Dec. 18, 2016 The Washington Surveyor

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

DEC. 17, 2016

2016

YEAR IN

REVIEW

On the cover: A collage of The Washington Surveyor covers from the year. (Graphic by PO3 Kashif Basharat)

PHOTO of the DAY

YEARINREVIEW GW TAKES A LOOK AT PAST YEAR

By PO2 Alora Blosh

“U Sailors participate in a live-fire exercise on the fantail. (Photo by PO3 Clemente A. Lynch)

staff Commanding Officer

Executive Officer

Command Master Chief

CAPT Timothy Kuehhas

CDR Colin Day

MCPO James Tocorzic

Public Affairs Officer

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Media DLCPO

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

LTJG Andrew Bertucci

Editors PO1 Alan Gragg PO2 Kris Lindstrom PO3 Kashif Basharat

CPO Mary Popejoy

Staff PO2 Alora Blosch PO2 Jessica Gomez PO2 Bryan Mai PO2 Jennifer O’Rourke PO3 Wyatt L. Anthony

PO3 Clemente A. Lynch PO3 Michael Wiese SN Krystofer Belknap SN Oscar Moreno Jr. SN Julie Vujevich

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 kashif.basharat@cvn73.navy.mil*

nderway, shift colors.” three hulls benefitted operations overall.” that they are surprised that the ship is The 1MC sounds the anAs GW and TR Sailors began to the next one up for RCOH. She’s coming nouncement as the air- bond as a single team, the crew con- up on 25 years of service and she looks craft carrier USS George Washington tinued to work to find more efficient great … That’s a huge compliment.”

(CVN 73) gets underway for the last time methods to accomplish their mission.

“It’s one thing when distinguished in 2016. Sailors say their last goodbyes “We have the best crew in the Fleet, visitors who have never seen another to their loved ones, before ship, but when the 3M inspecthey have minimal commution team comes on board and nication for next three weeks, says ‘you have the best ship gobut the Sailors aboard GW are “We began 2016 looking at what ing into RCOH,’ that’s when you accustomed to this lifestyle. know it’s true, and that means Sailors aboard GW spent the crew really took pride in the challenges were ahead of 142 days out to sea in 2016 their ship,” added Kuehhas. qualifying the F-35 LightAt the end of 2015, GW Sailus, it was a bit daunting.

Now ning II, conducting carrier ors and TR Sailors who were qualifications for 526 pilots, headed to George Washington completing various ship- looking back and realizing that, were expecting the ship to beboard inspections, burials gin Refueling Complex Overhaul at sea, and a swim call. GW not only did the crew meet the (RCOH) maintenance in 2016. also became a patchwork But the schedule changed, pushquilt of Sailors, approxichallenge, they lead it flawlessly ing RCOH back to 2017 and the mately one-third of the crew crew went underway 11 differcoming from deployment ent times throughout the year. which is amazing, but not with GW, one-third coming “The most apparent accomfrom deployment with USS plishment is the fact that the GW unexpected from this crew.”

Theodore Roosevelt (CVN ran a year past when it was sup71), and the rest transferring posed to,” said Ekman. “It’s amazCapt. Timothy Kuehhas from various commands. ing to make a machine run like “The logistics involved with that. The challenges this crew has crew swapping with two carhad to overcome and the ingenuiriers, let alone three, are grand, compli- and you don’t have to take my word ty they displayed while doing so amaze cated and hard to estimate,” said Ensign on that,” said Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, me. This ship contains countless spacAnton Ekman, a divisional officer in En- commanding officer. “Every single vis- es, machines, piping, electrical wiring, gineering Department. “Given the ob- itor we have on the ship comments on and so much more. This crew was able stacles to overcome, I thought the transi- the material condition of the ship. Every to take that multitude of material well tion was smooth and the lessons from all single person that comes aboard tells me past its intended replacement date. I’m (continued on next page)

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proud of each and every one of them.”

The time spent out to sea gave many Sailors the chance to conduct training that requires sea time, like the helmsman and master helmsman qualifications. Also, Sailors had more opportunities to earn warfare qualifications.

“I’ve seen Sailors working on qualifications harder than ever,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ileana Marrero Rivera. “Especially these new Sailors who haven’t had the opportunity before and may not again for a while. It makes me proud to be a part of a crew dedicated not only to their own success, but also the success of others.”

The crew was given a rare opportunity in August, when the winds, weather and waves came together to create the perfect environment for a swim call. A swim call is a day where Sailors can line up in the hangar bay and have the chance to jump off of an aircraft elevator into the ocean and swim to the ship’ stern dock.

“My best experience this year was swim call,” said Rivera. “To feel gravity pulling you down until you hit the water, it was invigorating.

I feel lucky because not everyone gets to experience that, but I did.”

In October, GW held a family day cruise when more than 1,000 guests were invited to embark the ship for a day underway to experience Navy life, including an air show on the flight deck. Just days later, GW was scheduled to go underway to conduct carrier qualifications when Hurricane Matthew headed toward the Caribbean islands. GW was called to get underway and in position to render aid to the affected countries in Matthew’s wake.

Overnight, the crew offloaded all of the supplies for the carrier qualifications and loaded up the equipment necessary to support 17 helicopters and more than 200 pallets full of Humanitarian Assistance/ Disaster Relief (HA/DR) supplies as

PO3 Nikolas D. Miketinas supervises a “no-load” on catapult one. (Photo by SN Krystofer Belknap)

the strike group prepared to go out to sea for an unknown amount of time.

“My biggest thing was that quick turnaround for the Haiti relief,” said Seaman Anthony Pratt. “I was on duty the night before and to see how we fast we got prepared to go out there, just tells me how ready we actually are if anything were to happen.

It really surprised me to be honest. I didn’t think we were going to be able to pull it off, but we really did. For me, personally, that was pretty cool.”

GW’s readiness toward the Navy’s mission was also exemplified through the advancement of its crewmembers.

In 2016, GW advanced a total of 417 enlisted Sailors to the next paygrade from the Navy’s advancement exams.

“I studied and it finally paid off,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Daeon Farrar.

“I plan to continue to study and help out others in my division. My rate’s advancement was at 10 percent so I feel really proud, and it’s a stepping stone

The pilot of an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant prepares to exit the cockpit. (Photo by PO3 Wyatt L. Anthony)

for me to get to where I want to be.”

While some Sailors experienced career milestones, other Sailors experienced many trials and tribulations between balancing the Navy’s mission requirements and family.

“The hardest part of the year was dealing with being separated from my husband for our first six months of marriage,” said Rivera. “I came off of deployment and went right into work-ups, and then dealt with finding us a place to live and all of the struggles that go into to house hunting, so not having him there to help and support me was really difficult. He was stationed in San Diego and getting ready to get out of the Navy, but it was amazing when he finally came home later on in the year.”

Though this year has provided many challenges, the crew has continued to persevere and overcome them.

“I think when you look back at how many underways we’ve done, it’s a lot of pulling in and out of port, and every time we pull in and out of port it’s a challenging evolution,” said Kue-

hhas. “The operations we had with carrier qualifications and getting 526 pilots qualified, that’s incredible.”

“We began 2016 looking at the challenges ahead of us, it was a bit daunting,” added Kuehhas. “Now looking back and realizing that, not only did the crew meet the challenge, they led it flawlessly, which is amazing, but not unexpected from this crew. They did it safely without any crunches on the flight deck. With all the jets we had on the flight deck, we never had one jet bump into another.”

Along with overcoming challenges, fortunate circumstances happened as well. Many Sailors expanded their families during the work-up period.

“It was really hard with all the schedule changes this year,” said Pratt. “I had a kid on the way, and a daughter who’s starting to realize when dad’s gone.

It’s hard to plan ahead. It was hard and draining, but I managed to be there for the birth of my son and that was probably my proudest moment this year. My chain of command was really support-

ive, and not a lot of Sailors get the opportunity to be there for their child’s birth.”

While this year has had ups and downs and schedule changes, GW is about to start its Shipboard Consolidated Offload and Outfitting Plan (SCOOP) and move into the yards for a four to five year Refueling Complex Overhaul. Many Sailors are waiting to see what that means for them and how it will affect them in the future.

“I see another challenge,” said Kuehhas. “That’s the Navy though, you are always preparing for the next challenge. You don’t wait for it. On top of the things we’ve been doing as a crew up until now, you are already planning for the next challenge. Most of the crew has been very much engaged in preparing for RCOH. Believe me, they’ve established 30,000 job control numbers, and they’ve been doing that on top of everyday operations.”

“Preparing ahead of time will lead to further milestones,” said Kuehhas. “The crew is already doing a lot of work to get ahead of it.”

By P O 3 Wyat t L . A n t h o ny

25YEARSOFEXCELLENCE

els across the globe providing maritime security in waters ranging from the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf, to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Just two years after commissioning, GW set out on her maiden deployment where she served as the backdrop for the 50th anniversary of D-Day before responding to rising tensions between Iraq and Kuwait in the Middle East. Her arrival to the Red Sea was enough to deter Iraq away from Kuwait’s border.

From 1996-2000 GW participated in three more deployments, all of them included assisting in Operation Southern Watch (OSW), before entering Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) maintenance period. During the 2000 PIA, the ship received upgrades to its berthing areas, ventilation systems and computer networking systems.

Following PIA, in 2001, GW began preparations for a 2002 deployment.

On the morning of Sept. 11, George Washington was operating off the coast

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innovation happening around it. RCOH is essentially the time to renew the ship.

“During RCOH, and the follow-on outfitting period, nearly all combat systems equipment will be refurbished, upgraded or replaced with newer technology,” said Cmdr. Don Wilson, GW’s combat systems officer. “It truly is quite amazing how much work will be done. The ship will receive upgraded weapons systems; to include Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), Evolved NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System, Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), Mk-38 25mm automatic gun systems, and Anti-Torpedo Defense Systems.”

“The Ship’s Self-Defense System and all other tactical network and intelligence systems and sensors will be upgraded,” said Wilson. “Consol-

idated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services will become the new ship-wide network, which will include a new video distribution and surveillance systems, and the mast and the SPN-49 radar tower will be cut off and replaced with a modern design.”

Compared to the first ship to bear the first President of the United States’ name, a schooner that was re-rigged as a brigantine to conduct operations against the Royal Navy in 1775, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George Washington is something unimaginable.

The ship that Sailors now call home has a mission a little different from the 1775 re-rigged brigantine. Instead of fighting off the Royal Navy in the coastal waters and riverways of the United States, the Spirit of Freedom now trav-

launched more than 10,000 sorties.

“We were there dropping weapons when necessary to ensure that there would be a safe no-fly zone in Southern Iraq,” said then-George Washington Battle Group Commander Rear Adm. Joseph A. Sestak Jr. Sept. 11, 2002 the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) took over the watch.

GW conducted one more deployment between 2002-2005, once again to the Persian Gulf, before entering an 11-month dry-dock PIA period.

During this PIA, many of the ship’s systems were upgraded, work was done to the hull and the four jet blast deflectors were removed and upgraded to handle the increased heat from the F/A18E/F Super Hornet. GW’s defensive weapons configurations were also altered, as one MK-15 Phalanx CIWS and one NATO Sea Sparrow Surface Missile System (NSSMS) were removed and replaced with two RAM launchers.

“The reason behind adding the RAM in 2005 was to provide GW with a (continued on next page)

A BRIEF HISTORY OF USSGW

U.S. Navy ship’s life journey is long, arduous and full of the dedication, tears, blood and sweat of its crew. This journey is one that is loaded with hard work and long hours, all while at the mercy of the sea and its environment. After nearly 25 years of serving the country, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is preparing to take an extended, well deserved and much needed, 40-plusmonth break for its Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) maintenance period.

Throughout the first 25 years of an aircraft carrier’s life, it goes through several maintenance periods, but never anything to the extreme of an RCOH. The ship, not only takes a toll from the elements and the sea, but also falls behind technologically after 25 years of

of Virginia conducting routine carrier qualifications when the attacks of 9/11 took place. GW was diverted north and arrived in New York City the next day.

For the next three days, as volunteers pulled survivors and the deceased from mountains of twisted metal, the ship and her air wing, which was hastily transferred from the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), provided airspace defense for the city and surrounding area.

