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 ref lect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments of Defense or the Navy

and do not imply any endorsement thereby.

See`SWIM` page 4

VOL 2 / NO 39 April 17, 2011

Inside this Issue: Chief of Chaplains Visit | Joint Exercise in Manila | Sailor in the Spotlight

Story by MC2 (SW) Ashley Van DienUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Crew OverboardTraining leads to fun and safe swim call

Looking out toward the horizon, keeping their legs and arms crossed and holding their noses, more than 3,000 Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 Sailors jumped

off aircraft elevator (ACE) 3 into the Arabian Sea Friday. The swim call was successful with no serious injuries due to meticulous planning

and training prior to the event. Sailors were encouraged to watch a swim call Safety Brief on SITE T.V. and read a

story about evolution safety in the Apr. 14 edition of the Voice, prior to jumping off ACE 3. Department heads contributed to making the swim call 5050 instruction

a useful tool to prevent mishaps, injuries and ensure all aspects of swimmer safety were considered. Numerous meetings and briefs with all departments’

key players were also held to ensure all hands were on the same page and prepared for the event. Khaki leadership also contributed to safety

prior to the event by screening Sailors’ swimming capabilities and briefing them on proper

water entry and exit procedures.

Immediately prior to entering the water, Sailors were instructed

U.S. Navy Photo By Mc2 (SW) James Evans

Carl Vinson Voice2

Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey

Commanding Officer

Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Erik Schneider Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Managing Editor MC2 (SW) Ashley Van Dien

Photo Editor MC2 (SW)James R. Evans

Layout and DesignMC3 Patrick Green

Staff Writers/PhotographersMC2 Byron Linder

MC3 (SW) Lori BentMC3 Christopher Hwang

MCSN Rosa ArzolaMCSN (SW) Timothy HazelMCSN (SW) Nicolas LopezSTA

FFStory by MC2 Byron C. LinderUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17

Sailors welcomed aboard Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd yesterday.

Tidd’s visit with Vinson and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) dovetailed with Palm Sunday on April 17, an event celebrated one week before Easter.

“This is part of a wider visit to both 5th Fleet and Central Command,” explained Cmdr. Keith Shuley, Vinson and Carrier Strike Group 1 command chaplain. “His goal is to get the pulse of the crew and the ship, and give a snapshot to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).”

To meet as many Sailors as possible, Tidd conducted several “walk abouts” to visit various workcenters. Vinson and CVW 17 Sailors also attended a meet-and-greet on the aft mess decks where Tidd warmly greeted Sailors and asked about their day-to-day lives aboard Vinson. Later, Sailors took part in an all-hands call with the Chief of Chaplains in Hangar Bay 3.

Carl Vinson Welcomes Navy Chief of Chaplains

Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark Tidd addresses a Roman Catholic congregation during mass in the ship’s chapel April 16. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Timothy A. Hazel.

“I had an opportunity to visit Sailors, and I jumped on it. It’s important for me to hear what’s going on, to have contact and know what Sailors are doing and what they’re excited about,” said Tidd. “Folks who are committed and passionate are exciting to me, and that’s a message I want to share with CNO.”

Tidd emphasized the importance of recognizing Gold Eagle and Team Quicksand’s work.

“For many years, this AOR has been very important and very dynamic. Now more than ever, so much is going on. The ability to respond and be present is a tremendous ability we have,” Tidd said. “But it doesn’t happen without Sailors making it happen. I felt tremendously welcome, and appreciate the Carl Vinson hospitality.”

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Amber Walker, assigned to Supply Department S-2 division, was excited to meet a Navy career role model.

“I’ve been looking forward to this since I found out he was coming a couple of days ago,” said Walker. “I want to be chaplain, and meeting the Chief of Chaplains is an honor.”

Walker encouraged Sailors to make the most of the opportunity to meet the Navy Chief of Chaplains.

“People feel more open talking to a chaplain. If he can hear what’s going on with us, he can bring that to the CNO’s attention. He’s someone who is out here to help us.”

For Shuley, Tidd’s visit was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with a mentor.

“Our paths crossed back in 1995, and he has been a good mentor and pastor to me over the years. I was thrilled when he was confirmed by the Senate to be the Navy Chief of Chaplains,” Shuley said.

Hosting the senior pastor in charge of all the naval services; the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines; also gives Vinson’s Religious Programs department a valuable opportunity, Shuley added.

“On board Vinson, we have about 15 different faith groups represented, and we are committed to this diversity,” said Shuley. “He comes from a Christian background, and it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how we all work together. This crew is so welcoming, and it’s a great opportunity for our Sailors.”

3April 17, 2011

for miles around, you will be there to provide immediate relief and longer-term recovery assistance,” U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett said Friday during Balikatan closing ceremonies in Manila, according to the embassy release.

