1. VOL 1 / NO 34 July 28, 2010
Honoring the Fallen
Story by MCSN Zachary D. Bell most of us were born.”
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer As the ceremony continued, ashes were poured into the sea
accompanied by words and prayers of farewell. Then the rifle
team conducted a 3 gun volley salute, followed by taps and a
Carl Vinson honored twenty servicemembers by laying their closing prayer.
remains to rest in the Pacific Ocean July 25. Command Chaplain Lt. Gregory Hazlett, the Committal
The ritual of burial at sea is an ancient one, dating back to the Officer for the burial, delicately committed the ashes to the sea.
early days of sail. Families of Mariners and Sailors view it as a “I was struck by the fact that when we did the burial at sea
means to follow their loved ones final wishes. It also provides everything stopped on board so we could honor those 20
active-duty Sailors the opportunity to bid farewell to one of their servicemembers,” said Hazlett. “The ship was turned to adjust to
own. The twenty servicemembers were Catholics and Protestants, the wind and the entire crew stood by, operationally speaking, to
Sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen. honor the service of those people. It’s very humbling.”
Command Chaplain Cmdr. Keith Shuley recited words and The families of the deceased were not physically present, but
prayers of farewell as the 10 Catholic servicemembers were laid they will receive the navigational charts showing where the burial
to rest. took place.
“It is a time-honored tradition to give respect and pay tribute Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jesse Seward participated
to those who served faithfully, honorably, and in many cases, in the ceremony by preparing urns to be passed down to
heroically,” said Shuley. “So it’s my privilege to play a role in the Hazlett.
ceremony.” “My family has a lot of military roots so it’s a very emotional
The ceremony began with Chaplains reciting prayers and experience,” said Seward. “I was honored to be a part of the
scriptures. Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Lindsey honored ceremony, knowing that I’m handling the remains of veterans
the fallen with opening remarks. who have served our country.”
“Today’s ceremony is one of many we will conduct during my This was Hazlett’s first burial at sea and he encourages other
tenure as commanding officer. I believe this ceremony is a fitting Sailors to come and honor their brothers in arms at future
tribute to the honor of the country’s veterans and to pause and ceremonies.
reflect on how the service to our country becomes one of the “The ceremony is a beautiful thing that shows that the Navy
most important life events for those who have served long before takes care of its own, in life and in passing.”
The Carl Vinson Voice is an internal document produced by and for the
crew of the USS Carl Vinson and their families. Its contents do not neces-
sarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government or the Departments
of Defense or the Navy and do not imply any endorsement thereby. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary D. Bell
2. 2 Carl Vinson Voice
NCPACE Leads Sailors to Success
By MC3 Patrick Green
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer
For Sailors motivated to enhance
their careers, college is a good way to
do so. At sea, Carl Vinson is working
to provide Sailors with an opportu-
nity to learn.
The Educational Services Office
(ESO) is bringing college to Vinson
Sailors through Navy College Pro-
gram for Af loat College Education
(NCPACE).
NCPACE is an eight-week course
given by accredited professors during
deployment, giving Sailors a chance
to start or continue their education
while on the ship.
“NCPACE is a program developed
for the Navy to give af loat forces the
opportunity to get college credits,”
said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class
(SW/AW) Carl Vizzi, Leading Petty
Officer of the Educational Services
Office.
The course is open to every Sailor
that has been on the ship for more
than one year. There are no fees for
admission, the only money that will
come out of pocket is for textbooks.
For Sailors with Tuition Assistance,
NCPACE courses will not interfere
with any courses they are already
enrolled in.
Interested Sailors can route a chit
up their chain of command with
the appropriate Executive Officer their career in the Navy as well. Hav-
Publisher memo, enabling them to sign up for ing college credits adds advancement
Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey
Commanding Officer
classes. Some of the 17 courses of- exam points, giving that extra boost
fered include history, math, English to Sailors looking to advance to the
Executive Editors and many more. next pay grade. An associate’s degree
Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds
Public Affairs Officer “We always send a lot of e-mails is worth one point, and a bachelor’s
with information about the courses,” degree is worth two.
Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider said Vizzi. “Just come down (to ESO) “NCPACE increases personal and
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
and we can set them up.” professional growth,” said Vizzi. “It
Managing Editor The classes, courtesy of Central will set you up for success down the
MC2 Ashley Van Dien
Texas College, are roughly two to road.”
Layout and Design four hours per week, with a tentative Vizzi, who has taken four classes
MC3 Patrick Green schedule available in the ESO. Each in the past, recommends that any-
Staff Writers/Photographers
class is equivalent to one semester of one even remotely interested should
MC3 Patrick Green college, and moves at a quick but un- check out the courses.
MC3 Stephen Hale derstandable pace. “It’s challenging to do underway,
MCSN Zachary D. Bell
MCSN Rosa A. Arzola
Advancing in college not only en- but the instructors are very f lexible,”
hances personal development, it said Vizzi. “They ensure that every-
Follow Vinson on Facebook: www.facebook.com/USSCARLVINSON
definitely gives Sailors an edge with one will pass.”
