The Washington Surveyor

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

SEPT. 19, 2017

By MC2 Alora Blosch

GEORGEWASHINGTON PINS30CHIEFS GEORGE WASHINGTON HOLDS PINNING CEREMONY

By MC2 Anna Van Nuys

MORNINGOFHOPE WALK FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS

By MC3 Jamin Gordon

FORTHECULTURE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

On the cover: (Sept. 9, 2017) CS3 Kate Philips (left) and ABHAN Cristina Keller pose for a photo during the Hampton Roads Morning of Hope Walk (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

PHOTO of the DAY

W(Sept. 15, 2017) Fleet Master Chief (Ret.) Scott A. Benning, center, and USS George Washington’s newest chief petty officers pose for a photo after a chief pinning ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)

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

Production LCPO

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

LTJG Andrew Bertucci

MCC Mary Popejoy

MCC Alan Gragg

Staff

Editor MC3 Jamin Gordon

MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Kris Lindstom MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Anna Van Nuys

MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff

MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer

MCSN Julie Vujevich MCSA 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 (7726).

*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at kashif.basharat@cvnit.navy.mil*

ASISTINGSAILORS A LOOK INTO SUICIDE PREVENTION

W

By MCSN Marlan Sawyer

ith September being National Suicide Prevention month, Sailors of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training team, also known as ASIST, collaborate to create events for Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in order to raise suicide awareness.

ASIST is an available resource to help people in suicide prevention, whether it may be for themselves or someone else.

According to Navy.mil’s article, “Navy ‘Asist’ Program Saves Lives”, which ran in 2012, the number of suicides has increased within the service member community. In the Navy alone, an average of four Sailors kill them-

the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington. “Sail- (Sept. 9, 2017) Attendees of the Hampton Roads ors that are part of our program Morning of Hope walk through Mt. Trashmore park.

(Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys know how to recognize warning like to talk about suicide,” said Martisigns when someone may be exnez. “I just want Sailors to know that periencing depression. Our program we are here to talk to about anything consists of Sailors from various pay that may be going wrong. They are not grades in order to appeal to various aualone. Suicide is one of those topics that diences. Some Sailors may feel more doesn’t receive attention unless it afcomfortable speaking with someone fects someone close to you. This has to lower, higher or even equal in rank.” stop. People should be concerned when ASIST is offered at multiple miliother people are contemplating suicide, tary installations, including the George not just when its family or friends. All Washington. The training that it proof us as Sailors should clear our mind vides give people the opportunity to and seek help, even if it’s not for yourlearn about warning signs, how to inself.” tervene appropriately and ultimately to In September of 2014, the U.S. Navy reduce the amount of suicides. launched a new campaign known as “Every Sailor, Every Day”. This campaign promotes the message A.C.T., “We are your fellow shipmates, like a friend, that Sailors can talk which is a three-step process to deterto about their feelings and thoughts.” mine if someone if suicidal and to prevent them from committing suicide: -ABE2 Madnaely Martinez Ask – Ask if someone is considering suicide as a solution.

Care – Let them know you care. selves each month.

“Our program has definitely made a Treat – Assist them with getting treat“We are your fellow shipmates, like positive impact on the George Washment immediately. a friend, that Sailors can talk to about ington,” said Martinez. “ASIST’s presAccording to Navy.mil’s “New Navy their feelings and thoughts,” said Aviaence is strong throughout our comProgram Encourages Sailors to ‘ACT’ tion Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd mand, especially when we are out at to Prevent Suicide”, A.C.T. is importClass Madnaely Martinez, program sea. Sailors know about our group and ant in the Navy community because it manager for the ASIST team aboard what benefits are provided.” teaches Sailors how to approach someEven with thorough one that may be on the verge of comtraining, it is still hard mitting suicide and assists in the awareto get Sailors to address ness and prevention of suicide. their personal issues, Sailors wanting to join ASIST can especially with somecontact Martinez by email. If a Sailor one else., said Martineeds help, they can go to the medical nez. department, an ASIST-qualified Sailor, “One of the chalor call the suicide prevention hotline at lenges about suicide 1-800-273-TALK (8255). prevention and aware(May 31, 2017)Sailors cut a cake at an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program.

(Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)

ness is that people don’t

DOITFORTHECULTURE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

By MC3 Jamin Gordon

(June 20, 2015) Puerto Rican flag in Humboldt Park, Chicago (Photo courtesy of LSSN Jacqueline Felix Carrasquillo)

A

merica is a melting pot, built from diversity. It is comprised of so many ethnicities and cultures. People from all walks of life come together to form something beautiful. As Wyclef Jean, a Haitian musician and actor, once said, without these diverse backgrounds, the America that people love so much would be missing a lot of flavors, from the food to the culture, to the dance, to everything.

Society recognizes various cultures throughout the year. September 15 October 15 is to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month.

Hispanic culture is very diverse, from the music to the food all the way

to ethnicities.

“I love my culture, I love being from Puerto Rico” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Jacqueline Felix Carrasquillo.

“One of my favorite things is our traditional dances. Puerto Ricans have African, Spanish and Taino backgrounds.

This incorporates into some of the traditional dances. My favorite dance is la bomba. I just love to see the Spanish women dressed-up in the long red dresses and white shirts.”

Like Felix Carrasquillo, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Madnaely Martinez, a native of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, loves the traditional dances and music of Puerto Rico.

“In school, we celebrate La Sem-

ana de la Puertorriquenidad which is when we would express ourselves through bomba y plena,” said Martinez. “During this time, we would learn the dance and bring in different dishes, and dress in traditional garments. It’s sad now because the new superintendent changed the week to the week of America, so they no longer celebrate la semana.”

Although Felix Carrasquillo didn’t celebrate la semana, she does celebrate Three Kings Day, which is similar to Christmas.

“Three Kings Day celebrates the three magi that brought gifts to baby Jesus,” said Felix Carrasquillo. “It’s very similar to Christmas. We still get

gifts, but one difference is that instead of leaving out milk and cookies, we leave out grass and water.”

In addition to traditional celebrations like la semana and Three Kings Day, Felix Carrasquillo enjoys attending various events with her family and friends that embody her culture.

“I remember going to the Puerto Rican parade with my family when I was 11,” said Felix Carrasquillo.

“My most memorable moment with my family was during a concert when I was 15. I was walking around taking pictures and I saw my favorite singer Carlito Olivero. Not only did I take a picture of him, but he also took one with me.”

Whereas Felix Carrasquillo looked forward to attending concerts and parades with her family, Martinez enjoyed spending Sundays in Pinoes and Loiza.

“Pinoes has the largest Afro-Puerto

and the importance of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States is recognized. It is a moment to celebrate their heritage and culture.

(June 20, 2015) Bicyclers ride in the street during the Puerto Rican Day parade in Chicago.

(Photo courtesy of LSSN Jacqueline Felix Carrasquillo)

Martinez is an active member of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) heritage

committee and Applied Skills Intervention Suicide Training (ASIST). In addition to being a liaison for her fellow shipmates, she also gives back to the community by volunteering.

Felix Carrasquillo, a former member of heritage committee, recently picked-up the logistics specialist rate. She shows how hard-work and dedication can pay off. Felix Carrasquillo is a model for other deck seaman who may be looking to become a rated Sailor in the near future.

Just as America is a melting pot, the Navy is one too. It is important to recognize the different cultures in the Navy family. The Heritage Committee will host their annual Hispanic Heritage month ceremony Sept. 27 on the Floating Accommodation Facility mess decks.

“I love my culture, I love being from Puerto Rico. One of my favorite things is our traditional dances. Puerto Ricans have African, Spanish and Taino backgrounds. This incorporates into some of the traditional dances. My favorite dance is la bomba.”

-LSSN Jacqueline Felix Carrasquillo

Rican population,” said Martinez. “I loved going there with my family. We would eat things like accapurrias, bacalao and lots of fried foods.

We would eat and cliff jump into the river. It was so refreshing.”

