Stennis Returns Home from Deployment

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, in port – Sailors from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned to their homeport of Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash. March 2 after completing a 7-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

On the flight deck, Sailors stood in dress blues formation and participated in the time honored tradition of manning the rails. Sailors were greeted by thousands of friends and family members on the pier as Stennis pulled into port.

Sailors were ecstatic to be back in their homeport.

“I’m grateful we made it back safely and I’m proud that we accomplished our mission,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Salena Thomas.

“I almost can’t believe deployment is over,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jamika Minor. “It’s been a long seven months, but I’m glad I got through it. It made me stronger and I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the small things in life.”

While in U.S. 7th Fleet, the JCSCSG spent roughly one month conducting operations with partner countries in the area and hosting both foreign and local dignitaries. The strike group made a stop in Hawaii before heading back to San Diego to drop off its embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 to their homeport. Family and friends of Sailors also known as tigers, came onboard the final leg home.

During its time in U.S. 5th Fleet, Stennis supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and its pilots led the final combat mission of Operation New Dawn in Iraq. While operating in that area, the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) supported the successful capture and detainment of suspected pirates off the Gulf of Oman.

JCSSG is comprised of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier John C. Stennis, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9; guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53); Destroyer Squadron 21 (DESRON 21); guided missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108).

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Stennis Sailors Lend a Hand in Singapore

Story & Photo by MC3 Grant Wamack
CHANGI, Singapore – Sailors from the Nimitz-class air craft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) spent some of their limited liberty time volunteering in the local community Jan. 27 and 28 during a port visit to Singapore.

Twelve Sailors who volunteered for community service activities aboard the ship visited the Boy’s Town of Singapore Jan. 27. Boy’s Town was established in 1948 as a home to displaced and troubled children, as well as boys from families stricken with financial hardships. Throughout the day, Sailors played basketball, soccer and shared an afternoon meal with the children.

“The experience at the Boy’s Town was overwhelming,” said Aviation Technician 3rd Class Jonathon Fox. “I felt honored to be there representing the Navy and be involved in these young men’s lives.”

Another 12 Stennis volunteers lent their time at The Singapore Cheshire Home Day Care Center, a hospice for disabled citizens, Jan. 28. Sailors spent several hours with the residents sharing time, stories and serving meals.

“It was a great experience,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Salena Thomas. `“Everyone was happy and it’s very encouraging to see that even though people have disabilities, they can still overcome their obstacles.”

While community service projects allow Sailors unique opportunities to learn about life in foreign countries; they also build character and demonstrate the values upon which our Navy was founded.

“It shows dedication,” said Navy Counselor Chief (SW/AW) Jean-Hero Lamy, the command career counselor aboard Stennis. “These Sailors are well rounded. They are conscientious, caring and are willing to spend their off time helping others.”

The Stennis is currently conducting Maritime Security Operations and routine training at sea in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled seven-month deployment.

USMAP Sets Sailors Up for Success

Story and photo by

MCSN Carla Ocampo

The occupational skills attained by military members serving aboard Stennis and throughout the Department of Defense are being certified and recognized through a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) credentialing program.

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides service members with the opportunity to complete civilian apprenticeship requirements based on the work they’ve done while on active duty.

“USMAP is one of the many programs the military offers to help Sailors when they’re ready to separate,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class (AW) Annette McGehee, one of Stennis’ career counselors from VFA-192. “I recommend programs like USMAP to many Sailors because they’re not being utilized like they should. Certifications like these cost money outside of the military, so it’s important to take advantage of them.”

USMAP, working with the DOL, journeyman-level certificates of completion to those that qualify, documenting that a Sailor has the proper knowledge and experience in a particular vocation.

“When Sailors separate, having a journeyman certificate can put them ahead of the next person when applying for a job,” said McGehee. “It can also make a big difference in pay.”

The apprenticeship program furthers Sailors’ professional development while they perform their regular military duties. Participants can complete the training without requiring any off-duty work. After registering all Sailors must do is log their working hours online.

“It’s a very easy program to get involved in,” said McGehee. “It’s just a matter of going to their (USMAP) website, registering and logging hours. Sailors can get as many certificates as they qualify for.”

Gaining a certification can benefit Sailors both in and out of the military.

“Rather than just saying I was in the Navy, the certificate is proof that I can do my job,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Chia Hu, who has worked on a certification. “It’s something that’s going to benefit me after I get out, but also looks good on an evaluation.”

To participate in the program a Sailor must be on active duty, designated in a rating, possess a high school diploma or general education degree, and the selected trade must be his or her primary job at the command.

“The program is simple,” said Hu. “I completed the certification in six months and now that I’ve finished one I am going to get another.”

USMAP is just one of the many opportunities Sailors have to prepare for separation while demonstrating motivation while serving in the Navy. For more information on USMAP visit usmap.cnet.navy.mil.

Preparing for Advancement Exams

Story by MC3 Grant Wamack
Photo by MC3 Benjamin Crossley

Last March, 315 Sailors made rank aboard Stennis. This advancement cycle more than 1,400 candidates hope to do the same.

Though E-4, E-5 and E-6 examinations are weeks away there is still time for Sailors to hit the books to be prepared for their first chance at advancement in 2012.

Exams are re-written each cycle, but generally consist of a mixture of questions related to a Sailor’s particular rating as well as questions on basic military regulations. There are many resources available to study from, many of which can be found on the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) website, www.nko.navy.mil.

On BUPERS Sailors can navigate bibliographies for their rating, which reference all the documents used to write the exam. It denotes the exact chapters in a reference that Sailors will see on the test. Sailors can also find what sections to study in their basic military requirements book.

“I’ve always found everything I needed to study on BUPERS,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jessica Hensel. “It tells you exactly what to study.”

Though knowing what to study is important, finding the motivation to study is equally important for doing well on the test, said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Juan Castilloadame, who advanced last cycle.

“You can’t just let books sit in your locker for months on end,” said Castilloadame. “You have got to motivate yourself to find the time and really make an honest effort to learn the material. Studying once and forgetting about it won’t help; you have to make a commitment to studying.”

Sailors discouraged by a personnel evaluation that they think will hinder their chance at advancing can boost their final multiple by doing well on the exam, but it begins with studying.

“If you are not happy with your evaluation then doing well on the test is even more important,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin McQuillin, who works in the education services office and routinely handles paperwork on advancement. “It can give you the extra points that could be the difference between advancing and staying right where you are. You should try and make a difference in the areas that you can control.”

Aside from studying, Sailors can also ensure all the information in their service record is up to date and accurate, which can have a significant impact on advancement.. Things like an undocumented college degrees, award points or having a security clearance can significantly affect a Sailor’s opportunity for promotion.

Last cycle more than 70 people missed the opportunity to advance by two points or less.

“Every point counts,” said McQuillin. “It’s unfortunate when a Sailor comes so close to advancing, but doesn’t because they didn’t check to make sure all of their information on their worksheet was correct.”

Advancing in pay grade not only benefits the Sailor who advances but also those behind him or her who are trying to move forward.

“Once you move up in rank you open it up for people below you to move up,” said McQuillin. “Even people that belong to rates that are closed should study now so that they are ready to move up at the next available chance and make room for others.”

Sailors also set a good example for other shipmates when they study for exams.

“I know a lot of people who don’t study and we shouldn’t want people thinking that advancement is just something that will happen to them eventually,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Vince Wilson, who is taking the E-6 exam this cycle. “You want junior Sailors to see their peers studying so they realize it’s an important part of moving up.”

Though deployment is nearing the end, Wilson believes Sailors should keep their mind focused on the upcoming exam.

“A lot of Sailors are more concerned about going home and seeing their families instead of studying,” said Wilson. “You have to look past that, stay determined and be hungry to make rank.”

Chief exams are scheduled to begin in January while E-4, E-5, and E-6 exams will take place on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursday in March.

Fire Controlmen Maintain ‘The Twister’

Story by MC3 Grant Wamack
Photo by MC3 Will Tyndall
Towering more than 100 feet into the sky, a large square radar looms over the ship’s island as two small figures, suspended in a harness, dangle somewhere inside the radar running operational checks on the system.

Many different job ratings require personnel to work aloft, but the fire controlmen, or FCs, of Combat Systems Department’s 7-Fox Division are responsible for maintaining the AN/SPS- 48E, one of the air search radars aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN74).

“Radars are continuously spinning and they’re always exposed to the weather,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Carlos Cruz. “We have to make sure they’re rotating correctly and conducting maintenance checks on the internal side.”

The SPS-48E, also known as the “twister,” is located on the forward portion of the ship’s mast, and is used for tracking range, bearing, and altitude. FCs make sure the radar is kept in alignment and good working condition to ensure the information it collects is precise and consistent.

“If we don’t maintain our radars properly then we do not get the right information,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Michael Cox, work center supervisor for 7-Fox.

Because of the importance of the SPS-48E, the Sailors in 7-Fox routinely inspect the equipment for cracks, leaks, oil levels and overall condition to ensure the radar is functioning properly.

“The SPS-48E is an expensive piece of equipment,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cameron Moyer. “It’s important that we stay consistent with the required maintenance and make sure we are well trained.”

Not just any Sailor with a maintenance requirement card, which lists the physical steps in order, can conduct maintenance on the twister. Sailors in 7-Fox must complete a series of prerequisites regarding the radar system’s inner workings as well as work under the observation of an FC with experience as a radar repair technician.

“It’s not just about understanding the maintenance, a Sailor must be aware of many things like weather conditions, high voltage and their surroundings,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Dragos Craciun. “We observe new Sailors before they are qualified so we are confident that they are competent and safe to work there.”

Safety is always essential to proper maintenance on the twister, and many variables come with working on the radar. According to Cox, every precaution is taken to ensure the process is a safe one.

“If everyone follows the safety procedures and dons the harness correctly, then things will be fine,” said Cox. “It’s actually much safer than people think.”

The SPS-48E is a mission-essential piece of equipment aboard the ship and with the help of well-trained FCs, Stennis will remain ready to conduct theater security cooperation efforts, maritime security and combat operations when needed.

Master Baker Whips Up Training

Story by MC2 Kathleen O’Keefe
Photo by MC3 Will Tyndall

Every Sailor in the bake shop gathered around a mixer filled with all the ingredients needed to make bread dough. The difference between this dough and all the others made before it is that Certified Master Baker Chef Leslie Bilderback got her hands on it and showed everyone who would listen the secret that turns regular bread dough into a buttery and flaky confection.

Whether she’ll be giving training about bread dough or the proper way to wield a knife, Bilderback will spend a little more than a week aboard Stennis reviewing fundamentals and teaching new techniques and recipes to Stennis’ culinary specialists.

“This is an incredible training ground for aspiring chefs,” said Bilderback. “Sailors have this great work ethic and discipline that a lot of civilians don’t have. This is a unique opportunity that I am so privileged to be a part of.”

During her stay Bilderback will hold training seminars as well as one-on-one training sessions with members of each galley. Some training sessions are geared toward subjects cooks need to work on, but others are driven by things they are interested in learning. “I watch the chefs and assess what things they are doing well and what things they need to work on,” said Bilderback. “They face a lot of challenges that they don’t necessarily have a lot of control over, but we focus on the things we can make better.”

Culinary Specialist Seaman Lindsey Ocampo said the training is helping her perfect her techniques.

“Most of the things she is teaching us about are things I’ve done before, but now I’m learning how to do it the right way,” said Ocampo.

“I’m very excited to learn more in the next few days.”

Bilderback believes proper training can make the job of cooking for 5,000 Sailors a less daunting task.

“The people who want to be in the galley are very easy to motivate and teach, but the challenge is reaching the people that have to be there,” said Bilderback. “I believe that if you give people more control and more understanding about the work they have to do it’s going to make the job less tedious.”

Bilderback has been working with the United States Navy for about five years, traveling to both ships and bases and passing on her knowledge. Though she spent ten years teaching in culinary schools the influx of students over the years made one on one teaching almost impossible. Now when she isn’t working on one of her books, she really enjoys the time she gets to spend with Sailors teaching cooking in a friendly and hands-on atmosphere.

“You can’t sit in a lecture hall and teach cooking,” said Bilderback. “You need that one-on-one time with students to really help them develop into good cooks. I like teaching Sailors because I get time with them that makes them better at their jobs.”

Bilderback said that she had a feeling that working aboard Stennis would be a good experience.

“Almost every ship’s galley is laid out the same way, but the people are always different,” said Bilderback. “I knew this was going to be a good location to work in because the senior leaders are so organized and the junior Sailors have been so enthusiastic, nice and welcoming.”

The ship plans to mark the end of Bilderback’s visit with an Iron Chef competition where they can use the skills they’ve attained in a competitive, yet friendly, atmosphere.

Until then, Stennis’ Culinary Specialists will spend the next few days soaking up as much culinary knowledge as they can while also enjoying the experience.

“She can teach us about more than just baking,” said Ocampo. “She knows a lot about cooking, preparing salads and many other things. A lot of us are really looking forward to this experience and at the end of the day, it’s just cool to be working with and learning from a master baker.”

Stennis Ready For 3MI

Story by MCSN Carla Ocampo
Photo by MC3 Dugan Flynn

Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) are donning their PPE, cross checking their LOEP to the MIP, and verifying their tools during the Maintenance, Material and Management Inspection (3MI) that began Thursday.

3MI is an inspection conducted by the Commander, Naval Air Forces maintenance inspection team and is designed to evaluate the ship’s maintenance material management readiness. Departments have been preparing since August, creating a plan of action that has consisted of tag-out and hazmat training and weekly spot checks to ensure Sailors are proficient at preventive maintenance.

“I have the utmost confidence that John C. Stennis, as always will perform extremely well,” said Capt. Ronald Reis, Stennis’ commanding officer.

The 3M program is designed to keep equipment operating for as long as possible and at peak performance through preventative maintenance, 3MI is conducted every 18-24 months to make sure the maintenance is being done correctly.

“Inspectors will assess Stennis Sailors on how well each department maintains their equipment by doing the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) spot checks and evaluate how well material problems are being documented through Organizational Maintenance Management System Next Generation (OMMS-NG),” said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Gordon Gilbreath, Stennis’ 3M coordinator.

3M is a big part of a Sailor’s job so it’s important that they are well trained on maintenance procedures and the safety of themselves and their shipmates. Preparing for inspection required the coordination of all departments within the ship.

“In my office we conducted training at all levels,” said Gilbreath. “We conducted spot checks and used them as a training and grading tool.”

Sailors are well trained to take on 3MI, but there are still a few things that could make their performance better.

“Presentation is a key factor to any exam, like making sure your space and equipment are clean and presentable,” said Gilbreath. “Confidence is also important. They know your equipment, but they want to see your level of knowledge. It’s understandable to be nervous, but show them you know what you’re doing.”

3MI is an important milestone that could bring Stennis closer to the Battle Efficiency award, but most importantly proves Stennis’ crew can maintain their equipment.