embark

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

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. “Neenz” Faleafine (www.Faleafine.com). Dennis Hall initially submitted my nomination to the Public Affairs Officer of the US Navy’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.

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

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. “Neenz” Faleafine (www.Faleafine.com). Dennis Hall initially submitted my nomination to the Public Affairs Officer of the US Navy’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.

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.

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, 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

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.

• Award winning web site
• The Old Salt Blog
• Follow on Twitter
• Like their Facebook page
• Read the Nimitz News

View pictures taken from the DV Embark.

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. “Neenz” Faleafine (www.Faleafine.com). Dennis Hall initially submitted my nomination to the Public Affairs Officer of the US Navy’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.