WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
NOV. 13, 2017
By MCSA Steven Young
GW FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!
By MC3 Carter Denton
FOCUSING ON BODY AND MIND SAILORS PARTICIPATE IN YOGA
The Washington Surveyor
Commanding Officer CAPT Glenn Jamison
SAILOR
of the
WEEK
On the cover: (Oct. 26, 2017) - Team captains ABF3 Joshua Grajeda, left, and ABH3 Jerome Gordon raise the championship trophy following their championship game at Vista Point Ball Fields. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
PHOTO of the
WEEK
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
Editors MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Kashif Basharat MCSN Julie Vujevich
Content MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Trey Hutcheson MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSA Michael Botts MCSA Adam Ferrero MCSA Steven Young
W(Nov, 3, 2017) - The U.S. Training and Doctrine Command Band, Woodwind Quintet, plays music during the Five Star Military Family Recognition Luncheon. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
QUESTIONS of the WEEK BMC Edmundo Brantes
DC
Q:
3M
Q:
At what per square inch are Self Contained Breathing Aparatus’ rated?
A:
4500.
DEPARTMENT: Deck Department 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 julie.vujevich@cvnit.navy.mil*
HOMETOWN: Hialeah, Florida REASON I JOINED THE NAVY: “I joined the Navy because I didn’t want my parents to have any worries about doing the wrong thing. I wanted them to have the peace of mind that their son was doing great things, but that changed many years ago. I did my job as I needed to, but after Sept. 11, 2001, my aspect of being in the military drastically changed, and my ability to serve others became bigger, and I wanted the American people to know that the one percent who raise their right hand are doing a proud thing by serving them and serving their country.” REASON I CHOSE MY RATE: “I love being in the Navy, I love being a Sailor, but I absolutely adore being a Boatswain’s Mate. It was very hard work, but it was very rewarding, and it’s the rate I wanted to strike. I was an undesignated seaman when I joined. I routed a chit back in 1995 up to the Commanding Officer and when he approved it, I was finally a BMSN.”
Define Work Authorization Form (WAF).
SAFETY
A:
THE WAF IS THE VEHICLE BY WHICH WORK REQUIRING FORMAL CONTROL IS AUTHORIZED FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT AND TRACKED TO COMPLETION OR OTHERWISE NO LONGER REQUIRING ISOLATION OR AUTHORIZATION.
Q:
What were the 3 greatest causes of motor vehicle fatalities in 2016?
A:
ALCOHOL, SPEEDING, AND DISTRACTED DRIVING.
DEPARTMENT in the
SPOTLIGHT
W(Oct. 30,2017) - SN Kelly Birdsong gives calls to the sea and anchor petty officer in charge as Sailors remove ship’s anchor in the forecastle aboard the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
DECK DEPARTMENT
A
By MC2 Anna Van Nuys
s the morning sun rose Oct. 30, some Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were already hard at work. Beads of sweat rolled down their faces before the rest of the crew began their day. Deck department was ready to show what they had. Those Sailors from deck rallied together to begin an evolution they hadn’t encountered since entering the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). On Oct. 30 they began the two-week evolution to remove the ship’s anchors and anchor chains. “We’re removing the anchors and the anchor chains from the George Washington to essentially get the anchor and chain off for sandblasting,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Edmundo Brantes, the safety observer for the evolution. “During RCOH they’re going to look for any type of deterioration or weakness within the anchor chain. After that they’ll get it primed, probably powder coat and paint it, and get it all
back on the ship.” For some Sailors, it was an entirely new experience as they had never had the hands-on experience that this type of work offered since the ship entered the yards. “It’s really hard because we’re not underway,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class James Branda, a deck rigger for the evolution. “We don’t have the opportunity for as many hands on things being in the yards. All the training we do right now is comprised of sitting down, listening, and going over a lot of diagrams. Being able to actually get your hands on the chain and seeing the chain move is the best kind of training you can get. It’s been really good for deck for the past two weeks to be able to have that.” Brantes said that the leadership pulled Sailors aside who previously had experience in being a part of a large evolution, and spoke with them one on one, asking what the procedures were as they remembered. He said he was surprised how
much they retained, and they moved on to train the entire department as best they could to prepare for the work ahead of them. Despite a few setbacks, Brantes said the next day they were running like a “well-oiled machine”. “The first morning, even though we did refreshers for two weeks straight, we had hiccups on a couple things because of the reality is that some Sailors haven’t done this in a while and some others haven’t done it at all, but by the next day we ran like the cohesive unit that we are as a team,” said Brantes. “Everyone is listening and doing what they’re told and working wonderfully together.” Branda said that although some days can be tough, he’s proud to be in his department. “It has its days, especially as a third class [petty officer],” said Branda. “It has a unique roll where you go from being this seaman straight to a supervisor which you don’t get to see in some other rates.
