dod – Pulpconnection

Who I Would Nominate for a Navy Embark

Gee Why — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 07:18:53 +0000

I can’t believe it’s been nearly two years since I participated on an embark of the USS Nimitz during RIMPAC 2012. The sights, the sounds, the surprises, and the memories.

If I could, who would I nominate for an embark?

The Ambassador of VH07V

In the footsteps of the original Ambassadors of Aloha, Ed Sugimoto has to be a natural pick. So what if he wasn’t named Top40Under40 by the Pacific Business News, Ed’s an entrepreneur, cultivating and spreading his VH07V brand. I’m not saying Ed should be giving away free VH07V shirts during the embark (well, maybe stickers), just embody aloha while on this amazing tour. And no Ed, Oceanic Cable’s Oahu Wifi ain’t gonna work.

The Digital Artist

From past embarks, there have been countless pictures, movies, and words recounting experiences. But how about original artwork inspired by the magnitude of a Navy vessel? In short, I want to see whatÂ Valentino Valdez comes up with – illustrations, posters, shirts, sketches, or even toy mashups.

In Reel Life

Matt Spencer knows his movies. It’s that simple. He watches, critiques, and promotes films all the time and then some. When Matt’s not watching movies, I think he’s reading about them or planning his upcoming viewing schedule. What does movies have to do with a Navy embark? The U.S. Navy in the movies? Surely, you’ve seen a flick or two. From Matt’s point of view, I want to know how realistic the scenes are, which movie has the most accurate portrayal of Naval operations, what actor or character does the ship’s captain remind Matt of? How can Matt relate his experience in terms of films – that’s his reel challenge.

The Inspired

On the surface, Gary Nacapuy looks like a casual Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter denizen. Now go beneath the surface, and you’ll see a growing world of software development. Coding, developing, engineering is where Gary thrives. Combine his passion with the inspiration instilled from a Navy embark, and I’m excited to see what follows.

The Entertainer

Now why would a local celebrity, entertainer, and radio celebrity like Gregg Hammer go on a Navy embark? To broadcast his firsthand experiences with his audience. No, this isn’t a public relations ploy, as a car fix-it guy, Gregg will love visiting the engineering deck, listening to the crew talk in detail about hydraulic fluid, valves, radiators, and arresting cables that catch landing aircraft. Don’t you want to hear Gregg’s tales and adventures during your morning drive in traffic?

My Brother-in-Law

He asked to go after hearing my stories.

Bonus: The Rainbow Warriors

As far as Navy exercises go, the Rim of the Pacific aka RIMPAC is as international as it gets. Similar is the international makeup of the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team. Of course, this will never happen since I’m sure there’s some NCAA infraction or regulation standing in the way, but it’s fun to dream. Imagine seven-footer Davis Rozitis cramped for a COD launch. Can Isaac Fotu get his hair into a safety helmet? Heck, imagine any of the Rainbow Warriors walking the onboard passageways ducking through every hatch. Although it would be cool if the team had a shoot around with service members inside the hangar. Just make sure the ball stays inbounds, the Pacific Ocean is very unforgiving to errant passes.

And there’s my list of fictional nominees. Of course, this list has no significance, but as I’m grateful that my embark was the result of others’ nominations, I have a duty to pay it forward.

Recap of USS Nimitz Posts

Gee Why — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:30:34 +0000

Consolidating and linking all my recent USS Nimitz posts for convenience sakes.

I hope you enjoyed these posts just as much as I enjoyed the entire experience.

Acknowledgement

My embarking to and from the USS Chester W. Nimitz CVN 68 aircraft carrier during RIMPAC 2012 was made possible via my nomination by Dennis Hall, founder of Avere Group LLC (www.averegroup.wordpress.com), through collaborative referral to him by Guy Kawasaki (www.GuyKawasaki.com) and L.P. â€œNeenzâ€ Faleafine (www.Faleafine.com). Dennis Hall initially submitted my nomination to the Public Affairs Officer of the US Navyâ€s Third Fleet. The Public Affairs Officer then referred my nomination to the Office of Public Affairs, Commander, US Pacific Fleet. The US Pacific Fleet selected me for the Distinguished Visitors Program, inviting me to embark for about 24 hours during RIMPAC 2012.

