Feb. 10, 2017_Washington Surveyor by USSGW

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

Feb. 10 , 2017

By MCSA Julie Vujevich

MUC

GW EARNs AWARD

By MCC Mary Popejoy

CPO365Begins Dodgeball & Draft Day

By MCSN Krystofer Belknap

frommillington

withlove gw RECEIVES EXPERT guidance on ldo, cwo career Opportunities

By M C SA J u l i e Vu j ev i c h

On the cover: Sailors assigned to GW during calendar year 2015 are now authorized to wear the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon. (Design by MCSA Julie Vujevich)

GWEARNS

PHOTO of the

MUCAWARD

DAY

GW Sailors put together a ramp while volunteering to set up for Polar Plunge 2017 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Photo by MCSN Jamin Gordon)

The Washington Surveyor Commanding Officer

Executive Officer

Command Master Chief

CAPT Timothy Kuehhas

CDR Colin Day

CMDCM James Tocorzic

Public Affairs Officer

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Media DLCPO

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

LTJG Andrew Bertucci

Editors MC1 Alan Gragg MC3 Kashif Basharat

MCC Mary Popejoy

Staff MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke MC3 Wyatt L. Anthony MC3 Jacob Goff

MC3 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Michael E. Wiese MCSN Krystofer N. Belknap MCSN Jamin Gordon 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@cvn73.navy.mil*

hief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John M. Richardson awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Jan. 3. George Washington received the award for superb performance during a scheduled CNO Selected Restricted Availability and an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific and Southern Sea regions while simultaneously executing an unprecedented three carrier crew swap, encompassing the transfer of 6,000 Sailors in three homeports. All Sailors assigned to George Washington during the date range Jan. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015 are now eligible to wear the MUC ribbon—this includes many former George Washington Sailors who are now assigned to the other two carriers involved in the crew swap, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The award recognized Sailors from the three crews for meritorious service from January 2015 to December 2015 and commended them for displaying mission versatility and expertise. “I’m very proud of the accomplishments made by the crews of

USS George Washington, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Ronald Reagan,” said Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, George Washington’s commanding officer. “They successfully executed an unprecedented three hull crew swap, and each crewmember took ownership of George Washington during their time aboard, making George Washington a better ship after each swap.” Kuehhas said the award is also a ref lection of the three crews’ willing-

ness to sacrifice to achieve success. “The families of each crewmember deserve special recognition in the acceptance of this award,” said Kuehhas. “The support of our families and loved ones was absolutely crucial to our success.” While completing their eightmonth deployment, George Washington’s crew enhanced diplomatic relations throughout Seventh, Third and Fourth Fleets while supporting Exercises Talisman, Sabre, Blue Skies V, UNITAS Pacific, Southern Scissors, and UNITAS Atlantic with Australian, Japanese, Peruvian, Chilean, and Brazilian forces, as well as mil-

itary forces from 16 other nations. Sailors aboard George Washington launched and recovered 10,785 aircraft, steamed 52,267 nautical miles, and conducted 25 restricted transits, 8 precision anchorages, and 33 replenishments-at-sea, without mishap. “By their truly distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and unfailing devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of USS George Washington (CVN 73) ref lected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Navy,” stated Richardson in the award citation. Former Secretary of the Navy John T. McNaughton established the MUC in 1967 to recognize units which display valorous or meritorious achievement. The Navy MUC is awarded to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that has distinguished itself, under combat or non-combat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement, which renders the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service. George Washington is homeported in Norfolk and preparing to move to Newport News, Virginia, for the ship’s refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) maintenance.

NEW,

POWERFUL By MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke

FRIENDSHIP

Faculty members from John Tyler Elementary School tour the flight deck. MC1 Alan Gragg explains flight deck operations to John Tyler Elementary School faculty members. (Photo by MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke) (Photo by MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke)

GW works with John Tyler Elementary School

ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) have a new opportunity to reach out to the community and do some good. The John Tyler Elementary School in Portsmouth is looking for Sailors to help students, especially in math and reading groups. Members of the ship’s First Class Petty Officer Association, led by Logistics Specialist 1st Class Rachel Ryan, strengthened the burgeoning relationship with the school by giving a tour of the ship to the principal and three staff members, Jan. 27. John Tyler Elementary School is categorized as a Title I school. This refers to the funds the Department of Education provides to the school based on the percentage of students from a low socioeconomic bracket. “We have grades Kindergarten through sixth with approximately 650 students,” said Heidi Lewis, principal of John Tyler Elementary School. “Our demographic features a lot of students from low income families. Many of our students are in foster care or being raised by other relatives.” Volunteering at Title I can be a mutually beneficial experience.

Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, right, talks with faculty members of John Tyler Elementary School. (Photo by MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke)

Volunteers have the opportunity to positively impact the future of their community, and children receive individualized attention help teachers provide the best possible environment and education. “We are giving back to the children and children are very receptive,” said Ryan. “They like to see people in uniform. They talked and asked questions. ‘Is that your last name?’ ‘What does this mean on your collar?’ They’re very sweet, very receptive and very interested in everything that we do.” Lewis stated in her message on the

school website that she will “motivate our community to participate in our school community by having a presence in the community, on social media, and host outreach programs to welcome our community members.” Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Gerald Johnson, a member of the FCPOA, said GW’s Command Master Chief James Tocorzic reached out to the FCPOA and Chief Petty Officer mess to get this opportunity set up regularly at the school. “We wanted to get involved so we could help tutor students and give back to the commu-

nity,” said Johnson. “We want to make a difference and help bring the community together.” Lewis said she has already seen the positive impact Sailors have on the students. “They really enjoy having a new face to help them,” said Lewis. “The Sailors are very helpful. The uniform commands some attention, and it is nice for the students to bond with them as well.” Sailors who would like to volunteer at John Tyler Elementary School should contact AO1 Gerald Johnson at j-dial 4920.

