The Carl Vinson Voice is an internal document produced by and for the crew of the USS Carl Vinson and their families. Its contents do not neces-sarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments of Defense or the Navy and do not imply any endorsement thereby.

VOL 1 / NO 34 July 28, 2010

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary D. Bell

Honoring the FallenStory by MCSN Zachary D. BellUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Carl Vinson honored twenty servicemembers by laying their remains to rest in the Pacific Ocean July 25.

The ritual of burial at sea is an ancient one, dating back to the early days of sail. Families of Mariners and Sailors view it as a means to follow their loved ones final wishes. It also provides active-duty Sailors the opportunity to bid farewell to one of their own. The twenty servicemembers were Catholics and Protestants, Sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen.

Command Chaplain Cmdr. Keith Shuley recited words and prayers of farewell as the 10 Catholic servicemembers were laid to rest.

“It is a time-honored tradition to give respect and pay tribute to those who served faithfully, honorably, and in many cases, heroically,” said Shuley. “So it’s my privilege to play a role in the ceremony.”

The ceremony began with Chaplains reciting prayers and scriptures. Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Lindsey honored the fallen with opening remarks.

“Today’s ceremony is one of many we will conduct during my tenure as commanding officer. I believe this ceremony is a fitting tribute to the honor of the country’s veterans and to pause and reflect on how the service to our country becomes one of the most important life events for those who have served long before

most of us were born.”As the ceremony continued, ashes were poured into the sea

accompanied by words and prayers of farewell. Then the rifle team conducted a 3 gun volley salute, followed by taps and a closing prayer.

Command Chaplain Lt. Gregory Hazlett, the Committal Officer for the burial, delicately committed the ashes to the sea.

“I was struck by the fact that when we did the burial at sea everything stopped on board so we could honor those 20 servicemembers,” said Hazlett. “The ship was turned to adjust to the wind and the entire crew stood by, operationally speaking, to honor the service of those people. It’s very humbling.”

The families of the deceased were not physically present, but they will receive the navigational charts showing where the burial took place.

Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jesse Seward participated in the ceremony by preparing urns to be passed down to Hazlett.

“My family has a lot of military roots so it’s a very emotional experience,” said Seward. “I was honored to be a part of the ceremony, knowing that I’m handling the remains of veterans who have served our country.”

This was Hazlett’s first burial at sea and he encourages other Sailors to come and honor their brothers in arms at future ceremonies.

“The ceremony is a beautiful thing that shows that the Navy takes care of its own, in life and in passing.”

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Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey

Commanding Officer

Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Managing Editor MC2 Ashley Van Dien

Layout and DesignMC3 Patrick Green

Staff Writers/Photographers

MC3 Patrick GreenMC3 Stephen Hale

MCSN Zachary D. BellMCSN Rosa A. Arzola

NCPACE Leads Sailors to SuccessBy MC3 Patrick GreenUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

For Sailors motivated to enhance their careers, college is a good way to do so. At sea, Carl Vinson is working to provide Sailors with an opportu-nity to learn.

The Educational Services Office (ESO) is bringing college to Vinson Sailors through Navy College Pro-gram for Af loat College Education (NCPACE).

NCPACE is an eight-week course given by accredited professors during deployment, giving Sailors a chance to start or continue their education while on the ship.

“NCPACE is a program developed for the Navy to give af loat forces the opportunity to get college credits,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Carl Vizzi, Leading Petty Officer of the Educational Services Office.

The course is open to every Sailor that has been on the ship for more than one year. There are no fees for admission, the only money that will come out of pocket is for textbooks.

For Sailors with Tuition Assistance, NCPACE courses will not interfere with any courses they are already enrolled in.

Interested Sailors can route a chit up their chain of command with

the appropriate Executive Officer memo, enabling them to sign up for classes. Some of the 17 courses of-fered include history, math, English and many more.

“We always send a lot of e-mails with information about the courses,” said Vizzi. “Just come down (to ESO) and we can set them up.”

The classes, courtesy of Central Texas College, are roughly two to four hours per week, with a tentative schedule available in the ESO. Each class is equivalent to one semester of college, and moves at a quick but un-derstandable pace.

Advancing in college not only en-hances personal development, it definitely gives Sailors an edge with

their career in the Navy as well. Hav-ing college credits adds advancement exam points, giving that extra boost to Sailors looking to advance to the next pay grade. An associate’s degree is worth one point, and a bachelor’s degree is worth two.

“NCPACE increases personal and professional growth,” said Vizzi. “It will set you up for success down the road.”

Vizzi, who has taken four classes in the past, recommends that any-one even remotely interested should check out the courses.

