WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
NOV. 19, 2018
MC3 Marlan Sawyer
MC3 Jamin Gordon
GW HOSTS HERITAGE CEREMONY
GIVING BACK TO THOSE BEFORE US
A REFLECTION ON SERVICE AND HISTORY
GW SAILORS CLEAN UP VETERANS’ CEMETERY
MCSA Jack Lepien
MC3 Carter Denton
HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE HOLIDAYS
EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY SAFE
CAPT. CARDONE SPEAKS ON THE SHIP’S MISSION
washington surveyor Commanding Officer
ICSN VALDEZ, PAUL
ATAN ROSENQUIST, STEVEN
PS3 GONZALEZ, VICTORIA
Capt. Glenn Jamison
MA2 BURRELL, DESHAWN
ABF3 JEFFERS, COLE
PS1 HUNTER, SHAVAUGHN
Executive Officer
YN2 TATE, JACOB
MMFN CULLIMORE, ANDREW
MM2 ROBINSON, COREY
Capt. Daryle Cardone
PSSN ORTEGA, ANGEL
EMN1 STAMBAUGH, KEVIN
CTR3 MCIVER, ELIJAH
AN BROWN, TRAVERS
MC3 SAWYER, MARLAN
Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo
MA1 HUNTER, KRISTINA IC3 WILLIAMS, DALTON ITSA CARLOCK, RILEY ET3 GAINES, KENNY OSSN EDWARDS, TRENTON YNSN JACKSON, CAMILLE
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tyler Barker
Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs
Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy
Editors
MC3 Julie Vujevich MCSN Zack Thomas MCSA Jack Lepien
Content
MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber 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.
CS3 KELLEY, INDIA AO3 HUGHES, ADONI EM3 MORRIS, MARCO MM3 KOLMENT, NICHOLAS
EMN1 WAGNER, JOHNATHAN AT3 SCHLUTOW, TYLER
On the cover: AO2 Monica Celaya places a flag next to the grave of a fallen service member in observance of Veterans Day Nov. 12, 2018. (Photo courtesy of GM3 Michelle Lopera)
SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT
HM3 Dimesha Pittman HM3 Dimesha Pittman, from Rocky Mountain, North Carolina, joined the Navy to help pay for her college, where she wants to study nursing. She loves taking care of patients, and says that her end goal is to become a nurse. “If they’re happy, I’m happy,” said Pittman. When she isn’t working to better Sailors’ health, Pittman likes to play with her son. She mostly listens to hip-hop and R&B. She also says her favorite movie is “Love and Basketball.”
GW Hosts Heritage Celebration By MC3 Marlan Sawyer Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Trinity Sells, holds a protection arrow passed down from her ancestors during the National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month ceremony onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Marlan Sawyer)
T
he Spirit of Freedom
Trinity Sells and Operations Specialist
of our nation. During the Civil War,
crew on the Nimitz-class
Seaman Keifer Hanley.
20,000 American Indians served with
aircraft carrier USS George
“I take pride in being an American
Union forces, both at sea and on the
Washington (CVN 73) gathered on the
Indian Sailor,” said Sells. “I will
land. During World War I, although
Floating Accommodation Facility’s
continue my traditional way of life with
ineligible for the draft, 15,000 American
mess decks Nov. 14 to celebrate
more determination because living isn’t
Indians volunteered to fight in the Great
the history, service, and heritage of
enough for my heritage to survive. It
War. Although American Indians have
American Indians and Alaska Natives.
is my time to teach the Navy about the
been an integral part of our country
Navajo tribe and its people.”
long before its birth, American Indian
National American Indian Heritage Month (NAIHM) began as American
According to information on Navy
veterans weren’t awarded citizenship and voting rights until 1919.”
Indian Day in the early 1920s, and then
History and Heritage Command’s Web
in 1990, President George H. W. Bush
site, Native Americans have been a vital
approved the month of November as
part of our military’s success since the
Operations Specialist Seaman Keifer
National American Indian and Alaska
ship’s namesake was on the battlefield.
Hanley to serve and share his heritage
Native Heritage Month. The year’s heritage month theme is
“Since 1776, when Gen. George Washington began enlisting American
It is their service that inspires
with the Navy. “American Indians that served our
“Sovereignty, Trust, and Resilience.”
Indians for his Army, Navy, and
country before me paved the way so
The guest speakers for the ceremony
Marines, American Indians have
that I could serve in the U.S. Navy
were Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class
contributed significantly to the defense
today,” said Hanley. “I enjoy teaching
others about American Indian history
are like family to
in general, and more specifically,
me. We are equal,
Navajo history within the U.S. Navy.
and we all make up
I am forever grateful for what they
one piece, the U.S.
have done for me. They will always be
Navy. ”
remembered.”
The Navy’s
According to the Naval History and
leadership remains
Heritage Command, there are more than
strongly committed
22,000 American Indians serving in the
to diversity and
armed forces. Approximately 11,000
emphasizes that
American Indians serve in the U.S.
the Navy remains
Navy.
highly capable
“This is really big for me and my
and mission ready
family, as I am carrying on another
by leveraging
tradition of being in the armed forces
the strengths of a
aside from my Navajo customs,” said
diverse force.
Sells. “They are beyond proud of me for how far I have come and my accomplishments.” According to an article titled, “Navy Celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage, Contributions” by Yonca Poyraz-Dogan, Navy Office of Information Public Affairs, “American
From the left, Operations Specialist Seaman Keifer Hanley, Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison, and Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Trinity Sells, cut a cake during the National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month ceremony onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Marlan Sawyer)
Indians and Alaska Natives comprise 2.3 percent (8,689) of the Navy’s total force, 1 percent (600) of the officer ranks and 2.8 percent (1,206) of enlisted Sailors.” For Hanley, being able to serve is a great way to keep history alive and share the rich heritage with her Navy family. “This is an opportunity to learn more about us,” said Hanley. “It’s very important that we remember where we originate from as a culture. The heritage of American Indians adds to the Navy’s diversity. The Sailors within the Navy
A Navajo cloth blanket, jewelry and arrowheads are displayed during the National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month ceremony onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Marlan Sawyer)
Giving Back to Those Before Us By MC3 Jamin Gordon
V
Volunteers place flags at a Hampton Roads Veterans’ Cemetery for Veterans Day. (Photo courtesy of GM3 Michelle Lopera)
eterans Day is a holiday meant to honor those who served, and are currently serving. While many government employees and service members enjoy a day off in addition to many freebees from local businesses, it is important
to remember what Veterans Day is about—service. Sailors assigned to the Weapons Department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a community relations (COMREL) event Nov. 11, at the Arnold G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Va. “I was looking for
ways to pay it forward and pay respects to our veterans, and the event popped up,” said Gunners Mate 3rd Class Michelle Lopera, one of the event coordinators. “I
couldn’t pass up such a beautiful opportunity.” The Sailors gathered at the cemetery early in the day, began cleaning gravesites, and placing American flags in front of each tombstone. Even though the weather was foul and didn’t cooperate for them, it didn’t deter the Sailors from doing their part in the community, “My favorite part of this event was that everyone was in high spirits,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Monica Celaya, an event participant. “Despite the bad weather, everyone was still helping the community.” Lt. Shineka Haskins, another event participant, shared the same sentiments as Celaya, stating how proud she was of the department’s turnout and how they all came together to get the job done. The Sailors realized that taking care of the cemetery was bigger than just being involved
Volunteers from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) pose for a group photo. (Photo courtesy of GM3 Michelle Lopera)
in a COMREL. They saw the bigger picture, the bigger meaning behind Veterans Day. “I think it’s very important that we don’t forget those who’ve come before us,” said Lopera. “What we do today doesn’t compare to what the ones before us have done and have overcome. Today wouldn’t have been possible without them.” In addition to paying homage to veterans that came before current day service members, visiting the cemetery was another way to remember all veterans. “By taking part in this COMREL, we were able to show veterans and citizens that they haven’t been forgotten,” said Haskins. “Veterans Day for me is about remembering those who are living and who have fallen and sacrificed so that I could serve.” Celaya felt that it was imperative to participate in this event not only to give back but also because of a more personal
connection. “This was an opportunity to provide support for fallen service members,” said Celaya. “My father served and retired from the Army. I felt a strong connection to this holiday.” While this event was valuable for the community and past veterans, it also served to show junior Sailors the impact they have on the public. “I believe junior Sailors were able to see that [as a veteran], whether they are here or not, they aren’t forgotten,” said Haskins. “Their service is commended,
not just by the Navy, but people appreciate the uniform and what the military does for the country. Recognizing veterans honors the service member and it honors their families.” No matter how one chooses to spend their Veterans Day, remember with service comes sacrifice, and sometimes all it takes is braving the weather that Mother Nature provides to make a difference.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE Sailors weld, saw, joint, sew, assemble, paint, sandblast, and fabricate at the Light Industrial Facility, or LIFAC, one of several satellite locations where GW Sailors work tirelessly to move the ship toward its ultimate goal of returning to the fleet. Photos by MCSA Jack Lepien
NAVY NEWS
T
Ronald Reagan, John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups Operate in Philippine Sea From Commander, 7th Fleet Public Affairs
he Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike
Group
(RRNSG)
and John C. Stennis Carrier
Strike Group (JCSSG) are conducting high-end dual carrier operations in the Philippine Sea. While steaming together, the two carrier strike groups will execute complex air, surface and anti-submarine warfare operations in international waters and airspace. “Bringing two carrier strike groups together provides unparalleled naval combat power, tremendous operational flexibility
and
reach
across
the
region,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “It shows our forces at their best, operating confidently at sea, and demonstrates that the U.S. Navy will fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.” Units assigned to these strike groups will
conduct
operations
designed
to demonstrate the Navy’s unique capability to operate multiple carrier strike groups as a coordinated strike force effort. “The increased presence of two carrier strike groups in the region highlights the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Sawyer added. “As it has for decades, the U.S. Navy will continue to provide security in ways that promote regional stability and prosperity.” For
several
years,
U.S.
