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.

VOL 1 / NO 37 August 18, 2010

get fit, stay fitStory by MC3 Jessica RobertsonUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Physical fitness plays a vital role in daily life on board Carl Vinson, and it’s a role that’s still essential underway. Brett Pelfrey, Vinson’s Civilian Afloat Fitness Director, can attest

to that. Pelfrey is commonly known as the “Fit Boss” to the Sailors he serves. His job is especially important now,

as Carl Vinson and Carrier Airwing-17 face their upcoming deployment.

There are several reasons why fitness should be a top priority underway. For one, every

Sailor is required to maintain a certain level of fitness to stay in the Navy.

Fitness also helps Sailors perform their jobs more efficiently and

use less effort, which helps them respond quickly in

the event of a crisis.Getting physically fit

on board Vinson is easy, with five well-equipped gyms and flexible hours to cater to any workout regimen. Circuit, spin,

step, and dance classes are also in the works for those

who want to mix it up. Aviation Ordnanceman

2nd Class (AW/SW) Reni Araque, assigned to Strike

Fighter Squadron 25, has always had a passion for fitness.

Araque trains for triathlons in his off-duty time. His workout routine

consists of running, biking, rowing, and the occasional weight lifting. He

says it can be challenging to fit exercise into his busy schedule, but “sometimes

you’ve got to sacrifice a little bit of sleep in

See FITNESS, Page 2

Damage Controlman Fireman Chris Johnson does a set of push-ups in the mezzanine gym. Photo Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Green

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Follow Vinson on Facebook: www.facebook.com/USSCARLVINSON

Publisher Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey

Commanding Officer

Executive Editors Lt. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Managing Editor MC2 Ashley Van Dien

Photo EditorMC2 Adrian White

Layout and DesignMC3 Patrick Green

MCSN Rosa A. Arzola

Staff Writers/PhotographersMC3 Heather Roe

MC3 Jessica RobertsonMCSN Zachary Bell

FITNESS, from page 1

order to do it.” For Araque, the motivation to stay fit

comes from one of the Navy’s Core Values: Commitment.

“I do it to challenge myself,” Araque said, “because I don’t want to be just the ‘average’ Sailor.”

Just lifting weights and burning calories won’t get you into peak physical condition. Pelfrey says the best way for Vinson and airwing Sailors to stay in top fighting form is to combine a healthy diet with a strong exercise routine. However, he knows from firsthand experience that eating healthy can sometimes be a little challenging.

“I eat in the mess decks, so I can see what Sailors are up against and what choices they’re facing,” said Pelfrey.

These choices include heavy starches like pasta and potatoes, and desserts like pastries, cakes, and pies. Pelfrey urges Sailors to stay disciplined and make smart eating decisions.

“Use the salad and fruit bars, and stay conscious of portion sizes,” Pelfrey said. “Be smart when it comes to desserts. Think to yourself, ‘Do I really need three doughnuts?’”

Being deployed and away from family and friends can be stressful, and fitness can also be a great method of stress relief. Pelfrey says a lot of Sailors often turn to smoking and eating when they feel stressed, but he urges them to seek out other ways of dealing with stress.

Another good avenue of stress relief can be found just a few yards from the chow lines, in the form of MWR.

“Don’t feel like you’re limited to smoking and eating,” Pelfrey says. “If you are stressed out, or just bored, and you feel like you’ve had enough, just come to our office.”

Above: Lt. Samantha Mellman does a leg lifting exercise in the mezzanine gym aboard Carl Vinson. Below: Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Ben Godman bench presses weights in the weight lifting gym aboard USS Carl Vinson. Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather Roe

3August 18, 2010

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Mark Evans observes from the flight deck as Sailors stand at attention during a burial at sea August 16. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary D. Bell

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it will not be ‘I did it’ but ‘WE did it.’ We must learn to understand and accept differences to meet the same goal.”

“You cannot complete the mission at hand all alone,” said Everson. “It takes a team effort. One team, one fight.”

According to the Chief Petty Officer’s Creed, it is now required that they be ‘a fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, the authority in personnel relations as well as technical application.’

“A good Chief has the ability to lead Sailors to complete the overall mission of the command,” said Everson. “Effective leadership is not only about you, it’s about them.”

“I have always admired Chiefs, and becoming a Chief is something I have always wanted,” said Chief (Select) Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AW) Bryan Mitchell, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 22.

“The anchors will come with more responsibility, but it will be well worth it. I will be proud to see my Sailors succeed.”

CPO Selects Learn Valuable Lessons Underway

Story by MC2 Ashley Van DienUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa A. Arzola

One of the greatest milestones in an enlisted Sailor’s career is achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Twenty-five first class petty officers from Carl Vinson and Carrier Airwing-17 recently selected to the rank of Chief are going through CPO Induction to help them understand the importance of their new role as United States Navy Chief Petty Officers.

“The induction process is designed to mold first class petty officers into Chief Petty Officers,” said Aviation Boatswain Master Chief (AW/SW) Rob Everson, Air Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and chairman of the Chief (Select) Induction process. “We are giving the Selectees multiple tasks to see how they handle different aspects of leadership, such as time management, effective communication and counseling.”

Chiefs play the role of teachers and mentors throughout the transition,

providing guidance and experience along the way.

“I am gaining knowledge during this transition period from other seasoned Chiefs to give me a different view on how to better take care of Sailors,” said Chief (Select) Information Systems Technician (SW) Jamone Robinson.“I am looking forward to gaining wisdom from other Chiefs in order to make myself a great Chief one day.”

One thing that Selectees have to look forward to is joining the Chiefs Mess, where networking, camaraderie and effective communication are the fundamentals of teamwork.

“It will be a privilege to be accepted into such a tight community,” said Chief (Select) Operations Specialist (SW) Cynthia Matta-Spriggs, “to be part of that global network and the tradition of the Mess.”

The teamwork displayed in the Chiefs Mess is one of the keys to successful mission completion.

“One person can’t complete the job on their own,” said Matta-Spriggs. “It’s not about you, it’s about the mission. When all the pieces are put together,

5August 18, 2010

SPOTLIGHTSailor

IN T

HE

Story by MCSN Rosa A. ArzolaUSS Carl Vinson Staff Writer

When Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Sandra Hosier

checked on board Carl Vinson as an undesignated seaman, she didn’t

realize her hard work, motivation and ambition in life would be so rewarding.“I never thought I would make

second class in such a short amount of time,” said Hosier. “I just focused on my work and in helping out my division. They say you never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you do.”Hosier has a lot on her plate and

many Sailors that work with her and learn about her career are quickly impressed by it.

Hosier is the Command Religious Ministries Department Assistant Leading Petty Officer, Work Center Supervisor, Departmental Career Counselor, Safety Petty Officer, Secretary of the Second Class Petty Officer Association and in charge of Community Relations.

“It’s impressive that Hosier started her Navy career as an undesignated seaman and within two years she became a second class petty officer,” said Chief Religious Program

Specialist (SW/AW) Enya George. “She already has her enlisted surface warfare specialist pin, she recently obtained her enlisted aviation

warfare specialist pin and she is going IA (Individual Augmentee).”

Hosier’s shipmates agree that she sets a great example to follow.

“It’s admirable and respectable that RP2 just got into the Navy and has (already) achieved so many things in her career,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Rebecca Lyons. “I’m proud of her because she sets the example and wants what is best for her Sailors. She does everything she can to go above the standards and she gives us opportunities to improve in our careers.”

“She is a great person. She is mature, confident and strict,” said Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Ehrmar Macaraeg. “She is committed to her work and wants what is best for the team. She is a professional with high expectations.”

Hosier already knows what she wants in her career and plans to achieve her goals.

“I plan to re-enlist and make a career out of the Navy,” said Hosier. “I recently got picked to go IA to Afghanistan. It’s a one-year billet that I am excited (about) and looking forward to.”

Although the 25-year-old Chicago native takes her Navy career very seriously, she also knows how to enjoy her off-duty time.

“I love being in San Diego and exploring the city. I like going to museums, parks, lounges and trying new cuisines and wines,” said Hosier. “I just like having a good time with my friends and relaxing.”

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