WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
APRIL 28, 2017
THE STRENGTH
OFTHEHUMAN
SPIRIT GW SAILORS REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST By MCSA Julie Vujevich
On the cover: (April 26, 2017) Dana Cohen, a holocaust survivor, poses for a photo. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)
PHOTO of the DAY
(April 24, 2017) Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Selhorst grills hot dogs and hamburgers during a fundraiser. (Photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)
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*
HAMPTONROADSCOLLABORATION NEWS STATION OPENS DOORS FOR NAVY MCs By MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke
(April 27, 2017) MCSN Kristen Yarber, right, ) helps Dominic Brown prepare for the WTKR News 3 weather segment. (Photo by MC3 Jacob Goff)
N
ews 3 (WTKR) journalists cover the Hampton Roads metropolitan district complete with the world’s largest naval base, in Norfolk, and the largest shipyard, in Newport News. Nearly one-fourth of the nation’s active-duty military community is located here, including all five service branches, retirees and dependents, and major command headquarters such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). News Team 3 opened their doors for Navy Mass Communication Specialists to join their team for two weeks as job shadows. “I love it, that’s why I started the program,” said Ryan Minnaugh, News Team 3 news director. “I really hope there’s a give and take on both sides. I hope people combine together and share the things that are important to each other. There’s a different structure and perspective between our professions, and I am proud of this program because I think it is helpful to both sides.” The collaboration between the civilian and military journalists in the area helps both to accurately inform their shared audience with relevant and intriguing stories. “It’s been nice,” said Minnaugh. “We would miss out on good stories unless we have someone that reaches out like
Cmdr. Dave Hecht. We get pitched a lot of stories from the Navy, like Carrier returns or new technologies. It impacts so many people that live here.” News 3 frequently covers military events such as deployments, homecomings, , technologies and innovations, and servicemembers involvement in the community. This program allows a reciprocal relationship, in which the team gets to see the personal side of service members. “The Sailors are definitely eager to learn, and they always ask questions because they want know what’s going on,” said Carlos Melgarejo, News Team 3 photojournalist. “How things work here and how they can apply the knowledge they gain here to their jobs in the Navy. They are very involved and very friendly. I learned a lot about the Sailors, like their lifestyles, where they come from, and how they have to figure out how to accommodate their lifestyles to their work. They all have a story, homes and families. It feels great.” For many Sailors, this program is their first glimpse at a professional civilian enterprise. While observation alone could provide insight into how the industries differ, the Sailors also get involved in the news gathering and reporting process, thereby enhancing their skills and gaining powerful contacts through networking. “Technically, you are a job shadow for two weeks, so our idea was to get it so people could see how a lot of what you already learned could be applied here or at another job,” said Minnaugh. The Navy, like any industry has its own methods for achieving its goals. The minutia that distinguishes civilian
professionals can be daunting for Sailors. “I learned so much,” said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Clas Carter Denton. “I feel more prepared for my career now. Everyone there was willing to teach me about their side. The Navy taught me all the technical details of writing, photography and video, but it was enlightening to see how civilians do it.” Sailors are encouraged to jump right in on the action. The program allows participants to immerse themselves in whichever field most interests them. “This is very hands on, and we take the Sailors out in the field or in the studio,” said Melgarejo. “They get to see all the stress and everything that goes on in the newsroom when things happen. We get breaking news. Denton was with us, he got to see how we handle that. He was there freezing with us, and live with what we do here. He even participated in the news cast as well. He was great.” A program of this nature is a vehicle for Sailor success. They can get a glimpse of the industry outside the Navy and therefore make an informed decision about where they want their career to go. If they decide to separate after their current enlistment, they already have contacts in the industry. “It’s a fun partnership. We met through a mutual respect of both businesses becausewe are both trying to find a better way to communicate and tell stories,” said Minnaugh. “There has been so much that we are able to accomplish and [Cmdr. Dave Hecht] and I are both open to doing more partnerships in the future.” For more information about News Team 3, visit www.wtkr.com
BLENDED
RETIREMENT
CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM By MC2 Bryan Mai
T
he Department of Defense “Everyone will have to do training on and leave the military with no retire(DOD) will be retiring the legthe BRS,” said Chief Machinist Mate ment benefits. Under the BRS, about 85 acy High Three retirement Paul Tornabene, George Washington’s percent of service members will receive system and start rolling out the new lead command financial specialist and a retirement benefit even if they don’t blended retirement system (BRS) Jan. the facilitator for the BRS. “The senior qualify for full retirement. 1, 2018. Although it won’t come into efSailors who aren’t eligible to opt-in will “The biggest difference between High fect for several more months, there are be required to do the same training so Three and the BRS is the length of serplenty of reasons to learn about what it they can train and inform junior Sailors vice in order to receive benefits,” said offers and what it could mean for serso they can make the best decisions for Tornabene. “With BRS, you won’t need vice members. themselves and those who plan on going to stay in for 20 or more years to start Service members who join the miliwith the new system will have to do adreceiving retirement benefits.” tary after Dec. 31, 2017 will automatiditional training.” The DOD will automatically cally be enrolled into the BRS. Service No one joining prior to Jan. 1, 2018 contribute 1 percent of a service memmembers with less than 12 years ber’s base pay to their Thrift Savof service as of Dec. 31, 2017 ings Plan (TSP) after 60 days of (entered the service after Dec. service. After the completion of “I would say the BRS is the 31, 2005 but before Jan. 1, 2018) two years of service, the service better option for Sailors not will have the choice to either member is vested and the money enroll with BRS or remain with belongs to them. If they decide to planning on re-enlisting.” the High Three system. Service not re-enlist, the money goes with -RPC William Murdy members with 12 or more years them. of service will remain in the “The DOD will also contribute High Three system. will be automatically enrolled into the matching and automatic contributions “Everyone wants to know which sysBRS and those who choose not to opt-in at the start of your third year of service,” tem they should go with,” said Chief to BRS during the Jan. 1, 2018 through said Murdy. “The DOD will automatiReligious Program Specialist William Dec. 31, 2018 opt-in period will be ircally contribute 1 percent and up to an Murdy, assigned to the aircraft carrier revocably locked into the legacy High additional four percent if you decide to USS George Washington (CVN 73). Three retirement system. Service memcontribute five percent or more.” “There is no clear answer though, since bers that utilize the Defense Finance and Service members that opt into the there are many factors and variables Accounting Service (DFAS) will utilize BRS will begin receiving automatic and when it comes to individuals. Staying MyPay to opt into the new system. matching applicable government conwith High Three will be the better op“I would say the BRS is the better optributions effective the first pay period tion for some and the BRS will serve tion for Sailors not planning on re-enafter the opt-in but it is important for others better.” listing,” said Murdy. “The BRS is very service members to fully understand the Eligible service members will have similar to a 401(K) plan in the civilian new BRS and to take their time to make the chance to opt-in from Jan. 1, 2018 sector. After the minimum two years of an informed decision. to Dec. 31, 2018. Service members will service required for the plan, you’ll be For more information about the be given the necessary training and reeligible to receive benefits from BRS if Blended Retirement System, visit milsources to make the decision to either you decide to not re-enlist.” itarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirestay with High Three or to go with the Most service members (about 81 perment or see a command counselor or BRS. cent) do not make it to the 20-year mark financial specialist.
THE UNIFORMED SERVICES
BLENDED RETIREMENT $ SYSTEM
ARE YOU
OPT-IN READY? - Eligibility
BRS Opt-In Eligible?
- Active component with less than 12 years of service as of Dec. 31, 2017 - Reserve component who have accrued less than 4,320 retirement points as of Dec. 31, 2017
- Opt-In Period
- You can opt into BRS anytime between Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018
- Resources: - Mandatory opt-in course on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) - Installation Personal Financial Managers / Counselors - MilitaryOneSource.mil - Militarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirement
Active Component as of Dec. 31, 2017, with Less than 12 Years of Service?
Reserve Component in a paid status and as of Dec. 31, 2017, with Less than 4,320 Retirement Points? CY 2018: Opt-In Eligible Service Members Decide Which Retirement Plan to Choose
$ BANK
Graphic courtesy of militarypay.defense.gov
There are Resources to Help You: • Opt-In Course on JKO • Installation Personal Financial Managers and Counselors • MilitaryOneSource.mil • Militarypay.defense.gov/ BlendedRetirement
Make an Informed Decision for your Financial Future • Anyone serving as of Dec. 31, 2017, is grandfathered into the legacy retirement (high-3) system • The opt-in window for BRS is Jan. 1, 2018 - Dec. 31, 2018
(Apr. 26, 2017) Capt. Timothy Kuehhas poses with members of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater during a holocaust remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
(Apr. 26, 2017) Dana Cohen (right) sits next to Capt. Timothy Kuehhas during a holocaust remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
(Apr. 26, 2017) Dana Cohen looks upon a plaque resembling the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) after the holocaust remembrance ceremony . (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
(Apr. 26, 2017) Marty Mandelberg of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater gives a presentation during a holocaust remembrance ceremony . (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
(Apr. 26, 2017) CMC James Tocorzic speaks with Dana Cohen after a holocaust remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
(Apr. 26, 2017) Capt. Timothy Kuehhas speaks with Dana Cohen after a holocaust remembrance ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Joshua Dufrane)
GW SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
WALKSFOR
AWARENESS
T
he aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team hosted a Denim Day walk to raise awareness of the effects of sexual assault April 26. National Denim Day is a campaign to promote sexual assault awareness through education and public awareness. The first Denim Day was in 1999 after an 18-year-old in Italy was raped by her driving instructor. She won her case, but it was later overturned because the courts believed her jeans were too tight for the perpetrator to remove without the young woman’s help. The George Washington SAPR team lined the fence of the softball field with teal balloons and music blared from speakers to create a welcoming environment for those in attendance. Participants walked along the seawall on Norfolk Naval Station and then enjoyed cake and fruit punch afterward. “We worked with Norfolk Naval Station and the Denim Day association to host an event that would raise awareness on a day dedicated to sexual assault awareness and education,” said Lt. Lyndsay Cirino, SAPR point of contact. “I’m excited that people from the command took time out of their schedules to show support to our team and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.” In 2015, there were 5,240 service members who reported a sexual assault according to the DOD Annual Report on Sexual Assaults in the Military. That’s an average of 14 service mem-
By MC2 Alora Blosch
(April 26, 2017) - The Sexual Assault and Respnse (SAPR) team stand next to cake and punch after walking to support National Denim Day (Photo by MC2 Alora Blosch)
bers a day. These numbers only reflect the assaults that were reported. “Our goal was to raise awareness to as many Sailors as we could,” said Cirino. “We want Sailors to know that help is out there, we care and resources are available.” For those in attendance, it was an opportunity to be a part of something that has a profound impact on our Navy culture. “I wanted to show support for the cause and represent my department,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicholas Miller, walk participant. “It was nice to have a change of scenery and walk along the seawall. A lot of people came together to support such an important cause that affects so many people every day.” SAPR organizes events such as this to raise awareness and keep Sailors
informed on ways to prevent sexual assault. SAPR works to promote professionalism, respect and trust using focused education, comprehensive response and compassionate advocacy while preserving Navy mission readiness. For more information about sexual assault resources, visit SAPR.navy.mil. To report a sexual assault, contact a SAPR victim advocate. Advocates’ information is located on the GW homepage.
(April 26, 2017) - Sailors wear teal ribbons on their command ball caps as they participate in a sexual assault walk. (Photo by MC2 Alora Blosch)
NAVY NEWS ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (NNS) -- Forces from the U.S., U.K. and France completed Exercise Alligator Dagger 17, a two-week multilateral amphibious exercise in international waters off the coast of Djibouti and in the vicinity of Djibouti and Arta Beach, April 20. Exercise Alligator Dagger 17, led by U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51/5th Marine and Expeditionary Brigade (51/5), brought together elements of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with forces from the Royal Navy and French Marines. The exercise’s purpose was to familiarize units with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility and to sharpen tactical proficiency for the ARG/ MEUs as well as other partner nations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Participating forces include the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the command ship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), 24th MEU, the Royal Navy ship HMS Monmouth (F235), USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) and a detachment of the French 5th Marine Regiment. Exercise Alligator Dagger 17 is one of several training opportunities to be undertaken by Marines and Sailors during their deployment in the region. Recurring training opportunities such as this one support the relationship and professional development of military-to-military with partnering nations. “What’s great about these exercises is that we gain proficiency in our ability to operate effectively with coalition forces,” said Commander Amphibious Squadron 8, Capt. Larry LeGree. “Table-top exercises have great value, but nothing beats actual at-sea operations to train as we fight. This high-end interoperability with the Royal Navy and the French Marines has reinforced my confidence in our ability to plan and execute together as an ef-
US, UK, France Complete Exercise Alligator Dagger 17 From USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs
fective coalition force.” “This exercise was a valuable opportunity to maintain our fighting edge whilst being able to train with some of the nations and ships we will be working with over the coming months,” said Royal Navy Cmdr. Ian Feasey, commanding officer of HMS Monmouth. Participants conducted fire team, squad and platoon-level live-fire ranges, vessel board search and seizure, integrated amphibious operations, day and night time full mission profiles and long range raid and coalition integration of forces. Forces at sea conducted anti-air and anti-submarine exercises to enhance at sea communication and coordination and provide a unique opportunity to enhance multilateral capabilities in critical mission-sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team with partners and allies in the region. “The ability to utilize and incorporate coalition forces into the Alligator Dagger 2017 anti-submarine exercise (ASW) exercise proved to be a great opportunity to improve our operational prowess, to work through international barriers, and to enhance our understanding of the capabilities of non-organic allied forces,” said Lt. William Rash, Amphibious Squadron
8 antisubmarine warfare officer. Alligator Dagger provided the opportunity to refresh the proficiency of Sailors and Marines in the execution of aviation and ground support operations in an austere and arid environment. “There were multiple instances of interoperability between the ACE and the French forces,” said Maj. Jason Harris, operations officer of the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element (ACE), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365. “We were able to execute skills including reduced visibility landings, forward arming and refueling point establishment, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, and air combat maneuvering. The training we accomplished will further prepare us to support the MEU in the execution of any contingency operations.” U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
(April 11, 2017) The Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmoth steams alongside the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) while conducting small boat operations during exercise Alligator Dagger 17. (Photo by MC3 Raymond Minami)
CVN MAZE
HARD SUDOKU
GAMES CROSSWORD
SUDOKU