The Washington Surveyor

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

Aug. 22, 2017

By MC2 Alora Blosch

CAPTURINGMOMENTS SENIOR STARR’S FIVE STAR PASSION

By MC2 Bryan Mai

COMMANDPICNIC GW SAILORS RELAX AT WATER PARK

By MC3 Joshua DuFrane

FORTHELOVE

OFANIMALS GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER AT NORFOLK ZOO

On the cover (Aug. 18, 2017) A GW Sailor with his child slides down on a tube at Ocean Breeze Water Park during a command picnic. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

PHOTO of the DAY

(Aug. 18, 2017) LSSN Bryan Montasfamilia is served food during a command picnic at Ocean Breeze Water Park. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

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

Media LPO

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

LTJG Andrew Bertucci

MCC Mary Popejoy

MC1 Alan Gragg

Staff

Editors MC3 Kashif Basharat

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

MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff MC3 Jamin Gordon

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

MCSA Julie Vujevich

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*

FORTHELOVE

OFANIMALS

GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER AT NORFOLK ZOO

C

By MC3 Joshua DuFrane rack! Snap! Pop! Beep! The chorus of bamboo shoots being sawed down and falling to the earth mixed with auditory warnings from backing mechanical vehicles early in the morning at Norfolk Zoo. Sweat-covered Sailors dragged the chopped bamboo through dust-filled air as the sun’s rays shined through openings in shadows cast from branches overhead.

Sailors, all of whom are stationed at the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), arrived early Wednesday morning to volunteer their time and labor to assist in cleaning different areas of the zoo before opening for customers to come and visit the exotic animals inhabiting the exhibit.

Sailors instructed one another on how to use the pole-saw and other various tools needed to complete the task at hand. Guiding each other, the Sailors found their rhythm and within a few minutes had a steady supply of bamboo being hauled away to be disposed of.

“This is my third time volunteering here at the zoo with the Navy,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Michelle Portleskuehn, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “This isn’t my first time cutting bamboo down. I really enjoy the work we do here. It’s calm and relaxing and a good change of pace from the work I normally do.”

Calls from exotic birds fill the air.

Portleskuehn’s eyes lit up at the sounds.

“I like seeing all the different ani-

mals,” said Portleskuehn. “After working for a few hours in the morning, we are allowed to walk around the zoo and visit all the different habitats.”

Leaving the bamboo-ridden structure, a sidewalk winds its way through the zoo, where two other Sailors were weeding grass and using gas air-blowers to clear the sidewalk of debris.

“This is my first time pulling weeds at the zoo,” said Aviation Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Edward Ooms, a Sailor aboard George Washington.

“There is a lot of self-satisfaction coming here and helping the community in any way I can. I love being outside and seeing the animals. Being off the ship and doing a different type of work from what I normally do is a breath of fresh air.”

As Ooms blew dirt and sticks off

the sidewalk, another Sailor a few feet away was raking pulled weeds and leaves into a pile to be thrown into a trash can.

“This is a good way to get off the ship and help others out,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Skyler Goldsby.

“Us coming out here and volunteering gives the Navy a good look for the public. They see us helping out in our free time and you can tell that our help is really appreciated.”

There are several of volunteer opportunities available for Sailors to participate in to better the community.

From local SPCA facilities, to Ronald MacDonald Foundations, the options are there for those willing to help and make a difference in the lives of people and animals alike.

(Aug. 17, 2017) Sailors volunteers at the local Norfolk Zoo before opening hours by clearing out bamboo from an exhibit. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)

CAPTURING Photos by Senior Chief Leonard Starr

T

he word photography is derived from the Greek words photo meaning light and graphein meaning to draw. The first photograph was captured in 1827. Since the first photograph was captured, photography has infinitely expanded from black and white to color, still to video, and film to digital. It has become an art form of its own and an easier way to preserve moments in time. It has been used to document historic events like the storming of Normandy or to capture fun family moments.

Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Leonard Starr enjoys photography and follows this passion

during his free-time after work.

“I have been shooting photography since 2008,” said Starr. “That’s when I bought my first camera. My passion for it started when I was little. My grandfather passed a camera down to me, but because I was young and trying to figure everything out, I broke it and couldn’t afford a new one.”

Camera equipment can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand depending on what kind of camera the person wants, the types of lenses and the quality of the glass as well as light filters, flashes and studio set up.

“It’s always been a passion of mine,”

said Starr. “But being able to afford it has always been a drawback for me.

I had a point-and-shoot and in two years I had probably put 3,000 images on it just of my family. It’s just always been my passion and preserving those memories is key to me. It wasn’t until 2008 that I was able to afford a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and actually learn that side of photography.”

The aviation boatswain’s mate community had their annual symposium in Norfolk this year. Two Chiefs from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) reached out to Starr requesting him to shoot at the banquet for the event.

MOMENTS SENIOR STARR’S FIVE STAR PASSION

By MC2 Alora Blosch

“I have worked with Senior Chief Starr since July of last year,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Jorenged Font. “He did a lot of the photography during the chief season last year. So when the ABMA syposium came around this year, we thought it would be nice to have an aviation boatswain’s mate there to take pictures for the aviation boatswain’s mate community.”

Font found out about Starr’s passion for photography through conversations in the Chiefs Mess.

“It’s one of those things we do as Chiefs,” said Font. “We get to know each other as people. He would show

me photos that he took on the weekends and he was always going to take pictures. He is awesome. Recently, he shared some photos of his son who is quickly growing up. He is just very passionate about what he does.”

Capturing moments is more than just hitting the button on a camera in the DSLR world. The settings come into play where the photograph has a choice of lenses and settings to capture a moment how they see it.

“I love being able to capture that image through the lens and make lifelong memories,” said Starr. “You can always see something and you know you’ve seen it, but no one else can see

what you see. Photography is a way to capture something and be able to show people what you’ve seen and be able to look back on it years down the road.”

Photographs can hold extreme value to people, whether it’s looking back on a lost loved one or a photo of Marines and a Sailor raising the flag at Iwo Jima. They can hold value and emotional impact for years, even decades.

Photography is a form of art that conitues to grow and change and each person that holds a camera has the potential ability to capture the world the way they perceive it and then show someone else.

(Aug. 18, 2017) Sailors with their friends and family members relax at Ocean Breeze Water Park during a command picnic. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

ENJOYINGTHEWATER

GW SAILORS RELAX DURING COMMAND PICNIC

T

he aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division hosted a command picnic at Ocean Breeze Water Park in Virginia Beach Aug. 18.

MWR rented out nearly half the park and sold more than 1200 tickets, blowing past the goal of 1000 tickets.

“The work the Sailors did to get to this point (the underways last year, SCOOP, and the current RCOH period) wasn’t easy,” said Derecka Collier, George Washington’s Fun Boss. “We wanted to give back to the Sailors and the command for the hard work they did in bringing the ship to the yards and, well, what’s more fun than a water park?”

The weather was perfect for a day at the water park and the water compli-

By MC2 Bryan Mai

mented the heat of the sun.

“I can’t wait to ride the slides with the MWR team and Sailors,” said Collier. “It was a lot of work putting this together but it was worth it. My family isn’t here with me today but the GW is another family and they’re here.”

Many Sailors also brought their families to the water park to enjoy the day.

“I brought my family today because they deserve it just as much as I do,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class John Stone, from Aurora, Colorado.

“It gives them a chance to be a part of everything I’ve been through so far.

We are having a great time and we just went down a few of the slides. The kids went down a slide that had a drop to it and I thought they would be more afraid of it but they did a good job going down.”

The event stretched from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and included a buffet and a raffle for various prizes, such as a trip to Disneyland and a smart watch.

“I think it’s awesome they’re doing this picnic,” said Stone. “It keeps people engaged and gets people to go out and do things they don’t normally do.

Maybe they don’t like to go out or like to explore or whatever the case may be. With this, they get to actually do it and have fun. They get to do things with the chain of command in a more relaxed environment.”

George Washington’s MWR team has a few more events in mind, such as a command car show, a command talent show, a ski trip and a command party. For more information on upcoming MWR events, visit their office on the Floating Accommodation Facility.

(Aug. 18, 2017) Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, a chaplain assigned to George Washington, leads Sailors in prayer at a command picnic at Ocean Breeze Water Park. . (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

(Aug. 18, 2017) ATAN Jonathan Deisenroth, right, puts a wristband onto CS1 Miguel Zavala during a command picnic. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

(Aug. 18, 2017) Sailors with their friends and family members prepare their food during the command picnic. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

(Aug. 18, 2017) Sailors eat during a command picnic at Ocean Breeze Water Park. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

(Aug. 18, 2017) Sailors with their friends and family members relax at Ocean Breeze Water Park during a command picnic. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

RIDEALONG GW SAILORS BENEFIT FROM SHUTTLE SERVICE

By MCSN Marlan Sawyer

T

he move to Newport News has presented new challenges for Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). With the ship entering refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), some departments have to carry out their daily operations off of the ship.

A few Navy rates now work out of the Maritime Building located at 2600 Washington Avenue, which is approximately 30 blocks away from the Newport News Shipyard.

“Since the George Washington is going through RCOH now, some departments have been relocated to other buildings, and even cities, to continue their daily operations,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 3rd Class Dustin Hall, from Glen Falls, NY. “Everyone isn’t on the ship now, so we have to make sure that they have no issues getting to work on time.”

The Sailors that don’t have their own transportation have not been forgotten about throughout George Washington’s transition to the shipyard.

“They don’t have to worry about how they are going to get to work; all the Sailors have to do is be at one of the designated pick up spots,” said Hall. “We transport about 300 Sailors daily, so I feel that our role in Newport News is vital.”

Excluding the few unmarked parking spots throughout Newport News, GW Sailors have to park in the 50th

Street parking lot, located at the intersection of 50th St. and Warwick Blvd.

“Newport News isn’t like other places, you can’t just park anywhere,” said Hall. “Almost all the other lots are private or you have to pay to park there.”

The 50th St. parking lot is far from Huntington Hall and the Maritime Building. This was taken into consideration and a shuttle service was initiated to help Sailors transit Newport News quickly and safely.

“It would take too much time to walk between these locations and would not be very efficient,” said Hall.

“The area surrounding the shipyard is dangerous. Sailors that haven’t been exposed to this kind of environment may have a hard time adjusting. They feel safer riding a shuttle. The level of

security isn’t the same as being on Naval Station Norfolk.”

Transportation provides around the clock service to help Sailors get to and from several locations in and around the Newport News area. Unlike Norfolk, Sailors can’t just walk everywhere, which is why the department on wheels is ready to take you where you need to go.

Sailors should be at the designated locations before the scheduled pick up times. Additional time in transit should be allotted for the two-block walk from 50th street parking lot to the ship.

If you have questions or comments in regards to transportation, please contact Transportation Dispatch at (757) 673-4318.

(Aug. 17, 2017) Sailors assigned to the transportation department pose for a photo. (Photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer)

TM

American Council on Exercise®

iF YOu DOn’T uSe iT, WiLL YOu LOSe iT?

I

f you’ve been sidelined by an injury, or you’re considering taking a break from exercise, you might wonder if you’ll lose your hard-earned strength and endurance. Some loss of fitness is inevitable, but there are ways to help minimize it.

Here’s what happens to your body when you take a break from exercise.

Matters of the heart The degree to which cardiovascular fitness declines during a period of de-training depends upon what kind of shape you were in to begin with. Individuals who are extremely fit, such as highly trained athletes, experience a rapid drop in fitness during the first three weeks of detraining, after which the rate of loss tapers off.

A significant level of fitness—higher than that of an untrained person—is retained for about 12 weeks. Individuals with low-to-moderate fitness levels show little change in cardiovascular fitness within the first few weeks, but their abilities rapidly decline in the weeks immediately following that period.

Performance Jitters The ability to perform a given sport or activity, whether it involves swinging a bat in softball or running 10Ks, invariably declines when the sport is abandoned for any length of time. Marathoners experience a noticeable reduction in endurance performance during a maximal aerobic treadmill test after just 15 days of inactivity.

Similarly, swimmers experience a decrement

in arm strength within as little as a month layoff from their normal training regimen.

Numerous variables come into play when analyzing the ability to perform a particular sport-specific skill, making it difficult to analyze the effects of detraining. Some are like riding a bike—you never forget how—while others, such as the ability to deliver an accurate serve in tennis, involve specific timing and well-trained muscles.

Speaking of Muscles...

With the exception of a genetically blessed few, most of us have to work at building strength through formal or informal strengthtraining workouts. Again, well-trained athletes have the edge, because the positive effects of training remain evident for weeks, sometimes even months, after training is stopped.

Lesser-trained individuals can expect to see their muscle strength and conditioning levels decline at a slightly faster rate, though not at the levels seen in sedentary individuals.

Stem the De-training Tide Experts agree that the best way to avoid losing much of the health and fitness benefits you’ve worked so hard to achieve is to do something. If you can’t find the motivation to run for a few weeks or longer, try walking instead.

Cross-training is popular because it is a viable means of maintaining, or even increasing, one’s fitness level.

Runners can give their knees a break by switching to cycling, swimmers can work their legs on a stair stepper, and aerobics enthusiasts can take their workouts outdoors by hiking through a local park or reserve.

If an injury is keeping you from your favorite activities, take your worries to the pool. Of course, it’s always advisable to check with your physician before resuming exercise after an injury. Regardless of which activity you choose, be sure to progress gradually.

If boredom is the problem, now is the time to try that sport you’ve been considering for so long. In-line skating, tai chi, boot-camp workouts—whatever strikes your fancy. The key is to keep your heart and muscles challenged to minimize the de-training effects that come when you are taking a break from your usual routine.

Additional resources Common Sports Injuries, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments: www.sportsmedicine. about.com/od/paininjury1/u/Injuries.htm#s4 Detraining, Deconditioning, and Losing Fitness: www.sportsmedicine.about.com/od/ anatomyandphysiology/a/Deconditioning.htm Dealing with Sports Injuries: www.kidshealth.org/ teen/food_fitness/sports/sports_injuries.html If you are interested in information on other health and fitness topics, contact: American Council on Exercise, 4851 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA 92123, 800-825-3636; or, go online at www.acefitness.org/GetFit and access the complete list of ACE Fit Facts.

TM

©2009 American Council on Exercise® To obtain reprint permission contact the American Council on Exercise® M09-025 87

NAVY NEWS

Surface Warriors and Industry Experts Convene, Discuss Warfighting Innovation

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trevor Welsh, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Subject matter experts

“We are all warfighters and our mission is to

from military, industry and civilian organizations

win at sea,” Rowden said. “We must operate as

affiliated with the surface warfare communi-

if the shooting began yesterday. But for those of

“The composition of the T4 gives us capability

ty gathered to discuss various emergent surface

you at sea, I would offer that much of the suc-

and I work hard to make sure they are in balance

warfare areas at Naval Base Point Loma’s Fleet

cess you’re going to have, or not have, depends

and optimized for peak performance,” said Sell-

Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, August

up on your level of engagement and enthusiasm

erberg. “I see the Surface Force Strategy already

15-17.

for training.”

in action and there is no magic formula here - it’s

another, when one ‘T’ falls short all the other ‘Ts’ are suboptimized.”

Organized by Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific

Capt. Kurt Sellerberg, the Director of the Dis-

about harnessing the right tactics, talent, training

Fleet (CNSP), the “TED” style summit included

tributed Lethality Task Force at CNSP briefed

and tools so that we can deceive, target and de-

topics such as upcoming surface attack weapon-

attendees on what he refers to as the central ner-

stroy an adversary. Sea control is the necessary

ry, threat assessments, training and developing

vous system to the SFS - “T4” - which stands for

precondition for everything else we do as a Navy.”

surface warfare officers (SWOs), leadership and

Tactics, Talent, Tools and Training. T4 calls for

Surface Warfare is the integrator in today’s

organizational psychology, and innovations in lo-

tactical excellence and rededication within the

warfighting disciplines from the tactical to the

gistics and cyber warfighting. These briefs came

Surface Force to provide sea control.

theater level. The focus of such power and pres-

from professionals for organizations such as Sur-

T4 also calls for the effective use and powerful

ence is placed upon the combat ready warships

face and Mine Warfighting Develop-

operating forward; success lies upon

ment Center, Naval War College, Naval

surface combatants. But those ships

Post-Graduate School , The Center for

are lifeless metal without the crews of

Strategic and Budgetary Assessments,

warfighters and their skilled and trust-

Arbinger Institute, and The Johns Hop-

ed leaders.

kins University Applied Physics Labo-

“Everything we do should have a fo-

ratory.

cus on improving capabilities and de-

The summit opened with tone-setting

veloping people...Sailors must have a

remarks from Vice Adm. Tom Rowden,

fierce desire to compete,” Rowden ex-

commander of CNSP, who explained

plained. “Competition drives the inno-

the necessity of the Surface Force Strategy (SFS) and how it serves as a call to action to build, organize, train, and equip surface forces that can fight

(Aug. 15, 2017) Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks to attendees of the Surface Warfare Officer Summit at Naval Base Point Loma’s Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center. (Photo by MC1 Trevor Welsh)

and win today, tomorrow, and beyond.

vation and initiative needed to remain the world’s premiere Navy. This is exceedingly important as strong navies grow exponentially and weak navies rapidly fall behind. First place is all

“I’d like to set the tone for the event today

impact of talented and engaged leaders whom re-

that matters - second and beyond are irrelevant. It

and talk about our mindset on sea control, men-

main committed to the importance of developing

takes Sailors who are fierce competitors to ensure

tal toughness and fighting spirit,” Rowden said.

warfare tactics experts. It provides guidance on

we remain in first place.”

“We’ve entered a new age of seapower.”

what type and how many tools are needed to get

Rowden explained not only are the warfight-

Tension in the security environment on the

the job done: design, procure and build the future

ers who are responsible for employing the SFS

seas is rising around the world and being pre-

Fleet to raise the combat capability of surface

required to have the right tools, be highly skilled,

pared for such a maritime environment is crucial

ships. The Surface navy must have a zealous ap-

trained and talented, but they must also be tough.

to maintaining our seapower. The guidance to do

proach to training that is realistic and integrated in

“People - trained, competent, tough,” said

so is provided for in the SFS. The objective is to

which environments are created that replicate the

Rowden. “So, toughness...what is it? It’s that

achieve and sustain sea control at a chosen time

challenges of operating and sustaining warships

ability to face our fears and dig deep to harness

and place to protect the homeland from afar, build

in complex naval engagement scenarios.

an unrelenting determination to win. Americans

and maintain global security, project the national

“The T4 is all man, train and equip - it falls

have responded for two centuries with a fighting

power of the United States, and win decisively

within or touches every aspect of Surface Forces

spirit that is a direct result of our love of liberty

through the Surface Force tenants: warfighting

claimancy,” Sellerberg said. “Most important is to

and freedom. We are slow to anger, but resolute

readiness; people - trained, competent, and tough.

recognize that one ‘T’ can’t be effective without

when pushed.”

CVN

HEALTH/WELLNESS

GET OFF YOUR FEET, SLEEP IS MEDICINE Lack of sleep can result in an increased risk of accidents, lowered response time, mood instability, and weight gain.1

Sleep Tips

• If your mind is racing before bedtime, write down your thoughts to release them for the night.

• Learn a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, to quiet your mind and relax your body.

For online sleep resources, visit NMCPHC – Health Promotion and Wellness:

• Avoid alcohol as a sleep aid; it increases mid-sleep cycle waking.

• Put electronics away 30 minutes or more before sleep time.

• Avoid caffeine several hours before sleep time.

• Try to go to bed and wake up about the same time every day.

To help you unwind, try a sleep enhancing selection or soothing instrumental music from the Relax Relax Toolkit: 1. What are the signs and symptoms of problem sleepiness? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd.

Accessed June 2015.

HPW-000036B

• Exercise each day to increase restful sleep; avoid vigorous exercise two hours prior to bedtime.