WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
March. 24, 2017
By MCSN Oscar Moreno
gw’sColor
guard STANDING PROUDLY AND HONORABLY
By MC3 Jacob Goff
THROUGHTHE
POWEROFOTHERS ARMY VETERAN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE
By MC3 Joshua DuFrance
LIFEAFTERGW SAILOR OPENS a NEW CHAPTER
On the cover: (March 23, 2017) The color guard render honors during a retirement ceremony. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
PHOTO of the DAY
(March 20, 2017) Lt. j.g. Andrew Bertucci, USS George Washington’s deputy public affairs officer, explains shipboard operations to members of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Assoication during a pierside tour. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
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
MC1 Alan Gragg
Staff
Editors MC2 Jessica Gomez MC3 Kashif Basharat
MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke MC2 Jules Stobaugh
MC3 Wyatt Anthony MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff
MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Michael E. Wiese MCSN Jamin Gordon
MCSN Alan Lewis MCSN Oscar Moreno MCSN Kristen Yarber MCSA Julie Vujevich
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 kashif.basharat@cvn73.navy.mil*
THROUGHTHE
POWEROFOTHERS
ARMY VETERAN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE By MC3 Jacob Goff
“T
here was a city that broke out in a riot. Me and my buddy got separated from our forward operating base (FOB) and we had to fight our way back,” said Edwin Capps, a retired Army Ranger. “We fell off the vehicle and the FOB was only a quarter-mile away, but we were two dudes trying to run through hundreds of people—you don’t know which ones are bad or good and people are shooting at you—a lot was going on. When we were going through it, I remember being dragged and then dragging him, being dragged and then dragging him. I didn’t think I was going to make it,but when we made it close to the school where everyone was staying, a hundred people were there to bring us to safety. I’ll never have that experience again of putting someone else before me and then letting them put me before them.” The concept of “two is better than one” made Capps love his time in the U.S. Army. He joined eleven days before 9/11, and eventually made it to Army Ranger school, where he and 19 other people completed training while
nearly 1,200 others failed. From that moment on, he experienced the greatest camaraderie, but that time was cut short. “It happened in 2005 in the city of Samarra, Iraq,” said Capps. “There was a water truck loaded with Russian artillery rounds that came up and exploded near the vehicle we were in,” said Capps. “They had pictures 30 miles out of the mushroom cloud that went 500 feet in the air. It knocked me completely out, killed dozens of people. It left a 20-foot crater that went about 10 feet in the ground.” That explosion damaged 18 areas of his brain. “The more I concentrate, or even stimulus like reading or watching TV, systematically my brain starts shutting down,” said Capps. Now he shares a give-and-take relationship with his wife. “I met him about six years ago when we were in college together,” said Danielle Capps. “He’s driven and motivated. He had these crazy stories that were just hilarious.” Because of his brain injury, he can’t do some tasks, like drive, but Danielle makes it her duty to help. Edwin Capps supports her in many ways, too. “When I’m gone, he takes like an hour every morning to clean the whole house,” said Danielle Capps. “Our daughter was sick a couple weeks ago and I couldn’t leave work to pick her up, so since he can’t drive, he ran all the way to her school and brought her back in the stroller.” And though his injury may be a hindrance at times, it has also opened
doors for him. “If I wanted a regular life I would have done something regular,” said Edwin Capps. “The injury allows me to go places and talk to people that many people can’t.” He used his sense of camaraderie to start a group that gets disabled veterans out of their homes to do tactical activities, like going to the gun range. “I can share my experience with them and they start to trust me,” said Edwin Capps. “When they go out with other disabled veterans and civilians, it brings out the best in them.” Edwin Capps carries that camaraderie into every relationship he forges. According to him, that’s one thing you should think about if you’re unsure about staying or leaving the military. “There are things that you’ll miss that you never even thought of,” said Edwin Capps. “I know some people who got out and tried to find significance—it’s very difficult for them. It’s just not the same as what they were doing.” Edwin Capps lives his life as an example. He gives all he can. He lets others help him through tough times, knowing a person can’t do everything alone. Sometimes you have to drag, and sometimes you’re the one who needs to be dragged. For more information on PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury veterans and supporters can reference websites such as PTSD.va.gov and PTSDusa. org. There are several veteran support groups as well Wounded Warrior and their local Veterans Administration Hospitals.
COMETOTHEREADY:
ALWAYSREADY sailors PREPARE for the pfa By MCSN Jamin Gordon
W
ater bottle. Check. Running shoes. Check. Earbuds. Check. It’s that time of year again, when the weather is beginning to warm up and people are following through on their New Year’s resolutions of getting in shape. Local gyms are crowded, and everyone seems to be more active than usual. While physical fitness tends to be an annual fad for the average person working out to get their “beach body,” Sailors are preparing for their biannual physical fitness assessment. However, it shouldn’t be a passing fad. In spring and fall of each year, Sailors are assessed on their physi-
cal fitness through cardio-respiratory, muscular strength and endurance exercises. This usually consists of pushups, curl-ups and running, swimming or biking. It is important for Sailors to maintain their physical health throughout the year, and not just when PFA season is approaching. “You should exercise on a regular basis,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jenilee Gardner, a member of Medical department aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “Not only does regular exercise lower your health risks, but it also keeps you feeling and looking young. It’s good
for your overall well-being.” Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Forest Lapp, exercises consistently six days a week. Despite a busy schedule, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Seaman Apprentice Alissa Acosta tries to exercise at least five days a week. Some people may be wondering, how much exercise is too much, or if there is such a thing. According to Gardner, it depends on the person. “Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity is enough to prevent health issues,” said Gardner. “If someone isn’t active for at least 30 minutes a
(April 22, 2016) Sailors in the Recreational Fitness program run warm-up laps. (Photo by MC3 Michael Wiese)
(Oct. 11, 2016) BM3 Cassidy Belcher trains in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC2 Alora Blosch)
(July 15, 2016) Sailors perform planks while competing in a CPO 365 Olympics. (Photo by MC3 Devin Bowser)
“Not only does regular exercise lower your health risks, but it also keeps you feeling and looking young.” -HM2 Jenilee Gardner
day, going out for an hour could be considered too much.” Exercising at least four to five days a week is a good rule of thumb,” said Gardner. “If working out for five days, three days should be strength or resistance training and two days should be cardio,” said Gardner. “The other two days in the week should be used to rest. A four-day workout schedule follows a similar structure with three days dedicated to strength training and one day dedicated to cardio.” Physical health isn’t the only way to prepare for the PFA. Nutrition also plays a part in how well someone may
perform on their assessment. “Drink lots of water,” said Gardner. “Drinking water keeps you hydrated and lowers the chances of cramps.” For some, exercising can be a daunting task, while others thoroughly enjoy it. “I really enjoy working out,” said Lapp. “I just try to do better each time I go to the gym.” Anyone looking for ways to make exercising a little more enjoyable may want to try Acosta’s methods. “I listen to good music, wear fun colors and look forward to the results,” said Acosta. Exercising with others is another
way to spruce up an exercise regimen. Whether a person is like Lapp, who exercises with his wife, or like Acosta who prefers to exercise alone, the important thing is to find a routine that works. George Washington Sailors are scheduled to participate in PFA cycle 17-1 from March 20 to April 7. For more resources to improve in health and fitness, Sailors can contact their departmental or command fitness leaders. Also, Sailors in the Norfolk area can contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at 757-444-2102 to set up a meeting with a nutritionist or fitness expert.
(July 15, 2016) MMN1 Freddie Kelly competes in a push-up competition. (Photo by MC3 Devin Bowser)
(May 20, 2016) Sailors box in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Jaime Marcial)
(July 14, 2016) AE3 Sean Mignoli exercises in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC2 Alora Blosch)
GEORGEWASHINGTON’S
COLORGUARD
STANDING PROUDLY AND HONORABLY By MCSN Oscar Moreno Jr.
T
he ceremony begins, and four Sailors with squared away uniforms, shined shoes and impeccable military bearing, make their way to the center of the room to Parade the Colors for an event that requires military honors. With the utmost respect for service and country, these USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors stand proud and embody our core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. The GW Color Guard team performs as a military unit in receptions, ceremonies, and other functions that will project the pride, professionalism, and heritage of the U.S. Navy. Those events include retirements, burials at sea, local sporting events, and other time-honored naval traditions. The team operated at more than 20 events in 2016. “In my four years on Color Guard, we have always taken pride in what we do,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class
Rodney Cobia. “We made sure that our uniforms were the best they could be, and we performed with the intent to show those watching the excellence of the GW.” The competition to enter the Color Guard is stiff, with only the best Sailors to enter the ranks of these chosen few. “To even enter the Color Guard, we had to put in a package through our chain of command, with being dual pinned a minimum requirement,” said Master-At-Arms 2nd Class Luis Reynoso Luna. “We would be down to 20 people competing for one or two open slots.” A big part of the Color Guard’s success lies in the strength of their bonds with each other. “We perform at countless events; retirements, commissionings, special days like the 9/11 remembrance and the birthday of the Navy,” said Reynoso Luna. “We’re all family and
love to hang out and help each other as much as possible.” The Color Guard has always given their all to the command, and the Sailors involved have been positively influenced by their own efforts as well. “Growing up, I lacked discipline and wasn’t really in the best place in life,” said Cobia. “The Color Guard gave me structure. It made me a better person and a better Sailor. I am proud to have been a part of this, and am thankful for what it has provided me.” The instruction for the honor guard, GWINST 5726.1E, can be found on the George Washington homepage under Command Guidance, GW Directives and Instructions. To be eligible for the Color Guard, you must have at least a year remaining on board, pass two most recent physical fitness assessments and have no non-judicial punishments within the last 12 months of application.
“The honor guard gave me structure. It made me a better person and a better Sailor. I am proud to have been a part of this...” - QM3 Rodney Cobia
(Oct. 15, 2016) The Color Guard presents colors during a burial-at-sea ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Wyatt L. Anthony)
(May 1, 2015) The Color Guard renders honors retirement ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Jaime Marcial) (Oct. 22, 2014) The Color Guard renders honors during a change of command ceremony. (Photo by USS George Washington Public Affairs)
(Jan. 30, 2015) The Color Guard presents colors during the ship’s change of command ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Chris Cavagnaro)
LIFEAFTERGW
SAILOR OPENS A NEW CHAPTER in HER career By MC3 Joshua DuFrane
A
fter three years of sea duty between USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), one Sailor ref lects on the past while navigating her new shore duty assignment. Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Tonia Devine worked in G-1, weapons department, as 3M (Maintenance Material Management) leading petty officer and the weapons team leader. In her leadership role, Devine also took care of her Sailors, making sure she was able to help them achieve professional and personal development milestones. “My favorite part of my job was helping my junior Sailors with their needs and being a role model for them. I tried to be a proactive Sailor with collateral duties and make a better environment. I worked with the command training team and the departmental financial coordinator to set an example for junior Sailors so I could be a better well of knowledge to help those who need it.” With her sea duty days behind her, Devine is figuring out where she fits into the big picture mission of Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake. “The biggest change going from the ship to this shore command is adapting to the totally new routine,” said Devine. “Every day I’m learning something new; it’s refreshing. I try to learn my chain of command and figure out what qualifications I
need to work on. It’s all so new to me and everything is a completely different style. I’m sure after a while I’ll get into the routine of things, but for right now it’s a fun challenge figuring everything out.” Devine’s outlook toward her new command and the challenges that associate with it have been recognized by her chain of command. “When AO1 checked in, I knew she was exactly the type of Sailor that I look for, not only to lead the Sailors here, but also to lead the prisoners,” said Cmdr. Brandy McNabb, commanding officer of Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake. “She has so much knowledge in so many different aspects because of all the programs she was involved in on the ship, which is exactly the type of diversity we need here at this command.”
Working in a stressful environment such as a brig can be an emotionally and physically tiring job, but having motivated Sailors dedicated to success ensures an overall healthier workplace. “Sailors working here are charged with the safety and security of both the Sailors and the prisoners of this facility,” said McNabb. “We really need Sailors here with a go-getter attitude, and that is what Devine brings to the table. I’m really excited to get her plugged into our system and get her into a leadership role for my Sailors here at this command.” Devine may feel like a fish out of water at the brig, but her leadership, personality and willingness to help Sailors and prisoners, speaks volumes to her character, integrity and her commitment to the betterment of the Navy.
(March. 21, 2017) AO1 Tonia Devine, right, poses with her new commanding officer Cmdr. Brandy McNabb. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
Cancer.org
NAVY NEWS ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- For the second time in five days, guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) intercepted a small, stateless dhow in the international waters of the Arabian Sea and seized 500 kilograms of Hashish, March 17. Laboon, conducting maritime security operations in the region as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces, conducted an inspection of the vessel as part of a flag verification boarding and found the illicit cargo. Lt. Dan Foley, the boarding officer who led the team which made the seizure, credited his team for their diligence and putting in many long hours in the process. “They worked tirelessly for over 14 hours to secure the illicit narcotics,” Foley said. “I cannot praise them enough for staying calm and collected in a very tense environment. Ultimately, it was a great St. Patrick’s Day. We kept the drugs off
USS Laboon Makes Second Drug Bust in a Week From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
the market, and most importantly, denied terrorist organizations from benefitting off the profits of the narcotics on board.” Laboon intercepted a small, stateless dhow in the international waters of the Arabian Sea, March 13, and seized 270 kg of heroin. Royal Australian navy frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) seized 800 kg of Hashish, March 2, making this the third CTF 150 seizure in the last three weeks. CTF 150 commander, Royal Canadian navy Commodore Haydn Edmundson, praised the ship’s crew for their dedication to keeping the region safe for legitimate commerce. “These boardings, whether they result in a successful seizure or not, are some of the most complex and dangerous evolutions that our Sailors conduct on the high seas,” Edmundson said. “This second seizure by the USS Laboon in such a short period of time is testament to their superb training and preparedness for this task,
which is just one of the many missions the ship has while deployed.” Laboon deployed from its Norfolk homeport in January and has been deployed to the region since February. This is Laboon’s second drug seizure since its deployment to the region. Established in 2002, CTF 150 is primarily focused on disrupting terrorist organizations and their activities by denying them the freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain. In collaboration with international and regional maritime security partners, the CTF 150 teams have seized and destroyed billions of dollars in drugs and captured thousands of weapons, ensuring they are no longer available to organizations which would cause others harm. For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office at 011-973-17854027 or navcentpao@me.navy.mil
(March 21, 2017) Sailors assigned to USS Laboon (DDG 58) offload bags containing Hashish from a dhow in the Arabian Sea, March 17. (U.S. Navy Photo)
CVN MAZE
HARD SUDOKU
GAMES CROSSWORD
SUDOKU