WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
Jan. 7, 2019
By MC3 Jamin Gordon
CAPTAIN JAMISON A LOOK AHEAD AT THE NEW YEAR
By MC3 Trey Hutcheson
HEALTHY EATING HABITS NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
By MCSA Steven Young
DON’T WAIT! EDUCATION IS GREAT! SAILORS ATTEND EDUCATION & COMMISSIONING FAIR
By MCSN Tatyana Freeman
HONORING THE FALLEN WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
washington surveyor Commanding Officer
QM3 Malcolm Mason
YN3 Rossana SanchezFlores
HM1 Vanessa Green
MMN2 Katie Shawver
LS3 Melissa Essor
EM1 Akayla Grimes
IT3 Kyle Fitzpatrick
QMSN Christopher Mynhier
ATC Kenneth McVey
MMN3 Timothy Green
IC3 Bethany Calhoun
PS3 Joshua Weaver
Command Master Chief
MMN2 Travis Watters
LS2 Kimbridge Wilkison
BM3 Maria Mendoza
CMDCM Maurice Coffey
AN Kye Sampson
YN3 Lynnett Evans
AT1 Nathan Larson
Public Affairs Officer
MM3 Timothy Harrison
YN3 Carolyn Lucious
SH2 Shanese Lawes
HT1 Carrie King
ABHAN Emani Green
ABF1 Kyle Duncan
CSSN Alex Ochoa
CS2 Symone Ellison
MA2 Amber Perrick
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
MMN3 Nathanael Calloway
OS2 Jhasmyn Carter
ABH2 Michael Alves
Lt. Tyler Barker
AS2 Kyle Teague
AO3 Zachery Taylor
RP2 Joey Rush
Departmental LCPO
MA1 Leonid Aguilar
PR3 Jasmine Jones
ABEAN Chemar Jordan
AZ3 Jonton Buchanan
OS3 Jeffrey Byerly
AZ2 Antonio Davila
Capt. Glenn Jamison
Executive Officer Capt. Daryle Cardone
Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Turo
MCCS Reginald Buggs
Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy
ETN2 Brenon Brooks ETN3 Alexander Gadomski
Editors
MC3 Adam Ferrero MCSN Jack Lepien
Content
MC1 Gary Johnson MC2 Mandi Washington MC3 Michael Botts MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Julie Vujevich MCSN Tatyana Freeman MCSA Steven Young MCSA Samuel Pederson
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.
“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.”
- Thomas Jefferson
On the cover: Capt. Daryle Cardone, the executive officer aboard USS George Washington, serves food to Sailors during Christmas dinner Dec. 25, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Jack Lepien)
SAILOR in the SPOTLIGHT
CS2 Jessica Bello CS2 Jessica Bello, from Baltimore, joined the Navy to go to school. Her favorite aspect of her job is making the crew happy with the food she cooks. She enjoys cooking and acrylic painting in her downtime. Her favorite artists are J Cole and Meek Mill, and her favorite movie is “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.�
Wreaths for the Fallen GW Sailors Lay Wreaths for service members
By MCSN Tatyana Freeman Wreaths are laid before headstones during a Wreaths Across America event at Hampton Roads National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Tatyana M. Freeman)
S
ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), along with other service members and volunteers from around the Hampton Roads area, participated in a “Wreaths Across America” event at the Hampton Roads National Cemetery, Dec. 15. Volunteers unloaded wreaths from trucks, stacked wreaths
along the aisles of the cemetery, participated in an opening ceremony honoring every branch of the military, and placed wreaths in front of every grave in the cemetery. “It’s just showing our respects to the ones that have fallen and come before us,” said Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Chris Miner, a Sailor assigned to George Washington.
