The Washington Surveyor October 4, 2021 by USSGW

THE

ASHINGTON

URVEYOR Vol. 21, Issue 20 Oct. 4, 2021

CONTENTS

THE

ASHINGTON

URVEYOR Vol. 21, Issue 20 Oct. 4, 2021

USS George Washington (CVN 73) Commanding Officer

Executive Officer

Surveyor Magazine Command Master Chief

Editor-in-Chief Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake

Copy Editors MCC Christina Shaw MC1 Stacy Atkinsricks

Capt. Michael Nordeen

Capt. Brent Gaut

CMDCM Christopher Zeigler

MC2 Robert Stamer MC2 Anthony Hilkowski

Media Department HM1 Yolanda King discusses medicine and health at the 2021 USS George Washington Women’s Symposium. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Tatyana Freeman.)

FALLING TEMPERATURES Fun Ways to Spend Autumn Liberty

Media Team

Public Affairs Officer

MC2 Elizabeth Cohen

Lt. Cmdr. Javan Rasnake

MC3 Tatyana Freeman MC3 Aislynn Heywood

NIGHT CREW

MC3 Jacob Van Amburg

Culinary Specialists Keep the Ship Fed, 24 Hours a Day

Departmental LCPO MCC Christina Shaw

Departmental LPO

MC3 Dakota Nack

MC1 Stacy Atkinsricks

MC3 Joshua Cabal MC3 Dyxan Williams

WOMEN TALK WOMEN

The 2021 USS George Washington Women’s Symposium

MC3 Joseph Negusse

MANAGING THE FLIGHT DECK Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (Equipment) Help Aircraft Carriers Carry Aircraft

18 2 • The Washington Surveyor

MCSN Jack Lepien

PRINT REQUESTS

PHOTO/VIDEO REQUESTS

MCSN Corbin Hagman

E-MAIL CVN-73 Media Print Requests

J-DIAL: 5615

MCSN Shanice McNulty

STUDIO PHOTOS

mediaprintrequests@cvn73.navy.mil

J-DIAL: 5397

MEDIA CUSTOMER SUPPORT HOURS

RONALD REAGAN CARRIER STRIKE GROUP RETURNS TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA From Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

ON THE COVER: DCFN Alejandro Ochoapastor stabilizes a fire hose while water pressure is checked during a hydrostatic test.

An F/A-18F lands on the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan.

MCSN Preston Cash

Media Department Requests

0900-1130

1300-1430

Located in 3-180-0-Q

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CALL J-5397 A special thank you to all those who let us tell your stories to the crew and to the fleet. 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 Washington Surveyor • 3

SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS TO GEORGE WASHINGTON’S NEWEST ENLISTED SURFACE WARFARE SPECIALISTS

HOMETOWN:

ETN2 Harrison Leonard MMN2 Jake Occhipinti

YN2 Namib Baregu

Hamden, Connecticut

WHERE HE WORKS: XO Admin

HOBBIES:

He enjoys basketball, working out, and spending time with family.

WHAT HE ENJOYS ABOUT HIS JOB:

YN2 enjoys meeting Sailors and working closely with the Executive Officer.

WHAT ‘SAILOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT’ MEANS TO HIM:

“It means a lot to me. I owe it to my junior Sailors who walk out the door with me everyday, and to my leadership for trusting me.”

WHY HE WAS NOMINATED:

He is responsible for supervising 5 Sailors, directly providing quality customer service to 2,555 military personnel in the daily execution of a myriad of administrative functions. His superb leadership resulted in the timely routing of 368 correspondence actions, 3 special requests, 215 evaluations and fitness reports, and 62 awards in support of our crew!

