The Washington Surveyor

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

OCT. 22, 2018

By MC3 Michael Botts

OUT OF THE DARKNESS GW SAILORS WALK TO RAISE AWARENESS

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

RUN CLUB GETTING GW SAILORS MOTIVATED AND IN SHAPE

By MCSA Jack Lepien

FORE!!!

GW SAILORS PLAY GOLF

By MC3 Brian Sipe

FLU SHOTS GW SAILORS GET VACCINATED

washington surveyor

SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT

Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison

Executive Officer Capt. Daryle Cardone

Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo

Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tyler Barker

Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs

Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editors

MC3 Julie Vujevich MCSN Zack Thomas MCSA Jack Lepien

Content

MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSR 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.

Air Department V-3

ABH2 Virginia Rohde

Hometown: McKenzie, Tennessee Why I joined: To serve my country. I have a lot of family

members in. My brother is active duty right now, so I joined to create a better life for myself and my family.

Favorite part of my job: Right now I’m the divisional career counselor, doing on-the-job training. I like it because I’m a huge people-person and I like explaining different paths that Sailors can utilize throughout their career. When I came in, I didn’t have a lot of direction or mentorship, and I work with a lot of PACT Sailors, so I like to explain the entire process to them.

On the cover: (Oct. 18, 2018) Golf clubs sit in a bag on a golf course. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

PHOTO of the

WEEK

SH2 Peterson cuts ABF2 Xavier Amos’ hair. (Photo by MC3 Marlan Sawyer)

HM1 Atsu Kotsanu

QM2 Chris Malenfant

ETN2 Alexander Kersey

LSSN William Summers

ETN2 Patrick Vaccarella

AN Daniel Villareal

ETN2 Aaron Gallagher

ABFAN Derrick Shinhoster

MA3 Brooke Baudendistel

ABEAN Zachary Valdez

ICSN Donald Bretz

AN Drake Anderson

EMFN Nicholas Wilson MMFN Austin Woodward LSSN Scott Gadsden ABFAN (AW) Onaje Jones

GWSAILORSATTENDOUT OFTHEDARKNESSWALK

USS George Washington Sailors participate in the “Out of the Darkness” walk. (Photo by MCSA Jack Lepien)

S

By MC3 Michael Botts

ailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in the 2018 “Out of the Darkness” walk at the MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 13.

Sailors walked alongside their families, friends, and the community. The walk aimed to raise awareness for depression and suicide, promote good physical and mental health, and raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristen Yarber, an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) coordinator assigned to George Washington, organized a group of Sailors from the ship to participate in this year’s walk.

“I attend these walks because my friend and shipmate took his life last year,” said Yarber. “It opened my eyes and made me realize this is a very serious and real issue at hand. I want to show

my support and help people in any way I can, and these walks are a way I can do that.”

“Out of the Darkness” events help support the AFSP. All donations help fund research for suicide prevention, create and distribute education programs, advocate for new public policies, and help support survivors of suicide loss.

These walks are crucial for reaching the AFSP’s goal of reducing the suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.

“These walks are important for several reasons, one of them being that they raise awareness for suicide,” said Yarber. “It starts a conversation about mental health and suicide prevention and diminishes the stigma around the subject of suicide.

The walks also provide support for those struggling. Whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, or are having thoughts about suicide, it lets them know they’re not alone. It shows people care, and it reminds them that they always

An “Out of the Darkness” sign directs walkers during the “Out of the Darkness” walk. (Photo by MCSA Jack Lepien)

USS George Washington Sailors participate the “Out of the Darkness” walk. (Photo by MCSA Jack Lepien)

have someone to talk to. The walks also offer fundraisers, and the proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These funds go toward research, raising awareness, and helping those struggling with suicide.”

According to the Virginia government website at www.va.gov, those who are serving or have served in the military are 22 percent more likely to commit suicide than their civilian counterparts. Yarber thinks it is extremely important for the military to get involved with events that provide awareness about suicide prevention.

“About four years ago, suicide became the leading cause of death among service

members, outranking war and disease,” said Yarber. “You hear the phrase ‘22 a day,’ meaning that 22 veterans die by suicide each day--and almost four of those are active duty service members.

I want that statistic to be zero a day, and by going to these walks, service members are starting the conversation about suicide.”

Similar to Yarber, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Tori Hurlbut, a Sailor assigned to George Washington who attended the “Out of Darkness” walk, agrees that suicide is a major issue in the military.

“With the rate of suicide being as high as it is in the military, it is crucial

for Sailors to attend events like this and show support for their fellow service members and veterans,” said Hurlbut.

“All Sailors should try to be part of the solution.”

Information on suicide prevention is available on the Navy Suicide Prevention Program webpage at www.suicide.navy. mil.

George Washington Sailors interested in being a part of the conversation to raise awareness for depression and suicide can learn more by attending ASIST meetings every other Thursday on the Floating Accommodation Facility mess decks at 9:00 a.m. The next meeting is Nov. 1.

USS George Washington Sailors and their friends and families pose for a picture after the “Out of the Darkness” walk. (Photo by MC3 Michael Botts)

GW RUN CLUB: GETTING SAILORS IN SHAPE, HEALTHY, MOTIVATED The sun rises as Sailors participate in the run club. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

W

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

ith the morning sun crawling over the horizon, a few Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) gathered at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News for a run as part of the ship’s newly re-established run club.

Members of the George Washington run club come together every Wednesday morning in an effort to get or stay in top physical condition, and build camaraderie within the club. The run club is organized and operated by Rosalio Nieto, the afloat fitness specialist, also known as the Fit Boss.

Maintaining physical fitness is a requirement for Sailors, but it also has health benefits as well.

“Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes and increases life expectancy,” according to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center. “According to the 2015 Fleet and Marine Corps Health Risk Assessment Annual Report, 28 percent of active duty

Navy respondents indicated a lack moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic exercise in their routine.”

The run club previously existed onboard George Washington, and thanks to Fit Boss and Capt. Glenn Jamison, the commanding officer (CO) of George Washington, it is back.

“In the meeting with the CO, he asked for some extracurricular activities either before

or after working hours, and I know that there was a run club previously and I talked about reactivating it and he said ‘make it happen,’” said Nieto.

Trying to get Sailors to wake up early to go run is a tough task for anyone, but Fit Boss has new ideas pending to help motivate Sailors.

“Fluctuating throughout the month, I’ve seen probably 15 different people,”

Run club members warm up before run club. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

said Nieto. “My goal is to have 25 active members.”

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cathryn Pellar is one Sailor participating in the newlyrevamped run club.

“A friend of mine had mentioned the run club in passing and I was interested in getting into better shape, so I asked him about it and that led me to start participating in it today,” said Pellar. “Running is something I used to do, but I really want to get back into now.”

Sailors join the run club for all sorts of different reasons. Some need motivation or an obligation to meet up with others to force them to run.

“I wanted to participate in the run club to help give me some motivation,” said Pellar. “When I joined the club I made a commitment to it. I can’t say I’m going to be somewhere and not show up, which in turn will keep me participating.”

In addition to being able to motivate Sailors, there’s one part of the run club that Nieto truly enjoys.

“My favorite part is when you take someone who hasn’t run in months or years and they come out because they know this is

a safe and comfortable atmosphere running with their shipmates and then hopefully they make a lifestyle change in being active,” said Nieto.

“It’s self-paced so you can run as fast or slow as you want, and that helps to not be intimidated by the faster runners.”

- FC2 Cathryn Pellar Pellar said that the Fit Boss doesn’t push anyone to exceed their physical or mental limits if they are not ready to do so.

“It’s self-paced so you can run as fast or slow as you want, and that helps to not be intimidated by the faster runners,” said Pellar.

Fit Boss has big plans for the run club that can provide some unique opportunities for Sailors.

Sailors warm up while participating in the run club. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

“Through the run club I want to build a team to take to Mount Vernon, the home and final resting place of George Washington, and represent USS George Washington in full force with a group of runners that have been running for a while,” said Nieto. “That run will be in September of 2019.”

With Fit Boss’s guidance, Sailors are taken through a warm-up and cool down, and are able to report to work at a reasonable time.

“We warm up from 6:30 a.m. to 6:40 a.m., run for 40 minutes, cool down for 10 minutes, and after that the shuttle will take you back to Huntington Hall if you need it,” said Nieto.

Sailors can sign up for the run club by either emailing Fit Boss or Matt Pennell, the afloat recreation specialist, known as the Fun Boss. Alternatively, sign-up sheets are available on the floating accommodation facility (FAF) quarterdeck at the MWR table.

MWR provides transportation from Huntington Hall Wednesday mornings.

Muster is at 6 a.m. at the front desk in the gym. If you want to drive yourself, muster is at the Mariner’s Museum at 6:30 a.m.

FORE!!!

GW SAILORS PLAY GOLF ABH2 Douglas Lovette, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford, strikes a golf ball. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

T

By MCSA Jack Lepien

he Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted the 8th annual Tembe Carrier Classic Golf Tournament Oct. 18.

Sailors from George Washington, as well as Sailors from the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) participated in the tournament.

The first Carrier Classic Golf Tournament was scheduled for Nov. 11, 2011. Three days earlier, Capt. Tushar Tembe, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), suffered a heart attack on Truman’s brow.

The tournament was renamed in his honor.

At the opening ceremony, Capt. Glenn Jamison, commanding officer of George Washington, and Capt. J.B. Theriault, the supply officer aboard the Truman at the time of Tembe’s death, spoke about what the tournament means to them.

“This is a phenomenal event that has grown each and every year,” said Jamison.

“It’s truly inspirational to get all these crews

together.”

“The morning [Tembe] died, I was supposed to meet with him,” said Theriault.

“We had a brass plate made by engineering to put on the cup, but we didn’t know what to name the trophy. Tembe Cup. There it was. I look forward to everyone having a wonderful time, as Tembe wanted.”

The tournament was played with a number of rules in place. Golfers competed in teams of four using the Best Ball rule, where every player on a team takes a shot, and the team selects which of the four ball positions they’d like to play from.

Many of the Sailors aboard George Washington were eager to represent their ship and their respective departments on the green.

“I played in the golf classic because the command hosted this year, and I know that even if Air Department doesn’t have the greatest golfers, it’s good to get out there and represent the command,” said Lt. Benjamin Nebeker, the V-2 division officer. “I’d like to have a good showing by everyone for the command as a whole.”

Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jeremy Zulz, PM13 leading chief petty officer, said that he played to have a good time with his shipmates.

“I played to enjoy the day golfing with my team, and hopefully have a good chance of winning it all,” said Zulz.

“It’s a great opportunity to get to know your shipmates off the ship,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mitchell Ehrhardt.

“Conversations are always good on the golf course, and it helps build esprit de corps.”

Awards were given to the top three teams from each of the two courses, as well as the longest drive and closest to the pin.

Despite experienced and inexperienced teams and players, it was the overall teamwork of each ship’s crew that led to the victor claiming the trophy.

USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) took home the cup with a score of 352 points.

Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) took second place with 359 points and George Washington came in third with 361 points. The Norfolkbased carriers plan to come together next year for the 9th annual tournament.

Lt. j.g. Drew Hayes, (left), lines up his putt using his golf club while Lt. Jeremy Hobbs, (right), observes. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo watches the distance her golf ball travels after hitting it. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

Lt. Rob Alford, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford, lines up his golf club with his golf ball. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)t

FLU SEASON IS HERE. GET VACCINATED!

E

HM3 Cheyanne Johnson sterilizes a Sailor’s arm before administrating a flu vaccine. (Photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber)

very year in the fall to winter timeframe, flu season hits and with it the Navy requires all Sailors to get vaccinated. Onboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is no different with hospital corpsmen administering the vaccine to as many Sailors as possible.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the first and most important step in

preventing the spread of the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.

“To keep it very simple it can keep you from getting the flu,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Cheyanne Johnson, one of the corpsmen assigned to George Washington. “It doesn’t always work 100 percent, but even if you get the flu it will be much less severe. Once you get the shot, you also can’t spread it to your family or friends.”

The CDC also recommends everyday actions one can take to help slow the spread of germs such as staying away from those who are sick and frequently washing your hands.

According to NAVADMIN 241/17, it’s mandatory for all active duty service members to receive the flu vaccine/mist unless they are medically or administratively exempt. Failure to receive the vaccine/mist can

HM3 Cheyanne Johnson gives a Sailor a flu vaccine on the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF). (Photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber)

result in administrative action or punishment under the UCMJ. “We’re looking to protect the individual Sailor and the command as a whole,” said HM1 Chamu Chimhau. “The flu can easily get out of control and can be easily spread. We try to get as many Sailors as we possibly can so we can develop what is known as herd immunity, which helps to protect those among us who may not be vaccinated.”

The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9.2 million and 35.6 million illnesses; between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations; and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually since 2010 in the United States.

According to the CDC, carriers of the flu can spread the virus even before they themselves know that they have it. Seemingly healthy adults can spread the virus one day before symptoms can begin to show up. Even after symptoms have gone away there is still a five to seven day period where one can spread the virus to others.

“The Navy requires that we have a minimum of 90 percent of the crew vaccinated by December 15th,” said Chimhau. “But we are trying to go above and beyond that. We are trying to get 100 percent of the crew vaccinated a month before the deadline comes around.”

For more information on the flu vaccine visit medical on the 2nd deck of the Floating Accomodation Facility (FAF) and the CDCs website at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/.

Sterile syringes sit in a box during Flu shotex. (Photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber)

WOMEN THAT HAVE 2-3 Alcoholic

Drinks 20% HIGHER

PER DAY HAVE A RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER THAN NON-DRINKERS

GEORGE’S

WARFARE Deck: Small boats and flags

RHIB

RHIB

RHIB

RHIBS

NEX Norfolk and FFSC present

Enjoy an educational event showcasing information about Building Healthy Relationships, Couples & Deployment, Marriage & Money, Counseling Resources, the Chaplain’s CREDO program & more!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1ST 0900-1200

0900 – 1200 Thursday, NEX NORFOLK MAIN MALL Thursday, Nov. 1st Nov. 1st NEX Norfolk Main Mall

NAVY NEWS U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 10, on an 11-week medical assistance mission to South and Central America where personnel will work closely with host-nation health and government partners in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras.

The purpose of the deployment is to help relieve pressure on host nation medical systems partly due to an increase in migrants crossing their borders and provide care to the appropriate communities.

“This mission marks the sixth time the hospital ship will provide medical assistance in the region and reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity with the Americas,” said Commander, 4th Fleet, Rear Admiral Sean Buck at the ship’s pier-side departure announcement.

“The return of USNS Comfort is but one way the United States is honoring that promise. By working together with our partner nation security forces and civilian agencies, we achieve effective solutions to common challenges.”

Since 2007, the hospital ship has visited 18 nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

During those missions, military medical professionals worked with host nation and civilian partners to provide medical treatment to nearly 390,000 people, including more than 6,000 surgeries.

“Comfort last deployed in 2015. I can tell you that those members of the crew who have participated in the past are thrilled to be a part of this

USNS Comfort Departs for Medical Assistance Mission in South and Central America

By Lt. j.g. Chelsea Dietlin

latest mission and those of us who have never taken part in a Comfort mission, are e x t r e m e l y excited to be here today,” said Buck. He added, “The foundation of our successful cooperation is trust and shared values. We build USNS COMFORT departs Naval Station Norfolk on an 11-week trust every day medical support mission. (Photo by MC3 Daniel E. Gheesling) as we engage with As part of the planning for USNS partners in support Comfort’s mission, health ministries of different missions.”

The mission’s crew includes in each country will select patients more than 200 U.S. and partner with medical needs that can be nation military doctors, nurses and evaluated and treated by the hospital technicians. In addition, about 60 ship’s onboard surgical services and medical and dental professional capabilities. Other medical services volunteers from non-governmental will be available to individuals on a organizations will be on board first-come, first-served basis at the to support the medical assistance USNS Comfort’s land-based medical mission. They will be joined by a sites.

Health services provided smaller team of civil service mariners who will oversee the ship’s operation in this year’s USNS Comfort deployment include general and navigation. surgery, ophthalmological surgery, During the mission, USNS Comfort will visit Esmeraldas, Ecuador; Peru dermatology, medical evaluation (port to be determined); Riohacha and treatment, preventive medicine, and Turbo in Colombia; and Puerto dental screenings and treatment, screenings, eyewear Castilla, Honduras. During each visit, optometry Comfort’s medical team expects to distribution and public health. treat approximately 750 patients per Medical capabilities aboard the day at each medical site on shore, hospital ship include surgical and and anticipate conducting up to 20 post-surgical rooms, a CAT-scan surgeries per day aboard the vessel. unit, four X-ray machines, a dental Specific dates for each port visit will suite, an optometry lab, a physical be announced several days prior to therapy area, two oxygen-producing plants and a 5,000-unit blood bank. the hospital ship’s arrival.

Americans can vote.

Wherever they are.

Do you want to vote absentee?

Here’s how to get started.

VISIT

CALL

EMAIL

FVAP.gov

1-800-438-VOTE

vote@fvap.gov

OR C O N TA C T YO U R

V O T I N G A S S I S TA N C E O F F I C E R NAME LOCATION

PHONE EMAIL

Lt. Robert Walsh (DISCO) FAF Room 414 757-534-0293 FAX

Robert.walsh@cvn73.navy.mil