According to Wreaths Across America’s website, the program began as a small yearly tradition in 1992 when a family in Maine, with the help of volunteers, placed spare wreaths on graves in Arlington National Cemetery in areas that received few visitors to honor the service members who had died. After gaining national attention from a photo taken during one of the yearly ceremonies, the tradition blossomed into a nationwide event. Each year thousands of volunteers from across the country transport wreaths to participating cemeteries and hold ceremonies to remember fallen United States veterans. These events honor those who currently serve in the armed forces and teach the next generation the value and cost of freedom. “It’s emotional and humbling,” said Legalman 1st Class Katie Holden, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Akshay Mampilly, from West Orange, New Jersey looks at a headstone after placing a wreath during a Wreaths Across America event at Hampton Roads National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo leading petty officer of the by MCSN Tatyana M. Freeman)
legal department on George Washington. The volunteers were encouraged to say the name on the headstone they placed a wreath in front of to fully understand and appreciate the service the fallen service member gave the United States. “Every time I placed a wreath down and said the name on the headstone, it was definitely emotional,” said Holden. Maribel Beckwith, president of the Navy Wives Clubs of America, Peninsula Norfolk 91, coordinated the Hampton Roads National Cemetery into the Wreaths Across America event. “I do this to thank the personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who have allowed them to be away from them to serve our country,” said Beckwith. Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. “I feel Wreaths Across America is very important because we need to remember and honor those who have given their lives for our freedom,” said Electronics Technician Seaman Kade Gibbs, a Sailor assigned to George Washington. “It is also important to honor those who are risking their lives every day to protect the freedom that many have died for.” The wreaths will stay on the headstones at Hampton Roads National Cemetery through midJanuary.
Wreaths are laid before headstones during a Wreaths Across America event at Hampton Roads National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Tatyana M. Freeman)
Legalman 2nd Class Teal L. Norman (left), from Houston, and Chief Legalman Angela R. Houston, from Oakland, California, lay wreaths down on headstones for Wreaths Across America at Hampton Roads National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Samuel Lee Pederson)
Don’t Wait! Education is Great! GW Hosts Education and Commissioning Fair By MCSA Steven Young
Representatives from various colleges and universities provide information about education opportunities to Sailors from CVN 73 and CVN 78 at Huntington Hall. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
A
career in the military comes with ample perks and benefits. The opportunity to further one’s education is at the forefront of this list, as the Navy provides Sailors resources to continue their education, and encourages them to do so. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) held
an education and commissioning fair Dec. 6 in the Huntington Hall gym. Representatives from local colleges and universities, along with prior enlisted naval officers, convened to explain the importance of continued education to Sailors and resources available to them to attain their goals. “Our goal here is to inform not just
the junior Sailors, but all Sailors about each of these colleges and what they offer, and also to show the different opportunities for officer programs,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gillian Czarnik, the educational service officer aboard George Washington. “Many Sailors don’t realize that there are programs for people who already have degrees or who want to go to college. We are here to get all of that information out to them.” A common misconception among Sailors is that they may not be able to balance school with their work schedule. The education fair serves to dispel these fallacies and advise Sailors on the paths available to pursue a degree while continuing their military career. “One thing I frequently hear from Sailors is that they plan on getting out of the Navy to go to school,” said Czarnik. “It is a point of emphasis for us to let them know that they can do both. Especially while they’re A representative from the University of Maryland University College provides information about education opportunities to Sailors from CVN 73 and CVN 78 at Huntington Hall. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young) in the shipyard, they have the
Representatives from various colleges and universities provide information about education opportunities to Sailors from CVN 73 and CVN 78 at Huntington Hall. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
opportunity to pursue their degree while continuing to serve, and to become an officer possibly.” Along with educational endeavors, Sailors learned about commissioning opportunities. Once a Sailor receives their degree, a multitude of professional doors could open for them. The community of prior enlisted officers known as ‘mustangs’ have first-hand knowledge of both enlisted and officer ranks. “I think something like this can kind of close that gap [between enlisted Sailors and officers],” said Czarnik. “You have junior Sailors that can talk to officers one-on-one without that workload in front of them. We have a lot of [limited duty officers] and [chief warrant officers], and we’ve been there. I came in the military as an undesignated seaman. I worked my way up, and now I can offer some guidance from my personal experiences.” Sailors attended the fair for
different reasons, but all carried a goal of self-improvement. The school representatives and officers present were able to tailor the information dispersed to fit the personal needs of everyone who attended. “I’m interested in the officer programs,” said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Summer Huff, a Sailor assigned to George Washington. “[Seaman to Admiral-21] applications open up in January, so I definitely want to learn more and get some mentorship for that today. I’m also getting some information about a few different colleges in the area because I’d like to utilize [tuition assistance].” For Sailors who have some college under their belt before they joined the military, there are opportunities to further their education or cross over into the officer community. “I came to the education fair to see the different avenues I can take
to further my career,” said Interior Communications Electrician Seaman Sharae Baxter, a Sailor assigned to George Washington. “I already have a bachelor’s degree, so I’m looking into getting my master’s, and also [officer candidate school]. I’d like to hopefully utilize [tuition assistance] while I’m in the Navy. Everyone was very helpful. Any questions I had, they were able to answer. They also gave me a few different resources and websites, so that I can do my own research.” Regardless of age, rank, or time in the military, Sailors are continually encouraged to strive for improvement. Pursuing educational opportunities and professional advancement go hand-inhand with this. For more information about educational and commissioning opportunities, contact Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jillian Czarnik, or attend the next education fair slated for April 2019.