3 O 6 P 5 C

DRAFT DAY

t’s not always easy to get all Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and First Class Petty Officers (FCPO) aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) together for CPO 365 Phase I, so to make it more manageable, a Draft Day and Dodgeball tournament was held Jan. 24 at McCormick Gym on Naval Station Norfolk. For the draft, names of CPOs and FCPOs were drawn and then assigned to eight ships named after historic U.S. Navy Chiefs. The ship names are USS Delbert Black (DDG 119), USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), USS John Finn (DDG 113), USS Hill (DE-141), USS Truett (FF-1095),

By MCC Mary Popejoy

DODGE BALL

USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Reeves (DE-156) and USS Tomich (DE-242). “Each ship is assigned a Command Senior Chief and a senior enlisted leader (SEL), along with other CPOs in key positions,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Venita Johnson, CPO 365 Phase 1 lead. “It is their responsibility to ensure the FCPOs on their ships are receiving the information. The teamwork training events organized by the Phase 1 committee are in place to test the validity of the ship training ensuring our FCPOs are setup for success.” Once the ships were manned and ready, personnel put their game faces on for dodgeball. The basketball court

was divided in half so four teams could play at a time. At the beginning of the dodgeball game, the balls were lined up on the central dividing line. When the game started, the players simultaneously rushed toward the center line and tried to grab one of the dodgeballs and throw or roll it backwards to their teammates. The games were intense with a lot of camaraderie and team spirit, but ultimately, there could only be one winner—USS McFaul. “We were one of the smaller groups, but we came together as a team, played hard and won,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Henry Johnson. “It just goes to show that

Chiefs and first class petty officers participate in a game of dodgeball. (Photo by MCC Mary Popejoy)

teamwork makes the dream work.” Even though teams played for bragging rights, the goal of CPO 365 was to create a training plan geared more toward mentorship and camaraderie. “I think having a CPO 365 Program that adds a competitive edge promotes teamwork between both the CPO and FCPO Mess,” said Command Master Chief James Tocorzic, GW command master chief. “CPO 365 builds on the mindset that we are stronger as a team than we ever will be individuals. You have to have confidence in those around you and be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. Our role as enlisted leaders is too much for

one person to accomplish successfully by themselves, and you have to rely on your brothers and sisters in your Mess if you’re going to make your command and Sailors successful.” In a game of dodgeball it might not feel like the ideal learning environment, but for those in attendance, it was the perfect forum for training. “It was fun,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Lakeisha Moye. “Events like this are a lot better than looking at a PowerPoint presentation. This brings us all together, so we get out of our comfort zones, network, and learn new leadership styles.” “It mixes this up and takes the mo-

notony out of it,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Dave Hooker. “This is a great way to not only better ourselves, but our ship too.” From dodgeball, to community relations projects, to physical training, Johnson said she hopes this team concept approach will help FCPOs as they improve upon their leadership style. “I hope they truly get something out of the training, so they can immediately take this knowledge back to their divisions and make a positive impact for their Sailors,” said Johnson. “I also hope within their peer group they are able to improve on networking and teamwork skills, but most of all just have fun!”

By M C 3 Wyat t L . A n t h o ny

FROMMILLINGTON

WITHLOVE GW Receives expert guidance ON LDO, CWO career opportunities

Lt. Holly Taylor, the assistant Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) community manager, briefs GW Sailors about the LDO and CWO programs. (Photo by MC3 Wyatt L. Anthony)

he The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) community managers from Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, Jan. 31, to brief Sailors of opportunities to pursue career paths through the LDO or CWO programs. More than 40 GW Sailors, ranging in rank from E-4 to E-6, were in attendance. The brief, conducted by Lt. Holly Taylor, the assistant LDO and CWO community manager, covered a wide array of topics for Sailors to consider when applying for the program. “We hold these types of briefs to assist Sailors interested in the LDO and CWO programs,

and bring some of our knowledge, hints and tips from Millington out to the Fleet,” said Taylor. For Sailors who are interested in being selected for LDO or CWO in the future, Taylor explained some of the key things they look for when choosing from the pool of applicants. “When we go through the applicants’ packages we look to see if they have technical experience and leadership within their field, or rating,” said Taylor. “Some other important things that we look for are some challenging assignments (sea duties, special shore programs, and overseas tours), successful LPO or LCPO tours, collateral duties, qualifications and education. Overall, we look for the best and most qualified Sailors.”

Machinist Mate 1st Class William Brown, who attended the brief, explained the importance of learning as much as possible for the application process. “I came today to get valuable information for the LDO program and to gain some mentorship,” said Brown. “Today taught me that I can never give up, to continue submitting packages and the importance of having a great mentor.” With years of enlisted service, LDOs and CWOs bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the officer ranks. “Having an LDO or CWO who is highly qualified and knowledgeable is a must-have resource in the Navy,” said Taylor. “They bring the enlisted experience to the wardroom and that is something that is invaluable.”

Lt. Holly Taylor, the assistant Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) community manager, briefs GW Sailors about the LDO and CWO programs. (Photo by MC3 Wyatt L. Anthony)

CVN

MAZE

GAMES CROSSWORD

SUDOKU RIDDLES 1) I am the beginning of sorrow and end of sickness. You can not express happiness without me yet I am the midst of crosses. I am always in risk yet never in danger. You may find me in the sun yet never out of darkness. What am I? 2) What can you hold without ever touching, or using your hands? 3) When can you add 2 to 11 and get 1 as your answer? 1) The letter ‘S’ 2) Your breathe 3) When you add two hours yo 11 o’clock