Six Things to Pack for a DV Embark

Gee Why — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:00:17 +0000

Through good graces, you’ve been nominated and selected to participate in the Navy’s Distinguished Visitors (DV) Embark Program. You can let out a “woo hoo,” don’t be ashamed. As your departure date nears, you’ll have to pack for this short but dense trip. What do you bring? Embarking on a military aircraft carrier is not exactly like going on a plush cruise. Typically, the Public Affairs staff will give you great info on what to expect and what to bring. But here are six things that you definitely need to pack.

1. Shower Shoes

Aka “slippers” in Hawaii. A community shower onboard an aircraft carrier is a community shower nonetheless. ‘Nuff said.

2. Extra Cash

Having extra cash during your stay is a must. For one, you can’t use your normal credit card for purchases, and two, there will be many opportunities to buy memorabilia, not just from the carrier but from the units assigned to the carrier group. You’ll definitely need to buy a patch marking your first “trap” COD landing on the carrier, and while you’re at it, you need to buy a COD patch as well. If the shirt design is cool, add that to your luggage. While on board, you just never know when you’re going to meet up with the Death Rattlers. Death Rattlers?! By name alone, you’re drawn to buying sweatshirts, stickers, shirts, hats, and whatever else that can rattle death. I wonder if the Death Rattlers sell logo-ed shower slippers? I would have paid for slippers with a rattlesnake pattern for sure.

And then you’ll need that cash for the carrier’s ship store… oh wait, our group had a change in schedule and didn’t make it to the store. This leads me to this tangent…

Tangent: Visit the Ship Store

Even with your embark schedule laid out, you might want to talk to your escorts and see if you can visit the ship’s store earlier rather than later. For our tour, our plans changed, and our visit to the tour was canceled. Definitely not a showstopper by any means, but I think most of the group was ready to open up their wallets and load up with Nimitz gear.

3. Cargo Pants

Don’t be ashamed to look like Steve McGarrett from Hawaii Five-0 by wearing cargo pants. More pockets the better. See if Old Navy has some long cargo pants on clearance. In your pockets, you can hold a camera, your iPhone, a video camera, your “foamies” hearing protection, a snack or two, maybe a bottle of water, and a purchased Death Rattler shirt. You gotta haul all this around especially if you don’t have your bags.

4. Travel Light

This is a two-for-one. Although only an overnight stay, you are allowed two bags with the intent of carrying one bag with you. But for your safety on the COD flight, they don’t want you to carry anything that’s not in your pockets (see the rationale for going McGarrett with the cargo pants?). So you’ll be travelling light after the flight crew stows your second carry-around bag. Odds are that if this happens, you won’t see any of your bags until you reach your stateroom which could be at the end of the day. I didn’t have access to my DSLR camera until day one was about done.

Also, bring a travel light. If you got a compact flashlight, it may come in handy. While your staterooms have sufficient lights, you might not want to disturb your roommate by turning them on. Walking the passageways at night would be easier with more illumination in unfamiliar territory.

5. Compact Gear

While you might not have access to your bags, you have your cargo pants pockets so all is not lost. Then you’ll need compact, versatile gear to fit in your pockets. I eventually did truck around my Canon DSLR around my neck but had other gear pocketed. A smartphone is great to have to snap pics and record closeup videos. Right before departure, I had bought a Sony HDR PJ260V camcorder, and it worked great! It easily fit in my pockets, even with an extended battery. Great picture quality, awesome sound pickup with wind noise reduction, and 30x optical zoom. Another option might be a mirrorless camera like the new Canon EOS M. A compact body but with DSLR-like image quality, and it can record movies.

Speaking of compact gear, due to the close proximity you’ll be in, don’t bring a monster lens if you got a DSLR. A wide angle lens would be more useful. My Canon EF-S 15-85mm was versatile enough.