Christmas Dinner Sailors enjoy Christmas dinner with their families
Healthy Living for the new year By MC3 Trey Hutcheson
R
inging in the new year comes with a common resolution that many will make – to get in shape and live a healthier life. Losing weight to become a healthier person can be a struggle for many if they don’t know the steps to become a healthier version of themselves. Like many Americans, some military personnel struggle with excessive body weight. According to the 2017 Fleet and Marine Corps Health Risk Assessment Annual Report, “66.6 percent of service members were classified as overweight or obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention BMI standards for healthy adults.” With proper nutrition, exercise, and discipline, a healthier lifestyle is possible with commitment and focus. For Sailors aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), nutrition and exercise insight is available to them from certified professionals. Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Cassidy Belcher, certified in nutrition by Navy Operation Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS), is one individual who can provide some of that insight to interested personnel. “What I like to do is use MyFitnessPal, which is a free application on your phone that can track everything you consume,” said Belcher. “If you don’t manage what
you eat then you can’t measure how far you are away from your goals, and what you need to do to reach them.” Keeping track of how much you are eating is only the first step to proper nutrition. Knowing what food is healthy for your body is the next chapter. “Healthy fats are good for you in moderation because they are still fats,” said Belcher. “Nuts, avocado, and chia seeds have a lot of omega3s and fatty acids, [and] those are just some examples of where I get my healthy fats from. I know we all like cheese, but that can be one unhealthy fat that people get carried away with. For foods that do not have a nutrition label, you can enter it into the MyFitnessPal, and it will tell you the nutrition facts.” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (Handling) Sofia Knight, a certified fitness specialist in air department, believes that exercise in addition to a nutritional diet is key to a healthy lifestyle. “Exercise contributes to better weight control, improves your mood, and promotes better sleep habits,” said Knight. “The important piece is that it’s not just work-related; this is overall life happening.” Belcher believes that fitness and eating healthy have to work in harmony for someone to feel the effects of living a healthy lifestyle. “I don’t try to just eat healthy every
day,” said Belcher. “I exercise every day, and then every ten days on my duty day I have my rest day. It’s just about doing whatever exercise works best for you, so that way you do not become distraught. As long as you are doing something every day, [you are] one step closer to living a healthy lifestyle.” Knight agrees that the benefits of exercising go far beyond simply looking healthy, and improve many aspects of overall fitness. “Benefits behind exercising and proper dieting would be the light feeling you get knowing your body is in better shape than before,” said Knight. “Additionally, it lessens the risks of falling, and of weak bones, joints, and muscles, which is paramount in this environment that we work in. Lastly, you feel happier, you are more alert, you have more energy, and it boosts your self-esteem and confidence.” No matter what your goals are for the new year, committing to a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial and can be started at any time. Sailors often learn commitment and discipline through their military training that can make the goal of living a healthy lifestyle more attainable. Whatever your plans are in 2019, be mindful of what you eat, and incorporate a physical training regimen to align with a healthier lifestyle.
HEALTHY TIPS U.S. Navy graphic by MC3 Trey Hutcheson
CAPTAIN JAMISON’S Look Ahead for 2019
By MC3 Jamin Gordon QM2 John Gleason judges the distance from the pier aboard CVN 73 as GW transits from Naval Station Norfolk to Newport News Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom)
E
nglish novelist Terry Pratchett wrote, “If you do
while others aren’t so obvious. “As you come down the starboard
well. “If you go up the port side of
side of the ship every day, and
the ship, you’ll see a new [close-
from, then you don’t know where
that’s where everyone comes in,
in weapon system] sponson, [and]
you are, and if you don’t know
you can just look up and see that
you’ll see a new NATO sea sparrow
where you are, then you don’t know
we have an O-9 and O-10 level
sponson,” said Jamison.
where you’re going. And if you
back on the island,” said Capt.
don’t know where you’re going,
Glenn Jamison, commanding
and upgrades visible outside the
you’re probably going wrong.”
officer aboard George Washington.
skin of the ship, Jamison also
“We’ve got radar masts back on the
stated how many of the department
experiences in life, it is also true
ship. We’ve got two arresting gear
spaces within the ship are coming
for the projected progression of
engines that have come back.”
back together.
not know where you come
While this is true for everyday
In addition to the improvements
“If you’re in medical department,
the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier
Jamison went on to mention that
USS George Washington (CVN
although he could not go into detail
you can go down and see the
73) as she makes her way through
about the exact developments going
medical spaces that are coming
refueling complex overhaul
on in the propulsion plant, good
back together,” said Jamison.
(RCOH).
progress is being made.
“You’ll see a lot of the painting,
George Washington’s crew
Like the starboard side of the
decking, [and] lagging that all our
accomplished many things in 2018.
ship, the port side of George
ship’s force team has truly been
Some of them can be easily seen,
Washington is coming along as
coming together around. There are
a lot of things coming together
and training. As the workload for
was time to restructure. It also gets
around the ship.”
2019 shifts, achieving balance will
Sailors back in their rates in their
be an ongoing effort.
parent departments. That helps with
While much has been accomplished, there is still much
“We’re going to see some
training of Sailors in their rates.” Although there will be changes in
work ahead. As with any major
departments have increased loading
renovation project, challenges are
and some slightly decreased
2019, the ship’s end goals remain
expected.
loading,” said Jamison. “I’ve got
the same.
“What we’ve done since we came
production teams working up to
“For 2019, my goals haven’t
into RCOH is build the program
about 250 percent and others teams
changed,” said Jamison. “I want
team, and it’s one team, one fight, ”
working down now in single digit
to focus on production. This is
said Jamison. “This is the shipyard,
percent. So, we’re working on
a marathon, not a sprint. I want
[supervisor of shipbuilding], the
balancing that. We’re in the heavy
to make sure that this doesn’t
contractors, and we all come
industrial part of RCOH. We have
turn into every other project that
together, and we focus on where the
undocking coming up. We’ll finally
has come from an RCOH where
problems are as opposed to patting
put water back on the hull of this
everyone is at the end game and
ourselves on the back for all the
great ship in May 2019.”
it all comes down on the Sailors’ backs. So, I really want to focus
good stuff that’s going on.”
on keeping that steady stream in
Jamison continued to give an example of how all the parties worked together to overcome obstacles.
“Historically, we are the most successful RCOH.”
production. I also want to focus on training. We’ve got about 1,600 of our Sailors that we’ve put in
“We had some material that was
schools, other ships, or hands-on
coming late to the propulsion plants
in-rate experience, and I want to
so the leadership of those three
- Capt. Glenn Jamison
keep that number growing.” If the crew can take the same
arms that we talked about took a trip to Pittsburgh and fixed that
attitude toward 2019 as their
problem,” said Jamison. “Some of
commanding officer, it should be
the other problems we’re working
In an effort to reach balance,
through have to do with our Sailors
production teams will be
not being in the rates they expect to
restructured in 2019.
be in. That’s why I put such a focus
“Revamping the teams is
smooth sailing. “This is the best command I’ve ever been at,” said Jamison. “The work our Sailors are doing on any
on getting people out underway, at
basically rebalancing where the
given day is very important. We
sea…cycling [them] through the
production needs are – that’s
are the plank-owners for George
production teams. It’s the training
one part of it,” said Jamison.
Washington to take her out to the
piece that we owe to all our
“The second piece is, we’re
year 2047. Five billion dollars,
Sailors.”
restructuring. The structure we
48 months to take this ship out to
originally did, did a lot of good for
2047. She is going to come out
championing the adversities at hand
us. Historically, we are the most
of the yards as the most advanced
is balance. It is vital to find the
successful RCOH. Now that we’re
capital warship in the world. That’s
right balance between production
in the heavy industrial phase, it
pretty awesome!”
