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URVEYOR Vol. 21, Issue: 6 Mar. 22, 2021
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
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USS George Washington (CVN 73)
TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS White House reopens door for transgender service members
Commanding Officer
Surveyor Magazine Command Master Chief
Executive Officer
URVEYOR
Editor-in-Chief Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake
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Lt. Chelsea Cannaday
SHIP’S STORE
MC2 Elizabeth Cohen
Copy Editors MCC Christina Shaw
GW Supply Department reopens the ship’s store
Capt. Michael Nordeen
Capt. Kenneth Strong
CMDCM Christopher Zeigler
CTT1 Jordyn Calhoun
Media Department
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Media Team MC1 Patrick Grieco MC2 Trey Hutcheson
DEPLOYED RESILIENCY COUNSELOR
Public Affairs Officer
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake
Lt. Chelsea Cannaday
MC2 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Zachary Thomas MC3 Tatyana Freeman
Welcoming our new DRC, Mr. Hester
Departmental LCPO MCC Christina Shaw
Departmental LPO
MC3 Cory Daut
CTT1 Jordyn Calhoun
MC3 Robert Stamer MC3 Aislynn Heywood
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MC3 Michael Hazlett
Media Department Requests
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH A legacy of firsts on GW
MC3 Bonnie Lindsay
PRINT REQUESTS
PHOTO/VIDEO REQUESTS
E-MAIL CVN-73 Media
(757) 534-0613
media@cvn73.navy.mil
MCSN Jacob Van Amburg MCSN Dakota Nack MCSN Jack Lepien MCSN Justin Lawson MCSN Dyxan Williams
Capt. Kenneth Strong, the commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), cuts the ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of the ship’s store.
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AROUND THE FLEET
Blue Angels conclude winter training, depart NAF El Centro ON THE COVER: Culinary Specialist Seaman Christopher Trejo, assigned to the supply department, prepares food for the first meal onboard ship.
MCSN Joshua Cabal
PHOTO STUDIO HOURS
MCSA Joseph Negusse
0900-1200 1900-2100 MONDAY - THURSDAY, located in 01-165-3-Q
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
GW’S NEWEST WARRIORS BE SAFE. BE SMART. BE HEALTHY. EAWS F
MESSENGER OF THE WATCH
CS1 Madeline Roberts
PETTY OFFICER OF THE WATCH
HOMETOWN:
East Orange, New Jersey
THE AUTHORIZED TRAVEL RADIUS HAS RETURNED TO
WHERE SHE WORKS:
250
S2 General Mess
MILES FROM THE SHIP, PLUS THE ENTIRE STATE OFJUNIOR VIRGINIA. OFFICER
HOBBIES:
She enjoys hanging out with her son, going shopping, and watching crime shows.
HAMPTON ROADS NAVY INSTALLATIONS REMAIN IN HPCON CHARLIE.
WHAT SHE ENJOYS ABOUT THE NAVY:
She enjoys being able to support her family and living a stable lifestyle.
WHAT ‘SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT’ MEANS TO HER:
CS1 feels like she is setting an example for her junior Sailors. She is showing them that when you work hard you will be appreciated and rewarded.
SAILORS MUST PRACTICE STRICT HYGIENE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING. AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES AND GROUPS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE. SAILORS ARE AUTHORIZED TRAVEL TO/FROM OFFICER OF THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE/WORK, AND TO MAKE STOPS FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESS ONLY.
WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED:
CS1 is a top-notch Sailor! She maintains a level of professionalism at all times and works above her pay grade. She continually mentors those below her while helping and learning from those above. 4 • The Washington Surveyor
OF THE DECK
DECK
ESWS EAWS EIWS Deck Watch *Sailors MUST comply and protective Coordinators Coordinatorswith social distancing Coordinators Coordinators health measures at OSC Zachary Machnics ACCS Matthew Cuppernoll CTMCall Kathleentimes* Chandler CDR. Steve Yargosz
MAC Thomas Bohannon
AOC James Cooksey
IT1 Thaddeus Wiedemeier
LT. John Coughlin
AWAY, THE CABLEWAY TEAM, AWAY STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCSN JOSEPH NEGUSSE
connection of cables, the maintenance, and upkeep of penetrations for fireproof and watertight spaces,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Ricky Price, the leading petty officer of PM-17. Several vital systems cannot function without help from PM-17. Cableway team’s work can include systems ranging from computer systems, weapons systems, radar and even the Navy Cash debiting system. The Navy Cash system uses electronic funds on a commercial debit card, which uses a storedvalue chip and magnetic strip technology, reducing the need for cash aboard. “Cableway is involved with so many things; we will work with a contracting entity for one hour, then immediately start working with weapons department, then deck department,” said Price. “Then, a couple of hours later, we will be contacted by [my department head] to hook up the Navy Cash system. It’s a lot of communication. We don’t have one person to deal with that sorts it all
“Historically, when the George Washington caught fire in 2008, one of the reasons the fire spread was because of improper cableway instalment. The fire actually traveled through the cableways, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s important we do the job right.”
