our Sailors take time to strengthen their capacity to reach out and help. Know the warning signs and be familiar with where to go for help," said West. "We have a duty to seek support, reach out to one another and to live life to the fullest."

For more information, read the NAVADMIN available or www.npc.navy.mil and visit www.suicide.navy.mil.

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

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MCPON: Your ACT Can Save Shipmates


Story by MCSA Derek Volland

Control Freaks edge past Raiders in 3rd win of seasonIt was cold, with just a touch of wind and rain when the Control Freaks from USS Nimitz took the field against the Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion (MCSFBn) Bangor Raiders on October 11, at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. The Control Freaks, only having eight players available to play, were severely out-manned. The Raiders on the other hand, had no such shortage of players. After a slow start in the first quarter the Control Freaks managed to break through the opposing defense and score their first touchdown of the game. Then, a downward spiral. The Raiders started playing rough,

with one of the players literally grabbing a Freak by the leg and spinning him around, unnecessary contact in a flag football game.The Control Freaks fought tooth and nail through interceptions and rough play by their opposition.With the Raiders ahead by a touchdown in the final quarter the Control Freaks made a mad dash for the goal line. They managed to score and make the extra point putting them in the lead. With just a minute and a half left in the game the Raiders attempted to take back the lead. The Control Freaks would have none of it.

They managed to hold the Raiders at the 20 yard line for the last two plays, blocking the ball and causing an incompletion on the final play. The final score of 21 to 20 signalled a win for the Control Freaks broke the team's losing streak.“This was an amazing turn around for us,” said Machinist Mate 2nd Class Dino Zanini, a player for the Control Freaks. “We were down early and but we just kept playing hard, kept trying to take points off the board form them and came up with the win at the end.”The Control Freaks are now 3 and 6.

A player from the Control Freaks runs to catch a pass during the 21-20 victory over their opponets.

Nimitz SportsYour one stop shop for all things sports


Story by MC3 (SW) Nichelle Whitfield

Nimitz 5 Stars continue their domination

USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Five Stars flag football team obliterated the USS Nebraska’s with a final score of 32-6 in a game Thursday October 6.

The Five Stars executed plays with excitement and high-spirited jeers pierced the sky above the Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor football field.

“That was some good football out there tonight; a good disciplined game,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Claude Backman, Nimitz Five Star coach. “That’s what we come out here and do all the time.”

The football game was complete with interceptions, flagged plays, dropped passes, debated calls, downfield “Hail Marys”, injuries and quarterback sackings.

“I got six sacks today,” said Airman Preston Smith. “Everyone on the team worked together so well the other team didn’t have a chance to throw the ball, so I sacked them. It was a team effort.”

The Nimitz defense often left the Nebraska’s quarterback scrambling to move the ball downfield while they made all passing efforts virtually impossible.

The team competed so well during the game, it became clear to both teams that a “mercy rule” would be called into effect before the end of the game to prevent a staggering difference in score.

“Overall as a team we played outstanding,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Donta Wills. “Sometimes we get frustrated with each other, but we keep our heads in the game and play together as a team. That’s why we are winning.”

According to Wills, every player performed to their full potential during the game. Although, effort isn’t anything new to the team because every player plays their hardest in every game, he said.

The Five Stars have the opportunity to practice on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, non-game days, for about an hour said Backman. As the season has progressed,

the players have grown together as a team and are now both comfortable and familiar with one another’s abilities, he said.

“We have fun, we come out and get serious, but we have fun and that’s what it’s all about,” said Wills.

The Five Star games take place Tuesday and Thursday’s at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor in the evenings.

A player from the Nimitz Five Stars powers through a tackle during the 36-2 victory over their opponets.

A player from the Nimitz Five Stars jumps to block a pass from being caught by the opposing team during the 36-2 victory over their opponets.

Nimitz SportsYour one stop shop for all things sports


Birthday: U.S. Navy celebrating 236 years of maritime powerof a five-ship squadron sailing through the British islands, they encountered a British convoy with the HMS Serapis and the HMS Countess of Scarborough as their escorts. With skillful moves, Jones positioned Bonhomme Richard to engage Serapis in a battle. The rest of the ships in Jones’ squadron battled Countess of Scarborough.

Bonhomme Richard pulled up next to Serapis, firing cannons back and forth as the Bonhomme Richard prepared to pull around to the other side of Serapis. The ships battled until Bonhomme Richard was so badly destroyed, it caught on fire and began to sink.

The British commander of Serapis expected Jones to surrender considering how badly destroyed the Bonhomme Richard was. Even the crew members on board Bonhomme Richard, without the order from Jones, started to prepare for surrender. Jones, angry with his men, threw an empty revolver and hit one of them in the head. This grabbed

their attention and his men realized Jones’ intent was to not surrender and he was going to continue to fight until the battle was won.

The British commander asked Jones if he was ready to surrender to which Jones famously responded , “Surrender? I have not yet begun to fight!” This enthusiasm from Jones boosted the morale of his crew. It wasn’t long before the other ships of his squadron captured Countess of Scarborough. Meanwhile, the crew of Bonhomme Richard launched a bucket full of grenades into Serapis’ magazine chamber destroying the Serapis and leading the Americans to victory.

Throughout the War of Independence, the Continental Navy sent out more than 50 various types of armed vessels. Squadrons and cruisers detained enemy supplies, carried mail and diplomats to Europe and returned with much needed weapons. With the help of France, the Continental Navy was able to battle against the British and win. A seemingly impossible suggestion in 1775 grew to become the world’s largest and most

powerful navy. Each year, the United States Navy carries on the traditions set in place by the members of the Continental Navy born 236 years ago today.

For more information visit www.history.navy.mil.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class (SW) David Taylor purchases donuts from Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) 1st Class (SW/AW) Paul Herrera in the hangar bay on board USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The sale was to raise money for the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign fund drive, a campaign that supports eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. USS Nimitz has raised over $10,000 to date for the CFC. (US Navy photo by MCSN Renee L. Candelario)

A sweet treat for a good cause

Painting by William Elliot

Continued from Page 2

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Nimitz News, October 13, 2011