Volume 7 Issue 9
September 24, 2019
Inside This Issue Bataan Pins Newest Chief Petty Officers
Happy 22nd Birthday USS Bataan
VOL.7 ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
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COVER:The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) sails while launching MV-22 Ospreys from the flight deck.
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Commanding Officer Capt. Greg Leland Executive Officer Capt. Bryan Carmichael Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW/AW) Ryan Lamkin BATAAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS Public Affairs Officer
MCCS (SW/AW) Stacee McCarroll
Editor, Layout & Design
MC1 (SW/AW) Jaq Renard MC2 (SW) Zachary A. Anderson MC2 Kaitlin Rowell
News Team 5
Table of Contents 3 News From Around The Fleet 4 Hometown News: A Handle on Life 6 Bataan’s 22 Birthday 8 FY20 CPO Pinning 10 Battling Bastard Photos
MC1 (SW) Kegan Kay MC1 (AW) Kathryn Macdonald MC2 (SW) Anna Van Nuys MC3 Leonard Weston MC3 Alan L. Robertson MCSN Levi Decker
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. USS BATAAN (LHD 5) USS BATAAN
VOL. 7 ISSUE 9
FLEET NEWS BATAAN TOUGH
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
SAILORS SHOULD APPLY NOW FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE
By Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs Sailors whose plans for this fall include taking college courses, should act now to select courses and apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education Distance Learning (NCPACE DL) funding. TA and NCPACE DL applications may be created, command approved and submitted in MyNavy Education on the Navy College Program (NCP) website as early as 120 days in advance of the school’s published term start date. All applications must be submitted and command approved no later than 14 days preceding the academic institution’s published term start date. First-time Sailors planning to use TA and/or NCPACE DL programs are required to complete the following MyNavy Education training before applying: (1) Navy Tuition Assistance training: This covers Navy TA policy and the WebTA application process. For NCPACE, “NCPACE Policy and Procedures” training covers the
NCPACE DL policy and application process. (2) “Navy Virtual Counseling 101” training: This helps you establish education and career goals, select and apply to an academic institution, and understand the higher education life cycle. This training will help to prepare you for your academic counseling with a Navy College Education counselor. Additionally, Sailors must: (1) Receive academic counseling from a NCP counselor. Sailors may schedule appointments with either the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC) or their overseas Navy College Office (NCO) via the online appointment-scheduling tool on the MyNavy Portal website at: https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/ trainingeducation-qualifications/appointment-scheduler. (2) Upload an unofficial education plan to your MyNavy Education record before enrolling in any classes. Additionally, upload an official education plan once issued by your academic institution. This is required after the first nine semester hours or equivalent of instruction. In May 2019, the Navy released NAVADMIN 114/19 that Continued on page 11
UPDATED FINAL MULTIPLE SCORE CALCULATOR APP RELEASED By Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs The Final Multiple Score (FMS) Calculator app is ready for download after undergoing a redesign that complements the MyNavy Portal FMS Calculator. The app, which calculates projected FMS for E-3 through E-6 Sailors who are eligible for advancement to paygrades E-4 through E-7, hit the app stores Sept. 5. “It’s a simple, single-screen display that enables users to populate FMS elements with data representing individual accomplishments and other required data that helps Sailors determine their advancement
potential,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) Greg Prichard, command master chief, Navy Advancement Center. The app features dropdown menus that allow users to change inputs to explore “what if” scenarios. For example, if Sailors believe they may complete an associate or bachelor’s degree prior to the next advancement cycle, they can enter the data to determine if the addition of the degree will place their score above the minimum cut score from the previous exam cycle. This release includes the latest FMS minimum cut scores for the spring
2019 advancement cycles. The release also includes changes in the FMS formulas and implementation of NAVADMIN 312/18, as well as the Reporting Senior’s Cumulative Average (RSCA) Performance Mark Average (PMA) policy. The RSCA PMA calculation will be included in the automated Enlisted Advancement Worksheet (EAW) application starting with the Fall 2019 cycles (Cycles 105 and 244). Active and Reserve candidates competing for advancement to chief petty officer will not use RSCA PMA until the 2020 advancement cycles. Two other changes of note include Continued on page 11 No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam | 3
NEWS
Hometown
A HANDLE ON LIFE Story and Photos By MCSN Levi Decker
The flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) is awake with the chatter of airmen skillfully directing aircraft into position and howls of an AV-8B Harrier preparing to take off. This dangerous dance is orchestrated by the careful guiding hand of Lt. Mark Rodriguez, Bataan’s aircraft handling officer. With a roll of roaring thunder, the Harrier departs safely and everyone on the flight deck breathes a sigh of relief at another successful departure in a dangerous environment. “This job is very demanding,” said Rodriguez. “It’s arduous for a reason. Some say it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, working the flight deck, only because of the amount of things that can kill you on deck on a daily basis. I think that if you aren’t somewhat scared when you come into work when we have aircraft turning, there’s something wrong with you because that’s the time when you can get hurt the most or get somebody else hurt which we absolutely do not want to happen.” Rodriguez’s time at his first command gave him firsthand experience with how something as simple as standing in the wrong place can be life threatening on the flight deck. “As soon as that aircraft went on power, my legs went out from under me, said Rodriguez. “I flipped upside down, landed on the flight deck and there was probably about a 25-foot span between where I was standing and the downed elevator. I’m grabbing for as many pad eyes as I can at the time for a hand hold. It just so happened that my flight deck petty officer at the time,