Nine months later, on June 20, 2002, GW deployed to the Persian Gulf, relieving the Kennedy, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and OSW. “I think this is going to be a very memorable deployment,” said Cmdr. Jeff Amick, GW’s Operations Officer during this deployment. “I’m especially proud of everyone we have working aboard the ship. There’s going to be a lot of hard work during this deployment, but we all know that it’s going to be worth it.”

During her three months in the Gulf, GW’s embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17,

1996- Sailors conduct a 21-gun salute.

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more robust, lightweight, fast reaction, high-firepower defensive system to counter incoming anti-ship capable missiles, helicopter and fixedwing aircraft, and to engage and intercept surface craft,” said Wilson.

On Dec. 1, 2005, the Navy announced that GW would be replacing the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the forward-deployed carrier at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, making it the first nuclear-powered surface warship permanently stationed outside the continental U.S. “I find the city very supportive of this move for George Washington,” said then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen during a 2007 visit to Yokosuka. “Japan is a vital ally in the Pacific and is very supportive of our forward-deployed presence over there.”

In a ceremony held on Sept. 1, 2006, Capt. Garry White, GW’s commanding officer at the time, was promoted to Rear Admiral, marking a rare occasion when a flag officer commanded a ship.

GW underwent one last PIA in Sep-

tember of 2006, in preparation of her homeport transfer to Yokosuka. During this PIA, work included the removal and replacement of the ship’s radar mast and propeller screws, as well as the re-alignment of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).

Following this maintenance period, GW departed Norfolk April 7, 2008, for the transit around the horn of South America. On May 22, 2008, while in transit off the Pacific Coast of South America, a fire broke out in the ship’s air-conditioning and refrigeration space and an auxiliary boiler room. The fire spread throughout the ship via a cableway and ventilation ducting, causing extreme temperatures in some parts of the ship. It took 12-hours for the crew to contain and extinguish the fire, injuring 37 Sailors in the process.

“We learned significant lessons from this fire in both shipboard fire prevention and firefighting,” said Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, GW’s commanding officer. “The Navy has incorporated

these lessons fleet wide. They inspire Damage Control training evolutions like General Quarters to improve the crew’s response to any challenge with which they may be presented.”

After the fire, GW made a stop in San Diego for repairs on May 27. On June 20, the Navy announced that the damage from the fire was more serious than expected, and that repairs would take at least until August and would cost $70 million.

The ship departed San Diego Aug. 21, 2008, and arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 25, where several hundred local supporters and protestors greeted the crew.

“More than 60 years ago a long and bitter struggle came to a close,” said then-U.S. Ambassador to Japan, J. Thomas Schieffer. “Neither of us could have imagined the event that we witnessed today—the forward-deployment of an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, not to subjugate Japan but to defend Japan.”

Throughout 2009, GW went underway in the Pacific and Indian Oceans several times and participated in different operations with allied navies, such as Operation Talisman Sabre off the coast of Australia’s Northern Territory, and the Indonesian Fleet Review during Sail Bunaken in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

2010 held a similar schedule, as the ship conducted numerous operations with the Republic of Korea’s Navy and Air Force in the Sea of Japan and Yellow Sea off the coast of North Korea.

Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima, Japan, George Washington was ordered to leave her dock in Yokosuka, during a maintenance period, to avoid the possibility of being contaminated by the radioactive plu me a nd a s si st i n d i s a st e r r el ief ef for t s.

“George Washington left Yokosuka, Japan March 21 as a precautionary measure to ensure sustained readiness in support of Japan,” wrote Petty Officer 3rd Class Juan Manuel Pinalez, in a March 24, 2011 article published on Navy.mil.

During 2012 and 2013, GW partook in two deployments. During these deployments, the ship and her crew participated in several joint training exercises with other service branches and regional partners, conducted dual-carrier operations with the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and provided humanitarian assistance in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.

In January 2014, it was announced that USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) would replace GW during her RCOH period. This decision caused the first ever three-carrier hull swap and homeport change.

GW departed from Japan for the last time in May 2015 to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre (ETS) 2015 with Australia and New Zealand. Following ETS, George Washington arrived in San Diego Aug. 10, and began a 10day turnover period with the Reagan.

After members of both crews swapped ships, GW left Southern California to travel around the Horn of South America and eventually dock in her new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk.

After her arrival in Norfolk and USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) arrival in San Diego, crewmembers began flying across the U.S. to continue their sea service aboard either the TR or GW depending on where their families resided.

After a busy 2016 full of carrier qualifications, general quarter drills, an expected humanitarian assistance mission to Haiti and countless other mission requirements, GW concluded her last underway for at least four years, Dec. 17.

“It has been a great honor to serve alongside the crew of George Washington,” said Kuehhas. “I am certain that USS George Washington will move forward safely and efficiently through her refueling and complex overhaul and continue to accomplish great things during the second-half of her life.”

During the first half of her life, GW and her innumerable crewmembers have served under 12 commanding officers, consumed more than 150 million meals, and launched and recovered 184,149 aircraft.

1993- Sailors test the barricade net.

1995- Sailors scrub the flight deck.

1993- Sailors conduct flight operations.

1996- Sailors standby during a replenishment-at-sea.

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Sailors receive autographs from players for the New York Jets in the ship’s hangar bay. (Photo by PO3 Brian Sloan)

Ben Ijalana (left), offensive lineman for the New York Jets, poses for a photo with high school friend PO3 William Thomas. (Photo by PO2 Bryan Mai)

By P O 3 Wyat t A n t h o ny

NEWYORKJETS

VISITGW NFL PLAYERS EXPERIENCE LIFE UNDERWAY

PO3 DeAndre Johnson explains hangar bay operations to Ben Ijalana (left), and Brent Qvale (right). (Photo by PO3 Jaime Marcial)

Ben Ijalana poses for a photo. (Photot by PO3 Kashif Basharat)

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t isn’t often you see colossal 300-plus-pound linemen walking the deckplates of a Navy warship except this week when the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted three NFL players on board March 10 – 11.

Retired offensive guard Brenden Stai, New York Jets offensive linemen Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana visited Washington to experience, first hand, life at sea.

Stai, Qvale and Ijalana toured the hangar bays, signal bridge, gyms, and observed flight operations. In addition to seeing how the ship executes its day-to-day duties,

they toured crew berthing, ate breakfast with the crew and even found some time to chat and sign autographs.

“The NFL players were so impressed by our Sailors,” said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Sheila Dall, from Palm City, Florida. “You could see how proud [the Sailors] were to present their spaces and equipment. It was good to see the players be so happy to spend time and interact with our Sailors.”

These behemoths aren’t a common sight in the Navy, and Qvale, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing in at 315 pounds, experienced just

how hard it is for someone his size to move throughout the ship.

“Walking around the ship and going up and down all the ladders has been an interesting experience so far,” said Qvale. “I’ve only smacked my head a few times. It feels like there is something around every turn that you can run into or hurt yourself on, but I think I’m getting the hang of it now.”

Sailors impressed the players with the level of teamwork necessary to accomplish the mission.

“The craziest part of this is how everyone has their own job, and they know their job, and everyone can come together to do what they need to do to be able to make a floating city run smoothly,” said Qvale. “It’s a bucket list experience; a once in a lifetime experience for us to be able to come out here and live on an active aircraft carrier for a

day.”

The visit was an experience that Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Kyle Hecht, from East Rockaway, New York, said he will never forget.

“I’m a huge Jets fan,” said Hecht. “It feels great to know that these guys are supporting us by taking time out of their schedules to come out here, see what we do, and show support and appreciation.”

For one Sailor it was an opportunity to reunite with an old high school friend.

“Ben [Ijalana] and I went to Willingboro High School together in New Jersey and played football together during our freshman and sophomore years,” said Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class William Thomas. “I was really surprised when he walked in to flight deck control. What are the odds, out of all ships? It was great to see him again.”

Ben Ijalana poses while holding onto a disassembled .50 caliber machine gun. (Photo by SN Krystofer N. Belknap)

Brent Qvale looks through binoculars. (Photo by PO3 Kashif Basharat)

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By P O 3 K a s h i f B a s h a rat

OFFLOADING GOODS GW TRANSFERS 557,000 POUNDS OF THE

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STEELBEACH

PICNIC

AMMO TO THE IKE

ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transferred 557,000 pounds of ordnance onto the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower (CVN 69) April 13-14.

The ordnance transfer comes as Ike steps up preparations for a regularly scheduled upcoming deployment and George Washington begins preparations for an extended yard period scheduled to start next year.

“We off-loaded ammunition onto the Ike so they can utilize it for their future missions,” said Lt. Travis Semones, the ordnance handling officer aboard the Washington. “We also offloaded because we can’t take the ammunition and explosives into the yards for our refueling complex overhaul. There are going to be different types of maintenance to the ship that requires welding and cutting. It is a requirement we get all ammunition off the ship beforehand.”

The transfer required helicopters to transport 274 pallets from ship to ship. Throughout the complex event, the crew maintained safe operations.

“Everyone is in charge of safety,” said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Peter Van Nimwegen, the leading chief petty officer of the G-1 division.

“If someone sees anything unsafe, we stop what we are doing to assess it and then move forward.

You have to take your time and work as a crew when dealing with ordnance.”

“It was a ship-wide evolution,” said Semones.

“We had Engineering Department provide a fire watch team, Medical Department stood by in case of a medical emergency and Air Department was in charge of directing the aircraft that transferred the ammunition.”

Sailors prepared for the evolution months in advance, with the first step being to account for exactly what was going to be moved off the ship.

“It started in the Weapon’s Department G-3 division where they organized, accounted for and banded the ammunition,” said Van Nimwegen.

“We then had our safety briefs on how to move the equipment to the hangar bay and to the flight deck.

In the end, it took approximately 250 helicopter trips to move all the ammunition off the ship.”

By P O 3 K a s h i f B a s h a rat

GW SAILORS HOLD MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC AT SEA

S SN Kenneth Adams secures ammunition on the flight deck. (Photo by PO3 Wyatt L. Anthony)

Sailors prepare to off-load ammo on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. (Photo by PO2 Bryan Mai)

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower conducts an ammunition transfer with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. (Photo by PO2 Bryan Mai)

ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) took time off to commemorate Memorial Day with a steel-beach picnic in the hangar bay, May 30.

“Memorial Day gives us a chance to remember all the active duty members who have given their lives to protect us,” said Chief Warrant Officer Edward Williams, the ship’s G-1 division officer. “Since we are not at home to celebrate it with our families, the ship provided us an opportunity to remember our fallen comrades while at sea.”

The Aviation Ordnance Association, Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training (ASIST), Chief Petty Officer, as well as the First, and the Second Class Petty Officer Associations assisted Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) in setting up the event, which featured a live DJ, a tricycle course and a driving range.

“It was just a way for the command to show appreciation,” said Operation Specialist 2nd Class Carrie Kramer, the assistant leading petty officer of MWR. “The Sailors here work really hard and we thought we would thank them for their sacrifices and commitment to be here.”

Chief petty officers served hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs and cookies in gratitude for their fellow Sailors.

“Although it was fun to get off work early and eat with my friends, I don’t think we should forget the purpose of the picnic,” said Airman Nate Yelmene. “We have to give homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and I think today was a great way to take some time off and reflect on it.”

Below: Sailors participate in games and activities during a steel beach picnic.

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Removing the Mask Story by PO2 Alora Blosch

“I was terrified,” said Wilson. “I had rehearsed what I was going to say a hundred times, but in that moment with tears running down my face, my parents’ eyes of concern left my mind blank. They had to know what was coming, but none of us wanted to admit it. As scared as I was, I could no longer bear the pain of living a lie any longer. Within two words, my mother’s face morphed from concern into utter dismay: “I’m gay.”

he road to acceptance can be challenging, especially in Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Savanna Wilson’s household where she overcame many trials and battled the family’s religious faith to find acceptance as a gay woman.

“I grew up in a church-involved household,” said Wilson. “My dad played in the church band, and my mom taught Bible school.

My dad was understanding, but my mom had trouble piecing together her love and faith.”

“I was in an abusive relationship with a girl a lot older than me, and I think that was a really big issue when I came out,” said Wilson. “It tore my family apart for about four years.”

Wilson struggled in high school, trying to balance counseling sessions and homework while simultaneously being the outcast on campus. She said some of the girls in school would write horrible things about her on the lockers.

“I moved schools three times in my high school years,” said Wilson. “When I was 14, I came out. People my age reacted negatively but when I moved back to a school with people I knew, I was accepted. It actually encouraged others to come out because they knew it was safe.”

Wilson said she missed out on a lot of high school experiences such as football games and prom because other girls bullied her for being the only gay student.

“My dad was my biggest supporter,” said Wilson. “He had his opinions but loved me unconditionally, regardless.”

Wilson joined the Navy for adventure and to prove to her parents that she could support herself and achieve success on her own.

“My mom was really worried when I enlisted because she thought I wouldn’t be accepted because of my sexuality,” said Wilson. “I was afraid because of that; thought I might get beat up or something.

I didn’t come out when I first got to the ship. I tried really hard to fit in; too hard. I ended up losing myself in the process. While in the Navy I met my soon to be fiancé. She helped rekindle who I was. I realized a lot of gay people are in the military. That made me feel safe. I learned, on deployment, that my faith and spirituality isn’t determined by who I love.

-ABFAN Savanna Wilson

“I didn’t come out when I first got to the ship,” said Wilson.

“I tried really hard to fit in; too hard. I ended up losing myself in the process. While in the Navy I met my soon to be fiancé. She helped rekindle who I was. I realized a lot of gay people are in the military. That made me feel safe. I learned, on deployment, that my faith and spirituality isn’t determined by who I love.”

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and legalization of gay marriage in all 50 states impacted Wilson’s life.

“I was ecstatic,” said Wilson. “My rights not only as a military member but as a human being were equalized.

I didn’t feel so exiled anymore. I watched my sister get married. She had a beautiful ceremony. I didn’t think I would ever get to have that because I wasn’t society’s norm, but now I’m planning a wedding of my own.”

Within the last five years, Wilson said she witnessed striking alterations in the fabric of society including no longer having to hide her sexuality while serving for her country.

“I would not have joined the Navy if “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was not repealed,” said Wilson.

“I can’t hide who I am for four years. I’ve done it before and I’ll never do it again.”

Wilson’s mom still struggles with accepting her daughter’s sexuality, but Wilson said her parents love her girlfriend as if she were already part of the family. She said coming out was one of the best decisions she has made. Even though it has been challenging, Wilson has gained the strength and courage to stand up for herself and be proud of who she is.

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CPOPINNING

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wenty-one Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were pinned as Navy chief petty officers in a ceremony Sept. 16.

Before their pinning, the chief selectees face mental and physical challenges in a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase II. The training hones their leadership skills, introduces the selectees to what it means to be a Navy chief and gives them the resources they need to be successful.

During the ceremony, retired Command Master Chief Ralph Rao said there are high expectations for chiefs immediately after they are pinned.

“You were selected to chief petty officer by the greatest Navy in the world because they believe you add value and that you’re ready to contribute at the next level,” said Rao. “As with any challenges facing chief petty officers, we just don’t meet it, we exceed it. That’s what chiefs do.”

Newly pinned Chief Hospital Corpsman Colwyn Wiltshire

says the process of becoming a chief has given him the tools he will need to exceed expectations.

“There’s so much you can get out of this process; for me, it was relying on the mess, knowing what my weaknesses are and not being afraid to go into the mess for help,” said Wiltshire. “The chief’s mess is limitless, so if one person doesn’t have the answer, all you have to do is reach out.”

Each chief was pinned and

received a new combination cover, officially taking on the responsibilities of being a chief.

More responsibility still requires humility, though, said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Venita Johnson.

“Know that you don’t always have the right answers and be able to search for those answers. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’,” said Johnson.

“Stay humble. Look and reflect and be that chief that you always wanted, and take care of your Sailors.”

The Chief’s Mess pose for a photo with retired Command Master Chief Ralph Rao after a chief petty officer pinning ceremony. (Photo by PO2 Bryan Mai)

CVN Department: Media Favorite Sports Team: Oklahoma State Cowboys

MAZE

GAMES CROSSWORD

Hobbies: Tennis and making amazing puns

HARD SUDOKU SUDOKU

Department: Medical Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots Hobbies: Cooking, hiking and hanging out with his best friends

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