Nimitz News

It's been over two weeks since the last update and we've had a lot going on. When I wrote you last, we had just completed a very successful force protection exercise and were preparing for the annual ship's party. That evening was a great time. There were close to 2,000 crewmembers and guests attending, and the Town and Country Resort, along with our terrific MWR committee and the Supply Department, did a great job. We gave away about $20,000 worth of prizes and had a BLAST. We'll do another one later this year during the holiday season.

A couple of days later, we got underway for a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Carrier Qualification (CQ). Again, it was a busy period. We qualified 35 pilots and had over 500 traps in 3 nights and 4 days. Great work by all and just enough good weather allowed us to return to port on that Friday to enjoy a weekend at home with our families.

Early last week we began a resurfacing of the nonskid surface in the landing area of the flight deck and we also took care of the some upkeep work in the propulsion plant. We are trying to keep the ship in tiptop condition so that we can meet the tasking if required to surge prior to our expected deployment date. Everyone is doing a super job and the ship is in great shape. Just keep your fingers crossed for us on the weather. It has to be dry to apply the new nonskid surface, and we haven't exactly been enjoying a lot of California sunshine lately.

Also,-last week we hosted a Change of Command ceremony where Rear Admiral Pete Daly relieved Rear Admiral Derwood Curtis as the Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN (CSG 11) Commander. Both Admirals were very proud of their Flagship for the extra effort and great work by all hands in getting ready and performing so well. Special thanks and a Bravo Zulu go out to Navigation, Deck, Admin, and Supply Departments for putting on a world class event.

This week we are preparing for our Battle Group Inport Exercise (BGIE) which will take place on board starting next Monday. We'll use computer-simulated inputs into our sensors and have an opportunity to "fight" a scenario without leaving port. The exercise will keep the Strike Group on our toes and busy through the week and help to polish our warfighting skills prior to our Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) a couple of weeks later. Also this week we will host the first two of our three Pre-deployment Fairs. These will be held at Murphy Canyon Chapel on Tuesday, 22 Feb. and Thursday, 24 Feb. and are extremely important--especially if this will be your Sailor's (or your) first deployment. The presentations will start at 6 PM both nights and will put out a great deal of useful information. We will host the third Pre-deployment Fair onboard NIMITZ on 1 March. I strongly encourage you to attend one of these events. The information is good and WILL make your deployment easier.

Today I am talking to the crew about a likely change to our schedule for the Preparations for Overseas Movement (POM) leave period. As you know, we had planned on starting the first POM leave period upon return from JTFEX. Due to some unexpected maintenance aboard another ship, it now appears we will need to get underway and conduct an FRS CQ the week after Easter. I realize this will be unwelcome news and many of your have already made plans. I also realize that this is the week of Spring Break for San Diego area schools (my kids are in school there, too). There is no way for me to sugarcoat this news. I’m sorry for the change and the inconvenience, and we understand the churn it will cause. We will issue letters to recoup airline fares if anyone needs them. One piece of good news is that even with the change, we will still be able to preserve two, 14-day leave periods for POM. They will just start a few days later than we first thought. As I will say to the crew today, I'm asking you to shoulder this tasking with a good attitude and realize that what your Sailors (and you) are being asked to do is important and necessary. I'm confident that NIMITZ will respond in the usual "can do" manner.

Finally today, I want to remind you that Team NIMITZ is up and running, and looking for volunteers to fill committee chairs. The next meeting is Tuesday, 8 March at Murphy Canyon Chapel. Team NIMITZ plays a very important part in our success--particularly when the ship is deployed. We have an amazing amount of talent in the crew and their families. If you feel you can contribute, please get involved with TEAM NIMITZ. The ship and crew will be better off for your efforts. You can contact Kari Landuyt, the Team NIMITZ President, at teamnimitz@yahoo.com.

Well everyone, that's a wrap for this update. Sorry for the news on the schedule change for POM leave. I understand the hardship these changes cause. I ask you once again to be supportive of your Sailor. This change is not due to anything that we could control, and it will mean a lot if you help us shoulder this new tasking with a good, positive attitude. As I always tell you--your job is important and vital to the success of this team. Now is a time to really pitch in and support your Sailor. Thank you in advance and keep up your great work.

Warm regards and very respectfully,

CAPT Ted Branch

Commanding Officer

USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)