Introduction

by

ICC(SW) Douglas J. Barnard USN Retired

Tiger Cruise 2013

USS Nimitz CVN-68

Commanding Officer Captain Ruth

Commander Strike Group Eleven Admiral White

December 6 16

Pearl Harbor, HI to San Diego, CA San Diego, CA to Everett, WA

Forward I am on a jet at a terminal at SeaTac International airport. About to finish the last two legs of this most fantastic journey. A bittersweet homecoming. Bitter as I am leaving behind many people whom I dearly love. Sweet as I am returning home to people I love and our home and pets. I have missed them while I have been gone and am looking forward to our reunion.

Since this is my story and not a book or school report, and it is merely a way for me to memorialize this trip, I am not following any particular writing convention or style. Chronologically I will jump around as my aging and feeble mind recalls the events of the last two weeks. For some of my saltier friends who read this, I have taken the time to document some details which to us are all too common and everyday. I do this for my nautically challenged friends, so bear with me and take a trip back in time.

I want to thank my family; My wife Susan for supporting me both financially and lovingly. Autumn for being a great daughter who has grown to be mature and independent. Nicholas for being a great son and father to Nels, and for putting me up for a couple of nights during this trip(or should I say putting up with me?). Tom, Paul and Spanky for being great shipmates and friends. Rick and Bernadette for taking me out and about while inport San Diego and to see Beth Ann. Paul Konkle for taking time to come see me and to tell some sea stories (read lies) Cynthia Goulette and her daughter Kalia for their grace and kindness while in Honolulu. Much Mahalo and Aloha, you made us all feel like Ohana. Captain Ruth, Admiral White and the crew of the USS Nimitz as well as the attached Squadrons and Airwings. Finally, my son Ryan for inviting me on this cruise and being my sponsor. Never would I have guessed or believed 26 years ago when I sponsored my dad on a tiger cruise that I would get to do the same thing at some point in my life.

It Begins So for some back-story, I spent 23 years in the USN and retired five years ago. There are many things I miss about the Navy and this Tiger Cruise allowed me to relive many of them, as well as experience some new ones. I want to take a moment to reassure some of the old-timers that we are in excellent hands. Todays sailors are still the utmost professionals. With the exception of our sister services there is nowhere else on Gods great earth that so much responsibility is entrusted to such young men and women. They are performing tasks on a regular basis that civilians could not even begin to comprehend. Maintaining, operating, repairing electrical, electronic, mechanical, nuclear, medical, firefighting, airports and on and on, all on a 100,000 ton floating city that is approaching 40 years old. Living quarters so sparse that mortals would not be able to cope.

The worst of the worst inmates of the prisons in our country have accommodations that would make a sailor feel as if he is in a 5 star hotel. Coffin lockers to stow all their worldly goods, including the many uniforms they are required to maintain. Food that is Our meals are designed for healthy active young adults who require a balanced and nutritious diet as stated in the registration package is another way to simply saying It is substance that will fulfill your daily caloric needs, nothing more

Another Tiger I met on this cruise, PO Grubbs stepfather, an active duty Army Sergeant First Class said he was very impressed and that he was going to return to his soldiers and tell them how good they had it. I never would have expected that knowing what deplorable conditions they work in as well. Maybe my years at sea have jaded me some.

Back to the crew, I have witnessed over the years crews that worked together like a fine Swiss watch. I have also seen crews that performed required tasks, but it always seemed as if they would break down and mutiny at any moment. The current crew of the USS Nimitz, and CS5 division were like the aforementioned Swiss watch, ever moving forward and all working together to perform the task(s) at hand. Seasoned and salty shipmates showing newcomers the ropes, helping them to learn their equipment and responsibilities. Some of the junior sailors having never been away from the safety and security of their mom and or dad, they quickly learn that they need to hold up all of their responsibilities or the consequences will most likely be much more dire than anything theyve experienced before. Another way to put this is that there are 20 something year olds out there that not only have
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operational requirements beyond that of much older landlubbers, but they also must be mentors, big brothers, big sisters, moms and dads to some sailors who are themselves young adults.