In addition to partaking in fun cultural events, Martinez and Felix Carrasquillo represent the spirit of National Hispanic Heritage month, which celebrates Hispanic-Americans’ contributions to society. During National Hispanic Heritage month, the contributions made

(June 20, 2015) A mural in Humboldt Park, Chicago. (Photo courtesy of LSSN Jacqueline Felix Carrasquillo)

Sailors interested in celebrating and learning about various cultures and heritages of diverse backgrounds are welcome to join the Heritage Committee. For more information, contact Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Leonard Starr or Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Christopher McCall.

To learn more about National Hispanic Heritage month, visit www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

(Sept. 9, 2017) Morning of Hope walk participants walk through 1,000 origami cranes. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

MORNINGOFHOPE

S

A WALK FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS

ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and members of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) team walked side-by-side with the Hampton Roads community Sept. 9 to raise suicide awareness and promote good mental health.

The event, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Support Group, featured activity tables where participants could learn to make origami cranes, place pictures and names on a memory wall, and walk together around the lake at Mt. Trashmore.

Before the walk began, the Joint Services Color Guard paraded the colors with Air Force Master Sargent Richard Vasquez singing the nation-

al anthem. Army Maj. Gen. Malcolm Frost, commanding general, Center for Initial Military Training, United States Army, Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Eustis and Navy Capt. Chad Vincelette, executive officer, Naval Air Station Oceana, Naval Installations Command, also spoke to the audience.

“A team is what all individuals are looking for; the bond we have and the loyalty we have to each other, that sense of service and sacrifice,” said Frost. “Even then those who come to serve in the United States Army and the United States Armed Forces still have challenges.

With the United States Army alone, we average nearly one suicide a day.

Every day that is one too many. Even with our focus, even with our mis-

By MC2 Anna Van Nuys

sion, we are still challenged with the same challenges that the nation has, that our civilian community has, and that connects us together.”

Vincellete reflected the same sentiments and spoke about his own personal experience with suicide.

“Suicide has affected me both personally and professionally, as I’m sure many of you have,” said Vincellete. “When a suicide occurs, the experience for the family members and friends can be overwhelming. I know this first-hand. I’ve experienced it because three years ago my first cousin, Teddy, took his own life. Suicide is preventable, and I feel like I owe it to him to raise awareness so that other families may be spared this tremendous loss.”

Vincellete spoke of the many ways the Navy itself has programs to sup-

(Sept. 9, 2017) Sailors pose for a photo during the Morning of Hope walk.

(Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

port mental health. These programs include Fleet and Family support centers, Navy chaplains, command suicide prevention coordinators, medical facilities, and the ASIST groups.

The Washington’s ASIST program

said Philips. “It was very humbling to feel that we’re not alone in a situation like suicide. It can leave you very empty and detached and I think that coming together and seeing the amount of people really just get out in

parents talk about losing their children to suicide and listening to those who have attempted suicide themselves was eye-opening. When the guest speakers finished, Tom Schaad, a WAVY TV news anchor and the event’s master of ceremonies, read names of loved ones who died of suicide as family and friends held each other and sat in solidarity.

“It only takes one person to save a life,” said Philips. “I think that even with people who don’t suffer from depression, just having a genuine conversation with someone hurting can save a life.”

Organizations like ASIST provide training to recognize when a person or Sailor may need help and how to find those at risk immediate help. The Navy uses the month of September, National Suicide Prevention Month, to

“A team is what all individuals are looking for; the bond we have and the loyalty we have to each other, that sense of service and sacrifice” -Army Maj. Gen. Malcolm Frost

manager, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Madnaely Martinez, was in attendance to volunteer her time in setting up the event and walk with the community.

“I’m here because I’ve had personal experience with depression and suicide, and it’s touched my family,” said Martinez. “We came here as a team, with our command and our Shipmates, and we’re here to spread awareness and show our support to whoever needs it.”

Another member of the ASIST team, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kate Philips, said she was honored to be at the walk and surrounded by so many people who have been touched by suicide.

