June 22, 2013
E M I T FOR A
CHANGE NIMITZ TAKES A STAND AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT
Vol. 2 Issue 49
Story by MC3 Linda S. Swearingen Photos by MC3 Raul Moreno Jr.
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in the process of conducting command-wide Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training. The training is being conducted to comply with NAVADMIN 156/13 and NAVADMIN 158/13 that mandates all military service members and Department of Defense (DoD) employees must complete commandSAPR training before July 1. With the Navy’s ongoing efforts to increase sexual assault awareness, Sailors on board Nimitz are doing their part to help erase it from Navy culture. According to the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report to the DOD, there were 425 unrestricted reports and 204 restricted reports of sexual assault Continued on page 2
Continued from page 1 made by female victims, 55 unrestricted reports and 37 restricted reports were made by male victims. If broken down, 89 percent of victims were female and 11 percent were male. “It’s a piece of the puzzle that we must complete towards the ultimate goal of eradicating sexual assault crimes completely,” said Rushing. “Talking about sexual assault brings the problem to the forefront so we can dissect it, understand it and get rid of it.” The goal of the recent SAPR training is to reemphasize the Navy’s zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as review the types of reporting and services available to the victims of these crimes. “However, unlike previous Navy-wide SAPR training, this stand down focuses more on our individual roles and responsibilities in ending this behavior within our ranks,” said Canady. “The audience is encouraged to play an active part in the training, helping to separate myth from reality and to identify warning signs and intervention points prior to an assault taking place. The heart of the message being if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem.” According to Rushing, the recent SAPR training is not the only way Nimitz is addressing sexual assault. “[Nimitz is] enabling an atmosphere where frank discussions can occur in the Chief ’s Mess, the Wardroom and our workcenters,” said Rushing. “This isn’t a point the finger at anyone or any group type of thing, it’s a team effort that we must embrace to solve it here on Nimitz.” The recent SAPR training is more interactive than SAPR training that has been conducted in the past on board Nimitz. Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff Ruth
Capt. Jeff Ruth, commanding officer, speaks during a SAPR brief.
“[It] encourages all of us to speak directly about this serious and sensitive topic,” said Rushing. Sexual assault is not limited to any one rank in the military, and it can happen to anyone, male or female. “One of the statistics really hit home,” said Rushing. “[In] 11 percent of the reported sexual assaults, men were the victims. Additionally, for every reported assault, three to five more assaults or harassments go unreported. That’s a lot of Sailors suffering in silence.” The message Sailors should take away from SAPR training is that it is not a problem big-Navy, or even Nimitz’ leadership, can solve alone. “It takes each of us taking responsibility for our own actions and stepping in when we see something wrong to end this type of behavior,” said Canady. To help stop sexual assault, Canady said that Sailors must form the first line of defense. “Whether through better personal choices, avoiding risky behavior, or stepping in to help a shipmate, it takes deckplate leadership at all levels to overcome this problem,” said Canady.
Executive Officer CDR John Cummings
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke
Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All 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.
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From the TOP
HUNTING IN THE
DEEP Story by PEO LCS Public Affairs
The Navy successfully concluded the second and final phase of reliability testing of The Remote Minehunting System is brought aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2). the littoral combat ship (LCS) The tests, conducted at the Lockheed remote minehunting system (RMS) off the coast of Palm Beach, Fla., enabling the service to progress Martin facilities at Riviera Beach, Fla., included toward developmental testing, the Navy announced participation by sailors from the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Mine Countermeasures Detachment June 20. The remote minehunting system, consisting who assisted with both mission operations and of a semi-submersible remote multi-mission vehicle vehicle maintenance, and engineers from the Naval (RMMV) operating with the AN/AQS-20A variable Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, depth mine-hunting sonar, was designed to detect, who supported all aspects of the testing. The tests classify, identify and locate bottom and moored validated reliability improvements made to the RMMV design in this increment and demonstrated mines in shallow and deep water. The RMS will provide the Navy the capability the required reliability necessary to meet program to keep ships and sailors out of the minefield, and requirements. The RMMV is a high-endurance, semiwill be deployed from the littoral combat ship (LCS) as part of the ship’s mine countermeasures mission autonomous, low-observable, unmanned, dieselpowered vehicle, operated and maintained from the package. The system completed more than 850 hours LCS. The AN/AQS-20A incorporates five separate of testing during 47 missions over a four-month sonar/sensors in a compact, lightweight, and hydrodynamically stable towed body. The AN/AQSperiod. “I am extremely pleased with the outcome 20A localizes mine-like objects and provides the of this event,” said Rear Adm. James Murdoch, operator with a visual image and a contact data list. program executive officer for littoral combat ships. All mission data are recorded by the LCS for post“It gives us great confidence as we prepare for the mission analysis. For more news from Naval Sea Systems next phases of RMS and LCS mine countermeasures Command, vist www.navy.mil/local/navsea. mission package testing.” 3
In Focus
NEVER TOO LATE
Story and Photo by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
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T
he average age of a junior Sailor on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is between 18-22 years old. However, for one sailor who joined at an age older than the average, being slightly older has proven to be an advantage. Coming into the Navy right after high school is the ideal age for most Sailors. You’re in your physical prime and you’ll be able to retire at the age of 38 years old. For 39-year-old Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Steven King, of Athens, Ga., who is currently stationed on board Nimitz, joining at age 33 has worked in his favor. Prior to joining the Navy, King worked in multiple retail locations since the age of 15, and he believes the 24 years of work experience he had coming into the Navy has given him an advantage that younger Sailors don’t have. “[I joined the Navy because] I was in between jobs and wasn’t happy with my current situation,” said King. “My grandfather was in the Navy, and I thought it would give me an opportunity to better myself.” According to King, some advantages to being older in the Navy include having a good work ethic and a greater sense of responsibility. “At my age people don’t waste time on the job, they work,” said King.
King worked two jobs prior to joining the Navy just to make ends meet. Many younger Sailors who joined out of high school haven’t dealt with having supporting themselves, and he credits his experiences with the success he’s had in the Navy. “Being older helps me grasp the concept of being open to new experiences and ideas that the Navy hands me,” said King. King said he was considered an exceptional Sailor on his first deployment by his command, who put him on a special liberty program that allowed him to have the same liberty as more senior ranking Sailors. “I showed my work center supervisor that I was a responsible Sailor and that I was a hard worker,” said King. As a Petty Officer 3rd Class, King worked hard and was quickly appointed the position of work center supervisor of the G-1 division. Hard work and dedication are factors that help create an outstanding Sailor. However, age and life experience can also play a factor in getting ahead, according to King. “No matter what your age is or background, the Navy is a great equalizer,” said King. King’s future goals in the Navy include working toward his goal of becoming a warrant officer.
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Through the Lens
Aviation ordnancemen debrief after completing an event during flight operations. - Photo by MC2 (SW) Jacquelyn Childs
AS1 Justin Badwound and AS3 Hunter Mclane perform maintenance on a hold-back bar. - Photo by MCSN Derek Harkins
AEAN Chip J. Kasper performs air data testing on an F/A-18C Hornet.
SHSN Marcus Lee checks out customers at the ship’s store.
- Photo by MCSA Victoria Ochoa
- Photo by MCSA Kelly M. Agee
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