Oct. 25, 2012
Vol. 1 Issue 68
Building Bombs
2012 NIMITZ
Story and photos by MC3 Devin Wray
This year’s goal...
$100,000!
To donate contact your departmental CFC For more information visit: www.opm.gov/CFC
Smar t Sho p p ing By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Victor Aquino with Nimitz’ Weapons Department G-3 division lays down a “puck” of leaflets to be used in a PDU-5 leaflet bomb aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
It was a long night for members of the Weapons Department G-3 division of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and N-39 division of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 as the two groups worked together to build a bomb packed with a payload of approximately 150 pounds of paper. Yes, paper. The PDU-5 leaflet bomb is packed with approximately 20 rolls, or pucks, of rolled leaflets that scatter
in the air over a populated area. “It can be utilized to give early warnings of a bombing in the area to minimize civilian casualties,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Luis Negron. “The idea is to influence a populace with a message.” This method is an effective way to spread a message in countries where televisions are not a common household item. A unique way of delivering a see Bomb pg. 6
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Oct. 23 that it has revised its Price Match Policy for NEXs around the world. The NEX Price Match Policy guarantees that NEXs will match any brick and mortar retailer’s advertised price within the local market area on any identical instock item. “We want the NEX to be our customers’ choice for shopping,” said Richard Dow, NEXCOM senior vice president, Store see NEX pg. 7
Commanding Officer CAPT Jeff S. Ruth Executive Officer CAPT Buzz Donnelly Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre Public Affairs Officer LCDR Karin Burzynski Editor MC2 Benjamin Crossley Lead Designer MC3 Renee L. Candelario
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.
Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Kasi Bounds, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, performs maintenance on a F/A-18E Super Hornet in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC2 Robert Winn)
1812 USS United States (Capt. Stephen Decatur) captures HMS Macedonian. 1924 Airship USS Shenandoah (ZR 1) completes round-trip transcontinental cruise that began Oct. 7. 1944 During Battle of Leyte Gulf in Battle of Surigao Straits, U.S. battleships execute the maneuver of “crossing the tee” of the Japanese forces. In Battle Off Samar, escort carriers, destroyers and destroyer escorts heroically resist attacks of Japanese Center Force. In Battle Off Cape Engano, 3rd Fleet carriers attack Japanese Northern Force, sinking several small carriers. 1950 Chinese Communist Forces launch first offensive in Korea. 1966 Operation Sea Dragon logistics interdiction began. 1983 U.S. Marine and Army troops land on Grenada to evacuate U.S. citizens threatened by the Island’s unstable political situation. Page 2
Sailor of the Day:
What Makes the Job Easy
Story and photos by MC3 Ryan Mayes
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Andres Witrak enjoys a day at sea in his work center at the avionics shop.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Andres Witrak, assigned to the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, was named USS Nimitz’ (CVN 68) Sailor of the Day for Oct. 24. As a flight deck troubleshooter, Witrak can be found going between the hangar bay to the flight deck solving complex aircraft issues. His composed demeanor during time sensitive and often difficult situations has many pilots asking for him by name. As one of the command’s fitness leaders, he leads his shipmates during command PT evolutions and has helped enable a 60 percent decrease in physical fitness assessment failures. “It was quite surprising,” said Witrak. “It blew my mind when they told me I was the Sailor of the Day. I definitely appreciate it. It goes to show, if you work hard someone somewhere will notice it.” After two years in the AT shop, Witrak’s co-workers
call him the ‘energizer bunny’ for his work ethic but he is quick to give them credit as well. “The people I work with make the job easy,” said Witrak. “I love working in the AT shop and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
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Reminder!
5
Do not remove your bandage for days to prevent spread of the small pox infection.
