WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
May 13, 2019
BY MC3 Michael Botts
By MCSN Jack Lepien
AVIATION BOATSWAIN’S MATE (EQUIPMENT)
UNLOCKING LIBERTY
RECOVERING MORE THAN AIRCRAFT
THE KEY TO THE BASTILLE
By MC2 Marlan Sawyer
By MCSN Tatyana Freeman
BECOMING A LEADER
MILITARY MOMS
SHIP’S SERVICEMAN COMMUNITY HOSTS LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
MATRIARCHS OF WORK AND HOME
washington surveyor Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison
Executive Officer Capt. Daryle Cardone
Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey
Public Affairs Officer
MMFN Bailey Nelson DC3 Trevor Convers MA2 Robert Creager ABE3 Shantol Deonarine PS3 Sherane Blackman MA2 Zachariah Jordan MA2 Anthony Reynolds MM3 Edgard Ramirez
AA Chancey Green SHSN Tavian Douglasrogan MR2 Johnathon Smith AA Cortez Maraj ABHAN Xavier Pettway LS2 Bryant Guerrero
Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tyler Barker
Departmental LCPO MCCM Reginald Buggs
Divisional LCPO MCC Christina Shaw
Editors
MC3 Adam Ferrero MCSN Jack Lepien MCSN Tatyana Freeman
Content MCC Mary Popejoy MC1 Patrick Grieco MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Kenneth Gardner MC2 Anthony Hilkowski MC2 Alan Lewis MC2 Marlan Sawyer MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Kyle Loree MC3 Zack Thomas MC3 Julie Vujevich MC3 Elizabeth Cohen MCSN Samuel Pederson MCSN Cory Daut MCSA Stephen Sullins 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.
ESWS Coordinators
EAWS Coordinators
EIWS Coordinators
HMC Knesha Wimbush CSC Joe Magri
ABHC Rodney Martinez ABH1 Jade Cobb
ITC Xica Johnson CTT1 Nicollette Jeffery
“It takes many good deeds to build a reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”
~ Benjamin Franklin
SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT
LS3 Dominique Smithrichardson Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Smithrichardson, from Portsmouth, Virginia is assigned to the supply department. He joined the Navy October 5, 2015 with the career goal of retiring and investing his money. “My favorite part of my job is interacting with and meeting the needs of customers,” said Smithrichardson. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and recording music. His favorite movie is “Head of State,” his favorite song is “Dress it Up” by 03 AVO, and his favorite food is fried pork chops.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jacob Fraley, from Shelbyville, Kentucky, conducts routine maintenance on catapult four. ((U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Ferrero)
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment)
Recovering More than Aircraft
O
ne of the main missions of an aircraft carrier is the launch and recovery of aircraft at sea. With this capability, aircraft carriers bring enhanced lethality, forward power projection, and sheer presence from and to any ocean on Earth. These embarked aircraft in turn deter aggression, support troops on the ground, and give warfare commanders a strategic edge in the fight. Crucial to supporting this mission are aviation boatswain’s mates (AB).
Story by MC3 Michael Botts
ABs specialize in the launch and recovery of aircraft on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, in the fueling and fuel systems of aircraft, and in aircraft handling, firefighting, and salvage and rescue operations. ABs are a versatile group of Sailors, and can further specialize in a unique aspect of the rate. One such specialization is aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment) (ABE). “As ABE’s we maintain any launch and recovery equipment, such as catapults and the arresting gear,”
said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Jacob Fraley, from Shelbyville, Kentucky, and assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “ABE’s are also responsible for visual landing aids, such as lights on the flight deck.” Like other Sailors, especially those attached to “floating cities at sea,” ABEs work tireless hours and sometimes in tough conditions to complete their mission and keep aircraft launching off the flight deck.
