June 16, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Newsletter Edition

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle The Steely Days of Summer

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – The first day of summer may not be until June 20, but for the Sailors and Marines of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) the season seemed to be in full swing as the carrier hosted a “steel beach” picnic June 15 on the ship’s flight deck. The day’s festivities included activities such as sumo wrestling suits, jousting, mini pools, water guns, trike races and a driving range (with bio-degradable golf balls). Grills run by the carrier’s Mustang Association were churning out hotdogs, burgers and chicken while bands and DJ’s moved the crowd. This kind of event takes a great deal of coordination to pull off given the logistics involved and the number of Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise. Lt. Cmdr. Jason Endress,

Enterprise’s Principal Assistant for Services (PAS), was one of the individuals charged with bringing the first “steel beach” picnic of the carrier’s 22nd and final deployment to fruition. “It took a lot of coordination between all the departments,” said Endress. “(The Aircraft Handling Officer) gave us the space on the flight deck and helped us with the elevator runs so we could get all of our grills, tables and food up here. Engineering and Combat Systems helped us with the sound systems and all the electrical and MWR and food services set up and manned the event.” The Mustang Association provided the grilling manpower necessary to serve up food to more than 4,600 Sailors and Marines on the flight deck. “The Mustang Association wanted to give the crew a break, especially the food service attendants, and just mingle and let the enlisted Sailors know what the LDO program is all about,” said Lt. Harry Adair, assistant flight deck officer and one of several Mustangs manning the grills on the flight deck. Events like these are meant to improve the crew’s morale and strengthen the bonds between the Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise. “Everyone is out here working seven days a week for the entire time we are out at sea and, even though port visits have been kind of frequent, they are still not frequent enough to count as having weekends and holidays where you get to go to your own BBQ’s and have your own relaxing days,” said Megan Villapudua, Enterprise “Fun Boss.” “It’s important to get everyone out here and show them

that we appreciate them. That’s what Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is here for,” said Villapudua.

Despite the massive coordination that went into planning the event, it was very much worth the effort due to the impact it had on the morale of the crew. “We have to make sure they (the crew) get time off every now and then to blow off some steam, dance, listen to some good music, eat some good food and enjoy each others’ camaraderie,” said Endress. Whether they were working the event or just enjoying the festivities it seems the steel beach picnic was a big hit among the crew. “This was my first steel beach and it was very entertaining,” said Lance Cpl. Adrian Robinson, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251. “I had a good time and I think it really boosted everyone’s morale.”

Sailors and Marines relax while enjoying the food and festivities provided during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)

Saturday, June 16, 2012Page 2 The Shuttle

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65.navy.mil.

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Executive OfficerCapt. G. C. Huffman

Commanding OfficerCapt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

EditorsMC2 (SW) Kristin L. Grover

MC3 Brian G. Reynolds

The Shuttle

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff

Food & Fun on the Flight Deck

Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler

Photo by MC3(SW) Britney Epps

Photo by MC3 Gregory White

Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese

Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese

Photo by MC3(SW) Britney Epps

Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese

Saturday, June 16, 2012 Page 3The Shuttle

Food & Fun on the Flight Deck

Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler

Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman

Photo by MC3 Randy J. SavaresePhoto by MC3 Randy J. Savarese

Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler

Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler

Saturday, June 16, 2012The ShuttlePage 4

Sailors of the Day

Big E Entertainment

CS2 Arlen N. Duplessis, Jr., from New Orleans, joined the Navy 25 years ago to see the world. Duplessis enjoys spending time with his family. In the future, he hopes to retire from the military and work for a VA medical hospital.

Culinary Specialist 2nd ClassArlen N. Duplessis, Jr.

AS3 Brent Barrett, from Louisville, Ky., joined the Navy four and a half years ago to have a steady job. In his spare time, Barrett enjoys reading, paintball and collecting discontinued money. His future plans include retiring and earn a master’s degree in world history.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd ClassBrent H. Barrett

ABHAN Rene Horne, from Atlanta, joined the Navy 10 months ago to challenge herself, make a difference and travel. She enjoys reading and listening to music in her spare time. Horne’s future goals are to earn a master’s degree in chemistry, become a pharmacist, own a home and start a family.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) AirmanRene E. Horne