Washington Surveyor

By MCSN Michael Botts

By MC3 Devin Bowser

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

GW SAILORS OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF MLK

SAILORS RECOGNIZED FOR HARD WORK

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding Officer CAPT Glenn Jamison

Executive Officer

SAILOR

of the

WEEK

On the cover: Photo illustration by MC3 Devin Bowser.

PHOTO of the

WEEK

CAPT Colin Day

Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey

Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci

Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs

Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editors MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Kashif Basharat MCSN Julie Vujevich

W(Jan. 3, 2018) SN Casey Leetaveon performs shoulder presses at the gym at Huntington Hall. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

Content MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Bryan Mai MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young 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 julie.vujevich@cvnit.navy.mil*

QUESTIONS of the WEEK

DC

Q:

What are the four methods of desmoking?

A:

TION, AND VARI-NOZZLE TECHNIQUE.

HM3 CHEYANNE JOHNSON DEPARTMENT: Medical

3M

Q:

What prohibits the operation or removal of equipment that could jeopardize the safety of personnel or endanger equipment, system, or components?

WHEN I JOINED THE NAVY: 5 years ago.

HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX REASON I JOINED THE NAVY: “I joined to travel the world and to go to school, and just to experience new things.”

PORTABLE EQUIPMENT, NATURAL VENTILATION, INSTALLED VENTILA-

SAFETY

A:

DANGER TAG.

Q: When shall divisional safety training be held by Officer?

A:

MONTHLY.

the Divisional Safety Petty

DEPARTMENT in the

SPOTLIGHT

(Jan. 3, 2018) HM3 John Stone helps FCCS Jamie Harris pack his medical records in order to check out of the command. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)

MEDICAL

By MC3 Brian Sipe

T

aking care of one’s body doesn’t just mean being careful to not get hurt.

Regular check-ups at medical along with the possibility of seeking help for any mental health concerns may be needed to keep oneself in proper working shape.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) medical department is always striving to provide help and guidance to any George Washington Sailor who needs it.

“Our basic goal for the ship is to provide the optimal medical care that we can to the crew,” said Lt. Stephanie Horigan, the ships nurse. “We provide basic medical services including preventative screenings, acute care, treatment, lab work, psychiatric care, different screenings, physical therapy, we respond to any emergency on the ship 24 hours a day, all of the medical training for the crew, smoking cessation programs, radiation health, and health

promotion. In a basic sense, any way that we can help sustain optimal health for the crew is our goal.”

If a Sailor is not medically ready, then they are not operationally ready and cannot properly complete any work that could possibly be vital to the ship. All Sailors are encouraged to stay on top of any medical problems that may occur in order to ensure operational readiness stays as high as possible.

“So, one of the differences

between a carrier and say a smaller ship, is that we have a larger group,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class John Stone, the behavioral health technician. “Since we have a larger clinic we have more operations, so having programs like physical therapy or having a psychologist, are opportunities only provided to carriers.”

According to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Cheyanne Johnson, medical department’s Sailor of the month, it’s harder on the floating accommodation facility (FAF) than it was on the ship due to sometimes having to work with limited resources. However, even though resources are sometimes limited, medical works its hardest to provide the best possible care for its Sailors.

“Being on a carrier is definitely different from being at a hospital,” said Johnson. “I came from a smaller command where there were about 700 staff members, then when I came here it was like a floating city of around 3,000. We don’t just have to do the basic clinic stuff anymore, we have to be aware of everything and everyone’s jobs.

We do each other’s job. You’re not here just to be a sick call corpsman, you need to know how to do labs, you need to know how to do audiograms, so it’s definitely interesting.”

Being medically ready is necessary for all Sailors in order to ensure that the ship is operationally ready. George Washington Sailors have a large number of resources available to them for any medical problems that may occur and are encouraged to use them. For any questions, contact medical department on the 2nd deck of the FAF.

Sailor s

Dedicated

Professional of the Year

“I appreciate what these Sailors are doing to ensure mission readiness as a team, department, command and the most powerful Navy in the world.”

- LSCM Mary Ames

by MC3 Devin Bowser

C

CS1 Quwanda Burnett Senior Sailor of the Year AW/SW

SH2 Allysa Crump Junior Sailor of the Year AW/SW

apt. Glenn Jameson, commanding officer USS George Washington (CVN 73), recognized the command’s Sailor of the Year (SOY) awardees, Dec. 27, 2017.

Four of George Washington’s Sailors were presented to the command as fiscal year 2017 SOY selectees; Culinary Specialist 1st Class Quwanda L. Burnett, Senior Sailor of the Year selectee, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Xiaohong Cao, Sailor of the Year selectee, Ship’s Servieman 3rd Class Allysa L. Crump, Junior Sailor of the Year selectee and Airman Matthew B. Hornung, Blue Jacket of the Year selectee.

The Sailor of the Year program was started by Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, former Chief of Naval Operations and former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet in 1972.

“Recognizing Sailors for what they do says to them even if no one else sees what you are doing that I do,” said Master Chief Logistic Specialist Mary Ames, supply departmental leading chief petty officer.

“I appreciate what these Sailors are doing to ensure mission readiness as a team, department, command and the most powerful Navy in the

world.”

The SOY program was designed to recognize Sailors across the Navy at each command for exemplary performance of their duties.

“Blue Jacket of the Year is an

understand that this award is a product of the discipline and hard work that we display every day. It is an honor to have earned this award.”

A review board consisting of senior-enlisted chief petty

Each year, every Navy ship, station and command around the world chooses its Sailor of the Year based on leadership, professionalism, dedication, and superior performance.

Each of the selectees and candidates serving at this command embrace the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.

amazing accomplishment and one that I certainly do not take lightly,” said Airman Matthew Hornung, from Longview, WA, GW’s Blue Jacket of the Year award winner. “I want my fellow junior sailors to

officers judge Sailors based on their leadership, performance, community service, command involvement and professional appearance.

“I think Sailors set themselves apart to be

recognized by simply taking pride in what they do, doing their jobs to the best of their ability and not taking short cuts or the easy way out,” said Ames. “Taking ownership of their responsibilities and helping other shipmates set the highest standards for themselves are hallmarks of a leader. Being recognized with the honor of Sailor of the Year says to me that even when things are rough these Sailors still come to work with a motivation that is contagious to all those working with and around them.”

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Quwanda Burnett, from Kinston, NC, moves on to compete with all the other SSOY selectees from Command Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT).

“Being a great Sailor means being the best reprensentation of who I am,” said Burnett.

“I am not only representing myself, but I am representing my shipmates and the United States Navy. I am driven to be a positive role model for my child and my junior Sailors. I want them to know no matter what limitations are placed infront of them that they can do whatever they put their minds to.”

LS2 Xiaohong Cao Sailor of the Year AW/SW

AN Mathew Hurnung Blue Jacket of the Year AW/SW

By MCSN Michael Botts

D

r. Martin Luther King Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1929. King was a social activist, as well as an American Baptist minister, who played a key role in the American civil rights movement.

Each year on the third Monday of January King’s life, and legacy of peace and equality are remembered.

From the time King became involved in the civil rights movement, until his death in 1968, King was the voice of the American civil rights movement. King led thousands in many different rallies across the United States, and fought for equality and human rights for African-Americans by using nonviolent and civil disobedience tactics.

Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) take this time to remember the impact King had on our country.

“He opened the countries eyes to the possibility of an equal society,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Garcia, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “He set the precedent for fighting for civil rights peacefully.

Without men and women like Martin Luther King Jr. our country may have never changed.”

King’s speeches and peaceful protests helped put civil rights at the top of the agenda in the United States.

He helped bring about legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“I feel that the impact he made on our country can even be seen and felt today,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Sheltina Beckett, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “He impacted us in a way that even my son, who is African-American, can dream that one day he could be president.

Back then that wouldn’t have been something that could have even been possible.”

Oct. 14, 1964, King became the youngest recipient to of the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice.

Approximately a decade after King’s death, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. was the conscience of his generation,” said

James Carter, the 39th president of the United States. “He made our nation stronger because he made it better.

His dream sustains us yet.”

Without the sacrifice made by the men and women of past times, this country may never have seen an era where people of all colors are treated equally.

“Struggle is a never-ending process,” said Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s wife. “Freedom is never really won, you earn it, and win it in every generation.”

The United States Navy stands at the forefront of freedom in this country. Sailors are encouraged to learn and remember the actions of those who came before them, so that, as a country, we can continue to advance on the path to a better future for all.

The heritage committee aboard George Washington offers a platform for Sailors to come together to honor and remember King.

George Washington is slated to host a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration January 17, at 9 a.m. on the mess decks on the floating accommodation facility.

L

ose more weight. Quit smoking.

Spend more time with the family.

With 2018 here, people have already kicked off the new year by trying to make changes in their lives, and Sailors are no different. New year’s resolutions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from spending less time on social media to hitting the gym more often. However, the struggle to maintain these fresh changes may be harder than expected.

According to Mary Snowsill, the Education Services Facilitator for Newport News Naval Shipyard’s Fleet and Family Support Center, making resolutions stick begins with firm planning.

“A goal without a plan is really just a wish,” said Snowsill. “What are you actually doing to put that plan

into action? What are your goals, and how can you set up a plan to help you achieve those goals? When you develop a goal, have short-term assessments so that you can check your progress along the way. You establish a baseline, and then you have weekly, bi-weekly or monthly check-ins so that you can stay on task and make sure you don’t fall back into old habits. That’s really what you’re doing; creating new habits in line with your goals.”

For those with multiple goals, it’s important to realize that successfully achieving them may take longer than expected.

According to the American Psychological Association website, people should focus on changing one behavior at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course

of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time.

“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” said psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “It is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it one step at a time.”

But which resolution should you tackle first?

“Something you should ask yourself is, ‘what keeps recurring for you? What problem keeps revolving back around,’” said Snowsill. “That may be one to center your focus around. Rather than picking five, six

or more major goals, keep it simple with one or two. We find that when you choose too many resolutions, too many goals, you’re less likely to be successful in any of them. So, pick those top ones you keep experiencing issues with.”

Even taking it slow, making life changes can be stressful, and it’s easy to slip.

The American Psychological Association said to remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and okay.

“Make this transformation an enjoyable one,” said Snowsill. “Make sure to build in incentives when you do reach a benchmark. Understand that sometimes you’re going to mess up, but don’t just scrap the plan. Start over, start fresh in the right direction,

and ask people to help keep you accountable. Ask for support.”

Support can come in many different forms.

The American Psychological Association says that accepting help from those who care about you, and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help.

For Sailors, one ever-present form of professional help is the Fleet and Family Support Center.

“Finance is usually our number one resolution,” said Snowsill. “Fleet and Family offers classes for finances, everything from credit management to consumer awareness. We have the Signal, which is like our course

catalog for all the different classes that we offer. Sometimes someone might try and establish a budget, and they don’t stick to it because it’s not realistic, and they didn’t really factor in all the tiny expenses. We have certified financial advisors here that can help establish budgets, how to invest money in a safe and realistic way, and even look at retirement options and possibilities.”

The new year is an excellent time to reflect on the past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. Making and following a resolution can be a daunting concept, but it’s far from an impossible task. Whether a Sailor’s goal is better health, finances, or even family togetherness, by approaching it with a positive and realistic attitude, anything is possible.

W (Jan. 19, 2017) Sailors take the chief’s exam on the mess decks aboard the GW. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)

PREPPING

forEXAMS

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

P

romotion to the next paygrade is an integral part in the progression of a Sailor’s career. Arguably the most important part of a Sailor advancing is the semiannual advancement exam administered every March and September. In this examination Sailors are tested on their professional military knowledge and specifics of their rate. Along with annual performance evaluations, advancement exams are the most direct way for a Sailor to receive a promotion.

“I think it’s just like any other type of test you take, the better you prepare the better your results will be,” said Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Michael Grant, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “I’ve learned some studying techniques and what

to expect on the exam by asking my shipmates who have already taken it. I’m preparing to take the test in March so I’ve been studying my [bibliographies] and just trying to put myself in the best position possible for a good result.”

The bibliographies that Grant refers to are the Advancement bibliographies, more commonly referred to as ‘BIBs’. Advancement bibliographies are lists of occupational knowledge references developed to help Sailors study for advancement exams. Advancement Bibliographies are available on the My Navy Portal bibliography page (http:// www.mnp.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center/bibliographies) and Navy COOL (https://www. cool.navy.mil/), and are posted six months before exam dates, giving Sailors plenty of time to prepare.

Along with preparation through studying, on-the-job training is also an effective method to gain knowledge that will be beneficial upon taking an exam.

“I think the best way to learn anything is by actually putting your hands on something and figuring it out,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Johnathan Roop, a Sailor from Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) aboard George Washington. “Everything that I’ve learned from doing my job is more beneficial than any other study material in my opinion.

I could study some test material for hours, but I think the best way for me to retain any information is by getting hands-on and a lot of repetition. Things like getting my [Damage Control] qualifications and my Air [Warfare] pin will help me out

a lot when it comes time to take the test” Given the vast contrast in the styles of preparation, there is no right or wrong way to prepare for an advancement exam. Instead each Sailor is urged to find a method of preparation that best suits them.

There are general tips to aid preparation for an advancement exam.

Rather than studying for hours on end, break up study sessions to avoid fatigue and break up information into manageable amounts.

Avoid attempting to read an entire advancement bibliography in one sitting. Instead underline or highlight pertinent information or make flashcards to quiz yourself.

The March 2018 Navy-wide advancement exams (cycle 239) are fast approaching for Sailors hoping to advance to the next paygrade and progress in their careers. Examination will be administered for E-6 Sailors March 1, E-5 Sailors March 8, and E-4 Sailors March 15. Sailors can expect to see the release of the advancement exam results in May.

(Sept. 21, 2017) SHSN Jose Delgado, right, turns in his exam after completing the Navy-wide advancement exam aboard the ship’s FAF to Sailors assigned to the Personnel department. (Photo

by MC2 Jessica Gomez)

W (Sept. 21, 2017) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) floating accommodation facility take the Navy-wide advancement exam. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)

NAVY NEWS

Carl Vinson Strike Group Departs for Deployment to Western Pacific

CVN

HEALTH/WELLNESS

From Carrier Strike Group 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than cludes aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat 6,000 Sailors assigned to Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Squadron (HSC) 4, the “Blue Hawks” Strike Group ships and units departed 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Lake of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadthe U.S. West Coast Jan. 4-5, for a Champlain (CG 57) and guided-missile ron (HSM 78), the “Bounty Hunters” regularly scheduled deployment to the destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 2, Western Pacific.

108) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34, the The deployment marks the second 112) from Destroyer Squadron 1.

“Kestrels” of VFA-137, the “Golden time the Carl Vinson Strike Group will Michael Murphy is based in Hawaii Dragons” of VFA-192, the “Black Eaoperate throughout the Indo- Pacific and will later join the strike group as it gles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warnregion under U.S. 3rd Fleet’s command transits toward the Western Pacific. ing Squadron (VAW) 113, the “Gauntand control. The strike group became In November, ships and units comlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron the first in recent history to demonpleted a three-week sustainment train(VAQ) 136 and the “Providers” of strate the command and control coning exercise off the coast of Southern Logistic Support Squadron Every day, Fleet on-duty and off-duty injuries put service struct called 3rd Fleet Forward when California. The strike group demon(VRC) 30 Det. 2. members on the sidelines, derailing their productivity units completed a six-month deploystrated readiness for executing misThetheir Carlfitness Vinson Group is to a and threatening forStrike duty. Exposure ment last year. sions across all warfare areas after suc- does, premier naval force.

It provides U.S. injury violence too—whether it results in physical Ships deploying from U.S. 3rd Fleet cessfully conducting a series of at-sea leaders capable and ready options for or psychological trauma. The thing is: many injuries to the Western Pacific traditionally drills, missile shoots and strike operamaintaining regional securiare preventable.

That’s where wemaritime come in. The Navy shifted to U.S. 7th Fleet after crosstions using a variety of naval platforms ty, stability and freedom of the seas and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC)in ing the international dateline. The 3rd and weapons. accordance with international andyou Health Promotion and Wellness Departmentlaw offers Fleet Forward construct expands U.S. Carrier Air Wing 2 includes more customs. practical tools, educational resources, and evidence3rd Fleet’s control of ships and airthan 70 aircraft from the “Black based prevention strategies that help keep Sailors craft across the Western performing at their peak—on and off the job.

Pacific and beyond the international dateline to India, enabling U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet to operate together across a broad spectrum of maritime missions in region.

“I look forward to the strike group further demonstrating 3rd Fleet’s evolving operational role across the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander. “We are trained and ready to execute our W (Jan. 5, 2018) U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) man the rails as the ship departs its homeport of San Diego. Carl Vinson departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, mission.” in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass CommuThe strike group innication Specialist 1st Class Omar A. Dominquez/Released)

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For more information on your local resources, contact: NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER PREVENTION AND PROTECTION START HERE

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NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER