WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
May 5, 2016
By MC3 Wyatt Anthony
SAAPM:IT’SAWRAP! GW CONCLUDES SAAPM CAMPAIGN
By MC3 Alora Blosch
FOODSERVICEATTENDANTS THE SAILORS IN THE CYAN T-SHIRTS
By MC3 Wyatt Anthony
ON THE DECKPLATES
SUMMERTIME FUN AND HOW TO BE SAFE
PHOTO of the DAY
NORFOLK (May 4, 2016) - The members of the thrash metal band Megadeth meet with Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the hangar bay. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente Lynch
By M C 3 Wyat t A n t h o ny
IT’S A WRAP! GW CONCLUDES SAAPM CAMPAIGN
S
ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) observed Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) with several events to educate personnel on how to prevent and report sexual assault. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) theme for this year was “Eliminate sexual assault: Know your part. Do your part.” “Preventing sexual assault begins with everyone getting involved in promoting healthy relationships and encouraging respect for the equality of others,” said President Barack Obama in his National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2016 presidential proclamation.
“During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we recommit to embracing each of our individual responsibilities to keep our communities safe from this crime and to stand with survivors and victims of sexual assault.” Since 2001, SAAPM has been observed nationwide and provides commands and installations, as well as civilian organizations, an annual opportunity to highlight DOD and service policies addressing sexual assault prevention and response. “Even though sexual assault awareness is something that should be practiced daily, SAAPM is a time to focus efforts and raise awareness across civilian and military agencies.
It offers an opportunity to educate people about the effects of sexual assault and how it is contrary to the core values of the Navy, as well as educate people about the role they can play in preventing these crimes as well as motivating them to action,” said Damon Pratt, the deployed resiliency counselor aboard the GW. SAAPM kicked off aboard GW with a proclamation signing March 31, in which Capt. Timothy C. Kuehhas, the commanding officer of GW, read the proclamation and signed the SAAPM pledge,. Other SAAPM events this month included; the SAAPM Day of Action, in which Sailors were urged to change their social media profile pictures to something SAPR related
and post statuses using #SAAPM; a sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) victim advocates (VA) appreciation dinner; and a Take Back the Night candle light vigil. “I think all of the events went extremely well. I have been a SAPR VA for seven years now, and the events that the ship pulled off underway were outstanding,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Mark Gauthia. “It really hit home. The coordination and participation that
was needed to make this work shows the true dedication of the chaplain, SAPR POC, SAPR VA’s, and others associated with the events.” “It takes one person to start a movement, you can’t have a flood without that first drop of water,” said Pratt. “One person can save a life, and one person can also set a standard. One Sailor can open the eyes of other Sailors, and one Sailor can make someone feel comfortable and supported.”
George Washington VA’s will also be teaming up with the Naval Station Norfolk SAPR team for the 2016 NAVSTA Norfolk Run For A Cause, Color Run and Fitness Extravaganza April 29. Service members and their families can learn more about the resources available to them at 1-877-9955247 and www.SafeHelpline.org. Additional information is available at the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website, www.sapr.mil.
Sto r y by M C 3 A l o ra B l o s c h
FOODSERVICEATTENDANTS THE STORY OF THE SAILORS WHO WEAR THE CYAN T-SHIRTS
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he mess decks are silent except for the humming ventilation system. Cereal is stocked. Coffee is brewing. The freshly mopped tiles glisten as the water dries. The tables patiently await the early birds with a freshly printed newspaper and ship’s magazine to inform their guests on current events both at home and around their workplace. It’s the calm before the storm for the Sailors who maintain the mess decks. Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Mildred Evans, the head mess deck master-at-arms, takes a deep breath and surveys the mess decks one last time as the boatswain’s mate of the watch pipes reveille over the 1MC and the mess decks of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) come alive. “I trust that everything is ready,” said Evans. “But I can’t help but check one last time as the crew starts coming in.” Maintaining the mess decks is the responsibility of food service attendants (FSAs). FSAs are Sailors from different departments of the ship assigned to Supply Department to help culinary specialists in preparing and serving the multiple meals to the crew. “Without FSAs, culinary specialists couldn’t do it,” said Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Davis, GW’s food service officer. “In order to load stores, prepare the meals, and ensure the mess decks and trash are taken care of, they need help. It’s the only way to ensure Sailors on board can get four square meals a day.” FSA is a temporarily assigned duty (TAD) and can be a way for Sailors to become more familiar with the ship and Sailors from other rates. “It’s a networking job,” said Evans. “FSA’s come in only really knowing
their rate, and it gives them a chance to build friendships and also meet people who can help them with their qualifications like the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist pins.” Working on the mess decks also gives Sailors an idea how much work goes into feeding more than 3,000 Sailors everyday.
“It’s a networking job. FSA’s come in only really knowing their rate and it gives them a chance to build friendships and also meet people who can help them with their qualifications like [ESWS] and [EAWS] pins.” AO2 Mildred Evans
“Sailors love Sunday brunch, but they don’t know how much work and how many hoops these guys go through to ensure that the meal is enjoyable for the crew,” said Evans. Maintaining the mess decks is more than just sweeping, swabbing and wiping down tables. FSAs ensure all the machines are stocked and operating, as well as keep clean dishes and utensils available. “Working on the mess decks as an FSA is very demanding and stressful,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Ivis Charles III, an FSA from Air Department. “However, it feels good to look back at all the work I’ve accomplished.” Serving a meal to such a large quantity of people requires speed and attention to detail as well as good work ethic. “Spending three months working on the mess decks put me back into work mode,” said Charles. “It has given me the motivation to get back to work on my in-rate qualifications in order to become a supervisor.” “As FSAs, we are not allowed to actually cook any of the food,” said Yeoman Ryan Crespo, an FSA from Admin Department. “We are responsible for maintaining cleanliness including the dishes, and ensuring the food looks presentable when it is served. FSAs can be assigned to the scullery, dispose of trash and stock silver wear. “The scullery is hot, humid and hectic,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Paul Franks, an FSA from Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. “In the scullery you are responsible for washing cups, trays and silverware quickly and efficiently, as well as maintaining the dragon (dishwasher), soap supply and steam flow.” Every FSA is essential for the meal to go smoothly. From food runner to dishwasher every job is important to feeding the crew. As Sailors filter out of the mess decks and the meal comes to a conclusion, Evans and her team prepare mop buckets, rags and soapy water. The dish room roars as the dragon sets to cleaning trays, cups and silverware. The storm has come and gone, and the time to clean begins again.
NAVY NEWS PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, crewing six vessels will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 26th annual Fleet Week Port Everglades, May 2-9. USS Bataan (LHD 5), an amphibious assault ship, along with guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and Virginia-class submarine USS California (SSN-781) will represent the Navy at the event. Navy ships will be joined by U.S. Coast Guard cutters USCGC Robert Yered (WPC-1104) and USCGC Dependable (WMEC-626). Fleet Week will showcase sea service personnel, technologies and capabilities. Commanding Officer of Bataan, Capt. John Carter, said it is a great opportunity for service members to show off their pride in a community with enduring ties with the military.
Fleet Week, Port Everglades Kicks Of By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raymond Minami, USS Bataan Public Affairs
“We are excited to show our appreciation to the community,” said Carter, “as well as show off Bataan.” Throughout the week, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will give special tours to social and civic organizations, school groups and veterans. This gives the public the chance to interact with the crews to learn more about the Navy as well as fill veterans in on what’s been going on in the fleet. The South Florida community will
welcome the Sailors with an all-handson-deck party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. During the time in port, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in community-relations projects and make trips to local schools and hospitals. Kizzy Dunbar, civilian afloat recreation specialist aboard Bataan said, “I am excited about Fleet Week and to see how the city responds to us and how we interact with everyone. Not only do these Sailors protect the country they also volunteer to help others in need, somehow, some way, which I think is very important.” Dunbar said she thought it was amazing how Sailors and Marines work so hard and how wonderful it is that they are giving their free time to engage the community, and hopefully along the way inspire young people to want to join the military to do the same.
Navy Celebrates 2016 Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins the nation in celebrating the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May. The Navy encourages commands to embrace this year’s national theme “Walk Together, Embrace Differences, Build Legacies.” This year’s three imperatives serve to promote equal representation and to remove barriers in developing diverse leaders, acknowledging the challenges that still exist today. “I’m proud to be part of the tremendous history of Asian-Pacific Americans who’ve served our Navy and our nation -- Navy leaders and heroes like Gordon Chung-Hoon, Robert Kihune, Ming Chang, Raquel ‘Rocky’ Bono, Bette Bolivar, Pete Gumataotao, Alma Grocki and Brian Losey,” said Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander U.S. Pacific Command, and the highest ranking Asian-Pacific American in U.S. Navy history. “Americans of Asian-Pacific descent hold no monopoly on dreams and aspirations. We simply want to be successful on our merits and not held back by our genetics. So as we remember the accomplishments of Asian-Pacific Americans this month, let’s celebrate that our Joint Force is a team where men and women of every race, religion, economic background, and sexual orientation proudly take the lead, bringing their
different skills and talents to bear every day to defend our great nation.” Today, there are 24,500 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors serving in the Navy, including eight admirals and 235 master chief and senior chief petty officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages from Asia and the Pacific Islands, living in the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities and ancestry have been serving in the Navy since the early 19th century. The rich history of these cultures, their struggles against adversity to achieve equality, significant contributions to the American experience, and the opportunity to build the
foundation for a bright future are made reality by some great leaders who share the same heritage. Senior leaders serving in the Navy today, who are Asian American and Pacific Islanders, are: Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Command, was previously commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Born in Japan and raised in Tennessee and Florida, he became a P-3 Orion navigator after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. Adm. Raquel C. Bono is the director of the Defense Health Agency. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. Of Filipino descent, her brother, Anatolio B. Cruiz III, was also an admiral in the Navy until he retired in 2013. Rear Adm. Peter A Gumataotao, a native of Guam, is the deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk. Another Sailor of Asian American decent is Capt. Sunita L. Williams, currently serving as an astronaut for NASA. She served as the flight engineer for the Expedition-14 crew and science officer at the International Space Station in 2007. In 2012, she served as a flight engineer on Expedition-32 and then commander of Expedition-33. Her seven space walks set records for women.
CVN
GAMES
staff Commanding Officer CAPT Timothy Kuehhas
Executive Officer CAPT Kenneth Strong
Command Master Chief CMDCM James Tocorzic
Public Affairs Officer LCDR Reann Mommsen
Deputy Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jack Georges
Senior Editor MCC Adrian Melendez
Editors MC3 Kris R. Lindstrom
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Content MC2 Stephane Belcher MC2 Jennifer Case MC2 Loni Lopez MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Jaime Marical MC3 Wyatt Anthony MCSN Kashif Basharat MCSN Clemente Lynch MCSN Michael Wiese MCSA Krystofer Belknap The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents herein are not the visions of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington. All news releases, photos or information for publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer (7726).