Washington Surveyor

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

JAN. 22, 2017

By MC3 Jamin Gordon

VICE CNO VISITS SAILORS Q&A WITH VCNO

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

TEAMBUILDING WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

By MCSN Michael Botts

FIRE WATCH WHAT DO THEY DO?

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding Officer CAPT Glenn Jamison

Executive Officer

SAILOR

of the

WEEK

CAPT Colin Day

Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey

Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci

Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs

Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editors MCSN Julie Vujevich MC3 Jamin Gordon

Content MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Bryan Mai MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSA Adam Ferrero 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 julie.vujevich@cvnit.navy.mil*

OS2 Richard Mendez DEPARTMENT: Operations WHEN I JOINED THE NAVY: 4.5 years HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA FAVORITE PART OF JOB: “My favorite thing about the Navy is all the traveling I’ve gotten to do. What I like about being an OS is that we always know exactly where we are and where we’re heading when we’re out to sea.”

On the cover: (Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), speaks to Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer)

PHOTO of the

WEEK

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), speaks to Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer )

QUESTIONS of the WEEK

DC 3M

Q:

What occurs during Mission Oriented Protective Posture 1?

Q:

A:

ISSUE AND SIZE GEAR.

What is the purpose of an Equipment Guide List?

SAFETY

A:

USED WITH A CONTROLLING MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT CARD (MRC) WHEN THE MRC APPLIES TO A NUMBER OF IDENTICAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.

Q: What are the steps for Time Critical Risk Management?

A:

ASSESS THE SITUATION (WHAT’S DIFFERENT?), BALANCE (RESOURCES AND OPTIONS), COMMUNICATE (RISK AND INTENTIONS), AND DO AND DEBRIEF (MONITOR AND SUPERVISE).

DEPARTMENT in the

SPOTLIGHT

(Jan. 18, 2018) Sailors in the operations department pose for a group photo. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)

OPERATIONS

By MCSA Steven Young

T

he workforce of the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is comprised of Sailors from multiple departments working together to form a cohesive unit with the common goal of achieving George Washington’s and the Navy’s goals. Sailors of George Washington’s operations department are tasked with collecting, processing and evaluating tactical information to aid in the ships movement as well as counter-warfare measures.

“Our job is to make sure that everything is operational and ready to go,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Altisha Glover, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “We’re here

to make sure that the ship is always prepared to get underway and that we’re prepared to address anything that may come our way.”

Like most of the ship’s force, the role of the Operations Specialists has shifted since arriving to Newport News Shipyard to undergo Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH). During RCOH, Sailors from operations department are not executing their usual undertakings, but instead utilizing their time in the shipyard to implement training and perform maintenance of the ship and its equipment.

“Operations Specialist is a seagoing rate, so most of our job can’t be

done while the ship is in the yards,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Xinyuan Lin, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “Things are a lot different. I’m fairly new so I haven’t been out to sea before, so I’m really looking forward to going out eventually. Since the ship is in RCOH we’re not doing anything regarding to navigation, so we’re helping out with the ship’s maintenance, and taking charge of our spaces. Mostly we’re just making sure that everything is squared away, and that there aren’t any fire marshal hits or any XO (Executive Officer) hits.”

Even though RCOH brings a change of pace from being out to sea for

operations department, the amount of work and shipboard obligations has not lessened.

“Honestly there’s really nothing that is that unpleasant about being in RCOH,” said Lin. “If I had to say something that I didn’t like about my job at the moment, it would be that we’re not out to sea. We’re not really able to put our skillset to use because we are in dry dock, therefore we’re not able to truly do every aspect of what an Operations Specialist does.

What I do like about what’s going on right now is that there is always something to do. Everyday there are new work lists coming out, and there is always new maintenance. It’s like there’s a rotating list of work that keeps us going.”

There has been tremendous progress in George Washington’s RCOH process despite still being in the beginning stages. The ability of operations department to adapt to their changed role in the shipyard is a testament to just how dynamic George Washington’s crew is with Sailors like the individuals from operations department working as diligently as they do, George Washington will depart from RCOH and return to the fleet better than ever.

(Jan. 17, 2018) ST3 Marlin Boucher, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) performs maintenance on a hatch aboard George Washington.

(U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)

(Jan. 17, 2018) ST3 Marlin Boucher, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) performs maintenance on a hatch aboard George Washington.

(U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)

(Jan. 17, 2018) ST3 Marlin Boucher, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) gathers materials in preparation to perform maintenance aboard George Washington. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)

(Jan. 19, 2018) IC3 John Broge stands fire watch aboard the GW. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber)

By MCSN Michael Botts

FIRE WATCH

D

uring Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) will be receiving a complete makeover. Many of the ships systems will be completely torn out and replaced with upgraded equipment. For this to happen, Newport News Shipyard workers will be welding things together and grinding things apart,

also known as hot work. As stated in the very nature of its name, hot work can be a dangerous process which can result in fires.

To fight against this, George Washington has set up a fire watch team, made up of many Sailors from different departments around the ship. This team is tasked with going along with civilian contractors, who are doing hot work, to prevent a fire

from occurring.

“As a member of fire watch, our main job is to be the first line of defense against a possibly disastrous fire on board the ship,” said Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 3rd Class Ryan Travitz, a Sailor assigned to the fire watch team aboard George Washington. “When we get to a space on the ship where the contractor will be conducting the hot work, we make sure that the area is cleared of all debris that could have a chance of catching on fire, as well as make ourselves familiar with our surroundings, in case something does catch on fire.”

Although their main job is to prevent a fire from occurring, the Sailors standing the watch are equipped with a portable fire extinguisher, just in case something does manage

to catch a flame.

“We are mostly out there to prevent a fire from occurring,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Garcia, a Sailor assigned to the fire watch team aboard George Washington. “In the rare case a fire does occur, we are equipped with a fire bottle to put the fire out, before it has a chance to spread, as well as a set of flash gear to protect our face and hands from the blaze.”

However, if the portable extinguisher the Sailors have with them is not enough to extinguish the fire, all Sailors on watch are required to know the location of the emergency phone closest to where they will be working.

“The fire bottle we have is great for putting out a small flame, but if a serious fire was to occur and our

bottle couldn’t handle it, we have to immediately let someone know,” said Travitz. “We have to know the location of the nearest emergency phone and alert the ship to the location of the fire, so that the proper personnel can get there before the fire can cause serious damage to the ship.”

Fire can be an extreme hazard on a ship. If not dealt with quickly, the fire can become uncontrollable in a matter of minutes. The hard work the Sailors assigned to fire watch do is essential to the day-to-day operations on board the ship. At this point in George Washington’s journey through RCOH, there have been no major fires on board the ship and with the vigilance of our Sailors, hopefully none will occur.

(Jan. 19, 2018) IC3 John Broge stands fire watch aboard the GW. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber)

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), speaks to Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)

By MC3 Jamin Gordon

SAILORS MEET VICE CNO

A

s a junior Sailor, it isn’t every day that one has a chance to meet, or interact with members of “big Navy”. When a Sailor is given the opportunity to have a face-toface conversation with anyone of that stature, it opens a direct line of communication, and a unique opportunity for Sailors to voice their opinions and concerns.

Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) spoke with Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran, during his visit to George Washington, Jan. 10.

“It was a great experience meeting the VCNO,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Shana Simpkins, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “I never thought that I would be meeting anyone from the upper chain of command.”

While meeting someone of such high rank, people tend to think that it is more of a one-way discussion than a conver-

sation. To the pleasant surprise of the Sailors, Moran was not only receptive, but engaging with the junior Sailors.

“He was very easy to talk to and very interested in what we had to ask him for the changes within the Navy,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Larissa Pruitt. “It was very exciting to see that happen.”

In being not only the VCNO, but someone with vast naval experience, Moran was able to share some of his insight, which the junior Sailors took to heart.

“One of the best pieces of advice that the VCNO gave was to stay engaged during RCOH,” said Pruitt. “This is the perfect time for us as engineers to gain hands on training and to seek additional education attending C-Schools.”

However, the most influential thing that the VCNO did was inspire the junior Sailors to excel both professionally and personally.

“This encounter encouraged me to

continue to gain knowledge needed to succeed,” said Pruitt. “It also encouraged my fellow Sailors to stay involved, and gain the same knowledge.”

Just as Pruitt was encouraged to gain knowledge, Simpkins was inspired to continue pursuing her goal of becoming an officer.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when meeting the VCNO,” said Simpkins. “I was working on my OCS (Officer Candidate School) Package, and watching the VCNO care about the Sailors, and looking for advice from the Sailors motivated me to continue with my package.”

Having the opportunity to speak to the VCNO is a rarity within itself, but the true glory in this occasion is the invigoration of the Spirit of Freedom that resides in each Sailor that is stationed on George Washington.

The VCNO will continue to visit other shipyards and commands as he prepares for a testimony with Congress.

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), speaks to Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer)

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), left, meets Capt. Glenn Jamison, the commanding officer of GW, before a tour of the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer)

By MC3 Jamin Gordon

VICE CNO VISITS GW

V

ice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran, visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 10, to observe the progress of the ship’s Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), meet and greet the Sailor of the Year (SOY) awardees and speak with crew members.

During Moran’s time aboard George Washington, he toured the ship literally from bottom to top. His tour began beneath the ship in the dry dock area, and ended on the flight deck.

While in one of the reactor spaces on the ship, Moran asked various questions about the complex, multi-process of RCOH. Most importantly, he was focused on how the crew is affected by RCOH. Moran asked questions about new processes Sailors may have to learn and how knowledge is transferred from the uniform side to the civilian side. Over-

all, Moran wanted to make sure the Sailors are getting what they need to be successful.

Although there were many conversations pertaining to the ins and outs of RCOH, Moran kept the Sailors at the forefront. When one Sailor asked about the possibility of updating a uniform regulation to allow Sailors to wear facemasks during unseasonably cold weather like Hampton Roads has been experiencing, Moran didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“I’ve been asked many questions about uniform regulations before, but this is the first time I’ve had this question,” said Moran. “As for an official regulation change, I will have to get back to you, however I’m telling your captain now, do what you think is right for your Sailors. Don’t wait for permission. Do what you have to do to take care of your Sailors.”

Another Sailor went on to ask Moran

if there are any other major changes coming up that Sailors should be concerned about.

“When we make a lot of these changes, we are trying to listen to Sailors,” said Moran. “Changes like blended retirement, evaluations and retention policies are designed to grow the Navy. We are trying to retain good talent versus get rid of it.”

As Moran’s tour came to a close on the flight deck, he held one last question and answer session with another group of Sailors. There were a variety of questions, from choosing a good mentor, to what to expect in the new budget.

“Sir, the POTUS (President of the United States) has been talking a lot about funding for the military, and upping it,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class William Workman. “Have you heard anything about getting any more funding for RCOH,

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), speaks to Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Marlan Sawyer)

(Jan. 10, 2018) Adm. Bill Moran, the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), is saluted by Sailors aboard the GW during a tour. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)

or the carrier strike-wings going on deployment, and how much would that be?”

After concluding the last question and answer session, Moran prepared to go on to the next shipyard.

While the visit gave Moran to get vital feedback from Sailors who carry-out the day-to-day work, this visit also helps prepare him for his testimony with Congress.

“Congress calls me to testify, and Adm. Moore (Vice Adm. Thomas Moore, commander Naval Sea Com-

mand) to testify about how the yards are doing,” said Moran. “Congress has a lot of interest in yards because it’s a lot of jobs, and it impacts the fleet.

Coming out and seeing you all, what you’re doing and what your relationship is like with the yard workers, really helps me communicate that back to Congress so they can understand what we need in terms of money and support.”

George Washington, docked in Newport News, is the sixth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to undergo the RCOH

process at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Having five other carriers go through RCOH before George Washington means that contractors along with Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) personnel, have had ample experience to make each RCOH better and more efficient.

The efficiency is already being exhibited during George Washington’s yard period. The ship, though at one point it seemed RCOH would take about 48.5 months to complete, that time frame has now rolled back to 44 months.

(Nov. 02, 2017) Sailors form the Nimtz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) air department compete in a tug-of-war competition during an air department sports day. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

TEAMBUILDING

S

ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) come ready to work hard every day. However, because of the monotonous day-to-day work schedule, leaders aboard George Washington know that it is important for their Sailors to take a break and participate in teambuilding activities.

According to Dictionary.com, team building is the action or process of causing a group of people to work together effectively as a team, especially as means of activities and events designed to increase motivation and promote cooperation.

For the Navy, teambuilding can

have an enormous impact on a Sailor’s life while at work and outside of work.