“The job of an ABE comes with long days and a lot of hard work. In the morning you are up an hour or two before flight operations start,” said Fraley. “All of our gear and equipment needs to be pre-opt [pre-operations] for flight operations. Flight operations last usually for 12 hours or even more than that depending on how long they want to fly for. After we finish flight operations, we need to post-opt [post operation] all of our equipment, then do any maintenance required on the equipment. After that, we make sure everything is good to go for tomorrow, get some sleep, and do it all again the next day.” Although the job of an ABE is drastically different during refueling complex overhaul (RCOH), they still play a vital role in George Washington’s current mission of returning to the fleet. “Our job as ABEs here during RCOH is different than when we are out at sea, because we are not launching and recovering aircraft
“The job of an ABE comes with long days and a lot of hard work. In the morning you are up an hour or two before flight operations start.”
and we are not really working on any of our own equipment,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Robert Lightner, from Hartford, Michigan, leading chief petty officer of preventative maintenance (PM) 13. “We are spread out all over the ship on various PM teams helping to get George Washington out of the shipyard on time. After we are done with RCOH, we will have all new and updated equipment, which will help the longevity of the ship for years to come and be able to launch aircraft anywhere in the world to defend our country.” From preparing spaces for maintenance and upgrades during RCOH to the launching and recovering of aircraft out to sea, ABEs remain a keystone to the success of George Washington’s mission and the Navy’s global mission. “Without ABEs, the launching and recovery of aircraft wouldn’t be possible,” said Fraley. “We play a huge role in naval aviation and in the daily operations of an aircraft carrier.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Troy Burnham (left), from Menifee, California, and Airman Benjamin Weinberg from Bakersfield, California, pry apart lockers in a berthing compartment. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Ferrero)
Story by MC2 Marlan Sawyer
Becoming a Leader
Ship’s Serviceman Community Hosts Leadership Symposium
SHCM Eric Maxwell speaks to Sailors at the ship’s serviceman E-6 leadership symposium. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Marlan Sawyer)
M
ost Sailors have an idea of the ideal leader. This individual is a mentor, a parent, a subject matter expert, and ever present on the deckplates. The ideal leader’s Sailors do not follow them because they are told to, but because they want to and are inspired to. This leading Sailor is not born this way though, but forged by the sea. Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) found examples of ideal leadership in a recent leadership symposium. Ship’s serviceman 1st classes from George Washington joined other Hampton Roads Sailors for a ship’s serviceman E-6 leadership symposium at the Training Support Center onboard Naval Station Norfolk April 25 to share group knowledge and experience geared towards professional development. “Even though the symposium
focuses on E-6s, [the Chiefs Mess] should develop every Sailor from E-1 all the way up,” said Master Chief Ship’s Serviceman Eric Maxwell, S3 division leading chief petty officer aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). “Every chance that the [ship’s serviceman] community gets to hold a leadership symposium, we will take advantage of that. Sailors must continue to reach out and accept challenging duties and duty stations to promote their leadership development. Making rank can be competitive, and a Sailor must have what it takes to be selected to advance to the next paygrade.” For one George Washington senior chief petty officer, the symposium was an opportunity for Sailors to interact with their shipmates outside of their normal working environment and share group experiences.
“Our main focus is promoting mentorship, forming a brotherhood, and developing leadership,” said Senior Chief Ship’s Serviceman Lorenzo Lesane, S3 division leading chief petty officer aboard George Washington. “Hosting a symposium is an efficient way to get Sailors together outside the traditional command setting. It allows Sailors to talk more freely about multiple topics that can influence their career.” As is the case with most symposiums or training events, the teachers also benefited from the experience and were able to use it to grow themselves personally and professionally. Master Chief Ship’s Serviceman Maurice Thomas, assigned to Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), talked about what the senior leadership took away from the event. “The Chiefs Mess also benefits from
this symposium,” said Thomas. “These meetings show us what areas have room for improvement. We learn from our junior Sailors, because they are doing rate-specific tasks daily. Some of the issues that they come across, we may have never experienced.” The information provided at the symposium is meant to guide Sailors and provide a road map to sustained superior performance as they prepare to promote through the ranks and lead more Sailors. “Becoming a chief is about the responsibility that you assume, not SHCM Maurice Thomas speaks at the ship’s serviceman E-6 leadership about the increase in pay. All of the symposium. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Marlan Sawyer) senior leadership, including retirees, difficulty of billet, collateral duties, “Share your knowledge with E-7 through E-9, are here to support me community service, and previous other Sailors whenever you have the and other E-6’s throughout our careers,” evaluations.” opportunity,” said Davis. “This is the said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class The ideal leader means nothing if first time we hosted this event and Ryan Davis, from Orangeburg, South that Sailor’s knowledge, mentorship, are already looking forward to next Carolina, S3 division leading petty and example disappears when they do. year’s symposium. Sailors took a lot officer. “The chief selection process Davis said the symposium reinforced of valuable information from it. We is very competitive, and everything is for him the importance of preparing are looking for feedback to make the taken into consideration, including the others to take his place. symposium better for next year.”
SHCM Maurice Thomas speaks to Sailors at the ship’s serviceman E-6 leadership symposium. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Marlan Sawyer)
GW’s N
Mas Chie
In the Navy, only 1% of all eligi become master chiefs. Sharing in such individuals from George W May 6, MCCM Reginald Buggs pinned during a ceremo
Newest
ster efs
ible senior chiefs are selected to n this monumental honor are two Washington’s crew. On Monday, s and CSCM Sanja Walker were ony at Huntington Hall.
UNLOCKING LIBERTY: The Key to Bastille: Part I
F
or 419 years, the key to the Bastille prison in Paris stood as a symbol of oppression. Now, it stands as a testament to freedom, democracy, and the continued friendship between two great revolutionary nations. Although the history of the key is long, it remained relatively uneventful until the involvement of a noble Frenchman, Marquis de Lafayette. Born into a wealthy family, Lafayette quickly rose through the ranks of the French military, earning a commission as a lieutenant in the Noailles Dragoons in 1773, at the age of 15. His life as a French officer quickly fell apart when he was one of many soldiers laid off when the government decreased military spending in 1775. Jobless, he left for the city of Metz for militia duty, where he was invited to attend a dinner with the Duke of Gloucester, King George III’s younger brother. Throughout the dinner, the
Storming of The Bastille by Jean-Pierre Houel
Duke lambasted the democratic ideals of the American revolutionaries. This, Lafayette later said, was the turning point in his life. “My heart was enlisted,” said Lafayette. “I thought only of joining my colors to those of the revolutionaries.” Lafayette set sail for America in 1777, ignoring French King Louis XVI’s orders to remain in France. He was commissioned as a major-general in America’s rapidly-growing army. Lafayette arrived in Gen. George Washington’s camp, and the men were immediately taken by each other. George Washington supposedly loved Lafayette like a son. Layfette had his own personal goal with Washington. “I am here to learn, not to teach,” Lafayette told Washington. Lafayette looked to Washington as a mentor in all matters of war, democracy, and even life in general. They built this relationship over months and years and steps and miles.
By MCSN Jack Lepien
After British Lord Charles Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown in October 1781, Lafayette said goodbye to his mentor and surrogate father and set sail for home. In France, he continued to support the American cause and assisted with negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Although the revolution in America had ended with this treaty, France’s own revolution was on the verge of ignition. Spurred by socio-economic inequality, famine, and political dissatisfaction, 18th century France was a powder keg ready to blow. In 1789, Lafayette contributed to the fervor of the French Revolution, writing the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The Bastille, a highly-garrisoned prison in Paris, was stormed by the people in response to bread shortages and starvation in the city. After being captured, command of the Bastille and the local area was given to Lafayette. The key to the Bastille was surrendered to Lafayette on July 14, 1789. The key that symbolized the tyranny of an oppressive monarchy now stood for the hope of a newly-liberated people . But wait! There’s more! Look for Part II of this story in next week’s Surveyor. For more information about the Key to the Bastille, Marquis de Lafayette, and George Washington, visit https:// www.mountvernon.org/library/ digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/ article/bastille-key/, and https://www. mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/ digital-encyclopedia/article/marquis-delafayette/.
