WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
JunE 9, 2017
By MCSA Julie Vujevich
VIDEOGAMES REMEDIATION TEAM BLOWING OFF STEAM By MCSN Kristen Cheyenne Yarber
BATTLEOF MIDWAY 75TH ANNIVERSARY By MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke
INSPIRATIONALLEADER:
LTLYNDSAYCIRINO
On the cover: (June 5, 2017) Capt. Glenn Jamison, incoming commanding officer of USS George Washington (CVN 73), passes through sideboys during a change of command ceremony in the ship’s forecastle. (Photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)
PHOTO of the DAY
(June 5, 2017) Sailors from the honor guard perform at the Battle of Midway Ceremony 75th Anniversary Commemoration. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Cheyenne Yarber)
The Washington Surveyor Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
CAPT Glenn Jamison
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
MC1 Alan Gragg
Staff
Editors MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom 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
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*
Fair winds and following seas, Capt. Kuehhas!
Welcome aboard, Capt. Jamison!
BUTTER
SQUAD
BLOWINGOFFSTEAM By MCSA Julie Vujevich
F
or Sailors on the remediation team aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), radiological surveys can be stressful. For some people, finding a healthy outlet for their frustrations can be challenging, but some of the remediation team do not have to look any further than their game consoles. Their go-to game is Battlefield 1, a first-person shooter (FPS) video game, in which players participate in weapon-based combat with a World War 1 theme. “We all have our own individual games we play, but when we get together as a group, we play a lot of Battlefield 1,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Charles Ripperger. The group, known as “Butter Squad,” consists of an average of 12 people from the remediation team. “Butter Squad” refers to the multiplayer team selection in the game, named using the English phonetic alphabet (Apple, Butter, Charlie, Duff ). Whether they play immediately after arriving home from work or later on in the evening, the group plays
for two hours or more each day. “It’s a good way to blow off steam from the work day,” said Airman Tony Mederski about playing with his teammates. “Instead of going out and drinking, we stay home and play first-person shooters.” People who play video games long-term may handle stress better than non-playing adults and become less depressed and hostile following a stressful task, according to a study by Texas A&M International University associate professor Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson. Ferguson’s study and others have shown that playing video games as a team can be used as team-building exercises due to the promotion of group cohesion. “It’s definitely brought us closer together at work,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Cole Gallagher about the team gaming. “It’s the number one thing we can all talk about.” While Ripperger, a 2nd class petty officer, is the highest ranking of the group by military standards, it’s actually Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Harrison Ellis that holds the highest ranking in the game. Although there
are still hierarchies to follow during the workday, when it comes to gaming: skill, rather than paygrade, defines one’s rank. “When we get online, all bets are off, “ said Ellis. “We don’t talk about work stuff when gaming, and what is said and done while playing Battlefield 1 is left in the game. Regardless of what happens at work, we will always be able to let it go and come together as a team to complete the mission.” What happens in the game may stay in the game, but the benefits of their camaraderie makes an appearance at work. “I think our gaming time helps keep the production level relatively high because we can get all of our talk out after the work day as opposed to during the working hours,” said Ripperger. “It keeps everybody motivated to finish up the work day.” With the ship progressing toward RCOH, it is important that Sailors find positive ways to relieve stress, stay motivated and try to promote a good work environment for themselves and their fellow shipmates.
