WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
March 26, 2018
By MC3 Kashif Basharat
By MC3 Trey Hutcheson
THE OUTLIER
REFLECTION
CAPT. WENDY LAWRENCE
THE NAVY ADVANCEMENT EXAM
By MCSA Steven Young
By MCSN Julie Vujevich
SERF’S UP
READY, AIM, FIRE!
SUPPORT REWORK EQUIPMENT FACILITY
GW SAILORS QUALIFY AT THE RANGE
The Washington Surveyor
SAILOR
of the
Commanding Officer
WEEK
CAPT Glenn Jamison
Executive Officer
On the cover: (March 15, 2018) Chief Tiffany Jordan gives directions before Sailors take the petty officer third class exam. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)
PHOTO 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
Editor
MCSN Zack Thomas (Jan. 30, 2018) ABFAN Joshua Pechatsko uses a table saw to cut a wooden figure of George Washington at the Light Industrial Facility (LIFAC). (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
Content MC2 Bryan Mai MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young
QUESTIONS of the WEEK
DC CS3 Amber Elbert
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 jamin.gordon@cvnit.navy.mil*
DEPARTMENT: Supply/ S5 HOMETOWN: Florissant, Colorado FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: “Being around the Sailors in my division. They are awesome and great people. Being around them always makes me smile and my day better.”
3M
Q: WHAT DOES JSLIST STAND FOR?
A: Q:
SAFETY
JOINT SERVICE LIGHTWEIGHT INTEGRATED SUIT TECHNOLOGY.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAZMAT?
A:
Q:
FLAMMABLES, AEROSOLS, TOXINS, CORROSIVES, OXIDIZERS, COMBUSTIBLES AND COMPRESSED GASES.
WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF TRAINING REQUIRED FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS?
A:
BASIC RIDER COURSE FOR SPORT AND CRUISER BIKES; MILITARY SPORT IKE RIDER COURSE AND EXPERIENCED RIDER COURSE FOR CRUISER BIKES.
Local sixth-graders listen to a presentation by former NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence who told about following her dream to fly in space. (Photo by NASA/Tim Jacobs)
From left, STS-114 astronauts Steve Robinson, Jim Kelly, Andy Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, Charlie Camarda, Eileen Collins and Soichi Noguchi. (Photo by Nasa)
THE OUTLIER Capt. Wendy Lawrence By MC3 Kashif Basharat
V
ery few people in history have worn the dual hats of being in the military and being in space. Both are daring adventures that Wendy Lawrence excelled at. Her interest in space started very early in life. “My dream started when I was 10 years old in July 1969, growing up in southern California,” said Lawrence in the nasa.gov article “Brevard County Space Week Inspires Future Explorers” by Bob Granath. “I don’t know what it was about watching Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin bounce along the moon’s surface, but I was absolutely mesmerized. I said to myself, ‘that’s what I want
“If there is something you really want to do, when you grow up, have the courage to dream that dream, but be willing to follow it up with a lot of hard work.” -Wendy Lawrence
to do when I grow up.’ I wanted to be an astronaut and I wanted to fly in space.” Before Lawrence suited up to explore space, she followed her father’s footsteps and entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1977. She graduated with her ocean engineering degree in 1981, and had the privilege of hugging her father, the superintendent of the academy, on the same day. According to history.navy.mil, after graduation, Lawrence was designated a Naval aviator in July 1982. She accumulated 1,500 hours flight time in six different types of helicopters, and completed more than 800 shipboard landings. In addition to Lawrence’s
professional resume, she also earned a Master of Science degree in ocean engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in 1988. NASA selected Lawrence in August 1992. According to history. navy.mil, of the 3,000 or so men and women applying every two years for the astronaut program, NASA chooses about 30. The Naval Academy reportedly produces more astronauts
than any other school. Lawrence’s MIT/WHOI degree and her aviation experience helped set her apart from others. “You can make your dream come true,” said Lawrence in the nasa. gov article by Granath. “It is going to take a lot of hard work... If there is something you really want to do, when you grow up, have the courage to dream that dream, but be willing to follow it up with a lot of hard work.” Lawrence reported to the Johnson
Space Center in August 1992. She completed one year of training, and qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. A veteran of four space flights, Lawrence logged over 1225 hours in space. Her space deployments included STS-67 Endeavour (March 2-18, 1995), STS86 Atlantis (Sept. 25-Oct. 6, 1997), STS-91 Discovery (June 2-12, 1998), STS-114 Discovery (July 26-August 9, 2005). Capt. Lawrence retired from NASA in 2006.