ESWS COORDINATORS

EAWS COORDINATORS

EIWS COORDINATORS

DECK WATCH COORDINATORS

PSC Mishell Brownlee LNC Ivan Diaz-Bass

ACCS Matthew Cuppernoll AOC James Cooksey

ITC Brandon Glassco

Cmdr. Steve Yargosz Lt. Brandon Merritt

FALLing Temperatures Autumn Fun is Here Story by MCSN Jack Lepien

S ay g o o d b ye t o swe a t i n g o n t h e w a l k t h ro u g h t h e s h i py a rd s , s u n b u r n s , a n d m o s q u i t o b i t e s , f a l l h a s a r r i ve d . M o r a l e , We l f a re , a n d R e c re a t i o n (MWR) is scheduling a plethora of activities to t a ke p a r t i n o ve r t h e c o m i n g m o n t h s , a n d t h e re a re a l o t o f n a t u r a l wo n d e r s t o e x p l o re . “ We ’ve go t a t o n o f g re a t s t u f f c o m i n g u p,” said Ryan Roberts, the afloat fitness specialist ( F I T B O S S ) a b o a rd t h e N i m i t z - c l a s s a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r U S S G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ( C V N 7 3 ) . “ I ’ m e s p e c i a l l y e x c i t e d f o r t h e u p c o m i n g t r i p s we h ave p l a n n e d .” C u r re n t l y, M W R o f f e r s a d a i l y s h u t t l e t o t h e P a t r i c k H e n r y M a l l , g i v i n g S a i l o r s t h a t l i ve a b o a rd t h e s h i p t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o g e t o u t o f t h e s h i py a rd s a n d e n j oy t h e i r l i b e r t y. “ We d o t h e m a l l s h u t t l e eve r y d ay, b u t we ’re r u n n i n g s o m e b i g t r i p s p re t t y s o o n ,” s a i d R o b e r t s . “ We ’re g o i n g t o t h e M a r i n e r ’s M u s e u m i n O c t o b e r f o r s u re , b u t we ’re s t i l l l o o k i n g a t d a t e s f o r M o u n t

Ve r n o n , t h e U S S W i s c o n s i n m u s e u m , t h e N A S A M u s e u m , a n d t h e S m i t h s o n i a n i n Wa s h i n g t o n D. C .” S a i l o r s i n t e re s t e d i n go i n g o n t h e s e t r i p s c a n s i g n u p a t t h e M W R t i c ke t b o o t h , l o c a t e d o n t h e aft mess decks. “ I f yo u l i ke p u m p k i n s , Fo r t S t o r y h a s a p u m p k i n p a t c h eve n t w h e re t h ey g i ve o u t f re e p u m p k i n s ,” s a i d R o b e r t s . “ A n d i f yo u l i ke c a r v i n g t h e m , M W R Po r t s m o u t h i s h o s t i n g a v i r t u a l p u m p k i n c a r v i n g c o n t e s t r i g h t a f t e r.” T h e re a re a l s o a f ew f i t n e s s eve n t s c o m i n g u p in the next couple months. “ A s F I T B O S S , [ f i ve k i l o m e t e r r u n s ] a re a l i t t l e m o re i n my w h e e l h o u s e ,” s a i d R o b e r t s . “ We ’ve go t t wo c o m i n g u p. O n e i n O c t o b e r f o r b re a s t c a n c e r aw a re n e s s a n d o n e i n N ove m b e r f o r t h e Wo u n d e d Wa r r i o r c h a r i t y. I f a nyo n e w a n t s h e l p t r a i n i n g f o r a 5 k , o r re a l l y a ny t h i n g , c o m e b y a n d t a l k t o m e .” I n f o r m a t i o n , s i g n - u p s h e e t s , a n d o t h e r eve n t s

c a n a l l b e f o u n d a t t h e M W R t i c ke t c o u n t e r. M W R i s n ’t t h e o n l y w ay t o h ave f u n . F a l l i s a l s o t h e p e r f e c t we a t h e r f o r h i k i n g , c a m p i n g , a n d e n j oy i n g n a t u re . “ T h e re ’s n o t h i n g l i ke f re s h a i r t o m a ke yo u f e e l l i ke yo u r s e l f ,” s a i d Av i a t i o n O rd n a n c e m a n 2 n d C l a s s G e o r g e F re d e , a s s i g n e d t o G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ’s s a f e t y d e p a r t m e n t . “ B e i n g o n t h e b o a t c a n f e e l p re t t y c l a u s t ro p h o b i c s o m e t i m e s , a n d t h e o n l y c u re f o r t h a t i s t o g e t o u t i n t h e o p e n a i r.” F re d e , w h o h a s l i ve d i n H a m p t o n R o a d s f o r m a ny ye a r s , h a s a f ew s p o t s h e l i ke s t o go t o f o r outdoor fun. “ We ’re l u c k y t o h ave S h e n a n d o a h N a t i o n a l P a r k j u s t a f ew h o u r s aw ay,” s a i d F re d e . “ I l ove t o h i ke o u t t h e re , b e c a u s e t h e v i ew s f ro m t h o s e m o u n t a i n t o p s a n d c l i f f f a c e s a re i n s a n e l y b e a u t i f u l . I t ’s i n d e s c r i b a b l e h ow a m a z i n g i t i s . E ve r yo n e s h o u l d go s e e f o r t h e m s e l ve s .” T h e f a l l i s a g re a t t i m e t o go s e e t h e v i s t a s , a c c o rd i n g t o F re d e . “ S n ow c a n m a ke s o m e o f t h e t r a i l s i n a c c e s s i b l e i n t h e W i n t e r, a n d i t ’s s o h o t i n t h e s u m m e r h e re t h a t i t f e e l s l i ke a c h o re t o h i ke f a r,” s a i d F re d e . “ S p r i n g a n d f a l l a re b y f a r t h e b e s t t i m e s t o go.” “ I ’d l i ke eve r yo n e t o t a ke a d v a n t a g e o f t h e i r l i b e r t y a n d go re l a x ,” s a i d R o b e r t s . “ W i t h s o

m u c h t o d o a n d s o f ew d ay s o f g re a t we a t h e r t o d o t h o s e t h i n g s , i t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o re a l l y m a ke e a c h d ay c o u n t .” Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n o n f u n f a l l a c t i v i t i e s , c h e c k o u t t h e M W R t i c ke t b o o t h o n t h e a f t m e s s d e c k s a n d s t ay t u n e d t o T h e Wa s h i n g t o n S u r veyo r, av a i l a b l e t o a l l S a i l o r s a n d l o c a t e d o n the mess decks or in Main Media (3-180-0-Q).

USS George Washington Sailors pose for a photo after completing an MWR Fun Run.

6 • The Washington Surveyor

The Washington Surveyor • 7

Nightshift in the Galley

Story and Photos by MC3 Joseph Negusse A s t h e d i n n e r r u s h w a n e s a n d t a b l e s a re wiped down seemingly for the last time in p re p a r a t i o n f o r b re a k f a s t , a n ew g ro u p o f S a i l o r s a s s i g n e d t o t h e N i m i t z - c l a s s a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r U S S G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ( C V N 7 3 ) p re p a re t o re l i eve t h e S a i l o r s w h o wo r ke d t h e d ay s h i f t . T h e g a l l ey re m a i n s i n c o n t i n u o u s m o t i o n d ay a n d n i g h t . W h i l e f o o d i s s e r ve d d u r i n g wo r k i n g h o u r s , t h e f o o d s e r v i c e a t t e n d a n t s ( F S A ) h e l p s e r ve t h e f o o d a n d m a i n t a i n t h e g a l l ey ’s c l e a n l i n e s s b y w i p i n g d ow n t a b l e s a n d re m ov i n g a l l t h e w a s t e p ro d u c e d f ro m t h e p re p a r a t i o n a n d c o n s u m p t i o n o f m e a l s . A l re a d y a c h a l l e n g i n g t a s k f o r t h e c u l i n a r y s p e c i a l i s t s a n d F S A s d u r i n g t h e d ay, t h e n i g h t c rew h a s t o f u l f i l l a l l o f t h e s a m e a rd u o u s d ay t a s k s a n d m u c h m o re . “ We t y p i c a l l y h ave a c h o p l o g , a l i s t o f i t e m s we h ave t o p re p f o r b re a k f a s t , l u n c h , a n d d i n n e r,” s a i d C u l i n a r y S p e c i a l i s t S e a m a n A p p re n t i c e Jo s h u a M e n a , a f o o d s e r v i c e a t t e n d a n t a s s i g n e d t o G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ’s f o o d s e r v i c e d i v i s i o n . “ We wo r k a l m o s t f o u r t e e n , f i f t e e n h o u r s a d ay, e n t e r i n g a t 6 p. m . a n d t h e n l e ave a t 8 a . m . B e f o re b e i n g a b l e t o go t o s l e e p yo u s t i l l h ave t o d e a l w i t h a l o u d b e r t h i n g a n d s h i py a rd wo r ke r s re p a i r i n g t h e d e c k .” Their deadline consists of hungry Sailors in a l i n e re a c h i n g t h e h a n g a r b ay, s t a r i n g t h ro u g h a g l a s s p a r t i t i o n a s t h e c l o c k r u n s d ow n . To t h e F S A s a n d t h e c u l i n a r y s p e c i a l i s t s , i t ’s j u s t a n o t h e r n i g h t t u r n i n g a ro u n d m e a l s . Tr ay a f t e r t r ay, s e r v i n g m i d n i g h t r a t i o n s , t h e n go i n g b a c k

CSSA Joshua Mena makes some pancakes for midnight rations and breakfast.

t o wo r k i n g o n their nightly tasks and cleaning in p re p a r a t i o n f o r t h e d ay c rew. “ We m a ke b re a k f a s t , a s we l l a s p re p a re a l l o f t h e i n g re d i e n t s t h a t a re u s e d t o p re p a re l u n c h a n d d i n n e r, w h i l e s t i l l h av i n g CSSN Anthony Howay wipes down tables t o m a ke a n d s e r ve in preparation of the day crew. the food during m i d n i g h t r a t i o n s ,” s a i d C u l i n a r y S p e c i a l i s t 3 rd R i c c o Pe n n , a c h e f a s s i g n e d t o G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ’s f o o d s e r v i c e d i v i s i o n . “ S i n c e we wo r k n i g h t s , we d o n ’t s e e m u c h o f t h e c h a i n o f c o m m a n d , a n d s o i t ’s u p t o u s t o g e t a l l o f t h e t a s k s d o n e b e f o re t h e d ay c rew a r r i ve s f o r t h e i r h a rd wo r k .” T h e n i g h t s h i f t h a s a ve r y c h a l l e n g i n g s c h e d u l e t o wo r k . W h e n i n a f a s t p a c e d e nv i ro n m e n t t h e e x p e c t a t i o n i s t o g e t f o o d a n d go a b o u t t h e d ay w i t h o u t t h i n k i n g a b o u t w h a t i t t o o k t o m a ke t h a t m e a l . I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o ap p re c i a t e t h e h a rd wo r k and effort that is put into each meal by the FSAs and culinar y s p e c i a l i s t s c rew s w h o wo r k t i re l e s s l y t h ro u g h o u t t h e d ay a n d night. “ M y l i f e c o n s i s t s o f c a t c h i n g u p o n my s l e e p,” s a i d M e n a . “ I t ’s h a rd t o d o a ny t h i n g b u t s l e e p. I f I d o n ’t ke e p u p w i t h my s l e e p s c h e d u l e o n my d ay s o f f , i t m i g h t l e a d m e t o b e u p f o r t wo d ay s . I t ’s h a rd s o m e t i m e s t o wo r k o n my s e l f a s a n i n d i v i d u a l , a s we l l a s a S a i l o r.” T h e wo r k a n d h o u r s a re h a rd o n t h e b o d y a n d m i n d . I t i s a s i g n o f re s i l i e n c e a n d s t re n g t h t o c o m e t o wo r k eve r y d ay i n a n e nv i ro n m e n t t h a t c a n b e t h a n k l e s s a t t i m e s . I t ’s t h a t t h e s e S a i l o r s d i s p l ay t h e e p i t o m e o f h o n o r, c o u r a g e , a n d c o m m i t m e n t w i t h t h e i r d e d i c a t i o n t o ke e p i n g t h e c rew f e d a t a l l h o u r s o f t h e d ay, s a i d Pe n n .

CSSN Anthony Howay checks the chop log for tomorrow’s meals.

8 • The Washington Surveyor

The Washington Surveyor • 9

Around The Ship

Photos by MCSN Corbin Hagman

10 • The Washington Surveyor

The Washington Surveyor • 11

Women’s Symposium Story and Photos by MC3 Tatyana Freeman

Sailors pose for a photo during the 2021 USS George Washington Women’s Symposium with Capt. Brent Gaut, commanding officer of USS George Washington and

O f t h e ove r 1 . 3 m i l l i o n s e r v i c e m e m b e r s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s A r m e d Fo rc e s , l e s s t h a n 2 5 % a re wo m e n a c c o rd i n g t o t h e D e f e n s e M a n p owe r D a t a C e n t e r. Wo m e n h ave m a d e m u c h p ro g re s s i n t h e m i l i t a r y s i n c e t h e Wo m e n ’s A r m e d S e r v i c e s Integration Act in 1948, including the first wo m a n t o b e c o m e a c o m m a n d i n g o f f i c e r o f a n u c l e a r a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r, C ap t . A my B a u e r n s c h m i d t , a n d t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t o f t h e f i r s t wo m a n t o b e c o m e a N av a l S p e c i a l Wa r f a re c o m b a t a n t - c r a f t c rew m a n . D e s p i t e t h a t p ro g re s s , i t ’s s t i l l r a re f o r f e m a l e s e r v i c e m e m b e r s t o h ave t a i l o re d a d v i c e , assistance, and information when it comes to t h e i r m i l i t a r y c a re e r s , h e a l t h , a n d we l l - b e i n g . To a dd re s s t h a t p ro b l e m , t h e wo m e n i n t h e C h i e f ’s M e s s a n d t h e F i r s t C l a s s Pe t t y O f f i c e r ’s A s s o c i a t i o n a s s i g n e d t o t h e N i m i t z - c l a s s a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r U S S G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n ( C V N 7 3 ) h o s t e d a Wo m e n ’s S y m p o s i u m S e p t e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 2 1 i n N ew p o r t N ew s , V i r g i n i a , f o r f e m a l e S a i l o r s o n b o a rd G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n . “ I t h i n k t h e Wo m e n ’s S y m p o s i u m t o d ay re a l l y o p e n e d u p S a i l o r s t o s e e t h a t t h e N av y i s o p e n m i n d e d a n d a c c e p t i n g o f f e m a l e s , a n d t h ey c a n d o g re a t t h i n g s i n t h e N av y,” s a i d M a s t e r C h i e f Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e C h e r r y P i z z a re l l e , a i r

Command Master Chief Christopher Zeigler.

12 • The Washington Surveyor

The Washington Surveyor • 13

Left: MCC Christina Shaw speaks at the women’s symposium.

d e p a r t m e n t ’s l e a d i n g c h i e f p e t t y o f f i c e r, a n d o n e o f t wo m a s t e r chiefs in her rate. Fe m a l e m e m b e r s o f t h e C h i e f ’s M e s s a n d F i r s t C l a s s Pe t t y O f f i c e r ’s A s s o c i a t i o n l e d p re s e n t a t i o n s o n a v a r i e t y o f t o p i c s t h a t a re u s u a l l y o n l y b ro a d l y a d d re s s e d t o t h e e n t i re c rew, a n d n o t g e n e r a l l y t a r g e t e d t ow a rd s t h e f e m a l e s o f t h e c rew. “ We we re h e re t o d ay t o g i ve b a c k t o o u r S a i l o r s b y s h ow i n g t h e m t h a t t h e re a re p e o p l e t h a t u n d e r s t a n d t h e i r d ay - t o - d ay w a l k ,” s a i d C h i e f Pe r s o n n e l S p e c i a l i s t M i s h e l l B row n l e e , deputy chief of dispersing in supply department, and one of the main c o o rd i n a t o r s o f t h e eve n t . “ We a re wo m e n a n d l e a d e r s , a n d we h ave b e e n i n t h e i r s h o e s .” S o m e o f t h e t o p i c s d i s c u s s e d we re hy g i e n e a n d we l l n e s s , s h i p b o a rd l i v i n g , f i n a n c e s , a d v a n c e m e n t a n d c a re e r d eve l o p m e n t , m i l i t a r y b e a r i n g , wo r k / l i f e b a l a n c e , a n d p ro f e s s i o n a l i s m a s i t p e r t a i n s t o f e m a l e s i n t h e m i l i t a r y. “ We l e t [ f e m a l e S a i l o r s ] k n ow t h ey a re n o t a l o n e i n w h a t m ay s e e m t o b e a s t r u g g l e ,” s a i d B ro w n l e e . “ We w a n t e d t o b r i n g t h e m t o g e t h e r s o t h a t we c o u l d d i s c u s s t h i n g s l i ke c a re e r d eve l o p m e n t , t h e i r m e n t a l a n d wo m e n ’s we l l n e s s , a n d g ro o m i n g s t a n d a rd s s o we c a n n o t o n l y s e t t h e s t a n d a rd , b u t s h ow t h e m w h a t t h e r i g h t s t a n d a rd i s . We a l s o a l l owe d t h e Sailors the opportunity to ask questions that

14 • The Washington Surveyor

Right: ABEC Amber Balajadia speaks about grooming standards at the women’s symposium. Left: Capt. Brent Gaut, CO of the USS George Washington, speaks to guests at the women’s symposium.

Below: Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Katrina Cain speaks at the women’s symposium symposium.

Below: MMNC Lisa Martin speaks about grooming standards at the women’s symposium.

t h ey m ay n o t s o m e t i m e s g e t t o a s k a n d we g ave t h e m f e e d b a c k .” S eve r a l d i f f e re n t p re s e n t a t i o n s a n d s p e a ke r s t h ro u g h o u t t h e d ay o f f e re d t h e i r p e r s o n a l c a re e r s t o r y, w h a t l e d t h e m t o t h e N av y, s t r u g g l e s t h ey h ave f a c e d a s wo m e n a n d S a i l o r s , a n d a d v i c e o n l e a d e r s h i p, l i f e , a n d ove rc o m i n g o b s t a c l e s . “ A n swe r i n g t h e s e q u e s t i o n s a n d s e e i n g t h e i r f e m a l e l e a d e r s u p h e re , c a r i n g , a n d t o b e u p h e re a n d t o l i s t e n t o a l l t h e t o p i c s we h ave … S a i l o r s we re w a l k i n g t h ro u g h t h e h a l l w ay s o u t h e re a n d t h ey ’re s ay i n g t h a n k yo u f o r d o i n g t h i s ,” s a i d P i z z a re l l e . “ T h a t

m e a n s C h i e f B row n l e e a n d h e r c rew d i d s o m e t h i n g re a l l y go o d .” C ap t . B re n t G a u t , t h e commanding officer of the G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n , a n d Command Master Chief C h r i s t o p h e r Z i e g l e r, t h e s h i p ’s c o m m a n d m a s t e r c h i e f , we re a l s o i n a t t e n d a n c e a n d re m a r ke d o n t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f i t . “ I f I ’ m go i n g t o b e a l e a d e r w h o c a n b e s t s e r ve yo u a s yo u r c o m m a n d i n g o f f i c e r, I h ave t o t h i n k a b o u t w h o [ s t r u g g l e s wo m e n h ave i n t h e m i l i t a r y ] ,” s a i d G a u t . “ I h ave t o t r y t o u n d e r s t a n d w h e re yo u g u y s a re c o m i n g f ro m a n d t h e c h a l l e n g e s yo u f a c e t h ro u g h o u t yo u r c a re e r.” T h e Wo m e n ’s S y m p o s i u m w a s t h e

f i r s t o f i t s k i n d i n m a ny ye a r s f o r G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n , a n d a s wo m e n b e c o m e m o re p rev a l e n t i n a l l f a c e t s o f t h e m i l i t a r y, i t c o n f i r m e d t h e n e e d f o r m o re f e m a l e - t a i l o re d eve n t s l i ke t h i s o n e . “ T h i s i s j u s t t h e b e g i n n i n g ,” s a i d B row n l e e . “ I ’ m l o o k i n g f o r w a rd t o m o re evo l u t i o n s l i ke t h i s o n e .”

The Washington Surveyor • 15

Managing the Flight Deck Story by MC3 Dakota Nack T h e N i m i t z - c l a s s a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r U S S G e o r g e Wa s h i n g t o n (CVN 73) is one of the ten a c t i ve N i m i t z - c l a s s a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r s . E a c h n u c l e a rp owe re d a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r i n the fleet manages to maintain t h i s c o u n t r y ’s s t a t u s a s t h e g re a t e s t p o we r o n t h e wo r l d ’s seas due to all of the various departments and individual rates wo r k i n g t o g e t h e r. T h e Av i a t i o n B o a t s w a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) i s a m o n g t h e r a t e s t h a t wo r k t o g e t h e r s t ro n g l y a n d t h e i m p a c t t h ey h ave o n t h e f l i g h t d e c k i s v i t a l f o r a c a r r i e r ’s s u c c e s s . Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) a re re s p o n s i b l e f o r a w i d e a r r ay o f d u t i e s . T h ey operate, maintain, and perform m a i n t e n a n c e o n t h e a r re s t i n g g e a r a n d a r re s t i n g g e a r e n g i n e s , hy d r a u l i c a n d s t e a m c a t ap u l t s , and the barricades. Maintaining

the equipment is of the utmost i m p o r t a n c e b e c a u s e a n a i rc r a f t n e e d s t o b e a b l e t o t a ke o f f a n d h ave a p l a c e t o l a n d w h i l e o u t a t sea. “The best thing about being an ABE is the experience, because coming out of high s c h o o l yo u re a l l y d o n ’t t h i n k t h a t yo u ’re go i n g t o l a u n c h a n a i rc r a f t o f f a n a i rc r a f t c a r r i e r,” s a i d C h i e f Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e (Equipment) Amber Balajadia, the maintenance chief for air d e p a r t m e n t ’s V 2 d i v i s i o n . A i rc r a f t c a r r i e r s w i l l a l w ay s c o n s i s t o f Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) p e r s o n n e l b e c a u s e t h e i r wo r k m a i n l y t a ke s p l a c e o n t h e f l i g h t d e c k . H oweve r, d u e t o re f u e l i n g c o m p l e x ove r h a u l ( R C O H ) , Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s Mate (Equipment) Sailors that h ave b e e n a s s i g n e d t o G e o r g e

Wa s h i n g t o n f o r t h e i r f i r s t c o m m a n d h ave n o t b e e n f u l l y exposed to the daily lifestyle t h a t wo u l d t a ke p l a c e a t s e a . N eve r t h e l e s s , t h a t d o e s n o t m e a n t h e wo r k b e i n g c o m p l e t e d f o r R C O H i s n o t p re p a r i n g t h e m f o r t h e f u t u re . “ I b e l i eve we a re a t t h e t u r n i n g p o i n t o f R C O H ,” s a i d Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) 1 s t C l a s s R ay m o n d Gonzalez, the maintenance c o n t ro l l e a d i n g p e t t y o f f i c e r f o r a i r d e p a r t m e n t ’s V 2 d i v i s i o n . “ We a re f i n a l l y g e t t i n g o u r e q u i p m e n t b a c k . C a t ap u l t s o n e a n d t wo a re c o m i n g t o g e t h e r n i c e l y a n d c a t ap u l t s t h re e a n d f o u r a re s l ow l y c o m i n g a l o n g .” Fo r R C O H , t h e re i s c u r re n t l y a l o t o f s u p p o r t f ro m t h e s h i py a rd wo r ke r s t o h e l p re s t o re e q u i p m e n t t o re a d i n e s s c o n d i t i o n , b u t t h e

ABE2 John Hilson records the launch of an EA-18G Growler. (U.S. Navy photo by

ABE3 Antuan Kelley stands by as a T-45C Goshawk training aircraft prepares for

MC3 Javier Reyes)

flight. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Joshua L. Leonard)

ABE2 Paris Simmons uses a sound powered telephone aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Elliot Schaudt)

E l e c t r i c i a n ’s M a t e a n d I n t e r i o r Communications Electrician rates a re a l s o h e l p i n g t h e Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e s ( E q u i p m e n t ) wo r k o n t h e e q u i p m e n t v i t a l f o r t h i s s h i p ’s f l i g h t d e c k . E ve r y Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) k n ow s t h a t t h e wo r k i s f a s t p a c e d a n d t h e h o u r s a re l o n g . T h e re w i l l b e s o m e d ay s w h e re wo r k w i l l go d e e p into the night. No matter what t h e we a t h e r i s , t h e re w i l l a l w ay s be Sailors on the flight deck in t h e i r g re e n j e r s ey s d i l i g e n t l y wo r k i n g t o l a u n c h t h e a i rc r a f t s

o f f e f f e c t i ve l y a n d s a f e l y. “ M y f i r s t d ay a s a n A B E , I s h owe d u p a t 1 7 0 0 t h i n k i n g I wo u l d o n l y wo r k a f ew h o u r s , b u t t h a t w a s n o t t h e c a s e a t a l l ,” s a i d G o n z a l e z . “ We d i d n o t s t o p wo r k u n t i l m ay b e t wo i n t h e m o r n i n g , b u t I v i v i d l y re m e m b e r a n a i rc r a f t s h o t o f f a n d a l l o f u s we re c o m p l e t e l y e n g u l f e d in steam and I thought it was a m a z i n g . I c o u l d n o t s e e a ny t h i n g but the stars in the sky and the s t e a m .” “ B e i n g a n A B E [ Av i a t i o n B o a t sw a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) ]

re q u i re s l o n g h o u r s . Fo r e x a m p l e , when doing flight operations t h a t c a n go d e e p i n t o t h e n i g h t ,” s a i d B a l a j a d i a . “ B u t t h e re i s nothing better than being an A B E [ Av i a t i o n B o a t s w a i n ’s M a t e ( E q u i p m e n t ) ] . T h e re a re o n l y t wo r a t e s i n t h e N av y. T h e A B s a n d t h e w a n n a b e e s .”

The Washington Surveyor • 17

N ANEWS VY

RONALD REAGAN CARRIER STRIKE GROUP RETURNS TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

M OV I E S C H E D U L E

From Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

Channels 202 & 203 on SITE-TV MON.

TUES.

Oct. 4

5 1700: Legally Blonde

1700: Little Fockers

1930: Robocop

1930: Zero Dark Thirty

1930: Animal House

203

1700: Barbershop

1930: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

1930: Rain Man

11 202

1700: Donnie Brasco 1930: The Birdcage

7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed based order.” naval operations in support of U.S. While in the South China Sea, the strike national interests in the Indo-Pacific area group will conduct fixed and rotary-wing of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest flight operations, maritime strike exercises, anti-submarine operations, and coordinated forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build tactical training. “Ronald Reagan and all components of its partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict. strike group have operated with relentless energy and commitment throughout the deployment, showcasing the strength and resilience of America,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “As we continue our mission in the South China Sea, we remain vigilant and ready to answer the call.” The strike group will work with its network of partners and alliances to ensure maritime security and a free flow of commerce in the Indo-Pacific. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations Japanese Navy JS Fuyuzuki (DD 118) steams alongside in support of a free USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). and open IndoPacific region. U.S.

202

1700: Fargo

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is operating in the South China Sea for the second time during its 2021 deployment, Sept. 24. The carrier strike group includes the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and embarked staffs of Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, as well as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). The strike group enters the South China Sea after concluding successful naval operations in U.S. 5th Fleet, upholding maritime security and stability while Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provided airpower to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they conducted drawdown operations from Afghanistan. “We look forward to leveraging our recent out-of-area experience as we return to the South China Sea and our rapidly growing alliances and partnerships dedicated to the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Will Pennington, commander, Task Force 70, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “The deployment of Ronald Reagan carrier strike group to the middle east and rapid seamless return to the Pacific highlight the flexibility and responsiveness of a premier maritime force and the power and reach of global coalitions dedicated to the stability provided by international law and rules

THURS.

202

1700: Casino Royale

The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams through international waters.

WED.

203

1700: Salt 1930: Meet the Fockers

202

1930: Road House

1930: Ride Along

1930: Ride Along 2

202

1930: Erin Brockovich

1930: The War with Grandpa

1700: Night at the Museum

203

1930: Ava

1930: Ali

1700: Divergent

SUN.

8 202

9 202

1700: Spectre 1930: Backdraft

1700: Battleship

1930: TRON: Legacy

1700: Concussion

203

1930: American Gangster

1930: Aladdin (1992)

1930: Downton Abbey

203

1700: Ad Astra

1700: JAWS

10 202

1700: The Secret Garden

203

1700: Hotel Rwanda

13 1700: The Hunger Games

203

202

1700: My Best Friend’s Wedding

203

1700: The 40 Year Old Virgin

SAT.

1700: Four Weddings and a Funeral

FRI.

1930: Joker

202

1930: Battleship

1930: Honest Thief

1930: American Sniper

1930: Columbiana

203

1930: Crimson Tide

1930: Arthur

1930: Wizard of Oz

1930: Iron Man 3

1700: Top Gun

1700: Midway

1700: Tin Cup

1700: Green Lantern

1700: Major Payne

1700: Twilight

1700: Mamma Mia

1700: Kung Fu Panda

S I T E -T V C h a n n e l s

Shipboard Broadcast System 200 - NMPS Movie 1 201 - NMPS Movie 2 202 - NMPS Movie 3 203 - NMPS Movie 4 204 - Information 1 205 - Information 2 206 - Training DVD

Pier Cable TV 400 - AMC 401 - USA 402 - MTV 403 - FOOD 404 - TRAVEL 405 -TNT 406 - HISTORY 407 - FOX NEWS 408 - CNN 409 - ESPN 410 - ESPN2 411 - FS1

Local Over the Air TV

600 - AMC 601 - USA 602 - MTV 603 - FOOD 604 - TRAVEL 605 - TNT 606 - HISTORY 607 - FOX NEWS 608 - CNN 609 - ESPN 610 - ESPN2

611 - Quest 612 - whroWorld 613 - Antenna TV 614 - Grit 615 - COZI 616 - H&l 617 - Laff 618 - Mystery 619 - Stadium 620 - Comet

The Washington Surveyor • 19

Every year the Department of Defense (DoD) joins the Nation in celebrating and honoring the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This year’s theme is: “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially authorizing and requesting the president to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation. On September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush became the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. “Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however. Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities,” Bush said. September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The term Hispanic refers to people of any race who trace their ethnic roots to a country where Spanish is the main language, including Spain. Latino refers to people of any race who trace their roots back to countries from the Caribbean, Mexico, and throughout Central and South America. Today, thousands of Hispanic-American Service members throughout the world are protecting our nation. Just as in generations past, we honor our Hispanic community—military and civilian—for their significant contributions to (or toward) protecting the United States and embodying the DoD values that unite us all as one team.