FIRE
WATCH: THEFIRSTLINE
OFDEFENSE By MC2 Bryan Mai
A
s the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CV N 73) progresses more and more into its preparation for the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) period, the risk of fires from the many hot work jobs such as grinding or welding that occurs throughout the day increases. George Washington has assigned a team of Sailors from all departments of the ship to the Fire Watch division to detect potential fire hazards and to fight smaller fires. “The fire watch is trained to operate a small CO2 bottle in the event of a fire,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Sheltina Beckett, leading petty officer of the Fire Watch division. “They’re trained to make sure the hot work area in a 6-foot radius around the actual job is clear of trash and other fire hazards.” Fire watches serve as a vital
first line of defense against preventable casualties. During this preparation phase for RCOH, the division has currently completed more than 750 jobs and stood more than 2,200 hours of watch. “The Fire Watch division will save the Navy money that would’ve been used to hire contractors to stand the watches,” said Beckett. “We can use the money saved from having a Fire Watch division to improve other projects around the ship.” Fire watches will have f lash gear, a CO2 fire extinguisher and personal protective equipment such as hard hats, hearing protection and eye protection while standing watch. “If a fire is still in its incipient phase, the fire watch will try to extinguish it with the CO2 bottle they have on hand. If it gets too big and cannot be contained, they will have to ensure the space is dogged and notify
Damage Control Central and the quarterdeck,” said Beckett. The Fire Watch division currently consists of approximately 35 Sailors. As the ship approaches RCOH, the number of Sailors assigned to the Fire Watch division will ramp up to 150 personnel and be fully manned by August. “It’s important to have a second pair of eyes so if anything does happen, we are the first to see it and we can respond,” said Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Kenneth Travitz, a fire watch stander. “It can be boring, but if a watch was uneventful, it means the job was done well and that’s a good thing.” George Washington is currently scheduled to be in dry-dock at Newport News Shipbuilding (N NS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries for a slated 48-month RCOH maintenance period in August 2017.
(June 6, 2017) EMN3 Kenneth Travtiz stands fire watch in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC2 Bryan Mai)
FR EE
WASHINGTON THE
REMEMBERING BA 75TH ANNIVERSARY By MCSN Kristen Cheyenne Yarber
I
t was a cloudy day at the Naval Aviation Monument in Virginia Beach. Bronze statues depicting Sailors throughout naval aviation history stand tall on granite blocks. Behind them, the Atlantic Ocean roars with waves and reflects the gray sky above. In the center of all the monuments stood a white tent; underneath it was a mix of Sailors, their families, and veterans. They were all gathered for the same reason: to remember the Battle of Midway. The Battle of Midway started June 3 and ended June 7, 1942. It was only six months after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. foiled Japan’s planned ambush by breaking a code the Japanese had been using to communicate. Although each side suffered major losses, the United States ultimately crippled the Japanese navy in the Pacific. Midway became an important turning point in not only the Pacific region, but World War (June 5, 2017) Sailors from the honor guard salute the colors during the Battle of Midway Ceremony II all together. 75th Anniversary Commemoration. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Cheyenne Yarber) Now, 75 years later, the U.S. Navy continues to remember this 2nd Class Patrick Brutsche, George Washington’s significant event. Sailors from several ships including Command Religious Ministry Department leading petty the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) officer. attended the event. “I like history and historical things,” said Brutsche. One of these Sailors was Religious Program Specialist “If you don’t remember what happens in history, people
SURVEYOR
FR
EE
ATTLE OF MIDWAY “...if people forget, then it is almost as if those Sailors gave their lives in vain.”
tend to make the same mistakes over again.” Brutsche also said it is important to observe and remember historical events such as Midway because if people forget, then it is almost as if those Sailors gave their lives in vain.
“It was pretty cool to be a part of something so historical,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) Airman Gabriel Uribe, a crash crewman aboard George Washington. “It felt good to do my part to remember the people that gave their lives.” During the ceremony, the Navy Region Mid Atlantic Honor Guard rendered a 21-gun salute. The U.S. Fleet Forces band played taps as Sailors in dress whites saluted the American flag. The guest speaker for the ceremony, Dr. Timothy Orr, a professor at Old Dominion University, relayed the events of the battle. A man portraying a WWII-era radio broadcaster read the events of the battle to the audience. Another man dressed as a paperboy shouted headlines and handed out copies of newspapers from 1942 on the street. Near the end of the ceremony, a T-6 Texan vintage WWII airplane flew overhead and released a stream of smoke. An F/A-18 Hornet and an F/A-18 Super hornet followed in its path. As the ceremony came to a close, the rain started to pour. The Sailors and their families left the ceremony, reminded of their shipmates before them who gave their lives for this country so long ago.
INSPIRATIONAL
LEADER Lt. Lyndsay Cirino By MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke
to be rec thi s aw ard . It is aw eso me el nn rso pe o, rin Ci t. Ly nd say lev el, bu t I og niz ed on a Bi g-N av y ft cra air the rd oa ab r off ice be ca us e it do n’t lik e to tak e cre dit sh ca rri er US S Ge org e Wa ev ery on e no t ab ou t me , it’s ab ou t is as ted ec sel s wa ing ton (C VN 73 ), wh en I wa s tha t I wo rk wi th, fro m t igh Br y Jo pt. Ca a rec ipi en t of the til no w. We an E- 2 all the wa y up un na An ief Ch r ste Ma d m, so it’s Ha nc oc k an all wo rk tog eth er as a tea ard , Aw hip ers ad Le ian an e els e’s . De r-Vart t my aw ard it’s ev ery on no mwo d an n me wh ich ho no rs Na vy ou t it.” Th at’s the wa y I thi nk ab ve ati ov inn ied nif rso the wi nen wh o ha ve pe In an art icl e an no un cin g en t itm mm co a d an als ide lea de rsh ip l Pe rso nn el ne rs, the Ch ief of Na va vir on en ive lus inc an ng rci the cri tto rei nfo bli c Affai rs hig hli gh ted Pu . vy Na the of ers me nt for all me mb e fil led , the ica lly ga pp ed bil let s sh ofd an ted lis en are nn el pro Th e ca teg ori es str ea ml ine d pa y an d pe rso r the fur is ory teg ca r ice the 1,4 00 fic er, the off ce du res of 3,1 00 Sa ilo rs, an d ior sen , ior jun o int up nis ter ed bro ke n va nc em en t ex am s ad mi ad es. co he siv e LD O/ CW O ca teg ori wi tho ut dis cre pa nc y, the it’s e lik l fee to rd ha “It ’s alw ay s me d aft er un it of 40 Sa ilo rs sh e for o, rin Ci say nd Ly . Lt rri er cre w jus tif ied ,” an un pre ce de nte d thr ee -ca air the rd oa ab er fic Of el rtm en tal Pe rso nn ap an d the hig he st de pa sw ing sh Wa e org Ge cra ft ca rri er US S ial Ma na ge Ma int en an ce an d Ma ter to nt wa r ve ne ou “Y ton (C VN 73 ). ye ars . me nt (3M ) sco re in fou r g of vin ser de as elf urs yo thi nk of
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NAVY NEWS
George H. W. Bush CSG Conducts Strikes from Mediterranean From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) to conduct flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve June 6, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gaines/Released)
The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) resumed strike missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, June 6. The GHWBCSG entered the Mediterranean Sea June 5, after conducting operations in support of OIR and maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The GHWBCSG previously operated in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and last conducted strikes in from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of OIR from March 6 - 8. The GHWBCSG operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of OIR demonstrate the capability of the U.S. Navy to conduct precision strikes on ISIS targets from multiple theaters, highlighting the flexibility of the Navy’s globally deployed force. Quote:
“We are resuming a relentless pursuit of ISIS targets, while reinforcing our commitment to partners and allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.” Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2 Quick Facts: Carrier strike groups demonstrate the mobility, flexibility and power projection capability of the Navy’s globally deployed force - anytime, anywhere. Operation Inherent Resolve is the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S. and partner nations in the region and around the globe to eliminate the terrorist group ISIS and the threat they pose to the region and the wider international community. The GHWBCSG consists of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) with embarked staffs of CSG-2, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8
and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, and the squadrons of CVW-8; guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66); and DESRON 22 guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103). The GHWBCSG departed for its third deployment Jan. 21, 2017. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. For more news, visit www.navy. mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy. mil/local/naveur/.