training for

story by MC3 Casey Cosker photos by Lt. Jonathan Bacon

ir Traffic Controllers from USS Theodore Roosevelts (CVN 71) Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) traveled to Pensacola, Fla. in April to attend a Team Training course that sharpened their skills and prepared them to do their jobs once TR becomes mission ready. We go down to Pensacola because thats the only place that has the kind of simulators that we need to get ready for being underway and getting qualifications, since were not able to do our job on the ship right now (while in the shipyard), said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Ramona Jones, one of the Sailors who attended the training. The training started with a scored test that assessed the air traffic controllers level of knowledge (LOK). TRs Sailors passed with flying colors. I had some high expectations going down there, said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Scott A. Howe, TRs CATCC Chief. The first day we take a CV NATOPS [Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Program] exam, and our whole team has a combined score. The expectation I set was that as a team we should score 95 percent. They did better than that. They scored a 97.4 percent. That in itself is awesome, and that goes to show just how hard these guys have been working. The training then prepared the air traffic controllers by placing them in an environment similar to the CATCC aboard TR and running them through a number of scenarios. One scenario we deal with is equipment outages, Jones

said. Another scenario we do is with the ship turning, because wind is a big part of landing aircraft. So, we had a scenario where winds would sweep every five minutes, so it became a question of, How do we correct that pattern? How do we make sure that we give these guys the best approaches that they need in order to land? According to Jones, getting through these scenarios took a combination of knowing the job and knowing when and how to use that knowledge. A lot of it is the controllers being able to improvise, she said. According to Howe, the Sailors performed well again and again during their exercises. On the second week, we do whats called a graded simulated exercise, and thats either a sat or unsat. We passed that the first time with no problem, he said. They did outstanding. Overall, the training TRs air traffic controllers received honed their skills and prepared them for when they will direct real planes aboard their ship. You have pre-season for NBA players to get them ready for the regular season. Thats kind of what this is for us, Jones said. It gives us a chance to establish what each others habits are, how we work with one another. Its really good training. Knowing each other and having a sense of being a part of a team is a large part of the ATC rate, Jones said. To that end, TRs air traffic controllers got together to celebrate both Joness birthday April 25 and Air Traffic Controller Airman (AW) Todd Cavells birthday April 17. We made sure to keep morale up while we were down there, Jones said. We all came together as a family and had little birthday parties. Jones is confident that her family of fellow air traffic controllers will perform outstandingly once TR leaves the shipyard and rejoins the fleet at large. I think were going to be great, Jones said. Were going to have the best CATCC team in the fleet.

flight

Opposite & top: Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (SW) Mildford Ford mans the marshall radar station during a training evolution in Pensacola, Fla. Bottom: Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW) Christopher Reynolds and Air Traffic Controler 2nd Class Williams Faison man radar stations during a training evolution in Pensacola, Fla.

Story and photos by MC3 Casey Cosker

he sun shone. A cool wind blew off the Chesapeake Bay. Engines revved, ripped and roared. It was a good day for a ride, and 14 Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelts (CVN 71) Motorcycle Club had brought their bikes to the Navy Exchange (NEX) parking lot May 3 in Norfolk to go on a ride with Sailors from commands throughout the Hampton Roads area. The Sailors had come out to participate in the third annual Hampton Roads Motorcycle Safety Run, an event that both highlights motorcycle riding safety and gives Sailors a chance to get on the road and into the open air. Its great. Its a blast, said Chief Air Traffic Controller (SW/AW) William Kumley. Long ago I heard somebody say that when you drive a car youre watching a movie because youre looking through the screen. Youre looking through a windshield. Whenever youre on a motorcycle youre not watching a movie, youre in a movie because youre out in the open and everythings right there. You can smell things. You can hear things that you cant hear in a car. You seem much more connected to everything around you than in a car. Kumley was a road captain for the event, which means he led a group of 10 other riders through the route that he helped plan the day before. Its a nice ride, especially for today. Its good stuff, Kumley said at the rally point in the NEX parking lot. Were going to leave here, go up north on (Interstate) 64 up to (Route) 17. Then were going to pull over at the Yorktown Harley Davidson for the

ride hard
to

a good day

first stop for a few minutes; head out, take the Colonial Parkway up to Jamestown area; get on the ferry that crosses by James River Bridge; ride the ferry across; and then take (Route) 58 down to the (Interstate) 264 area back to this parking lot. More than 100 Sailors from commands in the Hampton Roads area met in the parking lot. They were greeted by Naval Station Norfolk Command Master Chief (EXW/SW/AW/PJ) David Carter. Im sure itll be a great day out on the bikes, Carter said. Were here to ride. Thats what riders like to do. The main purpose of this event is to do that safely. After all the riders for the event assembled, Carter introduced the events guest speaker, Rear Adm. Kenneth Norton, a former helicopter pilot who likened piloting to motorcycle riding in terms of safety. Norton emphasized the similarities between helicopters and motorcycles, saying that both required their riders to check their equipment beforehand, ensure they are of sound mind to operate their vehicle, and remain aware of their surroundings. I want you guys to have a safe ride and a fun ride today, Norton said. Use this time as mentorship for the inexperienced riders. Show them how to do it right. After the admiral spoke, the ride kicked off. Motorcyclists roared out of the parking lot in groups of 10, led by their road captains. For approximately four hours and 130 miles, they tore through Hampton Roads. It was a bright day, and they were proud to ride.

Opposite: Members of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Motorcycle Club pose for a photo before the third Annual Hampton Roads Motorcycle Safety Run outside the Navy Exchange in Norfolk, Va., May 3. Above: Members of the TR Motorcycle Club rally outside of the Navy Exchange movie theater. Left: Electronic Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW/EXW) Jonathan Meisner sits on his motorcycle. Right: Motorcyclists participating in the 3rd Annual Hampton Roads Motorcycle Safety Run wait to board the James River Bridge Ferry (photo by Chief Air Traffic Controller (SW/AW) William Kumley).

jet fuel
TR opens new caf on aft mess decks
story by MC3 Casey Cosker, photos by MC2 Sean Hurt
design it for us, and get it situated. Our part of it was ordering all of the products for it. Ship Serviceman Seaman Tamara Pope, the seaman-incharge of the caf, cut the ceremonial red ribbon with Grieco, at the opening ceremony. After which she worked the first shift in the caf. The first half hour was hectic, but I got through it, Pope said. I know there are going to be long lines, so Ive got to get used to it. I worked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), and they had long lines there too. So I was expecting it. Pope received training as a barista aboard the Bush, which has a similar coffee shop called The Lonestar Caf. She was responsible for training TR Sailors who work at The Big Sip. Events, such as this opening ceremony, are not just brewed overnight. This is the culmination of about a years worth of efforts, said Cmdr. Mark Runstrom, TRs Supply Officer. Weve had folks who were trained by Starbucks employees. Specifically, representatives from Starbucks came aboard TR prior to The Big Sips opening to show Sailors how to make their signature beverages. As for the coffee shops name, Runstrom said it was selected through a shipwide nomination process. Members of the crew were invited to email suggestions for the cafs name. After 130 suggestions, The Big Sip was selected. The name is a play on the ships nickname Americas Big Stick, which comes a Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far, a West African proverb and policy used by the ships namesake, president Theodore Roosevelt, throughout his career. Well done to everybody who put the time and effort who did this, Grieco said. Im really proud of you guys for all the effort thats gone in to make this happen. Its a huge boost for the crew.

ailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) can now savor the flavor of signature Starbucks espresso and cream as they start their day. The Big Sip, a coffee shop located off TRs aft mess decks, opened for business May 1, serving Starbucks brand beverages to the ships crew. The first steaming cup of Joe went to Capt. Daniel Grieco, TRs commanding officer. Ive been on aircraft carriers now for about 25 years, and I can tell you that this is unprecedented from my perspective, Grieco said. Its kind of neat to bring a little bit of Americana onto the ship so that when were underway and gone for a long period of time, we can live the normal lives we would like to live every single day, he said. Sailors from S-3 Division, which is headed up by Senior Chief Ships Serviceman (SW/AW) Shannon Franck, run The Big Sip. Franck beams over the efforts of her team to convert the space that is now home to the caf. A lot of work went into it, Franck said. It used to be an ice cream machine shop before. We had to move out all the machines that were in there. The shipyard helped us out by moving all the machinery out. Then we had a contractor come in there,

Opposite: Capt. Daniel Grieco, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), poses for a photograph with a cafe latte outside The Big Sip. Above: Ship Serviceman Marquise Ball, Seaman Jennifer Miller, Airman Tiffany Elston and Ship Serviceman Tamara Pope prepare espresso beverages in The Big Sip.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 12. These are some of the assets that may deploy with TR when she answers the nations call to go into harms way.

ships
USS Stout DDG 55

of

the

USS James E Williams DDG 95

USS Laboon DDG 58

The mission of the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer (DDG) in the Carrier Strike Group is providing primary protection for the aircraft carrier and battle group. DDGs are capable of AntiAir Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) battles simultaneously. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century. Propulsion: Four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; two shafts, 100,000 total shaft horsepower. Length: 509 feet Speed: In excess of 30 knots. Crew: 276

USS Arleigh Burke DDG 51

USS Porter DDG 78

strike group
USS Normandy CG 60
The Ticonderoga guided missile cruiser (CG) is a large combat vessel with multiple target response capability. It performs primarily in a Battle Force role with Air Warfare (AW), Undersea Warfare (USW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Surface Warfare (SUW)] capabilities in support of the carrier battle group. Propulsion: 4 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines; 2 shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower total. Length: 567 feet. Speed: In excess of 30 knots. Crew: 30 Officers, 300 Enlisted.

USS Vicksburg CG-69

USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71

USS Nitze DDG 94

USS Truxtun DDG 103

USS Mahan DDG 72

alaskan commissioned amphib

story by MC1 Aramis Ramirez
an our ship and bring her to life! exclaimed ship sponsor Annette Conway, wife of retired Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, as the crew ran up the brow and engaged all ship systems. The commissioning culminated more than seven years of construction and development for the seventh San Antonio-class LPD that was built at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La., and delivered to the U.S. Navy last September. Guests at the snow-covered ceremony listened to congratulatory remarks from distinguished members of Alaskas delegation including Governor Sean Parnell, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. The keynote address was delivered by Commander, U.S. Pacific Sailors and Marines man the rails after bringing the ship to life during the Fleet, Adm. Cecil D. Haney. commissioning of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS To the commander and crew of Anchorage, its Anchorage (LPD 23) at the Port of Anchorage. More than 4,000 people gathered great to see you again. Last time it was in Avondale, to witness the ships commissioning in its namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska. La., near New Orleans when I toured the ship and it Anchorage, the seventh San Antonio-class LPD, is the second ship to be named was hot and muggy and 90 degrees, said Haney. I for the city and the first U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned in Alaska. (U.S. Navy am deeply honored to commission a United States photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James R. Evans/Released) warship named after such a wonderful city, repreSeaman Cruz Boseman, one of the ships crew to call the city senting great people that have a rich and vibrant of Anchorage home, said he enjoyed being able to show off the culture. ship to his fellow Anchorage citizens. After ceremoniously delivering the newly commissioned It was great timing that I was able to be selected to be a part ship, Cmdr. Joel Stewart, Anchorages commanding officer, of this crew, said Boseman, who enlisted in the Navy in May echoed Haneys sentiments. 2012. When I was in boot camp, [pre-commissioning commandThe ship and her crew are a testament to the pioneering spirit of the city it represents, said Stewart. The relationship the ing officer Capt. Brian] Quin happened to be visiting in the building where I was assigned during my training and I was excited crew forged with the shipbuilders helped create a vessel worthy to learn of a new ship being named after my hometown. We have of the name, and she will serve the nation for the next four dea hardworking spirit in Anchorage and whats great is that is the cades on the foundations set by that relationship. same mentality I see every day in my shipmates. I know well Anchorage is the second ship to be named for the city. The make this city proud. first USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was commissioned in 1969 and Anchorages crew will transit back to San Diego to continue served in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi preparing for Final Contract Trials (FCT) in July. FCT is the final Freedom before being decommissioned in 2003. I never thought I would have found myself bringing to life a assessment from the Navy Board of Inspection and Survey (INship with this name, said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Jacin- SURV) in which the crew will be responsible for demonstrating to Ganac, a member of the decommissioning crew of LSD 36 and the effectiveness of all installed equipment and systems. The ceremony is a nice pause for a majority of the crew current member of LPD 23s plankowner crew. Its an honor to who has worked tirelessly to bring this ship to life over the past be a member of both crews because I feel as though I am passing two years, said Stewart. But we press on and are ready to exalong a great tradition and knowledge to a newer generation that ecute the gold standard we established. Its the nature of our job will serve us long after I leave the service. and Im sure the great people of Anchorage and the nation would The ceremony ended a four-day celebration in which the expect nothing less. crew was able to interact with the city and its welcoming hosts. USS Anchorage, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport Public tours allowed guests to get a first-hand view of the ship dock, embarks, transports, and lands elements of a landing force as well as the various aircraft and marine amphibious vessels on for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions as well humanidisplay which included an MV-22 Osprey, a CH-46 Sea Knight tarian efforts when the need arises. helicopter, and a landing craft air cushion (LCAC).

10

photos
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) senior chief petty officer bears a ceremonial wreath dedicated to fallen EOD Sailors during the 44th Annual EOD Memorial Service at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex. The wreath was placed in front of the Navy panel of the memorial wall with separate sections for each service bearing the names of EOD service members who died in the line of duty. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)

from the

fleet

Gunners Mate 2nd Class Max Link, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), fires a M4 service rifle during a small-arms qualification at Naval Air Station Point Mugu. Pinckney is at Port Hueneme conducting a combat systems and deck groom preparing for an upcoming board of inspection and survey (INSURV). INSURV is conducted every five years of a ships life to ensure mission readiness and material conditions are up to standards. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel M. Young/ Released)

11

13

Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May
12

10 27

Military Spouse Appreciation Day Memorial Day

Mothers Day

18

Armed Force Day

29-30

XO Readiness Exercise

TR PhotoFind

14

1. School bus 2. TR the Man 3. Ruler

4. Candy bar 5. Batman

6. Earth 7. Penny 8. Cane

Staff
Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco Executive Officer Capt. Mark Colombo Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans Media Officer Lt. j.g. Michael Larson Senior Editor MCCS (SW/AW/EXW) David Collins Public Affairs Supervisor MC2 Sean Hurt Editor & Layout MC3 Casey Cosker Rough Rider Contributors Lt. Jonathan Bacon MC2 Sean Hurt MC3 Casey Cosker Command Ombudsman April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in the The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story youd like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at 534-1406 or stop by 3-180-0-Q.

15