out. We [may] have to deal with six things at once.” Cableway teams work in multiple locations on the ship and Mendoza said it’s important to respect PM-17’s work, because a complication can set the whole team back and can cause issues for multiple departments. “When you are passing by someone that is doing cable work, it helps if you don’t step on the cable that they are running, because that may damage the cable and they may have to redo the entire job,” said Mendoza. PM-17 works to ensure all cables are run properly and are ready to function. They typically work on several projects at once, and Price said he tries to enjoy each success. “After completing a big task, it makes me feel pretty happy,” said Price. “Being able to respond [to a request] saying, ‘this task was completed by these Sailors at this time,’ and receiving emails thanking us, is a good feeling.”
Interior Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Kendall, assigned to the cableway team (PM-17), traces a wire.
With glasses fogging and sweat stinging his focused eyes, Electronics Technician Seaman Apprentice Michael Mendoza, assigned to the preventive maintenance cableway team (PM-17) aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), works to cement George Washington’s record-breaking cableway team as the team that continues to surpass all other cableway teams attached to carriers currently in the yards. “As cableway team members, we are the
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ones who run cables and break open multicable transit systems,” said Mendoza. “We are the people you see on the deck plates working the front lines.” It is important the work gets done properly and efficiently. If not, it could lead to future issues and even major shipboard casualties. “Historically, when the George Washington caught fire in 2008, one of the reasons the fire spread was because of improper cableway installment,” said
Mendoza. “The fire actually traveled through the cableways, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s important we do the job right.” PM-17’s role in space preparation is to ensure penetrations are sealed properly so that spaces are water tight and fire-proof. “We manage, organize, correct and supervise all cableway passes around the ship— outside of the [interior communications] circuits, which would be sound, power, and phone lines—including the organization and the running of cables, Electronics Technician Seaman Michael Mendoza, assigned to the cableway team (PM-17), feeds cable through a cableway.
The Washington Surveyor • 7
F
SHIP’S STORE BACK IN BUSINESS
F
STORY BY MCSN JOSHUA CABAL, PHOTOS BY MCSN JACK LEPIEN AND MCSN JOSHUA CABAL
Capt. Kenneth Strong, the commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), poses for a photo during a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand reopening of the ship’s store.
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Living aboard an aircraft carrier is not always easy. One obstacle is having to go off the ship in order to get supplies or necessities, so opening one of the ship’s stores on Feb. 26 was a huge leap toward ship readiness and the livability for all Sailors. Some of the junior Sailors assigned to the ship will be moving out of area barracks and back onto the ship in coming months. Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) will finally be able to use the ship’s store for their comfort and every day needs. The main contributor to the development of the ship’s store was supply department’s S-3 division, who runs ship’s services, but it was a group effort with assistance from working parties including all departments.
“I definitely have to shout out the guys [and girls] in S-3 division, and supply [department] in general,” said Ens. Justin
“With the ship’s store, you can come up and take a little load off of your day, get a snack and a drink, or a pick me up, like an energy drink.” Cooper, the sales officer for S-3. “We all contributed and were able to do what we needed to do to build the store back up from scratch.” The last finishing touch was the placement of the goods around the ships store. Having the items set up correctly
was challenging because some items must be placed in a more conspicuous spot than others. Not only can Sailors can take advantage of this store, located on the 02 level near the barber shop, but they can also look forward to the ship’s main store opening on the third deck, said Retail Services Specialist Seaman Apprentice Zandaria Miller, the ship’s store manager. Soon, Sailors can look forward to a wider variety of new merchandise, and more command branded products coming into the store. The ship store already carries USS George Washington emblematic items such as sweatshirts, hats, and belt buckles. You can also find items for self-care, like mouth wash, toothpaste, razors, flip-flops, and shaving cream. “With the ship’s store, you can come
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)pose for a photo during the opening of the ship’s store.
up and take a little load off of your day, get a snack and a drink, or a pick me up, like an energy drink,” said Cooper. The retail specialists are excited to see all the work they have been doing finally come to completion. They are ready to begin working in rate now that the shop has been rebuilt. “The store being open makes me happy because I have been here for going on two years, and if you had looked in here a year ago, it seems impossible that the store has ended up like this,” said Miller. The goal of the ship’s store is to serve Sailors for the remainder of the life of the ship in order to provide goods for generations of Sailors to come, and to make Sailors feel like a part of the GW family. “Just come up and visit us, and we will be waiting for you guys,” said Cooper. Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), buy and sell food items at the new ship’s store.
