PGA putts around on Nimitz
7/28/2009
by MC3 Scott A. McCall
USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Two PGA golf instructors helped more than 50 Sailors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sharpen their golf skills during a free golf clinic July 23-24.

Mike Barerras and Matt Brumbaugh instructors, at the Sea N' Air Golf Course on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), held three sessions that gave Sailors the opportunity to receive one-on-one instruction for 15 minutes with a PGA professional.

"The mission of PGA America is to grow the game of golf," said Barerras. "I can't think of a better way to grow the game of golf than to bring it out here to the Sailors at sea and put on a clinic for you guys.

One great aspect to the sport of golf is that Nimitz Sailors might be able to associate golf with whatever they do in life.

"When I left active duty and went into the civilian world, it was a great networking sport," said Barerras. "Whatever you do later in life there's usually golf associated with it. It's something that they can take with you for the rest of there life."

There's not only a great golf course on NASNI, added Barerras. "We have golf courses in pretty much every Navy base that you pull into. Its great recreation and a great way to spend your liberty call," said Brumbaugh.

Operational Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Chris Metzer saw the golf clinic when he walked through the hangar bay and used the opportunity to get some tips for his golf game.

"He's was a really great instructor," said Metzer, about Brumbaugh. "This was awesome. It boasts the morale of everybody. I'm going to try the tips out when we hit foreign ports or even in San Diego. Being out here gives me a great appreciation for what our Navy's doing for our country. I get to see Sailors in there work place and see what they do. That helps me for when they come back, so I can make sure I take care of them at the golf course."

"The morale of the crew is great. Everybody's professional, they're doing their jobs and they all have a smile on their face," said Barerras. "That's a reflection of the leadership on the ship."

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, 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 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 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 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 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10) embarking the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 also accompany Nimitz CSG.