“There was an overwhelming amount of people who came,

the sun and make a day of this was really awesome to see.”

Philips said that while guest speakers came up, the experience of listening to

push the campaign “Every Sailor, Every Day”, encouraging Sailors to have meaningful discussions about mental health and look out for one another.

(Sept. 9, 2017) Morning of Hope walk attendees listen to a guest speaker.. (Photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

GEORGEWASHINGTON PINS30CHIEFS GEORGE WASHINGTON HOLDS PINNING CEREMONY

By MC2 Alora Blosch

“F

amily members, guests and the crew of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) watched as 30 chief selectees marched in singing ‘Anchors Aweigh’ during the Chief Pinning, Sept 15.

The ceremony took place at the

that every day.”

The ceremony was the culmination of a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase II, which began immediately after the chief advancement results were released, Aug. 4. Phase II is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of the chief selectees, and provide

“This is 124 years of tradition. We have 30 chiefs to pin

plete, Benning spoke about their new roles in leadership, and sometimes they’ll just need to chill out and remember his mott o

today, which is nearly 5% of all the chief selectees in the Navy. That’s an incredible accomplishment.”

-Capt. Glen Jamison

Bayview Community Center on Langley Air Force Base, and the guest speaker for the event was (Ret.) Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning.

“This is a great tradition,” said George Washington’s Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jameson. “This is 124 years of tradition. We have 30 chiefs to pin today, which is nearly five percent of all the chief selectees in the Navy. That’s an incredible accomplishment. I want to say that promotion in the Navy is not recognizing Sailors for their past work, but recognition that the Sailors have the capacity to lead at the next level.

You will have to continue to prove

a better understanding of what it means to be a Navy chief. Phase II also consisted of training on the history and traditions of the Chiefs Mess, mentorship, and additional responsibilities of being a chief petty officer.

“Not everything that we went through was designed to be difficult,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Darren Kovas. “Some of it was to teach us things, but some of it was designed to be hard. They wanted to see if we really wanted this and if we were going to go the extra mile to get our anchors. It made it much more worth it.”

With the six weeks now com-

of

ICE; inspire, challenge and empower.

“I n s pi re,” said Benning.

(Sept. 15, 2017) NCC Brin’s tears. (Photo by “Be the type of leader that can inspire people to be like you. It’s not just how you lead your life in the life lines, you’re a chief petty officer. It’s about how you live your life 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. You are going

to have to challenge your Sailors to do more than they ever thought they could do, and never forget that someone did that for you. That challenge part is where a great deal of leadership takes part because in order to challenge them, you have to give them the training, the knowledge, and the resources to go forward and perform the task that you’ve given them. Only after you challenge them, will you have the ability to empower them to go forward and lead. You can empower them because you’ve given

CS Nickole Palmer-Seay (left) wipes away MMC Valerie y MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

them the confidence, you’ve given them all those tools, resources, and knowledge to accomplish a task.”

Benning also stated that family comes first because without the sac-

rifices that loved ones make, no one Raney. “We wouldn’t be here if it would be able to get to where they wasn’t for our families. They take up are now. He thanked the families for a lot of the slack when we are gone. their support and for showing It means a lot to up to celebrate this mohave them here.” ment with the soon-to As the be chiefs. Families ceremony came from far and came to a wide, some flying close and from places like families Montana and a n d others driving up the coast.

“We live in North c r e wC a r ol i n a ,” memsaid Jeanne b e r s Raney, the cheered for m o t h e r their Sail(Sept. 15, 2017) ABHC Lenny Santiago is capped by ABHC Terrell Jones. of a newors, the newly (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon) ly pinned pinned chiefs chief. “We came together for drove four hours to their first chant as the fiscal year get here. When 2018 chief petty officers. “U-S-S we first found GEORGE WASH-ING-TON! NAVY out, it was CHIEF! NAVY PRIDE!” something we didn’t want to miss.”

H avi n g f a m i l y there to celebrate this moment meant a lot to those being pinned as well.

