ATIAROUND THE ISLAND

More AnchorsN e w e s t m e m b e r s o f t h e C P O m e s s .

N a v y ’ s B e s t M a g a z i n e o f 2 0 1 4OCTOBER 2015

Enlisted to SWOM e e t t h e D C A

Remembering 9/11A M K I S a i l o r s t o r y

First PeriodS a i l o r s g o b a c k t o s c h o o l

CAPT Jon P. Rodgers

CAPT Mark Melson

Command Master Chief:CMDCM(SW/AW) Larry Lynch

LCDR Michael L. Smith

Deputy PAO:MCC(SW/AW/EXW) Bradley Sapp

Media LCPO:MCC(SW/AW) James Thierry

MEDIA LPO/ LEAD EDITOR:MC1(SW) Corwin Colbert

Layout Editor:

MC1(SW/AW) Lawrence Davis

MC1(SW/AW/SCW) Ronald GutridgeMC1(SW/AW) Larry Carlson

MC1(NAO/AW) Mathew Diendorf

MC2 (SW) Robin Peak MC3 Nick Cerilli

MCSN Clark Lane

MC3 (SW) Dennis Grube

AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crew member of USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding

edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division. All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE

clarity, brevity and conformance to style. The

submission.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS1

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8

13

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This is the DCA25 Years and Just Getting Started

First PeriodSailors Go Back to School

CFLHow Rock Climbing Does Your Mind & Body Good

Master Chief’s CornerWelcome aboard CMDCM Lynch!

Remembering 9/11A MKI Sailor’s Story

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This monTh’s conTribuTor: cmDcm (sW/aW) larry a. lynch

The staff of ATI held a meeting with the ship’s new CMDCM to welcome him to the ship and respectfully offer him the opportunity to briefly introduce himself to the crew.

Q: What are some of the obstacles you see that we need to overcome during the ship’s work-up cycle leading into deployment?

“Get the ship through LOA because even though on paper it may be an engineering event, it is really an all-hands evolution that the crew needs to earn together. Beyond that, once we make it through the basic phase, we need to keep the momentum going to make it through deployment safely.”

Q: What are some of your key goals and expectations for Makin Island and the crew?

“My first expectation is that I expect Sailors to have fun doing their job. I really do believe that if you work your whole life, but don’t have fun doing it, then it makes each day harder and harder to go through. Another major expectation is that everybody does their job plain and simple. I don’t want to have to worry about one crew member doing the majority of the work while the other Sailors are kicking back, hanging out in the smoke deck, or not carrying their fair share.”

Q: Do you have a personal motto or philosophy and if so, what is your plan for implementing your ideas into the command?

“My personal motto is that I’m a firm believer in “things happen for a reason”. I firmly believe that we meet the people we meet for a reason, we are assigned to certain commands for a reason; I really do think everything has its own reason for happening. My plan is to affect change in each Sailor one day at a time. I truly believe that, even with a simple smile or a simple conversation, you can change how a Sailor acts and how a Sailor is able to motivate themselves.”

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

“I want the crew members of Makin Island to exemplify the meaning of a shipmate. Shipmate should not be misconstrued as a negative connotation. I firmly believe shipmate is another form of saying brother and sister. It’s another form of expressing your genuine concern for others, and I really think onboard here we need to go the extra mile in taking care of our shipmates. Whether we see a shipmate walking across the hangar bay with two bags, if we can lighten the load by being a good shipmate and carrying the other one for them; then that is what the true meaning of shipmate is. If you see a shipmate about to cross the road and they’re not paying attention to where they’re going, I want to see a shipmate jump in and help them. That is the true definition that I want us to exemplify on board. It is no longer a term that Sailors hear and think, “Oh crap, I get called shipmate because I’m about to get yelled at.”

From an editor’s perspective, CMDCM Lynch is pushing hard to standardize the ship while promoting integregity of our service and upholding to the true meaning of our Navy Core Values.

