WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
Feb. 19, 2019
By MCSR Steven Young
By MCSN Samuel Pederson
BRINGING THE SHIP BACK TO LIFE
SHIP IN NEED, SAILORS INDEED
SPACE CLOSE OUT
GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER ON WISCONSIN
By MCSN Jack Lepien
By MC3 Michael Botts
FROM RURAL INDIA TO THE NAVY
PROPER CELLPHONE USE
IC3 AKSHAY MAMPILLY
RESPONSIBLE PHONE USE IN THE SHIPYARD
washington surveyor Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison
MM3 Brandon Anglin MM3 Rylee Gailey MM3 Curtis Hunt MR2 Taylor Bowie MA2 Philip Cimino AM3 Jessica Addison CSSN Jalen Ross LS2 Donald Overcash ETN2 Bryan Hinman MMN2 Daniel Hehir MMN3 Benjamin Askam MM3 Cameron Farris
Executive Officer Capt. Daryle Cardone
Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tyler Barker
Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs
Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy
Editor
MC3 Adam Ferrero MCSN Jack Lepien
Content MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Kenneth Gardner MC2 Alan Lewis MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Kyle Loree MC3 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Zack Thomas MC3 Julie Vujevich MCSN Elizabeth Cohen MCSN Tatyana Freeman MCSN Samuel Pederson MCSR Steven Young
The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents herein are not the visions of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington. All news releases, photos or information for publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.
ESWS Coordinators HMC Knesha Wimbush CSC Joe Magri MMN1 Adam Sanchez
EAWS Coordinators
EIWS Coordinators
ABHC Rodney Martinez ITC Xica Johnson ABH1 Jade Cobb IT1 Johnathan Kuehn
DID YOU KNOW? George Washington had to borrow money to attend his own first inauguration.
SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT
PS3 Sherane Blackman PS3 Sherane Blackman, from Long Island, NY, is assigned to the personnel department. “I’ve always wanted to join the military,” said Blackman. “I wanted to see the world while earning my degree.” She likes interacting with and assisting her fellow Sailors. In her spare time, Blackman enjoys reading, dancing, sports, and writing music. Her favorite music is soca, dancehall, R&B, hip hop, gospel, and the soundtrack from “The Sound of Music.”
BRINGING THE SHIP BACK TO LIFE By MCSR Steven Young
A photo of the 03-235-3-L berthing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MCSR Steven Young)
R
efueling complex overhaul (RCOH) is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why it takes ship’s force, shipyard workers, and contractors to get the work done and bring an aircraft carrier back to life for 25 more years of service.
The crew of the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), has made significant strides in the production aspect since arriving to Newport News Shipyard in August 2017. This is becoming more and more evident with
the refurbishment of the ship’s spaces, a task that is vital in returning the ship to an operational status. “It is important to recognize this work because these junior Sailors, most of whom this is their first command, did not join the Navy to
AOCS Jeremy Zulz from Barron County, Kentucky, AZAN Austyn Stoops from Columbus, Ohio, ABFAN Talon Lindsey from Savannah, Georgia, ABE3 Alejandro Islas from Los Angeles, OS2 Ashley Koepp from San Antonio, and AN Dillion Duvall from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, all Sailors from PM 13, pose for a photo in the 03-225-3L berthing on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).(U.S. Navy photo by MCSR Steven Young)
be in an overhaul environment,” said Lt. Joal Fischer, from Newark, New Jersey, an operations department division officer assigned to George Washington. “The work they complete is not glamorous, however it is necessary for this ship to complete its mission. I want to highlight their contributions because it often gets overlooked.” The preventative maintenance (PM) teams aboard George Wahington work in conjunction with one another to complete the various steps in overhauling the ship’s spaces. PM 11 (berthing team), PM 12 (paint team), and PM 13 (deck team) each play an important role in making the ship habitable again. “Our PM teams have just completed work on the 03-235-3-L berthing,” said Fischer. “03-235-5-L is slated to be a berthing for the Inport Emergency Team (IET) when the ship reaches its undocking milestone. The ship will not be attached to the [floating accommodation facility], therefore rapid response teams will need to be
Before