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Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Alberto Gomez picks out an energy drink at the new ship’s store.
The Washington Surveyor • 11
HESTER HERE TO DEPLOY RESILIENCY RESOURCES STORY AND GRAPHIC BY MC2 ELIZABETH COHEN Deployed resiliency counselors (DRCs) are considered essential team members on aircraft carriers and certain other large-deck platforms in the Navy’s fleet. Their mission is to help Sailors through commonly occurring life challenges in shipboard environments. They accompany Sailors on the shortest underways, on the longest deployments and in the case of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), pierside at Newport News Shipbuilding where George Washington is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul. George Washington recently welcomed a new DRC, Michael T. Hester. Hester brings the experience of prior military service, theology education, years of varied clinical settings, and a positive outlook to his new role. He’s aboard to help George Washington Sailors with a gamut of challenges and crises. “My job is to assess the situation,” said Hester. “I’m a crisis manager, so to speak, so I make the referrals.” Hester wants George Washington Sailors to know he is available for Sailors dealing with any sized challenge. “If people just need someone to talk to, I’m that guy,” said Hester. “I’m a licensed professional counselor and my job is to take care of you at the lowest possible level. Part of self-care is learning to talk to someone about your problems. Put out small fires before they become big ones. If a big problem does manifest, there is no shame in
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getting help.” As a clinical counselor working for the command, a DRC is bound to report certain conversations, like a Sailor who is considering hurting themselves or others, but for most other types of conversations, Hester is committed to confidentiality and building trust with his clients.
“I WANT MY CLIENTS TO SEE THAT EVERYTHING IS JUST A SEASON, AND NO MATTER HOW BAD YOUR WINTER IS, SPRING ALWAYS COMES BACK AROUND— EVERY SINGLE TIME.” “I get paid to keep secrets with the exception of very few things, and I’m up front about what those things are,” said Hester. While aboard George Washington, he will work directly with command or fleet resources to get Sailors the right care if needed, including the Fleet and
Family Support Center, command religious ministries, or the medical department, depending on the nature of the problem. He is also a liaison to the command’s sexual assault response coordinator (SARC), family advocacy program (FAP) for alleged domestic or child abuse, and Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) for suicide-related behavior. Hester says he believes his own positivity can help his charges recover from what ails them, whether or not they need to be referred to another level of care. “I want my clients to see that everything is just a season,” said Hester. “And no matter how bad your winter is, spring always comes back around—every single time.” Hester has already begun counseling for George Washington Sailors. Eventually, Hester will have a finished ship space but for now, he can meet Sailors wherever they will feel most comfortable, on or off-ship. “I’ve been using the bank building, but I’m flexible,” said Hester. “I can meet at a bookstore or take a walk in the park.” For now, the quickest way to reach Hester is by phone. He welcomes calls and texts. He is also available by email. “The greatest honor in the world is that somebody wants to tell me something, and it’s great to be here.” Call or text Hester at (757)-335-5539, or email Michael.T.Hester@navy.mil.
ORDER UP
PHOTOS BY MCSN DAKOTA NACK AND MCSA GRANT GORZOCOSKI
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE START OF REFUELING AND COMPLEX OVERHAUL, THE CHIEF’S MESS GALLEY IS SERVING FOOD FOR ALL SAILORS. THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE GALLEY TOOK PLACE ON MARCH 8, 2021.
A LEGACY OF FIRSTS: A CLOSER LOOK AT FIRST GENERATION FEMALE SERVICE MEMBERS STORY BY MC3 BONNIE LINDSAY; GRAPHIC BY MCSN JACOB VAN AMBURG This year, to honor Women’s History Month in March, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) pays credit to women in positions that, in the past, they would not have been considered capable of. Currently, women in the Navy are taking the reins in positions from leading petty officer to admiral. Many are the first in their entire family tree to hold titles like these. Some made history simply by joining and now, each day that they serve is another historical achievement. George Washington is lucky to have women aboard willing to contribute to and speak about being a part of history in the making. “I feel really proud and amazed with all that I have accomplished by joining the military and to have been the first woman to be in the Navy in my family,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Angelique Garcia, a hazmat technician for the supply department’s S-9 division aboard George Washington. Not only are women like Garcia making history for their families, they are also paving the way for others like them. “Knowing that I am part of history is such an exciting thing to think about,” said Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Sydney Hughes, administrative assistant for the air department aboard George Washington. “Knowing that I am paving the path for future women to join and succeed in the military and Navy is surreal.” Those who have made history all have had struggles to face for the choices that they made. Some face judgement from others, or doubt from themselves. “Joining the Navy was a shock for my family, mainly because I had a sturdy civilian job before the Navy,” said Hughes. “But after
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a few years and seeing how far I’ve come, my family is beyond proud of me and what I’ve accomplished. Most importantly, they are proud of me for finding a job that makes me
“THE MILITARY AND NAVY COULD IMPROVE ON OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN. THE NAVY HAS BEEN WORKING TO MAKE THOSE NECESSARY CHANGES BY ALLOWING WOMEN ON SUBMARINES, OPENING UP [SPECIAL WARFARE] OPTIONS, AND MORE.” happy every day.” Challenges continue, despite having family members on her side, Garcia points out. “I had to overcome being separated from my family for long periods of time,” said Garcia. “I learned that no matter what, my family is always here to support me.”
Having stable support from others and continuing to set new goals will always be a contributing factor to success throughout a service member’s career. “The biggest obstacles I’ve learned [to overcome] are how to be a stronger leader and to never give up on your dreams,” said Hughes. “If you want to be a Chief [Petty Officer] then do everything you can to earn your anchors, and if you want to be a naval officer, take the necessary steps to earn your bars.” It is because of mindsets like these, and the fight to go against the odds, that women are thriving in today’s military. “To me, the military has always been portrayed as a more male dominant field, and I believe with all the changes that have come [in recent] years in America, women are finally being recognized for all their hard work,” said Garcia. “I am proud to say I am a part of a Navy that has more female leadership.” There is still work to be done to ensure the future legacy of females in the military. “The military and Navy could improve on opportunities available for women,” said Hughes. “The Navy has been working to make those necessary changes by allowing women on submarines, opening up [special warfare] options, and more. But, continuing to open more opportunities and highlighting them when recruiting future Sailors would definitely encourage more women to join.” While the Navy continues to open more opportunities for women, it is the responsibility of all women to keep taking on the challenges, and proving they are assets who can truly achieve anything they set their minds to.
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BLUE ANGELS CONCLUDE WINTER TRAINING, DEPART NAF EL CENTRO From Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Verbis, Navy Operational Support Center Phoenix
IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!
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USS GEORGE
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The Blue Angels departed NAF El Centro and are scheduled to perform 53 flight demonstrations at 28 locations across the United States and Canada. “For a team that spends over 300 days travelling, this is like home because we spend more consecutive days in the Imperial Valley then anywhere else.The support we have from the community and NAF El Centro contributes to our performance which allows us to demonstrate the Navy & Marine Corps capability and mission. The Imperial Valley and NAF El Centro has a special place in our hearts, and we appreciate the support we receive year in and year out.” 2021 will mark the 75th anniversary of The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the
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Blue Angels who transitioned to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets. “We are honored to have the Blue Angels train at NAF El Centro and debut the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet,” said Capt.William Perkins, commanding officer, NAF El Centro. “The team is comprised of absolute professionals acrossthe-board and demonstrated that they are ready to execute the 2021 show season. Now,Team NAFEC and our community will begin to plan for their return next year so that we can ensure we are aligned and ready to support their unique and evolving training requirements.“ The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the precision and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring
a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 496 million fans. The mission of NAF El Centro is to support the combat training and readiness of the warfighter.This includes air operations support to operational fleet and training squadrons as well as squadrons from other services (Marine Corps, Army, Air Force) and international military partners.
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USS GEORGE WASHINGTO N
Spirit of Freedom
Crest #2 is in the lead! Now is your last chance to vote. email: crest@cvn73.navy.mil
Washington’s Victory The biggest ship in the sea; built to sail through ocean views USS George Washington waits in the shipyard of Newport News This victory vessel sits alongside a valiant patriot’ s pier Every daybreak we build her; better to get ready to leave here When we finish her she will fight for freedom in the world Life, liberty, and happiness, with our loved ensign unfurl’ d But before we are finished there’ s more work to be done To make the ship strong so our wars will be won Though this was a hard year tasks still remain May next year be better; but we won’ t complain With worthy partners, we work at a fast clip Together this team tackles building our ship In the waters of Washington’ s victory we will be moored Til all chores are complete and all conditions restored We build and we train and we toil day and night We’ ll deliver a deadly aircraft carrier daring to fight By Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake USS George Washington Public Affairs Officer
This poem was George Washington’s submission to the Naval History and Heritage Command’s New Year’s day deck log competition. The first entry of the New Year, written in verse, gives a brief glimpse into the minds of the Sailors and shipboard life, and provides human voice to thr otherwise impersonal deck log entries.