A
Day at
Sea
Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Algeron Gross strips paint from a brake system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno)
Seaman Emily Hagen paints a mooring chock aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno)
Nimitz Sailors show pride and professionalism in their daily duties
Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Ashley Botbyl assists in a Phase C inspection on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146. (Photo by MC2 Benjamin Crossley)
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rodrigo Gonzalez helps guide the lid of a shipping container over a jet engine aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Raul Moreno)
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Jamarr Reese moves an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323. (Photo by MC2 Benjamin Crossley)
Bomb: Sailors Create Something New
continued from Pg. 1 message requires a unique bomb. The PDU-5 itself is designed with a shell that weighs about ten pounds. The shell is lined with explosive wire to split the shell like a banana and break apart so it doesn’t hurt anyone when it hits the ground. The pucks of leaflets are designed to break apart from the force of the wind and scatter. Even the paper had to be folded over itself to create the spacing required for the scatter effect. The process to make the bomb Lt. Cmdr Rob Oberlander, the Flag Electronic Warfare Officer for Commander, Strike from cutting the paper, folding and Force Training Pacific shows Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) loading the shell took approximately how to fold leaflets so they can be properly loaded into a PDU-5 leaflet bomb. ten hours. a good tool to use to get information out. It’ll be good This is the first time this bomb has been made aboard Nimitz since its 2009 deployment. training for the squadron to learn how to load it on This moment gave some crew members something aircraft.” The bomb will be tested while the ship new to work with. participates in its Composite Training Unit Exercise “This is my first time getting to break this out,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Marie Jackson. “It’s (COMPTUEX).
Members of G-3 division and Information Operations Warfare Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pose for a photo in front of a PDU-5 leaflet bomb. Page 6
NEX: NEXCOM Employs Price Match Policy continued from Pg. 1 Operations. “Revamping our NEX Price Match Policy gives our NEX cashiers more authority to match prices which will give an even greater customer service experience to our customers.” NEX sales associates have the authority to match an advertised price reduction up to $100. An NEX supervisor must authorize a price match over $100. Customers may ask for a price adjustment at any cash register in the store. The advertised priced may be presented in the form of a printed ad or a mobile marketing device, such as a cell phone or smart phone, from a local competitor. Photographs of an item taken with a cell phone or smart phone will not be accepted. A NEX cashier will also accept a customer’s verbal price challenge for an item with a price difference of $10 or less. Customers need not bring a copy of a competitor’s advertisement for items under $10. For items on the NEX web store, myNavyExchange.
com, the NEX will visually verify the price of the item prior to matching the price. In addition, overseas NEXs will match the pricing of current mail order catalogs as well as web stores from Sears, J.C. Penney, Walmart and any other comparable commercial retailers with web stores. Freight charges, if applicable, are added to the competitor’s price. The NEX Price Match Policy does not apply to fine jewelry, automotive parts, automotive labor and service, gasoline and special orders. Double and triple coupons, clearance, percent and dollar off items, flea market sales, going out of business sales and commissary prices are also excluded from the NEX Price Match Policy. For more information about the NEX Price Match Policy, see your local NEX manager or https:// www.mynavyexchange.com/command/customer_ service/p_policy.html.
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TV Guide 5 - 8MM MOVIES 6 - 8MM MOVIES 7 - 8MM MOVIES 8 - ROLLER 9 - DVD TRAINING 10 - FLIGHT DECK 11 - Fox News 13 - ESPN 14 - TBS 15 - HISTORY
16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29
- NFL NETWORK - CBS - ABC - Fox - AMC - NBC - COMEDY CENTRAL - CNN - DISCOVERY - DVD MOVIES
Channel 5 0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
0800/2000 1000/2200 1200/0000 1400/0200 1600/0400 1800/0600
Pineapple Express Justin Beiber: Never Say Never Michael Jackson: This Is It High School Musical 3 Battle for Terra Hangover 2
Channel 6
The Rum Diary Extraordinary Gentlemen
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Larry Crown I Can Do Bad All By Myself Inkheart
Channel 7
The Uninvited Max Payne Quarantine Hellboy II: The Golden Army The Happening Priest Operations Specialist 3rd Class Monique Diles, an automatic track manager/ identification operator, mans a console in the Combat Direction Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (Photo by MC3 Devin Wray)