Bush Sailors get OJT with Nimitz crew
7/28/2009
by MC2 John Scorza
USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the first of the Nimitz class, also known as "Old Salt" will train Sailors from the Navy's newest carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) when they arrive for training July 29.

Bush is scheduled to send 73 of its crew to accompany Nimitz on their six-month Western Pacific deployment (WESTPAC) to receive basic operational training and help prepare the newly commissioned Bush for upcoming missions.

Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Christopher Organ, augmentee coordinator for Nimitz, is preparing the Bush Sailors for a seamless transition from one carrier to the next to begin training side by side Nimitz Sailors.

"We'll be treating them like new check-ins, said Organ. "Our first order of business is to make sure that we meet their basic needs and then move forward with their training."

Sailors will be divided between five of Nimitz's departments. Air, Supply, Weapons, Operations, and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance department will receive augmentees, with Air department receiving the majority with 43 Sailors.

"The Sailors checking in have little or no experience in their rates," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment (AW) James White, Air Department's augmentee coordinator. Most of them are Seaman with little or no qualifications. We are charged with not only teaching them about their rates, but helping them build a foundation for their careers."

Both chiefs agree that this will be a great experience for the Bush Sailors.

"Their will be a lot of firsts for them," said White. For most of them, it will be their first deployment, first time working on an operational flight deck, and the first time performing maintenance."

"For many of these guys, it will be the first time they visit a foreign country," said Organ. "Being that the Bush is stationed on the east coast, it may be the only chance these Sailors have to visit the ports we hit on a WESTPAC."

White's objective is to get the Bush Sailors eight to ten air qualifications from basic flight observer to advanced fire fighting qualifications. White will also make sure each Sailor get put through written and verbal examinations before they depart Nimitz making them well-rounded assets as they return to Bush.

"We're proud to be given the chance to train these individuals," said Organ. "Nimitz will have a strong influence on what they do in the future."

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, Commander, CSG 11, is comprised of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the guided-missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 55) from Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid Pacific and the Perry-class frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) from DESRON 1.

Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, these include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117. Detachments from the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45 and the "Scorpions" of HSL 49. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10) embarking the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 also accompany Nimitz CSG.