Astronaut Wendy B. Lawrence, STS-114 mission specialist, is pictured while on the aft flight deck of the Space Shuttle Discovery. (Photo by NASA)
DEPARTMENT in the
SPOTLIGHT
(March 21, 2018) Sailors from S5 pose for a group photo. (Photo by MC3 Kristen Cheyenne Yarber)
SUPPLY/S-5
T
By MC3 Kristen Yarber
he Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) S5 division consists of a close-knit group of highly motivated Sailors who seem resilient to the often challenging shipyard environment. For many Sailors on the ship, the yards can present a number of difficult obstacles. They may do different work than they are used to, or even get sent to other departments that need additional personnel. Theior hours may get extended to meet the needs of the ship. Manual labor, hazardous working environments, and long days are common things during George Washington’s Refueling and Complex
Overhaul (RCOH). However, none of these things seem to deter the Sailors of S5’s spirits. The S5 division, also known as wardroom and hotel services, is part of the supply department. They clean and maintain various areas throughout the ship. “When the ship is operational, we are in charge of cleaning all 400 staterooms for the officers,” said Lt. j.g. Qizheng Bao, S5’s division officers. Now that George Washington has entered RCOH, the ship has been deemed uninhabitable, slightly changing hotel services’ role in the ship’s mission. “When the ship is in RCOH, we focus
more on cleanliness, maintenance, readiness and also the redesign of the spaces for the future crew members,” said Bao. These changes require S5’s Sailors to remain adaptable as the state of the ship changes almost daily. Still, they exhibit professionalism and remain driven. “I feel it’s also an opportunity for me to improve my communication skills and project management skills,” said Bao. The division is also using their time in RCOH to get their qualifications and pins. For example, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Amber Elbert took advantage of her time in the yards by recently getting
(March 21, 2018) SN Martin Mejiagonzalez from wardroom and hotel services division files papers to maintain the readiness of S5’s spaces . (Photo by MC3 Kristen Cheyenne Yarber)
(March 21, 2018) CS2 Chanel Dillard, left, and CSSN Claudia Mazuelos maintain one of their spaces . (Photo by MC3 Kristen Cheyenne Yarber)
her Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin. “Don’t wait to get your pin,” said Elbert. “Make sure you get it and help out other people who are getting it as well.” S5 is no doubt a successful and essential division on the ship, and it is due to the fact that its Sailors remain positive and mission
ready. It is evident that they support and uplift each other, further strengthening the capabilities of their work center. “My favorite part about what I do is my division, they’re awesome,” said Elbert. “The people are great. They make my day every day, they make me smile and laugh.” The optimistic attitudes, teamwork, and work ethic will carry S5 throughout the remainder of RCOH and ensure they do their part in making the George Washington operational in the future.
REFLECTIONS GWSAILORSREFLECTONADVANCEMENTEXAM By Mc3 Trey Hutcheson
“...at the end of the day control what you can control, which is the test.”
S
ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) took part in the Navy wide advancement exam during the month of March. Now that the exams are over, Sailors can share their experience, and how other Sailors can prepare for the exam. Some Sailors may have a lot of fears, or preconceived notions when it comes to the Navy advancement exam. Personnel Specialist Seaman Joshua Weaver, from the executive department said, that his biggest fear in taking the exam was disappointing his peers in his department if he fails the exam, especially with such a high quota for petty officer third class. When Sailors prepare for the exam properly, fears for the exam are more likely to decrease. “I did feel like I was well prepared because I had done a lot of studying prior to the exam,” said Weaver. “I was studying the Navy BMR [Basic Military Requirements], using flash cards and just using the people in my department. Two of my chiefs in my department helped me a lot with understanding the travel and separation instruction, which are some of the larger parts of my exam.” Although Sailors may be
(March 15, 2018) Sailors read directions for their petty officer third class exam. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)
- LS1 Dominique Sherrod disappointed when they don’t advance on the first time taking the exam, it isn’t always a bad thing. It provides an opportunity to identify some weaknesses in one’s study habits. “I learned from the previous exams not to overload myself the month of the exam,” said Weaver. “I also learned to relax myself, and just study as much as I can, and use all of my sources.” While junior Sailors have the pressure of making rank, first class petty officers experience added stress to make the chief’s board. First class petty officers qualify for the chief’s board through several factors including their final multiple score and advancement exam. Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dominique Sherrod made the chief’s board for the first time and had some great advice on how he is preparing. “Some of the supply master chiefs in the Hampton Roads area put together a package review at the Naval Station Norfolk galley directly after the test,” said Sherrod. “I am speaking with several CPOs [chief petty officers], SCPOs [senior chief petty officers] and MCPOs [master chief petty officers] onboard and mentors that I have met including LDOs [limited duty officers] throughout my Navy career.”
Using his chain of command has played a vital role in his preparation and using their support has been useful to his success. “My chain of command has been amazing,” said Sherrod. “They have gone over different things that they did, as well as things I need to do before the packages are due in June. Ensuring my OMPF [Official Military Personnel File] and PSR [Performance Summary Record] are up to date, is definitely something that everyone has said.” After receiving support and advice from others, Sherrod shed some light on how others trying to get to the chief’s board can reach that goal. “My advice is control what you can control,” said Sherrod. “You can control the test. Read the precepts, the convening order, and know the previous board members so you can reach out for mentorship, but at the end of the day control what you can control, which is the test.” It goes to show that whether Sailors are striving for petty officer third class or chief petty officer, support from others can go a long way towards success. With good quality Sailors willing to share their pass experience, and Sailors willing to heed the advice, there can be increased success on the Navy advancement exam.
(March 15, 2018) Sailors take the petty officer third class exam as chief petty officers walk around as proctors throughout the exam.. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)
(March 15, 2018) Chief petty officers pass out scratch paper for the petty officer third class exam. (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)
By MCSA Steven Young
SERF’S UP SUPPORTEQUIPMENT
REWORKFACILITY
(March 6, 2018) Sailors pose for a photo at the Support Element Rework Facility (SERF). (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
W
hile the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is undergoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), its crew is continually working towards refining the ship in preparation to return to the fleet. Sailors assigned to the Support Equipment Rework Facility (SERF) play an essential role in George Washington’s RCOH by refurbishing worn and damaged aviation support equipment. “SERF is a rework facility where we take support equipment that is old and tarnished and overhaul it, perform corrosion treatment and paint and finish,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Kyle Teague, the SERF work center supervisor. “SERF is primarily AIMD (Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department) Sailors that work alongside AWSE (Armaments Weapons Support Equipment), who are a part of the weapons division.”
Sailors assigned to SERF are tasked with overhauling aviation support equipment such as nitrogen bottles, tow bars and aircraft tie-down chains. “We have certain gear during RCOH that we have to overhaul,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Kyle Amstead, the SERF production leading petty officer. “Basically, we’ll break the equipment down into pieces, order new parts if necessary, sand down items that we will reuse, turn them over to civilians who will paint and prime them, and give them back to us. When we get our parts in we will put it all back together and it will look brand new.” Although the name of the facility includes the word ‘rework’, the actual work being done by Sailors is referred to as ‘overhauling’ their equipment. “When we overhaul our equipment we’re disassembling it, inspecting, replacing parts that need to be replaced and reassembling it,” said Amstead. “The difference is that
rework, like paint and finish, is done mainly by civilians. Overhaul is what we’re doing with our equipment during RCOH. We have about 1000 items that we’re going to be overhauling over the course of the next three to four years.” SERF is utilized by ships undergoing RCOH, as well as ships that are docked for shorter maintenance periods. Multiple ships may be performing maintenance at SERF at the same time, giving George Washington Sailors an opportunity to display their capability to work alongside Sailors from different commands. “SERF isn’t just an RCOH operation,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Reginald Grant, the SERF leading petty officer. “We have the Ike [Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)] right across from us. They’re here for six months and doing the same work as us but on a pier status. The
“We have about 1,000 items that we’re going to be overhauling over the course of the next three to four years.” -AS1 Kyle Amstead [USS] Bataan (LHD 5) is also here. We can work hand-in-hand, all three ships, when it comes to putting gear together, and helping each other out because we are all the same rates. If one of the other ships here needs something that we can provide like resources or extra bodies, we can help them out and vise-versa.” The significance of SERF and their work is apparent when looking at the functions of the ship as a whole. The equipment being overhauled at SERF is a necessity to George Washington’s ability to conduct flight operations. “My favorite slogan is ‘there’s no air support without ground support,’” said Grant. “Without us having our gear in tip-top shape ready to go, the aircraft can’t leave the flight deck.” The ability to launch and recover aircraft from anywhere in the world is what makes an aircraft carrier unique from any other type of vessel in the fleet. The work done by Sailors at SERF directly supports these ships’ ability to function optimally, and continue to be the powerhouses of our warfighting endeavors. (March 6, 2018) AS3 Andrew Sharum sands a nitrogen tank at the Support Element Rework Facility (SERF). (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
READY
AIM
S
ailors assigned to the weapons department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducted small arms qualification training March 2, for the newest members of the ship’s security department. “Between weapons and security, both of our departments have a big role in the qualification training, and we tend to work hand-in-hand,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Olivia Fisher, a line coach during the qualification training. “As weapons department, we’re here to train their department, and in turn, train our Gunner’s Mates. An interdepartmental comradery takes place during these trainings. It’s really refreshing to witness and be a part of.” In preparation for the training, weapons department works closely with security department to ensure the correct amount of ammunition is ordered. A truck to carry the ammunition to the range is scheduled in advance. Upon arriving at Cheatham Annex Small Arms Range at Naval
FIRE! By MCSN Julie Vujevich
Weapons Station Yorktown, where the qualification training takes place, members of the weapons department are required to check in with range staff, and give them an approximate start time to begin live fire. The staff then inspects the range and ensure that the range safety officers are in place. “As a line coach, Sailors must complete personal qualification standards (PQS), and become qualified in the use of the M9, M4 and M500 at a basic level,” said Fisher. “There is also a line coaching PQS that teaches and qualifies you in safety fundamentals.” Line coaches from weapons department at the qualification training ensure safety and proper training to new Sailors on the range during live fire. “What’s interesting about security department is that a lot of the Sailors that are there on temporary assigned duty (TAD) come from all different departments and rates,” said Fisher. “It isn’t normal for them to carry around a weapon while on duty, and some people don’t deal with firearms after the one
time in basic training. Sometimes getting Sailors comfortable with being around weapons and actually holding a firearm is one of the biggest parts of the training.” While some Sailors have experience in handling and using weapons prior to the qualification training, others may not have been afforded that same experience. “It was my first time shooting and I was a little nervous at first,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Wilfredo Ramos, one of Fisher’s trainees and a new member of security department. “I didn’t know what to expect. After taking the first shot, I got a better feel for it and it was easy.” By the end of the training, the new security class will be qualified to use the Beretta M9 and the M4 service rifle. Small arms qualification training is a requirement upon assignment to security department, and is one of the final stages before the newest security members are qualified to stand armed watches aboard George Washington.
(March 2, 2018) Sailors shoot at practice targets at Cheatham Annex Small Arms Range. (Photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(March 2, 2018) AZAN Gordon Edwards loads bullets into magazines before security department’s small arms qualification training at Cheatham Annex Small Arms Range. (Photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(March 2, 2018) GM3 Olivia Fisher checks the grouping of her shots at Cheatham Annex Small Arms Range. (Photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
NAVY NEWS WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced March 20 the Active Component (AC) fiscal year 2018 Aviation Department Head Retention Bonus (ADHRB) and Aviation Command Retention Bonus (ACRB) and the expansion of Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP) for both AC and the Reserve Component aviators in NAVADMIN 065/18. The AC Aviation Bonus (AvB) program, consisting of the ADHRB and ACRB, incentivizes highly-talented, hard-working, careerminded Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers (NFO) to choose to remain on active duty. “Our Bonus and flight pay programs have proven successful in the past at retaining our best and brightest Aviators. However, these programs have remained essentially unchanged for well over a decade, and are beginning to lose their effectiveness in the face of growing competition for talent,” said Capt. Michael Baze, head of aviation career management at Naval Personnel Command. “We asked Aviators of all ranks how we should modernize and improve moving forward. Aviators reported they wanted our programs to be more flexible, merit based, and competitive with civilian opportunities. We took that feedback seriously, incorporating each of these elements in the program changes you see here today.” AC ADHRB has undergone substantial reform. Capable and dedicated department heads are vital to mission effectiveness and represent the crucial link between senior
Navy Continues and Expands Aviation Bonus Program From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
ARABIAN GULF (March 19, 2018) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 94 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex Perlman/Released)
leadership and junior personnel. The eligibility timeline has shifted from the expiration of the aviator’s winging service obligation to their lieutenant commander board. Aviators can choose from a five-year contract or a three-year contract. Members who take the fiveyear contract early will receive a higher annual amount than members who take a five-year later or a three-year contract. AC ACRB is designed to retain those officers with the talent and command experience in primary warfighting missions that are critical for the future of our service. The new ACRB shifts from a 2-year, $36,000 total contract to a 3-year, $100,000 total contract. Members must select after screening for commander command and the obligation takes them through 22 years of service or the completion of their post-commander command tour, whichever is longer. For AvIP, Navy is establishing
expanded rates for aviators who screen and serve in career milestone billets. Aviators who do not screen or serve in milestone billets, but continue to qualify for flight pay, will continue to receive flight pay, but at a different rate than aviators in milestone positions. “Aviation has taken a holistic approach that synchronizes targeted increases in both flight pay and bonuses in a mutually supportive fashion with achievement of major leadership milestones. The end state will be a judiciously applied, merit based, more competitive continuum of pay for our top Aviators from Department Head through post-Commander Command,” said Baze. “Coupled with a range of non-monetary incentive improvements we are making, these changes will go a long way towards helping us retain the warfighting talent we need into the future.”
CVN
HEALTH/WELLNESS
Operational Stress Control PRESENTED BY OPNAV N171 21ST CENTURY SAILOR OFFICE
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) SESSION FOR SPOUSES and Family Members
Operational Stress Control (OSC) Navigating Stress for Families
a d
s
o
Wednesday, 28 March 2018 1800-1930 Peninsula Fleet and Family Support Centers 2600 Washington Avenue Suite 201 Newport News, Virginia 23607 Call (757) 688-6289 (or stop by) to register (Highly interactive with group discussion and practical application of concepts using realistic scenarios)
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The goals of the training are:
Help strengthen yourself, your Sailor, and your family Identify problems early Identify best practices for building resilience and for stress mitigation Further develop skills and strategies that help navigate stress and build resilience Identify resources available to help with stress issues