Todays systems onboard range from tried and true and as old or older than the ship itself to modern networks and high tech gear that would make many companies shudder from the thought of maintaining and operating and also being jealous of not having. Lets remember these young men and women cannot call 911 for an emergency of any sort, they ARE the firefighters, police, emergency rooms, hospitals, plumbers, electricians, etc. that civilians take so much for granted.

This trip started with me flying out of Reagan International Airport in Washington DC on December 4th. I had a connecting flight in Minneapolis St. Paul where it was snowing heavily. Delayed for a couple of hours, we finally took off for SeaTac. Along the way, I informed the flight attendant that I would only have a few minutes to make my connecting flight (on another airline on a different itinerary) and asked if there was anything she could do to

assist. They did come back with my gate and terminal number and got me off the plane first. I did my best to get to the other end of the airport in less than 10 minutes, which would leave 5 minutes before my flight. Alas as I arrived at the gate they were securing the doors to the jetway. They understandably could not reopen them. ARRRGGGHH!!! So I proceeded to the service desk where I made arrangements to fly out the next morning. I called up Nick and asked if he would put me up for the night. Of course he said sure and gave me directions to a club to go to meet him and have a beer while I waited. I contacted friends and family to let them know my situation. Had a nice cold brew (Seattle has the greatest beer in the States, if not the world) and Nick showed up in short order. We rode to his place, went out for some eats (Seattle is tops in that category as well) Then went back to his place and had an enjoyable evening.

The next morning got up and got ready. Stopped for coffee (Another Seattle great) and a donut then he dropped me off on the light rail which took me to the airport. Caught my flight and got to Honolulu International Airport around 3:00pm. Waited a couple minutes for my bag and walked out front and met up with a Sidney Central High
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School graduate whom I havent seen since 1976. Cynthia Goulette and I talked for a few minutes then Ryan showed up. We did proper introductions and then a shipmate of Ryans showed up and his flight wasnt until the next day. Cynthias daughter Kalia with her two daughters in tow stopped to pick us all up. We went to an old hangout for some pupus, the place was in a recent episode of Hawaii 5-O and is called La Marianna Tiki Hut. After our pupus they took us all Waikiki so the guys could exchange some of their leftover overseas currency. After that, they took Ryan and I to Pearl Harbor and dropped us off by the ship and then took Mike to the airport. I will say again, much mahalo to Cynthia and Kalia, in true Hawaiian fashion they demonstrated that even extended Ohana (and I really mean extended) get special island treatment. A small side note, Cynthias dad and my dad were both active in the VFW in Sidney back in the days it was still a Quonset hut. Our families have been friends for years.

So now here I am at Pearl Harbor, not having been here since I left in 1999. Im about to get underway on a Navy ship for the first time since that same year. Im exhausted from travelling, elated to see my son is stateside (although not yet back to his homeport) after a long and extended
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deployment. At the head of the pier there is a small MWR sponsored tent city where a lot of the sailors are relaxing with some barbecue, music and beer. Ryan takes me to the tent where we tigers check-in, the process only takes a couple of minutes. We then carry my bags down the pier and up the brow, Request permission to come aboard granted. O.K. all the preliminary steps are completed, I really am going to get underway again. We head aft and below to berthing. I make up my rack and stow my gear. Are the racks really this small? And close together? O.K. sheets are on with tight corners and the wool blanket is folded and placed at the foot of the rack with one corner folded over (Some things you just never forget how to do) Ryan and I decide to go out to the tent city and have a beer. While out there he introduces me to some shipmates and we have a good time. Just before Taps which is at 2200 (10:00 pm for you land-lubbers) we head back to the ship and hit our racks. Taps Taps, lights out. Maintain silence about the decks. Now Taps comes over the 1MC (ships announcing system, a piece of gear I was always responsible for) we turn in for the night.

