Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Enterprise

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle August 15, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Magazine Edition

vital. Your presence here demonstrates our continued commitment to regional partners and allies, provides needed capability and is in direct support of our new defense strategy.” Benning also stressed the importance of Enterprise’s role in the area and underlined the importance of war fighting. “War fighting is our first priority,” said Benning. “Our Sailors need to remain ready through great training and operating in the environment in which we fight when necessary, but protect through our always

important presence. There is no substitute for

the force multiplier that is a proven deckplate-leading Sailor at sea.” While aboard the Big E, Ferguson and Benning took the opportunity to engage with thousands of Enterprise Sailors and Marines. During the visit, Ferguson and Benning conducted question and answer sessions with several of Enterprise’s departments including Reactor, Engineering, Weapons, Supply, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance, Operations, Deck and Enterprise’s embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. During many of these sessions, Ferguson stressed the critical nature of what Sailors do on a daily basis and how the importance of their efforts cannot be overstated. “The demonstrated flexibility and professionalism that has long been the hallmark of U.S. Naval forces is on display everyday throughout the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group as you carryout the Chief of Naval Operations tenets of ‘war fighting first, operate forward and be ready,’” said Ferguson. Enterprise is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations, theater security operation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits EnterpriseStory by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson, and Navy Total Force/Manpower, Personnel, Education and Training (MPT&E) Fleet Master Chief, Fleet Master Chief (SW/AW/SCW) Scott A. Benning visited aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Aug. 14 as the ship continued its historic 25th and final deployment. Ferguson and Benning visited Enterprise as a part of an ongoing tour during which they are visiting and thanking Sailors deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Following their arrival aboard the Big E, Ferguson and Benning were greeted by Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise’s commanding officer, before embarking on a tour of the ship. During his visit aboard the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Ferguson stressed the importance of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group’s (ENTCSG) role in ensuring that the sea lanes remain open to trade and commerce in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). “The security of our nation depends on freedom of the seas – particularly at the maritime crossroads,” said Ferguson. “For this reason, the Central Command area of operations remains

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks to Sailors in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 The Shuttle

VCNO Visits Enterprise

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, is greeted on the flight deck by Rear Adm. Ted Carter and Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)

A helicopter carrying Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, lands on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, addresses a group of Sailors on the aft mess decks. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson is interviewed by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristin L. Grover. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Cmdr. Bob McPherson asks Adm. Mark Ferguson a question in a weapons magazine. (Photo by Scott Pittman)

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks to Sailors on the aft mess decks. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)



VCNO Visits Enterprise

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, shakes hands with Capt. Joseph Leonard in the CO’s inport cabin. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, addresses a group of Sailors on the aft mess decks. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)

Master Chief Ship’s Serviceman Steven Robinson asks Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson a question on the mess decks. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson speaks with Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in the Ward Room. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), presents Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson a plaque. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)


“I am grateful for the opportunity to spend my summer cruise on Enterprise, especially as this is her last deployment,” said Midshipman 1st Class Allison Lenzi, from Southern University. “I am also grateful to all of the people I was able to interact with and learn from during my stay here. This has been an experience that I will remember and cherish forever.” Guided-Missile Cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) also welcomed the midshipman aboard during their summer cruise, enhancing their training. “I really enjoyed visiting Vicksburg because I’m interested in being a conventional SWO,” said Midshipman 1st Class Kristin Wihera. “The midshipmen have had the opportunity to see the diversity of the United States Navy by serving on Enterprise,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Copeland, the training officer aboard Enterprise. “Little do they know, but many of the midshipmen have established friends and contacts which will help them throughout their naval careers. Midshipman Summer Cruise was a positive experience for all of those involved.” Enterprise is currently on its 25th and final deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.


MidshipmenStory Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW) Amanda Ward

Final Group of Midshipmen Complete Training Aboard Big E

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at [email protected].

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Executive OfficerCapt. G. C. Huffman

Commanding OfficerCapt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

EditorMC3 Brian G. Reynolds

The Shuttle

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff

USS Enterprise, At Sea - The third and final group of midshipmen completed their training aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Aug.15. This group is the last group of midshipmen who will ever conduct their summer training aboard the Big E. Enterprise hosted eight Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) students from Villanova University, Southern University, Boston University, Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame, Fordham University and the University of Michigan. “Having never been on a ship like this before, I had no idea what to expect, but I could tell from the moment I arrived standards are high and consistent, which is exactly what it takes to be in the Navy,” said Midshipman 3rd Class Katharine Darrell from Villanova University. During their three-week training, midshipmen stood conning watch on the bridge, rappelled from the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance department (AIMD) tunnel, fired .50-caliber machine guns and stood under-instruction watch with Medical staff members. The midshipman also had the opportunity to tour various departments such as Supply, Deck, Combat Systems, Air and AIMD. This gave them the opportunity to see how Enterprise works as a team to accomplish her mission. “I now have a large-scale view of what the Navy does around the world on a daily basis,” said Midshipman 1st

Class Rebecca Speer. The Midshipman Summer Cruise Training program gives NROTC students time at sea to experience the fleet. While they are underway, they interact and engage with officers and enlisted Sailors.