3. July 28, 2010 3
Vinson Completes Missile Exercises
Sailors assigned to Combat Systems Department load an Evolved Sea Sparrow Surface Missile (ESSM). Carl Vinson reached a historic milestone July 24 following the successful
launch of 12 missiles within a seven-day period. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White.
By MCSN Rosa Arzola done in a long time, not only aboard “I feel privileged to be part of
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer Vinson but aboard any other ship,” said this milestone,” said McLean. “But
Lt. Gregory McLean, Operational Test this wouldn’t have been possible to
Carl Vinson reached a historic Director of Commander Operational accomplish without the help and
milestone July 24 following the Test and Evaluation Force. “It took a hard work of Operations and Combat
successful launch of 12 missiles within lot of assets, a lot of coordination, and Systems Sailors.”
a seven-day period. three years of planning to accomplish “I feel really good of being part of
The ship launched 11 Evolved Sea twelve missile shoots.” this milestone. It’s gratifying. All the
Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) and one Vinson launched the missiles to see guys worked hard to accomplish this
Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) how effective and suitable the ESSM missile shoot,” said Fire Controlman
as part of the Combat System’s Ship and RAM are for Vinson’s Self Defense 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Worley,
Qualification Trial. System in a combat situation. the ship’s Combat Systems Assistant
“It’s unique that a ship can accomplish “This mission was something stressful Leading Petty Officer. “I feel proud to
such a task as shooting 12 missiles,” said but at the end this is the most realistic be able to show how well we can defend
Richard Dodson, Operational Test and training Sailors are going to get while our ship.”
Evaluation Force Test Team analyst. underway,” said Dodson. Dodson noticed how Vinson’s Sailors
“We rarely have an opportunity to Both Dodson and McLean expressed are always ready and have a great work
bring this many missiles onboard and that this mission was successful because ethic.
shoot this many targets in such a short of Vinson Sailors. “I wish I could do more missile
window (of time).” “The successful missile launch was a shoots on board. Vinson has a great
The missile launch was not only a really great accomplishment. Everybody impressive crew with a superb attitude.
significant milestone for Carl Vinson. on board Carl Vinson did exactly what They are always willing to get things
The evolution set a new Navy-wide they needed to do,” said Dodson. “We done,” said Dodson. “I have been on a
standard. got a lot of support and help from the lot of Navy ships and I am impressed
“This is the biggest test that we have ship.” with the Sailors here.”
6. 6 Carl Vinson Voice
SailorSPOTLIGHT
IN THE
By MC3 Stephen Hale I do for Alayna,” said the proud father. “I
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer came into the Navy to improve myself. I
want to do well so I can make a good life
for my daughter.”
Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Robert Having the ability to look down the road
Mashek can see just fine. But 20/20 vision instead of just the immediate future is one
isn’t enough. Mashek is a long-term kind quality that makes Mashek an asset to his
of guy who tries to look down the road department.
instead of just right in front of him. “Mashek is a top performer in S-3
“So far the Navy has been good to me,” Division. He has a very positive attitude
said Mashek. “I want to stay with the and good work habits,” said Ship’s
Navy as long as I keep excelling. Maybe Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Jose Escobar,
I will be a Chief or an officer one day. I’m Supply Department’s S-3 Division Retail
not sure. For now, I’m just happy to make Supervisor. “His future in the Navy looks
an impact.” bright and he is an example for all junior
For the 21-year-old St. Louis native, Sailors to emulate.”
working with Carl Vinson’s Supply Mashek is adapting well to life in
Department S-3 Division is an important California. He welcomed the move from
job that provides vital resources for the the east coast and likes to spend time in the
crew. Los Angeles area.
Mashek works as a bulk storeroom “I love California. There is always something
custodian and is responsible for to do here, no matter what time of day it is,” said
inventorying and organizing incoming Mashek. “I have always been a Dodgers fan and
supplies, as well as making sure the I love being able to jump up to L.A. and catch a
ship’s store is fully stocked. He fills game.” Mashek definitely keeps his eye on
vending machines, works in the ship’s long-term goals, and he is always ready
store, handles onloads from underway to tackle the next task that comes
replenishments and serves as a lookout into his immediate line
on the ship’s low visibility detail. of sight.
During Operation Unified Response,
Mashek assisted in the transfer of more
than $200,000 in goods and essentials
for relief efforts.
“Haiti was a busy time in Supply, but
we never let up,” said Mashek. “People
needed us. They didn’t even know they
needed us, but without the long hours
of the Sailors in Supply, Carl Vinson
couldn’t have been as effective in
their relief efforts.”
Mashek takes long days in stride,
keeping in mind that whatever he
does has a bigger purpose behind
it. His two-year-old daughter
Alayna is always in the front of
his mind and keeps him going
when the job gets tough.
“She is the reason I am here.
She is my life and I do what Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Hale