berthed on the ship to accommodate a timely response to emergencies.” RCOH is the most intricate shipyard availability that George Washington will undergo during its service life. Even though every evolution of RCOH is mapped out well in advance, Sailors are encouraged to work ahead of their schedules. “On time may be good for some people, but we like to stay ahead,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Bryant Aimour from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a PM 11 team leader. “Whenever one team completes their berthing, they will go help another team. We’re constantly helping each other out. I think that’s a part of the reason that we’re able to stay ahead of schedule. Our leadership gives us compliments all the time, but to us we’re just doing our job. We appreciate the recognition, but our progression is a testament to how we all work as a cohesive unit.” While the larger projects of RCOH such as refueling the nuclear reactors, installing new aviation equipment,
and hull work may get a majority of the recognition, it is important to not understate the value of the work done by George Washington’s PM teams. “If you can’t live on the ship, you can’t take it out to sea,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Robert Ickes from Los Angeles, a PM 11 team leader. “We’re pretty much looking out for everyone who’s going to be going out on underways and deployments on this ship in the future. Going out to sea can be tough. If you don’t have to worry about your light not working or your locker not being able to be locked, and you have a nice rack that was just built, that’s a nice little additive to make your time out to sea a little smoother.” As the ship reaches the undocking milestone and progresses forward toward completion of the overhaul, berthings and office spaces will be critical to George Washington regaining operational status and contributing to the Navy’s global presence.
After
Before (left) and after (right) photos of the 03-235-3-L berthing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MCSR Steven Young)
AKSHAY MAMPILLY From Rural India to America’s Navy By MCSN Jack Lepien
IC3 Akshay Mampilly and his family. (Photo courtesy of IC3 Akshay Mampilly)
F
rom humble beginnings in Kerala, India, a small, rural town along the southern coast of India, one Spirit of Freedom Sailor remembers the journey that led him to the Navy. Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Akshay Mampilly, from West Orange, New Jersey, a Sailor assigned to combat systems department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), moved to the United States when he was six years old. He spoke Malayalam, an Indian dialect, but no English. “My mother told me one day, ‘We’re going to America,’ and when you’re little you only know what you’ve heard and seen,” said Mampilly. “So when I pictured America, all I could imagine was the Statue of Liberty. I thought America was one island, Ellis Island, with a giant statue on it.” What Mampilly saw instead was a
lot more than he could ever imagine. “Huge cars, huge roads, huge buildings,” said Mampilly. “I’d never seen snow, or people other than my own skin color. It was a huge culture shock to me to see so much that was different.” Despite the differences in the culture and environment, Mampilly got the hang of things pretty quickly. “I learned English within the year,” said Mampilly. “But I still had some cultural barriers, like sayings and the way some things are phrased.” As he adjusted to life in the U.S., Mampilly discovered early on that he was naturally drawn to the sea. He was interested in the flora and fauna of the ocean, and thought that the sight of the water was calming. “When I was little, I wanted to be a scientist, a marine biologist,” said Mampilly. Despite working jobs unrelated to the ocean, Mampilly’s love of the deep blue remained, and it was one
of the reasons he joined the U.S. Navy in May 2015. “When I joined the military, the ocean is what drew me,” said Mampilly. “During underways, I would go to the hangar bay and watch the sun set out at sea. Where I grew up in India, it was very close to the sea, and I used to watch the sunset there.” In addition to the sea, he also chose military service to pursue personal goals. “I wanted to further my education,” said Mampilly. “I already have a bachelor’s degree, and I’m working on my master’s. Being an immigrant from another country, I love America, and I wanted to help pay back everything that America has done for me. I’m proud to serve in the United States Navy.” His love for the Navy is evident in his hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to putting 100 percent into every task.
