WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
APRIL 25, 2017
By MC3 Joshua DuFrane
NAVY-MARINECORPS
RELIEFSOCIETY GOAL ACHIEVED!
By MC3 Carter Denton
SAILORSDONATE BLOODFORASBP By MC3 Kashif Basharat
KEEPINGTHECITY
BEAUTIFUL GW SAILORS VOLUNTEER TO HELP CLEAN city
(March 3, 2016) ADC Asiem McBean helps a Sailor fill his NMCRS donation form. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
PHOTO of the DAY
(April 18, 2017) LS2 Susana Floresangeles has her blood drawn during a blood drive (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 Jennifer O’Rourke MC3 Kashif Basharat
MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Kris Lindsrton 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 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*
QUALITY
LEADERSHIP: IT1 TORRES By MCSN Oscar Moreno Jr.
L
eaders are plentiful in the U.S. go above and beyond to personify the I made Petty Officer 2nd Class at VAQNavy, with a vast number of Navy’s Core Values. 131 and made Petty Officer 1st Class in service members consisting of Torres’s career has taken her to many NIOC Norfolk. Being a 2nd Class for petty officers or higher. But true leaddifferent ships and squadrons, like almost six years gave me time to learn ers have the ability to inspire my rate, understand the history their junior enlisted through varand importance of Navy tradiious means, be it leading from tions and learn how to properly the front, working to help imlead my Sailors.” prove their Sailors’ careers, or by Torres’ hard work and deimproving themselves, showing termination has earned her the their Sailors anything is possipraise of Chief Warrant Officer ble by putting their mind toward 4 Carl Smith, the ship’s commutheir goals. nications officer. Information Systems Techni“Torres is a remarkable leader cian 1st Class Allison Torres, staand a qualified LPO of Combat tioned aboard the aircraft carrier Systems Data Support Systems USS George Washington (CVN division,” said Smith. “She 73), is one such person whose mentors and trains junior Sailhard work led to her selection ors very effectively and has the as George Washington’s Senior traits of a Chief Petty Officer Sailor of the Quarter (SSOQ) with years of experience. We for 1st Quarter, of the fiscal year are very proud of her and are 2017. looking forward to what she “It’s an honor to be selected does next.” as SSOQ,” said Torres. “I know Support from the chain of it wouldn’t have been possible command, the Sailors she works (March 10, 2017) Capt. Timothy Kuehhas poses for a photo with without my junior Sailors I lead IT1 Allison Torres during her SSOQ awards presentation. (Photo by with, and her love for her family everyday who do the hard tasks MC3 Kashif Basharat) continue to inspire her. and my Chain of Command for “Being the Sailor I am my nomination.” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQcouldn’t be possible without the dediTorres performs various duties from 131), Naval Computer and Telecommucation of my Active Duty husband and Enlisted Section Leader to the Leading nications Station Far East (NTCS FE) my children.” Petty Officer of 33 Sailors. She also obYokosuka, the destroyer USS Bulkeley A strong support network has tained her Bachelor’s Degree through (DDG 84), Strike Fighter Squadron helped Torres to become the leader she University of Maryland University Col(VFA) 106 and Navy Information Opis today. It has given her opportunilege in Networking and Security. erations Command (NIOC) Norfolk. ties to lead, guide and mentor Sailors Ten first classes competed for the Torres believes that every duty station because ultimately she is training her SSOQ, one from each department. The she’s been to has helped her evolve as reliefs. SSOQ Award is given to first classes a Sailor. For more information about the Sailor whose devotion to duty, quality leader“Each of these commands helped me of the Quarter program, go to GWINST ship, ability to excel, and their ability to grow in my development,” said Torres. 1700.2C on the GW home page.
KEEPINGTHECITY
BEAUTIFUL By MC3 Kashif Basharat
S
(April 20, 2017) LSCS Tracy Riddle helps a resident with common yard work as part of a community relations project. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) celebrated Keep Norfolk Beautiful Day by volunteering for a community relations (COMREL) project to help clean the surrounding areas of the Willoughby Spit section of Norfolk, April 2. Keep Norfolk Beautiful is a program initiated by the City of Norfolk’s Public Works Department and offers volunteer and community service opportunities through various programs. “To some, doing something as little as picking up a candy wrapper off the sidewalk might not seem like it is a big deal, however, if someone driving by sees Sailors taking time from their work and lives to help out, that can pay huge dividends,” said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Tracy Riddle. “We don’t do this for the recognition, its more to inspire junior Sailors and civilians to come out with us and do their part to make our community more beautiful.” Servicemembers and civilians split into small teams
along the beach and the surrounding neighborhoods to pick up trash, identify potholes, and help residents who require an extra hand with common yard work maintenance to make the neighborhood look more presentable. George Washington Sailors were assigned to help out Susan Serena with her yard work. Serena currently lives alone as her husband is in the Air Force and is deployed to Afghanistan. The Sailors helped with mowing her lawn, plucking weeds, and removing a large bush adjacent to her sidewalk. “It’s hard to put it into words how much I appreciate it,” said Serena. “I don’t have any of my real family members to help me here, but I still have my military family that chip in and try to help. With all the other things Sailors have to do with their day jobs, to be able to make time to help out the community is really impressive and speaks a lot of their character. We are deeply indebted to these men and women.” One of the Sailors who helped Serena clean her yard
(April 20, 2017) Sailors help a resident with common yard work as part of a community relations project. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
was Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Justin Morgan, who is no stranger to keeping the community cleaner and safer. “I really enjoyed helping her out,” said Morgan. “Some people might not want to spend their free time cutting grass or plucking weeds, but I really had fun here helping a person who does not have the resources or the time. I know it benefitted her and I had great time helping her with my shipmates.” Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, the command chaplain aboard George Washington, regularly notifies GW Sailors of upcoming COMREL opportunities. Sailors interested in upcoming volunteer events can contact the command religious ministries department for more information.
(April 20, 2017) AZAN Gordon Edwards helps a resident with common yard work as part of a community relations project. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
By MC3 Joshua DuFrane
“It all goes back to the Sailors. If you donate, you’re helping a fellow Sailor, a fellow Marine out. We were all blown away by the generosity of some of the junior Sailors at this command.” - PRC Sarah Caswell
S
ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) rallied together and exceeded their donation goal for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive. The NMCRS provides financial education and assistance, as well as other programs such as quick assistance loans, budgeting money, emergency travel funds and disaster relief to members of the United States Navy and Ma-
rine Corps, their eligible family members, widows and survivors. “The purpose of the fundraiser was to raise money for the society,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Chief Sarah Caswell, Co-Chair command representative for NMCRS. “This year though, we wanted to do things differently.” Normally the command sets a financial goal for the crew to meet, but this year, a new program was implemented.
“Our goal is 100% meaningful contact and education,” said Caswell. “That means reaching out and making sure every Sailor understands what services NMCRS provides, and who they can go to for help.” The NMCRS was founded in 1904 by several officers, wives of Naval officers and civilian friends who saw a need for more formal and organized assistance. Throughout the years, the society has grown to one of the largest assistance
(March 3, 2016) NMCRS coordinators pose for a photo. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
programs available to military members. Such a large program requires several volunteers from each command, especially on larger commands such as an aircraft carrier. “Being a part of the command’s fundraising team is a busy job,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Tim Sunderman, enlisted command representative for NMCRS. “Getting the departments to donate and participate
(March 3, 2016) AD1 Jeffrey Brotherton helps a Sailor fill his NMCRS donation form. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
in the fundraiser is a tough challenge, especially with the logistics of people being on the ship and on the FAF, it was a tough drive this year.” Even with the unique situation George Washington Sailors are currently in, departmental NMCRS representatives made 100 percent contact, resulting in the command raising approximately $40,000 for NMCRS. “It all goes back to the Sailors,” said Caswell. “If you donate, you’re helping
a fellow Sailor, a fellow Marine out. We were all blown away by the generosity of some of the junior Sailors at this command. A lot of people came together and their actions are really going to positively impact Sailors and Marines around the world who really need the help.” For more information on the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, contact your divisional representative or visit www.nmcrs.org.
SAILORSDONATE BLOODFORASBP By MC3 Carter Denton
S
ailors aboard the aircraft carThose donations go to help military component of the WBB is to identify rier USS George Washington personnel deployed at the tip of the and screen qualified blood donors to (CVN 73) participated in a mo- spear. provide fresh whole blood for woundbile blood drive for the Armed Ser“We’re collecting as many units ed service members. vices Blood Program (ASBP), a joint [of blood] as we can so we can ship “[The blood drive] will benefit the health agency that provides blood them out to those in combat zones George Washington Walking Blood products for military personnel and right now,” said Hospital Corpsman Bank as well as provide needed blood their families worldwide, April 18. 3rd Class Renezaldy Cruz, a phle- products down range for our personMany of the ASBP blood donor cen- botomist for the mobile blood drive. nel who remain deployed,” said Cmdr. ters worldwide have conducted mo- “We’re just trying to bring home as Nathan Brezovic, the ship’s nurse. bile blood drives to supply the ASBP many people as possible.” Every unit of blood is critical for with blood needed for the more than With quality blood always in high the trauma centers that the ASBP 1.5 million transfusions performed demand, George Washington Sail- supports, who need 40 or more units since the organization’s inception. ors can make an immediate impact of blood each. “I decided to donate because I feel by joining the Walking Blood Bank Sailors who are interested in doI can help others if I donate blood,” (WBB). The WBB is comprised of nating blood can ask their command said Logistic Specialist 2nd Class a group of people who are prepared medical team for more information, Susana Floresangeles. “I feel good to be called upon to donate blood to or visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil. about doing this and I plan to do it meet a particular emergency. The key again when I have the opportunity.” Donating blood with the ASBP can be a very rewarding experience knowing that one donation can save up to three lives. “I’ve met a lot of people during these blood drives that come to donate blood that have had transfusions in the past,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniela Cunningham, a phlebotomist for the mobile blood drive. “They’re alive be(April 18, 2017) HM3 John Little has his blood drawn. (Photo by MC3 Carter Denton) cause of this.”
