1. VOL 1 / NO 37 August 18, 2010
get fit, stay fit
Story by MC3 Jessica Robertson
USS 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
Damage Controlman Fireman Chris Johnson does a set of push-ups in the mezzanine gym. says it can be challenging to fit exercise
Photo Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Green
into his busy schedule, but “sometimes
The Carl Vinson Voice is an internal document produced by and for the you’ve got to sacrifice a little bit of sleep in
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. See FITNESS, Page 2
2. 2 Carl Vinson Voice
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, 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
just come to our office.” gym aboard USS Carl Vinson. Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather Roe
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 Editor
MC2 Adrian White
Layout and Design
MC3 Patrick Green
MCSN Rosa A. Arzola
Staff Writers/Photographers
MC3 Heather Roe
MC3 Jessica Robertson
MCSN Zachary Bell
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3. August 18, 2010 3
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
4. 4 Carl Vinson Voice
CPO Selects Learn Valuable Lessons Underway
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa A. Arzola
Story by MC2 Ashley Van Dien providing guidance and experience it will not be ‘I did it’ but ‘WE did
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer along the way. it.’ We must learn to understand and
“I am gaining knowledge during this accept differences to meet the same
transition period from other seasoned goal.”
Chiefs to give me a different view on “You cannot complete the mission
One of the greatest milestones in an how to better take care of Sailors,” said at hand all alone,” said Everson. “It
enlisted Sailor’s career is achieving Chief (Select) Information Systems takes a team effort. One team, one
the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Technician (SW) Jamone Robinson.“I fight.”
Twenty-five first class petty am looking forward to gaining wisdom According to the Chief Petty
officers from Carl Vinson and Carrier from other Chiefs in order to make Officer’s Creed, it is now required
Airwing-17 recently selected to the myself a great Chief one day.” that they be ‘a fountain of wisdom,
rank of Chief are going through CPO One thing that Selectees have to the ambassador of good will, the
Induction to help them understand the look forward to is joining the Chiefs authority in personnel relations as
importance of their new role as United Mess, where networking, camaraderie well as technical application.’
States Navy Chief Petty Officers. and effective communication are the “A good Chief has the ability to
“The induction process is designed fundamentals of teamwork. lead Sailors to complete the overall
to mold first class petty officers into “It will be a privilege to be accepted mission of the command,” said
Chief Petty Officers,” said Aviation into such a tight community,” said Chief Everson. “Effective leadership is not
Boatswain Master Chief (AW/SW) (Select) Operations Specialist (SW) only about you, it’s about them.”
Rob Everson, Air Department Leading Cynthia Matta-Spriggs, “to be part of “I have always admired Chiefs, and
Chief Petty Officer and chairman of that global network and the tradition of becoming a Chief is something I have
the Chief (Select) Induction process. the Mess.” always wanted,” said Chief (Select)
“We are giving the Selectees multiple The teamwork displayed in the Chiefs Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AW)
tasks to see how they handle different Mess is one of the keys to successful Bryan Mitchell, attached to Strike
aspects of leadership, such as time mission completion. Fighter Squadron 22.
management, effective communication “One person can’t complete the job “The anchors will come with more
and counseling.” on their own,” said Matta-Spriggs. “It’s responsibility, but it will be well worth
Chiefs play the role of teachers and not about you, it’s about the mission. it. I will be proud to see my Sailors
mentors throughout the transition, When all the pieces are put together, succeed.”
5. August 18, 2010 5
SPOTLIGHT
Sailor
IN THE
Story by MCSN Rosa A. Arzola
USS Carl Vinson Staff Writer warfare specialist pin and she is
going IA (Individual Augmentee).”
Hosier’s shipmates agree that she
sets a great example to follow.
When Religious Program Specialist “It’s admirable and respectable
2nd Class (SW/AW) Sandra Hosier that RP2 just got into the Navy and
checked on board Carl Vinson as an has (already) achieved so many
undesignated seaman, she didn’t things in her career,” said Aviation
realize her hard work, motivation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW)
and ambition in life would be Rebecca Lyons. “I’m proud of her
so rewarding. because she sets the example and
“I never thought I would make wants what is best for her Sailors.
second class in such a short She does everything she can to go
amount of time,” said Hosier. “I above the standards and she gives
just focused on my work and in us opportunities to improve in our
helping out my division. They careers.”
say you never work a day in “She is a great person. She is
your life if you enjoy what you mature, confident and strict,” said
do.” Religious Program Specialist 3rd
Hosier has a lot on her plate and Class (SW/AW) Ehrmar Macaraeg.
many Sailors that work with her and “She is committed to her work and
learn about her career are quickly wants what is best for the team.
impressed by it. She is a professional with high
Hosier is the Command Religious expectations.”
Ministries Department Assistant Hosier already knows what she
Leading Petty Officer, Work Center wants in her career and plans to
Supervisor, Departmental Career achieve her goals.
Counselor, Safety Petty Officer, “I plan to re-enlist and make a
Secretary of the Second Class career out of the Navy,” said Hosier.
Petty Officer Association and in “I recently got picked to go IA to
charge of Community Relations. Afghanistan. It’s a one-year billet
“It’s impressive that Hosier that I am excited (about) and looking
started her Navy career as an forward to.”
undesignated seaman and Although the 25-year-old Chicago
within two years she became native takes her Navy career very
a second class petty officer,” seriously, she also knows how to
said Chief Religious Program enjoy her off-duty time.
Specialist (SW/AW) Enya “I love being in San Diego and
George. “She already exploring the city. I like going to
has her enlisted surface museums, parks, lounges and trying
warfare specialist pin, new cuisines and wines,” said
she recently obtained Hosier. “I just like having a good
her enlisted aviation time with my friends and relaxing.”