WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
Jan. 27, 2017
By MCSN Jamin Gordon
leanonme gw counselors provide outlets for help
By MC3 Kashif Basharat
‘silvereagle’
visitsgw navy’s most senior ldo speaks with crew
By MCC Mary Popejoy
boyscouts to u r gw
On the cover: Sailors walk in a labyrinth during the “Take Back the Night II” event. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
By M C S N Ja m i n G o rd o n
PHOTO of the
LEANONME
DAY
GW COUNSELORS PROVIDE OUTLETS FOR HELP
S Sailors take the chief’s exam on the mess decks (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 Public Affairs Officer
Media DLCPO
LCDR Gregory L. Flores
LTJG Andrew Bertucci
Editors MC1 Alan Gragg MC3 Kashif Basharat
MCC Mary Popejoy
Staff MC2 Alora Blosch MC2 Jessica Gomez MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke MC3 Wyatt L. Anthony MC3 Anna Van Nuys
MC3 Michael E. Wiese SN Krystofer Belknap SN Jamin Gordon SN 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*
inger-songwriter Bill Withers said in his 1972 hit song Lean on Me: Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But, if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow. Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on. Sailors should know there is always someone to lean on. The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) offers several resources for Sailors to receive counseling. Whether the Sailor needs someone to be a listening ear, or someone to help them out with unresolved issues, the command psychiatrist, Deployed Resiliency Counselor (DRC) and chaplains, are all qualified people to confide in and receive help from. Anyone who asks a chaplain, Psych Boss or the DRC for help, is already helping themselves. “They automatically have my greatest respect,” said Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, a chaplain aboard George Washington. “It takes a really strong person to say they need help. None of us can really do many things on our own. Imagine if there was one airman, and he or she had to run up to the flight deck, and take care of getting the jet off, getting the jet landed and getting the jet fueled up. It
Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, chaplain, speaks before the Take Back The Night II event. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
(continued from previous page)
just seems ludicrous to think about it.” While some Sailors have been able to muster the courage to seek help on their own, others may need support from their shipmates to get assistance. “One of the best things a person can do when they recognize their shipmate needs help, is be supportive,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class John A. Stone, behavioral health technician aboard George Washington. “It is important to remove the stigma that commonly follows counseling.” While providing advice and a listening ear, counselors also offer a safe place to discuss private matters, such as relationship advice, familial issues and adjusting to ship life. One of the common misconceptions Sailors have is that if they seek help, they will risk being discharged from the Navy, said Stone. Making an appointment with a counselor allows Sailors to get the help they need. When seeking support, some Sailors may be concerned about confidentiality.
“A
Sailor
can
“Chaplains hear everything,” said Bagrow. “Chaplains have a confidentiality that no one else on the ship has. Doctors, lawyers, DRC and Psych Boss all have ceilings to their confidentiality. They are required to report things such as drug abuse, abuse of a child, suicidal and homicidal behavior. A Sailor can tell a chaplain anything, and unless they give us permission to disclose that information, we are required to keep it confidential.” In addition to Sailors knowing their business will be kept confidential, it is also important to have their voice heard. When a Sailor comes into Bagrow’s office, he makes sure each Sailor has his undivided attention. “One of the first things I do is remove my ID card from my computer,” said Bagrow. “I don’t do anything besides listen to that Sailor. If I don’t do that first, I haven’t started our session correctly.” In addition to different professionals
tell
a
chaplain
to talk to, the command also uses events to inform Sailors of available avenues for counseling. Take Back the Night, an event that was originally started by George Washington’s previous chaplain, Capt. Kim Donahue, and continued by Bagrow, is an event to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse. Bagrow is hosting another Take Back the Night event Dec. 13 with the theme of removing the metaphorical mask. This event is not only meant to raise awareness about sexual assault and abuse, but also to shine light on male sexual assault and abuse. Sailors will also be informed of myths and facts about male victims. If a Sailor wants to seek help, or if anyone knows a shipmate who may need a little encouragement along the way, it is easy to schedule an appointment with any of the command’s counselors. To schedule an appointment with a chaplain, Sailors can contact Command Religious Ministries Department.
anything,
By M C 3 K a s h i f B a s h a rat
‘SILVEREAGLE’VISITSGW NAVY’S MOST SENIOR LDO SPEAKS WITH CREW
T
he Navy’s senior-most limited duty officer (LDO) visited the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan.18 to speak with Sailors and receive a tour of the ship. Capt. Daniel Henderson holds the title ‘Silver Eagle’ as the most senior LDO in the Fleet. He assumed the role in 2013 after Capt. Richard Verbeke retired. Henderson enlisted in the Navy in 1979 and later commissioned as an Ensign under the LDO program. “It was really great having him with us,” said Cmdr. Don Wilson, the ship’s combat systems officer. “Not many of us can say we met the Silver Eagle, let alone have him share some of his experiences.” After lunch with officers in the wardroom, Henderson gave a brief talk on topics such as evolution of a LDO officer, and
education and planning for the future. “Sailors are taught to collaborate as a team,” said Wilson. “If you have a small command, it’s easy for all ranks to collaborate together and find their resources. However, as you move up and become part of a larger team it can be hard to find the right resources. We are really lucky that Capt. Henderson came to share some of his knowledge with us.” LDOs are technical managers commissioned as line or staff corps officers who have technical proficiency in a certain skill or expertise. Sailors are not required to obtain a bachelor’s degree and can earn a commission through the LDO program. “We usually identify ourselves based on how we came up the ranks and how we have worked hard to accomplish
and
unless they give us permission to disclose that information, we are required to keep it confidential.” Cmdr. Philip Bagrow
Sailors walk in a labyrinth during the event. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, chaplain, leads the command choir. (Photo by MC2 Jessica Gomez)
Capt. Henderson addresses a group of officers in the wardroom. (Photo by MCSN Julie Vujevich)
the challenges we face,” said Henderson. “We act as if this is never going to end. When I talk to Sailors, I always ask them what their endgame is. Who will they be when they put down the uniform? They need to constantly be focusing on not only their careers, but also their health, state of mind, and taking care of their loved ones.” Henderson also reminded Sailors of some of the more important things which are often neglected. “One of the biggest things I got from him was that we should not put our family on the sidelines as much as we tend to do,” said Ensign Paul Thompson III, a divisional officer in Combat Systems Department. “It’s a sacrifice on both ends but we should to be there for each other whenever we can.”
By MCC Mary Popejoy
BOYSCOUTS
TOURGW B
oy Scouts from Troop 2860 in Richmond, Virginia, toured the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 15. The Scouts ate lunch on the forward mess decks, toured the flight deck, flight deck control, foc’sle, and the hangar bay. “I really enjoyed seeing the flight deck and flight deck control,” said 14-year-old Ian Frazier of Troop 2860. The Scouts learned GW is 1,092 ft. long, taller than New York City’s Chrysler Building, which is 1, 046 ft. high. The ship speed can reach 30plus knots, and can steam for more than 20 years before refueling. With GW reaching its 25 years of service mark, the Scouts learned the ship will head to Newport News Shipbuilding for Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) maintenance this summer where the ship will be gutted, rebuilt, and modernized from the ground up. “It was nice to see how these huge aircraft carriers operate and what Sailors do on here to support the mission. It’s pretty incredible to look
at up close, said 13-year-old Matthew Cunningham of Troop 2860.” During the tour, the 28 Scouts learned that GW has two nuclear reactors, two anchors, four aircraft elevators, four catapults, and can embark approximately 70 aircraft. For Frazier, learning about aircraft, flight deck jersey colors, and the mission of Air Department was right up his alley. “I hope to one day go to West Point for the Army and become an aviator.” And that type of feedback is exactly what makes this type of Sunday adventure worth it for the adults who chaperoned the trip. “One of the goals of Scouts is to show them what kind of jobs they could do in life if they choose the military path,” said A. J. Mezynski, Troop 2860 scoutmaster. “Our group has kids from 11 to 17 years of age, so this opens their minds to a lot of possibilities. It gives them something to think about.” And while many of the Scouts may be undecided about their future, the
group’s scoutmaster was happy to see their excitement while touring the ship. “I enjoyed watching their expressions, listening to their questions, and seeing them pay attention to the Sailors who spoke about their specific department,” said Mezynski. With their tour complete, the Scouts learned many things, including the average age of a Sailor who drives the ship, the purpose of the hangar bay, the key role the foc’sle plays during underways and moorings, and how to request permission to come aboard. Whether these Scouts become Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines or Coastguardmen one day, this experience opens their minds to endless possibilities. “The military is always expanding and they’re always looking for new personnel in every branch, and some of these guys may want to join as officers or enlisted, so this gives them a reference of what they could do if they join,” said Frazier. “It was a great tour and I recommend it to anybody.”
Sailors explain operations conducted inside the bridge. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
Sailors explain the operations that take place inside flight deck control. Washington is homeported in Norfolk. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
Sailors explain how the steam powered catapults work. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
Sailors explain how the steam powered catapults work. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
Below: Sea Cadets meet with Sailors around GW to receive on-the-job training. (Photos by MC3 Wyatt Anthony)
By M C 3 Wyat t A n t h o ny
NEXTGENERATION SEA CADETS VISIT GW
Lt. Brian Piggrem briefs Sea Cadets in the Wardroom III Lounge. (Photo by MC3 Carter Denton)
T
he aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed aboard the Belleau Wood Sea Cadet Squadron from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for an overnight tour of the ship, Jan. 21-22. The squadron is part of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC). NSCC was developed for older cadets, ages 1317, and exposes the cadets to the full rigors of a military training program, while preparing them for whatever path they may take after high school.
“The Sea Cadet Program is here to teach its cadets the values of the general orders, and to teach them the expectations of military life,” said William Ferrel, a retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. and the Belleau Wood Sea Cadet Squadron’s Company Commander. Sea Cadet Seaman John Neal has been in the Sea Cadets for two years and joined in order to obtain experience from the Navy. “My cousin steered me towards joining the Navy, and after looking
ITC Demetria Horton provides Sea Cadets on the job training on the enlisted brow. (Photo by MC3 Wyatt Anthony)
over all of the different jobs that the Navy has to offer, I made my decision,” said Neal, who leaves for Recruit Training Command in July to start his Navy career as a Seabee Steel Worker. The cadets were given a full walkthrough of the GW. Sailors on board explained the different responsibilities of the quarterdeck watches, gave a full tour and break down of the flight deck, and showed the cadets the high-tech working of GW’s combat direction center. The next
morning they participated in an early morning physical training evolution. “While at the Warrior’s Gala in October, I met one of the Belleau Wood Sea Cadet’s mothers, and I learned this group of Cadets has never visited a Navy ship or had much interaction with the Navy at all,” said Cmdr. Don Wilson, GW’s combat system’s officer. “After learning these kids, who love the Navy so much, didn’t have any actual Navy experiences or visited a ship, I decided that it would be a great idea to
invite them to the ship for a weekend.” Their shipboard experience continued with training on the ship’s damage control equipment, a briefing from a pilot and lunch on board. “It was interesting to think, ‘this could be my future right here,’” said Sea Cadet Seaman Tanner Thornton. Thornton said he aspires to be a pilot, and is considering joining the military. The 17-year-old high school junior became interested in flying at the age of 9, and has been working
on his commercial license by flying with his uncle since he turned 12. “I’ve seen pictures of a carrier flight deck before, but it was surreal to see in person,” said Thornton. After the cadets departed GW, they toured the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) to see a different part of the Navy. The cadets who attended were able to get an up-close view of an aircraft carrier and a submarine, providing them with insight to potential career opportunities.
CVN MAZE
GAMES CROSSWORD
HARD SUDOKU SUDOKU