Navy
aircraft carriers have conducted dual carrier strike group operations in the Western Pacific, including the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula,
Ships with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group transit the Philippine Sea during dual carrier operations, Nov. 16, 2018. Ronald Reagan and John C. Stennis are underway and conducting operations in international waters as part of a dual carrier strike force exercise. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaila V. Peters (Released)
Sea of Japan, South China Sea, East
Philippine Sea. In September 2014, the
China Sea and Philippine Sea. These
aircraft carriers USS George Washington
operations typically occur when strike
(CVN 73) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN
groups deployed to 7th Fleet from the
70) strike groups conducted combined
West Coast of the United States join the
operations in the Western Pacific, and
forward-deployed carrier strike group in
in September 2012, they operated in
Japan.
the South China Sea and East China
Before arriving in the Philippine
Sea. In 2009, George Washington and
Sea, Stennis executed dual strike group
Nimitz operated together in the Western
operations with Carl Vinson off Hawaii,
Pacific and in Valiant Shield 2007 and
including strike and anti-submarine
2006 three-carrier strike groups were
warfare operations.
operating in the Philippine Sea. In 2001,
Last year, the aircraft carriers USS
the aircraft carriers USS Constellation
Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Ronald Reagan
(CV 64) and Carl Vinson operated
(CVN 76) and USS Theodore Roosevelt
together in the South China Sea.
(CVN 71) conducted a tri-carrier strike
The dual carrier operations of these
force exercise in the Western Pacific. In
two strike groups combines 10 ships,
2016, Ronald Reagan and the aircraft
approximately 150 aircraft and 12,600
carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
personnel.
conducted combined operations in the
EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
Capt. Cardone Speaks on the Ship’s Mission By MC3 Carter Denton
Q
uality leadership is crucial to the proper functioning of any organization. With the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) currently undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard, command leadership aims to deliver the ship back to active service as safely and quickly as possible. Capt. Daryle Cardone, the executive officer (XO) of George Washington, plays an instrumental role in accomplishing this mission. “Escorting the ship back into the water and seeing her deploy on time – that’s what showing up here every day is about,” said Cardone. The RCOH process in Newport News Shipyard is a vastly different experience than serving on an operational aircraft carrier. “The ship is not in the water and
every other carrier I’ve been aboard has been floating, so there is much here that is unfamiliar and unnatural to us as Sailors,” said Cardone. “Who would’ve thought when they raised their right hand to serve at sea that they would end up here in a shipyard?” Even though RCOH may not be what Sailors expected as part of their naval service, returning a carrier to active service is a vitally important role. “Take comfort and pride in the idea that what they are doing on a daily basis is what the Navy and the nation has asked and expects of us,” said Cardone. “Every pump we refurbish, every watertight door we replace, every deck we re-do, every piece of lagging we put back on, day-by-day, we are bringing the ship back to life.” With the task of overhauling one of the largest warships in the world, George Washington Sailors have a
daunting task ahead of them. However, the crew has come together to accomplish the task, even performing jobs outside their rating specialty. “What impresses me about the crew is that every Sailor shows up here taking the job that they are given, which isn’t necessarily the one they expected when assigned to an aircraft carrier, and comes across the brow and rolls up their sleeves and gets after it,” said Cardone. Shifting an aircraft carrier to Newport News for the four-year-long RCOH process is a monumental undertaking, and completing the maintenance necessary for the ship to return to open ocean steaming is of vital importance to all involved. “I also know that the American people, and the rest of the Navy quite frankly, are counting on us to show up here and do the hard work every day because that’s going to let this ship redeploy successfully,” said Cardone. With such an important task, it’s crucial that the ship’s crew stay motivated. In this regard, the XO serves as an example for Sailors to follow. “What’s motivating me in the morning is the opportunity to show up here and to do the hard work,” said Cardone. “I want to show up here doing my part every day, ensuring that we stay on task, and long after the three of us (the command leadership triad) transfer, we see her put back in the water and back out toward the 7th Fleet. That’s what it’s all about.” The XO puts emphasis on the significance of the crew taking ownership of the ship each and every day. “Ownership is important because it places us at the center of not just problems, but the solutions,” said Cardone. “We should have the mindset that this ship is ours and we’re here to be the best stewards of the ship as we can for the time that we’re assigned here.” Cardone, and leaders like him, play a central role in the continued advancement of the ship’s mission, ensuring the successful and timely completion of RCOH and the ship’s return to service .