who was an [Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class] came over, grabbed me by the scruff of my float coat like a puppy dog and lifted me straight up off the flight deck.” Rodriguez enlisted in the Navy in February of 2000 as an undesignated airman to make a change in his life. “After graduating high school, I was working at a steel mill flipping steel for twelve hours a day,” said Rodriguez. “It was a giant plant and it was where all my family worked at and has for generations. I just realized there was something else I wanted to be doing, didn’t know what it was, but I knew I did not want to get stuck where I was at. I went home one day, turned on the TV, saw the commercial for ‘let the journey begin’ and said ‘Hey let’s go see what that’s about. Let’s see what these guys have to offer.’ Within the year, I was in the Navy doing the job I was doing and I thought this was the place for me.” That job came about through a random selection process once Rodriguez checked into his first command. “The way I landed in the job [flight deck handler] I am in was because my departmental leading chief petty officer at the time lined us all up and just said ‘V-1, V-2, V-3, V-4, V-5,’” said Rodriguez. “I ended up in V-1 [flight deck]. Once I began working there I just fell in love with the tempo of flight operations and every aspect of being in aviation. I progressed through the qualifications I needed as fast as I could and it made it better that I really enjoyed working with the crew I was with. When it came time for me to strike a rate, I just stayed where I was and took [Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling)] because I was already comfortable and pretty proficient in the job I was doing. There’s nothing that compares to working on the flight deck every day and launching and recovering aircraft. It doesn’t matter how hot or how cold or how wet you get, it’s just awesome.” Rodriguez noted that he was inspired early on to take the path of an officer due to his first divisional officer. He saw what he did on the flight deck and how he interacted with the crew along with the responsibility he held as a divisional officer.
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Transitioning from an enlisted Sailor to an officer gives Rodriguez a different perspective when it comes to working with his enlisted personnel. He commissioned in October 2011, through the Limited Duty Officer program when he was an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class. “I think it’s great working with my enlisted guys as an officer,” said Rodriguez. “As a limited duty officer, especially working in the job I work now, I have a huge understanding and respect for what it is that the guys and gals on the deck do on a daily basis because I lived that life. I was a blue shirt and a yellow shirt. I have done what they’ve done on the flight deck. So I think it gives me a better understanding of what they go through on a daily basis and how to mitigate and manage some of the woes and troubles they have on deck.” Rodriguez doesn’t just want his junior Sailors to replace him, he wants them to surpass him. “When people ask how to be an LDO or how to become an officer, a lot of officers will tell them ‘be just like me,” said Rodriguez. “I tell them not to be like me. I don’t want them to be like me. I want them to be better. Eventually I’m going to leave and the Navy is going to continue to progress. It’s going to be these guys and gals that are working out on the flight deck right now that take over. They’re a lot smarter than I was when I was a second or third class, because they have a lot more technology available that they’re dealing with. I don’t want them to be like me, I want to give the tools to go past what it is that I know. That’s what is going to make the Navy better.” The enjoyment Rodriguez gets out his work has a little bit to do with the job and a lot to do with the people. “This job is a whole lot of fun and the scenery always changes,” said Rodriguez with a wide smile. “You always have fresh air. I’m in awe every day watching my guys and gals work out here. The things that they’re able to accomplish, they make look easy. The amount of coordination and orchestration it takes for them to accomplish the mission they need to safely without getting anyone hurt or tearing anything up is mind boggling. For those who haven’t gotten the chance to watch these guys and gals work during flight ops, it’s great. Its guys like these that make the job fun.” No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam | 5
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USS BATAAN
BIRTHDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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Bataan
Honors Photos By MC2 Zachary Anderson
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As the sun set on the Atlantic Ocean, the Sailors and Marines of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) gathered on the mess decks, not to play cards, watch TV or catch up with friends as they wind down from a busy day, but to remember and honor the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and honor the 2,977 souls that were lost during the attack and the ensuing rescue efforts. The Bataan Fiscal Year 2020 Chief Petty Officer selectees remembered the day by ceremoniously folding the Ensign and ringing bells as they each took turns reading the timeline of events from the terror attacks. Commanding Officer, Capt. Gregory Leland, made remarks about the enduring spirit of the American people. “America preserves in the strength of the families who, though in anguish, kept living. They have kept alive a love that no act of terror can ever extinguish,” said Leland. “Americaa preserves in the tenacity of our survivors. After grievous wounds, they learned to walk and stand again. America preserves in the dedication of those who keep us safe. The firefighter, police officer, the EMT, all who carry the memory of a fallen partner as they report to work every day, prepared to make the same sacrifice for us all.” The 18th anniversary also marks the day when young men and women across America who were born after 9/11 will begin to enlist in military service. “While these young Americans do not know the horrors of that day, their lives have been shaped by all the days since,” said Leland. “A time that has brought us pain, and at the same time also taught us endurance and strength; a time of rebuilding, of resilience, and of renewal, it is these young Americans who will shape all the days to come.” As the ceremony came to an end Leland challenged every Sailor and Marine onboard Bataan to the creed that embodies the American spirit and our diversity as a culture and as a military; e pluribus unum: out of many, we are one.
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FY20 Chief Petty Officer Pinning USS Bataan September 13, 2019
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MAC Brian Cobb
ATC Jonathan Cooke
HMC Reynaldo Eugenio
ITC Courtnie Jones
HMC Robert Joseph
AZC Stephanie Logan
OSC Paul Morgan
ITC Chara Neal
ABHC Charniah Smrekar
ABFC Berry Sykes
ITC Tim Richard Ticoy
AOC John Hence
CTMC Robin White
No Mama, NoKevin Papa, No Uncle Sam | 9 ABHC Williams
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BATAAN’S BATTLING BASTARDS PHOTOS
3 | MC3 Alan Robertson 2 | MC3 Lenny Weston
1 | MCSN Levi Decker 1) Cmdr. Jessica Parker, Air Boss, communicates with flight deckc control. 2) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jose Rios triages a simulated patient on the flight deck during a mass casualty drill. 3) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Allen Gee, prepares an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the Tigers of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA 542), for take off on the flight deck. 4) A MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the Blue Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), flies over the USS Bataan (LHD 5). 5) Marines perform maintenance on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Blue Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) on the flight deck. 6) Lt. Joshua Holland, Navy chaplain, preaches in the ship’s chapel during a protestant worship service. 7) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Antoria Major (left) and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class LaShayla Hammonds (right) pose for a photo while preparing dinner in the wardroom galley. 8) Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Devin Laurence observes Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Anthony Gryzb as he monitors surrounding aircraft inside the Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center. 9) Landing craft, air cushions wait to exit the well deck.
4 | MC2 Kaitlin Rowell
5 | MC2 Zachary Anderson
6 | MC2 Anna Van Nuys
7 | MC2 Anna Van Nuys
8 | MC1 Kegan Kay
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9 | MC2 Zachary Anderson
SAILORS SHOULD APPLY NOW FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE Continued From Page 3
changed eligibility requirements for TA and NCPACE DL funding. The following controls go into effect October 1, 2019: (1) All enlisted personnel and officers must have a minimum of two years of service before becoming eligible to use TA or NCPACE DL courses. This may not be waived. (2) TA and NCPACE DL funding is capped at twelve semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) per fiscal year. (3) TA and NCPACE DL funding is capped at 120 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) in a career. This excludes courses taken to complete a high school diploma. Once the application process is complete, MyNavy Education automatically sends the service member a link to MyNavy Education to locate and print the authorization voucher for signing and delivery to the school.
Bataan Bustle Reminder 1 October mandatory wear date for the ACE cover
The NWU Type III will replace the NWU Type I as the standard NWU on Oct. 1. Sailors are reminded to purchase the NWU Type III eight-point cover with the Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle (ACE) logo which replaces the rank insignia. Sailors need to be wearing the NWU Type IIIs with the ACE on Oct. 1.
Sailors with questions about the TA/NCPACE DL process or eligibility under the new guidelines may visit www. navycollege.navy.mil. The NCVEC can be reached Monday through Friday 0700-1900 EST by calling or sending texts messages to 1-877-838-1659/DSN 492-4684. For overseas NCO information, visit: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/contact.htm. The NCP mobile application offers access to the NCP planning tools, including required training and the counseling scheduler. Sailors can download the app from the Apple or Google Play store at no cost. Search ‘NCP App’ in the stores. Sailors can also get the latest information by following Navy Voluntary Education on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ NavyVoluntaryEducation/. Additional information about the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center can be found via: https://www.netc.navy.mil/netc/netpdc/Default.htm .
FMS CALCULATOR APP RELEASED Continued From Page 3
Individual Augmentee (IA) points and Pass Not Advanced (PNA) points. Based on current operational requirements, the awarding of IA points for E-4 through E-6 candidates will no longer be factored into the FMS. To reward superior rating knowledge, PNA points for E-4 through E-6 candidates will continue to be added when the FMS is computed. However, in an effort to allow firsttime test takers an opportunity to compete on a more equal level, PNA points will continue to be awarded for the top 25 percent of eligible candidates, but PNA points will only accumulate for the three previous advancement cycles. Current PNA points from previous cycles will be retained. “The goal is providing greater weight to performance measures and reward talented Sailors who show sustained superior performance,” said Prichard. “This aligns with MyNavy Human Resources’ strategy to improve the way Sailors manage their careers.” The Navy’s Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) produced the app and Tracen Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in integrated mobile and web solutions, developed the software. For more information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/netc/ and http://www.facebook.com/netcpao/. No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam | 11
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