One of the key components to
NAVY NEWS
Navy Announces Advancement Policy Updates -- Final Multiple Score Changes Benefit Top Performers From Chief of Naval News Public Affairs
Navy announced changes to the current enlisted advancement Final Multiple Score (FMS) calculation process beginning with the spring 2019 Active Duty and Selected Reserve (SELRES) advancement cycles, with the goal of rewarding Sailors demonstrating sustained superior performance. Detailed in NAVADMIN 312/18, released December 20, the FMS changes include updates to the computation process of the Performance Mark Average (PMA), reduction of the number of cycles for Pass Not Advanced (PNA) points, changes to the Service in Paygrade (SIPG) factor, and the discontinuation of Individual Augmentee (IA) Points. “We are changing the focus of the FMS to better manage our talent, minimize the benefits of longevity and reward our top performers,” said Capt. Angela Katson, branch head of Enlisted Force Shaping Plans and Policies (OPNAV 132). “This is in line with CNP’s rating modernization efforts and our Sailor 2025 talent management initiatives.” Rating modernization supports Sailor 2025 initiatives that have the goals of redefining career fields, improving talent management and the detailing process, offering more career choices, and expanding professional development opportunities. These Sailor 2025 initiatives are intended to increase Fleet readiness, sustainability, and fit. The change to policy regarding PMA for E-6 and E-7 candidates is that the Individual Trait Average (ITA) and Reporting Senior’s Cumulative Average (RSCA) will be used to determine RSCA PMA for Sailors competing for advancement to E-6 and E-7. The NAVADMIN provides guidance for the revised PMA computation, in addition to specific steps and examples. “To facilitate RSCA PMA calculations, ITA and RSCA spreadsheets will be posted on the Navy Enlisted Advancement System website and Navy Personnel Command’s advancement page,” said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Command Master Chief, Master Chief Electronics
180308-N-EC099-006 BREMERTON, Wash. (March 8, 2018) Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Hector Quioc, from Dededa, Guam, monitors Sailors during the Navy-wide E-5 advancement exam aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is in port conducting training preparing for its next scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)
Technician, Nuclear Power (SS) Gregory Prichard. “An automated RSCA PMA calculation solution should be available for the fall advancement cycles.” PNA points for E-4 through E-6 candidates will continue to be added when the FMS is computed and points will continue to be awarded for the top 25 percent of eligible candidates to allow first time test takers an opportunity to compete on a more equal level. PNA points will only accumulate for the 3 previous advancement cycles - a maximum of 9 points. Current PNA points from previous cycles will be retained. Experience will continue to be rewarded for E-4 through E-6 candidates. SIPG factor points for E-4 through E-6 candidates will continue to be added when the FMS is calculated. The SIPG factor will be changed by dividing SIPG by 5 for a maximum of 2 points. Based on current operational requirements, the policy regarding IA points has changed. IA points will no longer be awarded or factored into the FMS score for E-4 through E-6 candidates.
All of these changes to the FMS will be effective for E-4 through E-6 SELRES candidates in the February 2019 cycle (Cycle 104) and for E-4 through E-6 Active-Duty, Full Time Support (FTS) and Canvasser Recruiter (CANREC) candidates in the March 2019 cycle (Cycle 243). The E-7 FMS will be updated for ActiveDuty, FTS and CANREC chief petty officer candidates beginning with the January 2020 NWAE (Cycle 246) and the February 2020 SELRES E-7 Cycle 106. Any Sailor who is competing for advancement in a past cycle will be scored with the FMS computation used during the missed cycle. For example, Sailors who were unable to take an earlier exam or missed an exam while deployed to an approved operational area, or Sailors who missed an exam through no fault of their own with an approved exception-to-policy request or Board for Correction of Naval Records petition. Details of the new FMS calculations can be found in NAVADMIN 312/18, available at www.npc.navy.mil.
GEORGE’S
CORNER
Pun #1 Be smart when hanging out with your Navy buddies. Don’t succumb to pier-pressure.
Pun #2 What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved.