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Ombudsman Newsletter May 2007

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May 2007                                                                                      Issue 5

Captain’s Corner

 

Hafa Adai to our JOHN PAUL JONES families,

 

The above is the common greeting used in Guam, the first

 port visit of our deployment (Hafa Adai is pronounced

“Half- uh- Day”).

 

We deployed on April 2nd and immediately went to work honing

 and refining our seamanship and warfighting skills.  We worked with the rest of the NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group for the first few days and we made the most of Easter without families by conducting an egg hunt (sponsored by the 1st Class Petty Officers’ Association).  We also had both Protestant and Catholic services and a special Easter Dinner.  Then we transited to an area near the big island of Hawaii.  Upon arrival, we participated in an Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) with several submarines and multiple land-based aircraft.  JOHN PAUL

JONES contributed to the overall success of the exercise through vigilant watchstanding and use of our newly installed Scaled Improved Performance Sonar (SIPS) system, which gave us an edge in detecting the enemy submarines.   Our warfighting teams also pushed forward some unique tactical thought that has been adopted by the Strike Group as doctrine.  This doctrine included some innovative and unique methods to protect the aircraft carrier.

 

After the USWEX, we transited to Guam, conducting multiple warfare exercises and engineering drills.  We even had a chance to enjoy a “steel beach picnic” on the flight deck on a beautiful warm day in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  A welcome break for most people. 

 

Upon arrival in Guam, we took on some much needed supplies and repair parts.  But we also got an opportunity to get out and enjoy the island of Guam.  One of our missions in 7th Fleet is to be the finest ambassadors of the United States.  It requires exemplary behavior and character from each crewmember.  One incident in a foreign port can be disastrous for not only the ship, but for relations between the U.S. and the country involved.  Though Guam is part of the United States, it gave us a good test for the rest of the deployment.    I’m happy to report that we met the requirement.

Since leaving Guam, we’ve transited with the rest of the Strike Group through some truly historical areas of the Pacific Ocean.  We’ve passed through the straits of the Philippine Islands and past Brunei, Borneo, and the Spratly Islands into the South China Sea.

 

We are deep in planning for the exercises we will participate in during deployment as well as keeping our proficiency up in all warfare areas.  Many people have achieved new qualifications.  At the high end, we’ve qualified four Officers of the Deck (Underway), 7 Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists, and one Combat Systems Officer of the Watch.  Many more people are poised to earn qualifications such as these over the

the next month and more will keep coming throughout the deployment.  More qualified watchstanders means a more Combat Ready Ship.

 

You remain in our thoughts and prayers as we carry out our Nations business from far away.  Remember to listen to the careline for updated information.

 

 

Sincerely,

James J. Housinger

CDR               USN

 

 

Command Master Chief’s Corner

Hello JOHN PAUL JONES Family and Friends,
                           

 Just finished the first month of deployment with a very successful port visit to Guam.  Really can't beat the nice warm weather and much needed relaxation.  The crew has been working very hard since getting underway for deployment.  It's been nonstop.  MWR started a Biggest Loser competition with teams of four; it will be interesting to see at the end of the deployment who will be the winners.

I'll keep you posted on how the monthly weigh-ins are going.  Not everyone is busy losing weight; a lot are hard at work finishing up on their qualifications or just keeping their equipment up and running.

But whatever the crew is busy doing their thoughts are with their families and friends back home, or where ever home might be for a JPJ Sailor!

 

Very special congratulations to FCCS(SW) Yee on his selection for advancement to Master Chief Petty Officer.  Also a few of our Sailors were recognized for their outstanding performance:

    

 

Navy Achievement Medal:                        Letter of Commendation: 

 

LT Spencer                                                     DC2 Guzman

ENS Bissonette                                           HT3 Cortes

ENS Cheng                                                  EN3 Daniels 

GSEC(SW) Johnston                                 

CTT1(SW) German                                    

PS1(SW) Maraghy                                      

EM1(SW) Roque

ET2(SW) Jenkins                                        Letter of Appreciation:

FC2 Johnson                                              

IC2 Ream                                                    GSM1(SW) Salinas

FC2(SW) Rocheleau                                   GSM2(SW) Cabamongan

HM3 Arnold  

GSM3 Schad

FC3(SW) Pasindo

                    Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification:

     IT2(SW) Morearty          FC3(SW) Pasindo       IC2(SW) Ream

ET2(SW) Bandasalinas      OS2(SW) Inocencio     GSM1(SW) Salinas

                                            GSM3(SW)Niosco

Congratulations to all of the Sailors listed above-well done Shipmates!

