WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
AUGUST 8, 2017
By MC3 Jacob Goff
MAKINGMUSTANGS GW MUSTANGS HOST COMMISSIONING FAIR
By MCSA Julie Vujevich
SELFLESSDONORS GW HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE
By MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom
HELPINGTHEYOUTH GW SAILORS CLEAN BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
On the cover: (July 31, 2017) CS3 Kate Phillips picks up leaves during a community relations (COMREL) event cleaning up the Boys and Girls Club.(Photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom)
PHOTO of the
SELFLESSDONORS
GW HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE FOR ASBP
DAY
By MCSA Julie Vujevich
S (Aug. 4, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is towed by tug boats to its new homeport in Newport News, Virginia. (Photo by MC3 Carter Denton)
The Washington Surveyor Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
CAPT Glenn Jamison
CDR Colin Day
CMDCM James Tocorzic
Public Affairs Officer
Deputy PAO
Media DLCPO
Media LPO
LCDR Gregory L. Flores
LTJG Andrew Bertucci
MCC Mary Popejoy
MC1 Alan Gragg
overseas, whether they are fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq. The blood that is collected after we deliver it to the troops, is used for dependents and family members that are ill.” According to ASBP’s website, blood donors can save three lives with a single donation. By giving a little of yourself, your donation gives sick or injured troops and their families a second chance at life. Donations can save a service member injured in action, a child with cancer, or a family member in need of heart surgery. Not everyone can donate blood for one reason or another, so before you roll up your sleeve, make sure you meet the following guidelines: • Weigh at least 110 pounds • Be at least 17 years of age (age
Staff
Editors MC3 Kashif Basharat
ailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a blood drive July 28 at the ships’ Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) in support of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP). The ASBP provides blood products to service members, veterans and their family members, wherever and whenever, in times of need. As a joint operation among the military services, the ASBP has many components working together to collect, process, and store, distribute, and transfuse blood worldwide. “It is extremely important that service members donate blood” said Tiffany Cherry, an ASBP representative. “We use the blood to send to our troops
may vary by state, contact your local ASBP blood donor center for details) • Have been feeling well for at least three days • Be well hydrated • Have eaten something prior to donating If you meet all the above requirements, the ASBP encourages people of all blood types to donate. “People should really try to donate blood when they can, even if it hurts,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Dean Washington. “Being uncomfortable for the few seconds it takes to donate is worth it in the long run when it can save someone’s life.” With 41 sign-ins, and 31 donors, George Washington Sailors did their part to save a life, and that alone makes the event a success. “My favorite part about volunteering is knowing that we are helping people and saving lives,” said Hospitalman Taylor Gatlin. This blood drive was the last one George Washington Sailors participated in before the ship transited to Newport News, Virginia, Aug. 4, for a scheduled refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). RCOH is a nearly four-year project performed only once during a carrier’s 50-year service life that includes refueling of the ship’s two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repair, upgrades and modernization.
MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Kris Lindstom MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Anna Van Nuys
MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff MC3 Jamin Gordon
MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer
MCSA Julie Vujevich
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).
*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at kashif.basharat@cvnit.navy.mil*
(July 28, 2017) HM3 Dean Washington participates in a blood drive FAF in support of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP). (Photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)
(July 28, 2017) HM3 Dean Washington participates in a blood drive FAF in support of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP). (Photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)
(July 27, 2017) Cmdr. Michael Garber speaks to Sailors during a commissioning fair. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
(July 27, 2017) Sailors attend a commissioning fair hosted by the members of the George Washington Mustangs. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
“I would like to see Sailors doing their due diligence, getting excited
MAKINGMUSTANGS GW MUSTANGS HOLD COMMISSIONING FAIR By MC3 Jacob Goff
F
or many enlisted Sailors, becoming an officer is their primary career goal. If they are successful, they will officially have the title of mustang, a person who has moved from enlisted to officer. Oftentimes information on the process can be scarce, though. To remedy this, the mustangs aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) held a commissioning fair. “It was first and foremost to introduce our Sailors who want to become officers to officers that are in a designation they might be interested in,” said Ensign Brian Smith, the education services officer. “We had officers from five programs to discuss those options and answer any questions. We also had a PowerPoint and some guest speakers.” Some of the attendees may have only come for the free donuts, but they left with a wealth of information. The event was an open forum where the officers
could share their experiences and their tips on how to successfully become an officer. “The biggest note I took from the fair was to remain competitive and remain eager for the program of your choosing,” Said Yeoman Third Class Joshua Hill, who attended the event. “I wasn’t even aware of one of the programs before I went to the fair, but now it’s another option for me.” The idea to have an officer job fair was organized by one mustang who had seen commissioning power points and had also attended job fairs. “It’s great for us to show people power points that give them the information they need to become an officer, but I think the thing people struggle with is the mentorship part of it,” said Lieutenant Joel Pena, one of the event organizers. “The best way that I see to get that out is for the Sailors to be able to talk to the officers in a setting like
and starting the process; the sailors really have to take it from here, though.” - Ens. Brian Smith
this.” Sometimes it is not information that holds Sailors back from becoming officers, it can be that they were caught up with their day-to-day responsibilities and lost the drive to pursue their officer package. “A lot of Sailors talk about it, but they aren’t willing to go through the process,” said Smith. “I would like to see Sailors doing their due diligence, getting excited and starting the process; the sailors really have to take it from here, though,” The process may not be an easy one, but there are resources available and people who have been through the process willing to help. If you are interested in taking advantage of any of the Navy’s officer programs, you can get help from the education services officer (ESO) located in the Maritime Square building room 203 at 2600 Washington Ave, Newport News, Va. 23607.
(July 27, 2017) Ens. Brian Smith speaks to Sailors during a commissioning fair. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
(July 27, 2017) Lt. Cmdr. Homer Hensy speaks to Sailors during a commissioning fair. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
HELPINGTHEYOUTH GW SAILORS CLEAN BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB By MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom
(July 31, 2017) ABFAN Lavonte Wess and YNSN Carolyn Lucious bag up leaves during a community relations (COMREL) event cleaning up the Boys and Girls Club.(Photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom) (July 31, 2017) Sailors bag up leaves during a community relations (COMREL) event cleaning up the Boys and Girls Club.(Photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom)
T
hrough the chaos of children and young adolescents trampling the ground at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport News, Sailors were hard at work clearing the leaves of their beloved, moderately forested playground and common areas on July 31. Coordinated by the Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD), volunteers from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were armed with rake and hoe to clean up around this hot spot for children of all ages to congregate during community relations (COMREL) event. “We’re mostly just raking up leaves and cleaning up the area,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kate Phillips. “It looks it hasn’t been done in a couple of years so we are cleaning it up, bagging it up and taking it out of here.” Phillips frequents the list of volunteers from GW’s wide array of COMREL events and believes in the efforts to her core. “I love volunteering because it makes me feel good,” said Phillips while wiping away the sweat from her brow. “It’s nice to step out from the daily grind of work. It helps me to know that I’m helping whether I am working with animals and helping the workers at a shelter, or here cleaning up and helping out the staff who are busy with the kids. I think it’s important to be helpful.” Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Alexandre Brummell believes highly in this particular event because it brings him back to when he walked around in these kids shoes. “For me, it’s all about giving back to the community,” said Brummell. “Back in St.
Louis, a lot of us were in Boys and Girls Club’s ourselves and we would see people come and help out like we are. This is my turn to step up and give back.” COMRELS hold an importance showing the neighborhoods in proximity of a 90,000 ton warship that her occupants are helpful and caring people too. “I think it’s important to show that we are not just a fighting force,” said Phillips. “That we do care about our country and our smaller communities. Sometimes military people can come off as intimidating, so I think it’s good to show that we are friendly and here to help.” The vitality of the kids seeing people show up and diligently work while they play around also could have a positive and subliminal effect on them. “We are impacting the kids day,” said Brummell. “We got the kids coming up to us asking what we are doing and watching us work, so we see the positive influence in what we are doing.” Seven volunteers participated in this particular COMREL and there is always room for more Sailors to get involved. For Phillips, it’s always an opportunity to give back. “I looked at the weekly emails that CRMD gives out for COMRELS,” said Phillips. “I try to volunteer for one or so every two weeks. I also volunteer on my own time on the weekends at Virginia Beach SPCA so I just want to get out there and stay busy.” Sailors interested in volunteering for any future events and COMRELs can contact CRMD or speak with someone in their chain of command for upcoming opportunities.
(July 31, 2017) ABFAN Lavonte Wess glances at bags of leaves during a community relations (COMREL) event cleaning up the Boys and Girls Club.(Photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom)
(July 31, 2017) MMFN Adriana Cancholagonzalez rakes leaves during a community relations (COMREL) event cleaning up the Boys and Girls Club. (Photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom)
COMMAND CAREER COUNSELORS By MC3 Carter Denton
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here is a saying in the Navy: ‘You’re a Sailor first.’ Though Sailors have specific rates that designate what job they do in the Navy, they also have the job of being a Sailor. They must stand watch, maintain the material readiness of their ship and be ready to fight fire, flooding or any other danger that threatens the ship they serve aboard. With all of these responsibilities, it can be difficult for Sailors to steer their military career in the right direction. It is the job of a Command Career Counselor (CCC) to help guide and instruct Sailors along their desired career path. “Primarily we’re responsible for giving information to Sailors so they can make informed decisions regarding their career progression,” said Senior Chief Navy Counselor Nickole Palmore-Seay, a CCC assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). According to the Career Counselor page on the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website, “The CCC serves as the critical link between an individual Sailor, his or her command, and supporting Navy organizations, including NPC. On behalf of the commanding officer, the CCC is responsible for managing
(Aug. 3, 2017) NCCM Ellis Picheloupe (left) and NC1 William Boudreaux, the Command Career Counselors, pose for a photo. (Photo by MC3 Carter Denton)
the Navy Enlisted Retention and Career Development Program within his or her command. Assigned to a position of great trust, the CCC reports directly to the executive officer via the command master chief, chief of the boat, or senior enlisted leader. CCCs deal with things like ensuring Sailors’ Career Development Boards (CDB) are being conducted and entered into Career Management System. CDBs are a periodic review of a Sailor’s career progression by departmental leadership and a career counselor, which is designed to provide the Sailor with the guidance needed to successfully manage their own careers and to meet personal and professional goals. According to a 2012 navy.mil article titled, “Career Development Boards Chart Course for Navy Career” from Navy Personnel Command-PMW 240 Public Affairs, CDBs become the backbone of a Sailor’s career in setting goals and guiding educational courses.” “CDBs really helped me lay out a plan for the direction I wanted my career to go in,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Gonzalez. “They are a great tool for Sailors to utilize.” No matter where a Sailor is at in their naval career, CCCs play a vital role in
their career progression. “What we do can make or break a person’s career,” said Palmore-Seay. “I take it extremely seriously because their livelihood is in my hands.” CCCs are usually rated Navy Counselors (NC). Unlike other ratings, NC is not open to incoming recruits and the rating must attract first and second class petty officers with career counselor experience from the fleet to cross-rate to NC. “As a young Sailor coming in I didn’t have anybody to help me or teaching me the way things worked when it came to my career,” said Quartermaster First Class Teri Richards, who is in the process of cross-rating to Navy Counselor. “So if I could be that person that could help that Sailor get what they want out of their career, that’s the joy right there and that’s why I want to became a career counselor.” CCCs are vital in helping junior and senior Sailors navigate the various obstacles and opportunities throughout their naval career. To learn more about services offered by a Command Career Counselor, see your departmental career counselor or visit www.cool.navy.mil/usn/enlisted/ ccc.
NAVY NEWS
SECNAV’s Message to the Navy and Marine Corps From SECNAV Public Affairs
“It is with great excitement and humility that I take on the role of your 76th secretary of the Navy. The excitement is born from the challenges and opportunities that we face now and in the near future.” - Richard V. Spencer, secretary of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On Aug. 3, Richard V. Spencer, a native of Connecticut, was sworn in as the 76th secretary of the Navy. The following is his opening statement: Sailors, Marines and Civilian Teammates, It is with great excitement and humility that I take on the role of your 76th secretary of the Navy. The excitement is born from the challenges and opportunities that we face now and in the near future. Due to your consistent ability to successfully deliver on all demands put before you, there is a commensurate level of expectation for more of the same going forward. Therein lies the
challenge we face and prudency says we should expect that challenge to grow as the threats around the world continue to increase. Within every challenge lies opportunity and I urge everyone to adopt that point of view. Every member involved in the Navy Marine Corps team has the opportunity to make a contribution towards a more effective, versatile, resilient and lethal organization. You, as a member of this team, will have access to a wide range of resources. Those resources must be applied in the most impactful manner possible in order to enhance our ability to deliver when called to fight. I look to each of you to seize the opportunity and contribute to enhancing the effort. I am humbled to be in the position to
lead an enterprise that is manned with such a stunning amount of proven talent. Our Nation’s all volunteer force, and supporting teammates, are second to none. That is because of you. I believe that the most valuable asset within an organization is the high performing human component. We will work together to ensure we have the best, sustainable environment in order to continue our history of delivering when requested. Make no mistake, we are facing a threat level that has not been witnessed for quite some time and urgency is the manner in which we must all act as the complexity of threats increase in size and scope. We must all be focused on the pointed end of the spear. I eagerly look forward to working with you as we step out to face the challenges set before us and embrace the opportunities that lie within those challenges.
CVN
HEALTH/WELLNESS