“It’s challenging to do underway, but the instructors are very f lexible,” said Vizzi. “They ensure that every-one will pass.”

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By MCSN Rosa ArzolaUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Vinson Completes Missile Exercises

Carl Vinson reached a historic milestone July 24 following the successful launch of 12 missiles within a seven-day period.

The ship launched 11 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) and one Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) as part of the Combat System’s Ship Qualification Trial.

“It’s unique that a ship can accomplish such a task as shooting 12 missiles,” said Richard Dodson, Operational Test and Evaluation Force Test Team analyst. “We rarely have an opportunity to bring this many missiles onboard and shoot this many targets in such a short window (of time).”

The missile launch was not only a significant milestone for Carl Vinson. The evolution set a new Navy-wide standard.

“This is the biggest test that we have

done in a long time, not only aboard Vinson but aboard any other ship,” said Lt. Gregory McLean, Operational Test Director of Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force. “It took a lot of assets, a lot of coordination, and three years of planning to accomplish twelve missile shoots.”

Vinson launched the missiles to see how effective and suitable the ESSM and RAM are for Vinson’s Self Defense System in a combat situation.

“This mission was something stressful but at the end this is the most realistic training Sailors are going to get while underway,” said Dodson.

Both Dodson and McLean expressed that this mission was successful because of Vinson Sailors.

“The successful missile launch was a really great accomplishment. Everybody on board Carl Vinson did exactly what they needed to do,” said Dodson. “We got a lot of support and help from the ship.”

Sailors assigned to Combat Systems Department load an Evolved Sea Sparrow Surface Missile (ESSM). Carl Vinson reached a historic milestone July 24 following the successful launch of 12 missiles within a seven-day period. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White.

“I feel privileged to be part of this milestone,” said McLean. “But this wouldn’t have been possible to accomplish without the help and hard work of Operations and Combat Systems Sailors.”

“I feel really good of being part of this milestone. It’s gratifying. All the guys worked hard to accomplish this missile shoot,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Worley, the ship’s Combat Systems Assistant Leading Petty Officer. “I feel proud to be able to show how well we can defend our ship.”

Dodson noticed how Vinson’s Sailors are always ready and have a great work ethic.

“I wish I could do more missile shoots on board. Vinson has a great impressive crew with a superb attitude. They are always willing to get things done,” said Dodson. “I have been on a lot of Navy ships and I am impressed with the Sailors here.”

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I do for Alayna,” said the proud father. “I came into the Navy to improve myself. I want to do well so I can make a good life for my daughter.”

Having the ability to look down the road instead of just the immediate future is one quality that makes Mashek an asset to his department.

“Mashek is a top performer in S-3 Division. He has a very positive attitude and good work habits,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Jose Escobar, Supply Department’s S-3 Division Retail Supervisor. “His future in the Navy looks bright and he is an example for all junior Sailors to emulate.”

Mashek is adapting well to life in California. He welcomed the move from the east coast and likes to spend time in the Los Angeles area.

“I love California. There is always something to do here, no matter what time of day it is,” said Mashek. “I have always been a Dodgers fan and I love being able to jump up to L.A. and catch a game.” Mashek definitely keeps his eye on long-term goals, and he is always ready to tackle the next task that comes into his immediate line of sight.

Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Robert Mashek can see just fine. But 20/20 vision isn’t enough. Mashek is a long-term kind of guy who tries to look down the road instead of just right in front of him.

“So far the Navy has been good to me,” said Mashek. “I want to stay with the Navy as long as I keep excelling. Maybe I will be a Chief or an officer one day. I’m not sure. For now, I’m just happy to make an impact.”

For the 21-year-old St. Louis native, working with Carl Vinson’s Supply Department S-3 Division is an important job that provides vital resources for the crew.

Mashek works as a bulk storeroom custodian and is responsible for inventorying and organizing incoming supplies, as well as making sure the ship’s store is fully stocked. He fills vending machines, works in the ship’s store, handles onloads from underway replenishments and serves as a lookout on the ship’s low visibility detail.

During Operation Unified Response, Mashek assisted in the transfer of more than $200,000 in goods and essentials for relief efforts.

“Haiti was a busy time in Supply, but we never let up,” said Mashek. “People needed us. They didn’t even know they needed us, but without the long hours of the Sailors in Supply, Carl Vinson couldn’t have been as effective in their relief efforts.”

Mashek takes long days in stride, keeping in mind that whatever he does has a bigger purpose behind it. His two-year-old daughter Alayna is always in the front of his mind and keeps him going when the job gets tough.

“She is the reason I am here. She is my life and I do what Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Hale

SPOTLIGHTSailor

IN T

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By MC3 Stephen HaleUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer