WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
SEPT. 14, 2017
By USS George Washington Public Affairs
NAVYCHIEFNAVYPRIDE
On the cover: (Sept. 16, 2016) Chief petty officer combination covers rest on a table during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)
MESSAGE FROM CMC JAMES TOCORZIC
Spirit of Freedom,
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n this edition of the Washington Surveyor we recognize and celebrate the selection of 30 first class petty officers to the rank of chief petty officer. Since 1893 the United States Navy Chief Petty Officer has been
recognized worldwide for technical expertise and leadership. Every Friday at Recruit Training Command we graduate approximately 1000-1200 basi-cally trained Sailors for service in the fleet, but only 100 of those will ever don the Gold Fouled Anchors worn by the Chief. Friday September 15th we will recognize and frock 30 of our own to the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. The selection process is thorough and the key ingredient in each selection is sustained superior performance of his or her duties. Our Navy is so competitive that there is a very fine line between fully qualified and best qualified. Having selfless dedication to our Navy, command, and community is often what separates the two. It takes a lot of hard work to reach the rank of Chief Petty Officer; now I’ll ask our newest Chief
Petty Officers and collective CPO Mess to put all that hard work into the Sailors we lead. Over the past six weeks we’ve challenged these 30 individuals both physically and mentally. We’ve focused on dedicated leadership training and not the borderline hazing of years past. We place an emphasis on teamwork and utilizing all resources to benefit our Sailors and command, which are traits we can all implement on a daily basis to in-crease productivity and efficiency. We have given them a strong foundation in leadership, teamwork, unity and esprit de corps, but regardless of paygrade our learning never stops. I look forward to seeing how they apply what they’ve learned as they enter our Chiefs Mess and continue to lead Sailors and support the Wardroom.
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
Staff
Editor MC3 Jamin Gordon
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 Kashif Basharat
MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer
MCSN 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*
SILENTPROFESSIONALS
THE HISTORY OF CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
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BY MC1 DANIEL GARAS, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY PUBLIC AFFAIRS
ince the days of antiquity, highly skilled seamen have been prized for their knowledge and skill. As vessels grew more complex, duties began to split into different responsibilities, which evolved into a rating system that was first formally organized by the Royal Navy and later adopted by the U.S. Navy. This system of rank and position aboard a ship traces its roots to English society. In his book “England’s Sea-Officers,” author Michael Lewis describes the creation of this system as a mix of two hierarchies, one of official ranks and a social divide between gentlemen and non-gentlemen. According to “History of the Chief Petty Officer Grade,” by U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lester B. Tucker, the earliest known use of the term dates back to 1776 when Jacob Wasbie, a cook’s mate, was pronounced “Chief Cook” aboard USS Alfred. Although given the title, Tucker surmises that rather than hold any position of authority amongst the crew, it was to denote him as the foremost cook aboard the ship amongst his peers in his rating. Perhaps the earliest formal attempt to create the rank of chief petty officer came in 1853. Jason M. Juergens, author of the “Chief Petty Officer Leadership Thesis,” wrote that as manning levels increased to accommodate a growing fleet, attempts to establish the precedence of petty officers under Navy regulations began. Initially approved by the President, it was revoked a few months later by the attorney general, as only Congress could approve these regulations. The rank of chief petty officer as it is recognized today was officially established April 1, 1893, and with the exception of schoolmasters, ships’ writers and carpenters’ mates, all petty officers of the first class were automatically shifted to the new rank in April 1895. Ratings have come and gone to evolve
with the modernization of the Navy, but chief petty officers have been used to head these ratings in official capacities since 1893. According to Tucker, only two ratings have remained in continuous use since 1797 – boatswain’s mate and gunner’s mate. Armed with official recognition, chiefs of the past went on to lay the foundation for their modern day counterparts. As servant-leaders, they acted as the unique lynchpin between officers and enlisted personnel who executed daily operations, and also took a leading role in the career development of junior petty officers. Additionally, chiefs were celebrated not only for their technical expertise, but their administrative abilities as well. Knowledge in the intricacies of the ship’s daily operations and ability to coordinate with various departments gave chiefs unique abilities that were unrivaled by even the most senior officers. With this newly recognized position of authority and expertise they were bestowed with uniform devices to recognize their merit. At first, the only distinction was the advent of a rocker to their rating badge. According to Juergens, borrowing the master-at-arms rating that used three stripes, a single rocker was added and became official in 1894. The fouled anchor as a cap device was introduced in 1905; collar devices did not become an official part of the uniform until 1959. Additionally, chiefs were given their own space on ships. Referred to as the “Chief’s Mess,” it is off-limits to anyone else (officer or enlisted) without invitation and is affectionately called the “Goat Locker.” Up until the Second World War, chiefs evolved into disciplinarians that exercised and dispended a great deal of unwritten naval law. According to “The Role of the Chief Petty Officer in the Modern Navy” by Don A. Kelso, “they served as exacting
supervisors, highly proficient specialists and acted as advocates to higher authority.” After World War II, the demobilized Navy was left with a top-heavy organization that frequently utilized chiefs in billets normally filled by junior petty officers. Kelso cites that this overflow of manpower, compounded with administrative overhauls to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which frowned upon negative enforcement of discipline, began to obscure the basic importance of the chief petty officer in the modern Navy. The changes did not go unnoticed. As Kelso writes, both chief petty officers and commissioned officers recognized the dangers of reducing the vital role of chiefs from servant leaders to mere figureheads. Efforts began to repurpose the mess to reflect the prewar role of the chief as leaders, specialists and the main liaison official between officers and the enlisted Sailor. “The chief petty officer is responsible for three facets of leadership relative to the men placed in his charge,” Kelso writes. The effective discipline of their Sailors, the effective supervising of the work their Sailors perform, and finally, to act as an advocate for their Sailors’ best interests. These repurposing efforts of the past have carried on reflecting the chief of today’s Navy. Chief petty officers fulfill a vital function in the operation of the Navy’s military and work schedule. Drawing on their past, they serve as technical experts, act as the liaison to commissioned officers and possess the ability to establish and maintain the conditions that provide Sailors with opportunities for success. The ability to bridge the gap and provide solutions to both officers and enlisted personnel makes them not only silent professionals, but also ensures the old mantra, “ask the Chief,” shall remain a vital part of the Navy well into its future.