M A S T E R C H I E F ’ S C O R N E R

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Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak

Backto

SCHOOL

It’s that time of year; Students across the nation are putting their bathing suits and surf boards away and

grabbing their backpacks and calculators.

This includes USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Sailors who are working hard upgrading and improving the ship during a phased maintenance availability (PMA).

Despite this daunting and time consuming task, they are also utilizing this time to upgrade and improve themselves through education.

Navy Counselor 1st Class Maria Moffett, from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico said despite being in PMA education is more obtainable because the ship is not getting underway.

“This is a great time take classes and work towards a degree,” said Moffett. “Being in port for PMA allows you much more time and greater access to further your education.”

Moffett will be the first in her family to earn a college degree and is one class away from achieving that goal.

“I am working towards an associate’s degree in human resources,” said Moffett. “It’s important because the Navy has given me an opportunity to do something that nobody in my family has done.”

Moffett’s job in the military is to aid Sailors in navigating their careers and says that education broadens the possibilities that they have.

“It expands your view and opens the door for new possibilities in your career,” said Moffett, “and having a degree is also going to give you extra points when you take the advancement exam.”

Moffett is taking advantage of Tuition Assistance (TA) to complete her degree but there are other programs such as Navy College Program for Afloat College Education courses (NCPACE), Montgomery GI bill and the Post 9-11 GI bill that Sailors can use to accomplish their educational goals.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Lindsey Thompson, from Jefferson, Oregon is the first female in her family to serve in the military and is using both NCPACE and TA for classes.

“The Navy offers a lot for education, and I don’t want to waste the opportunities that I have,” said Thompson.

“Right now I’m taking two classes,” said Thompson. “One is an NCPACE class and the other one I’m using TA.”

She said, “Currently, I’m working towards my general associate’s degree, but all the classes I’m taking are in preparation for a degree in business with an emphasis in finance.”

In part, the hard work and focus of Sailors aboard the Makin Island has led to reaching the Chief of Naval Operations 50% completion mark ahead of schedule. Thompson agrees that as a Sailor and a student, that same hard work and focus to keep the ship on schedule

and can apply to academics.

“It’s definitely hard balancing work and school, but if you can set your priorities and have a clear goal, you have all the opportunities available to accomplish it,” said Thompson. “I set my schedule and try to complete all my studying early in the week,” said Thompson.

When asked how education helps her in her military career, Thompson smiled and said, “Well, it always keeps you in ‘study-mode’ so when the advancement exam comes up I’m ready.”

She continued to say, “Education is just important. You never know what is going to happen in your career or your life, but having a good education allows you to be ready for anything.”

It didn’t take too much to convince his father, a retired senior chief missile technician, and his grandfather, a former Navy pilot, of his decision to follow in their footsteps.

“Both my parents were supportive but initially wanted me to wait,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ty Wiese, of Satellite Beach, Florida, as he reminisced about the road to get where he is today.

“I was only 17, but my father, a 21-year submarine veteran, was able to convince my mother that I would be okay and the Navy would take care of me. He was also a prior detailer so that helped with my enlistment contract.”

Wiese began his career by attending missile technician school, where he was one of only four to graduate out of a class of sixteen.

He then reported to USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 703B) where he realized early on that he could do more with his career.

“In the submarine community, you work side by side with enlisted and officers in small groups,” Wiese said, “knowledge is power, it doesn’t really matter what rank you are. The officers would come up all the time to learn the different systems, and I just realized they really aren’t that much different than me, maybe I can do that too.”

After completing nine submarine deterrent patrols with the Jackson, Wiese became an instructor at Trident Training Facility in Bangor, Washington.

During his time on shore duty, he began taking night and weekend classes at Southern Illinois University and was able to earn his four-year degree in only two. years time.

“After I graduated I wanted to keep challenging myself,” Wiese said. “I applied for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and three days after submitting my package, they called me at home to tell me I was selected,” Wiese said. “Being selected for OCS felt amazing,” said Wiese, “but with all the excitement of telling my family and friends that I was going to be an officer, reality hit that OCS in itself was going to be a whole new set of challenges.”

In November 2000, Wiese met those challenges and was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) in the United States Navy.

During his career as a SWO, Wiese served aboard the USS Bridge (AOE

10), USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Shoup (DDG 86) and eventually USS Makin Island (LHD 8), where he was named Commander, Amphibious Squadron 5 Surface Warfare Officer of the Year two in 2010 and 2011.

Wiese attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, following his tour on Makin Island.

“The Naval War College was a fantastic tour,” Wiese said, “From day one we were treated very well. The classes were filled with officers from many communities including international students. The assigned reading was intense but all worth it. I learned a ton about history, critical thinking and the importance of strategic communication.”

After graduating in June 2013 with a master’s degree in National Security and Strategy he served two years at Carrier, Strike Group Nine. But he wasn’t done in the gator Navy.

In May of 2015 he once again reported to the Makin Island and is currently serving as the ship’s damage control assistant.

Wiese was recently selected for promotion to the rank of commander and as he looks back on his career he sees how far he’s come.

“Coming in the Navy as an E-1, I never would have thought I’d be where I am today,” Wiese said. “Being selected for commander is just so humbling and I’m so excited to be given the opportunity.”

Wiese is still pressing to grab that next big opportunity. He is being screened for command, a decision that will be made in December 2015.

“It’s been an interesting ride,” said Wiese, “and I’m just getting started.”

As a 25-year veteran, Wiese has been able to balance a career and his marriage to his wife Stephanie of 21 years.

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do with out my wife,” Wiese said. “We’ve always backed each other up. When I was going to school, she was taking care of the house. You can’t be successful in this community unless you have the support at home.”

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5

Congratulations

Chief Logistics Specialist Arthurlevy AgultoChief Operations Specialist Panagiotis BoutsikakisChief Information Systems Technician George BrownChief Ship’s Serviceman Wilson BrownChief Culinary Specialist Nicole CampbellChief Damage Controlman Jason CarwileChief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling David DysartChief Logistics Specialist Erwin EdralinChief Logistics Specialist Joan Jett HolgadoChief Intelligence Specialist Josh KellyChief Master-at-Arms Luis LimonChief Gas Turbine Systems Technician Electrical Tourelle McClellanChief Hospital Corpsman Richard ParkerChief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling James PringleChief Boatswain’s Mate Lody QuinolaChief Information Systems Technician Amanie RobertsChief Logistics Specialist Christopher SinghChief Logistics Specialist Desi Von SisonChief Electronics Technician James SmithChief Personnel Specialist Krystal StillmanChief Legalman Shanna ToddChief Personnel Specialist Walter VergaraChief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Dexter WatkinsChief Aviation Ordnanceman Kathryn Wesson

Chief Petty Of f icers

USS Makin Island FY 2016

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RememberStory by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak

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9

Hundreds of firefighters, police officers and civilians from all over Southern California gathered at the Hilton Bay Front Hotel to participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 5, 2015. Among them was a Sailor from amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) whose life, as with so many others on that fateful day, was

changed forever. Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class Jayson N. Mallari, from North Hollywood, California, was a communications

technician at the Joint Chiefs of Staff J2 Intel Office at the Pentagon on the morning September 11, 2001. “That morning three other techs and I were assigned to do an installation job in an office in the West Wing,” said Mallari. “We

were delayed an hour because one of the team members was stuck in traffic.”It was then that Mallari and his team were watching the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. “It caught me in awe,” said Mallari.Confused and shocked, they watched the horrific events that were unfolding on the television. He continued, “We decided to postpone the work and moments after a voice came on the loud speaker telling us to evacuate

the Pentagon immediately.”Mallari and his team exited the building outside in to a chaotic scene. “People outside were pointing in one direction. I turn to look and see the black plume of smoke from the other side of the

