enterprise transits strait of gibraltar

The Shuttle March 25, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Magazine Edition

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Big E Enters 6th Fleet

Sunday, March 25, 2012 The Shuttle

Big E Happenings

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Randy J. Savarese

Enterprise Transits Strait of Gibraltar

U.S. Navy file photo

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) traversed rough seas and high winds while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar March 23. Although the passage was rescheduled for early in the morning, allowing Enterprise to transit with less traffic in the strait, weather conditions remained severe, making the transit challenging. “The wind can push you off course if it’s strong enough; and the waves and sea state are obviously going to be affected,” said Quartermaster Seaman Robert J. Stallcup, a Master Helmsman, who was supervising and training junior quartermasters while the piloting Enterprise through the strait. In order to be a Master Helmsman, Sailors must complete an extensive qualification process. The Enterprise uses opportunities such as the strait transit to train Sailors using the full range of challenges presented. “Five minutes into the transit, the quartermaster at the helm got a feel for the ship and, based on what the sea was doing, he was able to counteract it and kept the ship as straight as possible,” said Stallcup. Although this was a successful transit, problems can arise from both weather conditions and high traffic. Stallcup is no stranger to either challenge.

“It’s one of the easier transits, but I’ve always done it through bad weather,” said Stallcup. “I can never get a good day. It’s pretty challenging and you have to stay focused. You can’t look at the strait or the mountains. You have to pay

close attention to what you’re doing.” Something Quartermaster 3rd Class Thomas J. Sanborn, the chart petty officer, reinforces from a navigational standpoint. “The weather changes your winds and it changes the water running under the ship; so it changes where we’re getting pushed around,” said Sanborn. “So any turns that we make, we need to make sure are on time. Any slight mistake could be bad.” Navigating a ship this large through the strait is a coordinated effort that requires input from many different specialties including the Aerographer’s Mates (AG), the ship’s weather forecasters and observers, who are especially vital on days with inclement weather.

It’s the AG’s job to analyze meteorological and oceanographic data from satellites, radar and the vast amount of meteorological and oceanographic products and charts. “They use this data to predict weather conditions and how they

may affect operations, and then present this data to not only Enterprise, but all the ships and units attached to the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1,” said Aerographer’s Mate 1st class Craig P. Hawkins, a forecast duty officer aboard Enterprise. “Today’s event, called a “Levante,” caused very strong funneling of easterly winds through the Strait of Gibraltar,” said Hawkins. “It’s not uncommon to see funneling in this gap, but certain meteorological conditions this morning favored a very strong “Levante” wind event.” Weather observers aboard

Enterprise recorded wind gusts as high as 46 knots during the transit, but when added to the ship’s speed, the gusts felt closer to 50 plus knots on the flight deck. “Winds in combination with rough seas made this transit more challenging than usual,” said Hawkins. “Forecasting the strong winds days in advance helped the strike group better prepare for what was to come and plan accordingly.” Proper planning and quick reflexes by the ship’s crew can make transits like this successful. “I think the transit went really well despite the weather,” said Sanborn. “This was well thought out by the chain of command and everyone involved did a great job.”


Big E Personalities

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea - On any given fly day, the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is filled with what many might consider to be complete chaos - the screaming sound of 20 tons of military diplomacy screaming down from the skies at mach speeds fills the air and the stifling scent of burnt rubber and jet fuel stirs the senses. But no one speaks. Not a word is uttered. Sailors dressed in red, green, white, brown and yellow scramble about the flight deck, using hand signals as a means of communication. Then the shooter bows his head, points toward the bow of the ship, and another aircraft reaches for the skies. Control is made out of chaos. Standing on the flight deck can be an extremely intense and vigorous experience. Knowing where to stand, what hand signals mean what and when to move out of the way can mean the difference between a successful launch and possible death. This atmosphere is business as usual for Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman John P. Truhe, attached to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11. He lives it everyday. It is his job. “You have to know what you are doing,” Truhe said. “I know its clichéd, but you do have to keep your head on a swivel. But once you get in the groove, it gets a bit easier.” Although the job may get a bit easier, Truhe says that it is important to leave all complacency ashore. A small mistake, like crossing a foul line, could result in disaster for both the aircraft and the Sailors on the flight deck. “You have to keep an eye out on what’s going on,” Truhe said. “At any given point a jet could be turning. You have to always be watching the shot lines during launches and foul lines during recoveries. You also have to always keep a watchful eye on the junior guys working under you, making sure that they aren’t doing anything they’re not supposed to be doing, like crossing foul lines.” The flight deck itself may not be changing, but the same

cannot be said for Truhe’s responsibilities as a plane captain. His responsibilities range from maintaining the aircraft to getting it off of the ground. “Airman Truhe is one of my more senior plane captains,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Chief Joshua M. Heath. “Flexibility is a must for a plane captains because of the ever-changing flight schedule of a squadron. Plane captains sometimes have to swap to other jets, prep the aircraft for flight, and run through the launch process, all within 15 minutes.” “Our main job is to perform daily turn-around inspections,” said Truhe. “We launch and recover the aircraft. We find the problems with the aircraft and then relay that information to each individual shop.” Truhe did not enter the fleet as a member of the aircrew. He arrived at his squadron as an undesignated airman and then decided to strike for the aviation