THEROAD T
TOCHIEF By MCC Mary Popejoy
here isn’t a special formula to make chief, which means it is entirely up to the Sailor to make sure their record and professional development is right where it needs to be to stand out to the selection board. How does one prepare for chief? Start early! Check your eval continuity, PRIMS, awards, college degrees if applicable, designation letters, qualifications and Navy Enlisted Classifications often because they are key items board members look at when reviewing records, which is why record maintenance is key in leadership. “Chiefs are supposed to be top level leaders and managers,” said Master Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie Ryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element- West senior enlisted advisor. “If a first class can’t manage their own record, how are they going to lead and manage others? It’s a direct reflection of the Sailor.”
Maintaining your record is simple to do, and can be the deciding factor of whether or not someone is worthy of selection. “Sailors need to remember that the selection board is grading hundreds of records by rating. If your record doesn’t stand out, you will not be selected,” said Ryan. “Sailors should ask themselves, what can I do to stand out? Command-level collateral duties and peer group involvement are great ways to do this.” Reading the board precept is also a must-read. “The precept explains exactly what the selection board is looking for when determining who makes chief and who doesn’t,” said Command Master Chief James Tocorzic, USS George Washington (CVN 73) command master chief. “The number one contributing factor each year is sustained superior performance. You can’t sit on the sidelines and make chief. You have to be engaged in the
command, your profession (rate), and take on the hard jobs and assignments.” Being competitive doesn’t mean you have to be a leading petty officer (LPO), it just means you need to find a different way to stand out. “There are countless ways to be a leader in today’s Navy,” said Ryan. “If you are not the LPO, look for ways to lead in other areas like collateral duties and peer groups. For example, don’t just be a member of the FCPOA, get elected as an officer or try to lead a committee or special project.” Seek out leadership opportunities early because before you know it, you’ll be up for chief and those junior evals will be seen by the selection board. “The road to chief begins at the senior PO2 level,” said Ryan. “A first class who makes board the first time they are eligible will actually have E-5 evals within the past five years
“What better way to demonstrate you’re ready for the next level than by already performing at that level. Never shy away from a challenge or tough job because those are the assignments that really test your resolve for additional responsibility.” -CMC James Tocorzic
that the selection board will see. It’s get something more “hands on” like cialist Mark Young, George Washimportant that all the evals in the DCTT or D3MA.” ington’s executive department leadprevious five-year period show techAnd keep in mind that having a coling chief petty officer. nical expertise, leadership, command lateral duty is great, but doing someThe road to chief isn’t easy. It reimpact, and peer group involvement.” thing with it is another. quires hard work, commitment, focus Don’t hesitate to take on leadership “A Sailor who takes on one collatand sacrifice. roles and operate above your payeral duty and makes it the best pro“Don’t get discouraged,” said Ryan. grade. gram or collateral on the waterfront “Use this time to develop a plan, with “If a first class wants to be compethas far more command impact than the help of a mentor, to accomplish itive, they need to be doing the job a person who has three or four and your goal of making chief. This plan of the chief in qualifications; both maintains them at fleet average,” said can include additional leadership opwatch standing and in the work cenTocorzic. portunities, command impact, new ter,” said Tocorzic. “What better way Leadership requires balancing collateral duties, off-duty education, to demonstrate you’re ready for the many plates, and one of them is to and peer group involvement. Renext level than by already performing motivate and inspire Sailors. member, the board is not looking for at that level. Never shy away from a “Leadership can be measured on those who are fully qualified, they challenge or tough job because those several levels, but having the ability are looking for those who are best are the assignments that really test to get your Sailors to push themselves and fully qualified to lead at the CPO your resolve for additional responsito their limits to ensure personal and level.” bility. professional goals are attained, diAnd sometimes despite a Sailors Taking on the best efforts, attough jobs is importtaining the rank ant, and so is purof chief doesn’t suing warfare and happen. additional qualifi- • Make sure you’re awards, designation letters “Not everycations because you one will make and qualifications are up to date. expect your Sailors chief, nor should to do the same. everyone make • Be command oriented and take on collateral “Warfare pins chief,” said duties. and qualifications Ryan. “It’s imshow an overall un- • Step out of your comfort zone and be willing to portant to rederstanding of the member that do the hard jobs no one else wants to. command or ship being a great mission,” said Ryan. technician does “These warfare pins not automatiand qualifications help a Sailor to rectly increases command productivcally make you a chief. You have become more of a deckplate leader, ity and efficiency,” said Tocorzic. to be able to lead others in a variety someone capable of leading outside Whether you are leading Sailors of ways to accomplish the mission. their individual rating which is imin watchstanding qualifications, Today’s chiefs have to be technical portant as a chief.” damage control readiness or materiexperts, deckplate leaders, effective In addition to leading Sailors and al management, be involved in their communicators, and program manearning qualifications, collateral dusuccess! agers. It’s not just an opportunity to ties are also important. “Ensure your Sailors are doing make more money, it’s about leader“The key is to have a collateral what they are supposed to be doing ship and guiding and mentoring the duty that makes you stand out from such as inport emergency team, qualnext generation of Sailors.” your peers,” said Ryan. “For examifications, training, advancing, Sailor For more information about selecple, if you are an engineering rate you of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the tion boards, visit http://www.public. should get an administrative collaterQuarter nominees/winners because navy.mil/bupers-npc/Pages/ForIntal duty like DAPA or CFL. If you their success is a direct reflection of ernal.aspx, selection boards, active are an administrative rate, you should you,” Master Chief Personnel Speduty enlisted.
3 Simple Tips To Help You Rank Up
(Sept. 1, 2017) AM1 Richard Sardinha moves a clothes rack while volunteering at Good Mojo thrift store. (Photo by MCC Mary Popejoy)
SPREADINGGOODMOJO GW SELECTEES AND CHIEFS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
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SS George Washington (CN 73) chief selectees and chief petty officers volunteered their time at Good Mojo Thrift Store, Sept. 1. The George Washington volunteers were responsible for re-organizing furniture, cleaning, sorting through and tagging clothes, and tidying up racks and shelves. Having the extra help was greatly appreciated by the Good Mojo staff. “So thankful!,” said Jessica McFadden, Good Mojo Thrift Store manger. “We rely on a very small staff and very heavily on volunteers, so having a large group like this makes a huge difference in how the store looks.” Giving back to the community in such a way shows that our military force does more than just defend freedom.
By MCC Mary Popejoy
“It shows that we’re part of them and we’re all one,” said Chief (Sel) Interior Communications Electrician Mark Gauthia, from Jackson, Tennessee. “The military we go out and do our job to protect our country, but when we come home we’re one family, one country. This brings us back together and puts us back in our community to keep that cohesion within our neighborhoods.” With the impact Good Mojo has on the community, Chief Logistics Specialist Jennie Trady from Wall Township, New Jersey, left her feeling inspired. “We took a store and provided a complete overhaul,” said Trady. “We changed the landscape section by section. Utilizing our passion for organization and order, we were able to streamline their displays making
them appealing to their retail customers. Those who sorted donations devoted hours to ensuring the careful placement of donations to the correct section of the store. It was a team effort. We all walked away knowing that we had made a significant impact and helped a Thrift Store that services a community and it’s people.” Good Mojo is 100% owned and operated by ForKids, which is one of the largest providers for homeless families in Virginia, touching over 47,500 lives annually through its holistic housing programs and extended services for families, according to their website, https://www.forkidsva. org/good-mojo/. To get involved in Hampton Roads, check out www.volunteerhr.org to find organizations that need a helping hand.
(Sept. 1, 2017) OS1 Travis Raney organizes shoes while volunteering at Good Mojo thrift store. (Photo by MCC Mary Popejoy)
“The military we go out and do our job to protect our country, but when we come home we’re one family, one country. This brings us back together and puts us back in our community to keep that cohesion within our neighborhoods.” - IC1 Mark Gauthia
(Sept. 1, 2017) FC1 Cliff Anderson puts clothes on a hangar while volunteering at Good Mojo thrift store. (Photo by MCC Mary Popejoy)
BRINGINGTHE
COMMUNITYTOGETHER
GW CPO SELECTEES VOLUNTEER AT LOCAL FOODBANK By MC2 Anna Van Nuys
“Not everyone is able to volunteer. Not everyone can do it, but someone is always going to need help, whether it’s financial help or physical labor or food.” - IC1 Mark Gauthia
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ne in seven Virginians struggle with hunger. To combat that fight, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank partners with local faith based organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and community centers to service families in need. They need all the help they can get, as they only employ a handful of full-time and part-time staff, and rely mostly on their volunteer force. Right in the heat of ‘chief season’, chief petty officers (CPO) and CPO selects from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)
came together and volunteered their day to help lend a hand at the Foodbank. “Today we assisted the Foodbank team with cleaning and food assembly that will be delivered to about 150 families in the area,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Jorenged Font, a volunteer at the event. “We also cleaned racks that they store the food with, and we cleaned the warehouse to help them get ready for this upcoming inspection.” The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank prepped for their upcoming AIB International Consolidated Standards for In-
(Aug. 21, 2017) ABF1 Jarron Moore cuts grass while volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo taken by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
spection. The inspection looks for the requirements that facilities must meet for food sanitation and safety to continue operating. “Since the Foodbank is getting ready for this big inspection, we’re out here helping them get ready for that,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Mark Gauthia, a chief petty officer select. “We’re cleaning, we’re sweeping, and we’re organizing a ton food for them. The bins that they have for storage are being pressure washed, and we’re weeding and mowing. Just all around helping them become really presentable
(Aug. 21, 2017) AM1 Richard Sardinha cleans while volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo taken by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
(Aug. 21, 2017) FC1 Clifford Anderson,left, HN1 William Culp, center, and BM1 David Prieto, sort cabbage during a volunteer opportunity at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
for this inspection.” Maria Quigley, the volunteer coordinator for the Foodbank, says she was greatful for all the help the more than 30 Sailors provided for them, adding that it wouldn’t be possible without them. “It’s awesome to see the warehouse sparkling,” said Quigley. “I’m so thrilled that we were able to get all the blue crates done. They have been the bane of our existance and something we haven’t been able to get to and the chief selects were able to help us finally finish cleaning those. They also went through all our cabbage. If we weren’t able to get to it that would be something that we might lose a portion of that shipment because it wasn’t sorted and cleaned in enough time, which means food that never goes out, and they helped us prevent that. Any
(Aug. 21, 2017) Sailors listen to the volunteer coordinator at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo taken by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
time we can extend the life of food, it helps us so much, as simple as it is.” Quigley said that she was not only impressed with the work they did, but how engaged the chief selects were with the employees. “They’re asking great questions,” said Quigley. “They’re definitely interested and engaged, and a few seem like they have done volunteer work down in at the Foodbank in Norfolk, so what they do there versus here, they are asking for opportunities for their own Sailors as they assume higher leadership roles in the near future.” Gauthia, a Sailor who has volunteered his time to the community since before joining the Navy in 2003, says he will continue to volunteer as long as he is capable of it.
(Aug. 21, 2017) IC1 Mark Gauthia sprays baskets while volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
“I love just giving back,” said Gauthia. “Not everyone is able to volunteer. Not everyone can do it, but someone is always going to need help, whether it’s financial help or physical labor or food. Whatever I can do to help give someone something they don’t have or is unable to do, I’m always willing to give.” The CPO selects are scheduled to be pinned to the next rank at Joint Base Langley-Eustis at the Bayview Center September 15. For Sailors who are interested in volunteering in the local community, they can sign up at Command Religious Ministries Department on the ship’s Floating Accommodation Facility in Room 321 or route a special request form through their chain of command.
(Aug. 21, 2017) Sailors sort canned goods while volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
THEPEOPLESCHOICE GW SAILOR RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP By MC3 Brian Sipe
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hroughout the fleet, and especially in the Chiefs Mess, leadership is paramount in accomplishing the Navy’s mission. Recently, USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) own Chief Boatswain’s Mate Edmundo Brantes was awarded with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in recognition of his leadership. Established in 2013 by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, the annual award is named in honor of Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, and Navy veteran Bob Feller. “I am just aspiring to inspire Sailors,” said Brantes. “If a Sailor gets inspired enough to do something good for themselves, then by golly that is a great thing to witness.” In recognition of Bob Feller achieving the rank of chief petty officer, nominees must be an active or reserve chief petty officer (E-7 only), nominated by their peers, have outstanding military professionalism and must embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. “Chief is always very motivated and is always encouraging his Sailors,” said, BM3 Christopher William. “He is always staying on us to get qualified so that we can make deck the best department on the ship. This is one of the reasons I personally look up to him.” Brantes found it hard to put into words why he was selected. He felt as if any of the chiefs he worked with were just as deserving as he was, but was still happy to be able to win the award. “I’m willing to give, or gift, my time to someone else so it will pay dividends to that person,” said Brantes. “To be recognized for something that doesn’t cost me anything at all except maybe a little of my time, you can’t beat that.” George Washington is currently dry-docked at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries for a slated 48-month RCOH maintenance period.
(June 22,2017) BMC Edmundo Brantes, center, raises the guideon after a sevenmile formation run in remembrance of the seven Sailors who lost their lives onboard the destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
(Oct. 11, 2016) BMC Edmundo Brantes delivers remarks during the Hispanic Heritage Month. (Photo by MC3 Clemente Lynch)
(April. 19, 2016) BMC Edmundo Brantes explains fire-extinguishing procedures to Sailors in the ships laundry room during a general quarters drill . (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
HEMADECHIEFINNINE YN1 RYAN BAGTAS REFLECTS ON MAKING CHIEF
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ugust can be a very special month for some people. Some students go back to school and the United States Coast Guard celebrates their anniversary. For the Navy, August brings the start of CPO 365 Phase II. Phase II is six weeks of training for first class petty officers who have been selected to the rank of chief. The process is designed to instill trust and motivate the chief select, while simulatenously teaching leadership, building esprit de corps, promoting unity and building teamwork. Phase II also includes physical fitness, constructing charge books, community relations projects, and various leadership and teamwork training efforts. Chief Yeoman (Sel) Ryan Bagtas, one of 30 selectees aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), who made chief in nine years, remembers the day he was selected to become a chief petty officer. “I was on the ship in the CO’s Admin office with my chain of command and some other 1st classes waiting on the results from the CO,” said Bagtas. “I’ve been in almost nine years and this was my second time up for chief. There are people in for 18 and 19 years not make it, so I was nervous. I was just thinking about all the work I put in, my family and mentors, and waiting to hear if my name would be called. My name being Bagtas, I knew I would hear it at the beginning or not at all. When the captain came on and said my name, I just jumped and yelled. People came in to congratulate me, but all I wanted to do was call my wife to tell her the news. I teared up a little on that phone call. It was such a blessing.”
By MC3 Alan Lewis After the results were released, the have also tried to help him with monew chief selects started their six-week ments when he needed to step out of training to become a chief petty offihis comfort zone and speak up a little cers. more. I’m helping him develop him“This has been an experience”, said self, while not changing who he is and Bagtas. “I have learned a lot so far. what got him here. Overall he has been We’ve done a lot of team building doing great. He is still quiet, but he is and I’ve been learning the ways of the coming out of his shell and take that Chiefs Mess. The biggest thing is the stand when needed.” unity and cohesion of the Mess. No After Sept. 15, Bagtas will wear the matter what happens, you and the Mess anchors of a chief petty officer and start are one, and we have to make sure we a new chapter in his career. Now his look out for each other and learn from leadership skills and responsibilities each other. It’s about building up your will change to fit his new title as Chief. Sailors. I’m naturally a quiet person, “The biggest thing for me going but I’m learning how to voice myself forward is to help get junior Sailors to and speak out for what’s best for my where they need to be in their careers,” Sailors.” said Bagtas. “It’s important to be a While going through this training, leader to those guys. I don’t want to Bagtas’ primary sponsor is Chief be a leader that just tells people what Personnel Specialist Tiffany Reynoso, to do, but to lead by example and be the leading chief petty officer of the there for them. I want to help get them educational services office. She is there to their next steps whether it’s advanceto mentor and guide Bagtas through the ment in the Navy or getting out, I want training, and offer clarity to him and his to be there for them all the way.” family throughout the whole process. Bagtas looks forward to leading “I talk to Chief (Sel) Bagtas multiple Sailors in his his new role and helping times a day on a daily bases to make them achieve their goals. He hopes to sure everything is up to speed,” said keep moving up in rank so he can one Reynoso. “I’ve tried to continue to give day be a command master chief. him advice because I know this process can be frustrating at times. I’ve communicated with his wife to answer any questions she’s had and keep her in (Aug. 21, 2017) YN1 Ryan Bagtas (right) sings Anchors Aweigh with other CPO the loop. I selectees. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
DOINGWHATHELOVES IC1 MARK GAUTHIA REFLECTS ON MAKING CHIEF
F
By MC2 Bryan Mai
or many Sailors, achieving the the chiefs Mess and the chief selects chief selects. rank of chief petty officer (CPO) made their way to the Mess to celebrate Each chief select has a sponsor who is the point in one’s career where and provide congratulations to their will mentor them. These mentors are they have it made. For the chief petty shipmates. essential to training new chief selects officers, putting on the anchors means it “As a first class and LPO for so long, and are key to instilling trust and inspiis only the beginning of new responsiyou become well-versed in being a ration. The mentors also keep the chief bilities and duties. LPO,” said Gauthia. “You know the selects motivated. For Chief (Sel) Interior Communicathings your Sailors need to a certain “A sponsor is extremely important,” tions Electrician Mark Gauthia, from point. As far as being a chief, I’ll get said Chief Boatswain’s Mate EdmunJackson, Tennessee, assigned to the pinned on the 15th and I will condo Brantes, from Hialeah, Fla., a chief aircraft carrier USS George Washington tinue to do what I have always done aboard George Washington. “We en(CVN 73), it was a real eye-opening and that’s take care of my Sailors and courage the selects. Maybe the sponsor and humbling experience to be will inspire him or her to dig selected to chief petty officer. deep inside, become a coura“I took the chief’s exam geous and effective leader, and twice,” said Gauthia. “I didn’t become a great chief petty offimake board the first time cer. We help them because there because I didn’t dedicate the are so many questions the chief time needed to make board. I select might have, but does not started studying hard in July yet have the insight to ask.” 2016, and after the results came By working with the Chiefs out and I made board, I submitMess, Selectees gain a new ted my package.” appreciation for what chiefs do On the day the chief results as leaders. (Sept. 2, 2017) IC1 Mark Gauthia cleans a car window during a CPO selectee car wash. (Photo by MCC Mary Popejoy) were released, Gauthia tried “Once you’re selected and filling up his day as much as you start working with the possible trying to avoid thinking about ensure the mission is completed safely. Chiefs Mess, you understand just how whether or not he made it. Ultimately The hardest part for me will probably powerful it is,” said Gauthia. “By the moment of truth came when Capt. be taking care of all Sailors and not just powerful I mean just the way they comGlenn Jamison, George Washington’s my divisional Sailors because I think municate and the way they get things commanding officer, came on the 1MC that’s part of the requirements for a done. They are very efficient with the to announce the names. chief. Putting on khakis broadens the way they do things. The process is “Part of me wanted to cover my spectrum you have because now Sailors making yourself as efficient as them, ears,” said Gauthia. “I didn’t want to look at you as the chief. When you see but you do it separately as a CPO select. know that I didn’t make it and I didn’t a chief walking in the hangar bay and Imagine taking 30 leading petty officers want to not hear my name. The captain you have a problem you can always just and have them complete 200 tasks in got to the names that begin with G in go to them and talk about your probthe next six weeks and still do physithe list and he said ‘ICC’ and then he lems.” cal training and do other things. You paused because my name is difficult to After being notified of his selection, learn time management and that is my pronounce. However, our CMC knows Gauthia began chief training by particbiggest take away.” how to pronounce it and he says ‘Mark ipating in CPO 365 Phase II, six weeks With the season nearing its end, Gauthia [pronounced GO-SHAY], ICC of chief indoctrination, which includes Gauthia and George Washington’s 29 Select Mark Gauthia.” topics such as leadership, esprit de other selectees are focused on their final Once the names were read off, corps, unity, and teamwork amongst the test and the pinning ceremony, Sept. 15.
ACAREERDREAM COMESTRUE
LS1 RACHEL RYAN IS SELECTED FOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER By MC3 Alan Lewis
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t was during the 7th grade when Chief Logistics Specialist (Sel) Rachel Ryan made the decision to pursue a career in the Navy. While working on homework, she saw a Navy commercial and it changed her life forever. “I was watching TV when I saw this commercial that caught my attention that said, ‘Let the Journey Begin, U.S. Navy’ and since then I knew I wanted to be in the Navy,” said Ryan. And just like making the decision to join the Navy came early, so did setting her sights on making chief. “Since I became a petty officer 3rd class it was my dream to make chief. I told my chief at the time I would make it in seven years, but it took me 18. After crushing moments of not making board and the dedication of these last six years, I am happy to have my dream finally come true.” Ryan was selected for chief petty officer onboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “Being up for chief my seventh time, I knew the schedule,” said Ryan. “I knew results would come out either late July or early August, so this year I was very nervous. Two days before I wasn’t sleeping well, and when the day came, and I was anxious. I was in my office with some of the other 1st classes, and we were all sitting around just waiting for the CO to give the results. Around 12:30 p.m., he comes on and starts reading the results. I start writing down the names of the 1st classes that made
it, but when he started to get closer to is a lot that is done behind the scenes, the r’s my hand started to shake to the and they are giving us some insight into point that I couldn’t write anymore. the world of a chief. Those anchors are When he said Rachel Ryan, my pen heavy and we are being prepared for dropped and I started crying. It was that responsibility.” such a relief. I was so excited that all I While going through the training could do was cry.” process, chief selects are assigned a Making chief was not only an oversponsor to help guide and mentor them whelming moment for Ryan, but her through their training. The sponsor is husband as well. an experienced chief that is appointed “I am so proud and excited for her,” by the command master chief to assist said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist the selectee during the different training Joshua Ryan, senior chief onboard the requirements. Expeditionary Sea Base USS Lewis B. “Chief (Sel) Ryan has been handling Puller (T-ESB 3). “ I am her biggest this experience really well,” said Sefan. For six years I watched her put in nior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate the time for her Sailors and put in so (Equipment) Erik Reed, sponsor and much hard work, and I’m just happy it leading chief petty officer for V2 in air was finally her year.” With selection came CPO Phase II, six weeks of chief indoctrination, which includes topics such as leadership, esprit de corps, unity, and teamwork amongst the chief selects. “The process is like 42 days of training, and let’s be honest it can be tough,” said Ryan. “We think that we are prepared at this point in our career, but that’s not the case. You think you know what it means to be a chief, but that is all perception. There LS1 Rachel Ryan is fitted for a combination cover (Photo courtesy of LS1 Rachel Ryan)
(Sept. 11, 2017) LS1 Rachel Ryan speaks at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
“After crushing moments of not making board and the dedication of these last six years, I am happy to have my dream finally come true.” - LS1 Rachel Ryan
department. “I worked with her before, and she has always been a stellar Sailor. I am really glad she is tracking along as well as she is.” On September 15, the chief selects will be pinned and will wear the anchors of a chief petty officer. The experience they have gained through their years of service and chief training will be put to the test. “Right after we get pinned, I will transfer to a new command and they will only know me as chief, not a new chief,” said Ryan. “I will have to go in and set the tone as the chief I want to
be. I want to be a fair and approachable chief, but stern when needed. I might seem strict and hard, but I want my Sailors to know I will take care of them. I want what’s best for my Sailors, and through good and bad I will take care of them.” Taking care of Sailors has been a focus for Ryan over the years, and now as a chief that focus will be elevated to a higher level. “I’m happy and sad that Chief (Select) Ryan made it,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Latoyia Hawkins. “I’m happy she made
it because she is awesome, but I am sad because she is the most amazing mentor I have ever had and she is leaving us. I owe my career to her. I wouldn’t be a 2nd class or Junior Sailor of the Quarter if it weren’t for her. It’s bitter sweet, but I am happy for her and I know she will do amazing things as a chief.” Ryan said she will continue her career as long as the Navy will allow her, while helping as many people as she can on the way. Making chief was a dream come true and now she will look to set new goals on her journey to complete her career.
LIKEFATHERLIKESON
GW SAILOR CARRIES ON LEGACY
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radition; the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. Often service members carry on the tradition of serving their country by following in their family’s legacy of enlisting in the military. In 1985 Patrick Murphy, father of Aviation Electrician’s Mate Chief (Sel) Joseph Murphy, a Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), enlisted in the Navy. Patrick began his time on the George Washington with Pre-commissioning Unit -73 (PCU 73) as part of the initial manning of the ship as it was being constructed. “I was one of the first four nuke electronics technicians assigned to PCU73,” said Patrick. “I checked ‘on board’
By MC3 Joshua DuFrane
the week that the keel was laid in drydock and stayed through commissioning and was transferred to Norfolk to Transient Personnel Unit awaiting discharge on the day before sea trials began.” During his time on the George Washington, Patrick performed many duties from Reactor Control damage control petty officer, engineering supply petty officer, reactor training lead petty offier and Reactor Instrumentation and Maintenance Room (RIMR) lead petty officer (LPO). Patrick was the first rector operator (RO) to be qualified on the George Washington, and stood watch as RO and Shutdown Reactor Operator (SRO) for initial criticality on number one reactor and on watch as reactor technician for initial criticality of number two reactor. “I put in my chief’s packet, and was selected for promotion in 1991,” said Patrick. “However, I was informed of my impending medical discharge by the doctors at Portsmouth Naval Station almost the same day. I was informed by my master chief at the time that since I would be processing out of the Navy for the next few months (up to a year), I would not be able to put on the rank, but he would like to keep me on board until sea trials.” Photograph of Patrick Murphy posing in his dress blue uniform during boot camp. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Murphy.) Agreeing with his
master chief, Patrick stayed onboard the George Washington as RIMR LPO for the last few months of his naval career. “My medical condition prevented me from standing watch in the plants for the last five months,” said Patrick. “But my chain of command allowed me time to train my replacement.” Almost 30 years later, Patrick’s son Joseph is participating in the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the George Washington. “When my son told me that he was being assigned to the George Washington for the refueling, I was stunned,” said Patrick. “The cores that I helped put in almost 30 years ago were going to be refueled. It was not the refueling that was unexpected, but that I realized how old I am. After all, my son who was in elementary school at the time these cores were installed, is now a petty officer first class with kids of his own.” On Aug. 3, 2017, the ship stood in silence as the newest chief selects were announced over the ship’s 1MC by Capt. Glenn Jameson, George Washington’s commanding officer. Of the names called, Patrick’s son was one of them. “Being selected for chief has been a humbling experience,” said Joseph. “This is such an honor to follow the footsteps of my father and grandfather knowing that I am carrying on the family legacy.” On Sept. 15, the chief selects will be officially pinned to their newly appointed rank, and for the event, Patrick will be there to pin the anchors onto
his son’s uniform. “I couldn’t think of anyone more suited to put the anchors on me,” said Joseph. “I want him to see that he got it right despite all he had to go through to get me to where I am today. I just hope what I have accomplished in my naval career makes him proud of me.” Being selected for chief, Joseph has hit a milestone that other members of his family in the past achieved. “This is more than a GW legacy, this is a family legacy,” said Patrick. “I think the greatest moment a father can have is seeing their child follow in their footsteps and succeed on their own merits. I really tried to achieve the rank of CPO; because my dad was GMTC [ Chief Gunner’s Mate Technician] Murphy when he retired after 26 years of service. I wanted him to see that he raised me right and I was living up to his legacy. I couldn’t do it, but his grandson, my son, has.” For the father-son duo, making rank in their careers has been a pivital benchmark in their legacy. Joseph said he wanted to outrank his father and go further than he did during his time in
Patrick Murphy, left, and Joseph Murphy, right, pose for a father-son photo. (Photograph courtesy of Patrick Murphy.)
the military, and now he has. “The Navy isn’t for everyone, but our family has a history and traditions to call our own,” said Patrick. “We have a scale to measure ourselves against, promotion is more to us than just a job recognition; it is a tick on our measuring stick. My son has moved faster than my father and further than me on the measuring stick. He has me beat, and I could not be more proud of him. When he makes senior chief
or decides to be an officer or whatever he does in the future, it will be the mark that his kids and grandkids will be shooting for.” Patrick said with today’s hectic society and constant change, it is nice to have something stable to depend on. For many generations in the Murphy family, that stability has been and will be the Navy.
“This is such an honor to follow the footsteps of my father and grandfather knowing that I am carrying on the family legacy.” -AE1 Joseph Murphy
Photograph of Joseph Murphy posing in his dress white uniform during boot camp. (Photograph courtesy of Patrick Murphy.)
REMEMBERING9.11
GW CPO SELECTEES HOST 9/11 REMEBRANCE CEREMONY By MC3 Kashif Basharat
( Sept. 11, 2017) Sailors bow their heads during the invocation at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
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hief Petty Officer (CPO) selectees assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the ship’s floating accommodation facility Sept.11. “It was an honor to be able to host this event,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Matthew Schofield, a CPO selectee and one of the hosts of the ceremony. “During our CPO initiation, we
are tasked with a lot of different things, some we did not want to do or found annoying. This is different because we are all affected by the events that occurred on September 11. It was easy to want to do an event like this because there is just a lot of pride that went into organizing a ceremony to remember our fallen Americans.” The 9/11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States, the morning
(Sept. 11, 2017) Sailors sign a poster during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, which killed 2,997 people and injured more than 6,000 others. Two of the attacks occurred in New York City when two airplanes crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center. During the ceremony, two of the CPO selectees reflected on that day. “I was actually in 10th grade when the towers were attacked,” said Personal Specialist 1st Class Henry Johnson, one of the chief
(Sept. 11, 2017) The color guard renders honors during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
( Sept. 11, 2017) Members of the flag detail listen to a speaker during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
selects. “I did not understand then what was going on, but as we remember, I understand now. I understand the magnificent warrior spirit of the people of New York City, the New York Fire Department, the countless individuals, families and countries that were affected. Through the adversity, they kept their heads high, their faith strong and courage bold.” Logistics Specialist 1st Class Rachel Ryan, another chief select, was stationed on her first ship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 74), the morning of the attacks. “I had already been in for two years and I was 20 years old,” said Ryan. “We were coming back from a seven-month deployment and were getting ready to pull into San Diego. Our CO [commanding officer] came over the 1MC and told us the second tower had been attacked.
I was scared for my family, the people of New York and the first responders. I knew since 7th grade I wanted to join the military, but I never thought I would see anything or be part of something as eventful as 9/11. However, it reminds me that being a Sailor in the United States Navy means that we will always respond to disasters. We have a country to protect and for that I will forever be proud that I served.” On Sept. 12, 2001, the Sailors aboard George Washington became part of the heroes who responded to the horrific disaster. The day before, on Sept. 10, George Washington departed Naval Station Norfolk for Independent Steaming Exercises in Virginia Capes Operation Area in preparation for a 2002 deployment. George Washington, embarked with commander of Second Fleet, diverted and arrived at the coast of New York City. For the next few days,
the ship and its Sailors provided airspace defense for the city and the surrounding area, launching 234 sorties in support of Operation Noble Eagle. “The Second Fleet commander alluded their performance as unrivaled for any ship and unheard of a carrier only six weeks out of the yard,” said Johnson. “Once again, the Spirt of Freedom rose to the occasion in superb fighting form. USS George Washington proved yet again the reason she has earned the title of the premiere ready CVN. This ship is an artifact of 9/11 and we feel that in our spirit as we walk through the halls.” Towards the end of the ceremony, all those who attended paused for a moment of silence to remember all those lost on during the attacks. The ceremony concluded as the flag detail passed the ensign during the reading of Old Glory.