Midshipman 3rd Class Katilyn Harmon, from Villanova University, acts as a casualty for stretcher bearers during a general quarters drill. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)


World News

Press in his Pentagon office, Panetta said Pakistan’s military chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, discussed the planned operation in recent conversations with the top American commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen. The U.S. long has been frustrated by Islamabad’s refusal to target Afghan Taliban militants and their allies using Pakistani territory to stage attacks against U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan. Many analysts believe Pakistan is reluctant to target groups with which it has strong historical ties and could be useful allies in Afghanistan after foreign forces withdraw. Panetta said he did not know when the Pakistani operation would start, but he said he understands it will be in the “near future,” and that the main target will be the Pakistani Taliban, rather than the Haqqani network.

On Sunday after meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul, U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton gave no definitive answer on the issue, only saying such a decision requires “intense analysis and operational planning.” Without directly responding to the question, Carney said that the Obama administration continued to believe the current approach which involved heavy-handed economic sanctions and international pressure on the Assad regime is the “right course.” “But we review all options, as you would expect, and will continue to do so,” he added.

sent to help the Iranian quake victims. The rescue team from Turkey had been sent to Iran without coordination, and since Iran had already announced that it would not accept international help, Turkey’s rescue team was returned to their country, ISNA quoted an official from the Red Crescent Society of East Azerbaijan province as saying. Sadeq Namdar, director of Bazargan Customs Office in Iran’s West Azerbaijan, said the first emergency supplies from Turkey’s Red Crescent Society has been dispatched to Bazargan customs office bordering Turkey, according to IRNA.

TEHRAN -- Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi said Monday that the Islamic republic is ready to receive international aid for the quake-hit people of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, the official IRNA news agency reported. Rahimi made the remarks in a press conference in Tabriz, the provincial capital of East Azerbaijan. Iran has helped other countries in the face of disasters and now the country is ready to receive international aid for the victims of the earthquake, he was quoted as saying. The semi-official ISNA news agency reported Monday that Iran has not accepted Turkey’s rescue team which was

U.S. Appears Undecided on Imposition of No-Fly Zone in Syria

WASHINGTON -- The United States on Monday appeared still undecided on the potential imposition of a no-fly zone in Syria as fighting continued to escalate between government forces and rebels across the Middle East country. “What I can say is that the President and his team have ruled out no options as we try to bring about, with all of our partners, and with the Syrian people, the political transition that is so desperately needed in Syria,” said White House spokesman Jay Carney at a press gaggle. Recently, there is speculation about the possible imposition of a no-fly zone in Syria as the Syrian opposition is raising its voice in calling for such a move.

Iran Ready to Receive Int’l Aid for Quake Victims

Panetta: Pakistan Military Plans to Open New Front

WASHINGTON - Pakistan has told U.S. military officials that it plans to launch combat operations against Taliban militants soon in a tribal area near the Afghan border that

also serves as a haven for leaders of the al-Qaida-affiliated Haqqani network, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday. Speaking to The Associated

By Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns, ASSOCIATED PRESS

By Xinhua

By Xinhua


Midshipmen Complete Summer Training

Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese



MIDN 1/C Melissa HutchinsonMIDN 1/C Erik BreitenbachMIDN 1/C Rebecca SpeerMIDN 1/C Kristin Wihera






Midshipmen Complete Summer Training

MIDN 3/C Katharine Darrell



MIDN 3/C Katilyn HarmonMIDN 2/C Allison LenziMIDN 1/C Jessica Hyder

Photo by MC3 Jared King

Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman

Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman

The Shuttle Wednesday, August 15, 2012The Shuttle

Big E Entertainment

AME3 Abigail Bonsu, from Accra, Ghana, joined the Navy two years ago for educational benefits. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing and dancing. In the future, she plans to become an officer.

Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 3rd ClassAbigail Bonsu

Sailors of the Day

BM3 Troy Hunter, from Atlanta, joined the Navy three years ago to travel and to gain more experience in leadership. In his spare time, he enjoys football, basketball and riding around town. In the future, he plans to earn a degree in business management.

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd ClassTroy Hunter

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Enterprise

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