structural mechanic rate. “I was in aircrew before,” Truhe said. “Then I came undesignated to (VFA) 11 in Oceana. Shortly after that, I was able to strike air framer. I tried to get as much information about what they did, so that when I actually came up to their shop, I could help them out as much as I could.” Amidst the seemingly chaotic atmosphere that surrounds the flight deck, Truhe finds gratification in molding younger Sailors into more mature ones, making sure that they are on the right path. “Airman Truhe is a true leader amongst his airman peers,” said Heath. “His peers look up to him for his technical knowledge and expertise of the aircraft in the job he does.” “I especially like working with the younger guys and helping them out,” said Truhe. “I definitely get satisfaction out of that. We give them a hard time a lot of times, but it’s all for their own good.” One aspect of the job that drives Truhe is working with a cohesive unit. The different personalities and nationalities paint a positive picture for him. He understands that despite any cultural differences, the end goal is the same for everyone. “I like the interaction with people from not only all over the United States, but all over the world,” Truhe said. “It’s cool getting a feel for where they’re from. We all play a pivotal role in getting the jets in the air.” Although it is just another “day at the office” for Truhe, by day’s end, Truhe believes that there is an amount of reverence that should be kept in mind when considering the details of his job. In Truhe’s line of work, distraction could be deadly. It is key not to get too comfortable and to stay focused on the job at hand. “My job is definitely very dangerous,” said Truhe. “It gets a little bit easier, and you might get a little more familiar with it, but the flight deck itself isn’t changing.”


Big E Happenings

Sailors prepare for a replenishment at sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Photo by MCSN Brian G. Reynolds

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) approaches the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) to begin on-loading fuel and supplies during a replenishment at sea.

Photo by MCSN Randy J. Savarese

Airman Nicholas Tool stands a security watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).


(Left to right) Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339), German Navy frigate FGS Rheinland-Pfalz (F 209) and Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F 804) transit in formation during a passing exercise.



Big E Happenings

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) stand in formation during a capping ceremony following the completion of the command indoctrination course.

Photo by MC3(SW) Britney Epps

(Left to right) Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F 804) and German Navy frigate FGS Rheinland-Pfalz (F 209) transit in formation during a passing exercise.


A Marine washes an F/A 18c Hornet on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).


(Top to bottom) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339), German Navy frigate FGS Rheinland-Pfalz (F 209) and aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) transit in formation during a passing exercise.



Bulletin Board

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.

EditorsMC2 (SW) Kristin L. Grover

MCSN Harry Gordon

The ShuttleUSS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master ChiefABCM (AW/SW) Eric M. Young Yesterday’s 3M answer:

FALSE. The 3M System should not be incorporated in the divisional training

plan.

3M Question of the Day: Regarding related maintenance, what

does () indicate?

3MYesterday’s ESWS answer:

The COSAL is the Coordinated Shipboard Allowance List.

ESWS Question of the Day: What is the OPNAV 4790/CK?

SITE TV Channels

6, 7, 8 are now

31, 32, 33for better clarity

COMMAND BALL CAPSRules for wear:

*Authorized position held, rank titles or rate/rank with surname may be centered on the back of the cap in sewn or

embroidered letters.

*Lettering should be professional, in good taste

and in traditional command colors.

*NO NICKNAMES

Logo Design Contest!All hands are invited to

participate in a competition to design a logo for the Big E’s final

deployment and/or the Tiger Cruise.

Please submit your entries via email to MCC Steve White or on a CD to the Public Affairs Office/SITE TV (03-176-3-Q) no later than 2200 on Sunday, April 8.


Big E Entertainment

AM3 Cody Loskot from Hiusboro, Ill., joined the Navy three and a half years ago for college opportunities. In his spare time, Loskot enjoy hunting and fishing. He plans to make rank, go to college and pursue a career as a heavy machine operator in the future.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd ClassCody J. Loskot

Sailors of the Day

PSSN Alan Rosiquez from Chicago, joined the Navy 10 months ago to experience the benefits of military service. Rosiquez enjoys long distance running, studying economics, business and international affairs. In the future, he hopes to earn as many awards as possible and begin an MBA program.

Personnel Specialist SeamanAlan Rosiquez


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64. Governs DOWN 1. Plateau2. Not under3. Cab4. Poems5. Reposing6. An orderly pile7. Unit of pressure8. Killer whale9. Not easterly10. Mediterranean woody annual plant11. Something to shoot for12. Punctuation

mark13. If not 21. Mineral rock25. Mire26. Small island27. Is endebted to28. Weight loss plan29. Impossible to satisfy30. Licoricelike flavor31. Trail33. Among34. A set of garments35. 12 in a foot36. Birthday or cheese, for example

38. Union 41. Top part of an apron42. Laic44. Second (abbrev.)45. Tapestry46. Gain knowledge47. Washing machine cycle48. Highest point50. Harvest51. Anagram of “Note”52. Humdinger53. A Freudian stage54. Docile55. God of love

enterprise transits strait of gibraltar

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