Intpdfsurveyor28may18

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

june 4, 2018

By Naval History and Heritage Command

PRELIMINARY EVENTS THE ATTACK ON THE YORKTOWN

By MCSA Adam Ferrero

THE COCA-COLA 600 SAILORS STAND TOGETHER AGAINST SUICIDE

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

D-DAY THE BEGINNING OF THE END

By MCSA Steven Young

HERITAGE MONTH ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding Officer CAPT Glenn Jamison

Executive Officer

SAILOR

in the

SPOTLIGHT

CAPT Colin Day

Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey

Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci

Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs

Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editors

MCSN Zack Thomas

Content MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSN Kyle Loree MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young

HM3 WADE, CHEVOIRYE DEPARTMENT: Medical Why I joined the Navy: I joined the Navy to further my

The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents herein are not the visios 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).

education and develop financial stability.

HOMETOWN: Los Angeles FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: I love educating others on how to create healthy habits and enhancing our Sailors’

*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at jamin.gordon@cvnit.navy.mil*

readiness for their missions.

On the cover: (May 27, 2018) Sailors salute during colors at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. The Coca-Cola 600 race was held over Memorial Day weekend to commemorate fallen service members and their families. (Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

PHOTO of the

WEEK

*(May 31, 2018) Sailors walk dogs while volunteering at a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

QUESTIONS of the WEEK

DC 3M

Q:

What officer is known as the Damage Control Officer?

Q:

A:

ENGINEERING OFFICER

What is the name of the Maintenance and Material Management Instruction?

SAFETY

A:

NAVSEAINST 4790.8C

Q: What are two types of injury reports?

A:

ACCIDENT AND INJURY REPORT AND MISHAP REPORT

*This is an abridged version of the Combat Narratives Battle of Midway, June 3-6, 1942, reading material found on www.history.navy.mil. For the full article, please visit history.navy.mil

JUNE 6

LASTCONTACTS

By Naval History and Heritage Command

USS Yorktwon (CV-5) Anchored in a Haitian harbor, circa 1938-40. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

T

hrough the night of June 5th Task Force SUGAR followed course 280° at a speed of 15 knots. 33 The morning of the 6th dawned clear, with a few light cumulus clouds. The sea was smooth and visibility excellent. A light wind from the southwest enabled our carriers to launch and recover with a minimum of deviation from the course the Task Force was to follow most of the day.

At 0502 the Enterprise launched a search group of 18 scout-bombers, each carrying one 500-pound bomb.

These were to search to a distance of 200 miles to the west between 180° and 360°. At 0645 one of these planes found an enemy force on course 270°, position latitude 29°33’ north, longitude 174°30’ 34 east. This force was reported to consist of A Hornet dispatch sent to Commander of Cruisers, Task Force SUGAR in the early morning of the 6th reads as follows: “Our air group yesterday (5 June) attacked only a single destroyer. No direct hits were

observed. A large oil slick with men in it was seen. It appears that one enemy carrier capable of operating planes remains. Assume we are searching for it at present. Very disturbing to have so little information.”

34 Some reports give this as 174°00’. one battleship and five destroyers, but by a voice error “BB” was misunderstood as “CV”, and it was at first reported to Admiral Spruance that the enemy force contained a carrier.35 At about 0730 another plane reported by message drop36 a contact with two heavy cruisers and two destroyers, course 215°, speed 15, at latitude 28°55’ N., longitude 175°10’ E. This placed the second group about 50 miles southeast of the first. Our Task Force took as its target the group to the north which was not only closer but contained, as it was thought, a battleship. 37 The southern group was left for attack by long-range planes from Midway.

At Midway the patrol planes took off as usual by 0430 on the morning

of the 6th, searching the sector 220° to 330° to a distance of 600 miles. Visibility and coverage were excellent, but apparently the first information received at Midway was at 1030 when CINCPAC relayed to the island the contacts reported by the Enterprisescouts.38 Several additional B-17’s had been sent to Midway on the 5th and 6th, so that 26 were now available. This entire group was dispatched at 1145 to attack the enemy ships at the southern contact. Despite the excellent visibility, none of these planes found the enemy force. At 1640, a flight of 6 B-17’s flying at more than 10,000 feet sighted a vessel about 25 miles east of the expected target. Identification of the type was difficult from that height.

The first element of 3 planes dropped 4 bombs each, which seemed to hit the target, for it disappeared in 15 seconds.

On the pilot’s return he dropped a message on the Enterprise seemingly correcting the report to “one BB and five DD’s,” although Captain

Mitscher of the Hornet writes that the returning pilot “reported correctly 5 BB, 1 CA, 3 DD by message drop and verbally.” This is probably correct, as the plane landed on the Hornet.

Admiral Spruance says that this force was subsequently found to consist of two heavy Cruisers (Mogami class), one light cruiser or destroyer, and two destroyers, but this is based on a reconstruction of the action which may be in error. Although minor discrepancies in reports are common, those of our pilots on the 6th contain more contradictions than usual, as will he seen. At 0843 the Commander of Cruisers remarks: “Composition of enemy force is still not clear.”

36 When radio silence must be preserved the practice is for planes to return and drop a message to report contacts within 100 miles. A contact at a greater distance is reported when the plane returns from its search. In this case radio silence had already been broken in reporting the first contact.

At 0720, before the second contact report had been received, Admiral Kinkaid ordered the Minneapolis and New Orleans to launch two SOC’s each to locate and track the enemy force and advised that our Task Force would close the enemy reported at lat. 29°33’ N., long. 174°30’ E. The Minneapolis and New Orleans each launched two SOC’s at 0746.

38 At 1030 Midway received from CINCPAC information fixing position of enemy: One battleship and five destroyers bearing 278°, distance 510, course 270°, speed 10; two heavy cruisers, two destroyers bearing 263°, distance 460, course 215°, speed 15.

There was no attack signal and the second element did not attack except that the leader’s two wingmen by mistake dropped bombs which fell wide of the now submerged target.

Some pilots thought they had sunk a cruiser in 15 seconds. 39 Actually the

“ship” was the submarine Grayling, which crash dived when the first bombs fell near her bow. Fortunately, she was not damaged. This was the only attack of the day by Midway planes.

Meanwhile, our Task Force had had considerably greater success.40 At 0757, soon after receipt of the second contact report, the Hornet began launching an attack group of 26 scout bombers. Eight fighters were sent too as a precaution against possible air opposition. This group found the enemy force without difficulty.

To pilots it appeared to consist of a battleship, 41 a heavy cruiser and three destroyers. Our planes attacked at 0950. The results were: Two 1,000 pound hits.

One 500 pound hit.

Two 1,000 pound misses within 50 feet. on “battleship.”

Two 1,000 pound hits on heavy cruiser.

One 500 pound hit on stern of a destroyer, which sank.

Since there was no air opposition our fighters occupied themselves by strafing the destroyers, probably causing very heavy casualties. One bombing plane was shot down by antiaircraft fire during the attack, but the rest returned safely to the carrier by 1045. At once they were refueled and rearmed in preparation for a second attack.

This Hornet attack was followed by one from the Enterprise. Between 1045 and 1115 this carrier put into the air 31 scout bombers with one 39 Others suspected the truth in regard to the type of vessel and its disappearance.

40 The map, p.43, illustrating the action on the 6th is based on the Hornet and Enterprise plots, except that Hornet’s plot is moved about 35’ to the east to accord with the statement

that the enemy was only about 110 miles distant at the time of the last attack, and with evidence that the two enemy groups were in proximity about noon. It is not in agreement with the composite chart of the battle which appears at the end of this narrative.

The composite arbitrarily transposes positions to accord with the hypothesis that the Enterprise and Hornet attacked a single enemy force.