Pentagon. There were sirens from every emergency vehicle that were desperately maneuvering to get as close to the casualties as possible. The sky seemed to be falling that day,” said Mallari. The impact point of the crash was in the area that Mallari and his team was supposed to work earlier that morning. Though the

area was largely vacant due to renovations, 125 people perished including 33 Sailors and 22 Soldiers. “I was confused, scared, lost and in fear for my life,” said Mallari. ”It took me months thereafter to get over the trauma and,

still, it’s a wound that will never fully be shut.”Through the months of healing and coping that followed, Mallari moved forward and came upon a realization as a service

member. “This rededicated my service with a whole new perspective because the cause became evident,” said Mallari. “It became so

much more than just being a volunteer to do it for myself. It is for others and I haven’t looked it any other way ever since.”He said, “Now days around September I get a sense of anxiety, but my way of coping is remembering and participating in 9/11

related events no matter what it is.”At 11:27 a.m. on September 5, 2015, Mallari began a climb of 110 flights of stairs, equal to that of the World Trade Center,

alongside firefighters, police officers and civilians. Each participant that day climbed in honor of a firefighter who died that day at the World Trade Center. Mallari climbed in an

honor of a New York firefighter named Dennis Scauso who was 45 years old at the time.“The togetherness of the people there whether they are the participants, volunteers or spectators took me back to those days

when all of the United States joined together in support of one another,” said Mallari. “This sense of unity at that event displays the spirit of resilience and courage we as Americans have been known for throughout history.”Mallari will be retiring in November of 2015 after 20 years of military service and hopes to leave behind a sense of history and

purpose for younger service members. “September 11, 2001 was an

eye-opener because it raised a new purpose as a service member. The new generation of service members, who most of them were only toddlers and in elementary school in 2001, must take note in their mind that a sense of pride in service to the nation and their community is to be more than an outward appearance in uniform,” said Mallari. “Set aside the self-entitlement and do what you came to volunteer for: serving others because there is no higher purpose.”

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In the closing paragraphs of an email Mallari sent to his family and friends shortly after the attacks, Mallari expresses his pride and courage in the wake of this unfathomable event:

“I salute all you guys, my shipmates. We’re all in this together! Pray for the rescuers and the fighting men with their seabags/field packs slung on the shoulders waiting for the ‘GO’. As for me, I’ll keep working hard. I fully support the guys out in the fleet and overseas. You’re not far from my thoughts. I put in a request to do Direct Support for any of the ships actually needing one. I would love to go to sea again. If I go, that would be really awesome.”

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NAVY ANNOUNCES ROLLOUT AND WEAR DATES FOR UPCOMING UNIFORM CHANGESBy Chie f o f Naval Personnel Publ ic Af fa irs Of f ice

COVER, TWO!Washington (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Personnel released

NAVADMIN 236/15 Oct. 9, which announces several key uniform changes.

The Navy has been working to meet Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus’ plans to redesign several uniform elements for Sailors that improve uniformity across the force as well as improve the function and fit of their uniforms. Several wear-tests have been conducted and the Navy has incorporated Sailors’ feedback into the final uniform and cover designs announced Friday.

NAVADMIN 236/15 provides detailed information on the upcoming uniform changes and rollout plans, including:

* Unisex covers

- Effective immediately, the Alternative Combination Cover (ACC) and current male combination cover for officers and CPOs can now be worn by both men and women in service dress uniforms.

-The ACC is now available in Navy Exchange (NEX) Uniform Stores and through the call center.

-All Officers and Chiefs will be required to wear either the ACC or current male Combination Cover Oct. 31, 2016.

- The enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup, is available for wear by E-6 and below April 2016, and must be worn in service dress whites (Oct. 31, 2016) and service dress blue (Jan. 1, 2020).

- Recruit Training Command (RTC) will begin issuing the Dixie Cup to all recruits beginning April 2016.

* Redesigned E-6 & below Service Dress Blue (SDB)

- Beginning Oct. 1, 2016, Recruit Training Command (RTC) will begin issuing the redesigned SDBs for E6 and below.

- Jumper style for both men and women.

- The jumper will incorporate a side zipper and the slacks will have a front zipper to help with changing in and out of uniform.

- Both men’s and women’s uniform pants will have the traditional 13 buttons, though they will not be functional.

-Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup, must be worn by both men and women in the E-6 and below Service Dress White uniform.

- The redesigned uniform for men will be added to existing stock until the old style inventory is gone.

* Redesigned E-6 Service Dress White (SDW) with Navy Blue Piping

- New SDW for E6 and below with navy blue piping will be issued at RTC beginning Oct 1, 2017.

-Jumper style for both men and women.

- The jumper will incorporate a side zipper and the slacks will have a front zipper to help with changing in and out of the uniform.

- Mandatory wear date for SDW is Oct. 31, 2021.

-Beginning Oct. 31, 2016, the enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup, must be worn by both men and women in the E-6 and below Service Dress White uniform.

* Choker style women’s Officer and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Service Dress White (SDW) Coat will be worn by both men and women

* It will be available through Navy Exchange uniform stores and call center beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

-Mandatory wear date is Jan. 1, 2020.

-The ACC or current male combination cover will be worn with the new choker coat.

* Lightweight NWU Type I for Officers and Sailors

-Will be available April 2016 at NEX Uniform Centers in Guam and Hawaii, and through the call center for Diego Garcia and Singapore.

-Beginning Oct. 1, 2016 RTC will issue to recruits.

-Sailors can wear these lighter NWU uniform items with all current NWU Type I uniform components.

-Gray-tinted garment label will be used to identify the lighter version

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of the NWU Type I.

-Current NWU Type I will no longer be manufactured and the lightweight NWU Type I will become the standard uniform.

-The current NWU Type I will be phased out as stock is depleted.

* New Navy Fitness Suit for all Officers and Sailors

- Navy Fitness Suit has dark blue jacket and pants with gold Navy logos and silver reflective piping. It is 100 percent nylon.

-May be worn off duty

-Will be issued to recruits at Great Lakes Beginning Oct. 1, 2016.

-The fitness suit will be available for purchase in NEX uniform stores and call center beginning January 2017.

- Mandatory wear date is Jan. 1, 2020.

* Expansion of the allowable styles of purses that women may carry in uniform. Highlights include:

-Purses must be between 5 1/2 to 16 inches wide, 5 1/2 to 14 inches high and 2 to 6 inches deep.

- Must match shoes in black, brown or white in leather or synthetic leather.

-Must match shoes in plain black, brown or white in leather or synthetic leather.

-Rectangular or square with zipper or magnetic closure with or without flap.

For more details on all the uniform changes and requirements see NAVADMIN 236/15 at www.npc.navy.mil

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Veteran’s Day2-Mile Run/ 1-Mile WalkNBSD Admiral Prout Field House Track, Bldg. 3279

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

The event is open to all ID

cardholders. Check-in is at 9

a.m. and the run starts at 10 a.m.

There is an event t-shirt to those

who pre-register and participate;

quantities are limited. For more

information call (619) 556-7444.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 @ 9 a.m.

friday oct. 30

NBPL Trunk or TreatNBPL Parking Lot by Bldg 210

saturday nov. 14

San Diego Gulls Game$15 for ticket & transportation

LOCAL

Feature Event

For more local San Diego events, check out:

http://navylifesw.com/sandiego

MKIMWR

CORNERCFL

REMINDERAscending a cliff, boulder or even an indoor

rock wall requires a large amount of physical strength and endurance. Some conquer climbs through nutritious mels and campus board pull-ups. Meanwhile, for some diehard climbers, that endurance was historically powered by canned beans and a wide variety of snacks from the Tioga Gas Mart outside of Yosemite.

But with or without the gas station nibbles, there’s no doubt that climbers know a thing or two about a healthy lifestyle. Here’s how to rock climbing helps you lead a happier, healthier life.

Rock climbing builds muscle and endurance. Contrary to what many beginners may believe, climbing requires much more than upper-body strength. The success of sending - or completing - a route relies heavily on a long list of physical factors, including intricate footwork, lower body strength and lean muscle mass. Although not often thought of as a common form of cardio, ascending walls is a sure way to get your heart pumping, similar to the way climbing stairs or jogging does. A one-hour climb session can burn well over 700 calories. Plus, tricky maneuvers and lengthy reaches often require developing flexibility that wasn’t there before. To increase bendability, more and more rock gyms are incorporating yoga studies into their facilities.

Climbing boosts brain function. In addition to building up muscle and helping you get that cardio, climbing involves problem-solving skills - which explains why bouldering routes are actually called “problems.” But whether thletes are scaling cliffs or conquering long traverses in their local bouldering cave, time on the rocks is anything but mindless. “I think the mental side of climbing is often overlooked,” said Alex Johnson, team climber with The North Face. “The movement in climbing up a route often demands body awareness and problem-solving. More often than not, the way to the top is not as direct as you might assume, and it takes laser focus to work through which holds to

grab and where exactly to place your foot before shifting your body weight.”

All of those hours logged outdoors also doesn’t hurt. Research shows that time spent outside may decrease symptoms of ADHD, improve memory, boost creativity and even wake your brain up with the same effect as drinking a cup of coffee.

It teaches valuable life skills. For many, rock climbing is about much more than getting a good workout and releasing stress. “From a physical standpoint, it’s incredible exercise, but some of the best tidings I get from climbing are what I would define as spiritual,” said Cedar Wright, team climber with The North Face. “From a mental standpoint, climbing is an amazing teacher, instilling focus, balance, determination and a whole host of valuable life skills.”

No climber is a stranger to overcoming challenges, and there’s a good reason rock climbers appear on all those motivational posters. “I think the mental benefits of climbing are a bit more subtle, but I’m sure they’re different for everyone. But I think it’s a very empowering sport,” said professional climber Alex Honnold. “The process of overcoming your own fear all the time helps put life’s other challenges into perspective.”

-via Huffington Post

Climbing TipsTrain in climbing gyms. They’re a great place to train and learn the basics, but for technique there is no replacement for time spent on real rock.

Get outside. Colored tape and auto-belay machines are no replacement for soaring cliffs and climbing partners.

Triple-check your gear. There’s no doubt that climbing is a dangers sport if proper safety precautions aren’t taken.

Chalk up. Research confirms that chalk increases friction on a variety of surfaces, inluding sandstone and limeston.

Let loose and relish the walls. All of that swinging around on ropes and ascending walls has the power to bring you back to your childhood.

The goal of these changes is to achieve a healthier, fitter force.

An updated Physical Activity Risk Facter Questionnaire (PARFQ) to better assess the health of a Sailor.

BCA has changed allowing a Sailor three opportunities based on body type and age to pass the BCA. The Sailor will be able to use the current height and weight measurements, single-site abdomnial circumference measurement, or meet the DoD maximum allowable fat limit.

A Sailor will be separated for failing two PFA’s in three years.

Effective immediately upon CO approval, a Sailor, who has not yet been separated due to multiple PFA failures, has a transition period between now and Dec. 1, 2015 to stay in , providing they pass a mock or offficial PRT.

COs will conduct PFA spot checks. Failure may result in command FEP enrollment and diet/nutritional counseling as resources to help ensure Sailors stay or get in shape.

A fitness award will be issued to those Sailors who score outstanding for three consecutive PFA cycles.

Health and Fitness Initiatives will be published between now and January 2016.