WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
June 19, 2016
By MC3 Alora Blosch
removing
the MASK
By MC2 Jennifer Case
gwEARNS2015
BATTENBERGCUP ANNUAL AWARD PRESENTED TO THE ALL-AROUND BEST SHIP IN THE ATLANTIC FLEET
By MC3 Wyatt Anthony
THIS WEEK IN
AMERICANHISTORY from FATHER’S DAY to PLANTING FIRST COFFEE BEANS IN U.S.
ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 18, 2016) Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Miller, far right, delivers opening remarks during a memorial service aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) honoring Culinary Specialist Seaman Tyra Voss who died June 9. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael E. Wiese
Removing the Mask Story by MC3 Alora Blosch
“I was terrified,” said Wilson. “I had rehearsed what I was going to say a hundred times, but in that moment with tears running down my face, my parents’ eyes of concern left my mind blank. They had to know what was coming, but none of us wanted to admit it. As scared as I was, I could no longer bear the pain of living a lie any longer. Within two words, my mother’s face morphed from concern into utter dismay: “I’m gay.”
T
he road to acceptance can be challenging, especially in Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Savanna Wilson’s household where she overcame many trials and battled the family’s religious faith to find acceptance as a gay woman. “I grew up in a churchinvolved household,” said Wilson. “My dad played in the church band, and my mom taught Bible school. My dad was understanding, but my mom had trouble piecing together her love and faith.” “I was in an abusive relationship with a girl a lot older than me, and I think that was a really big issue when I came out,” said Wilson. “It tore my family apart for about four years.” Wilson struggled in high school, trying to balance counseling sessions and homework while simultaneously being the outcast on campus. She said some of the girls in school would write horrible things about her on the lockers. “I moved schools three times in my high school years,” said Wilson. “When I was 14, I came out. People my age reacted negatively but when I moved back to a school with people I knew, I was accepted. It actually encouraged others to come out because they knew it was safe.” Wilson said she missed out on a lot of high school experiences such as football games and prom because other girls bullied her for being the only gay student. “My dad was my biggest supporter,” said Wilson. “He had his opinions but loved me unconditionally, regardless.” Wilson joined the Navy for adventure and to prove to her parents that she could support herself and achieve success on her own. “My mom was really worried when I enlisted because she thought I wouldn’t
I didn’t come out when I first got to the ship. I tried really hard to fit in; too hard. I ended up losing myself in the process. While in the Navy I met my soon to be fiancé. She helped rekindle who I was. I realized a lot of gay people are in the military. That made me feel safe. I learned, on deployment, that my faith and spirituality isn’t determined by who I love.
-ABFAN Savanna Wilson
be accepted because of my sexuality,” said Wilson. “I was afraid because of that; thought I might get beat up or something. “I didn’t come out when I first got to the ship,” said Wilson. “I tried really hard to fit in; too hard. I ended up losing myself in the process. While in the Navy I met my soon to be fiancé. She helped rekindle who I was. I realized a lot of gay people are in the military. That made me feel safe. I learned, on deployment, that my faith and spirituality isn’t determined by who I love.” The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and legalization of gay marriage in all 50 states impacted Wilson’s life. “I was ecstatic,” said Wilson. “My rights not only as a military member but as a human being were equalized. I didn’t feel so exiled anymore. I watched my sister get married. She had a beautiful ceremony. I didn’t think I would ever get to have that because I wasn’t society’s norm, but now I’m planning a wedding of my own.” Within the last five years, Wilson said she witnessed striking alterations in the fabric of society including no longer having to hide her sexuality while serving for her country. “I would not have joined the Navy if “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was not repealed,” said Wilson. “I can’t hide who I am for four years. I’ve done it before and I’ll never do it again.” Wilson’s mom still struggles with accepting her daughter’s sexuality, but Wilson said her parents love her girlfriend as if she were already part of the family. She said coming out was one of the best decisions she has made. Even though it has been challenging, Wilson has gained the strength and courage to stand up for herself and be proud of who she is.
Sto r y by M C 2 J e n n i f e r C a s e
GWEARNS2015
BATTENBERGCUP ANNUAL AWARD PRESENTED TO THE ALL-AROUND BEST SHIP IN THE ATLANTIC FLEET
V
ice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, presented the crew of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with the Battenberg Cup during an all hands call on the ship’s flight deck, June 15. The award is presented annually to the all-around best ship in the Atlantic Fleet based on crew achievements. The George Washington crew’s 2015 achievements include winning the Battle Efficiency Award, the Admiral Flatley Memorial Award, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Award and the Retention Excellence Award. “This is a spectacular achievement that acknowledges the professionalism, hard work and sacrifice of this crew,” said Capt. Timothy C. Kuehhas, commanding officer of George Washington. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Sailors. I look forward to the coming year and am confident the crew will continue to set the bar for excellence.” In 2015, Sailors aboard Washington steamed 52,064 nautical miles on a seven-month voyage to conduct various exercises, such as Talisman Sabre 2015, with Australia and New
Zealand, and the three-month Southern Seas 2015 deployment in support of interoperability and stability in the 4th Fleet area of operations. “I am very proud of our Sailors aboard Washington,” said Master Chief Electrician’s Mate Nathan Miller, the ship’s acting command master chief. “They have had to work harder than they probably thought but they were more
than able. There were some individual accomplishments along the way but each and every Sailor aboard helped us. From those working tirelessly to maintain the ship and all shipboard equipment, propel the ship through the water and push aircraft off the deck, they all played their part.” During the past year Washington advanced 447 Sailors to a higher paygrade including 42 advancements to chief petty officer. Sailors also earned
more than 1,700 warfare pins during deployment. “It was a long but successful year of doing what we do best,” said Miller. “It’s really an honor to be able to hoist this trophy and know that it represents all our long hours and sacrifices over this past year,” In 1905 Prince Louis of Battenberg, commander of the Royal Navy’s 2nd Cruiser Squadron, embarked on a cruise to the East Coast of the United States, including port visits to New York City, Annapolis and Washington D.C. After returning to England Louis sent a challenge cup to Rear Adm. Robley Evans, commander of the North Atlantic Fleet, requesting a cutter race between the enlisted men of the two navies. The competition was held annually until World War II called the navies to action. The last winner, the USS West Virginia (BB 48), sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The cup remained on board, as the ship was raised from the depths and returned to battle. It was later moved to the Navy Memorial Museum. The challenge, revived in 1978, has been repurposed, but the spirit of competition thrives.
CVN
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Department: Combat Systems/CS-3 Favorite Sports Team: Cincinnati Bengals Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and video games
NAVY NEWS PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors hosted a naval liaison officer (LNO) from the Indian navy during Malabar 2016, June 17. A trilateral maritime exercise, Malabar is designed to enhance dynamic cooperation between the Indian navy, Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. Lt. Cmdr. Himanshu-Kumar Singh, a surgeon and submarine nuclear medicine specialist currently serving as principal medical officer aboard Indian navy Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti (A57), toured John C. Stennis’ medical department and observed shipboard operations during a group sail exercise with the ships of John C. Stennis Strike Group, the Indian navy
#USSGW
Stennis Hosts Indian LNO By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Jiang
and JMSDF. “Everyone is so friendly,” said Singh. “I mainly visited the medical department, and it was as good as a traditional hospital.” Singh is the first foreign medical officer to visit John C. Stennis as a LNO this deployment. “This has been a great opportunity for our whole department to be able to have him come and see what we do and
share his experiences,” said Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Burkhart, John C. Stennis’ senior medical officer from Plano, Texas. During Malabar, the three navies trained together in areas such as maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical and visit, board, search, and seizure operations. “It’s a really fruitful exercise,” said Singh. “We get to know about the culture and working philosophy of different navies.” Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-AsiaPacific, John C. Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment.
Missed an issue of the Washington Surveyor? Fear not. all past issues can be found on the GW page at News/Media/movies, then navigate to external news. Don’t forget to like GW on faccebook at USSGW and follow us on twitter @GW _ CVN73.
@GW_CVN73
underway
movie
schedule
June 19th 2016
Channel 4 0800 Wall-E 1000 Twelve Monkeys 1200 U-571 1400 The Hunt for Red October 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 We Were Soldiers 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2200 K-19 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 0200 Silent Hill Revelation 0400 Oz the Great and Powerful 0600 Lincoln
Channel 5 0800 Concussion 1000 Miss You Already 1200 Brooklyn 1400 Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
1600 For a Movie Request Call 4988 1800 Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows Pt. 2
2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2200 Victor Frankenstein 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 0200 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
0400 Sisters 0600 Joy
Channel 6 Channel 7 0800 The Abyss 0800 Insidious: Chapter 2 1000 Ice Age: Continental Drift 1000 National Lampoon’s Christmas 1200 Rock of Ages Vacation 1400 The Dark Knight Rises 1200 Parkland 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1400 Escape Plan 1800 That’s My Boy 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 1800 Madagascar 2 2200 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2200 Ender’s Game 0200 Fantastic Four: Rise of the 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 Silver Surfer 0200 Last Vegas 0400 Young Frankenstein 0400 Thor: The Dark World 0600 Meet the Fockers 0600 Homefront
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 Editors MCC Adrian Melendez MC2 Alex L. Smedegard
Editor MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom
June 20th 2016
Channel 4 Channel 5 0800 Jack Reacher 0800 The Finest Hours 1000 Evil Deal 1000 Kung Fu Panda 3 1200 The Guilt Trip 1200 The Forest 1400 Les Miserables 1400 Risen 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 1800 The Cold Light of Day 1800 The Revenant 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2200 Casino Royale 2200 Norm of the North 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 0200 Quantum of Solace 0200 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 0400 Killing Them Softly 0400 Despicable Me 0600 Beautiful Creatures 0600 Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Channel 6 Channel 7 0800 The Rundown 0800 Free Birds 1000 People Like Us 1000 The Book Thief 1200 Abraham Lincoln:Vampire 1200 The Best Man Holiday Hunter 1400 Frozen 1400 Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 Protection 1800 The Hobbit: The Desolation of 1600 Movie Request Call 4988 Smaug 1800 Total Recall (2012) 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2000 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2200 The Hunger Games: Catching 2200 Bourne Legacy Fire 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 2400 Movie Request Call 4988/7170 0200 Lawless 0200 12 Years A Slave 0400 Moonrise Kingdom 0400 The Fifth Estate 0600 Trouble with the Curve 0600 Ghostbusters
Content MC2 Jennifer Case MC2 Loni Lopez MC3 Jessica Gomez MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Alora Blosch MC3 Jaime Marcial MC3 Wyatt Anthony 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).