WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
JAn. 28, 2019
By MCSA Steven Young
By MC3 Adam Ferrero
MANNING THE WATCH
ALWAYS READY
SAILORS GUARD OUR SHIP
THE IMPORTANCE OF DRILLS
By MC3 Marlan Sawyer
By MC3 Trey Hutcheson
WARFARE PINS
TRADING CHEVRONS FOR BARS
IMPROVING WARFIGHTING CAPABILITY
ONE SAILOR’S QUEST FOR A COMMISSION
washington surveyor Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison
Executive Officer Capt. Daryle Cardone
Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo
MMN2 Kyle Bloom ETN2 Sean Barry MM3 George Penn AO3 (AW) Jelicia Allen AZ3 (AW) Rictoria Logan MA3 Logan Smith MMN3 Shedrich Hughes IT3 Kaylee Derossett MMN3 Joshua Cash MM3 Zachary Southam CSSN Cody Schnitker
HM3 (SW) Daniela Escalante ABF3 Quill Hamilton AOAN Gerson Ramos ATAN Christopher Fagen
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tyler Barker
Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs
Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy
Editors MC3 Zack Thomas MC3 Adam Ferrero MCSN Jack Lepien
Content
MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Alan Lewis MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Marlan Sawyer MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Julie Vujevich MC3 Kyle Loree MCSN Elizabeth Cohen MCSN Tatyana Freeman MCSN Samuel Pederson 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.
“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
- Benjamin Franklin
SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT
DCFN Antonio Fox DCFN Fox, from El Paso, Texas, joined the Navy in February 2016. Assigned to the engineering department, his job on the ship is to maintain and operate damage control equipment and to train other Sailors in basic and advanced damage control. “I like my job because I feel that it’s satisfying to serve my country by taking on the challenge of ensuring the safety of the ship and my fellow Sailors,” said Fox. “The ship is an interesting place to work; it’s a very diverse environment and I enjoy having the opportunity to meet someone new every day.” Fox’s hobbies include golf and video games. He also says he “plays a pretty mean air drum!”
ALWAYS READY:
The Importance of Drills
By MC3 Adam Ferrero DC3 Thaddeus Malone watches the perimeter of the ship’s Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) during an anti-terrorism training team evolution involving an active shooter drill. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)
W
e train like we fight, and a big part of that is training early and often for any and all casualties that could develop aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
HM2 James Tonski does paperwork during a masscasualty drill as part of an anti-terrorism training team evolution involving an active shooter drill on the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF).(U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)
To ensure the Spirit of Freedom crew is prepared for the worst case scenario, they participate in drills, which are designed to inform and test participants in real time. “It is important for Sailors to participate in fire drills to gain experience, and that allows us to be prepared for the real deal,” said Damage Controlman 1st Class Mark Carroll, leading petty officer of the damage control division and duty fire marshal of duty section 10 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “The drills the ship’s fire marshal prepares allow us to prepare for any scenario that may arise. By running drills, this allows us to gain familiarity with the ship’s layout and equipment, and can give us a good understanding that causalities can happen anywhere at any time. Another benefit to doing drills is
so we can become familiar with all damage control equipment, and be comfortable in its utilization. When the real deal happens, that practice allows us to use our equipment without skipping a beat.” Drills are only simulations, but they can have a significant impact on Sailors when it comes to handling the real thing. “Active shooter drills are imperative for our Sailors, not just security, but all hands,” said Masterat-Arms 1st Class Susan Olander, the training leading petty officer for the security department aboard George Washington. “As active shooters are more prominent, it is important for our response forces to be ready to handle any situation. We try to keep the drill scenarios as real as we can. By practicing plausible scenarios, it brings home the reality of just how fast any situation can become an active shooter situation.”
A simulated emergency may lack the urgency of a real one, but not taking drills seriously could have substantial consequences. “If Sailors were not prepared for a real-life experience, it could potentially cause further damage to the ship because we would not be able to contain it properly,” said Carrol. “Also, by not being properly prepared, that could cause one of our Sailors to become injured by not following proper technique or procedure.” Preparedness through drills could mean the difference between life and death. “If Sailors weren’t prepared to respond to active shooters, both response forces and ship’s crew, they would find themselves essentially lost,” said Olander. “This decreases our ability to stop the threat quickly and increases the opportunity for catastrophe. Treat every scenario as real and respond as if it were the real thing. Not treating a drill as the real thing can dampen the effect. Therefore, our response forces will not treat the real event appropriately.” By actively engaging, Sailors can get much more out of the experience. “All Sailors need to do to get the most out of each drill is to actively participate,” said Carroll. “Staying motivated and engaged during the drills and asking questions to the leadership can allow everyone to have a good understanding of what’s going on at all levels. A big important aspect that most Sailors probably do not hold in high regard is the drill debriefs with [Damage Control Training Team]. By listening to the drill debriefs, it can allow Sailors to understand how to improve their technique and procedures, and even gets tips on
how to do something better. These drill debriefs can allow us to see what we need to improve on and if Sailors take these things to heart, it can allow them to grow in their respective positions and improve in all facets.” Sailors can be proactive in keeping themselves ready for an emergency scenario. “Active shooter training is conducted annually,” said Olander. “Paying attention to the material and stopping to think “what would I do?” is an excellent way to prepare yourself. Always Sailors aboard CVN 73 speak about what to do with an injured Sailor during a mass-casualty drill as part of an anti-terrorism having an escape route, or training team evolution involving an active shooter drill. quickly identifying potential Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF).(U.S. Navy photo by weapons to defend yourself MC3 Anna Van Nuys) perfect, and fire drills are the best is an easy way to place way we can practice for the real yourself in the proper mindset.” deal.” Carroll also agreed that taking By actively and enthusiastically initiative is the key to preparedness. participating in drills, every Sailor “Pay attention and actively seek is doing their part to be a member out to improve,” said Carroll. “When a casualty happens onboard, of a team that will serve and protect the ship, their shipmates, and it will not just be duty section’s themselves. problem; it is a USS George Washington problem, and it will take all hands effort to combat the casualty. Practice always makes
DC3 Thaddeus Malone apprehends a suspect during an anti-terrorism training team evolution involving an active shooter drill on the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)
Trading Chevrons for Bars
By MC3 Trey Hutcheson
MA1 Fredrick Tanner ensures that a sentry has everything he needs to maintain his post aboard CVN 73. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Julie Vujevich)
H
e was 22, and a new father, when he left his hometown of Binghamton, New York, for boot camp. His Navy journey began May 13, 2009. He joined as an E-1 with a desire to serve his country and be part of the law enforcement community. As a junior Sailor, he was all in, and ready to make his mark on the Navy. Fast forward 10 years, and Masterat-Arms 1st Class (MA1) Fredrick Tanner, the leading petty officer for the security department onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), has been selected to become a security officer through the limited duty officer (LDO) program. Tanner applied only once, and didn’t include any letters of recommendation in his package. His reasoning for that is simple. “I knew my hard work spoke for
itself, and I knew that if I made it, that’s what it would be based on, not the kind words of others,” said Tanner. Achieving such a milestone came with many emotions once he was notified of his selection. “I was called up to Capt. [Colin] Day’s office, [the former executive officer of George Washington], and at the time I thought one of my Sailors messed up, and I was going to answer for it,” said Tanner. “Capt. Day looked at me and told me to come here. He handed me an email he received which read LDO results. At that point, my feelings changed. I felt it was going to be the discussion of ‘better luck next year,’ but as I flipped through the pages of the email that’s when I saw my name highlighted in orange. I stood there in complete shock. The feeling was unreal. To this day I have the exact
email Capt. Day gave me.” After finding out the news that made Tanner full of emotion, he called his wife Alyson who was on her way to see her mother in Missouri. “Before she left she told me she had a feeling the results were going to come out that day, and sure enough they did,” said Tanner. “I called her, and to be honest, I sat on the stairs and started to cry. She asked me why I was crying. I told her because this changes everything for our family and the future of our children.” His department head, Lt. David Coon, knows first-hand what kind of leader Tanner is and how that will benefit him as an officer. “He is always full of pride, drive, and an energy that is extremely contagious,” said Coon. “His loyalty to subordinates, peers, and supervisors in the execution of duties
is a keystone to his character. He is fearless. His future as an officer will try him and push him more than he knows, but his drive to succeed, devotion to his team, and strength to accept and conquer whatever task is at hand will benefit him as an officer...He has demonstrated his ability to lead, but what sets him apart is his background. Having come up from the ranks, he has the privilege of being both a technical expert and leader that’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.” Although he will soon wear officer’s insignia, Tanner will remember where he came from. “I will never forget where I started in my naval career, and I am truly blessed to have the mentors in my career that I have had,” said Tanner. “Some of the officers onboard, when they see me, call me “ensign select,” and every time I hear that I just remind myself of the hard work I have put in to get where I am today.” The emotions of pride and joy can be felt by Tanner’s chain of command knowing that he best exemplifies the attitude, knowledge, and leadership of a naval officer. “I am extremely proud of him for his selection as a limited duty officer,” said Coon. “It is exciting to train, challenge, and gauge Sailors in their abilities with the ultimate goal of one day having done a good enough job to replace you. I am grateful for all of the mentorship and leadership, assignments, and experiences throughout my military career that have made me the leader I am today. I look to MA1 Tanner to continue to grow and develop the security community and be an asset to his future command. His strong sense of character and ability to adapt and overcome are second to none. I cannot wait to reflect on the impact of his future achievements and the
success of those in which he will lead. Our people are truly our greatest investment, and it’s amazing to see that investment pay off.” As he prepares to close the enlisted chapter of his career, he has some advice for those that one day want to follow in his footsteps. “Hard work pays off,” said Tanner. “Never let anyone tell you [that] you can’t achieve your dreams because
anything is possible if you just try.” Tanner’s commissioning ceremony is Aug. 30, 2019. His first salute will be with Chief Master-at-Arms Leonel Serrano, chief master-at-arms aboard USS Gettysburg (CG-64). “I am excited to make an ever bigger impact in our community, and affect even more change,” said Tanner.
(Photos courtesy of MA1 Fredrick Tanner)
MA1 Fredrick Tanner ensures that a log record has been properly maintained aboard CVN 73. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Julie Vujevich)
Come to the Ready...
By MC3 Zackery Thomas
MANNING THE WATCH U
pon checking into basic training, Sailors begin to learn valuable skills that they will apply throughout their naval careers. One of the first, and arguably the most important of these skills, is to stand a proper watch. Watch standers are the first line of defense, and they are responsible for the security of their ship and the safety of its Sailors. “Watch standing is important because we are the entry control point of the ship,” said Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Jullian Wimbush, the combat systems I-branch leading chief petty officer aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “The safety of the ship and the personnel starts with us, so it’s important that we are diligent in what we do. We take care of our ship and our Sailors, and make sure that this is a safe working environment.” Being in the shipyard presents
By MCSA Steven Young
unique challenges for George Washington’s crew. As the mission has shifted to returning the ship to the fleet, the responsibilities of watch standers have altered as well. “We are still doing important
“ Standing a proper
watch while in the yards is vital because safety is paramount.”
ITCS Jullian Wimbush work here,” said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Victoria Hurlbut, a Sailor assigned to the CS-8 division of George Washington’s combat systems department. “Even though it may be different than what an operational ship is doing, we still need to keep our security
tight because there can be a lot of confusion with all of the construction that’s going on. We have to make sure that no one is coming on board and tampering with our equipment or taking anything that they shouldn’t while we’re working toward making the ship operational again.” Another challenge is the increased volume of individuals traversing throughout the ship and the shipyard. Refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) is a massive project that requires synchronization from Sailors, civilian contractors, and department of defense employees. “Standing a proper watch while in the shipyard is vital because safety is paramount,” said Wimbush. “We don’t know every single individual who is coming aboard our ship. These contractors and government workers are visitors to our command, and we’re entrusting them to do a job and entrusting them with our Sailors. We need
BM2 Cassidy Belcher prepares to make an announcement on the 1 Main Circuit (1MC) while standing petty officer of the watch (POOW) aboard CVN 73. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young) to create a presence that shows that we care about our personnel, and that we a care about our ship. They need to understand that when they come to our command that this is serious business, and we are going to take care of them and take care of ourselves.” The time spent in RCOH may be a major shift from what seasoned Sailors are used to, and for new Sailors it may be far from what they were expecting. The current mission of returning George Washington to an operational status is an essential one, so it is important for Sailors to not become complacent with their duties, especially watch standing. “This ship is going to go out to sea again, and it is going to be a functioning vessel at some point in the future,” said Boatswain’s
Mate 2nd Class Cassidy Belcher, George Washington’s deck department paint team supervisor. “Even though you and I may not be here, the Sailors who replace us will be here, and they will need to care and take this stuff seriously. Right now, if we make a mistake on the [1 Main Circuit] it can be taken as a learning point, but out to sea, it is way more serious. Things like actual casualties and man overboard actually happen, so we need to be trained properly and prepared for the real thing when that time comes.” Maintaining the capability to address any possible occurrence during a watch means that Sailors must be prepared and ready to act at a moment’s notice. Sustaining apt watch standing standards is essential for safety
and security purposes, which in turn contributes to George Washington’s success. Sailors have the capability to do their part in defending their ship, and this defense begins with manning the watch. Sailors can stand assured that operations will proceed smoothly knowing that their shipmates have the watch.
Warfare Pins:
S
ailors have the opportunity to complete three warfare programs aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73): Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS), and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist (EIWS). OPNAV Instruction 1412.4, which provides details regarding warfare programs, was released after the ESWS program was created Dec. 1, 1978 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Thomas B. Hayward. Warfare programs play a vital role in making sure Sailors are able to effectively combat a casualty, locate equipment to combat those casualties,
Improving Warfighting Capability
By MC3 Marlan Sawyer and ultimately, maintain a safe workspace. Warfare qualifications are about protecting the ship and its Sailors. The ESWS warfare device distinguishes Sailors who have obtained this qualification, which allows them to perform duties in the surface community onboard a ship. When a Sailor obtains this qualification, they ensure safe operations of their command. “It’s a standard that every Sailor must achieve,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman David Long, who provides ESWS walkthroughs for the naval heritage section for junior Sailors. “Sailors with warfare devices on their uniform show that they have
attained a basic level of knowledge to ensure they are capable of fighting the ship, saving a shipmate, and ensuring the safety of themselves at all times. Having every Sailor at or working toward that level will only strengthen the warfighting ability of that command and the Navy.” After the introduction of the ESWS program, the EAWS program was established in 1980. The EAWS warfare device recognizes Sailors who have obtained the specific skills and knowledge to perform duties in the aviation community. “When I first came aboard, I saw people wearing warfare devices on their uniform and I was curious to figure out how to get them sewn
onto my uniform,” said Aviation the material discussed in this warfare With warfare coordinators, warfare Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) program. rodeos, and subject matter experts 1st Class Johnkeith Elopre, air “I remember when I received in each warfare specialty stationed department V-5 division zone my EIWS warfare device,” said aboard the George Washington, manager. “I was eager to achieve Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Sailors have many opportunities to this goal, so I started to study for Rien Desplinter from intelligence increase their warfare knowledge and the EAWS test. After that, I went to department, who provides training for get qualified. a “murder board” where a group of the intelligence section of the EIWS Whether you’re a seaman just chief petty officers from the aviation program. “The EIWS program was starting out or a seasoned Sailor on community asked me and several pretty difficult, even with my rate a second sea tour, warfare programs other Sailors several questions about being related with the information ensure Sailors are able to effectively air warfare. I did pass the board, but community. It was very interesting engage a casualty, operate equipment I will never forget the challenges to learn about the other information or platforms safely, and ensure that I overcame along the way to rates. All of our jobs require a secret backup as needed. They also remind achieving this goal. Now I help other clearance so there isn’t too much us to operate under the mindset of Sailors in the division attain the same information being passed around the “ship, shipmate, self” because it’s qualification. I even challenge them ship as to what the other intelligence everyone’s responsibility to save the to obtain qualifications from other rates do on a daily basis. This ship. warfare areas that aviation Sailors program definitely taught me much are not familiar with just to broaden more than I thought it would. I enjoy their knowledge. In-rate training teaching other Sailors about the role could never teach me what I learned that intelligence specialists play throughout the air warfare program, within the information community.” so I feel that this is very important, especially to all of the aviation rates in the Navy.” The EIWS program is the newest warfare program of them all. It was created in 2010 to qualify Sailors within the information community. Sailors must have a rate that is in the information community and possess at least a secret clearance due to Sailors assigned to CVN 73 take the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) board on the Floating the sensitive nature of Accommodation Facility (FAF). (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
NAVY NEWS The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) visited the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) at sea, Jan. 19. CNO Adm. John Richardson and MCPON Russell Smith spent the day aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) engaging with JCSSG leadership, observing dayto-day operations, and speaking with Sailors about their accomplishments on deployment so far. “You are the most talented Navy we have ever had,” said Richardson. “We have the data to show that. To see you out here, using your energy, being creative, taking the fight to our rivals, making sure we stay the best Navy in the world is very inspirational.” While on board, Richardson reenlisted 22 Sailors, presented the Sailor of the Year awards, and promoted one Sailor in the ship’s hangar bay. “It’s great to be a part of this ceremony,” said Richardson. “The commitment that is shown by these folks reenlisting right here is exactly the type of commitment that is going to keep us on top.” Shipboard Sailors were grateful that Richardson made time for them. “It feels amazing to be reenlisted by the CNO,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Albert Lucious, from Wichita Falls, Texas, one of the Sailors who was reenlisted. “I never thought I would have this opportunity.” Information Technician 3rd Class Daniel Ayala, from Dover, New Jersey, was grateful to Richardson for promoting him. “It was such an honor and privilege to have had both the CNO and MCPON here during my promotion,” said Ayala. “To have them here to congratulate me was a once-in-alifetime experience. It’s moments like this that make me realize how all of what we do is recognized and rewarded.” Both CNO and MCPON commented on the professionalism and capability of JCSSG Sailors. “Be mindful you are out here doing tremendous work,” said Richardson.
CNO Visits the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group at Sea From Lt. j.g. Jamie Moroney, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson salutes sideboys as he arrives on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). While aboard, Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith engaged with leadership, observed shipboard operations, and reenlisted 22 Sailors in the ship’s hangar bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Grant G. Grady/Released)
“You are maintaining influence in strategic areas around the world and increasing the prosperity of all of our citizens by defending the values that Americans stand for.” MCPON agreed with CNO, and additionally commented on the evident pride Sailors take in their work. “That’s what makes us a better Navy, it’s our people,” said Smith. “Your innovation, creativity, technical competency and capabilities; the way you solve problems and embrace diversity, makes us better as a Navy.” The JCSSG has been doing what they need to do so far and show no sign of letting up now, said Richardson. The CNO also spoke to the use of Dynamic Force Employment, and how the JCSSG has been embodying the strategy while on deployment. “Dynamic Force Employment brings us back to our roots as a Navy,” said Richardson. “Moving around the world unpredictably and putting doubt and fear in the minds of our adversaries brings us back to what we do best: being America’s lethal and maneuverable fighting force.”
JCSSG is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. Components of JCSSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Mike Wettlaufer, include the John C. Stennis, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21. CVW-9 consists of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, VFA97, VFA-41 and VFA-14. DESRON 21 consists of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).
GEORGE’S
CORNER
Pun #1 If you get your warfare pins, forecastle be jealous.
Pun #2 How do you avoid scurvy while underway? Vitamin Sea