WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
DEC. 4, 2017
By MCSA Adam Ferrero
SERVING BY SERVING UP MUSTANG ASSOCIATION SERVE SAILORS
By MC3 Jamin Gordon
A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY THIS DAY IN HISTORY DEC 7, 1941 : PEARL HARBOR
The Washington Surveyor
Commanding Officer CAPT Glenn Jamison
CVN
On the cover: (Nov 16, 2017) - Commander Christopher Goodson, the GW combat systems officer, serves food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
HEALTH/WELLNESS
PHOTO of the
WEEK
Executive Officer CAPT Colin Day
Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey
Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores
Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci
Editors MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Kashif Basharat MCSN Julie Vujevich
Content MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Trey Hutcheson MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSA Michael Botts MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young
The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents herein are not the visions of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington. All news releases, photos or information for publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer (7726).
*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at julie.vujevich@cvnit.navy.mil*
(Nov 16, 2017) - CWO3 Gizette Lopez, the GW cryptologic warfare officer, serves food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
QUESTIONS of the WEEK
DC
Q:
3M
Q:
What piping does the Countermeasure Washdown go through?
A: AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM 03 LEVEL MIXING STATIONS What is the purpose of an Equipment Guide List?
SAFETY
A:
USED WITH A CONTROLLING MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT CARD (MRC) W HEN THE MRC APPLIES TO A NUMBER OF IDENTICAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.
Q:
What is the 5100.19E also known as?
A:
NAVY SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM MANUAL.
(Nov 23, 2017) - CS2 Richaro Carreon, left, and CSSN Allen Nagel makes dinner rolls for a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - AN Damon Washington, left, serves GW Sailors during a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - CS2 Richaro Carreon, left, and CSSN Allen Nagel makes dinner rolls for a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - CSSN Eddie Camp cuts a pig for a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
THANKSGIVING DINNER
By MC3 Kashif Basharat
S
ailors on duty aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) enjoyed a special Thanksgiving meal with their friends and family Nov. 24. “The food was just phenomenal,” said Lt. Joel Pena, the V-5 division officer. “Supply department and all the Sailors who cooked the food did an amazing job. They made it a really family-friendly meal. I had the chance to bring my wife and both of my kids here and they said it was one of the best Thanksgivings they ever had. It was a little different not having my whole family here with me, but the environment made it seem like we were all a big family. I’m glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this great meal with my immediate family as well as with my Navy family.” Along with the hard-working Culi-
nary Specialists, Cmdr. Kelly House, the supply officer, and Command Master Chief Maurice Coffey along with his wife threw on aprons and helped serve the food to guests and Sailors. “Well, this is one of the days where our Sailors love to show off their culinary expertise,” said House. “They love what they do and are always willing to give to the crew. Special meals, such as the one today, are just one of the ways they do so. It makes me very proud to be here with my Sailors and to see the smiles on their faces as serve the food.” The crew members and guests had a variety of food selections to choose from, including whole pigs, beef, turkey, potato salad, yams, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, a salad bar, pumpkin pies and ice cream. “My favorite part is knowing the
Sailors had the chance to enjoy the wholesome meal we prepared,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Armeshia Matthews, the food production leading petty officer. “It’s not always fun having to be at work on a holiday and being away from family, but to see all of my Sailors come together and prepare a mouth-watering meal for the crew was really awesome. I hope everyone enjoyed our food as much as we enjoyed cooking it. We especially put a lot of love in this and I am quite sure they will remember this meal.” According to House, planning began a month prior to the meal. Supply department created the initial menu and George Washington Sailors had opportunities to input their opinions via menu review boards, and will do so again for upcoming holiday meals.
(Nov 23, 2017) - CSSN Micah Johnson serves Sailors beef during a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - CSSN Micah Johnson, right, serves CS3 Michelle Portaleskuehn beef during a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - GW Sailors and their family members wait in line for a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov 23, 2017) - GW Sailors and their family members enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov. 18, 2017) - ITSN Summer Huff gets her face painted during the Apollo 73 talent show. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov. 18, 2017) - Contestants of the Apollo 73 talent show pose for a photo. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
STEALING THE [TALENT] SHOW By MC3 Kashif Basharat
A
fter weeks of preparing and auditioning, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) finally got the opportunity to display their talents during the ship’s Apollo 73 Live talent show Nov. 18. More than 10 Sailors participated in the show hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), which featured acts such as singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and a comedy act. “I rehearsed for about a week,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Ricky Jenkins. “We had about four weeks to prepare and each week we had rehearsals every Thursday. The song I sang today, I picked just last week for the finals and it paid off. I was trying out a few different songs during our rehears-
als and I felt the song I chose gave me the best chance to win and I was right. I really did not really do it for the money, I did it because I am very passionate about singing. This also gave me an opportunity to express my voice. I just really hope the people here enjoyed it.” Other George Washington Sailors shared the excitement and said they were glad to have the chance to show off their multitude of talents. “I just always loved Disney songs,” said Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Nicholas Vandyken. “I grew up in a household that always had the Disney channel playing and I have always enjoyed the music. I practiced every day since I auditioned and I am happy I was finally able to sing in front of all the people here.” Although some Sailors practiced
(Nov. 18, 2017) - MM2 Nicholas Vandyken sings during the Apollo 73 talent show. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
(Nov. 18, 2017) - AN Nathan Yelman watches contestants perform during an Apollo 73 talent show hosted by the GW MWR team. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
for days leading up to the show, others took a more mellow approach to it. “I was freestyling and most of what I performed was made up in the moment,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Rebecca Ayala. “I started and then it just flowed naturally. It’s funny, I didn’t practice too much for my routine. I trusted my ability to perform when I needed to. I have been playing my flute for 9 years, so it’s second nature to me at this point.” In between the performances, audience members had the opportunity to mingle, participate in face painting, enjoy free food and get balloon animals. “I think with us being Sailors, we are very mission oriented,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Donnell
(Nov. 18, 2017) - Derecka Collier, the fun boss, sings during the Apollo 73 talent show. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
Proctor. “It’s always good to have time to come out and enjoy seeing Sailors passions outside the ship. Some of these Sailors are so talented. I personally know some of them and would have never guessed how amazing vocally and choreographically they are.” After all the contestants performed, audience members acted as judges to determine first, second and third place winners by cheering for their favorite acts. Ayala won first place and received $200, Jenkins placed second and won $150 and Vandyken came in third and received $100. The winners will also perform their acts during the George Washington’s Birthday Bash scheduled for February 2018.
(Nov. 18, 2017) - LS3 Rebecca Ayala plays a flute during the Apollo 73 talent show. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
their hard work.” It wasn’t all work and no play in the mess hall however. Baker got into the spirit of the event and served Sailors cheeseburgers under the mantle of “Cheeseburger Man.” “I think it was an honor to be the Cheeseburger Man,” said Baker. “I certainly was proud to do it, and I hope I’m asked to be Cheeseburger Man next time.”
Smith said he enjoyed bringing his Sailors some holiday cheer, and that the Mustangs would be doing it again around Christmas. Smith said they’ll be doing a meal and working the mess decks, cleaning, and doing the things that junior Sailors don’t necessarily want to do around the holidays that have to get done. “We could be at the tip of the spear underway, but we’re in port in the shipyards, so we need to take advan-
tage of this time,” said Smith. “We need to do things like COMRELs and community service, and do things for the Sailors to let them know that senior leadership really appreciates them.” Whether it’s serving up a hot meal or just sparking a conversation, events like the Mustang Cookout continue to give junior Sailors opportunities to connect with their command on a much more personal level.
(Nov. 16, 2017) - Members of the Mustang Association eat lunch on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
SERVING BY SERVING UP
By MCSA Adam Ferrero
F
rom the fresh-faced seamen to seasoned admirals, all Sailors can appreciate a well-cooked meal. In the Navy, these meals are typically cooked and served by enlisted men and women across the fleet, but once in a while, the mess hall tables turn. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Mustang Association got to work, put on gloves and served food to Sailors during the Mustang Cookout on the floating accomodation facility (FAF) Nov. 16. Lt. Jason Baker, the automated data processing officer aboard George Washington, said that the Mustangs wanted to show their appreciation to enlisted personnel, who do the jobs they themselves once did. “I started off in deck [department],” said Baker. “Sometimes I’d be out chipping paint, it was freezing, and I was tired because I just got off watch. You’d see all the chiefs and officers running around and doing important things, and it seems like you aren’t
a part of all the strategy that’s going on; that no one really cares. My hope is, even though I may not be working side by side with the junior enlisted every single day, that they know what they do is critical and they are appreciated.” Baker said that he hoped the cookout not only helped to lift spirits and morale, but also bridged the gap between officers and enlisted by showing that Mustangs are approachable. “We don’t forget where we came from,” said Baker. “We know how hard all the enlisted folk work to make things happen, and that’s really where all the work gets done. The officers might create the strategy, but nothing’s going to happen without the awesome enlisted team implementing the tactics. It may not be much, just one day, but we want to get out and serve [the Sailors] because they serve us every day.” For Chief Warrant Officer 4 Carl S. Smith, the communication officer assigned to George Washington and the Mustang Association president,
bridging the gap starts with reaching out. “My favorite part was just talking to the Sailors as they came through the line,” said Smith. “It’s just talking and communicating with them, asking them where they’re from, what they do and how their day is going; letting them know we appreciate them and thank them for their service.” According to Smith, one of the Mustang Association’s goals is to make sure that the junior Sailors stay engaged, because the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) environment of the Newport News Shipyard can be very difficult for them to adapt to. Smith said that, by reaching out to the deck plates, he hopes to let junior enlisted know that there are things they can do to stay out of trouble and keep their minds focused. Airman Reilly P. McCourt said that it was refreshing to see the Mustangs working behind the lines. “It definitely threw me off, seeing higher ranking people doing these jobs,” said McCourt. “I appreciate
(Nov 16, 2017) - CWO4 Carl S. Smith, the GW communication officer, serves food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
(Nov 16, 2017) - CWO3 Gizette Lopez, the GW cryptologic warfare officer, serves food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
(Nov 16, 2017) - Lieutenant Jason Baker, the GW automated data processing officer, serves food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
(Nov 16, 2017) - Officers serve food to Sailors on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
(Nov 16, 2017) - Lieutenant Commander Quinzell Brown, the GW combat systems information officer, washes dishes on the FAF during the Mustang Association Cookout. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero)
NOVEMBER was
(Nov 29, 2017) - SHSN Trinity Sells, a Native American GW Sailor, addresses guests during the American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month celebration on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young) (Nov 29, 2017) - YNSN Lynnett Evans, left, MC3 Shayla Hamilton, SHSN Trinity Sells, CMDCM Maurice Coffey, RPSN Jenny Bienaime-Williams, ABH1 Reshawn Orr, pose for a cake-cutting photo during the American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month celebration on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH By MCSA Steven Young
T
he United States Navy is comprised of Sailors from all different nations, ethnicities and cultures. The diversity of the Navy’s personnel is a strength that allows George Washington Sailors to continually learn from people from all walks of life. November is American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month, a time to recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the US military and to the development of our nation. George Washington held its annual American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month celebration November 29, 2017 to acknowledge the influences of Native Americans and recognize GW’s Native American Sailors. “As Americans, we are people drawn from every tribe, every na-
tion and every language,” said CDR Philip Bagrow, the command chaplain aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “Some of us are indigenous peoples of the land. Some come from refugees, immigrants or pilgrims, all of us searching for a place where we can belong. Long before European colonist sought out these lands and long before the great wave of immigration in the 1880s, this country was populated by scores of men, women and children who knew this continent better than anyone before or since. We are grateful that their stories are still being told, and their voices are still being heard.” The establishment of American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month was an extensive process that took nearly 100 years to
solidify. President Bush officially designated November as American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month in 1990 to celebrate Native Americans such as Nathan Jackson, Joseph Medicine Crow and the Navajo Code Talkers. “At the turn of the century, efforts began to implement a day of recognition for Native American’s contributions to America,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Joshua Hill. “After 100 years of efforts to establish it, National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize native cultures and educate the public about the heritage, history, art and tradition of the American Indians and Alaskan Natives.” Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Trinity Sells, a Sailor aboard George Washington, shared some of
(Nov 29, 2017) - SHSN Trinity Sells, a Native American GW Sailor, poses for a photo with an arrow given to her by her mentor, a WWII Navajo Code Talker, during the American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month celebration on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
her familiarity and experiences of growing up in a traditional Navajo family. “I grew up 10 minutes away from a Navajo reservation in Fruitland, New Mexico,” said Sells. “My mother is a Navajo language teacher and my father taught my siblings and I Navajo ceremonies. Growing up, my tribe’s language and culture has always been around me. My peers were 90 percent Zuni, Apache and Navajo. I was raised to wake up before the Sun, to pray for harmony and beauty in the world, and bless myself with corn pollen every morning. I’d go for a run to clear my mind, then go to school. Sells went on to describe her immersions in traditional Navajo ceremonies. “When I entered womanhood I had what is called a Kinaalda,
which is a coming of age ceremony,” said Sells. “One female member of my family brushed my hair and dressed me in traditional clothing, then tied my hair with deerskin strings. In my tribe that’s how you celebrate puberty. Before I left home to join the Navy, my Shicheii, a Navajo word for ‘mother’s father’, had a protection ceremony for me because I would be leaving the four sacred mountains; Mount Blanca, Mount Taylor, San Francisco Peaks and Mount Hesperus.” When Sells left home for the Navy, she brought with her not only the blessings of protection from her grandfather, but also heirlooms from a mentor that would remind her of home and of all the values she had learned there. “My mentor was an elder that I met in a nursing home, said Sells.
“He always encouraged higher education and cultural participation, but mostly service to country. Before he passed, he left me an arrow. Later I learned that he was a Navajo Code Talker. No one knew because he didn’t speak English very well and he never talked about his past.” Even though Sells’ mentor had passed, the morals that he instilled in her remain and continue to guide her. “November is Native American Heritage month, and it is the time to recognize the hundreds of Native American heroes and tribes that exist that should be honored this month,” said Sells. “I am proud to say that I am 100 percent Navajo and I practice my culture every single day.”
RE-OPENING OF GEORGE’S JAVA (Nov 14, 2017) - Capt. Glenn Jamison, the GW commanding officer, cut the ribbon during the ribbon cutting cermony for the re-opening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(Nov 17, 2017) - IT2 Michael Martinez encourages people to donate during the 21st annual Mayflower Marathon. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Trey Hutcheson)
(Nov 17, 2017) - IT2 Michael Martinez and GW Sailors unload food off a truck during the 21st annual Mayflower Marathon. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Trey Hutcheson)
MAYFLOWER MARATHON FOOD & FUND DRIVE By MCSN Trey Hutcheson
(Nov 14, 2017) - SH3 Allysa Crump makes coffee after the ribbon cutting cermony for the re-opening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(Nov 14, 2017) - SH2 Ryan Davis, left, and Ens. Kristina Hogans hold the ribbon during the ribbon cutting cermony for the re-opening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(Nov 14, 2017) - Cmdr. Kelly House, the GW supply officer, right, speaks before the ribbon cutting cermony for the re-opening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(Nov 14, 2017) - Capt. Glenn Jamison, the GW commanding officer, right, speaks with Sailors after the ribbon cutting cermony for the reopening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
(Nov 14, 2017) - Capt. Glenn Jamison, the GW commanding officer, cut the ribbon during the ribbon cutting cermony for the re-opening of George’s Java. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
S
ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) took time out of their day to give back to the community during the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday. The Sailors volunteered several hours out from their busy schedules Nov. 17 by spending their afternoon assisting the community by off-loading food from vehicles during the Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund drive. The event collected food and monetary donations for holiday meals to benefit two regional food banks; the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. The event lasted for 57 continuous hours starting on Nov. 17 and ended Nov. 19 Communications manager for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore Todd Emmett said that the Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund Drive was in place to help raise food and funds for people that are food insecure in the area. “Mayflower Marathon is a way the community can just get together for the holidays and provide turkeys, stuffing and all the other good stuff you need right around the holidays,” said Emmett.
Not only does the event help people receive food over the holidays, but some Sailors say it helps people see the good in other people. “It is a real touching thing that the people here at the Mayflower Food and Fund Drive are doing,” said Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Edward Ooms. “These people are giving and not expecting anything in return. It is just real nice thing people are doing for other people.” In addition to helping the local community, Ooms said volunteering can positively spread throughout the region as a whole in Hampton Roads. “I think it is always important to support and help the community to try to make the world a better place,” said Ooms. Although the event allowed people throughout the region to have a meal, Emmett believes that there is a very wide misconception that food and fund drives are just for homeless people. He said a lot of those who need food are actually families that had a bad stroke of luck. “This event means keeping thanksgiving tradition alive for families where it might be a little bit more difficult or painful this time of year,” said Emmett. “I don’t think anyone can argue against
the fact that people deserve the right to eat, to feed their families, and to be able to put food on the table.” Ooms said he had a great time because he helped people receive food who did not have any, and he was able to do it with the help of some of his fellow Sailors. “It’s nice to get out, help in the community, and be productive,” said Ooms. This was Ooms second community relations project he had participated in since George Washington started its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard. “I am just starting to participate in community relations projects, but it feels real nice to come out and lend a helping hand, said Ooms. Ooms added that he has always had a good time when participating in community relations projects and hopes to continue to participate in many more projects while the ship is completing RCOH. For Sailors looking to get involved in the Hampton Roads region, they can visit www.volunteerhr.org or contact the ship’s command religious and ministries department (CRMD) in room 321 on the George Washington’s floating accommodation facility (FAF).
Map courtesy of: news nationalgeographic.com
DECEMBER 7 1941
A Day That Will Live In Infamy
A
fter working many long hours day-in and day-out while out to sea, Sailors look forward to their holiday routine on Sundays. It’s the one day of the week that a Sailor is able to ease into their day by getting a little extra sleep, exercising, going to church or just reflecting before the work day begins. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, Sailors aboard many ships near Pearl Harbor were unable to partake in their typical Sunday routine. Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese forces conducted a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. “About 8 o’clock I heard the air raid siren,” said Ens. G.S. Flannigan, a member of the Naval Reserve aboard the battleship USS Arizona (BB39). “I was in the bunk room and everyone in the bunk room thought it was a joke to have an air raid on Sunday. Then I
heard an explosion. I was undressed.” Although some didn’t realize an attack was happening until approximately 8 a.m., according to Naval History and Heritage Command, it is believed that the first attacks occurred four hours prior. The coastal minesweeper USCG Condor (AMC 14) detected the periscope of a submerged submarine while performing mine sweeping operations about two miles southwest of the Pearl Harbor entrance buoys. This sighting didn’t go ignored, however, it had not yet been reported to the Commandant, Fourteenth Naval District. According to a Navy action report by Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet (CINPAC), a visual signal was used by Condor to notify the destroyer USS Ward (DD 139), which at the time was patrolling off the entrance of Pearl
Harbor. Ward spotted a periscope of a submarine following USS Antares (AK 53). After a series of attacks, CINPAC received a message stating “ENEMY RAID-NOT DRILL.” According to the CINPAC action report, by 7:55 a.m., Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes began to destroy moored ships. Soon after, CINPAC was able to notify the Navy that Pearl Harbor was under fire. Despite the chaos and unfamiliar, stressful environment, various military personnel stepped-up to help save their comrades. According to www.history.navy.mil, Mess Attendant 3rd Class Doris Miller, known as Dorie to his shipmates, was an unlikely hero in the face of this turmoil aboard USS West Virginia (BB 48). Miller, who was known for his
physical strength, helped carry wounded Sailors to safer locations. Miller was eventually ordered to man a machine gun, which he had never done, or been trained to do. “I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine,” said Miller. “I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about 15 minutes. I think I got one of those [Japanese] planes. They were diving pretty close to us.” Miller received the Navy Cross for his bravery. He was the first African-American to be presented this award. Though Japanese forces wreaked unspeakable havoc throughout the harbor, damaging or destroying more than 20 ships, claiming the lives of more than 2,300 people, including military personnel and civilians, the Navy was not defeated by these actions.
Fortunately, aircraft carriers had become the primary vessel by the time the attack occurred. The carriers that were assigned to Pacific Fleet were either out to sea or undergoing an overhaul. In addition, shipyards, fuel depots, submarine docks and other onshore facilities were unscathed. This allowed for the Navy to rebuild, recover and go on to be the first foreign occupancy in Japan. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 7th is “a date that will live in infamy.” Although the date will forever be infamous, the lives sacrificed and the courage shown will be remembered forever. December 7th is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Remembrance events are held annually at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.