Next thing I hear is Reville Reville @0600. We get up, shit, shower, and shave, then head to the galley for
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breakfast. Scrambled eggs and French toast with sausage. Not bad, wish the juice wasnt so watered down (as in I couldnt tell it was juice, only water with a hint of flavor) finish eating and head up to one of Ryans shops. He shows me some of the equipment, some I know, some Ive never seen before. Then its off to quarters for muster instruction and inspection. The Plan of the Day (POD) is read which includes times for setting the sea and anchor detail and getting underway. Ryan doesnt have an assigned station so we head up to the flight deck, more than 1,000 feet long it seems to go on forever in all directions. All flat and non-skid with the exception of the island which stands proud on the starboard side

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amidships.

Right on time lines were singled up, shore services disconnected and before you knew it we had shifted colors and were underway. Soon after we were passing by the USS Arizona memorial

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and we rendered honors. (The USS Arizona is the only commissioned warship with water-cooled handrails) Just past the Arizona, the USS Missouri is moored.

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They call the two of them the bookends of WWII in the Pacific. Bear in mind, we are on the USS Nimitz, named for Chester Nimitz, CINCPACFLT for the War, later named Fleet Admiral, one of only four people to ever bear that title. His seamanship and leadership were unparalleled in winning the war in the Pacific. Another note, the Freedom Bell was in Honolulu and was ringing as we got underway. The freedom Bell was cast on June 6th, 2013, the Anniversary of D-Day and was first rung in New York on September 11th. In 2014 it is scheduled to ring in every state. It is a replica of the Liberty Bell. So with all this in
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mind it was quite a solemn and humbling experience. As I am looking around, I see in the background a familiar sight, over in West Loch, LHA -1 The USS Tarawa.

The last ship I was attached to. I was aboard her when I put on my Chiefs anchors in 1995. She is now decommissioned, awaiting her final orders. She could end up in one of many situation; Used as a target in a Naval exercise and sunk (as were my first two ships) sold for scrap-iron, sold or given to another country, recommissioned, or whatever fate Inactive Ships Command decides.
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Back to underway. On the port side I see the memorial for the USS Nevada.

While attached to Fleet Technical Support Group Pacific, Pearl Harbor Detachment, we sponsored that park and kept it cleaned, maintained and mowed. Im happy to report that whatever command is doing that now is keeping it up nicely. There were many people all along the shoreline as we continued out the Harbor and past Hickam Air Force base, all waiving, smiling, and giving us a fine send-off.
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Soon after, the tugboats cast-off and returned to port and we were underway in the Pacific Ocean. Not long after the Tugs departed, so did the USN and Coast Guard escort boats.

Now a bit about the ship and its compliment: She has four screws, two nuclear reactors that make the steam which then is the force which turns the four two-stage turbines. They are connected to the four reduction gears that spin the four shafts at the RPM which is ordered from the bridge. This in turn pushes the ship through the water
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at the ordered speed. The steam also drives the Ships service Turbine Generators or SSTGs that produce all the electricity the ship requires. She has multiple self defense mechanisms which range from guns to missiles. The attached Airwings have a large compliment of F-18s, E2 Hawkeyes, and other support aircraft to support its given mission.

First day underway complete and successful. I head to my rack and turn in. Wake up the next morning and do my morning duties, then open up my TQS or Tiger Qualification Standards.

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TQS Warfare Pin The organizers of the cruise took the time to develop a program for us tigers to learn a bit about the ship, the Navy, enlisted ratings, officer positions, and various other Navy and ship details. Similar to ESWS, EAWS, IDW, and other warfare qualifications, albeit watered-down that members of the crew are either required to obtain, or can get on their own. As a salty old fart that got his ESWS in 1987 and instructed it throughout his career, I didnt have any problems with knowing most of it with the exception of the ship specific items. One morning while eating
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breakfast another tiger and I struck up a conversation about the TQS. I ended up helping him with a good portion of the information. A couple of the ships crew were listening in and it was fun to see the looks on their faces. It was if they were saying Who is this guy? And how does he already know all this shit? I told them I was a retired Chief they were O.K, well that explains it Dont get me wrong, these sailors have a much more technically challenging job than I ever had, but most of the questions were general and have remained the same as they always had been.

So right now we are preparing for approach into Reagan International D.C. where this trip began. I am going to retire my pen for a while and look forward to seeing my lovely wife Susan. A bit rough coming through the weather, well be on the ground in about 10 minutes. Ill pick this story back up in a day or two.

I mentioned in my opening that todays sailors are the utmost professionals. I want to clarify that statement. Some of our traditions are gone. Dont blame the sailors out there today; blame those few in the past who whined

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and complained and the congressmen and other so called leaders who forced the changes to placate the few who didnt get what the processes were for. I will also add that many of the new processes are an improvement, but yes, absolutely, some of the best training has been lost over the years. Again, dont blame those who are here now for not doing what we did then, many if not most of them would gladly participate in the old school traditions and ceremonies.

During our transit from Hawaii to San Diego, the ship and air wing put on an air power demonstration. I only have a few pictures to post of this as I wanted to watch the show, not film it. The show was awesome. Being a Snipe, my time was usually spent below deck. Also, I was never attached to a bird farm so I was never able to see a catapult shot or a 3rd wire tailhook landing. The launching and recovery of the aircraft is indescribable. You can watch it on National Geographic, or the Discovery channel, or Top-Gun (which they played on the SITE tv system the night before pulling into Everett) or whatever, but they do not capture what actually takes place. Even though the engineering is quite dated by todays standards, there is no one, no country, no one on Gods great earth that can do
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what these young men and women are doing. The forces behind these actions would make a college physics professor squeamish.

Anyone seen a gas station around here

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Bombing the Ocean

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Old Glory flying proud

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Airwing in formation

After the air show I took a couple of tours of the ship. Pri-Fly, CCS, Bridge, Debriefing rooms, and a few others. Many of the spaces photography wasnt allowed, and some I just didnt have my camera with. One of the rooms I got a kick out of was Combat, what we used to call CIC. The OSs work there and they track and monitor everything in above and below the water. They also monitor all the frequencies used for the myriad communications. I was chatting with one of the OSs and they were amazed when I
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told them that we used to have glass displays that OSs would stand in back of and write all the information backwards on them so the other operators could read from the front. Now everything is on large displays and the operators can bring up any screen they desire.

Another display I really enjoyed, and one that hasnt changed much at all was the damage control display. Still had almost all the same gear with one major change, they now all use SCOTT air packs instead of the old OBAs we used to wear. Again, explaining how they worked to the demonstrator was kind of fun. They had a smoke filled room that we could go into with the NFTI (Naval Firefighting Thermal Imager)

Now on the fourth day underway, during morning quarters, I got to pin the second class crow on my son. What a proud moment that was for me. He has done very well for himself since I swore him into the USN just over three years ago.

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Proud Chief Pops

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Keeping the tradition

After six days underway, we set the Sea and Anchor detail for entering San Diego. The sun was coming up, I looked to the South and saw the Coronados Islands (not Coronado Island, 3 small uninhabited islands off the coast of Tijuana.) Off of the Silver Strand was an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer at anchor.

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Sunrise at Sea Most likely part of a TSTA (Tailored Ships Training Availability) or FEP (Final Evaluation Problem) For those not in the now, those are the training evolutions ships go through to ensure the ship and crew are ready to perform as required on deployment. A constant cycle they all go through. Now we are passing Ballast Point and Point Loma. Pretty soon we are moored at NASNI. Ryan has duty so I get off the ship and do some laundry. Then I contact my recruiter, yes, you heard that right, I called my recruiter. Oh, btw, he is also my cousin. His wife Bernadette picks
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me up and we go to the base bowling alley for a while. Then we go down to Imperial Beach where he lives (as did Susan and I and our kids) We see his son John. Then we go to 32nd St and see my other cousin, his sister Beth Ann. Had a nice visit and took a couple of pictures.

Family Rules We head back to the bowling alley at NASNI and had some lunch, then Rick and Bernadette headed home. I got online and downloaded a couple of books to read while waiting for Paul Konkle to show up. We were shipmates on the USS Dixon together. We both also served on the USS Tarawa,
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however at different times. He showed up and we had a great time talking about our likes for similar things, The Navy, MGBs, racecars. Good time catching up with someone I hadnt seen in 24 years. About 9:00 we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the ship.

Next morning got up and got ready to get underway again. Pulled out of San Diego and took a few pictures. In particular, some pictures of the Mike pier at Point Loma.

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That is where the USS Dixon was usually moored. Next past the Mike Pier is the floating drydock that some scenes in the movie Hunt for Red October were shot.

Then we passed by Ballast Point. Back in the Pacific Ocean again and heading North.

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Ballast Point We had another Air show the next day, although this one was not as intense. This was because while enroute to San Diego, all of the Airwing had flown home. On Sunday, they set up chairs and a large screen projector and we watched the Annual Army Navy football game. Great game, snow, natural turf field, and Navy won for the 12th straight year. San Diego to Everett was only a couple days steaming and before you knew it we were making preparations for pulling into Everett. We sailed through the Straits of Juan De Fuca then into Puget Sound. Tigers
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were not allowed up on the flight deck after they manned the rails. I did get a couple of shots as they were coming up on deck but then had to go down into the hangar bay.

Dress Blues and Pea Coats

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Manning the Rails

Tied up in Everett and finally for the Sailors Liberty Call, Liberty Call in their homeport. Fathers got to see their newborns for the first time. Wives and Husbands reunited after nearly 9 months overseas. Family members and balloons and banners adorned the pier as they always do for ships homecomings. My bags were packed and Ryan didnt have to bring much as he had duty the next day. We went to his barracks where he changed and then out to the parking lot to find, as we expected, his battery was dead.
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There were a couple of Chiefs there with their own trucks going around giving people jump starts and filling their tires up with air if needed.

We headed South to Seattle to see my son Nick and Grandson Nels. Wooh Hooh! Nick has to work so we plan to meet him there. We pull in and some friends and shipmates were there to greet us. Paul, Steve aka Spanky, and Tom.

100 plus years of USN service

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We worked together for quite a few years at quite a few commands. Great guys one and all. Nick and Nels pull up and we are all hugging and everything when Nick says Sorry Im late, Nels hid my keys and I couldnt find them

Nicholas

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Nels We all ate and then Nick gave us a tour of Hales Ales a fine brew pub in the Ballard section of Seattle. I highly recommend it. After dinner everyone started departing for home. Nels babysitter came and picked him up. Ryan headed back to the ship and I stayed at Hales with Nick.

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The whole gang We get to his place after closing up and we are both exhausted. He puts National Lampoons Christmas on and we both fall asleep. Awake the next morning and Nick takes me to the light rail. We hug and say our goodbyes. I get to the airport and get through all the lines. Wait for my plane, then board. Now we have gone full circle. I started this story sitting on the tarmac at SeaTac and now I am ending it at my desk at work, talking about being on the Tarmac at SeaTac. I hope you have enjoyed the story and the pictures. I know I enjoyed living it. And now, when I
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get older and my brain starts to fade, I can bring up this story and relive this wonderful adventure. Regards/ ICC(SW) Douglas J. Barnard USN Retired

Prologue An old tradition of sailors is to trade coins, They are also used for bar bets, but lets just say they are a way to reward someone, remember someone, or just track your career. Anyway, in closing, I will post the front and back of mine as well as some I picked up on this cruise.

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All pictures by myself. Artwork for cover provided by ship (I will give proper credit once I find out specific person or Department / Division)

Aloha and Mahalo!!

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