Photo By Chief Petty Officer Grant Probst | Carrie Giles from Minnesota State University, preparing to take photo of an F/A-18...... read more read more
USS NIMITZ, At Sea - Educators from across the country were flown to the USS Nimitz, currently underway for participation in the U.S. Navy’s Educators to Sea program off California’s coast April 10-11.
Teachers, coaches, and guidance counselors from coast to coast were flown to San Diego for a once in a lifetime experience.
Following breakfast at the Marriott Hotel on Coronado, the group of 15 civilians was driven to Naval Air Station North Island for a tour of the base. The tour was followed by a briefing at the Naval Air Forces Command Headquarters that covered a familiarization of Naval Aviation and what to expect while being embarked on board the ship.
The group was escorted to the NASNI passenger terminal and equipped with safety equipment. Once on board the C-2 Greyhound performing carrier on board delivery duty, the 15 civilians were strapped into their seats and launched across open ocean towards their destination. The COD performed a tailhook landing aboard USS Nimitz, approximately 100 miles off the coast of California.
Immediately upon landing and taxiing to the unloading point, the rear loading door opened to the view of an F/A-18 Super Hornet catapult launching into flight. After disembarking the COD, the group was led off the flight deck into the ship for a reception.
Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman, the 3rd Fleet commander, gave his remarks on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the scope of education. Lt. Cmdr. Karyn Burzynski, USS Nimitz public affairs officer, welcomed all aboard and introduced Capt. Jeff Ruth, USS Nimitz commanding officer.
After his welcome aboard remarks and encouragement to talk to as many sailors as possible, he posed with the group for a photo.
“We are a national asset and funded by the U.S. taxpayers. While we can’t bring everyone on board during underway periods, hosting DVs (distinguished visitors) who are influential business leaders, community leaders and educators is a win-win situation,” said Ruth. “They go back to their communities, classrooms, organizations and share their first-hand knowledge and experience with many others.”
The DVs had time for refreshments and snacks before they were geared up with white float coats and cranial helmets that are required for flight deck operations observations.
Reaching the flight deck, after climbing several ladders through multiple decks, they observed and photographed flight deck operations. With only 45 second intervals between launches, aircraft were positioned two by two, ready for launch off the deck. Thrusting engines to full power, each aircraft yielded tremendous force against jet blast deflectors risen from the flight deck.
With the push of a button, the steam powered catapult propelled the aircraft off the deck at an incredible speed acceleration of zero to 130-plus knots. Aircraft returned to the flight deck for each tailhook landing, catching one of four hydraulic powered cables stretched across the deck.
Almost as quickly as they launched, the aircraft were recovered via their tailhook with a deceleration speed of 130 knots to zero in a distance of just 75 feet. The group was less than 75 feet from each spectacular evolution.
Aircraft were flying around the ship in various formations and patterns while the USS Princeton CG-59 was not far behind, performing plane guard duties that ensured the safety of the USS Nimitz and aircraft. USS Princeton is a guided missile cruiser attached to the battle group, filling a critical role to successful flight operations.
The group, having witnessed a full rotation of aircraft launches and traps, moved inside the skin of the ship for a history of fighter aircraft and the diverse mission of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet platforms. Following the history lesson, they made their way through the ship to the office and quarters of Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11 for a short remarks and an in depth question and answer session.
The admiral then invited the group to dinner in Wardroom 3 with the Capt. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly, USS Nimitz executive officer, where the group enjoyed a well prepared meal with various officers from different squadrons and departments. This provided the opportunity to unwind and discuss events of the day.
“The DV program is important in helping to educate America about the opportunities for our sailors and the great responsibilities they carry. It also informs them about the many missions of our Navy,” said White. “They get to see first-hand the pride and professionalism displayed by our young men and women. It’s also encouraging for our sailors to see and hear the DVs’ enthusiastic support for their service.”
After dessert, the XO presented each DV with an embroidered USS Nimitz hat and picture binder with photos from their arrival on board. Subsequently, the educators observed night time flight operations from the superstructure on deck nine, referred to as vulture’s row.
Vulture’s row is named for its strategic vantage point above the flight operations, giving a “birds-eye” view of the flight deck. The DV’s wrapped up the evening with words from the CO and "Taps" at 10:00 p.m., as they made their way to designated two person staterooms.
The morning of the 11th came early with reveille called away at 6:00 a.m., followed by breakfast with the crew. The DVs experienced a buffet style breakfast and an opportunity to discuss Navy life with junior enlisted sailors. After breakfast, the ship went through a general quarters drill in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
During the ship’s drill, the DV’s had the opportunity to walk the length of the 1,082-foot flight deck and meet with the sailors responsible for flight operations.
The Foreign object damage walk down is done twice a day on the flight line so aircraft do not inadvertently suck debris into the powerful air intakes and damage the engines.
The FOD walk gave all of the DV’s the opportunity to take pictures with the crew and talk to them about their experiences and Navy life overall.
The tour continued through engineering spaces, demonstrating damage control and repair capabilities, which included a teacher being dressed out in a full firefighting ensemble, a machine shop walk through, and the unique experience of passing through a scuttle between decks of the ship.
Following engineering, the DVs went to the forecastle to see the ships massive anchor chain and hydraulic anchor windless. The anchor windless raises and lowers a 30-ton anchor, including a chain with links weighing up to 300 pounds each. For lunch, the DVs were invited into the prestigious chief petty officers' mess where they enjoyed lunch, shoulder to shoulder with the Navy’s deckplate leaders.
The XO gave closing remarks, presented each DV with a tailhook landing certificate, and thanked each individual for making the trip and for spending time with USS Nimitz sailors. The DVs donned safety gear, boarded their COD flight. The C-2 taxied into position, connected with the catapult, powered engines to full, and two seconds later were airborne at 130-plus knots en route to NASNI.
Upon landing, the DV’s were transported to lunch and the airport, catching their individual flights out of San Diego International Airport to their hometown airports. From there, the associated recruiter closest to the DV’s residence drove them from the airport to their home, ensuring safety and comfort for the final leg of the extraordinary two day event.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2013 14:19 |
| Story ID: | 105358 |
| Location: | USS NIMITZ, AT SEA |
| Hometown: | CHICO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | CLOVIS, CA, US |
| Hometown: | CORONA, CA, US |
| Hometown: | EAST LANSING, MI, US |
| Hometown: | EVANSTON, IL, US |
| Hometown: | FRESNO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | GURNEE, IL, US |
| Hometown: | HENDERSON, NV, US |
| Hometown: | KELLER, TX, US |
| Hometown: | LYNDEN, WA, US |
| Hometown: | MANKATO, MN, US |
| Hometown: | MENDOTA, IL, US |
| Hometown: | MONROE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | ROLLING MEADOWS, IL, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SUMMERVILLE, SC, US |
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