Builder 2nd Class Janelle Bencic, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, prepares to embrace her daughter during the battalion’s homecoming. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Michael Lopez)
Military Moms Matriarchs of Work and Home
E
very May Americans pause to honor motherhood and the special bond that comes from it. Aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors recognize the unique challenges of a Navy mother. These Sailors balance family and ship-family love and care each day. “The hardest thing about being a mom in the Navy is that many times, I feel guilty for the sacrifices I have to make,” said Chief Legalman Angela Houston, from Oakland, California,
Story by MCSN Tatyana Freeman legal department’s leading chief petty officer. “There were times that I thought because I wasn’t physically around my children due to being underway or on deployments, anything that went wrong with my kids was because I was not there physically.” The role of a Navy mother also comes with the acceptance that not only is one’s life changed by children, but that because a Sailor’s job is 24/7, one’s career is changed permanently, as well. “There are sacrifices when you decide to have kids in the Navy due to
understanding the career impact of being on active duty can pose,” said Houston. “It is difficult because the reality is it could impact your sea and shore rotation. That does not mean you have to choose one or the other, but you must be happy with the choice you decide to make.” Likewise, Navy mothers and their children can face the stressful rotation of duty stations and moves across the country or throughout the world. “It’s a big difference being a parent in the Navy,” said Yeoman Seaman
Apprentice Leah Sullivanwalker from Atlanta, a member of George Washington’s combat systems department. “Making sure [my daughter] is okay with knowing we’re going to have to move around and start over every few years – that’s part of the military. We’re going to move around.” When duty calls, a Navy mother must answer like every other Sailor. “I have experienced times coming back from deployment and my young child, at the time, looked at me and had no idea who I was,” said Houston. “There were also times that my son would pack his backpack when I was packing my seabag, and tell me he is coming to the boat with me.” Despite the sacrifices their children have to make, there also comes admiration for the important career their Navy mother has. “[My daughter] thinks it’s cool I’m
“I have experienced times coming back from deployment and my young child, at the time, looked at me and had no idea who I was.” in the Navy,” said Sullivanwalker. “She had to take pictures in her dance uniform, and she got the big picture of me from boot camp, and she was holding it in her pictures.” Despite the challenges mothers in the Navy face daily, support from their families back home help buoy them in their careers.
“I do enjoy being a mom and being in the Navy,” said Houston. “I think regardless, as a working mother, sacrifices would be inevitable. We as mothers in the military cannot allow society to tell you how to be a better mom and not make you feel guilty for deploying or getting underway as needed. Some civilian mothers will say, ‘I can’t do that’ or ‘how do you just leave your kids for that long?’ I do it to better myself and provide a better life for my children. The Navy teaches lessons in many ways, and it is on us as mothers to change the perception and to let other women know you don’t have to choose between the Navy and your children. You can have both, and one is not to blame for the other. Adjust and overcome the obstacles you are faced with. It is not always easy, but it is rewarding.”
NAVY NEWS
SECNAV Names New Destroyer In Honor of US Senator from Georgia From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs
An artist rendering of the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133). (U.S. Navy photo illustration)
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer named a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG 133, in honor of U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, who represented Georgia from 1972 to 1997. “Senator Nunn’s impact on the Navy and Marine Corps team cannot be overstated,” Spencer said. “His leadership in the Senate, specifically as the longserving chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, helped streamline the military chain of command and strengthen our Navy and Marine Corps team. I am pleased that Senator Nunn’s legacy of service to our nation will continue in the future USS Sam Nunn.”
Nunn served in the U.S. Coast Guard 1959 to 1960 and remained in the Coast Guard Reserve until 1968. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1968 and in 1972 was first elected to the U.S. Senate. During his tenure as a U.S. senator, Nunn served as chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He helped draft the Department of Defense Reorganization Act and the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which provided assistance to Russia and the former Soviet republics for securing and destroying their excess nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis response to sea control and power projection. USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously, with offensive and defensive weapons systems designed to support maritime warfare, including integrated air and missile defense and vertical launch capabilities. USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) will be constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship will be 509 feet long, have a beam of 59 feet and be capable of traveling in excess of 30 knots.
GEORGE’S
CORNER