The Gator Growl Vol. 3 Issue 11

In This Issue...

GROWLTHE GATOR

BATAAN FAMILIES CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11AIMD RECEIVES REFURBED GEARBATAAN SAILORS RETURN TO BERTHINGS

The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by Bataan’s Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services at sea. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

Commanding OfficerCaptain John “J.C.” CarterExecutive OfficerCaptain Eric N. Pfister

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SW/AW) Scott HarvillePublic Affairs Officer MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis Herring

News Team 5MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis HerringMC1(AW/SW) RJ StratchkoMC1(AW/SW) Julie Matyascik

MC1(AW/SW) Gary Prill MCSN Caleb StrongMCSN Mutis CapizziSN Raymond Minami

Layout and Design MCSN Mutis CapizziEditors MC1(AW/SW) Gary Prill

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DECEMBER 2015 MWR Activity Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Concert: Twenty One Pilots Norva

Time: 1800

2

Admirals vs South Carolina Stingrays

Norfolk Scope Time: 1915

3

Concert: The Neighborhood

Norva Time: 1800

4 Concert: Coheed and

Combria Norva

Time: 1830

5

Concert: Dark Star Orchestra

Norva Time: 1900

6 Concert: Panic! At the

Disco Norva

Time: 1530

7

12/5-12/31-Annual Country Christmas at

Hunt Club Farm Time: All Day

8 Show: Savion Glover’s

Dance Holiday Spectacular

Ferguson Center Time: 1930

9

Show: Virginia Stage Company: A Christmas

Carol Wells Theatre

Time: 2000

10

Show: Big Band Holiday

Ferguson Center

11

Holiday Party Renaissance Hotel

Time: 1800

12 12/11-12/12-Home for

the Holidays Virginia Beach Town

Center

13 Show: The Academy of Dance Presents: Home

for the Holidays Ferguson Center Time: 1500, 1900

14

15

16

17

18

19 Ski Trip (WinterGreen,

VA) Pick Up Location:

Naval Station Norfolk, Bldg. C9

Departure Time: 0430

20

Concert: Rock the Season Norva

Time: 1300

21



22

Sports: Basketball ODU (Men) vs Rhode

Island Time: 1900

23 MacArthur on Ice and

Winter Carnival MacArthur Center

24

Happy Holidays

25

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27



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29

Sports: Basketball ODU (Men) vs Norfolk

State ODU

Time: 1200

30



31

Concert: The Deloreans

Norva Time: 2000

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NORFOLK, Va. – USS Bataan’s (LHD 5) Sailors moved from the temporary barge back into the newly renovated berthing’s aboard the ship November 6.

A team led by Aviation Boatswain Handler 1st Class Troy Washington was organized to update the berthing’s on the Bataan.

“My role in the berthing renovations was to tear down anything old,” said Washington. “We spray-painted, re-stenciled and had both lagging and contacting teams come through.”

According to Washington, another major upgrade made to the berthing’s was new racks (bunks) being installed. For the racks installed that did not have the typical ‘coffin style’ locker, tall lockers are now beside the racks and makes having a top rack a little easier.

“It’s a newer feel because the old racks have been here since the ship was constructed,” said Washington.

The new design also offers more space for Sailors as the vents and emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs) are no longer inside the rack, but are on the

outside of the racks. “One of the differences is the EEBD

is no longer inside of your rack so now you don’t have to worry about your feet bumping into that,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Alexandra A. Romero from Falls Church, Virginia.

“I like the new berthing,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Eddy Minuku from Los Angeles, California. “We have more space and have better ventilation than before.”

Washington expressed that cleanliness is the most important part of the berthing because people live in them. He said that he is working to set up the cleaning routines and habits now among the Sailors and doesn’t want to wait until deployment.

“It is important to instill how we want things to be now,” said Washington. “If we don’t, it will get really rough on deployment.”

Story by MCSN Mutis Capizzi

Personal gear and uniform clothing items shall not be stored at the end of your rack under mattress, blankets or pillows as well as not on top of the lockers or inside unoccupied lockers. Gear that can be stored in or on your rack/lockers: • One pair work boots and one pair of

athletic shoes• One small stuffed animal (12”) • Reading material at head of your rack

or magazine holder (two books or two\magazines)

• Wind up or battery powered alarm clock• Photos affixed to the bulkhead near had

of rack (18” x 18” area)• Laundry bag on top of blanket• One personal blanket (placed

underneath government issued blanket)• One pair of shower shoes at the foot of

rack ***Members who leave gear adrift will perform two hours of extra military instruction (EMI) as a berthing cleaner for every item collected by the Berthing Petty Officer (BPO). LHD5INST 5401.3E

Give Thanks

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5

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Story by MC1 Gary A. Prill

AIMD GEAR

As USS Bataan prepares to depart BAE Shipyard, Sailors in various department are receiving, inspecting and certifying nearly every piece of gear that ensures the ship can complete her mission when her crew is called upon.

For Sailors in Weapons Department this means a full inspection on weapons and security support equipment, along with personnel records verifying gun qualifications, security watch-standing certifications, and required training. For damage controlman and their support staff, the Damage Control Petty Officers (DCPOs) from each division, this means putting hands on each piece of gear from C02 fire bottles to Battle Lanterns (Portable Emergency Lighting).

Each division and department has its own criteria that must be met, and each

department has new gear to learn or to inspect for quality control and mission reliability.

For Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) it’s no different. When Bataan pulled into the ship yard nearly all of her Aviation Support Equipment (ASE), White Gear/Yellow Gear, was craned off and sent out for recertification and rework.

“AIMD had a lot of their aviation support equipment, like trailers for engines, mounts and adapter stands, to include many other pieces that were sent to a re-work facility” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Timothy Kelly. “While at the facility they were completely torn down, refurbished and rebuilt back up.”

Included in this rework was the ship’s crash crane, flight deck tow tractors

and spotting dollies that received various amounts of wear and tear while the ship was on her deployments. This gear is scheduled to be returned to the ship certified ready for use early in December prior to the ship commencing her first underway.

“IM4 (a division of AIMD responsible for ASE) had multiple pieces of white gear and yellow gear that were also sent to the same re-work facility,” said Kelly. “These parts received a thorough inspection when it was accepted by the facility, from there if rework was needed the gear was sand blasted, corrosion treated, repainted and re-certified like brand new. This turns the gear from used and abused to almost brand new, extending the life.”

For other divisions in AIMD they must train on new gear that has replaced

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its 30 year old counterparts. This gear will allow them to more efficiently accomplish the mission faster and more proficient than the gear before it.

“With us helping engineering during the yard period, assisting with the LOA inspections by doing the calibration checks on gages, we have updated our standards and reworked programs for future use,” said Calibration Laboratory Leading Petty Officer, Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Richard Swindle. “We got quite a few new upgrades also. On our electronic side we upgraded our radio frequency gear so that we may do that more efficiently. We also got a new standard that will revolutionize how we do calibrations for gauges, allowing us to do five gauges in the amount of time we could previously do one. “

Though this is just a snapshot into the new gear on board, it means many hours of training and instruction teaching the new Sailors how to more efficiently do the task at hand and ultimately turning Bataan into a newly reworked, re-certified ship ready to fulfill her mission.

Sailor Of the Year

Senior Sailor Of the Year

Aviation Maintenance Administration 2nd Class

Damage Controlman 3rd Class Shauna GuilfoyleJunior Sailor Of the Year

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Lionel NunnBluejacket Of the Year

Corpsman 1st Class Julian A. Aryee II “THere is one big thing that contributed to our selections. It is always the crew; none of us would

be successful without the help of our shipmates and family.” - HM1

Tamika T. Drummonds

Of The Year

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“With the help of good leadership we are given the opportunity to go above and beyond as they help set

us up for success.” - HM1

Sailor Of the YearAviation Maintenance Administration 2nd Class

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Lionel NunnBluejacket Of the Year

Tamika T. Drummonds

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NORFOLK, Va. - As of Nov. 4, all of Bataan’s mess decks are full of crew members. Now that the galley grills and other food service equipment is fired up, the ship’s Food Services division is serving hot meals.

Full of life again, after a long period of reconstruction, the ship’s Culinary Specialists (CSs) celebrated the re-opening of the messes by serving Sailors the crew favorite, burger day, as the inaugural meal.

“I think having burger day back on the ship as our first meal was very fitting and something the crew can rally behind,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Dustin Epp from Roseburg, Oregon. “Having the galley on the barge kept us from being intact, being a true crew.”

Bataan Sailors said goodbye to the barge the crew temporarily inhabited and had been acting as the serving area for the crew’s meals for the better half

of a year. The barge was towed away now that the crew has moved back aboard completely, with Sailors happy to see it go.

“I think it’s awesome that we are back on the ship and off the barge,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Larissa Cervantes. “Now we can give the crew the real experience of the messes and they can get a real feel of ship life.”

Cervantes works in the Officers’ Wardroom, and is resuming operations there with a whole new group of Sailors.

“We have a new Wardroom team and I look forward to getting to know the other Culinary Specialists who are new to the Navy,” said Cervantes. “I look forward to us learning from each other and working together; that’s a good thing that’s happening since my old team isn’t aboard anymore.”

Epp says he feels now that the ships galleys are operational; the crew is functioning properly as it should.

Story by MCSN Raymond Minami

GALLEY SERVICES

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Story by MC1 Gary A. Prill

BATAAN IS LOOKING FOR OMBUDSMENWhat is an Ombudsmen?

Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. As an official command representative, the Ombudsman is a point of contact for all family members connected to the command - including spouses, parents, and extended family members.

How can an Ombudsman help me?

Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members.

For more information, including FAQ, visits the Navy Personnel Command Navy Family Ombudsman Program Web Page.

Santa will be handing out gifts at 1000!

Take pictures with Santa!

Children’s Holiday Party

Hosted by:The First Class Petty Off cer Association

The Bounce House0900 - 1200

Pizza * Presents * Music * Fun

FREE EVENT! ALL AGES WELCOME!

etails:D

HOLIDAY SAFET Y

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Norfolk, Va. – The upcoming holiday season guarantees a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends and reflect on what’s important. There will be many reasons to celebrate and doing so safely is the best gift you can give yourself.

“We’ve almost completed another successful year on Bataan,” said Capt. J.C. Carter, Commanding Officer, USS Bataan (LHD 5). “The holidays are a time that brings families and friends together to give thanks. I encourage everyone to use all available resources to ensure a safe and happy holiday season. My wish is that we all return safe and sound from the holidays, ready to start the new year.”

“On return from the holidays, we’ll see a busy year as the crew begins to re-qualify to get back into the fight.”

The Naval Safety Center (NSC) has a comprehensive Web-based campaign

designed to give Sailors and their families all the resources they need to manage risk through the holidays and throughout the year.

According to the NSC this is the time of the year when a lot of accidents can happen, so whether you are a traveler, a diner or a cook, be safety-minded during this busy holiday. The NSC recommends that drivers and passengers plan accordingly to avoid rushing, always wear a seatbelt, and be mindful of weather conditions throughout their trip.

A resource used to avoid possible hazards while driving and is widely used by command leaders is the Travel Risks Planning System (TRIPS). Sailors can download the automated risk-assessment tool through the NSC website or through Navy Knowledge Online.

An additional threat to safety comes

from alcohol. Command Assistant Drug and Alcohol Advisor Aviation Boatswain Handler 1st Class Sarah Powers asks you to use smart choices and simple risk management.

“USS Bataan utilizes a ‘Safe Ride’ program that can ensure you have a safe ride home when needed,” Powers said. “There are also other options beside our program rather than getting behind the wheel and gambling with your life, or the lives of others.”

Story by MC1 Julie Matyascik

Suggestions to ensure you have a safe and happy holidays:

• Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially and get plenty of sleep.

• Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.

• Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.\

• Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, and cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate them promptly.

• Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables, which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

• Threats like icy roads, drunk drivers, undercooked food, slips and falls, and fires all threaten the joy the holidays can bring. It is important to enlighten yourself and others with tools to help identify and lessen risk by logging in to the Naval Safety Center website.

http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/pages/media/index-safetips.aspx

Documents

The Gator Growl Vol. 3 Issue 11