The Philippines is prone to typhoons, landslides and earthquakes. At the opening of the exercise earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. said the training will prepare the armed forces for such events in the future.

Meanwhile, the two nations conducted the largest combat field training exercises ever during this year’s Balikatan, the embassy said.

Teams trained on how to deal with improvised explosive devices, defuse and dispose of bombs, conduct live-fire operations in a convoy, evacuate casualties and perform trauma care.

The appearance of roadside bombs has complicated the fight against al-Qaida-linked, Islamic separatist guerrillas in the southern Philippines, where U.S. Special Forces advise the Philippine military in a decades old insurgency.

Two U.S. soldiers and a Philippine marine were killed in September 2009 when an IED sheared their Humvee in half in Jolo. Officials said the bomb technology has leached into the southern Philippines from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Travis J. TrittenSTARS AND STRIPES

U.S. Philippines Wrap Up Annual Balikatan Exercise

The U.S. and Philippines wrapped up a joint military exercise Friday after 10 days of combat and disaster-relief training,

according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.The annual Balikatan exercise included countering roadside bombs,

explosive-ordnance disposal and trauma care. Servicemembers also gave medical care to about 8,000 people, constructed new buildings at several Philippine schools and provided veterinary care for thousands of animals, the embassy said.

The exercise has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance since the United States closed its sprawling Cold War-era bases and pulled out of the country in 1991.

This year, the event was overshadowed by a natural and nuclear disaster in Japan that underscored the need for such joint disaster training and also diverted U.S. military forces that had planned to participate, including the USS Essex amphibious ready group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“You should all be proud knowing that the next time an earthquake reduces a town to rubble or a volcano blankets everything in ashes

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman John Paul Johnson and other Sailors assigned to Air Department’s V-2 Division wrap the waist catapults in preparation for a recovery cycle on the flight deck April 12. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Timothy A. Hazel.

Carl Vinson Voice4

From `SWIM` page 1

to keep their eyes on the horizon, cross their arms and legs and don’t lean backward or forward. When they completed the jump and surfaced, Sailors gave rescue swimmers and observers on the elevator a thumbs up to indicate a safe landing.

“Proper water entry technique training was crucial to the safety of all swimmers,” Lt. j.g. Zachary Moody, Vinson’s Assistant Weapons Officer and assistant swim call coordinator. “ACE 3, even in the lowered position, is still approximately 30 feet above the water. Jumping into the water the wrong way would undoubtedly lead to injuries. Training on whistle signals was important in the event of an emergency, for both the Rescue Swimmers and the Sailors swimming.”

In addition to contributing to training and maintaining safety, numerous departments provided essential equipment for swim call, such as whistles, bull horns, hydras, life rings, water/boxed meals, sunscreen, trash bags and mats. Also, every department along with Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15 provided watchstanders for coordination, safety observers, egress assistants, gear stowage watches, ID card collectors,

Carl Vinson Voice4

shark watches, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat crews, SAR swimmers, and various other positions.

“This truly was an all hands event and took the entire Gold Eagle/Quicksand Team to make it fun, safe, and successful,” said Moody.

A swim call for the crew has been one of Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey’s goals since reporting on board as commanding officer. The swim call was Capt. Lindsey’s first on an aircraft carrier in his 27-year naval career, and the first for many Sailors on board.

“It was pretty fun,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Joseph Dunbar, who participated in his first swim call Friday. “It was a life-changing experience. People don’t get to just jump in the ocean every day.”

“At first when I stood at the edge of the elevator, I thought it was quite high,” said Legalman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Raymond Alamo, “but I did not look down. I looked straight ahead and just leapt. It was really fun.”

In addition to offering fun and excitement to the crew, the swim call doubled as some uncommon training.

“Swim call is a huge morale booster, especially when it breaks up the monotony of longer at-sea periods,” said Moody. “It is a chance for Sailors to participate in a very unique experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. It greatly contributed to building camaraderie among the crew. It also emphasized the training of proper high water entry technique, which is something we do not get to practice during abandon ship drills.”

5April 17, 2011

U.S. Navy Photos By MC2 (SW) James R. Evans, MC3 Christopher K. Hwang, MCSN (SW) Nicolas Lopez and MCSN (SW) Timothy Hazel

a p r i l

18

171906

1778

191783

201796

211898

221778

231956

This

We

ek

in

Na

va

l H

isto

ry

The Sloop-in-war Ranger captures a British brig.

The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco

earthquake and Fire.

George Washington proclaims the end of

hostilities with Great Britain.

Congress authorizes the completion of three

frigates.

U.S. declares war on Spain.

Capt. John Paul Jones of Ranger leads a landing party raid on

Whitehaven, England.

