WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
March. 28, 2017
By MCSN Kristen Yarber
SELFLESS
ACTIONS GW SAILORS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
By MC3 Kashif Basharat
AHEADOF
SCHEDULE GW COMPLETES 63% OF SCOOP PHASE
By MC2 Alora Blosch
BEHIND CLOSEDDOORS THE REALITY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
On the cover: (March 23, 2017) AN Susan McAfee volunteers at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
PHOTO of the DAY
(March 23, 2017) LS1 Rachel Ryan recites the traditional retirement passage “The Watch” during a retirement ceremony. (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 Alora Blosch MC3 Kashif Basharat
MC2 Jessica Gomez 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*
AHEADOFSCHEDULE
GW COMPLETES 63% OF SCOOP PHASE By MC3 Kashif Basharat
(March 27, 2017) Lt. Dan Simonds leads a SCOOP briefing in the hangar bay. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat)
S
ailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) have been preparing the ship for refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) maintenance scheduled for Aug. 4, 2017. Currently, George Washington is in the Shipboard Consolidated Offload and Outfitting Plan (SCOOP) phase, which requires gutting anything that is not hard-wired, plumbed-in or welded to frames to be moved off the ship. SCOOP began on Feb. 28 and as
of day 19, the ship had already completed 63% of this phase. “We are slated to finish on May 22 but we have already accomplished so much,” said Lt. Dan Simonds, the assistant SCOOP officer. “We started coordinating early and the ship has been very involved. Our hard-working Sailors are not afraid to get their hands dirty and have come together as a team to make this gigantic feat a lot easier than most ships have made it.”
Along with the Sailors, civilian contractors have also played a major role with SCOOP. “The Sailors do the bulk of the lifting,” said Brad Forbes, the SCOOP project manager for Huntington Ingalls Industries. “They decide what they want to keep for now or have it boxed and returned to them once RCOH finishes. They bring us their supplies and we deal with the logistics of packing it up and taking it to the warehouse for storage.” Although SCOOP is a ship-wide evolution, certain departments have played a bigger role then others so far. “Some departments own more real estate than others,” said Simonds. “For example, air and supply department have a lot more spaces that need to be SCOOPed. It may seem like they have a heavy work load, but they also have more personnel then other departments to get the job done.” Deck, one of the larger departments on the ship, has completed 100 percent of their SCOOP items. According to Simonds, the crew benefits from finishing early as it allows more time to perform other daily maintenances and prepare for RCOH. The ship is on track to dry-dock at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries on Aug. 4, which will begin the planned 48-month RCOH maintenance period.
BEHIND CLOSEDDOORS the reality of domestic abuse By MC2 Alora Blosch
“S
top being weak.” Those were the words that rang through Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class TimothyJustin Husted’s head. He had stayed up until 2 a.m. just to hear those words. At the time, Husted was stationed in Japan aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and his wife was back in Georgia. “You may be hurting, but you need to be a better man and deal with it instead of telling me about your problems,” she told him. It was Valentine’s Day. Husted was a victim of domestic abuse. His wife not only emotionally abused him, but also attempted to maintain control over his actions, relationships and finances. “When you talk about abuse, it’s always about power and control,” said Marlo Brooks, family advocacy program (FAP) educator. “The
extremes are biting, hitting, strangulation, but there is also emotional abuse, financial abuse and cyber abuse.” The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as the willful intimidation, physical assault, sexual assault and/ or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetuated by one intimate partner against another. “She tried to separate me from my friends and family,” said Husted. “At first she wouldn’t even call them family. She would just refer to them as my people. Eventually, when I would go home on leave from Japan [to Georgia], she wouldn’t allow me to visit my family even when she was at work. I couldn’t see my mom, dad, sister or even my closest friends that lived in the area. She acted as if it was just me, her and
her side of the family. No one else mattered.” Abusers try to maintain control over their victims whether it’s financially, through isolation or verbally beating them down. “I didn’t want to fall into a statistic or be a divorced person,” said Husted. “I was with her for eight years, and I wasn’t about to let things fail even though she was verbally, mentally and emotionally bashing me whenever she could.” Abuse often presents itself in a cycle of behavior, according to information provided by f leet and family. The cycle starts as tension builds, which leads to the explosive phase. It isn’t always physical and can last anywhere from hours to days. It then goes to the honeymoon phase. It’s a cycle that will often repeat itself causing emotional distress to the victim.