 

 

Very Respectfully,

CMDCM(SW) Karol M. Kramer

 

Ombudsman’s Corner

 

Hello JOHN PAUL JONES Families and Friends,

 

We have completed a month of Deployment.  What an accomplishment.  I know that some of us have already started to mark things off of our deployment “to do list.”  There are also some of us, who have just started to get into a routine, and adjust to life without our loved ones.  We can and will experience many emotions; these are all a normal part of the deployment cycle.  We must remember that while we are experiencing these emotions and dealing with change, so are our children.  They may not know how to express their feeling, or how to deal with them.  Fortunately there are many things that we can do to help our children to deal with the separation.

One of the first things that we can do is to talk to our children.  Ask them how they are feeling, and really listen to what they have to say.  Let them know that what they are feeling is normal, and share your feelings with them as well.  Have an open door. Let them know that you care about how they are feeling, and that you are there if they need to talk.  Give them an outlet.  Sports teams, Cub Scouts, gymnastics, or martial arts are great ways to let off a little steam in a positive and constructive way.  The more active they are the less time they will have to stress and worry about mom or dad.  Let your children send emails and snail mail to mom or dad. These personal letters will let the child know that their parent is still thinking about them, and wants to be a part of their everyday life, even though they are far away.  It can be pictures or drawings for the little ones, and letters about fun activities that they are involved in, for the older children.  Make a special photo album or scrapbook of the children with the parent who is deployed.  When they get sad, they can look at the pictures and remember all of the great times that they have with that parent when they are home.  If the deployed parent’s birthday occurs during the deployment, celebrate the same way that you would if they were home.  If you normally go out to eat a family dinner, go ahead and do that.  If you traditionally have cake and ice cream, continue to do that.  Let our children know that even though mom or dad is not home, we are still a family.  Near or far, the deployed parent is still a BIG part of

the family, and should be included whenever possible.

We can also use a calendar to mark off the days.  Some children like to put push pins in a map to mark off the ports that mom or dad has visited.  Our children are very precious, and also very perceptive.  They tend to take their cues from us.  If we are upbeat, and positive, then they are also more likely to respond in kind. 

In order to take care of our children we must take care of ourselves.  Make sure that you take time out for yourself.  We all need a break, and a few moments to call our own.   Don't be afraid to get a sitter, or trade babysitting with your neighbor or friend.  It may be something as simple as going for a walk or grocery shopping in peace and quiet.  It could also be a spa day or playing a round of golf.   What ever it is that relaxes you, and allows you to unwind.  Let’s be good to our children and good to ourselves.  We are each others support system, and together we can all make this a great deployment.

 

Have a great Navy day!

 

Georgia C. Bear

Command Ombudsman

USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53)

(619) 743-5416 OMB line

1-866-310-4650 Careline changed each Friday

jpjombudsman@yahoo.com

http://jpjfamilynews.tripod.com

 

FSG Corner

 

Hello JPJ Families and Friends!

 

I hope this newsletter finds you all well and adjusting to life during deployment.  Deployments can be highly stressful for both the sailors and those of us left behind.  I hope that you will have as easy a time as possible and that time flies for you all.  At this time there are a lot of things going on with the FSG.  Of course, we have are monthly meetings (the first Thursday of each month, normally) at the Murphy Canyon Chapel with free childcare but we also have other events in the works.  For instance, Date Nights are starting back up!  For those that don't know, Date Nights are a chance for adult members of the FSG to get together and meet each other in a social setting.  Our next one will be on May 19th, with details to follow.  So keep an eye out for future information on upcoming events.

We are also working on fundraising.  Currently, there are several fundraisers.  First, we have the first kiss drawing.  This is an opportunity to be able to be the "first kiss" at Homecoming.  Each person who attends a meeting gets one free and everyone can purchase additional opportunities at meetings or events for $1 for a ticket or $5 for six.  Second, we are doing a shoebox auction.  This auction serves two purposes: first, it allows the sailors to have some fun, a break from the ordinary, and second, it helps to fund the FSG.  For this, we need your help, whether you live here in San Diego or elsewhere.  The shoebox auction was quite popular last year from my understanding. In this auction the families decorate a shoebox and fill it with goodies for the sailors.  The shoeboxes are then shipped to the sailors who are able to bid on them during an auction, with all proceeds going to the FSG.   Once of the most popular shoeboxes last deployment was a Texas Hold 'em themed box.  If you want more information please email me at fsg_53@yahoo.com.  Finally, we are collecting your used cell phones, laser cartridges, and ink cartridges.  When you send or bring us one of the previously mentioned items we send them in and get a "refund" much like at a bottle recycling collection center.  Not only are you helping keep these items out of the landfills you are helping us fund our events. 

 

If you would like more information about any of our activities, or to join the FSG mailing list please email me at fsg_53@yahoo.com.  Please include your sailor's name and rank/rate so that I can complete our security procedure.  We want you to be involved and informed but we also want to keep our sailors safe!  I look forward to meeting each of you at the next meeting, May 3, 2007.  

 

I hope you all have a great day!

 

Heather Cox

President

 

Resource Info

 

Now at a Community Near You!

Murphy Canyon Branch -The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has initiated a new program providing assistance to military families within their housing communities. The new program is initially located next to the Youth Center in Murphy Canyon; however, the staff will be traveling throughout San Diego County to offer services.  The goal is to provide services currently offered by FFSC and make them more readily available to spouses and families by bringing the services directly to their communities.  Another goal is to partner with community organizations and combine resources to better ensure the healthy family concept.  For more information, please call (858) 277-4259, or visit our website http://www.cnrsw.navy.mil/fsc

 

Kick off Summer Aerobathon
Wednesday, May 16th

There is no better way to get ready for the San Diego Beach season!  Two hours of heart pounding fun at NASNI’s Main Fitness Center Bldg. 281 from 11am to 1pm.  And for your hard work, each participant receives a T-Shirt.  For more information, or to sign up call (619) 545-2877.  This event is sponsored by the Home Depot, Axe, and Propel.

 

 

The Navy’s 21st Original Bay Bridge Run Walk:  Sunday May 20th at 8:00am the Navy will host its 21st Original Bay Bridge Run Walk presented by San Diego Gas & Electric, A Sempra Energy utility. This exciting event is hosted by the Navy Region Southwest, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Program. You will be crossing the majestic Coronado Bay Bridge to raise funds to support Quality of Life Programs for Navy personnel.  The 4-mile run/walk starts in Downtown San Diego at Harbor Dr. and 5th Ave., adjacent to the Convention Center near the Gaslamp Quarter welcome sign, and finishes in Coronado at Tidelands Park.  For more information or to sign up, log on to mwrtoday.com and click on the orange link for the Bay Bridge run walk.   

 

United Through Reading® Update

 

Educational Benefits

Ø  Reading aloud with children will provide a solid foundation for their success in all of their educational experiences.

 

Have you received your videotape/DVD yet?  Encourage your Sailor to make a tape that your child will be able to watch again and again.  There is nothing like having Mom or Dad’s face and voice right there at home, even if they are deployed.  By participating in United Through Reading® the bedtime story tradition can begin or continue.

If you have received a video, don’t forget to complete the “Full Circle of Communication” by sending feedback to your deployed Sailor in the form of a picture, video, or even a letter or email.  Let your Sailor know their time was well spent and how much the tape means to you and your child.  Mail your Sailor another book and another video could soon be on its way.

Emotional Benefits

Ø  Spouse at home feels more parenting support.

 

Ø  Improves morale for all family members.

 

United Through Reading®

 

Think about ways to bring the story into your everyday life.  Did the characters go on a picnic?  Why not pack a picnic like the one in the book?  Did they bake cookies together?  Try baking the same ones, then talk about your favorite moments in the story.  This is a great way to make the special moments last.

Our next issue will feature comments from our own participants on how the program is working for them and their families.  If you would like to submit a comment, contact your United Through Reading® Homefront Coordinator, Jolene Mitchell at jpj_hospitality@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

Navy Trivia

 

What name is being given to the new aircraft carrier CVN 77?

 

  1. USS William J. Clinton
  2. USS George HW Bush
  3. USS Ronald Reagan
  4. USS Franklin D Roosevelt

 

 Answer at the end of the newsletter.

 

Save the Dates!

May is Military Appreciation Month: National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements.  It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.

This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our fast American history.

National Military Appreciation Month (May) includes Loyalty Day (1st), VE Day(8th), Military Spouse Day (11th), Armed Forces Day (19th), and Memorial Day (28th).  This very important month honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today.

It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation’s history.  Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours!  To find out more about National Military Appreciation Month you can visit NMAM.org.

 

CONTACT YOUR SAILOR

 

Sailors love snail mail!  Although we have the convenience of email, don’t forget to send letters and packages to your loved one at sea!  Send mail to:

 

Sailor's Rank/Rate and Name

Department or Division

USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG-53)

FPO AP 96669-1271

 

Remember…sailors love snail mail!

 

Navy Trivia Answer: B. USS George HW Bush

 

USS Ronald Reagan is already an aircraft carrier name (CVN 76). CVN 77 will be last of the (by now heavily modified) Nimitz class carriers. After this, a new class of carriers is planned (CVNX). Three have been proposed (CVN 78-80).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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