Washington Surveyor (02 June 2017)

WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE

JunE 2, 2017

By MCSN Jamin Gordon

ITTAKESA

VILLAGE CHILD CARE RESOURCES

By MC3 Joshua David DuFrane

GWVOLUNTEERSAT

LOCALSPCA

By MC3 Jacob Goff

WHATIWISH IKNEWTHEN VETERANS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES

On the cover: (May 19, 2017) OS3 Rachel Forney volunteers at the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Joshua David DuFrane)

PHOTO of the DAY

(May 10, 2017) Sailors cut a cake at an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program. (Photo by MCSN Jamin Gordon)

The Washington Surveyor Commanding Officer

Executive Officer

Command Master Chief

CAPT Timothy Kuehhas

CDR Colin Day

CMDCM James Tocorzic

Public Affairs Officer

Deputy PAO

Media DLCPO

Media LPO

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

LTJG Andrew Bertucci

MCC Mary Popejoy

MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom

Staff

Editors MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke MCSA Julie Vujevich

MC3 Kashif Basharat MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Jules Stobaugh

MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff MC3 Shayla Hamilton

MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Anna Van Nuys MCSN Jamin Gordon MCSN Alan Lewis MCSN Oscar Moreno

MCSN Kristen Yarber MCSA Michael Botts

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.vujevic@cvn73.navy.mil*

By MCSN Jamin Gordon

C

hildcare can be an issue for any working family. No matter what the parents’ work schedules may be, in most cases, there is a need for some form of childcare. The need for childcare in military households is even greater, being that military personnel are technically on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The military provides childcare to help meet the needs of service members and the Department of Defense (DoD) personnel.

The following are various types of childcare facilities:

•Child Development Center (CDC): Facility-based childcare programs that typically operate Monday through Friday for children age six weeks to five years old.

•Child Development Homes (CDH): Home-based program provided by certified personnel.

•School Age Care (SAC): Facility-based program that typically services children enrolled in kindergarten up to 12 years old. These facilities typically provide before and after care for children.

One thought that plagues many parents’ minds when it comes to childcare is cost.

“All childcare is subsidized throughout the CDCs, the youth centers and the 24/7s,” said Demetria Majette, acting director of Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) on Naval Station Norfolk.

“The cost is based on total household income. We count everything on your LES (leave and earning statement), and we also take your rank and marital status into consideration.”

Military childcare strives to provide services to fit the financial and physical

needs of any service member or DoD employee.

“We give 100 percent,” said Majette.

“We are committed to all kids, and we care about what we do. We have a variety of families in our facility, from [dual military], single parents and DoD.” Information Systems Technician 1st Class Allison Torres, a dual military Sailor, can attest to how beneficial CDCs are.

“I now have two daughters,” said Torres. “One goes to the before and after care at the youth center, and my other daughter goes to the CDC on Little

(May 18, 2017) Demetria Majette, acting director of Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP), poses for an environmental portrait in the art room of the youth center. (Photo by MCSN Alan Lewis)

(May 18, 2017) The playground at the youth center. (Photo by MCSN Jamin Gordon)

Creek, and has since she was six weeks old. The security of having them on a base is comforting. You know that base takes lockdowns or drills seriously, and that my children are cared for by loving, qualified people. Each facility has been equipped with high-tech cameras for monitoring.”

In addition to giving a sense of safety, military childcare programs also cater to the sometimes-demanding schedule of the Navy.

“Since the CNO (Chief of Naval Operations) changed the hours of the CDC from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to the current 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., I find it very easy for my work schedule to be able to facilitate my daily requirements,” said Torres.

While the CDC offers hours of avail-

ability for duty-days, Torres finds it easier to ask family for help on those occasions, due to the additional costs for the extra service at the facility.

Establishing childcare is a multistep process. A good starting place is Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).

Although FFSC doesn’t directly provide childcare, they can point families in the right direction. Other sources include www.militarychildcare.com, the National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and Military Families Child Care Assistance.

As Torres found out, patience is a virtue when applying for childcare, and as with most things, there is always room for improvement.

(May 18, 2017) Brenda Shackelford, Braxton Wright, Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) assistants, and Demetria Majette, acting director of Navy CYP, Naval Station Norfolk, pose for portrait photo in the gym of the youth center. (Photo by MCSN Jamin Gordon)

“I was stationed on the Oceana Base at the time of my first pregnancy at a command with 51 pregnant Sailors,” said Torres. “It was not easy being a first-time mom with no assistance from my command. I believe it would be beneficial if FFSC or the command themselves offered more childcare classes. It’s always been my passion to help pregnant mothers in the military succeed while on a maternity tour.”

After doing some research, a lot of waiting and advice from a chief, Torres was able to receive childcare.

Due to Torres and her husband’s duty schedules, Torres implemented her family care plan twice since being aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Although her child care facility offers hours to accommodate military personnel on duty, it also means additional costs. With situations like this, Torres recognizes that it truly does take a village to raise a child.

“I am truly blessed to have a great support system, military and family, to make my arrangements feel flawless,” said Torres.

Though the process can be tedious, the pros outweigh the cons. According to Majette, families applying for services should feel free to call and visit the facility they are applying for, to check on the status of their application.

GWSAILORSVOLUNTEER

SPCA A AT

By MC3 Joshua David DuFrane

s the front door opens into the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), smells of beloved pets and soon-to-be pets waft through the air. Dogs on leashes sit lovingly by their owners and play with each other as they await their turn to be seen by the staff.

Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived early in the morning ready to assist with the needs of the local SPCA. Amidst the cacophony of dogs barking, people chatting and the meowing of cats, Sailors pet some of the dogs in the lobby, completely entranced by the affection they received from the animals. A few minutes later the Sailors were divided up into groups to man different stations throughout the facility.

“We are having the Sailors work in all of our departments,” said Jillian

Talley, volunteering outreach coordinator at the Norfolk SCPA. “They are cleaning the kennels, the cattery, picking up trash outside the building, weeding and reorganizing the food shed so we can put more food in there for the public.”

Sailors in the cattery cleaned out litter boxes in all of the rooms, wiped down windows and mopped the floors as cats climbed amongst them, demanding attention as they cleaned.

“It has been really relaxing cleaning the cattery,” said Operations Special-

(May 19, 2017) Sailors recieve a debreif before paticipating in a volunteer opportunity at the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Joshua David DuFrane)

ist 3rd Class Rachel Forney, a volunteer for the COMREL. “I am really impressed with this place. The kennels are really large and there is lot of food and toys for all of the animals here. It’s nice to be able to help out in any way I can.”

As the day went on, Talley moved from station to station making sure Sailors were comfortable with the work they were doing.

“This has been a huge help to us,” said Talley. “Having all of these Sailors here has really assisted us is many ways. We only have one maintenance person, John, and it is really great that we have people coming to help him so we don’t have to take away from other departments so we can get the work that needs to be finished, accomplished.”

Walking down a hallway adjacent to the main lobby lies an office where once you walk in your eyes are greeted by hundreds and hundreds of photos of all sorts of animals and three small dogs, each with their own bed to lie in; this is the office of Rob Blizard, the executive director of Norfolk SCPA. “Something a lot of people don’t

(May 19, 2017) Sailors volunteer at the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Joshua David DuFrane)

realize is that we are really running two integrated businesses here,” said Blizard. “One is the shelter for homeless animals, but we also have a public affordable veterinary clinic. The clinic started about 20 years ago as just a spay and neuter clinic, but that has morphed into something bigger. We do exams, dentistry, surgeries such as mass removals and we have a walk-in vaccine clinic six days a week, which is why our lobby is always so busy.”

In 2016, the Norfolk SPCA provided affordable medical care for shelter animals, city shelter animals and an-

(May 19, 2017) Sailors load a shed with supplies at the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (Photo by MC3 Joshua David DuFrane)

imals owned by the public. Norfolk SPCA conducted 3,280 spays/neuters, provided 11,120 walk-in vaccines to clinic patients and performed 1,130 dental and other surgeries.

Providing all of these services with a limited staff, many of whom are volunteers, often keeps the staff pressed for work, so having volunteers such as Sailors is greatly welcomed and appreciated, said Blizard.

“Having Sailors volunteer here really warms my heart,” said Blizard. “I have the greatest respect for folks that are in the military and all that they do to protect us and keep us safe. I love the fact that we get groups of them here to come in and help us. The Sailors are usually eager and young and healthy so they can help out with all sorts of things. We here at the Norfolk SPCA are very honored and grateful to have these Sailors from the George Washington here with us today, and I just want to say thank you to everyone that helped us and for what you do in the military.”

Sailors interested in volunteering at the Norfolk SPCA, or those who are curious about what services the foundation provides can visit www.norfolkSPCA.org, or call at 757-622-3319.

GWCelebrates

Asian&PacificIslander HeritageMonth

By MC2 Jules Stobaugh

I

n honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) heritage committee hosted a celebration aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) mess decks May 24.

This year’s theme, “Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together” encourages Sailors to discuss the diverse and unique Asian and Pacific Islander cultures that help make up our Navy.

The celebration highlighted the accomplishments of prominent Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Navy, including Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Command, the highest ranking Asian American in naval history, as well as astronaut Sunita Williams, a test pilot for NASA and former flight engineer and science officer on the International Space Station.

“The celebration was very informative and I learned a lot about the different cultures and people who have served and are serving in the Navy,” said Yeoman Seaman Alyxis Haynes.

“I especially enjoyed hearing Master Chief Cruz talk about his personal experiences.”

The guest speaker this year was Master Chief Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) Ernest Cruz, a naturalized citizen from the Philippines. He spoke about some of the struggles of growing up in the Philippines, including his mother leaving to work in the United States when he was only seven years old and being raised by his grandparents until she was able to bring him and his sister along.

He also discussed the culture shock he

(May 24, 2017) Captain Timothy Kuehhas and Sailors from the Heritage Committee cut the cake at the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jules Stobaugh)

experienced when immigrating to the United States and arrived to his final destination in Louisiana.

“We were the only Asian family in my little town, and there were very few other Asian families scattered in the area. Although English was taught in the Philippines schools, I wasn’t exactly fluent,” said Cruz. “Plus, there was the added challenge of trying to understand Cajuns.”

“Not quite the easy transition I was expecting,” said Cruz.

After moving to south Texas, Cruz took the immigration exam and became a naturalized citizen, and after graduating high school, decided to join the Navy.

“I left for boot camp in July 1997 and started on this journey,” said Cruz. “I never imagined that almost 20 years later, I would be here, on the mighty George Washington, kicking off the celebration of the heritage and contributions of countless Asian Americans

and Pacific Islanders to our great country.”

Since 1992, May has been Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Navy celebrates every year to honor the culture, traditions, and history of more than 50 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific Islands.

“The Asian American and Pacific Islander community reminds us that though we all have distinct backgrounds and origins, we are bound in common purpose by our shared hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children,” said Cruz. “As we celebrate our rich heritage this month, let us remember not only the many contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, but also the challenges that we must continue to confront in order to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or language ability, can achieve the American Dream.”

NAVY NEWS

T

he Department of the Navy (DON) released its proposed $171.5 billion (Base) budget May 23, for fiscal year (FY) 2018.

This budget is part of the $762 billion (Base and OCO) defense budget President Donald Trump submitted to Congress the same day.

Rear Adm. Brian Luther, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget, briefed media during a Department of Defense press conference about the Navy and Marine Corps portion of the budget.

“In a challenging fiscal context, [DON’s FY18 budget request] reflects the best balance of investments across people, presence, readiness and capability,” Luther said. “Across the full scope of the request, we emphasized innovation and reform to sustain advantage, accelerate learning and strengthen our team.”

This year’s budget submission strives to restore Navy readiness. It includes a $54.6 billion (base) request for operations and maintenance, funding one hundred percent of projected ship depot maintenance and requesting the maximum executable amount for aviation depot maintenance and the flight hour program. The operations and maintenance request represents an emphasis on the importance of restoring wholeness in order to build capacity and improve lethality in the future.

The submission will build on current programs as well as invest in innovation to enable the Navy to compete in a fastpaced, complex global maritime environment - today and in the future. The submission includes a $49.5 billion (base) procurement budget that would buy eight new ships, fully fund the critical Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine

Department of the Navy Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal From Office of the Chief of Information

(SSBN) program and invest in high-tech systems including unmanned, cyber and directed energy weapons.

The budget supports our personnel by funding career-development initiatives and providing a 2.1 percent pay increase, in addition to developing and procuring the most cutting-edge platforms and weapons available, positioning service members and DON for success. It also continues to invest in the Tours with Industry Program, the Fleet Scholar Program and Sailor 2025.

The eight new ships the budget would purchase include one Ford-class aircraft carrier, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, two Virginia-class submarines and one littoral combat ship to prioritize stability in major combatant shipbuilding as the fleet continues to grow. Additionally, the budget funds 91 aircraft in FY18.

By fully funding the Columbia-class SSBN program, the FY18 budget maintains the Navy’s commitment to provides the nation with a credible and survivable

sea-based strategic deterrent.

In order to meet dynamic changes in the security environment of today, this year’s submission includes $17.7 billion for research and development, supporting the Navy-Marine Corps team of the future through technological advantages designed to counter adversaries in all environments and across all spectrums.

To view the proposed FY18 DON budget documents, visit www.secnav.navy. mil/fmc/fmb/Pages/Fiscal-Year-2018. aspx Highlights of the proposed DoD budget are outlined at http://comptroller.defense. gov/BudgetMaterials.aspx The entire fiscal 2018 DON budget proposal may be viewed at www. secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Pages/Fiscal-Year-2018.aspx To view a summary of the proposed budget, visit http://navylive.dodlive. mil/2017/05/23/department-of-navy-fiscal-year-18-budget-restore-innovate-compete/

CVN MAZE

GAMES CROSSWORD

HARD SUDOKU

Intermediate Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Book 9

SUDOKU Sudoku #1 2 9 7 3 1 2

8

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1 7 9 1 3 6 © 2012 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

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5