By MCSA Jack Lepien
C
hildren are singing, there’s cheer in the air, bells are a-ringing, and the weather is fair. The holidays are finally upon us, and with them comes not only joy and mirth, but also an increase in crime sprees and foodborne illnesses. Around this time of year, people buy expensive gifts and travel to see family, but these seasonal habits leave people open to seasonal dangers. According to Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Mark L. Collins, during the weeks leading up to Christmas and after, theft becomes more common, due to the increased
purchase of expensive items such as televisions, game stations, and jewelry. “We see a lot of break-ins, especially after you go shopping and leave the boxes for expensive things, such as TVs and Xbox’s, outside for the trash,” said Collins. “If you have any boxes, break them down and dispose of them properly.” Vehicles also become a target for thieves. “You can protect your car by always keeping it locked,” said Collins. “Don’t leave things like weapons, purses, wallets, or anything that has your information
on it in your car when you’re not in it.” The dangers of theft are not only for things already purchased, however. There are risks while shopping, especially at big events like Black Friday. “It’s best to bring a friend to watch your back,” said Collins. “Always keep your head on a swivel. When you go shopping, try not to shop with wads of cash. A card is safer and less likely to be physically stolen.” While paying attention to your surroundings can help protect against theft, it’s not the only danger during the holidays.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Amber Elbert, from Fluorescent, Colorado, the S-5 damage control petty officer, says that food also poses a significant health risk around this time of year. “Focus on making vegetables and other healthy foods,” said Elbert. “People tend to load up on sweets and fatty foods. You should focus on high protein, low-fat meats like turkey. Dessert is tricky, and pie is pretty bad for you, but if you’re looking for a healthier dessert, the tarts that are made with real, fresh fruit aren’t too bad for you.” Aside from healthy eating habits, proper food preparation is also key. Always, always make sure that you cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 160 degrees,” said
Elbert. “If not, your guests can catch all kinds of diseases. Use clean equipment and wash your hands, especially if you’ve been outside, or playing with kids or pets. It’s also cold and flu season, so be very careful with that.” Whether staying home or traveling, cooking a meal or having a meal cooked for you, this is the time of year to be extra mindful of your surroundings and watch out for the potential hidden dangers of the holidays.
CORNER
GEORGE’S
Riddle #1
What can’t you eat for breakfast?
Riddle #2
What’s the worst vegetable to have on a ship?
“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” ~ Thomas Paine
Riddle Answers Lunch and Dinner/ A Leek
SLEEP DISORDERS & INSUFFICIENT SLEEP
IMPROVING HEALTH through RESEARCH
50-70 MILLION U.S. ADULTS
have have sleep sleep or or wakefulness wakefulness disorders disorders11
1/3 OF AMERICANS
$50 BILLION
GET FEWER THAN 7 HOURS OF SLEEP PER NIGHT 2
12-18 MILLION
LOST IN PRODUCTIVITY 5
U.S. ADULTS HAVE
SLEEP APNEA5 INSUFFICIENT SLEEP AND INSOMNIA ARE
MORE PREVALENT IN WOMEN 3
5,000-6,000 FATAL CRASHES
EACH YEAR MAY BE CAUSED BY DROWSY DRIVERS 4
1/3 OF ADULTS
ARE SLEEPY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS 1
ON A DAILY BASIS
70%
OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP ON SCHOOL NIGHTS 6
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