IC3 Akshay Mampilly looks at a headstone he placed a wreath in front of during a Wreaths Across America event located at Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Tatyana M. Freeman) “IC3 Mampilly is a hardworking, dedicated Sailor who not only does what is asked, but strives to go beyond the expected,” said Chief Electronics Technician Joseph Knight, from Jacksonville, Georgia and the leading chief petty officer of the CS8 division aboard Washington. “IC3 Mampilly is a model of military bearing. He goes above and beyond in everything he does, especially following through on tasks he completes.” With more years of naval service ahead of him, he has one simple goal for his Navy career. “I used to be a waiter, and there was an old man, a Sailor during WWII, and he would tell me sea stories with a smile on his face, and that’s how I want to be when I’m old,” said Mampilly. “I want to look back at a life full of experiences, with no regrets. I want to look at a life where I did as much as I could IC3 Akshay Mampilly works out during a weekly circuit training have, and the Navy is doing that for class he leads at Huntington Hall. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN me.” Jack Lepien)
Know Your Numbers Total Cholesterol Less than
200
mg/dL
Daily Physical Activity
30
minutes to maintain
Many people who have chronic illnesses do not have symptoms. Knowing your critical health numbers is crucial for prevention and early detection of heart disease. Know your numbers and talk to your provider about whether you are at risk. Triglycerides Less than
60
minutes to lose weight
HDL (Good) Cholesterol Women > mg/dL
50 Men > 40
mg/dL
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Less than
100
150
mg/dL
Blood Pressure Less than
120/ 80
HgA1C Less than
5.7
for non-diabetic
Body Mass Index (BMI) Less than
25
Fasting Blood Glucose Less than
100
mg/dL
Waist Circumference Women <
35â&#x20AC;? Men < 40â&#x20AC;?
mg/dL
For more information on how you can stay healthy and keep your numbers in check, visit the HP Toolbox: www.med.navy.mil/sites/ nmcphc/health-promotion/ Pages/hp-toolbox-february. aspx
GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER ABOARD USS WISCONSIN
By MCSN Samuel Pederson Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) pose for a photo aboard the Iowa-class battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64), Feb. 2. (Photo courtesy of ABE1 Amber Balajadia)
T
he ship hasn’t had a crew
“We helped out by moving four or
The Sailors also moved other equipment aboard Wisconsin.
assigned to her since 1990,
five hundred chairs from below their
but that didn’t stop several
galley level up three decks to the first
“We helped move up some old
Spirit of Freedom Sailors from
class mess,” said Aviation Boatswain
tube TVs that they use as props for
rolling up their sleeves to participate
Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Timothy
their rooms that they set up for tours
in a community relations (COMREL)
Tolar, from Salamanca, New York.
and stuff like that,” said Aviation
Moving the chairs is normally
Boatswain Mate (Equipment) 2nd
event to help a retired battleship get
the responsibility of one or two
Class Justin Schowalter, from Racine,
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-
Wisconsin volunteers, but eleven
Wisconsin.
class aircraft carrier USS George
George Washington Sailors made
Washington (CVN 73) assisted
quick work of the task.
ready for future events.
In addition to moving things around, the Sailors also got to
“I just think that it was a good
experience what it was like aboard a
battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64),
opportunity for our junior Sailors to
ship that had a different mission and
Feb. 2, by setting up spaces aboard
get out there and do something well
history of service to the Navy and the
the ship for ceremonies and events
with their time,” said Tolar. “I think
country.
scheduled for the upcoming weeks.
they had a good time doing it.”
volunteers on the Iowa-class
Comparatively, George Washington
volunteers come out to the ship to do
is currently undergoing refueling complex overhaul, a nearly fouryear project performed only once during a carrier’s 50-year service life that includes refueling of the ship’s two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repair, upgrades and modernization. “Overall, I think the junior Sailors were pretty impressed with what it looks like to be on a ship that’s not torn apart,” said Tolar. Being able to see a ship, although not operational, but ready for battle, was a good takeaway from the day. “I think it’s a good morale booster from the situation or the environment we’re in,” said Aviation Boatswain Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Amber Balajadeia, from Monroe, Michigan. An extra bonus of the day was working alongside a volunteer who once served on Wisconsin many years ago. “I just thought it was fascinating
“It means a great deal to have volunteers come out to the ship.” -Keith Nitkahow people that worked on the ship, and that we worked with, are old crewmembers that used to serve on USS Wisconsin,” said Schowalter. “The person that we worked with was a quartermaster 2nd class back when the ship was actually in commission.”
work as we would not be able to get the things accomplished that we have been able to,” said Nitka, who served in the Navy from 1987-1997. Wisconsin was commissioned in 1944 and served in the South Pacific during World War II and decommissioned in 1948. The ship was then recommissioned in 1951 and participated in the Korean War. In 1958, Wisconsin was put out of commission and mothballed. In 1988, the ship was recommissioned for the third time and took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm before being decommissioned for the last time in 1991.
For Keith Nitka, a retired quartermaster, and the battleship’s maintenance coordinator, it was nice having some extra hands to get the job done. “It means a great deal to have
USS Wisconsin (BB 64) sits pierside next to Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo courtesy of ABE1 Amber Balajadia)
GOOD CALL
Proper Cellphone Use in the Shipyard
I
By MC3 Michael Botts be a good day for you.”
n an industrial environment
your cellphone in those areas. Some
like the shipyard, it’s important
of the areas where cellphone use is
to be vigilant, follow the blue
allowed is in the brown bag area of
cellphones is strictly prohibited
line, safety signs, and refrain from
the floating accomodation facility
anywhere in the shipyard or aboard
walking and talking on a cellphone
(FAF), in your offices on the FAF,
George Washington.
because hazards are everywhere,
the jet shop café on the ship, and
and one distraction could cause an
the smoke pits directly off of the
to be used to take photographs
accident, injury, or death.
ship.”
and only certain personnel are
Sailors aboard the Nimitz-
There are also areas in the
The use of cameras on Sailors’
“Only certain devices are allowed
allowed to take photographs with
class aircraft carrier USS George
shipyard and on George Washington,
these devices,” said Dykstra. “So
Washington (CVN 73), currently
where cellphone use is not
if you don’t have one of those
in the shipyard for refueling
authorized. Sailors should make
devices and aren’t one of the
complex overhaul (RCOH), are
sure they are aware of the off-
authorized peronnel, you shouldn’t
only authorized to use their cellular
limits areas, for safety and security
be using your cellphone camera
devices in specific areas.
reasons.
at all. If Sailors are caught taking
“As far as cellphone use goes, you are not allowed to be walking around using your cellphone when you are on the shipyard,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class James Garcia, from Beaufort, South Carolina, a Sailor assigned to the safety department aboard the George Washington. “Don’t be walking around in the hanger bay on your phone. If you are going to be using your phone, make sure you are in an area designated for cell for use.” The shipyard has designated areas both on and off the ship. “Cellphone use is allowed for
“Make sure that when you are using your cellphone you are aware of your surroundings.” -MM3 Garcia“Don’t bring your cellphone
photographs of anything deemed classified, they are going to get themselves in a lot of trouble.” Even when Sailors are using their cellphones in the designated areas, Sailors need to pay attention to any potential hazards around them. “Make sure that when you are using your cellphone you are aware of your surroundings,” said Garcia. “There are a lot of moving parts and people while we are in the shipyard,
down into any of the reactor spaces
so even if an area is deemed safe for
and don’t use your cellphone to
cellphone use, you should still be
take pictures of anything,” said
checking out what’s going on around
Information Technician 2nd Class
you so you can keep yourself safe.”
Sailors as long as they are in an
Aaron Dykstra, from Port Edwards,
Safety is paramount, which means
area designated for cellphone use,”
Wisconsin, a Sailor assigned to the
adhering to the rules not only keeps
said Garcia. “There are signs posted
safety department aboard the George
you safe, but those around you as
on the ship where cellphone use is
Washington. “If you are caught
well.
authorized, so make sure you are
using your cellphone anywhere
following the rules and only using
deemed off-limits, it is not going to
PROPER CELLPHONE USE • Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t walk while talking/texting.