“The effects of the relationship made me not only question myself as a man, but also as a human being,” - ABH3 TimothyJustin Husted
“The way things were going I would get so stressed out that I couldn’t even focus on my job,” said Husted. “As an aircraft director, I have to be focused at all times. I wasn’t able to focus or police the f light deck. That’s when I got taken off deck, which made me feel worse. It made me feel like no one could rely on me. I felt like all I had was my work ethic, and if that wasn’t there, then nothing else was.” Domestic abuse can have a wide array of effects on the victim and it can affect many aspects of the person’s life, while being hard to identify or realize. “I realized it was domestic abuse when it was already too late,” said Husted. “I was seeing the signs, but I kept ignoring it. I didn’t want to see it. I wanted to see an alternative reality which turned out to be my own worst nightmare.” The signs of domestic violence differ because relationships and circumstances are different, so identifying abuse can take time. Brooks said the signs can be easily overlooked depending on life experiences. “Often times, we are looking at what someone has experienced in their life,” said Brooks. “If I was raised in a household with unhealthy relationships, if I saw emotional abuse or any types of physical abuse, then when I’m an adult, though it may have been something I didn’t like, it’s something that I’m familiar with, drawn to or imitating. You can also have a victim that moves here to Norfolk and the family says ‘we told you this was going to happen.’ Well now they have no one to go to and they feel trapped. There’s also a challenge with pride. ‘I’m a chief and I have challenges in my home, but who am I going to share that with as a leader?’ Most
of our cases with domestic violence come through the hospital or the police. It’s not like victims are walking through the door and saying ‘hey, I need help’. It’s the police being called to your home and now there’s a FAP case.” Brooks said the victim will often have a very low self esteem. There can be mood swings and depression, but those behaviors can turn into binge eating or drinking to try to mask the pain of what they are going through. They can feel isolated where they don’t trust anyone because the one they love is causing them pain, which Husted began to experience. “The effects of the relationship made me not only question myself as a man, but also as a human being,” said Husted. “It made me question whether I was right for any relationship at all. As a Christian, it made me think I wasn’t worth God’s mercy. During that time, I felt belittled. I felt numb. I tried to fill the void with a lot of things, but nothing worked. It got to a point where every day I was wearing a mask and bottling up my emotions in front of everybody, but in my alone time I would cry myself to sleep every single night. It even got to the point where I was contemplating suicide.” Brooks said it usually takes up to
ABH3 TimothyJustin Husted poses for a photo.
seven major incidents to reach the point where the victim realizes they can’t do it anymore, and usually it’s because of a fear for loss of life. It’s not because mom called and said ‘I’m here to save you’ or a friend says ‘let me pull you out’. It’s when the last straw falls and it’s different for each individual. “She made me think that my own life wasn’t worth living, that I should throw it all away,” said Husted. “That was the moment I decided that a divorce was worth it. Yet something inside me still felt guilty. I later learned that it’s a natural feeling. I had to learn how to forgive myself and forgive her, and that’s when I was able to start rebuilding myself and becoming stronger.” There are many services available for Sailors who are the victims of domestic violence and their children who may be victims of child abuse. Fleet and Family provide both adult and child counselors. George Washington’s FAP point of contact is Lt. Travis Kelley in medical department. Sailors are encouraged to speak up if they are informed of abuse or experience it. Recovery starts with the mind. Once the emotional trauma has been treated, then the healing can begin. To contact a FAP advocate in Norfolk call (757) 444-2230.
SELFLESS
ACTIONS
GW Sailors Give Back to the Community By MCSN Kristen Yarber
P
iles of clothes nearly reached the ceiling of a warehouse in Norfolk. The clothes ranged from newborn to adult sizes. Some items still had expensive price tags attached to them. The clothes needed to be sorted and hung on racks, which seemed nearly impossible with the endless sea of fabric covering the warehouse. However, a group of Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) worked for hours to ensure this task was completed. The local donors gave the clothes to Union Mission Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and clothing to homeless people in the community. The organization depends solely on donations and volunteer work from local businesses and groups in order to continue their mission. “We cannot do the work that we feel we are called to do without the help,” said Cindy Smith, the volunteer coordinator for Union Mission Ministries. “This is not just busy work; it’s benefiting the lives of people.” Smith said groups from the military frequently volunteer at Union Mission. “Ninety-nine percent of them are
Sailors,” said Smith. Smith also said a group of 30 people working for two hours is the equivalent of 60 hours for one staff member, making volunteer groups extremely valuable. “They rely heavily on volunteer work and the work of the people who stay here to keep this organization afloat,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Whitney Beals, a volunteer coordinator aboard George Washington. Beals has volunteered for many different organizations since joining the Navy, although this was her first time volunteering at this specific location. Beals said people can easily fall into a routine of taking things for granted, but seeing people without basic human needs puts things into perspective. Her efforts not only help others around her, but allow her to be more thankful for what she has. “You need to help people,” said Beals. “That’s just how this works. You have to give back. You constantly have to give back.” Union Mission houses approximately 90 women, 325 men and 48 children in separate shelters every day. In addition to providing them with basic needs, the organization also helps
displaced people get IDs and jobs. Their medical needs are taken care of as well. Also, Union Mission offers a free week-long summer camp for kids. In the past, the military has not only assisted Union Mission by providing volunteer groups, but also by donating things like beds, chairs and desks from buildings that were shutting down. Smith said all of the beds in the new shelter were donated by the military. After clothes are given to guests staying at the shelter, the rest are sorted and sold in the retail shop near the facility. One-hundred percent of the profits made from the store go directly back to the organization in support of their efforts. Smith said all donations are welcome. Whether it is clothes, food, or money, any contribution made helps tremendously. “No gift is too small,” said Smith. For more information on Union Mission Ministries and how you can help, visit www.unionmissionministries.org. George Washington Sailors interested in serving their community can talk to the command religious ministries department or their chain of command to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
(March 23, 2017)ABF3 Mikala Singletary volunteers at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
Above: (March 23, 2017) AN Dalton Voorhees volunteers at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
(March 23, 2017) Sailors volunteer at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
(March 23, 2017) EM3 Micah Lauderdale, left, and AN Victor Atchley volunteer at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
Above: (March 23, 2017) Sailors volunteer at Union Mission Ministries. (Photo by MCSN Kristen Yarber)
SEATOUR
EXTENSIONS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST TERM SAILORS By MC3 Carter Denton
(Nov. 4, 2008) USS George Washington (CVN 73) departs after a port visit to Guam. (Photo by MC2 Clifford L. H. Davis)
F
irst-term Sailors on their first enlistment in a designated rating, now have the opportunity to apply for authorization to extend their current enlistment to complete the prescribed sea tour for their applicable rating thanks to NAVADMIN 004/17. This NAVADMIN, released by Admiral R.P. Burke, will give first-term Sailors additional opportunities. “This change allows Sailors to complete their sea tour while giving them more opportunities to advance in rank at their sea command, which can give them more reenlistment opportuni-
ties,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Ellis Picheloupe, USS George Washington (CVN 73) command career counselor. Advancement and reenlistment opportunities aren’t the only advantage to using this NAVADMIN; it can also benefit Sailors’ educational endeavors. “This can also help Sailors who are trying to further their education here at local colleges,” said Picheloupe. “This is a way of completing their sea tour as well as some general education courses to complete their degree program.” Sailors are already showing interest
in the opportunities that this NAVADMIN offers. “We’ve had about 13 Sailors [on George Washington] request to extend using this NAVADMIN so far,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class William Boudreaux. “Out of those who have applied, half of them have already been approved.” All requests require endorsement from the commanding officer and are due by Dec. 31, 2017. For assistance with this process, contact your departmental career counselor and read NAVADMIN 004/17.
NAVY NEWS AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- To honor Vietnam veterans during Navy Week Austin, Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, director, Defense Health Agency Medical Corps joined by Navy Vice Chief of Information Rear Adm. Robert Durand, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team, local area Sailors, Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans, and Texas state representatives, assembled at the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument to lay wreaths. The monument honors the men and women of Texas who served with courage and dignity in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during the Vietnam War. Entombed within the monument are the names of 3,417 Texans who gave their lives so others might be free. “We are honored to have the Navy represented here today and appreciate the contributions that the Navy has given to the state and our country,” said Robert Floyd, chairman of the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee. According to Floyd, the idea of having a monument began in 2003 and it was dedicated March 29, 2014. “On the monument are representations of the five branches of service,” said Floyd. “There are no insignias. This was done purposely to represent inclusiveness and diversity of Texas.” One of the keynote speakers was Texas State Representative Rick Miller. “It’s really an honor to be here today amongst my Navy and Marine Corps friends to include the other services,” said Miller, who served as a naval aviator. “It took too long for the monument to be erected, and I thank the memorial committee for their work.” Miller spoke about his time in service. “I had a wonderful career in the Navy
Navy Lays Wreath at Texas Capitol Vietnam Veteran Memorial during Navy Week Austin By Burrell Parmer, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio Public Affairs
and I was blessed with the opportunities to make a difference,” said Miller, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. “It was fantastic, it was challenging, most rewarding, and completely unforgettable. I am a proud American, a proud Texan, but I am most proud to have served in the United States Navy.” Prior to the wreath-laying, Bono, a native of San Antonio delivered remarks. “It’s only fitting that I be able to come back to Austin to host a Navy Week,” said Bono, a graduate of the University of Texas. “Being a college student from here and immediately joining the Navy, I would have never thought that after more than 30 years that I would be able to come back for Navy Week to celebrate the two most influential organizations is my life -- the University of Texas Education System and the U.S. Navy. It is truly my honor to be here.” “I couldn’t think of any of manner to
honor the military legacy and support that came from the great state of Texas, not just from the Vietnam Conflict, but also in today’s conflicts,” Bono continued. “The significance of this monument for me is that it is part of a legacy ... and I know that it would not be possible for all of us in uniform to be standing here today, serving our country so proudly, if it were not for those who went before us.” After the laying of the wreaths, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team from Washington, D.C., performed close order drill for the attendees. Ending March 24, Navy Week Austin is the second of 15 Navy Weeks in 2017 which focus a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects
(March 21, 2017) Director, Defense Health Agency Medical Corps, Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, speaks at a Vietnam Memorial wreath laying during Navy Week Austin. (Photo by MC2 Timothy Schumaker)
CVN MAZE
HARD SUDOKU
GAMES CROSSWORD
SUDOKU