“When we do a teambuilding activity it actually helps us improve on our communication skills,” said Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Dyllion Hardison, a Sailor aboard George Washington. “We have to communicate differently when we are doing a teambuilding exercise than the routine communication that we do from work.”

In addition, teambuilding can enhance engagement, and create happier Sailors.

“It helps build morale, and allows people to come out of their com-

fort zone, and we get to learn new things about each other,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd class Victoria Gonzalez.

Teambuilding can effect a Sailor’s life inside and outside of the Navy.

“Teambuilding has helped identify my strengths and weaknesses in both my personal and professional life, and has shown me different ways to improve,” said Gonzalez.

Just as Gonzalez found ways to improve personally and professionally, Hardison also discovered new ways to grow professionally.

“I was able to find out new skills that I did not know that I had,” said Hardison. “Through one of our

(Nov. 02, 2017) Sailors participate in a soccer game at the Nimtz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) air department sports day. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)

(Nov. 18, 2017) Audience members watch acts during a Apollo 73 talent show hosted by the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) MWR. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)

(Nov. 12, 2017) Members of the George Washington Mustang’s discuss where to place the Ronald McDonald house Christmas tree. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

(Nov. 02, 2017) Sailors participate in volleyball at the Nimtz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) air department sports day.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)

teambuilding exercises, I found out that I had some leadership skills that wouldn’t have been brought to light if we didn’t have our teambuilding activities.”

Departments and divisions sometimes use sports or group physical training (PT) as a teambuilding activity. This approach allows for a good workout and teambuilding.

“In the warmer months sometimes our division gets together and plays football or ultimate frisbee,” said Hardison. “In the colder months, we will do divisional PT inside and play basketball sometimes. It is more motivating to go exercise when we’re all doing it together, and pushing each other to perform

better.”

Teambuilding can often be overlooked because Sailors just want to do their job and go home, but by enhancing teambuilding Sailors will be able to perform as a more cohesive unit, which can result in great success.

Whether it is exercising together or finding a solution to problems, these are both great opportunities to incorporate teamwork. In these situations, Sailors need to use their unique skills to work together to complete the given task effectively and efficiently.

“It helps build morale, allows people to come out of their comfort zone, and we get to learn new things about each other.”

- PS3 Victoria Gonzalez

NAVY NEWS T

he Defense Department has issued guidance to its military and civilian leadership on how to proceed if the federal government should shut down at midnight tonight, according to a memorandum from Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.

The deputy secretary said in his memo issued yesterday that the Trump administration does not want the government to shut down.

“The administration is willing to work with the Congress to enact a short-term continuing resolution to fund critical federal government operations and allow Congress the time to complete the full-year 2018 appropriations,” Shanahan said in his memo.

While he and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis hope Congress passes a continuing resolution or an annual appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018 defense activities, he said, “prudent management requires that the department be prepared for the possibility of a lapse in appropriations.”

War Operations to Continue While the memo contains guidance on essential personnel to continue DoD operations during a potential shutdown, he said, the department will continue to prosecute the war in Afghanistan and operations against al-Qaida and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and will continue to make preparations for deployments into those conflicts.

“The department must, as well, continue many other operations necessary for the safety of human life or the pro-

DoD Issues Guidance for Potential Government Shutdown

By Terri Moon Cronk, DoD News, Defense Media Activity

tection of property,” the memo read.

“These activities will be ‘excepted’ from the effects of a lapse in appropriations: All other activities would need to be shut down in an orderly and deliberate fashion, including -- with few exceptions -- the cessation of temporary duty travel.”

Military: Normal Duty Status All active-duty service members will continue in a “normal duty status,” regardless of their affiliation with excepted and unexcepted functions, the memo said.

“Military personnel will not be paid until such time as Congress makes appropriated funds available to compensate them for this period of service,” the

memo said. “Civilian employees paid for lapsed appropriations and who are not necessary to carry out or support excepted activities will be furloughed, i.e., placed in a nonwork, nonpay status.”

Shanahan emphasized that no shutdown actions are to be taken until further notice is provided.

“To repeat, the secretary and I hope that Congress will pass a funding bill and the DoD will avoid a shutdown,” Shanahan’s memo read. “This guidance is intended to support prudent planning.”

You can view the full memo at www.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/GUIDANCE-FOR-CONTINUATION-OF-OPERATIONS-DURING-A-LAPSE-OF-APPROPRIATIONS.pdf