• Restrict phone use to designated areas.
• Limit phone use during working hours.
• Taking photos on the ship and shipyard without authorization is strictly PROHIBITED!
NAVY NEWS Wreckage of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Hornet rests on the floor of the South Pacific Ocean around the Solomon Islands, 5,400 meters (nearly 17,500 feet) below the surface as discovered last month by the expedition crew of Paul G. Allen’s Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel. Hornet was best known for its part in the fateful Doolittle Raid that was launched in April of 1942, which was the first airborne attack of Japanese homeland targets including Tokyo. Led by U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Doolittle, all of the 16 B-25 planes that were launched from Hornet were unable to land at their designated airstrip in China, but the raid provided a boost to American morale, and put Japan on alert about our covert air capabilities. In June, Hornet was one of three American carriers that surprised and sunk four Japanese carriers at Midway, turning the tide of war in the Pacific. The ship was sunk during the exceptionally vicious Battle of Santa Cruz Island that started Oct. 25, 1942. Hornet proved an especially determined ship over the next 24 hours. Enduring a relentless, coordinated attack by Japanese dive-bombers and torpedo planes, her crew was ultimately forced to abandon the ship due to damage and resulting fires. She then defied American efforts to scuttle her with 16 torpedoes and 369 rounds of 5-inch shells. When Japanese forces approached shortly thereafter and fired four torpedoes from two Japanese destroyers late in the evening of Oct. 26, Hornet finally succumbed and slipped beneath the surface. She lost 111 Sailors from her crew of nearly 2,200.
Final Resting Place of USS Hornet CV-8 Located in South Pacific Courtesy of Paul Allen/Vulcan Inc. & R/V Petrel
WASHINGTON (Feb. 12, 2019) A file photo taken April 18, 1942 of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV 8) launching U.S. Army Air Forces B-25B bombers at the start of the Doolittle Raid, the first U.S. air raid on the Japanese home islands. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
“With the loss of Hornet and serious damage to Enterprise, the Battle of Santa Cruz was a Japanese victory, but at an extremely high cost,” said retired Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command. “About half the Japanese aircraft engaged were shot down by greatly improved U.S. Navy anti-aircraft defenses. As a result, the Japanese carriers did not engage again in battle for almost another two years.” “Naval aviation came of age in World War II and American Sailors today continue to look to and draw inspiration from the fighting spirit of ships and crews like USS Hornet (CV 8), Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran added. “Although her service was shortlived, it was meteoric. “In the dark days following the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, she and the Doolittle Raiders were the first Americans to punch
back at Japan, giving hope to the nation and the world when things looked bleakest,” Moran said. “She was there when the American Navy turned the tide in the Pacific at the Battle of Midway, and she was there when America started the long drive to Tokyo in the Solomon Islands. Mortally wounded during the vicious campaign at Guadalcanal and abandoned after all attempts to save her failed, she was finally sent below by the Japanese destroyers Akigumo and Makigumo. “As America’s Navy once again takes to the sea in an uncertain world, Hornet’s discovery offers the American Sailor a timeless reminder of what courage, grit and commitment truly look like,” Moran continued. “We’d be wise as a nation to take a long, hard look. I’d also like to thank the crew of Petrel for their dedication in finding and honoring her sacrifice.”
GEORGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
CORNER
Pun #1 Make sure to relax sometime. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get tide down with work.
Sudoku
Fill all the empty squares with numbers 1-9. Each of the nine blocks must contain every number, and each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.
Pun #2 Laughing at ocean puns? Water you doing with your life?
Kakuro
Fill all the empty squares with numbers 1-9. The numbers in each row must add up to the clue on the left and right, while the numbers in each column add up to the clue on the top and bottom. No number may be used more than once in a line.