(Sept. 15, 2017) Sailors stand in “It’s an indescribable ranks after receiving their anchors.

(Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez) feeling that anybody would have, I would think,” said Chief Operations Specialist Travis

NAVYTOCHRISTEN AMPHIBIOUSASSAULT SHIPTRIPOLI NEWS

NAVY

From Department of Defense

air combat element of the Marine Corps to include the Joint Strike Fighter.

Along with its pioneering aviation element, LHA 7 will incorporate a gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution, and fuel efficient electric auxiliary propulsion systems first installed on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). LHA 7 will be 844 feet in length, have a displacement of approximately 45,000 long tons (May 1, 2017) The future USS Tripoli (LHA 7) is launched at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. Tripoli was successfully launched after the dry-dock was flooded to allow it to float off for and be capable of operatthe first time. Tripoli incorporates an enlarged hangar deck, enhanced maintenance facilities, increased fuel ing at speeds of over 20 capacity and additional storerooms to provide the fleet with a platform optimized for aviation capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo/Released) knots.

LHA 7 will be the third WASHINGTON (NNS) The Navy and Marine Corps team," Dee said.

Navy ship to be named Tripoli. The will christen its newest Ameri"The ship will be a force multiplier, name honors and commemorates the ca-class amphibious assault ship, the and her crew will proudly serve our force of U.S. Marines and approxfuture USS Tripoli (LHA 7), during a country for decades to come. I am imately 370 soldiers from 11 other 10 a.m. CDT ceremony, Sept. 16, in grateful to the men and women of Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Ingalls Shipbuilding for their dedica- nationalities who captured the city of Mr. Thomas Dee, performing the tion and to the citizens of Pascagoula Derna, Libya during the 1805 Battle of Derna. The battle resulted in a duties of the Under Secretary of the for their unwavering support as we Navy, will deliver the ceremony's continue to make our Navy stronger." subsequent peace treaty and the sucprincipal address. Lynne Mabus, LHA 7 will incorporate key compo- cessful conclusion of the combined the wife of the 75th Secretary of the nents to provide the fleet with a more operations of the First Barbary War, Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, aviation centric platform. The design and was later memorialized in the Marines' Hymn with the line, "to the will serve as the ship's sponsor. The of the future Tripoli will feature an shores of Tripoli." ceremony will be highlighted by Mrs. enlarged hangar deck, realignment Media may direct queries to the Mabus breaking a bottle of sparkling and expansion of the aviation maintewine across the bow to formally nance facilities, a significant increase Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more informachristen the ship, a time-honored in available stowage for parts and tion about the Amphibious Assault Navy tradition. support equipment, and increased Ships class, visit http://www.navy.

"When USS Tripoli, the newest aviation fuel capacity. The ship will mil/navydata/fact_display.asAmerica-class amphibious assault also be the first LHA replacement p?cid=4200&tid=400&ct=4. ship, joins the fleet, we'll be a stronship to depart the shipyard fully ger, more flexible, and better Navy

ready to integrate the entire future

YOU HURT. WE HELP.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being Your job is not easy. You are asked to do things most people can’t do, be in situations most people can’t handle, and make decisions most people can’t fathom. These challenges may place a big toll on you. Yet, to be successful in the Navy and Marine Corps, you have to be resilient and psychologically strong. That’s where the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Health Promotion and Wellness Department can help. We have the resources and tools to help you navigate stress and strengthen your resilience so you can perform at your best. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Military Crisis Line for confidential support at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1, text 838255, or live chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx.

For more ways to connect while abroad, visit www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx. If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone who understands the challenges unique to military life, access 24/7 confidential peer support by contacting Vets4Warriors at 1-855-838-8255, or access email or live chat at www.vets4warriors.com. Support is available for service members and family members.

CVN

To learn how our resources and tools can help keep you fit for service and improve your overall health, visit us at WWW.MED.NAVY.MIL/SITES/NMCPHC/HEALTH-PROMOTION NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER

HEALTH/WELLNESS

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION START HERE

03/19/15 HPW-000093A

For more information on your local resources, contact: