WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
May 23 , 2017
By MCSN Oscar Moreno
It’sALWAYS
SUNNY SUMMER-TIME SAFETY
By MC3 Anna Van Nuys
FIELDDAY ATHillpoint GW CPO 365 VOLUNTEERS
Bonus! 2017 PETTY OFFICER ADVANCEMENT QUOTAS
By MC3 Jacob Goff
IDLEHANDS VETERAN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE
On the cover: (May 5, 2017) ET1 Darrell Stith hands out cups to students of Hillpoint Elementary School (Photo by MC3 Ana Van Nuys)
PHOTO of the DAY
(May 22, 2017) CSSN Kong Vang prepares food aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility. (Photo by MC2 Jules Stobaugh)
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*
IT’S
ALWAYS
Y SUNN VIRGINIA
IN
S
ummer time in Virginia is jam-packed with activities to choose from, ranging from backyard barbecues, picnics, flying kites, and enjoying the sand and ocean waves at local beaches. While people are determined to enjoy these activities and then some in the 93 days of summer, it’s imperative to remember the risks and injuries that can happen to those when partaking in activities outside. Proper hydration is vital to the human body and is even further emphasized during the hot months of summer “Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two big offenders during the summer,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Latasha Barnes. “So people need to be certain that they are properly hydrating whether or not they plan to go and do outdoor activities.” Along with outdoor activities comes the risk of getting a sunburn, which is a form of radiation burn that affects the skin when overexposed to ultraviolet radiation, like the sun. Hot to the touch, pain and mild dizziness are all symptoms of the burn and can be avoided by properly applying sun screen and
The Virginia Beach oceanfront, boardwalk, and hotels as seen from the Fishing Pier. (Photo by SchuminWeb)
By MCSN Oscar Moreno
knowing your body’s limits. “It’s important to apply sunscreen whenever anyone is in the sun for long periods of time, even on cloudy days,” said Barnes. “Some common tips to help avoid getting burned include taking a 30-minute break for every hour outside, reapply sunscreen whenever you dip into the pool or ocean and to read the sunscreen bottle to make sure it isn’t also a sun tan lotion or you’re going to get cooked.” Driving is also another main concern during the summer due to an increase of cars on the road. According to Naval Safety Center website, in 2016, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 11 Sailors and eight Marines lost their lives, 17 of those deaths were traffic mishaps. Some tips to keep in mind when operating a motor vehicles to never drink and drive and start every trip well-rested to ensure maximum mental awareness. Another focus area during the summer is proper hydration when participating in physical fitness events outside. Not hydrating enough can lead to a variety of injuries, from heat-related illnesses to physical body injuries, most all of
them resulting from lack of hydration and lack of stretching. “Stretching before doing any kind of activity, like playing volleyball or sand soccer can greatly reduce the chance of injuring oneself,” said Nate Owen, FitBoss aboard the aircraft USS George Washington (CVN 73). “Performing a proper warm-up stretch increases the core temperature of the body, which increases blood flow and prepares the body for the activity that’s about to be done. Going from a beach chair straight to an intense workout, like a sport, can damage your body and leave you in pain for days. Along with that, it’s a good idea to drink at least a gallon of water during days where the temperature is 80 degrees or above, as your body will continuously sweat, leaving you open to heat-related illnesses if not properly hydrated.” With all this information in mind, take care of yourself as you, your friends and family enjoy the nice summer sun and cool waves. Summer’s only 93 days, so make the best of it! For more information visit the Naval Safety Center Website, http:// www.public.navy.mil/NAVSAFECEN.
Graphic courtesy of Navy.mil By MC2 Jules Stobaugh
During the month of May, we as a Navy and nation celebrate our diversity by recognizing the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have helped shape the very fabric of this great country. This year’s theme of “Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together” is meant to inspire Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to discuss and understand their diverse cultures and reduce any misconceptions or stereotypes attatched to them. The idea is to come together and unite as one to be able to address and raise awareness of common issues, and improve representation in the workplace. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Punam Gurung, from Nepal, and a galley cook aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), says having these celebrations is beneficial to the Navy. “It’s awesome. It’s good to have diversity,” Gurung said. “These celebrations raise awareness and help
others learn about new cultures and why someone might do certain things in a certain way.” Culinary Specialist Seaman Kong Vang, galley cook aboard George Washington is proud of his Laotian heritage, but worried that awareness of his culture is dying. “My family likes to keep our heritage and traditions alive as much as possible,” said Vang. “Something my grandmother told me all the time before she died was to never forget where I came from. I’m glad we have these heritage months, but sometimes I still feel like our culture is being forgotten.” There are 24,743 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors currently serving in the U.S. Navy, including eight admirals, 659 master chief and senior chief petty officers and 318 officers. Among them, several stand out as the epitome of what their culture and experiences can bring to 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 f light engineer and science officer on the International Space Station. For one George Washington Sailor, the best part about service to country is all the different cultures he gets to experience. “I get to interact with all walks of life,” said Lt. Phong Trac, the Industrial Hygienist Officer aboard George Washington. “People from all over join the Navy. You may not get to experience that from a job in the private sector, and that’s what sets the Navy apart.” The George Washington will host an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration May 24 on the Floating Accomodation Facility mess decks. Sailors can also visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage at www.history.navy.mil.
CVN MAZE
GAMES CROSSWORD
HARD SUDOKU SUDOKU
NAVY NEWS Petty Officer Advancement Quotas From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
More than 25,000 Sailors will advance to E-4, E-5, or E-6 with the release of the spring petty officer advancement results for active duty, Full Time Support (FTS), and Select Reserve (SELRES) Sailors. Overall advancement opportunity for each active duty paygrade increased as compared to the 2016 fall cycle, and all pay grades remain above their 10-year average for advancement opportunity. Additionally, each active duty rating has an advancement quota. For FTS, advancement opportunity increased in the E-4 and E-6 paygrades with a slight decrease for E-5. Advancement opportunity this cycle remains well above the 10-year average for all paygrades. For SELRES, all paygrades are close to or above the last four five cycles showing stability and consistency of advancement for Reserve Sailors. Total advancement remains strong for active duty and FTS with three opportunities for petty officers to advance incluing the Meritorious Advancement Program season spring and fall cycles. Community managers incorporate these opportunities in developing an overall advancement plan to ensure continuous advancement opportunity and community health. Quotas for advancement are based on vacancies in the Fleet and are aligned with current and planned job openings.