Pilots returned convinced that their “principal target” was a battleship, probably of the Kirishima class, and not a heavy cruiser, but a subsequent Hornet dispatch speaks of it as “a BB or possibly a CA.” This dispatch also says that one of the ships attacked (apparently this BB or CA) was left turning in uncontrolled circles to the right. At 1305 an SOC from the New Orleans reported a battleship burning, position lat. 29°31’ N., long. 172°43’ E. 1,000-pound bomb each, and 12 fighters for strafing.42 Soon after these planes were in the air they were instructed by radio to search for a battleship believed to be about 40 miles ahead of the group. They were told further that three torpedo planes were being sent to join them. The force maneuvered to await the torpedo planes, but contact with them was never made, and the torpedo planes did not take part in the attack.43 At 1200 the attack group passed at high altitude a force consisting of two heavy cruisers and two destroyers.44 Some planes attacked almost at The objective was given as two BB, two CA and several DD at lat. 29°33’ N., long. 175°35’ E. course 270°, speed 15. Why it was thought at this time that the enemy force was so composed does not appear in the reports. The position appears to be an error for 173°35’ E., toward which our planes actually headed.

These torpedo planes were ordered

to attack only after the bombing attack.

After failing to make contact with our bombing planes, they found an enemy ship independently and circled an hour awaiting our bombers which did not appear. Finally lack of fuel forced them to return to the Enterprise. This clearly indicates the presence of two enemy groups.

It is difficult to say which enemy group the pilots were tracking. It is said that they arrived after the (Hornet’s) first attack, which had sunk a destroyer, leaving two larger vessels and two destroyers; but if it was the group left by the Hornet, more damage ought to have been visible. Moreover, the SOC’s found the enemy force at 0915, and the Hornet attack did not take place till 0950. The position given by the Minneapolis pilots is about 50 miles east of the point where the Hornet plot places its first attack, and, as may be seen from the accompanying chart makes it appear more probable that this group was the one attacked by the Enterprise at noon. The Commander of Cruisers, referring to the Minneapolis report, remarks: “This group was attacked by the Enterprise Group.” But if the Minneapolis pilots remained on the scene after the order to return at 1145 they ought to have seen the beginning of the Enterprise attack.

At 1105 a PBY from Midway reported that it was investigating suspicious vessels bearing 280°, distance 500. At 1145 the same plane reported four unidentified ships being attacked by aircraft, bearing 277°, distance 525, course 200°, speed 30. At 1330 the same PBY reported that the force which it had previously described as an enemy battleship and cruiser was now opposed by friendly cruisers and destroyers, bearing 277°, distance 550.

Apparently our plane had sighted both enemy groups and mistook one of them for friendly.

To the fighter pilots, who came very low, the two larger vessels appeared to be battleships, a natural mistake for Mogami class cruisers.

The story of the survivors of the Mikuma reads as follows: The first attack on the ship was on June 4th.

“The following day the ship received no attacks, but on the 6th about noontime, she was again attacked by two-engine bombers [two-engine is obviously a mistake] and received hits on the fo’cas’le, bridge area and amidships. The hit on the fo’cas’le put the forward guns out of commission.

The hit near the bridge area set off some ready service antiaircraft shells, causing considerable damage to bridge structure and personnel. Several torpedoes were exploded amidships by the hit in that vicinity. The ship caught fire and two destroyers tried to come alongside to rescue personnel, but were driven away and forced to abandon the attempt to rescue survivors when attacked by an additional flight of American aircraft. One of these destroyers received a hit on the stern and broke out into flames aft...[The prisoner] did not know if this destroyer sank. The Mikuma capsized and sank within an hour and a half after initial bombing this date...”

It will be noticed that, except for the story of the hit on the destroyer’s stern, everything in this account indicates that the Mikuma was not bombed by both the Hornet and the Enterprise groups; i. e., the Hornet and the Enterprise did not attack the same enemy force. The initial bombing of the Mikuma was “about noon,” i. e., the very time that the Enterprise planes that first abandoned the search for the battleship to the west began their attack. The “additional flight” of planes which drove away the rescuing destroyers are obviously those Enterpriseplanes which pushcd their search farther before returning to

attack.

Lt. Clarence E. Dickinson, Jr., of the Enterprise Scouting SIX describes this action on the 6th as follows: “The next day, the 6th, the Hornet’s group was launched [and] attacked a big cruiser of the Mogami type, which, from the pictures and measurements we feel is probably at least double its listed 8,500 tons...Several hits were obtained. Then the Enterprise group was launched and found another group, which consisted apparently of another Mogami type cruiser, the Mikuma, and one other light cruiser and five destroyers.” It is interesting that he assumed that our two carriers were attacking different groups, although his account of the composition of the group attacked by the Enterprise is probably mistaken.

Enterprise pilots upon their return generally believed that they had not attacked the same group attacked by the Hornet. The ships attacked by the Hornet had been reported moving slowly, while those attacked by the Enterprise were steaming at high speed. Furthermore, the Hornet had reported several hits, but the group attacked by the Enterprise did not appear to have sustained any important damage.

Of this CINCPAC writes that the Hornet group attacked “leaving the Mogami gutted and abandoned, and reporting hits on another CA or CL and one hit on a destroyer. A photographic plane, which obtained the pictures accompanying enclosure, while over the Mogami hulk about 1730 saw a CL and a destroyer fleeing to the westward.”

In these footnotes it has been suggested that the Hornet and Enterprise were not attacking the same group of enemy ships. It appears that both the Mikuma and Mogami were in the group attacked by the Enterprise at noon and that it was the Mogami which fled burning and streaming

oil accompanied by two destroyers.

If this analysis is correct, the heavy cruiser left gutted and abandoned by the Hornet’s second attack was not the Mogami, though it may have been of the Mogami class.

This would mean, too, that more enemy ships were damaged than was previously supposed. So long as it was believed that both Hornet and Enterprise were attacking the same group, it was assumed that one attack merely added to the damage already inflicted by the other, and it had to be assumed that the other enemy group escaped without damage when the Midway planes failed to find it. The view here advanced means that both groups came under attack and received serious damage.

51 It seems probable that the ship photographed by the Enterprise planes was the cruiser left “gutted and abandoned” by the Hornet’s last attack; in fact, that was the only ship left in such a condition. The fact that the pilots of the photographic planes saw a CL and a destroyer fleeing westward confirms this, for there had been a smaller cruiser with the one left dead by the Hornet.

But as we have seen, this ship could not have been the Mogami, for the Mogami had not been in this group, but in the group attacked by the Enterprise at noon. Far from being left “gutted and abandoned” she had last been seen shortly after noon, damaged and burning, it is true, but proceeding westward under her own power at 10 knots. She was not, therefore, sunk as reported, but almost certainly returned damaged to Japan. It seems probable, however, that we did sink the ship photographed, which may have been of the same class.

The identification of the hulk photographed as the Mogami rested upon the assumption that the Enterprise and Hornet were attacking

the same group. The Mikuma was known to have been sunk; therefore, the remaining large ship must (it seemed) necessarily be the Mogami.

This seemed to be confirmed by the Mikuma survivor who said that the photograph could not be the Mikuma, which was damaged chiefly in the forward section. This identification collapses, however, if we assume that we have to deal not with one but with two groups of enemy ships.

Admiral Spruance writes of this as follows. “All through the day there had been no question in our minds that a BB was involved. That evening when questioning the pilots of the two photographic planes, I found one of them quite certain that a CA of the Mogami class, and not a BB, was involved. The photographs bore him out. The ship is the same as the one appearing in the 1940 Jane.52 Everyone who saw this ship says she appeared to be much larger than a CA. From this fact and from her toughness 53 I suspect that her displacement may be considerably in excess of 10,000 tons.54 She was reported as definitely larger than the other cruiser accompanying her, which may have been a CL or DL...I believe the larger ship sank during the night.”55 The continued high-speed steaming had reduced fuel in the destroyers to a very low level. The Maury and Worden had to be detached for a rendezvous with the Cimmaron to refuel. This left only four destroyers to accompany two carriers. With Japanese submarines reported in the area it seemed unwise to go farther with such slight protection. A further consideration was that it would be dangerous to come within range of planes based at Wake, where the Japanese were known to have concentrated a large air force which they had expected to transfer to It will be remembered that all four cruisers of the Mogami class,

the Mikuma, Mogami, Suzuya, and Kumano, were in the Japanese supporting force. The fact that this ship was not the Mogami does not preclude its being another of the same class.