6. Comfy Shoes

The packing list from the Public Affairs Office already tells you to bring comfortable shoes, and I’m going to reiterate that. You’ll be on your feet for hours, walking, climbing, high stepping all on non-forgiving metal surfaces. Personally, if I had the means, I’d get some new Nike Air Max. The Nike Air Trainer 1.3 Max Breathe makes a statement, and a LeBron 9 Low looks like it provides a cushioned ride.

One last tip that’s not something to pack (unless you can pack a buddy on your tour). Make friends quickly and take pictures for them, and they’ll reciprocate. Taking pictures of fighter jets and other cool stuff onboard is fun, but taking a picture with you and this cool stuff is even cooler. Unless your self-portrait skills are good, have your tour buddy capture some memorable shots for you.

There you have it. When you get the call, you’ll now be more prepared to enjoy this excellent adventure.

Acknowledgement

Surprises While Touring the USS Nimitz

Gee Why — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:00:09 +0000

During the short, overnight embark on the USS Nimitz, there were a few surprises (to me anyways). Here’s a list in no particular order.

COD Landing and Takeoff

There’s a lot of attention placed on the catapult launch off the carrier. Truly, it is an exhilarating experience. But there’s not much mentioned about the arrested landing. Maybe I wasn’t mentally prepared for the landing, but personally, I felt the effects of the landing more. For the scant seconds as the COD decelerates via the arresting cables, taking a breath felt impossible. It felt like my lungs weren’t working and all the air was pushed out of me. It lasted for just a few seconds, but it was surreal.

The Inventiveness of the Marines

I loved the way the Marines adapted and overcame. Need to ceiling mount a projector? Twine is all you need.

In the close proximity of the hangar bay, you have to watch your head and not walk into things. One way to prevent a bruised noggin is by using swimming pool noodles as bumpers. Now that’s using your noggin.

A Visit from the One Star

Like I mentioned before, our group was fortunate to meet and talk with Rear Admiral Peter Gumataotao, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, and Commander, USS Nimitz Strike Group. During his visit, Rear Adm. Gumataotao connected with the group as he spoke from the heart. I was impressed and surprised by his down-to-earth, earnest demeanor.

Dinner

Okay, since our DV group dined with the Nimitz’s Executive Officer (XO), we were treated to a special menu. Our meal was not what the other thousands of sailors ate on board, but the same initial components were used. The best culinary specialists on the Nimitz teamed together to use the ingredients for the day and infuse their own creative twists into a memorable meal. It was like a Top Chef challenge to create cuisine using stock components. I loved every dish!

Ball Cap

Each member of our DV tour received this awesome USS Nimitz ball cap. Even awesomer is that each cap is personally embroidered in the back.

Humor

Most of the sailors we encountered showed a sense of humor I hadn’t expected. The atmosphere wasn’t as serious and deadpan as sailors joked with us and each other. I have to give kudos to the public affairs crew who were our tour guides. Not only were they knowledgable, but they kept our group on schedule, didn’t lose anybody (okay, just once), and kept us entertained. Thanks to LT Hontz, LT O’Connor, MC3 Cotter, and MC3 Bartlett who were our primary escorts.

My favorite line from LT Hontz when someone asked a question he didn’t have an answer for – “They do stuff there, and after that, they do more stuff.” So you probably had to have been there to appreciate this humor, but his straight-faced delivery of this line was classic!

Acknowledgement

Marines Flying Jets from a Naval Vessel?

Gee Why — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:30:31 +0000

There are Marine Corps aviators flying jets from the Navy’s supercarrier, the USS Nimitz? Call sign SAS from the VMFA-323 “Death Rattlers” squadron explains this long-standing arrangement.

USS Nimitz Death Rattlers from Gee Why on Vimeo.

Sorry, I missed the part about the squadron’s history explaining the Death Rattler name, but you can read about the VMFA-323 here.

Acknowledgement

Sounds from the USS Nimitz

Gee Why — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:30:01 +0000

I’ve given you pictures and videos from my DV embark on the USS Nimitz. Â How about some of the sounds from the ship?

This first one is boring. It’s the continual drone you hear during the COD flight. This is without ear protection. It’s loud. And it’s non-stop. Can you imagine listening to this for hours each day?

Once on-board, Commanding Officer Jeff Ruth greeted our tour. Here’s what he had to say.

On the flight deck, there’s so much activity carried out by various personnel. The colors of their shirts designate their roles. The Mini Boss on the Nimitz explains the roles.

Every morning, the crew is awoken by reveille.

Petty Officer Gonzalez explains how the arresting cables work to land aircraft going full throttle. This is only a short snippet. If you want more, watch the YouTube video.

Acknowledgement

USS Nimitz Flight Operations

Gee Why — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:45:18 +0000

I wrote about my observations onboard the USS Nimitz, but when talking about an aircraft carrier, there’s the obvious question, “Where are the jets?” Here they are. Cue up the Top Gun music (it’s a must).

Unfortunately, there were no flight operations at night so I didn’t get to witness the skills of the pilots landing a plane in near darkness. Watch Colin Sato’s video of flight ops at night to see what I mean.

I love the orchestration as a fighter gets ready to launch. You see all the flaps start waving around then you see the guys on the flight deck do a visual then give the thumbs up. It’s almost theatric. The steam after the catapult launch is a cool visual as well.

These are my favorite shots.

Flame on!

Two launches

Look at the call sign of “Pete” Mitchell

The steam adds a cool visual

Here comes the bulky E2C

Acknowledgement

The Continuum of the U.S. Navy: The Past, the Present, and the Future

Gee Why — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:30:21 +0000

Prologue

How do I recount my overnight stay onboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz? There was so much in so little time. I won’t run through all the details of my Distinguished Visitors (DV) tour, deferring to the excellent experiences previously captured in the individual stories of the Ambassadors of Aloha. Instead, I’ll focus on the undercurrents that I found meaningful.

I was fortunate to be included in the Navy’s DV Embark program, staying on the USS Nimitz overnight, observing operations and interacting with the sailors. I was part of a group of 15, consisting of veterans, educators, local businesses, community leaders, and contemporary media (aka blogging and social media). It was an unusual mix of people and backgrounds, but all of us were anxious headed on this rare adventure.

Respect and Professionalism

After our COD landing and being safely led across the flight deck, our embark started in the Commanding Officer’s in-port cabin, greeted by the Public Affairs staff and other Nimitz crew members then we were personally welcomed by the Executive Officer, Captain “Buzz” Donnelly, and the USS Nimitz Commanding Officer, Captain Jeff Ruth.

USS Nimitz Executive Officer, CAPT Donnelly

In these controlled situations, I understand making a great first impression, and this polished group delivered, demonstrating respect and true professionalism. But then, throughout out our entire stay, I noticed something else. This respect and professionalism was not exclusive to the leadership of the Nimitz or to those facing the public. Respect and professionalism was everywhere. As our inexperienced and awe-struck group toured the ship, we interrupted operations and generally got in the way. But through it all, every sailor was respectful to our group. Sailors greeted us as we blocked hatches and passageways and waited patiently as we struggled with the many ladders. There were crews carrying restocking supplies up and down ladders who paused their labor to let our group pass. Cleaning teams re-swept hallways as we trampled through. The respect and professionalism of the crew was not a facade, but truly, their everyday behavior.

Teamwork

Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork. Like the crew’s respect and professionalism, teamwork at every level was clearly evident. And in this dynamic environment, teamwork is critical. With everything that I saw, all the different shops I visited, and all the duties and responsibilities carried out, working as a team is the only possible course of action. The success of every action, every team, every sailor rested on the shoulders of another shipmate. Individuals cannot successfully maintain operations with the degree of complexity of an aircraft carrier. It requires individuals then teams working together, and that is what I saw.

On the flight deck

On the flight deck, there was the rainbow of colored jerseys directing, launching, and recovering aircraft as others watched over their safety. Below deck, every shop reiterated how one of their goals was to work within their team to improve everyone’s proficiency. Teamwork was tightly woven into the fabric of the crew.

