Surveyor18june2018

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

june 18, 2018

By MCSN Kyle Loree

BALANCING ON TWO WHEELS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

HELPING HANDS GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER AT SPCA

By MCSR Steven Young

USO CONNECTING SERVICE MEMBERS TO HOME AND FAMILY

By MCSA Adam Ferrero

FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY THIS SUMMER

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding Officer

SAILOR

in the

SPOTLIGHT

CAPT Glenn Jamison

Executive Officer CAPT Colin Day

Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey

Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci

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 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSN Kyle Loree MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young

YN3 Justine Soto DEPARTMENT: Intel Why I joined: I joined the Navy for my mom because I wanted

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).

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

to make her proud. I also wanted to help myself get a foot in the door toward a better life.

FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: My favorite part of my job is helping everyone. My job is really vital. No matter if you’re a second class, first class or chief, everyone needs help from a yeoman regarding administrative work. Whether it’s people inside or outside my department, people come to me because they know I’m willing and able to help them.

On the cover: (May 31, 2018) EMN1 Akayla Grimes, pets a dog while volunteering at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo

by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

PHOTO of the

WEEK

(JUNE 8, 2018) Sailor’s stretch for cool downs during Command Fitness. (Photo by MCSN Kyle Loree)

QUESTIONS of the WEEK

DC 3M

Q:

What type of blower is designed to de-smoke a compartment filled with explosive gas?

A: Q:

RAM FAN

What does the “#” symbol represent when placed next to a check on a maintenance index page?

SAFETY

A:

THE POUND SIGN PLACED NEXT TO A PRIMARY CHECK INDICATED MANDATORY RELATED MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT.

Q: What are the three types of training required for motorcycle riders?

A:

THE BASIC RIDER COURSE FOR SPORT AND CRUISER BIKES, THE MILITARY SPORT BIKE RIDER COURSE AND THE EXPERIENCED RIDER COURSE FOR CRUISER BIKES.

BALANCING SAFETY ON TWO WHEELS

By MCSN Kyle Loree

T

he sun was shining; the temperature was in the 80s with a light breeze, and not a single rain cloud in sight. The weather was perfect to ride around Hampton Roads on two wheels.

Sailors aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) took advantage of the warmer weather and participated in a motorcycle mentorship ride, June 6.

Mentorship rides give seasoned and new motorcycle riders an opportunity to get more road time and to promote safety and training.

With safety being paramount, all riders wore proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as full-face helmets, long sleeves, long pants, steel toe boots, and gloves.

Riders also conducted safety checks on their motorcycles to ensure they were ready to ride on the open road.

“Training is essential to preventing accidents,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach, the assistant motorcycle safety coordinator aboard George Washington. “If you don’t know the basic fundamentals before getting out on the road, you’re signing yourself up for

disaster.”

There is a great increase of risk between motorcycles and cars.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcycle operators are 37 times more likely to die in an accident than those driving cars. The NHSTA also states drivers are nine times more likely to get injured operating a motorcycle versus a car.

With statistics like that, it’s important to train early and often because it helps mitigate some of these increased risks.

“Training courses teach you the basics and better ways to prevent an accident,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Christopher Gillian, a motorcycle rider aboard George Washington. “Training also makes riding easier and more enjoyable.”

The Navy offers the Basic Riders Course (BRC) a mandatory training for those looking to operate a motorcycle. The training is a free and comprehensive way to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

According to Truebenbach, attending the training is a good idea for anyone considering buying a

motorcycle.

“You can come to the BRC to learn and ride on our bikes,” said Truebebach. “I would recommend those looking to get a bike for the first time to attend the course beforehand. Motorcycle riding isn’t for everyone and this is a good way to try it out in a safe environment.”

Though there are undeniable risks associated with motorcycles, many riders agree it’s worth it.

“Riding is a great stress reliever,” said Gillian. “It’s an awesome feeling to be on the open road with no worries on your mind.”

Truebenbach agreed with Gillian’s sentiment about riding.

“Motorcycle riding is therapy,” said Truebenbach. “I can forget anything that’s bothering me after just a few minutes on my bike.”

Riding a motorcycle should be a safe, enjoyable experience. To help ensure this, the Navy does its part in keeping Sailors safe by educating them through training. From the Basic Riders Course, to sport bike and other advance training, Sailors are learning how to both enjoy their rides and how to stay safe.

170815-N-NX070-001 NORFOLK (Aug. 15, 2017) Beyond attending the required motorcycle training courses, active duty riders are required to wear proper personal protective equipment, whether riding on or off-base. Riders must wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, a Department of Transportation approved helmet, protective eye wear, full-fingered gloves and above-ankle shoes, and preferably, steel-toed boots. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class RJ Stratchko/Released)

UNITED

SERVICE

ORGANIZATION

Connecting service members to home and family

By MCSR Steven Young

S

ervice members have various resources available to assist them in what can often be a hectic lifestyle in the military.

One of the longest standing is the United Service Organization (USO). Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families throughout their time in uniform.

The mission statement of the USO is ‘To strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation.’

“The USO is there to support service members through deployments, homecomings, and everything in between,” said Dannis Lensch, the center director of the Huntington Hall USO. “We offer information for resources, referrals and outreach for our military members and their families. We coordinate with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and do things like visits to King’s Dominion. We also sponsor families during the holiday season to assist them with

Thanksgivings and Christmas.”

The USO continuously adapts to the needs of service members and their families, so they can focus on their mission. USO centers are operated at or near military installations across the United States and throughout the world.

And while it is in place to support military members, the USO is not a government organization. It is a private organization that relies on the generosity of volunteers and organizations to support its activities.

“At the USO, we are all here to offer guidance, support and help for all of our service members,” said Lensch. “We are all caring people. There are always opportunities available for those individuals that would like to extend a helping hand and offer support for the USO. All they have to do is contact one of the 10 locations in the Hampton Roads area and let them know that they are interested in volunteering.”

For Sailors, the USO is one of the very first services they will come across before they ever reach Recruit Training Command at Naval Station Great Lakes.

“I remember landing at the (O’Hare International) airport in Chicago and just feeling terrified,” said Seaman Ijah Hannah, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “We were on our way to boot camp and my nerves were all over the place because I really didn’t know what to expect. The people working in the USO in the airport were extremely friendly and just helped to calm me down and ease my nerves a bit. It was one of my very first experiences in the Navy so that has really stuck with me. Now whenever I go to the USO here (in Huntington Hall) I kind of go back to that moment and think about how helpful those guys were.”

Regardless of the situation, Sailors can be assured that there is always a team of individuals at a nearby USO on standby to assist them with anything that they may need.

For more information about the USO or the resources that they provide, visit their website at www.uso.org.

(May 31, 2018) Sailors pose for a photo after volunteering at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

GW SAILORS LEND A HAND AT SPCA

By Mc3 Trey Hutcheson

T

he sun was rising as cars one after another came into the parking lot. The doors unlocked, and people began to enter the building. The smell of cats, and the sound of dogs barking surrounded everyone who entered. This was a place that would take help from whoever offered it.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Norfolk welcomed Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) May 31. The Sailors helped by walking dogs, washing the animals’ beds, and picked up trash around the SPCA building.

“I love working with animals,” said Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Akayla Grimes, Reactor’s administration leading petty officer.

“It felt very gratifying to help animals in need, and I look forward to volunteering with the SPCA again”

Dogs wagged their tails with excitement as Sailors petted them and showed them some much-needed love.

“I love animals, and wanted to help those without a home,” said Cryptologic Technician Collection 3rd Class Alissa Acosta. “I got a sense of accomplishment from it. It made me feel like I’ve done a little good in the world.”

Volunteering at the SPCA was a community relations project (COMREL) opportunity for Sailors who were looking to assist in the local community and show how much the Navy cares about it.

“I think as the community sees members of the USN [United States Navy] out there giving back even more than they already have through service commitments, it gains a new found respect and admiration for those in service,” said Grimes.

COMRELs are an opportunity for

Sailors to change the perception that civilians may have about the Navy.

“I think doing COMRELs like these are extremely important because a lot of people don’t do it,” said Acosta. “It also puts out a better image of us. For us as Sailors, we get

(May 31, 2018) EMN1 Akayla Grimes waits to take a dog for a walk while volunteering at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

a bad rap of just being drunks, and this helps us show the community that we are so much more.”

With the Command Religious Ministries Department continuing to offer COMRELs, there is no doubt the George Washington crew will make a lasting impression on the community.

“The Navy is making a great impact by getting out there, and having Sailors get out and interact with the communities and making positive impacts to those around,” said Cryptologic Technician Collection 3rd Class Monica Stepney.

Like all good things, their time at the SPCA came to an end with dogs back in their cages, trash from around the building collected, and one final photo of the volunteers after a day of hard work helping several four-legged fur friends enjoy some fun in the sun.

(May 31, 2018) IS3 Kendall Phillips pets a dog while volunteering at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Trey Hutcheson)

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

FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN

(Aug. 18, 2017) Sailors and their families join other families in the large pool at a command picnic at Ocean Breeze Water Park. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)

W

By MCSA Adam Ferrero

ith June already halfway over, the summer season is almost upon us. While many Sailors know the struggle of being away from friends and family for long periods, many Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) find themselves with the precious opportunity to spend all summer at home with their loved ones during this refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) period.

Some people might be tempted to stay indoors and soak in the air conditioning, but for those looking to get out, there are numerous recreational opportunities available for Sailors and their families.

“Military families adapt to marriage and parenting in less than ideal situations,” said Brian Groner, a supervisor at the Fleet and Family Support Center’s Yorktown branch.

“Being apart is just one aspect of their service that doesn’t always receive a lot of recognition. Going out and bonding

over summer events is an excellent way to create treasured memories that can ease the burden of distance.”

Knowing where to start might hinder some Sailors, but facilitating family fun in the summer is something George Washington’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation team (MWR) knows well.

“To me, summer family fun means playing with my kids, and taking the time to just enjoy life with them,” said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Scott Petersen, the recreation services officer aboard George Washington. “It could be as simple as just watching our kids play at the beach, or something that teaches them, like going to all the historic sites in the area.”

One of the many services the MWR team provides is ensuring the crew is informed of what fun activities are available in their area.

“We post fliers throughout the FAF (floating accommodation facility),” said Petersen. “The events are also located on our MWR homepage. There’s a calendar with a number of events

happening this month.”

For Sailors who would rather avoid breaking the bank, the MWR team also has several tickets available at a discounted price than what one would normally find at the venues.

“The command MWR team sells tickets to AMC and Regal theaters, Kings Dominion Amusement Park, Ocean Breeze Water Park, and Tides games,” said Petersen. “There are more options available at ITT (Tickets and Travel Office) on Norfolk base, or similar offices on the bases for the other service branches.”

However, not every summer activity necessarily has a price tag at all.

“I would encourage Sailors to avoid spending all summer at home,” said Groner. “Not every outing needs to involve a lot of spending. Even if it’s just a simple day trip to somewhere like the beach, the summer time is such a great opportunity to make up for lost time with your spouse and children.”

There are plenty of things Sailors can do this summer without spending

(May 3, 2018) ADCS Alex Cardenas, grills burgers during the 2018 AIMD Spring Picnic at Huntington Hall. (Photo by MC3 Alan Lewis)

money.

“All national parks are free to Sailors and their families,” said Petersen.

“One that my family enjoys going to is Historic Jamestown. We’ll be visiting a number of local, state and national parks, and probably a trip up to Washington D.C.” On top of local activities and events, the command has its own events organized for its Sailors.

“This quarter’s event will be a Luau themed picnic at Paradise Ocean Club at Fort Monroe in Hampton,” said

Petersen. “It is scheduled for Aug. 30, with a backup date the following week if we have to cancel due to weather.

There will be bouncy houses for the kids, hula dancers, a fire and knife dance, face painters, caricature artists, and family games with prizes. Ticket sales will begin at the start of July.”

Summer leisure is something all Sailors should embrace once in a while, regardless of location and family situation.

“Just like anywhere else our Sailors will travel to, there is always plenty to

do,” said Petersen. “Everyone needs to take the time to enjoy themselves and get some relaxation in, whether or not they have family in the area.

Sometimes, you will have to look harder than other times, but it will always be worth it.”

Whether it’s visiting a national park, hitting up a water park, or just relaxing at the beach, there are plenty of ways George Washington Sailors can have fun with their families this summer.

NAVY NEWS SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- On June 12, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the newest Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer, Pre-Commissioning Unit Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), will be commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Dec. 1, in Boston.

Thomas Hudner, commanded

by Cmdr. Nathan Scherry, a Peculiar, Mo. native, is the 66th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the 36th DDG 51 class destroyer built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW). It is the first warship named for naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Thomas J. Hudner.

Hudner, a native of Fall River, Mass., received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Hudner crash landed his plane in an unsuccessful effort to save the life of his wingman and friend, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American combat pilot.

In fall of 2015, the keel of Thomas Hudner was laid.

The ship was christened on April 1, 2017, during a snowy ceremony at the BIW shipyard in Bath, Maine, and launched several weeks later on April

Future USS Thomas Hudner to be Commissioned in Boston From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

23.

Arleigh Burke (DDG 51 class) class destroyers are highly-capable, multi-mission ships that conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security.

These DDGs provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments. The ship’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense radar will provide increased computing power and radar upgrades that improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern

air warfare threats, as well as ballistic missile defense.

The Aegis Combat System will enable the ship to link radars with other ships and aircraft to provide a composite picture of the battle space, and effectively increase the theater space. New ships in this class, such as Thomas Hudner, have anti-ballistic missile capabilities as well. The DDG’s all-steel construction provides a survivable platform.

After commissioning in Boston, she will make her way to homeport in Mayport, Fla.

120508-N-AL577-002 WASHINGTON (May 8, 2012) An artist rendering of the next Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The ship is named after Thomas Hudner, a Medal of Honor recipient and retired Naval aviator.

(U.S. Navy illustration by Lt. Shawn Eklund/Released)

CVN

HEALTH/WELLNESS

YOU HURT. WE HELP.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being Your job is not easy. You are asked to do things most people can’t do, be in situations most people can’t handle, and make decisions most people can’t fathom. These challenges may place a big toll on you. Yet, to be successful in the Navy and Marine Corps, you have to be resilient and psychologically strong. That’s where the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Health Promotion and Wellness Department can help. We have the resources and tools to help you navigate stress and strengthen your resilience so you can perform at your best. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Military Crisis Line for confidential support at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1, text 838255, or live chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx.

For more ways to connect while abroad, visit www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx. If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone who understands the challenges unique to military life, access 24/7 confidential peer support by contacting Vets4Warriors at 1-855-838-8255, or access email or live chat at www.vets4warriors.com. Support is available for service members and family members.

To learn how our resources and tools can help keep you fit for service and improve your overall health, visit us at WWW.MED.NAVY.MIL/SITES/NMCPHC/HEALTH-PROMOTION NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER PREVENTION AND PROTECTION START HERE

03/19/15 HPW-000093A

For more information on your local resources, contact: