Washington Surveyor- February 22, 2021 by USSGW

THE

ASHINGTON

URVEYOR Vol. 21, Issue: 4 Feb. 22, 2021

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE 6 THE CHIEFS BEHIND THE PINNING The journey of becoming a chief

8 GET CUPPED A new therapy now available onboard GW

12 GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY Our first president and our namesake turns 286

16 RELIVING AND CREATING HISTORY GW celebrates Black History Month HM2 Andre Richards performs myofascial decompression therapy on a patient. (Photo by MCSN Bonnie Lindsay)

18 2 • The Washington Surveyor

FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION USS Russell (DDG 59) conducts Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea ON THE COVER: Carmine Bosco, salutes while being rung aboard as a chief petty officer during the chief petty officer pinning ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Trey Hutcheson)

THE

ASHINGTON

USS George Washington (CVN 73) Commanding Officer

Vol. 21, Issue: 4 Feb. 22, 2021

Surveyor Magazine Command Master Chief

Executive Officer

URVEYOR

Editor-in-Chief Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake

Copy Editors Lt. Chelsea Cannaday MCC Christina Shaw

Capt. Michael Nordeen

Capt. Kenneth Strong

CMDCM Christopher Zeigler

MC1 Patrick Grieco MC2 Elizabeth Cohen

Media Department Media Team

Public Affairs Officer

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake

Lt. Chelsea Cannaday

MC2 Trey Hutcheson MC2 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Zachary Thomas

Departmental LCPO

Departmental LPO

MCC Christina Shaw

MC1 Patrick Grieco

MC3 Tatyana Freeman MC3 Cory Daut MC3 Robert Stamer MC3 Aislynn Heywood

Media Department Requests

MC3 Michael Hazlett

PRINT REQUESTS

PHOTO/VIDEO REQUESTS

MCSN Bonnie Lindsay

E-MAIL CVN 73 Media

(757) 534-0613

MCSN Jacob Vanamburg MCSN Dakota Nack

media@cvn73.navy.mil

MCSN Jack Lepien MCSN Justin Lawson MCSN Dyxan Williams

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MCSN Joshua Cabal MCSA Joseph Negusse MCSA Franklin Carpenter MCSA Grant Gorzocoski

A special thank you to all those who let us tell your stories to the crew and to the fleet. 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.

The Washington Surveyor • 3

SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MMN3 Sean Graham HOMETOWN: Hopkinton, MA

WHERE HE WORKS: Reactor Department

HOBBIES:

Working out, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family as much as possible while adhering to COVID policies.

WHAT HE ENJOYS ABOUT THE NAVY:

“I enjoy the people that I work with. You’re never going to find more hard-working, tough people than in Reactor Department. We all band together and do whatever we can to get a really tough job done.”

WHAT ‘SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT’ MEANT TO HIM:

“Being named ‘Sailor in the Spotlight’ is kind of vindicating. The nuclear program pipeline is a two year program and I struggled a lot academically. It showed me that all the extra hours that I had to put in were for a reason.”

WHY HE WAS NOMINATED:

Graham recently alerted other watchstanders of a class-charlie fire aboard USS George Washington, and responded quickly himself to stop the fire from spreading throughout the ship. 4 • The Washington Surveyor

GW’S NEWEST WARRIORS MESSENGER OF THE WATCH

ESWS MMN3 Sean Reilly LS2 Angelique Garcia RP2 Tnyka Thomas EMN2 Chiara Russman MMN2 Benjamin Neace RSSN Zandaria Miller OS2 Ethan Warren LS3 Mia Nicolet HN Carina Lira AO2 Louis Farmer EMN3 Caulen Sopko

AE3 Connor Smith MCSN Dakota Nack

PETTY OFFICER OF THE WATCH FC2 Kevin Ross

JUNIOR OFFICER OF THE DECK AT1 David Link

OFFICER OF THE DECK ENS Brandon Greene

ESWS Coordinators

EAWS Coordinators

EIWS Coordinators

Deck Watch Coordinators

OSC Zachary Machnics MAC Thomas Bohannon

ACCS Matthew Cuppernoll AOC James Cooksey

CTMC Kathleen Chandler IT1 Thaddeus Wiedemeier

CDR. Steve Yargosz LT. John Coughlin

THE CHIEFS BEHIND THE PINNING STORY BY MCSN JACOB VANAMBURG, PHOTOS BY MC2 TREY HUTCHESON

Chief petty officer covers rest on a table during the USS George Washington (CVN 73) chief pinning ceremony.

6 • The Washington Surveyor

On Feb. 5, 18 selected first class petty officers on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) attended a ceremony in their honor, and assumed the rank of chief petty officer (CPO). During the three months prior to their pinning, they learned there’s more to the anchor and the ceremony than their rank and accomplishment as individuals. “The feeling of putting on the anchors was a very proud feeling,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Louis Fierro, assigned to the supply department aboard George Washington. “Not only for myself, but it’s a proud moment for my mentors, my children, my family and anybody I worked with. It’s owed to them. So, when I put on the anchors, I felt like I was doing right by all of them. It wasn’t just a ‘me’ thing, it was a group effort.” The chief petty officer selectees had to hold and excel at the rank of E-6, then prove they were ready to take on the responsibilities of becoming a chief petty officer. “To me, the CPO pinning, and entire CPO season is a reminder of what it took

to become a chief, and how I have to earn that title every day,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Keith Haran, assigned to the intelligence department aboard George Washington. “A Sailor doesn’t just wake up one day and become a chief petty officer on their own. It happens through hard work, determination, humility, teamwork and grit. All of those points are deeply instilled in chief selectees through the process of chief’s initiation, and their purpose has been honed by 128 years of experience, tradition and adaptation.” Becoming a chief petty officer wasn’t something Fierro could do alone. George Washington’s other CPOs and prospective CPOs were right there beside him. “We quickly became one unit, so to speak, going through the season and then getting pinned together.You’re never going to forget those people, even if you didn’t know them before.” said Fierro. “Those are people that I will remember for the rest of my life, because they made it with me.” Rank is not the only title that comes with becoming a chief petty officer. To

become a chief means wearing more than just a set of anchors on the uniform. “Being a chief means becoming the embodiment of enlisted leadership, and those endeavoring to do so need to understand that it is not just a job, it is a way of life that requires a full embrace,” said Haran. With only about 30,000 Sailors wearing anchors, the rank of chief petty officer is not large. This demonstrates that it takes strength and dedication to make it. “Don’t quit,” said Fierro. “Just keep pushing.Your time will come. Don’t be discouraged by not making it your first, second or third time.Your time will absolutely come.” Achieving chief petty officer is a big milestone in a Navy career and is not a simple feat. It takes years to reach, and requires the best out of every first class petty officer selected. “My advice to first class [petty officers] is pretty simple: know your job, do your job, and teach your Sailors how to do their job; the rest will take care of itself,” said Haran.

Master-at-Arms Chief Susan Olander gets pinned during the chief pinning ceremony Feb. 5.

The Washington Surveyor • 7

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andre Richards, assigned to the Medical department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), performs myofascial decompression therapy on a patient.

GET CUPPED CUPPING THERAPY, AND WHAT IT CAN DO FOR YOU

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCSN BONNIE LINDSAY

In the Navy, each Sailor has a physical fitness standard to maintain. Usually, Navy physical readiness is evaluated twice a year, which can often lead to Sailors looking for ways to ease the pressure they put on their muscles while training for the physical readiness test (PRT), or while generally maintaining their health and fitness. Many Sailors may not be aware of the options available to them for healthy physical recovery. Cupping therapy is one of the available methods to heal muscle aches and pains. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is one location offering this unique healing process to Sailors. “Myofascial decompression [known as cupping or cupping therapy] is a soft tissue mobilization technique mainly performed in a musculoskeletal setting by physical therapists, physical therapist’s assistants, athletic trainers, et cetera,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andre Richards, a physical therapist’s assistant aboard George Washington. “It’s related to other soft tissue mobility techniques such as deep tissue massaging, MFR [Myofascial Releasing], Graston or SASTM [Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization], foam rolling, and dry needling.” Not only is cupping therapy valued by those who provide it, but many patients favor it, too. “I would absolutely recommend this to others as a means of therapeutic pain relief,” said Lt. j.g. Richard Reevey, the radiation health officer aboard George Washington. George Washington offers many types of medical treatments to ensure that Sailors are able to get the treatment they need and prefer. Cupping therapy is one of these options, and the treatment can be customized for each Sailor’s experience, depending on their needs. “I utilize several techniques during my cupping sessions to include general pressure application, an active release technique, and scraping,” said Richards. “The general pressure [application] is simply the application of the cup and controlling the amount of pressure applied. The active release technique, or ART for short, is a technique that requires the patient to actively engage the muscle in which the pressure is applied.” Some techniques provide positive pressure, while others utilize negative pressure through a vacuum-like seal that is created. Both positive and negative pressure

techniques can deliver the same benefits. “Scraping is the process in which the pressure is slightly released from the cup, allowing the user to glide the cup over the skin,” said Richards. “Essentially, acting as a massaging tool, much like a Graston or SASTM session which uses hand tools to glide over the skin.” The common process behind each form of cupping therapy is guiding the flow of beneficial fluidsinto the muscle and harmful

“Therapy is not a one session, end-all, be-all, thing. Healing takes time and self-discipline. Healing also is not linear, meaning, there will be days when you feel at the top your game. Conversely, there will also be days when you feel below your typical standard.” fluids, such as lactic acid, out. Reevey said the process produces a familiar feeling on the patient’s skin. “Cupping [therapy] just feels like pressure on the skin,” said Reevey. “It is a tightening feeling.” Subsequently, Sailors who take part in this form of treatment can rest well, knowing that the pressure they feel is just touching the surface of what cupping therapy has to offer. “Myofascial decompression is important due to its efficacy in resolving issues related to soft tissue mobility and its ability to reduce adhesions or restrictions within the fascia, the fibrous tissue throughout the body, between the skin and muscle layers, as well as the capability to induce healing by channeling the flow of blood in, and fluids responsible for inflammation out, of the area of concern,” said Richards. The benefit of this type of therapy is not limited to one group of people and can be offered to many Sailors with a broad range of fitness needs. “Myofascial decompression is most beneficial to athletes who want to perform

at their peak,” said Richards. “Cupping also benefits those who work in an occupational setting. For instance, the administrative worker, who sits for hours at a time slumped over a keyboard, which could likely cause tightness in the upper back and shoulders.” If a Sailor is feeling in need of this type of muscular rehabilitation, Richards said the first step is to visit the appropriate medical facility. “Sailors aboard George Washington can find this service here at their ship’s Medical department in physical therapy,” said Richards. “This particular treatment is at the physical therapist’s discretion, depending on her findings during her evaluation. Sailors can speak with a provider in main medical to be referred to physical therapy for an evaluation with FIXO [the ship’s physical therapist], or they can visit the physical therapist during musculoskeletal sick call to ask if they would meet the criteria.” As with other medical treatments, cupping therapy requires dedication. Treatment, when referred, is not a single-visit cure. “Although myofascial decompression is a proven and effective technique in helping to resolve soft tissue mobility, it’s an adjunct,” said Richards. “Meaning, it’s most effective when combined with other forms of treatment.” Not only should cupping therapy be taken seriously and combined with other physical treatments, but a Sailor should maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure maximum benefits. “Therapy is not a one session, end-all, be-all, thing,” said Richards. “Healing takes time and self-discipline. Healing also is not linear, meaning, there will be days when you feel at the top your game. Conversely, there will also be days when you feel below your typical standard. However, with consistency, the likelihood of an efficient and a functional recovery is high. So, stick with it.” The next time a Sailor has any sort of muscle aches or pains, Richards said he advises the Sailor to speak to their medical representatives. . Depending on their needs and their pain, it is possible that cupping therapy may be the treatment they require.

The Washington Surveyor • 11

CELEBRATING OUR NAMESAKE’S 286TH BIRTHDAY

STORY BY MCSN DAKOTA NACK, PAINTING COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON February is the shortest month of the year, a month where many celebrate Valentine’s Day with their significant others and look forward to the upcoming months of spring. Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS George Washington (CVN 73), along with most Americans, also celebrate the birth of our namesake and America’s first president, George Washington. Washington was a pivotal figure in American history. His impact and legacy on this country are reasons his birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. The nation celebrates the day as Presidents Day to honor more of our leaders, but certain states such as Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, and New York specifically recognize the third Monday in February as “Washington’s Birthday” or “George Washington Day.” According to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Society, Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the Julian calendar used at the time. In 1752, Britain and all of its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, which ultimately moved George Washington’s birthday a year and 11 days to February 22, 1732. “I think he’d be the first to admit that at the beginning, he was not a great military mind. But he was a great enough leader to understand his role was to keep a Revolutionary Army in the field and not lose any decisive battles,” said Capt. Kenneth Strong, the commanding officer of George Washington. Strong recognizes Washington for the many facets of his legacy and the role his life

12 • The Washington Surveyor

played on the formation of America. Elaborating on this legacy, Strong stated, “Certainly for his service as the General of the Army, and then understanding his role and how to work with the Continental Congress to keep the nation and the dream of the nation alive,” said Strong. “Then, his role as President of the Constitutional Congress, and then as the president [of the United States] and being the first to go into uncharted territories as a leader.” George Washington is regarded by many Americans as the “father of our country.” He not only was the first President of the United States, but he also commanded the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-1783) and presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution. According to most military and American historians, Washington displayed determination and resiliency as a military leader and was respected for his integrity and exemplary character. Most historians agree, his high moral character enabled him to lead his troops through difficult and perilous times. “I think he was thoughtful of his folks. He did not want to waste and unnecessarily endanger their lives in a battle that he did not need to fight,” said Strong. “He helped them survive for the next day. Perseverance and understanding his role as a leader, and as well, leading humbly.” According to most historians, Washington was a man who vehemently opposed tyranny and valued individual freedom. He treated everyone with the same

respect, no matter what rank. His leadership exemplified the sheer selflessness, as he placed his people’s welfare above his own. His expectations from others and himself were high, but the respect he showed to his troops motivated them to give their all for him. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sailors aboard George Washington will not be able to enjoy the traditional celebration of years past for Washington’s birthday. However, once the pandemic has passed, Sailors on George Washington will have the opportunity to gather and celebrate Washington’s Birthday once more. “In February, we have a huge party… and it is an all-hands party,” said Strong. “It is a great time. We talk about General and President Washington a lot, and because our ship is named after him, we honor him and his service and sacrifice, all our shipmates, all different members of the USS George Washington, their service and sacrifice. So, there’s something cool for folks to look forward to, as well.” Many Sailors may feel Washington epitomized honor, courage, and commitment. Hopefully, Sailors assigned to George Washington today can take some time to recognize and appreciate his legacy and leadership. Much like Washington at Valley Forge, Sailors aboard the George Washington can endeavor to emulate his same perseverance and complete RCOH, returning the ship to sea to stand the watch again.

THE NAVY’S NE

Chief-selects assigned to the USS George Wa the rank of Chief Petty Officer by their frie Officer pinning ceremony February 5, 2021.

EWEST CHIEFS

ashington (CVN 73) officially get pinned to ends and families during the Chief Petty

THE NAVY RELIVING AND CREATING HISTORY TO THIS DAY STORY BY MC3 CORY J. DAUT, GRAPHIC BY MCSN JUSTIN LAWSON “Take a stand for what’s right. Raise a ruckus and make a change. You may not always be popular, but you’ll be part of something larger and bigger and greater than yourself,” said actor Samuel L. Jackson. Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) celebrate both the events of the past and the history being made today. To celebrate Black History Month during February, the crew is honoring those who have made and who will make an impact by sharing what it means to them. “With the Navy being a melting pot of different races, it makes me be proud to be an African American and makes me proud of my heritage,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Reshawn Orr, assigned to George Washington’s administrative department. This month, the Navy acknowledges African Americans who were first in their field, like the first black Sailor to be awarded the Navy Cross, become a Navy Diver, or command a Navy warship. In 1941, Petty Officer 3rd Class Doris Miller, a cook, became the first Black Sailor to be awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack. He was awarded for carrying other Sailors to safety and defending his ship with a .50 caliber machine gun with which he had no previous training, according to Naval Heritage and History Command. “Learning about what Dorris Miller did for this country was truly eye opening for me,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kerris Blackwood, assigned to the

16 • The Washington Surveyor

combat systems department aboard George Washington. “His story made me feel like I can achieve anything and break any boundary in my way.”

“WE NEED TO BREAK DOWN ALL THE BARRIERS IN THE NAVY.” According to Naval Heritage and History Command, Carl Brashear became the first black Navy Diver by attending and graduating Diving & Salvage School in Bayonne, New Jersey in 1945. In 1966, he was badly injured during a mission in Spain for the recovery of a nuclear weapon. His left leg was subsequently amputated, but he refused to be labeled as unfit for diving. “The Navy has overcome a lot of struggles since I have been in,” said Orr. “I believe that throughout the course of the Navy, you can see the accomplishments,

such as Master Chief Diver Carl Brashear as he became the first black Navy diver, and how he has changed the way people look at African Americans in general. This isn’t where we should just stop and admire history; we need to push further and make more [history].” In January, 2021, the Navy announced that Cmdr. Kathryn Wijnaldum, Cmdr. Kimberley Jones, and Cmdr. LaDonna Simpson were to become the first three African American women to command warships in the Navy. “When I saw the news about the first three black female SWO(N) who [will take] command of warships, I thought, it was only a matter of time,” said Blackwood. “When you give someone an opportunity, they are going to take it. African Americans have proven themselves time and time again.” Wijnaldum is set to be the commanding officer of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51). Jones is set to be the commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Simpson is set to be the commanding officer of the Harpers Ferryclass dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). “I am surprised that we haven’t had a female African American being named captain of an aircraft carrier,” said Orr. “This should have already happened, in my opinion. We need to break down all the barriers in the Navy.”

The Washington Surveyor • 17

N ANEWS VY

USS RUSSELL (DDG 59) CONDUCTS FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

On Feb. 17 (local time) USS Russell (DDG 59) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China,Vietnam and Taiwan. Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the sea, including freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations. The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. The international law of the sea as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention provides for certain rights and freedoms and other lawful uses of the sea to all nations. The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability, and prosperity. The United States upholds freedom of

18 • The Washington Surveyor

From 7th Fleet Public Affairs

navigation as a principle. As long as some countries continue to assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and that purport to restrict unlawfully the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all States, the United States will continue to defend those rights and freedoms. No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms. China,Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines each claim sovereignty over some or all of the Spratly Islands. China,Vietnam, and Taiwan require either permission or advance notification before a foreign military vessel engages in “innocent passage” through the territorial sea. Under international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States –including their warships –enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage is not permitted by international law. By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any

of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage may not be subject to such restrictions. U.S. forces operate in the South China Sea on a daily basis, as they have for more than a century. They routinely operate in close coordination with like-minded allies and partners who share our commitment to uphold a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. All of our operations are designed to be conducted professionally and in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows –regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events. Summaries of U.S. freedom of navigation assertions are released publicly in the annual “DoD Freedom of Navigation Report.” Past reports are available online at https://policy. defense.gov/OUSDP-Offices/FON/

COVID-19 Vaccine Questions? HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY THE SHIP’S SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER CDR. SHANNON BLACKMER:

COVIDRESPONSECVN73@cvn73.navy.mil

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March 1st-3rd on the Ship’s Quarterdeck, cast your vote for which crest you would like to see GW use for the next 25+ years. Voting hours: 0800-1130 and 1400-1730 If you are unavailable to vote in person, email: crest@cvn73.navy.mil