WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
April 19, 2016
By MCSN Kashif Basharat
MASTER-at-YOGA SAILORS FIND THEIR CENTER WHILE UNDERWAY By MC3 Brian Mai
3MASSESSMENT GW R E A D I E S FO R M A I N T E N A N C E E VA LUAT I O N
By MC3 Jessica Gomez
GEORGE’S CORNER
BLENDED RETIREMENT: SAVING WITH THE NEW SYSTEM
PHOTO of the DAY
ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 18, 2016) - Airman Angelina Payne, from Las Vegas, fires a 50- caliber machine gun on the fantail aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a live-fire exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kashif Basharat
Sto r y by M C S N K a s h i f B a s h a rat
MASTER-at-YOGA SAILORS GET HELP FINDING CENTER WHILE UNDERWAY
M
erriam Webster defines happiness as experiencing pleasure, satisfaction or delight. Maybe that means having a lot of money, a shiny car or a big house. Happiness might also be something small such as reading a novel in a quiet place or hugging family members. Masters-at-Arms 2nd Class Nichole Lowery finds her happiness in a different way. “My euphoria comes from seeing my students excel,” said Lowery, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). She is a certified yoga instructor who has been practicing yoga for more than six years and teaching for a year and a half. “I try to challenge them every yoga class and I get really excited when I can see they are improving.” Sailors often work long hours, and stress can pile up on them throughout the day. One of the benefits students have found from attending her classes is that yoga can help alleviate the mounting stress. “It feels like you’re in some other place,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st
Class Arkeshia Deeveaux. “When I’m doing yoga with her, it feels like I’m not physically here. Everything is gone for a moment and I can just let go of all my worries and be present with her.” When there aren’t flight operations, or maintenance evolutions, Lowery and her students practice on the flight deck early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Lowery believes the environment they practice yoga in has a lot to do with easing stress and elevating morale. “Just being up there and seeing the sunset or the sunrise makes you more connected with the beauty around,” said Lowery. “Most of the time we are stuck inside the ship, and to see the colorful sky raises your mood and leaves you feeling a lot better.” Even if Lowery can’t reserve a spot on the flight deck, just the thought of her class can uplift some Sailors. “Looking forward to the class and that peace of mind keeps morale up for me,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jolando Lightner, a regular attendee of Lowery’s yoga classes. “Some of us in the Medical Department go together
and we just become more at ease afterwards.” Most yoga poses require flexibility. Lightner believes Sailors who practice yoga routinely can improve their health. “I work out a lot, so I need a way to relax my body,” said Lightner. “Doing yoga poses helps me stretch my muscles and keep my joints loose. I think it’s important to increase your range of motion, especially if you’re going to the gym a lot so you don’t get hurt.” Yoga is just one way Lowery is making an impact on the Sailors aboard Washington. If she is not teaching yoga, she is helping her junior Sailors train, volunteering to teach suicide prevention classes to new Sailors, or participating in a community relations event with her shipmates. “My drive comes from my daughter,” said Lowery. “I want her to know that her mom is out here kicking butt every day. I’m trying to be the best person I can be by trying to do something positive and help other Sailors out. I want her to be proud of me”
Sto r y by M C 3 B r i a n M a i
3MASSESSMENT
GW READIES FOR MAINTENANCE EVALUATION
U
SS George Washington (CVN 73) kicked off a command-wide Maintenance, Material and Management (3M) Self-assessment, April 18. Sailors across all departments are participating in spot checks, zone inspections and program audits as part of a review prior to the ship’s 3M assessment (3MA) in June and the follow-on 3M Inspection (3MI) at the end of the year. “Our goal is to have a hard look by the 3M training team (3MTT), to identify and correct any 3M program deficiencies, and to be ready to execute for the type commander (TYCOM) 3M assessment in June,” said Lt. Matt Reed, the ship’s 3M Officer. The selfassessment will consist of a shipwide review of all maintenancer e l a t e d administrative paperwork, check previously c o m p l e t e d maintenance, inspect the ship’s ability to identify and correct deficiencies, check the level of knowledge of the departmental 3M leadership and evaluate the effectiveness of the 3M training program. “[During the assessment] we use the same grading criteria TYCOM will use,” said Reed. “But we do it to grade ourselves.” The 3MA is scheduled to take place June 20-24 when chief petty officers and officers from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) come aboard to perform an outside audit of George Washington’s 3M program. “This 3M assessment will be particularly difficult for
us but it will be a welcome challenge,” said Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate John McCauley, George Washington’s 3M coordinator. “We have two crews mixed together that are used to doing maintenance differently.” Having recently completed a crew swap with Theodore Roosevelt, the self-assessment will provide a measure of how well the crew has integrated to perform maintenance. “It’s a blessing that the [TYCOM] 3M assessment won’t happen for a little while,” said McCauley. “It will allow Sailors from the Roosevelt to properly adjust to performing maintenance on a different ship.” Inspectors will grade Sailors on the way maintenance was performed on previously c o m p l e t e d maintenance and whether or not maintenance requirement cards (MRC) was followed correctly. “I prepare by going over the MRC again,” said Engineman 3rd Class Dominique Slade, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina. “It makes me feel more comfortable to go through the maintenance again to keep it fresh in my head.” The 3M program is the foundation of at-sea operations, said Slade. “3M is important because it allows us to maintain our equipment,” said Slade. “Equipment degradation is a serious problem because non-functional or inoperative equipment is dangerous and will affect the functionality of the ship and the ability to accomplish our mission.”
CVN MAZE
HARD SUDOKU
GAMES CROSSWORD
More Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Book 3
Sudoku #1 SUDOKU 9 4 8 6 7 1 9 4
6 4 6 9 2 5
Š 2012 KrazyDad.com
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each
The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -- Grey's Elegy
2 4 8 7 3 2 5 8 7 8 5 3 6 7 4 1 6 8 8 6 9 4
BLENDED RETIREMENT
SAVING WITH THE NEW SYSTEM
the
today’s Retirement System:
FACTS
The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provides all military personnel with a modernized retirement plan built around saving for retirement and is due to kick off at the beginning of 2018. Service members will receive automatic and matching Thrift Savings Plan contributions along with mid-career compensation incentives and monthly annuities for life. All current service members under the original system are grandfathered in to today’s retirement system.
1
Automatic and Matching Contributions Seen immediately The DoD adds
1%
of your base pay to your Thrift Savings Plan after 60 days of service.
You’ll see matching contributions at the start of 3 years through the completion 26 years of service
2
$$$
annuity 2.5% x Years Served x Retired Pay Base after completing 20
years of service
Blended Broken Retirement down Continuation Pay Received once you complete 12 years of service
$$ You’ll receive a cash payment at the completion of 12 years if you’ve made the choice to stay in 4 more years. Active Component - 2.5 months of basic pay Reserve Component - 0.5 month of basic pay
3
Annuity Gained after completing 20 years of service
$
2%
x
x Years served
$ Retired Pay Base
Calculate your retired pay base by averaging the basic pay of the highest rank you held for 36 months. You’ll gain this monthly annuity for life after completing 20 years of service.
BY MC3 Jessica Gomez
GEORGE’S Options for collecting your Retirement Pay Active Component
Reserve Compontent
Full retired pay
Full retired pay beginning at age 60*
or
+
$
CORNER ary
Janu
1
Effective Date of the New System
2016
Your Retirement System If you joined the service...
Lump sum with reduced retired pay
After January 1, 2018 you’ll be automatically enrolled in the Blended Retirement System (BRS)
After January 1, 2006, but before January 1, 2018 you’ll have the choice to enroll in the Blended Retirement System or remain in today’s current retirement system
Before January 1, 2006
50% or 25% of monthly retired pay annuity bumps back up to 100% at full retirement age (67 in most cases).
you’ll be grandfathered and remain in today’s current retirement system
*Could be earlier based on credited active/inactive service
By the Numbers
Service Member TSP Contribution and investment Returns
$300,000
$248,649
$200,000
$100,000
$0
Contribution Pay and investment Returns Government TSP Contribution and Investment Returns
$31,518 $16,940
Defined benefit value
$39,166
$161,025
Blended Plan
$201,282
Current Plan
All info can be found at www.sempermoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/Blended-retirement-system-infographic
Department: CRMD Hobbies: Dirt bikes, paddleboarding and hiking Most Memorable Moment in Career:
The day she received orders to the GW.
NAVY NEWS ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- Continuing the coalition fight against ISIS, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has surpassed an operational milestone, delivering the most carrier-based ordnance throughout the conflict, substantially degrading ISIS resources and leadership. After returning from strike missions April 15, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), completed 1,407 combat sorties, delivering 1,118 pieces, over 580 tons, of ordnance. Both the weight and number exceed the total dropped by aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during its recordsetting 2015 deployment. “Since our arrival in the Arabian Gulf, the Truman Strike Group has been conducting operations around the clock,” said Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, Truman’s commanding officer. “This deployment is busier than any other I’ve seen. Every Sailor is doing great work individually and executing as a combat team to reach this milestone. It is due to this dedication as a combined force that Truman is making a significant difference fighting for our country.” Truman, in partnership with 64 nations, has taken the fight to ISIS. Now in its fifth month of deployment, the strike group has played a tremendous role in Operation Inherent Resolve. “I want you to know the impact you are having,” said Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.
Setting the Bar: Truman Drops Record Number of Ordnance By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony Flynn
ARABIAN GULF (April 15, 2016) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Joshua Dandrea signals the launch of an EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan T. Miller
“You’ve seen the [OIR] strike videos; but holistically, what I’m seeing is an enemy who doesn’t have gas left in the tank.” Truman did not intend to set a Navy record, it was simply a result of the ship’s productivity and efficiency while working toward completing its mission. “Completing the ship’s mission is something I always look forward to,” said Capt. David “Chicken” Little, commander, Carrier Air Wing 7. “Today marks and signifies the progress we’ve made and how hard we’ve worked as a strike group. Everyone did their part. It’s the dedication of the whole team that makes completing our mission out here possible.” Deploying during times of conflict is a challenge that requires all hands to achieve mission success. “We figured based on [Roosevelt’s]
deployment that we would be utilized more than our previous deployment,” Cmdr. Jim McDonald, Truman’s weapon’s officer. “We had no idea we would be used to this extent and magnitude. We started dropping bombs Dec. 29 and here we are in mid-April still going strong.” Truman Sailors responsible for assembling, handling and transporting the ordnance throughout the ship played a crucial role in reaching the amount of bombs dropped. “The leadership’s number one concern has always been safety, not necessarily the number of bombs we are dropping,” said McDonald. “Making sure things are being done safely, and by the book, has really been our main focus. The air wing being able to successfully put bombs on target tells us that we’re doing our job right.” It takes thousands of Sailors of various ranks and rates, many on their first deployment, coming together to reach this milestone. “It takes the training, skill and hard work of all the junior Sailors to make sure we’re operating successfully,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Matt Malone. “As a supervisor I’m making sure our department is putting out a quality product every time, but really it’s their work that keeps the wheels turning.” Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
underway
movie
schedule
April 19TH 2016
Channel 4 Channel 5 0800 Night at the Museum: Secret 0800 Jurassic World of Tomb 1000 Ted 2 1000 Exodus: Gods and Kings 1200 Southpaw 1200 The Best of Me 1400 Minions 1400 John Wick 1600 For a Movie Request Call 4988 1600 Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1 1800 Ant-Man 1800 Ouija 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 Pixels 2200 Nightcrawler 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 0200 Vacation 0200 St.Vincent 0400 Monster House 0400 The Imitation Game 0600 The Gallows 0600 Beyond the Lights Channel 6 0800The Dark Knight 1000 Bourne Identity 1200 Bourne Ultimatum 1400 Hotel Transylvania 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 Casing Mavericks 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 The Expendables 2 2400 Man with the Iron Fists 0200 Here Comes the Boom 0400 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days 0600 Resident Evil: Retribution
Channel 4 1000 Annie 1200 Into the Woods 1400 Unbroken 1600 The Gambler 1800The Theory of Everything 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 Selma 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 0200 Taken 3 0400 Paddington 0600 American Sniper
Channel 5 0800 Self/Less 1000 Paper Towns 1200 Black Mass 1400 Maze Runner: Scorch Trials 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800We Are Your Friends 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 American Ultra 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 0200 Everest 0400 Hotel Transylvania 2 0600 War Room
Channel 6 0800 Step Up Revolutions 1000 The Watch 1200 Savages 1400 Resident Evil: Apocalypse 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 In Line of Fire 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 Spiderman 3 2400 Cinderella Man 0200 Men in Black 2 0400 The Pirates: Band of Misfits 0600 The Rookie
Channel 7 0800 The Dark Knight 1000 Bourne Identity 1200 Bourne Ultimatum 1400 Hotel Transylvania 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 Chasing Mavericks 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 Cloud Atlas 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 0200 Hit & Run 0400 Premium Rush 0600 Argo
0800 The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies
April 20th 2016
Channel 7 0800 Taken 2 1000 Hope Springs 1200 The Apparition 1400 Saints & Soldiers: Airborne Creed 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 Paranorman 2000 Movie Request Call 4988 2200 Pitch Perfect 2400 Movie Request Call 4988 0200 Frankenweenie 0400 Iron Man 0600 There Will Be Blood
staff Commanding Officer CAPT Timothy Kuehhas
Executive Officer CAPT Kenneth Strong
Command Master Chief CMDCM James Tocorzic
Public Affairs Officer LCDR Reann Mommsen
Deputy Public Affairs Officer LTJG Jack Georges
Senior Editor MC2 Brian Flood
Editors MC3 Jessica Gomez MC3 Kris R. Lindstrom
Content MC2 Stephane Belcher MC2 Chris Brown MC2 Jennifer Case MC2 Loni Lopez MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Jaime Marical MC3 Wyatt Anthony MCSN Kashif Basharat MCSN Clemente Lynch MCSN Michael Wiese MCSA Krystofer Belknap
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).