The Continuum

Another recurring motif I observed during my stay was the continuum of the U.S. Navy with its past, present, and future. The USS Nimitz itself is a product of the past, launched in 1975. Presently, the supercarrier recently underwent its nuclear fuel replenishment, making her ready to serve the future.

Energy

Energy Security

During the RIMPAC 2012 exercise, the use of new energy sources was a significant milestone. The Nimitz operated using a biofuel mixture, demonstrating the Navy’s Great Green Fleet initiative. Aptly described, this move to biofuels is synonymous to the Navy’s move from wind to coal, coal to petroleum (the past), petroleum to nuclear (the present), and now using biofuels to power the future.

Shipmates

As I mentioned earlier, teamwork was pervasive, but time after time, I heard present sailors talk about the future of their shipmates. Each one of them understood their watch was transitory, just a brief moment in time. During this time, it was their personal responsibility to train their successors and raise their proficiency. Current accomplishments were recognized, but future success is the goal. As a testament to this, listen to Petty Officer Gonzalez, one of the Aviation Boatswain’s Mates on the Nimitz. In this explanation of the carrier’s arresting cables, his dedication to the Nimitz and his team is unforgettably apparent at the 2:00 mark.

Leadership

Our DV group had the extreme fortune of meeting with Rear Admiral Peter Gumataotao, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, and Commander, USS Nimitz Strike Group. As we watched flight operations from the tower, Rear Adm. Gumataotao made an unassuming entry, watching us in awe of the launched fighter jets. As he talked with the group, it was clear where the crew of the Nimitz received their qualities of respect, professionalism, and teamwork. Rear Adm. Gumataotao personified all of these traits and inspired us with his discussions about the Navy’s past, present, and future. Here is just some of what Rear Adm. Gumataotao imparted to our group.

Our Group

As Rear Adm. Gumataotao engaged our group, it finally dawned upon me the makeup of our DV participants. There was my embark roommate, Ed, who served at Pearl Harbor 30 years ago. There was contemporary social media covering the tour. There were local businesses who present a future for separating Navy personnel, and there were educators who can influence future Navy sailors. The past, the present, and the future of the U.S. Navy were represented.

Epilogue

Like every other civilian who has had the opportunity to go on a DV embark, you come away awed, proud, and thankful for our service men and women and the sacrifices they make everyday.

My visit would not have been possible without the Ambassadors of Aloha, RIMPAC 2012, the Pacific Fleet, the U.S. Navy, and the Pacific Command.

Learn more about the USS Nimitz.

View pictures taken from the DV Embark.

Acknowledgement

Ambassadors of Aloha

Gee Why — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:00:47 +0000

It began in 2009. Â This was the very first time I had heard of the US Navy’s Distinguished Visitors’ Embark program where a few fortunate, Hawaii-based personalities participated in an unforgetable adventure. Â I dub this Class of 2009 as the Ambassadors of Aloha, paving the way for the rest who followed. Â The Ambassadors of Aloha are:

Fast forward to 2012. Thanks to Ambassadors of Aloha, the tenacious leadership of the Avere Group, and with the good graces of Guy, I’m getting the chance to experience operations of an aircraft carrier participating in RIMPAC 2012. Speechless…

Acknowledgement

Pictures from the USS Abraham Lincoln

Gee Why — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:36:03 +0000

Last weekend, right after Hawaii’s tsunami scare, I had the luck of touring the Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln was on its way back to San Diego then Washington for servicing. While docked in Hawaii, the Lincoln hosted many tours, and I latched onto one for Kamehameha students. I had always wanted to see the vastness of a carrier and its flight deck after watching Top Gun.

What can I say but the carrier is big!

But really, not that big for all that’s packed inside and on the deck. It’s amazing how much stuff is squeezed into every available space to include aircraft and helicopters.

All over the ship, there are images of its namesake, Abe Lincoln. Even the coffee stand is called Jittery Abes.

Our Naval tour guides were great, taking the diverse visitors to various parts of the ship.

They talked about life on-board a ship, the basics of a ship’s operations, the training they do, and the various specialties of the crew. We even got to talk to pilots about the different aircraft and being catapulted for takeoff.

All in all, this was another great tour by the Navy to educate civilians about the Navy, its mission, and the dedication of its sailors. Thanks to Kamehameha Schools, Navy Region Hawaii, Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Command for this opportunity.

Here are a lot more pictures from the tour.

On a side note, since the ship was on stand down, most of the crew were on liberty status, and I must say that Abe Lincoln must be a fan of Air Jordans. This long-time kicks collector couldn’t believe how many Air Jordans and Jordan Brand sneakers I saw around. And not just Jordans you find in shoe stores, but uncommon colorways as well like these orange AJ 13.

Social Media, the POTUS, and Thanks

Gee Why — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:00:43 +0000

The end of 2010 brought up a totally unexpected social media opportunity – to watch the arrival of Air Force One and its primary passenger, President Barack Obama. President Obama and the First Family have been making it their Holiday tradition to vacation in Hawaii, but never would I have thought that I would be there as Air Force One touched down.

I’ve been fortunate to attend several exciting social media adventures with the DoD throughout 2010, but this event has to rate highly.Â An out-of-the-blue email invitation, a submission for a press pass, and I was approved to attend!

So even though Air Force One was scheduled for a late night arrival, hours-long waiting and several security checks weren’t a deterrent.Â And it was over quickly.Â After Air Force One taxied at Hickam, President Obama, Senator Akaka, and Representative Hirono deplaned and went their own ways.

See more arrival pictures.

But this social media-borne opportunity was not over. At the end of the First Family’s 12-day Hawaiian stay, I was invited to the departure of Air Force One. Along with other social media enthusiasts and traditional media, we watched as Bo, Sasha, Malia, Michelle, and Barack Obama boarded Air Force One for Washington DC.

What a way to end 2010 and welcome in 2011!

Thanks to the Air Force, PACAF, and PACOM for this unique opportunity and special thanks to Scott Morifuji for giving us newbies a clue.

The First Family Finishes Their Hawaiian Holidays

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:43:16 +0000

President Obama, the First Lady, and their children concluded their holiday vacation in Hawaii flying back to Washington DC in Air Force One.

I’ll post more pictures later on Tuesday. I’m tired and most of my pics were bad. This one is real bad.

This is probably one of the better pics unassisted by a flash from the press photographers.

my @farmershawaii notebook in front of Air Force One waiting for the POTUS departure

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:31:40 +0000

IMG_5457

And #af1 is gone

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:51:43 +0000

Air Force One ready for takeoff

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:06:54 +0000

Parked Next to @hawaiinewsnow

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:32:49 +0000

Sunset is imminent

Gee Why — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:31:35 +0000

President Obama Arrives in Hawaii

Gee Why — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:51:14 +0000

On late Wednesday night, Air Force One touched down at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam bringing some special guests, President Obama, Senator Akaka, and Congresswoman Hirono. Here are some pictures from that night.

Thanks to Pacific Air Forces and Pacific Command for this rare opportunity.

A Pic of President Obama

Gee Why — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:40:51 +0000

Thanks to a flash from one of the closer photographers, this picture of President Obama came out decent (when enlarged at least).

President Obama is followed by Senator Daniel Akaka and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono.

What to Expect from the Kaneohe Bay Air Show 2010

Gee Why — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 01:17:43 +0000

Here’s what you can expect from the Kaneohe Bay Air Show 2010… in pictures.

Lots and lots of seating but expected to be filled.

Emergency services and plentiful police (watching Fat Albert).

Aircraft, lots and lots of aircraft, both civilian and military.

Music from the Pacific Fleet Band.

Vendors.

The Mobile Gamer Guys.

It’ll be hot so visit the Farmers Hawaii booth for some breezy relief.

Amazed spectators.

Skydivers.

Fun for the kids.

Crazy stunt pilots.

Scenic views.

Of course, the high flying (and sometimes, very low flying) Blue Angels.

And there’s much, much more! Thanks to Pacific Command, Pacific Fleet, and the KBay Air Show!

See more pictures on Flickr.

Kaneohe on Dwellable