It means merely that we sank not the Mikuma and Mogami, but the Mikuma and another of the same class.

Her toughness may have been less than the Admiral supposed, since the ship did not take a pounding from both the Enterprise and Hornet, as he imagined, but only from the Hornet’s two attacks.

Captain Murray of the Enterprise goes further: “A close scrutiny of the excellent photographs, the observations of an experienced photographer, and a direct comparison with our 8-inch cruisers, leads to the firm belief that this Mogami class heavy cruiser is in reality a battle cruiser of at least 20,000 tons.” It is easy to see why these cruisers were mistaken for battleships by our aviators.

There is no definite evidence of her sinking.

Midway. Consequently, the task force turned about and began to retire to the northeast.

The following day a message from Admiral Spruance summarized the action and added: “Our carrier air groups have done a magnificent job in spite of the heavy losses suffered on Thursday forenoon in the initial attack, which decided the fate of the Battle of Midway. Their follow-up blows on our retreating enemy were carried out with great determination. The Japs’ state of morale at the end of the battle was indicated by abandoning to their fate the crew of the Mogami class cruiser when the other ships of that group left without effecting rescue of personnel.

The performance of our ships during this period leaves nothing to be desired. Task Forces SUGAR and FOX have again helped to make history.

Well done to all hands.”

RACINGANDREMEMBERING THECOCA-COLA600

By MCSA Adam Ferrero

O

n Memorial Day, ceremonies were organized, parades filled streets, U.S. Flags were placed on graves of fallen service members who died serving this country, and Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in the opening ceremony of the Coca-Cola 600, an annual race held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Since 1960, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Coca-Cola have come together to honor fallen service members, as well as to celebrate the freedoms they fought for.

The event began with a rousing opening ceremony, which featured the Spirit of Freedom crew.

“We got into ranks, and we

marched through the stadium while everyone was cheering us on,” said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 3rd Class Alissa Acosta. “We lined up, and then marched down through the stands out onto the field. When we did that, the crowd went crazy.”

Those participating enjoyed the excitement that filled the Speedway.

“The crowd was very energetic,” said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 3rd Class Monica Stepney.

“Being in the Navy, I don’t always think too much of what I do, just because it’s the same work that I do day in and day out. The people in the crowd see it as actual sacrifice.

They really appreciate it.”

The crowd fell silent to hear the moving words of the guest speakers, and then service members stood at attention during taps, the

national anthem, and the 21-gun salute. The ceremony concluded with a flyover.

The event, as well as the enthusiastic fans in attendance, sent a very important message to the service members in attendance.

“It reminds us that what we do is very important and appreciated,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) Robert Lee. “We may at some point be required to give the ultimate sacrifice, just like those before us.”

From start to finish, the event was a heartfelt tribute to our fallen comrades and those who have served our country.

“Sometimes we forget how much we actually sacrifice, and hearing people saying ‘thank you for what you do’ means a lot,” said Acosta.

(May 27, 2018) Sailors and Marines march in formation at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Memorial day race as spectators clap. The Coca-Cola 600 race was held over memorial day weekend to commemorate fallen service members and their families. (Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

“You do it every day and don’t always think much of it, but to have somebody say ‘you truly sacrifice a lot, and we truly appreciate it’ is really cool. I didn’t expect that much support, and it was phenomenal.”

With so much appreciation shown for those in attendance, Lee hopes these events provide a sense of pride in what service members do, and they can instill an eagerness to volunteer for similar events in the future.

The military presence at The Coca-Cola 600, serves as a reminder to military and civilians alike, that with service comes sacrifice, and we must always remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

(May 27, 2018) Event staff and guest walk in the pit at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 memorial day race (Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

(May 27, 2018) The American flag is flown over the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 memorial day race during the national anthem.(Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

(May 27, 2018) Sailors are embraced by staff members. (Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

(May 27, 2018) Sailors stand by at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Memorial day race. (Photo by MCSN Zack Thomas)

D-DAY THE BEGINNING OF THE END

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

Army troops wade ashore on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings, 6 June 1944. They were brought to the beach by a Coast Guard manned LCVP. Photograph from the U.S. Coast Guard Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

D

-Day, is code for the day an important military attack is scheduled to begin. On June 6, 1944, it meant the largest amphibious invasion in history was on the horizon.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the operation, and plans were made to land in Normandy, west of where the German troops and artillery were built up.

Operation Neptune was the first part of D-Day, which encompassed the gathering and organization of the ships that were to be used for the second part of D-Day, according to History. com. During Operation Neptune, about 197,000 naval personnel, 1,213 combat ships, 4,126 landing craft, 736 support ships and 834 merchant ships

were brought together.

Once the largest armada in history was formed and the weather was clear, D-Day was ready to begin.

According to History.com, Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for operation D-Day to commence, saying, “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months.

The eyes of the world are upon you.�

Operation Overlord was the second part of the D-Day operation, which included the bombardment of the coast and landings on the beaches.

According to history.navy.mil, these planned landings covered 45 miles of the shoreline, which were divided into five beaches with the code names Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

Most of the beaches were captured with relative ease, but this was not the case with Omaha beach.

The Omaha beach, backed by steep hills meant that the U.S. troops landing there were exposed to withering fire from enemy small arms, machine guns and artillery. A D-Day article on history.navy.mil states that casualties were very heavy and the assault only succeeded after a day of brutal fighting. Warships were also closely approaching to provide direct gunfire in support of the hard-pressed soldiers.

Unfortunately the casualties at Normandy were high, but through their sacrifice a front was opened in which troops and supplies could be sent through.

In less than a week, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy, according to history. com.

With the victory at Normandy, the allies were able to funnel supplies by way of the Navy ensuring ground forces were well supplied.

D-Day showed how effective the Navy is at providing logistical support, which is the backbone of any means of waging war. Today, the Navy still serves the role of providing support to ground forces whether it be carrying supplies or providing ground attacks by sea.

Landing ships putting cargo ashore on one of the invasion beaches, at low tide during the first days of the operation, June 1944. Among identifiable ships present are USS LST-532 (in the center of the view); USS LST-262 (3rd LST from right); USS LST-310 (2nd LST from right); USS LST-533 (partially visible at far right); and USS LST-524. Note barrage balloons overhead and Army half-track convoy forming up on the beach. Photograph from the U.S. Coast Guard Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Troops of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division assemble on a narrow strip of Omaha beach before moving inland near Collville-sur-Mer on D-Day, 6 June 1944. USS LCI(L)-83 is in the background, landing more men. Photographed by Taylor. For a closeup view of casualties in this location, see Photo # SC 189924. Photograph from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

GEORGEWASHINGTONCELEBRATES Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Heritage Month

By MCSA Steven Young

(May 30, 2018) Capt. Glenn Jamison (center), along with guests and members of the Heritage committee pose for a cake cutting photo. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)

W

hat is the most important component of America’s Navy? Some may think it’s the weapon systems or the ability to be mobile, however, those things are secondary. The people are what’s most important.

The Navy, a reflection of the nation, is comprised of many cultures from around the world. Throughout the year, Americans take a moment to appreciate the different cultures and nationalities which make up America. May is dedicated to Asian-American and Pacific Islanders.

In honor of Asian-American and Pacific Islander month, the heritage committee aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) held its annual AsianAmerican and Pacific-Islander heritage month celebration May 30. This year’s

theme, ‘Unite our Vision by Working together,’ highlighted the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages and the unique experiences represented by more than 56 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific Islands living in the United States.

During the program, various Sailors shared their experience as an AsianAmerican or Pacific Islander in the Navy.

“I was born and raised in the Philippines,” said Chief Religious Program Specialist Franklin Dizon, George Washington’s Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) department leading chief petty officer. “My family came here to the U.S. in August of 1996 when I was 19, and in 1997 I decided to enlist in the United States Navy. During my enlistment I’ve met a lot of Filipinos,

and it takes a lot for them to get here.

Every year there are approximately 100,000 Filipinos that would like to join the U.S. Navy. Out of that 100,000 there are roughly 400 that are chosen to wear that [dixie cover]. When you get to wear that, there’s a sense of pride that you feel. That pride is for your family and sometimes the pride of the town that you come from.”

Dizon’s interactions with his Filipino shipmates throughout his career kept him in touch with his roots, and help him to never take his career for granted.

“When we get together and talk about our past and what we’ve learned from the Navy, there are three things that always stick with me,” said Dizon.

“The first is to earn your privileges.

I came from a third world country.

Things as simple as leave, liberty, the barracks that we live in and all the

(May 30, 2018) (From left) CMC Maurice Coffey, Capt. Colin Day, Capt. Glenn Jamison, Cmdr. Leslie Hatton, Lt. Cmdr. David Tang, and RPC Franklin Dizon stand at attention as the National Anthem is sung. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)

(May 30, 2018) IT3 Ronaldo Bonifacio speaks to guests at the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage month celebration. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)

amenities that come with it, none of that is taken for granted. The second is to be humble when obeying orders because one day you may be the one giving those orders. And third, always remember your faith in God. Being active [duty] for 21 years, there’s a lot of trials and difficulties that I’ve had to endure.”

There are many Sailors who represent various nationalities, proudly serving.

Regardless of where these Sailors were born, they have an appreciation for both cultures at home and across the pond.

“We are the most diverse military force in the world,” said Lt. Cmdr.

David Tang, George Washington’s intelligence officer. “If you look around there are all different cultures, different races, and ethnicities, and this helps us to understand each other better. If you go to the PRC (People’s Republic of China) it’s very focused

(May 30, 2018) RPC Franklin Dizon speaks to guests at the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage month celebration. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)

on who they are. I had an opportunity to speak to one of their naval officers.

They approached me and asked, ‘When are you going to come back to your homeland to serve your country?’ In my mind I thought ‘America is my home country, I was born here,’ but I understood because the officer had judged me based on my appearance.

I respected that because that’s what their culture brings, but for us I knew that we could break those barriers and stereotypes.”

Tang went on to emphasize the importance of understanding and accepting people that come from different backgrounds than one’s own.

“I really just want to make sure that people know that if you understand yourself, it helps you to understand others,” said Tang. “We are all different.

We all have different reasons for joining, we all have experiences that

we’ve learned from others, and that’s what we should take with us as we move forward.”

The influence of AsianAmericans and Pacific islanders can be seen throughout our country’s history.

Pioneers such as Rear Adm. Gordon Chung-Hoon, the first Asian-American flag officer and recipient of the Navy Cross and Silver Star, and Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano, whom was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in battle in Vietnam, epitomize the impact that Asian-Americans have had.

Generations of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the development, growth and preservation of our nation and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come. Embracing what other cultures bring to the table is what helps America remain the melting pot that it is.

NAVY NEWS SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-six nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 27 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s interconnected oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The theme of RIMPAC 2018 is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.”

Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.

U.S. Navy Announces 26th Rim of the Pacific Exercise From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

This is the first time Brazil, Israel, 27) for the remainder of the exercise.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam are participating Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific in RIMPAC. Additional firsts include Fleet, RIMPAC 2018 will be led by New Zealand serving as sea combat Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. commander and Chile serving as John D. Alexander, who will serve as combined force maritime component combined task force (CTF) commander. commander. This is the first time a nonRoyal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Bob founding RIMPAC nation (Chile) will Auchterlonie will serve as CTF deputy hold a component commander leadership commander, and Japan Maritime Selfposition. This year will also feature Defense Force Rear Adm. Hideyuki Oban live firing of a Long Range Anti-Ship as CTF vice commander. Fleet Marine Missile (LRASM) from a U.S. Air Force Force will be led by U.S. Marine Corps aircraft, surface to ship missiles by the Brig. Gen. Mark Hashimoto. Other key Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and leaders of the multinational force will a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a include Commodore Pablo Niemann of launcher on the back of a Palletized Armada de Chile, who will command the Load System (PLS) by the U.S. Army. maritime component, and Air Commodore This marks the first time a land based Craig Heap of the Royal Australian unit will participate in the live fire event Air Force, who will command the air during RIMPAC. RIMPAC 18 will also component. include international band engagements This robust constellation of allies and and highlight fleet innovation during an partners support sustained and favorable Innovation Fair. regional balances of power that safeguard Additionally, for the first time security, prosperity and the free and since RIMPAC 2002, U.S. 3rd Fleet’s open international order. RIMPAC 2018 Command Center will relocate from contributes to the increased lethality, San Diego to Pearl Harbor to support resiliency and agility needed by the joint command and control of all 3rd Fleet and combined force to deter and defeat forces in 3rd Fleet’s area of responsibility aggression by major powers across all to include forces operating forward in domains and levels of conflict. the Western Pacific. The Fleet Command Center will be established at a deployable joint command and control on Hospital Point for the first part of the exercise and then transition Official U.S. Navy file photo of ships and submarines participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2012 in formation in the waters around the Hawaiian to USS islands.

Portland (LPD

HEALTH/WELLNESS

CVN

Blood Pressure - BP High Blood Pressure - HBP Cardiovascular Disease - CVD

What You Need To Know About Blood Pressure

Masked HBP is characterized by office readings suggesting normal BP but out-of-office readings are consistently above normal.

of deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke occurred among individuals with HBP.

SUSTAINED HBP, BP readings are elevated in both office and out-of-office settings.

2

nd

1

st

Other Preventable Diseases

3

71%

WHITE COAT HBP is characterized by elevated office BP but normal readings when measured outside the office.

In 2010, HPB was the LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH and DISABILITY-ADJUSTED LIFE YEARS worldwide. #1

For adults 45 years of age without hypertension, the 40-year risk of developing hypertension was:

=

In the US, HBP accounted for more CVD deaths than any other modifiable CVD risk factor and was second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death for any reason.

rd

93% African-American

RISK FACTORS

Modifiable

Factors that can be changed and, if changed, may reduce CVD risk.

Cigarette smoking/ Secondhand smoke

Alcohol Intake (Recommend ≤ 1 drink daily for women and ≤ 2 drinks daily for men)

Diabetes out of control

of US adults diagnosed with diabetes have HBP.

86% White

92% Hispanic

84% Chinese

Relatively Fixed

Factors that are difficult to change or may not reduce CVD risk.

Family history

Male

Low Socioeconomic/ Education Status Z Z Z

High Cholesterol

Overweight/ Obesity

Physical inactivity/ Unhealthy diet low fitness

Chronic Kidney Increased age Disease

TIPS FOR THE BEST RESULTS Do not exercise, use tobacco, or drink caffeine for 30 minutes before.

Use the restroom before.

Be sure to sit back in a chair, feet flat on the floor.

Make certain upper arm is at heart level with elbow slightly flexed, palm facing upwards, with arm supported.

Wear loose clothing (or request to wear a gown).

Sit quietly (not on exam table) for 5 minutes or more (no 5 min talking).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Psychosocial stress

Stage I Hypertension Elevated 120-129/<80

130-139/ 80-89

Stage 2 Hypertension 140 or higher/ 90 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis

Normal

Less Than 120/80

140 or higher/ 90 or higher

Know Your Numbers!

Reference: Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, Casey DE Jr, Collins KJ, Dennison Himmelfarb C, DePalma SM, Gidding S, Jamerson KA, Jones DW, MacLaughlin EJ, Muntner P, Ovbiagele B, Smith SC Jr, Spencer CC, Stafford RS, Taler SJ, Thomas RJ, Williams KA Sr, Williamson JD, Wright JT Jr. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/ PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Hypertension. 2017; http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/ early/2017/11/10/HYP.0000000000000065