Project Vanguard, earth satellite launching program, assigned to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations

(Air).

5April 17, 2011

Carl Vinson Voice6

Story and photo by MC3 (SW) Lori D. BentUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Two years ago, when Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Cesar

Casillas, a native of Tolono, Calif., joined the Navy, he had no idea that his job would take him to the busy, fast-paced flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

Casillas is Supply Department’s S-6 Repairable Asset Management (RAM) Division work center supervisor (WCS) and primary flight deck handler for C-2A Greyhound (COD) evolutions.

In his division, Casillas is responsible for more than $160 million in depot level repairable (DLR) parts used to support Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 squadrons and Carl Vinson’s Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).

S-6’s leading petty officer (LPO), Logistics Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Frederick Sharpe, describes Casillas as a determined junior Sailor who tackles all challenges with a level of energy unmatched by most of his peers.

“He is dedicated to every assignment until the job is complete. He sees a job all the way through from the COD to the store room,” said Sharpe. “He starts on the flight deck and tracks and follows-up with every part that comes in.”

A job, Casillas said, that he enjoys and takes pride in.“I believe that if I have to do a job then I must be good at it,” said

Casillas. “I want to do the best I can. I have to give 100 percent all the time because so much relies on us (Supply) being accountable for things the ship needs.”

When he’s not busy inventorying, verifying and storing all aviation and surface DLR parts for the ship, Casillas is busy checking and double-checking that each storeroom has the correct parts and equipment, and that all personnel, mail and DLR arriving or departing the ship are accounted for.

“It’s all about accountability,” said Casillas. “I will take two to three hours making sure every part or piece of equipment is where it needs to be. Misplacing million-dollar equipment is not an option for S-6.”

Casillas’s Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO), Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Edwin Calma, said that Casillas’s “can-do” attitude motivates the division to work together to get the job done and challenge themselves to constantly grow and improve.

“He has an incomparable drive to excel,” said Calma. “Sometimes he is one step ahead of me already, thinking of ways to tackle a situation before I can even come up with one. He is constantly thinking of ways to improve the way we operate.”

After Vinson came out of Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH), the experience level of the division grew with the modifications and steadfast attitude Casillas contributed, eliminating many foreseen complications, added Calma.

Working on the flight deck may be challenging for many Sailors, but

Casillas believes that being interactive on deck takes the monotony out of a long deployment.

“I’m a physical work kind of person,” he laughed. “I like being outside and working with my hands. We work long hours but the time goes by so much faster.”

Casillas’s willpower exceeds that of an average Sailor and many responsibilities fall on his shoulders.

“He is a valuable Sailor and is capable of handling any job he is faced with,” said Calma, “whether it is on the job challenges, working toward his enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) qualification or developing as an outstanding leader.”

Looking toward the future, Casillas hopes to earn the rank of petty officer second class, pursue his degree in Criminal Justice and be qualified in both ESWS and enlisted aviation warfare specialists (EAWS) programs.

SPOTLIGHTIN T

HE

S a i l o r

7April 17, 2011

USS Carl Vinson’s Media Department is home to the 2010 Navy-wide Junior MC of the Year, Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) 3rd Class Stephen G. Hale II and winners of the following Chief of Information (CHINFO) awards: 1st place for Social Media Presence; Honorable Mention for 2010 Outstanding New Navy Writer, Mass Communication Specialist (SW) 3rd Class Lori D. Bent; 2nd place for Broadcast Television News Report and

3rd place for Broadcast Television News Feature, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaac Needleman.

Deckplate Dialogues

IT3 Ariel Collado AWR3 (NAC/AW) Rylin Chavez MM3 (SW) Jose Gari

“What was the best part of swim call?” DECKPLATE

“It was a big morale booster for the ship and broke up the

monotony.”

“it was great for the rescue swimmers to spend some time in

the water.”

“It was a lot of fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

E-2C Hawkeye: Provide airborne early

warning of approaching air/missileattacks.

The fuel oil service system includes fuel

oil servicetanks, manifolds, piping, and fuel oil

service pumps to Fill aircraft with JP-5.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Sexual assault affects people from all backgrounds, sexual orientations and lifestyles and also affects the victims’ loved ones. Sexual Assault can happen at a bar, on the ship, or even at home. Common types of harassment you might hear or see on ship are verbal, electronic or hand gestures. When someone hears or witnesses harassment on the ship they may take it as a joke but to others, they are offended and don’t tell anyone. If everyone knew how to keep their words to themselves and respect each other’s boundaries, then you wouldn’t be reading this blog today. Unfortunately, that is not the case, whether they decide to share the experience or not.

Do your part to prevent Sexual Assault on board Carl Vinson. It takes all hands.

SPOTLIGHT

Carl Vinson Voice8

Sunday, Apr 17Channel 6

Friday, Apr 22

Thursday, Apr 21

Saturday, Apr 23

Wednesday, Apr 20

Tuesday, Apr 19

Monday, Apr 18

0815-Hancock1000-Alice in Wonderland1200-The Spirit1400-Tommorow Never Dies1600-Escape From Alcatraz1800-The 701815-Hancock2000-The 702015-Alice in Wonderland2215-The Spirit0015-Tommorow Never Dies0215-Ice Stati on Zebra0500-The 700515-Daddy’s Litt le Girls

0815-The 700830-Hot Shots1030-The Great Santi ni1230-The Express1445-Premoniti on1630-The Karate Kid1900-Hot Shots2100-The Great Santi ni2300-The Express0115-Premoniti on0300-Just Wright

0815-The Bourne Ulti matum1015-Away from Her1215-Diary of a Wimpy Kid1400-The World Is Not Enough1615-LotR: The Two Towers1915-The Bourne Ulti matum2115-Away from Her2315-Diary of a Wimpy Kid0100-The World Is Not Enough0315-LotR: The Two Towers

0815-Get Smart1015-Leap Year1200-Swing Vote1400-Where the Wild Things Are1545-The Nanny Diaries1730-Old Dogs1900-Get Smart2100-Leap Year2245-Swing Vote0045-Where the Wild Things Are0230-The Nanny Diaries0415-Harry Pott er: Sorcerer’s Stone

0815-Iron Man1030-Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull1245-Sydney White1445-I Can Do Bad All By Myself1645-They Were Expendable1900-Iron Man2115-Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull2330-Sydney White0130-I Can Do Bad All By Myself0330-Enchanted0530-Penelope

0815-Transformers1045-Once Upon a Time in the West1345-Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married1545-Mamma Mia1745-Marley and Me1945-Transformers2215-Once Upon a Time in the West0115-Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married0315-Mamma Mia0515-Step Up 2: The Streets

0815-Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls1000-Pride1145-Bedti me Stories1330-CLEANEX!!!!1530-Tora! Tora! Tora!1800-Memphis Belle1945-Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls2130-Pride2315-Bedti me Stories0100-Batt le for Terra0230-Memphis Belle0415-No Reservati ons

Channel 7Sunday, Apr 17

0815-88 Minutes1015-Paranormal Acti vity 21200-The 13th Warrior1345-Body of Lies1600-The Peacemaker1800-The 701815-Grown Ups2000-The 702015-88 Minutes2215-Paranormal Acti vity 20000-The 13th Warrior0145-Pathfi nder0315-Grown Ups0500-The 700515-The Invasion

Monday, Apr 180815-The 700830-From Paris with Love1015-The Wolfman1200-Crimson Tide1400-Alpha Dog1600-Broken Arrow1745-The Wolfman1930-Shutt er Island2200-From Paris with Love2345-Crimson Tide0145-Soul Men0330-Broken Arrow0515-The Crazies

Wednesday, Apr 20

Tuesday, Apr 190815-My Best Friend’s Girl1000-Taking of the Pelham 1 2 31145-Cadillac Records1345-Fight Club1615-Weather Girl1800-Takers2000-My Best Friend’s Girl2145-Taking of the Pelham 1 2 32330-Cadillac Records0130-Fight Club0400-Alien Vs. Preditor: Requiem0530-Shutt er

0815-Sweeney Todd1015-The Kovak Box1200-Aliens vs. Predator1345-My Bloody Valenti ne1530-Blood and Chocolate1715-The Professional1915-Sweeney Todd2115-The Kovak Box2300-Aliens vs. Predator0045-My Bloody Valenti ne0230-Blood and Chocolate0415-Eat, Pray, Love

Friday, Apr 22

Thursday, Apr 21

Saturday, Apr 23

0815-Semi-Pro1000-Obsessed1200-The Secret Life of Bees1400-Old School1545-My Sister’s Keeper1745-Goodfellas2015-The Goods2145-Semi-Pro2330-Obsessed0130-The Secret Life of Bees0330-My Sister’s Keeper0515-Dragonball Evoluti on

0815-Hitman1000-The Number 231145-The Time Traveler’s Wife1345-Brooklyns Finest1600-The Fast and the Furious1800-The Hurt Locker2015-The Other Guys2215-Hitman0000-The Number 230145-The Time Traveler’s Wife0345-The Contract0530-Scorpion King

0815-Cop Out1015-Wind Chill1145-Extract1330-CLEANEX!!!1530-Appaloosa1730-The Rocker1915-Mr. Brooks2130-Cop Out2330-Wind Chill0100-Extract0245-Appaloosa0445-The Rocker