It’s a lot of pressure and responsibility on new third classes but it gets your feet wet right off the bat. One of my favorite things about deck department is that you aren’t ever treated like a baby at all, they put you to some hard work right away.” To continue that hard work, Brantes said he hopes Sailors can stay motivated to set the groundwork during RCOH even though most Sailors currently on the ship won’t see the ship out of the yards period. “I wish that everybody would be inspired to come in here and work in a sense that they own the ship today, but know they aren’t going to be able to reap the benefits of all that work,” said Brantes. “But those Sailors who are going to come in after us are other great Americans stepping up to bat. I want to be able to be able to look at my daughter and future grandkids 25 years from now and tell them, hey, this is what your grandfather was a part of. We are making this ship ready for action again. Deck department is a family and will always be a family.” Branda shared the same sentiment. “There’s this sense of pride in setting the groundwork for everything during RCOH even though a lot of us aren’t going to be here to see it to the end,” said Branda. “We stay and do what’s asked of us from the chain of command. There’s a certain image that comes with that and being a boatswain’s mate and I take pride in the Sailors I work with here.” Both Brantes and Branda said that after the anchor chain is completely removed, Sailors from deck department will eventually split into teams, working on maintenance, painting, distributing tools and overall preservation of the ship as they move into different job requests throughout RCOH.
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(Oct. 30,2017) - BMC Edmundo Brantes gives training to deck department before removing the anchor from the ship. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
W (Oct. 30,2017) - BM3 James Branda waits to begin removing the ship’s anchor in the forecastle. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
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(Oct. 30,2017) - BM3 Cassidy Belcher waits to begin removing the ship’s anchor in the forecastle. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
W (Oct. 30,2017) - BMC Edmundo Brantes, right, tells SN Kevin Farley how to use the cable jack to provide leverage for the pelican hook while removing the ship’s anchor. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Anna Van Nuys)
THE KINGS OF THE TURF
said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Fuels 3rd Class Joshua Grajeda, George Washington’s team captain. “We schedule our games based on availability. Our seasons begin every fall. The season starts in July and ends in October. We’ll get a few practices in before the season starts, and then it’s strictly games. We generally do about two games a week.” Like Grajeda, Penigar is passionate about achieving success on the field, and he is cognizant that his players capabilities of handling their professional obligations take precedence over football. “These guys come out here and they know that we have a standard
of how we play, but all shipboard responsibilities come first,” said Penigar. “If we have a guy that [is delinquent] on warfare or maintenance material management (3M) then he won’t play. These guys make sure that they take care of their ship work before they come out here and put in work on the field.” Any George Washington Sailor that is interested in playing on the flag football team can speak with Penigar and begin practicing. “If you want to play then come on out,” said Penigar. “When we first started there were about 25 or so people, but due to limited playing time as the season went on people
phased out, but the guys who really wanted to play kept coming. George Washington defeated Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Mid-Atlantic from Naval Air Station Oceana 7-0. Grajeda shared a few words following the team’s victory. “I want to say it was too easy,” said Grajeda with a smile. “This year there were 16 teams and we were the number one seed. We played 25 games and finished 23-2. The team may enjoy their triumph for a time, but say they hope to be back to work in an attempt to repeat as champions and defend their title in the following seasons.
GW FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM By MCSA Steven Young WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!
M
aintaining optimal physical fitness is essential to Sailors in both their personal and professional lives. Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Sailors from Naval Station Norfolk and the surrounding areas have an opportunity to participate in an exciting and competitive flag football
league that pits command against command. This year the George Washington’s flag football team emerged from the competition victorious by winning the league championship. “A lot of teams come from around the area including Newport News and Portsmouth,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 1st Class
W (October 26, 2017) - GW’s flag football team comes together in a huddle prior to their championship game against FRC at Vista Point Ball Fields. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
Johnny Penigar, the coach of George Washington’s team. “We also play against Marines, Coast Guard and some of the squadrons from all over the area.” The duration of the season and the number of games played is based on the availability of the Sailors on each team. “It really depends on the schedule,”
W (October 26, 2017) - GW’s flag football team runs warm up drills prior to their championship game against FRC at Vista Point Ball Fields. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
W(October 26, 2017) - A GW Sailor reaches for a pass against an FRC defender during championship game at Vista Point Ball Fields. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Steven Young)
space and the dental department’s cemetery themed passageway, the judges were split and so was the prize. S-1 was awarded $20 while the dental department was awarded $30. “We all got together as one unit in dental department and decided to get in the Halloween spirit,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Vanessa Green. “With that, it brought along comradery because we all had the chance to get our creative inputs on how to decorate our passageway and it was a great win for our
SPOOK YOUR SPACE
department.” Although winning the contest was prodigious, for some Sailors in dental department it was more about the cohesion they experienced while prepping their space. “It was just a change in the atmosphere for the department when everyone came together to participate,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Donnell Proctor. “Of course our number one priority as a department is to complete the mission of the ship, but it was amazing for all of us to shift gears for a few days to
come together and decorate.” The contest was part two of the overall Halloween celebration organized by MWR. A few days earlier, MWR hosted a Halloween party which involved playing ping-pong and enjoying free pizzas and wings. To learn more about MWR’s upcoming events, Sailors can drop by the MWR office on the second floor of the floating accommodation facility (FAF) or be on the lookout for emails by the ship’s fun boss.
GW GETS IN THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT! By MC3 Kashif Basharat
T
o celebrate Halloween, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) decorated their spaces during a ‘spook your space’ contest hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Oct.31. “We just wanted to try to get the command in the Halloween spirit
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as well as pass out free candy while inspecting some of the spaces that Sailors from different departments decorated,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Cubie Williams, one of the judges for the contest. “We wanted to see who put in the most effort into making their space look the scariest.” Every department aboard George
(Oct. 31, 2017) - CMC Maurice Coffey, right, inspects a space during a ‘spook your space’ event on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
Washington had the opportunity to enter the contest and win the grand prize of $50 for a pizza party for the department. Judges from the MWR committee fanned out and graded their overall experience of the spaces and were tasked to come together at the end to pick the winner. However, after seeing supply department’s S-1 Division’s creatively lit
(Oct. 31, 2017) - AT1 Kristin Givens, left, and CMC Maurice Coffey inspect a space during a ‘spook your space’ event on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
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(Oct. 31, 2017) - Capt. Michael Bratley picks out candy during a ‘spook your space’ event on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
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(Oct. 31, 2017) - Derecka Collier, left, and CMC Maurice Coffey inspect a space during a ‘spook your space’ event on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
W(Oct. 31, 2017) - GW Sailors dress up in costumes during a ‘spook your space’ event on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
SHOWTIME AT APOLLO 73! By MCSN Oscar Moreno
T
hrough enough determination, an idea can transform or evolve into something greater in scale. What started as just a simple karaoke night at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) center of Huntington Hall attracted enough attention to become what is now known as Apollo 73. Apollo 73 is a talent show inspired by the music television show “Showtime at the Apollo.” The highlight of the show was the “Amateur Night Competition,” where contestants sang or performed comic acts to please the judges. “It was a staple when I was growing up,” said Derecka Collier. “It was how performers made it up in the world. If they got past the Apollo stage, they earned their place in the world, and if they didn’t, then it meant that they weren’t cut out for the world stage.” Apollo 73 allows Sailors sta-
tioned at the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to showcase their talents in front of an audience that may not be accessible to them on a regular basis. “The George Washington preaches that Sailors should showcase the “Spirit of Freedom” that we are known for, and what better way to represent our ship then to show off the talented individuals stationed there,” said Collier. Apollo 73 is held in the theatre of Huntington Hall’s MWR center and Sailors can audition for an audience in the upcoming “Apollo 73 Live” event, a competition where Sailors compete for a $200 cash prize for 1st, $150 cash prize for 2nd, and $100 cash prize for 3rd by using their talents to woo the crowd. The winners of Apollo 73 Live will perform in the George Washington’s Birthday Bash in February. “I’ve been playing the flute for
9 years so I’m pretty comfortable with the instrument,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Rebecca Marie Ayala, a contestant. “I get nervous, but as soon as I hear the music play, the nerves go away because I enjoy seeing people smile.” Whether it’s for the audition or for the show, Apollo 73 is all about Sailors coming together having fun. “We are here to make sure we have a good time with good music,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Qubit Williams, a contestant. “We don’t let the performers feel bad because performing in front of an audience is nerve wracking. So, we’ll cheer them on and keep the good times going. And we are open for all to show up.” Auditions will be held until the last week before Apollo 73 Live, but if Sailors want to perform for fun they are welcome to audition at Huntington Hall on Thursdays after working hours.
W(Nov. 7, 2017) - GW Sailors partake in a yoga class on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)
FAF YOGA
(Nov. 7, 2017) - Lt. Karla Krasnoselsky leads GW Sailors in a yoga class on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)
FOCUSING ON BODY AND MIND
By MC3 Brian Sipe
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henever someone thinks of a workout, the first thing that comes to their mind is most likely running or weightlifting. But there are many more activities that one can do, including yoga. On the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Sailors have the opportunity to attend classes, on a first come first serve basis, at the floating accommodation facility (FAF). “It doesn’t matter if you’ve done it before,” said Lt. Karla Krasnoselsky, the instructor of the yoga classes. “Anyone who is interested can come and participate in a class no matter how much experience they have. I wanted to give anyone an opportunity to get a workout without having to leave the FAF.” Krasnoselsky encourages anyone and everyone to come join in and take part in the yoga classes. Both people with experience and that are new to yoga are welcome in the classes as the sessions are run with safety and a good workout
in mind. “We don’t want it to feel painful,” said Krasnoselsky. “We want it to feel, as we say here, delicious. I encourage that if anything starts hurting during a pose to not do it or to modify it. We come for a good workout and to feel relaxed, not to hurt something.” The classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1200 in the FAF gym. According to Krasnoselsky, Tuesdays are high intensity with a lot of sweating and Thursdays are less intense sessions where you focus on being mindful of your movements. “I feel so good after doing it,” said Interior Communication Specialist Seaman Kenya Rocha, a regular of the yoga classes. “You just feel so lightweight and upbeat afterwards and I love it. Everyone else in my department is just moping around and I’m over there feeling great. I even try the poses at home and after I’m done weightlifting to get that feeling.” Along with Rocha, many other
Sailors that took the class said that they feel much better after they have started going to the sessions. Many of them started off not knowing if they would like it, but ended up coming back after they realized how good they felt and how much fun they had. “It doesn’t only help with physical health either,” said Krasnoselsky. “It also helps with mental health. It encourages you to not just be flexible, but to be mindful of all the movements you make during a session.” According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies suggest that practicing yoga might have health benefits such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It may also help relieve anxiety and depression in some individuals. Any and all GW Sailors are encouraged to come have fun and sweat at the classes with your shipmates. For more information contact Lt. Karla Krasnoselsky in the FAF gym for further details.
W(Nov. 7, 2017) - Lt. Karla Krasnoselsky leads GW Sailors in a yoga class on the FAF. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian Sipe)
NAVY NEWS Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 5 Valencia Simmons-Fowler is the first African America woman to achieve the highest chief warrant officer rank in the information warfare community, Nov. 3. The Chicago, Illinois native started her Navy career at Recruit Training Command Orlando, Florida in March 1988. From there she attended Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR) “A” School where she achieved the notable accomplishment of honor graduate. As her list of successes continued, Simmons-Fowler earned the title of chief petty officer in September 2001 while serving aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5). Later, during her tour at Naval Security Group Activity in Norfolk, Virginia she was selected for the CWO program in 2003, beginning her life as a chief warrant officer. “This was my goal since the beginning of my career,” said Simmons-Fowler. “I have always strived for the next level, the pinnacle profession, and I earned it.” The historic promotion is the result of hard work and dedication that isn’t achieved alone, but with the help of mentors and shipmates along the way. “None of us ever gets here alone,” said Capt. Alonza Ross, the director of enlisted distribution at Navy Personal Command and mentor to Simmons-Fowler. “It takes a lot of support from family, friends and shipmates. I certainly understand how significant this achievement is, and I knew she was capable of doing it.” Inspiration follows this woman who has achieved so much. The proteges that Simmons-Fowler mentors see that they
First Female African American CWO-5 in the Information Warfare Community By MC3 Kyle Haffer, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Public Affairs Office
(Nov. 3, 2017) Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 5 Valencia Simmons-Fowler was promoted as the first African-American CWO 5 in the information warfare community on November 3rd. The CWO rank is a technical specialist who performs duties that directly related to their previous rating. They are accessed from the chief petty officer pay grades E-7 to E-9, and must have a minimum of 14 yeas of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Hafer/Released
also have the opportunity to achieve just as much, if not more. “I am extremely proud of Chief Warrant Officer 5 Simmons-Fowler,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Olivia Likely, a protege of Simmons-Fowler. “Women are pillars of strength and support. To see Chief Warrant Officer 5 Simmons-Fowler achieve this extraordinary goal, I know I have confidence and a voice, to know that not only can I conquer my goals, I can shoot far beyond that.” The newly appointed CWO 5 explains that being a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Navy requires a person to be more than just skillful in their field. “You have a lot of leaders out there,” said Simmons-Fowler. “When it comes to chief warrant officers, we are supposed to be the technical experts. So when the commanding officer needs someone to give him feedback on a system, they are going to find the warrant officers, because they will tell them what they need to know, not what they
want to hear.” In the U.S. Navy, the chief warrant officer rank is a technical specialist who performs duties that are directly related to their previous enlisted rating. They are accessed from the chief petty officer pay grades E-7 through E-9, and must have a minimum of 14 years of service. “With every successful leader there is always a great team of Sailors that are hard-working, hard-charging and dedicated to completing the mission,” said Simmons-Fowler. “Those are the people doing the work to make sure we succeed as a team. To those people, I’d like (say) thank you from the bottom of my heart.” For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visit us on the web, www.navy.mil/local/cnrc/; on our Youtube channel, U.S. Navy Recruiter; on Facebook, www.facebook. com/NavyRecruiting; and on Twitter, @ usnavyrecruiter.
CVN
HEALTH/WELLNESS