NAVY NEWS
Navy Scientists Use World War II Era Test Tunnel to Develop High Energy Laser Weapons for Fleet By John Joyce, NSWC Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy’s top la-
laser weapon systems aboard Navy ships. The fa-
and growing number of Navy laser weapon pro-
ser experts transformed a tunnel crucial to gun
cility features two labs where high power laser test-
grams”, said Dr. Christopher Lloyd, NSWCDD’s
range operations during World War II into a vital
ing of materials, components, and sub-systems are
High Energy Laser Lethality lead.
new capability for testing laser technologies, Na-
conducted. The labs are connected by the above-
“We’ll be able to expand the tunnel’s range
val Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
ground tunnel which provides for the safe conduct
further - up to 300 meters - with some unique test
(NSWCDD) announced April 21.
of indoor testing at significant ranges while remov-
configurations,” said Lloyd. “It will soon enable
ing the effects and limitations of the highly vari-
testing in controlled environmental conditions
able outdoor environment.
to better replicate weather conditions in regions
For years, civilian scientists - including those who developed and installed the Laser Weapon System aboard USS PONCE (AFSB[I] 15) - spec-
“The facility, which is unique within the Navy,
where deployed high energy laser systems may op-
ulated about the long dormant 100-meter tunnel
along with its suite of analysis tools are essential
erate. We’ll be able to study aspects such as beam
and its potential for laser lethality and system test-
for designing, developing, and integrating laser
propagation effects from turbulence and scattering/
ing.
technology into existing and future fighting forc-
absorption and how that affects overall system per-
Could it be converted to research, test,
formance.”
develop, and evaluate a new generation of
Currently, the laboratory’s roof-top platform
laser weapon systems for integration aboard
allows for operation and testing of laser systems
warships?
across the Potomac River Test Range where na-
Eventually, their question was answered
val guns have been tested since 1918. From this
and the old tunnel was upgraded. Now, it’s
platform, high energy laser operations can be
integral to the Navy’s state-of-the-art Laser
conducted over to the Combined Experimental
Lethality and Development Laboratory.
Test Facility, a two story laser backstop located
“Our scientists and engineers are taking
two to three kilometers across the water.
advantage of the Laser Lethality and De-
“The facility - coupled with our indoor and
velopment Lab’s capabilities - including
outdoor laser test capabilities - enhances the
the above-ground tunnel - to innovate and
command’s ability to design, develop, test, and
evaluate high energy lasers that are interop-
integrate next generation laser weapon systems
erable with Navy ships and electric weap-
for the Navy and is critical to the transition of
onry,” said Capt. Godfrey ‘Gus’ Weekes, NSWCDD commanding officer. “As we continue to develop and deploy laser weapons to the fleet with the inherent advantages
these systems to the Fleet,” explained Dixon. DAHLGREN, Va. - Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) scientists prepare for a lethality test. (U.S. Navy photo by Brandy Plucker)
of directed energy - speed-of-light delivery,
Environmental controls and a test and diagnostics facility will be added to the laboratory this year. The test and diagnostics facility will be capable of supporting more system-level tests.
engagement precision, magazine depth, and scal-
es and platforms,” said Frank Dixon, NSWCDD
Future upgrades include installation of a wind tun-
able effects - our warfighters will have significant
Directed Energy and Pulsed Power Division head.
nel to study laser/material interactions of compo-
technological advantage over our adversaries.”
The lab - primarily dedicated to performing laser
nents under higher wind speed conditions.
Navy leaders have made directed-energy weap-
effects testing - supports programs sponsored by
NSWCDD has provided leadership and tech-
ons a top priority to counter asymmetric threats.
the Office of Naval Research, Joint Directed En-
nical expertise in the design, development, inte-
In fact, Navy Sailors - trained by the NSWCDD
ergy Transition Office, and Program Executive Of-
gration, and testing of directed energy systems
Laser Weapon System team - proved how precise
fice for Integrated Warfare Systems, among others.
for more than 15 years. The premier research and
and effective a High Energy Laser weapon system
The testing determines environmental effects on
development center that serves as a specialty site
can be during testing in the Arabian Gulf against
laser performance, the response of target materials
for weapon system integration. The command’s
small attack boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and
to laser energy, and provides input to the character-
unique ability to rapidly introduce new technology
other moving targets in various weather conditions.
ization of laser weapon system requirements.
into complex warfighting systems is based on its
Meanwhile, the laser experts are using the Laser
“A capability such as this allows us to stay in
longstanding competencies in science and technol-
Lethality and Development Facility’s capabilities
front of high energy laser weapon lethality testing
ogy, research and development, and test and eval-
to support emerging initiatives to integrate future
and modeling and simulation to support the current
uation.
CVN MAZE
HARD SUDOKU
GAMES CROSSWORD
SUDOKU