WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
june 11, 2018
By MCSA Steven Young
By MC3 Jamin Gordon
BATTLE OF MIDWAY
FORCASTED FOR GREATNESS
COMMANDS CONVENE TO REMEMBER
THE LAST AG ABOARD GW
By MCSA Steven Young
By MCSN Kyle Loree
LGBT PRIDE MONTH
FATHERS DAY
GW SAILORS RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MONTH
THE MANY HATS OF A MILITARY FATHER
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
OS3 JESSE PILATI DEPARTMENT: Operations WHEN DID YOU JOIN: 2015
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).
HOMETOWN: Copperopolis, California FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: I like the people I work with. They are very knowledgeable about our job and are a positive influence on me
*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at jamin.gordon@cvnit.navy.mil*
On the cover: (June 7, 2018) YN3 Justine Soto leads the George Washington color guard as they prepare to parade the colors during the Battle of Midway remembrance event at Naval Aviation Monument park (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
PHOTO of the
WEEK
(June 7, 2018) AZC John Philips, left, and ET2 Elizabeth Tamayo salute during a wreath laying at the Battle of Midway remembrance event at Naval Aviation Monument park. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
QUESTIONS of the WEEK
DC 3M
Q:
What assistant to the Engineering Officer supports the Damage Control Assistant in Providing Damage Control Training to the command?
A: Q:
ENGINEERING OFFICER
What are Maintenance Requirement Card’s color codes?
SAFETY
A:
WHITE: FINAL TECHNICALLY, YELLOW: PRELIMINARY, PINK: FINAL APPROVAL
Q: What are two things you should practice while operating machinery? A:
NO JEWELRY, WEAR PPE, NO POLYESTER, OR SYNTHETIC CLOTHING AROUND EQUIPMENT THAT IS HOT OR PRODUCES SPARKS, READ AND HEED THE POSTED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
O
ne of the founding ideologies of our nation speaks on equality. The second line of the Declaration of Independence reads: ‘We hold these truths to be selfevident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.’ While there has been much to overcome in our nation’s history, we are continually working towards equality and the fair treatment of everyone. The recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride month is one example of the progression toward equality among all people. June is LGBT Pride month, and recognizes the LGBT community, their history and the obstacles overcome to be accepted and treated fairly. “I think it’s important for the Navy to observe LGBT Pride month because it lets others know that they are accepted, and no matter what, it’s ok to be who you are,” said Fire Controlman Seaman Ashley Miranda, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “There are
By MCSA Steven Young so many people who might be hiding the fact that they’re part of the LGBT community for the fear of being ridiculed, but the recognition that the community gets throughout the Navy might just give them the courage they need to tell just one person who might open new doors for them.” The observance of LGBT Pride month is a testament to the strides that have been made in the sense of acceptance and camaraderie within the Navy. Equal treatment among Sailors is essential to morale among our ranks. “It is important that our workforce treats people equally because we are each other’s lifeline,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Jacob Tate, a Sailor assigned to George Washington. “In order to be an efficient team, we have to give each other the equal amount of respect and opportunity. If people are not treated equally, they do not feel like a valued member of the team. There are circumstances where we have to rely on each other. When everyone is treated equally it fosters a climate where everyone is able to work as a team and accomplish the task at hand.” While there has been tremendous progress in the way of acceptance of
individuals of different genders and sexual orientation, there is still much work to be done to attain a level of absolute equality. “I feel like there is still room for improvement,” said Tate. “Some
people can still be pretty closeminded, but overall I feel that the acceptance of those with different sexual orientations has gotten better. I can be myself. It’s been about seven years since the repeal of DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell), and I think things are moving at a pace of what can be expected in that amount of time. I realize that change takes time and not everyone agrees with the repeal of DADT or the idea of having LGBT Sailors in their ranks, but as long as their opinions don’t enable them to treat me or others differently or disrespect my existence, their
acceptance of me isn’t my problem.” ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ was the official policy on military service by the LGBT community from 1994 to 2011. DADT prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing individuals who hadn’t openly come out as being gay, lesbian or transgender, while barring those who were openly a part of the LGBT community from military service. The repeal of this policy garnered mixed reactions throughout the military. “I think it’s amazing that it was repealed,” said Miranda. “It opened doors for so many people to do
something that they’ve wanted to do. The policy scared so many people away from joining the military because they weren’t necessarily accepted. They would have shut themselves back into a closet that they had worked so hard to get out of.” The conception of LGBT Pride month in June 2009 was a tremendous leap in the direction of equality among Sailors and civilians alike. Encouraging openness and education about the LGBT community brings forth unity and can motivate individuals to be themselves without the fear of discrimination or judgment.
(June 7, 2018) GW Sailors pose for a photo during the Battle of Midway remembrance event. (Photot by MCSA Steven Young)
THEBATTLEOFMIDWAY SAILORS CONVENE FROM COMMANDS TO REMEMEBR
T
here are certain moments that define a nation and shape its future generations. For the United States, one of these moments took place during an iconic battle for control of a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean 76 years ago. This is where American Sailors displayed courage and resolve in what would become a scale-tipping victory in World War II. Multiple naval commands from around the Hampton Roads area assembled at the Naval Aviation Monument Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, June 7 to celebrate the pivotal victory at Midway and to remember the valiant Sailors who fought in this battle. “We’ve inherited a rich legacy from the greatest generation of warfighters who have preceded us,” said Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group 4. “Here and now we can see the importance of why this heritage is deliberately passed into the hands
By MCSA Steven Young of the next generation, who now train for war and must be inspired to find new ways of meeting challenges and engaging a complex mission.” The remembrance event included actors who depicted integral figures in the battle, flyovers by a Grumman F4F Wildcat (the aircraft flown during the Battle of Midway) and F/A-18 Hornets, a wreath laying and a 21-gun salute. The events guests of honor included retired Capt. Dexter Rumsey, a naval aviator who participated in the Battle of Midway, and retired Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate Raymond Monford, who served aboard USS Hammond (DD412), a destroyer escort ship that was sunk during the battle. Attendees looked on as the clock was turned back to June 1942, and actors from Learning Curve Entertainment brought history to the present. The audience listened as an actor portrayed Ens. George Gay, the lone survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), as he
shared his experiences during the battle. Then, an actress portrayed a mother of a USS Yorktown (CV-5) Sailor who grieved as the two naval officers on her doorstep told her that her son had given his life fighting for his country, and concluded with an actor portraying
(June 7, 2018) MM3 Melissa Diaz parades the colors as part of the flag detail. (Photot by MCSA Steven Young)
Adm. Chester Nimitz as he addressed the press to deliver the news of an American victory in the Pacific. Whitesell concluded the ceremony by quoting an inscription on a Battle of Midway Monument. “The monument to the Battle of Midway that stands at the United States Naval Academy has this inscription: ‘They had no right to win, yet they did. In doing so they changed the course of the war. More than that, they added a new name, Midway, to the small list that inspires men by example, like Marathon, the Armada and the Marne. Even against the greatest of odds there is something in the human spirit. A magic blend of skill, faith and valor that can lift men from certain defeat to incredible victory,’” said Whitesell. “76 years ago our shipmates were on a combat deployment to protect and serve freedom. Let us go forth and remember that we have a sacred legacy to uphold.”
(June 7, 2018) AZC John Philips, left, and ET2 Elizabeth Tamayo present a wreath to be laid. (Photo by MCSA Steven Young)
(June 7, 2018) Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell addresses Sailors and their friends and families . (Photot by MCSA Steven Young)
FORECASTEDFORGREATNESS By MC3 Jamin Gordon
A G 2 OOM S W
hen a ship is at sea, Aerographer’s Mates (AG) are a vital part of day-to-day operations. AGs are responsible for collecting and analyzing oceanographic and meteorological information so that the ship may safely complete its mission. They are often aboard the ship with a strike group, and depart the ship once back in port. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)
has one AG aboard while completing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). “I am ship’s company,” said AG2 Edward Ooms. “I checked on board December 13, 2015. I was flown on four days prior to the ship’s arrival into Norfolk. When I arrived, I was met with a team of about 12 Aerographer’s Mates, including a chief and a divo (divisional officer). As soon as we pulled into Norfolk, the team disembarked and headed back
(June 1, 2018) AG2 Edward Ooms uses a psychrometer to acquire atmospheric moisture conditions. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
to San Diego, and I became the lone AG.” As a team of one, Ooms became a part of Intel department, which is the perfect place for the weatherman. “The ship is only billeted one Aerographer’s Mate, we augment from Fleet Weather Center Norfolk when we are underway,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Kelson Warford, the leading petty officer of Intel department. “Intel took over meteorology and oceanography (METOC) department because the Aerographer’s Mates play a pivotal role for the information warfare (IW) community. Without the Aerographer’s Mates, RADAR, weapons, flights, everything would be effected by not knowing the weather conditions and how they affect the platform or systems.” Although George Washington’s weapons and RADAR systems are non-operational and flight operations are halted at the moment,
(June 1, 2018) AG2 Edward Ooms uses a psychrometer to acquire atmospheric moisture conditions. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
Ooms still has a job to do while finishing his sea tour. His job has shifted from hands-on to training. “Since we have been in RCOH, my job has really entailed getting my qualifications, working on my pins and completing maintenance,” said Ooms. “I took a lot of job related classes at Fleet Weather Center Norfolk and completed prerequisites for Aerographer’s Mate C School. As we are in port, I don’t take any weather observations so I try to keep an eye on any hazardous weather that might hinder our area as well as watch for hurricane movement during hurricane season, which is coming up soon!” Ooms also takes advantage of other avenues to keep his skills sharp so he keeps his AG knowledge and training up-to-date. “I do a lot of METOC courses on My Navy Portal, and I read through my meteorology and oceanography
manuals to continue to improve my in-rate skills,” said Ooms. “I also keep in touch with other Aerographer’s Mates from other commands to try to keep up with current events and AG knowledge.” As a form of independent duty, Ooms has displayed great initiative and a strong work ethic. “AG2 has a very good work ethic and strong morals,” said Warford. “When tasked to conduct anything, he goes in with experience and knowledge of a seasoned petty officer. I don’t have to go behind him to make sure things are done properly.” With the support of leadership, and a self-starter attitude, Ooms continues to build upon his leadership skills. “I try to show the importance of knowing your job, being responsible and maintaining an organized and clean workspace,” said Ooms.
Ooms went on to state how he teaches other junior Sailors professionalism and a sense of responsibility for the job they do, through his own actions. In addition to impacting Sailors in his department, Ooms continues to affect other Sailors aboard the ship. “I have seen AG2 grow from a third class working on the mess decks, to a seasoned leader within the Intelligence department,” said Warford. “His knowledge has impacted the IW program greatly by supporting both first class and chiefs boards by being the only Aerographer’s Mate for these boards.” While Ooms enjoys imparting his knowledge upon his fellow shipmates, he also wants to continue to grow his knowledge base. As of now, Ooms’ main goal is to attend C School in Biloxi, Mississippi so that he can hone his forecasting skills.
Jesus Gonzalez, left poses for a photo with his sons Andrew Brune, middle, and YNSN Jose Gonzalez. (Photo courtesy of YNSN Jose Gonzalez)
FATHERSDAY
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.
By MCSN Kyle Loree
A
father plays many different roles in their children’s’ lives. Fathers can be teachers, mentors, role models, and for some even best friends. The impact a father makes on their children is something that one Sailor says is irreplaceable. “It is impossible for someone to be there for your whole life and not affect the type of person you are,” said Yeoman Seaman Jose Gonzalez, a Sailor stationed aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier the USS George Washington (CVN 73). “I owe who I am today largely to my father. He taught me how to treat people with respect and to not get caught up on my failures.”
Many fathers are both providers and mentors for their children. Whether it’s a roof over their children’s head or words of wisdom, it’s a father’s job to provide support for their children. “That’s what a father’s job is,” said Senior Chief Gunners Mate Danny Phelps, senior of the guns aboard the Washington. “It’s your job to teach your children how to take care of their responsibilities so they can chase their goals. You want to see them grow up and have a better life than you did.” For Yeoman Seaman Hayleigh Price, a Sailor aboard the Washington, her father is her best
friend. “Growing up it was just me and my dad in the house,” said Price. “Whenever I am having a hard time or just need to talk he’s there for me. We are very similar in a lot of ways and basically best friends.” According to Price, being a father isn’t a one-sided job either. “My freshman year of high school I lost my great grandma who I was really close to,” said Price. “When you lose someone like that you just want to stop operating and shut down, but my dad was there to help me grieve and to push me to be my best. It’s no secret fathers do a lot for their kids. From cheering them on at
“It’s your job to teach your children how to take care of their responsibilities so they can chase their goals.” -GMCS Danny Phelps sporting events, words of wisdom to guide them through life, or simply teaching them right from wrong, a father’s love is constant and filled with pride. “I take a lot of pride in my son and his accomplishments,” said Phelps. He is a Civil Air Patrol Technical Sergeant and he is working toward his goal of being a pilot in the Air Force. Being able to see them work toward the things they are passionate for is one of the best experiences you can have as a father.” Just as Phelps enjoys watching his son work toward his goals, Gonzalez finds pleasure in celebrating his dad on Father’s Day. “There is a lot our father’s do for us, “said Gonzalez. It’s nice to take Father’s day to really show your dad how much you appreciate what he’s done for you.” Gonzalez plans to show his father appreciation by surprising him with a visit and taking him out for pizza this Father’s Day. I am who I am because of him, he said. After all he’s done for me it’s the least I can do.
YNSN Hayleigh Price poses for a graduation picture with her family. (Photo courtesy of YNSN Hayleigh Price)
Caleb Phelps, Civial Air Patrol Technical Sergeant, left, poses with his father GMCS Danny Phelps before going to a two week training camp. (Photo courtesy of GMCS Danny Phelps)
NAVY NEWS COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) Team Navy kicked off its participation in the annual Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games June 1 during the opening ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, marking a return to the inaugural home of the competition. Comprised of 40 athletes from Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor, Team Navy joins approximately 210 other service members and veterans from the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. Athletes from the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Australian Defense Force, and Canadian Armed Forces are also competing in the games. “It is truly humbling to be here cheering on the athletes of team Navy,” said Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, commander, Navy Installations Command. “The athletes competing at the Warrior Games are the epitome of toughness, tapping all sources of strength and resilience.” The Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and expose them to adaptive sports. During the event, which is scheduled to take place through June 9, athletes will test their abilities in 11 adaptive sports, including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. Additionally, for the first time in Warrior Games history, athletes will compete in indoor rowing, powerlifting, and time-trial cycling. “Learning how to compete using adaptive equipment has reinforced that I
Team Navy Competes in 2018 Warrior Games By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Marcus L. Stanley
am still capable of accomplishing great things and giving back to my country, my community and my Sailors,” said Chief Navy Diver Julius McManus. “The Warrior Games have re-kindled my desire for competition and have helped me to remember that I am more than my injuries.” Senior Chief Master-at-Arms David Mills, who is participating in the games for the first time, said being a part of the event has brought on a wave of emotions. “Participating in the Warrior Games is a very humbling experience for me,” Mills said. “I think about it a lot, and I get emotional at times. I am not only representing myself and 39 other people on Team Navy, I am representing the Navy as a whole, and those who served
before.” Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor is the Navy’s sole organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and providing resources and support to their families. Through proactive leadership, the program provides individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of the wounded warriors’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities. To learn more about Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor, visit www.navywoundedwarrior.com. For more information about the 2018 DoD Warrior Games, visit http://www. dodwarriorgames.com/.
(June 2, 2018) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Susan Guzoski, right, from Simi Valley, Calif., first bumps her competitor prior to the start of the 100-meter cycling event at the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Team Navy is comprised of athletes from Navy Wounded Warrior- Safe Harbor, the Navy™s sole organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guard members, providing resources and support for their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Morgan K. Nall/Released)
CVN
HEALTH/WELLNESS
HAMPTON ROADS TRICARE UPDATES 1)TRICARE PRIME CLINIC CHESAPEAKE MOVING TO NEW LOCATION This clinic will be opening at the new site on 13 Aug 2018, located at 1400 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Ms. Shawna Hicks-Mumford, Clinic Administrator, stated that, “TPC Chesapeake is moving to a new location so that we can better meet the needs of patients and provide proper space for the staff ”. This clinic provides family practice, pediatrics, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, behavioral health, and mammogram services. All beneficiaries can be seen at this center. The clinic hours of operation are 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week. For more information, contact the Health Benefits Advisor at 757953-6382.
2) NEW TRICARE PRIME CLINIC SUFFOLK OPENING AUG 20th This clinic will be opening at the new site on 13 Aug 2018, located at 1400 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Ms. Shawna Hicks-Mumford, Clinic Administrator, stated that, “TPC Chesapeake is moving to a new location so that we can better meet the needs of patients and provide proper space for the staff ”. This clinic provides family practice, pediatrics, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, behavioral health, and mammogram services. All beneficiaries can be seen at this center. The clinic hours of operation are 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week. For more information, contact the Health Benefits Advisor at 757-953-6382.