THE ASHINGTON URVEYOR W S May 14, 2018

By Naval Heritage and History Command By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

PRELIMINARY EVENTS MOTHERHOOD

THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY IT TAKES A VILLAGE

By MCSN Zack Thomas By MCSA Adam Ferrero

NOT A SHIP IN SIGHT OPTING TO OPT-IN

THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM On the Cover: (May 1942) View on the flight deck of USS Lexington (CV-2), at about 1500 hrs during the Battle Of The Coral Sea. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives) The Washington Surveyor SAILOR of the Commanding Officer PHOTO CAPT Glenn Jamison WEEK of theWEEK Executive Officer CAPT Colin Day Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs

Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editor MCSN Zack Thomas Content MC3 Kashif Basharat (May 3, 2018) AIMD Sailors huddle up after a football game during the 2018 AIMD spring picnic at Huntington Hall. (Photo by MC3 Alan Lewis) MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Trey Hutcheson QUESTIONSof theWEEK MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSA Adam Ferrero Q: WHAT SHOULD BE SECURED WHEN ISOLATING A FIRE AREA? MCSA Steven Young MCSA Marlan Sawyer DC A: DOORS, HATCHES, VENTILATION AND ELECTRICAL POWER. WHO MAY GRANT PERMISSION FOR PERSONNEL TO PERFORM AO2 Celeste Adafin Q: VISUAL INSPECTIONS OF NON-DERANGED ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS? The Washington Surveyor is an authorized 3M THE CHIEF ENGINEER, REACTOR OFFICER AND COMBAT SYSTEMS publication for Sailors serving aboard DEPARTMENT: Training A: USS George Washington (CVN 73). OFFICER. Contents herein are not the visions of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department HOMETOWN: Alexander City, Alabama of the Navy or the Commanding Officer Q: WHAT ARE THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT of USS George Washington. All news REQUIREMENTS FOR FORKLIFT OPERATIONS? releases, photos or information for SAFETY publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted to the Public Affairs WHY SHE JOINED THE NAVY: “To venture out, get A: HARD HATS, FOR OPERATOR AND BOTH SAFETY WALKERS, Officer (7726). away from home and receive a free education.” WHISTLE AND REFLECTIVE VESTS. *For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at [email protected]* Wake Island Raid, 24 February of POWs, and the civilian workmen Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea. 1942 and Marcus Island Raid, 4 (Contractors Pacific Naval Air Dauntlesses (VB 2, VS 2, VB 5, THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY: March 1942 Bases) retained on the island to VS 5) and Devastators (VT 2, VT 24 February 1942, TF 16 (VADM continue work on defenses. One 5), supported by Wildcats (VF 3 Halsey) raided Wake Island to Dauntless was lost, and its crew and VF 42) from carriers Lexington destroy Japanese installations there. taken prisoner. The two men were and Yorktown sank armed Planes from Enterprise and heavy later lost on 13 March 1942 when merchant cruiser Kongo Maru, PRELIMINARY EVENTS cruisers Northampton and Salt submarine Gar (SS-206) sunk the auxiliary minelayer Ten’yo Maru, Lake City bombed installations Japanese victualling stores ship in and transport Yokohama Maru; By Naval Heritage and History Command on Wake. Bombardment unit which they were being transported and damage light cruiser Yubari; consisting of Northampton, Salt to Japan. destroyers Yunagi, Asanagi, Oite, n 7 December 1941, the to Samoa in late January 1942, then by Japanese reconnaissance flying Lake City and destroyers Balch Asakaze, and Yakaze; minelayer U.S. Navy counted seven steam for the Marshalls and the boats. Although the American (DD-363) and Maury (DD-401) Lae and Salamaua Raid, 10 Tsugaru; seaplane carrier Kiyokawa O aircraft carriers active in Gilberts to carry out the first of the attack was aborted, Japanese naval (RADM Raymond A. Spruance) March 1942 Maru; transport Kokai Maru; and commission, three in the Pacific carrier raids of early 1942. land-based bombers attacked TF shelled the atoll . Combined efforts Planes from TF 11 (VADM minesweeper No.2 Tama Maru. and four in the Atlantic. The latter On 1 February 1942, TF 8 11, centering their efforts upon of Enterprise’s planes (bombing Brown), which included ships of TF One Dauntless, of the 104 planes deemed the primary theater given (VADM William F. Halsey Jr.), Lexington. In the ensuing battle and strafing) and ships’ gunfire 17 (RADM Fletcher), on the heels that carried out the raid, was lost to the undeclared war with Germany formed around Enterprise, and TF off Bougainville, combat air patrol sunk two guard boats. Fortunately, of initial nuisance raids by RAAF antiaircraft fire and its crew killed. that had essentially been underway 17 (RADM Frank Jack Fletcher), Wildcat fighters and Dauntless the bombing and shelling of Wake Hudson bombers, flew through USAAF B-17s and RAAF Hudsons since spring 1941. The Japanese formed around Yorktown, raided scout bombers. didn’t harm any of the American the only pass in the Owen Stanley conducted follow up strikes but navy deployed six carriers to the the Marshalls and Gilberts. A third The Dauntless utilized in the anti- marines, Sailors and construction Mountains. They used this passage inflicted no appreciable additional surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific task force, TF 11 (VADM Wilson torpedo plane role, together with workers too badly to have been to surprise a Japanese invasion fleet damage. Fleet at its Pearl Harbor, T.H., base, Brown, Jr.), formed around carrier ships’ antiaircraft fire, annihilated evacuated in the initial increment (RADM Kajioka Sadamichi) off and the surrounding naval and Lexington, supported the operations the enemy formations. Lt. Edward military airfields and installations. from the vicinity of Christmas H. O’Hare, in a Wildcat, shot down Island. five bombers in six minutes, a Marshalls and Gilberts Raids, 1 phenomenal performance for which February 1942 Battle off Bougainville, 20 he received the Medal of Honor. In Enterprise and Yorktown (CV- February 1942 one battle, the Japanese land-based 5), the Yorktown had recently On 20 February 1942, TF 11 bomber strength in the immediate arrived from the Atlantic, covered (VADM Brown), en route to attack theater was wiped out. a reinforcement convoy of Marines Rabaul, New Britain, was spotted

Shell damage to the laundry building (foreground), following the raid carried out by Japanese destroyers Ushio and Sazanami on 7 December 1941. View looks about southwest, along Sand Island’s southern side. This building was hit again, by Japanese air attack on 4 June 1942, during Fire-gutted bow section of a PBY-3 Catalina patrol bomber (Bureau # 0824), photographed on the morning after the 7 December 1941 night the Battle of Midway. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. bombardment by Japanese destroyers Ushio and Sazanami. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. children if they need me to. One time I problems with duty days.” especially if you’re a single mother,” sat at the hair salon while a Sailor got As a Sailor and a mother, Beckett said Roberts. “If you have friends that their hair done, and I watched her boys shares the same hardships as all you work with that you trust, you can the entire time. I’ve also helped Sailors mothers who wear the uniform. rely on them to help pick up your kids while deployed by watching their “The biggest challenge that I am when you can’t. It’s a relief knowing children while their significant others faced with being a mother in the Navy that you have other people that you were at work or when they stood duty is the time that is lost with my son trust that can take care of your child in on weekends.” from constantly being underway or your time of need.” Beckett, who has been in the Navy deployed,” said Beckett. “The one With Sailors like Roberts and ERH for 12 years and has an 11-year-old thing that you can never get back Beckett sharing their experiences, TH O son to care for understands that is time and the milestones that you future mothers serving in the Navy can O motherhood in the Navy is about missed.” be prepared to face the challenges of O D teamwork. Like teachers educating their motherhood that they may encounter. M “It’s about the child,” said Beckett. students, mothers currently serving in It’s like the old adage goes, ‘It “It’s about knowing that I made a Navy have great lessons to pass on to takes a village to raise a child’, and difference in that hour or many hours future mothers serving in the Navy. sometimes that village wears the by caring, nurturing and educating that “The advice that I would give is cloth of our nation, supporting those child or children. I help others because try to make good friends because in that need extra help during those I know there have been times when my the Navy you can be sent anywhere, challenging times so they can continue shipmates have helped me, especially anytime and most of the time you will to meet their military obligations. when I was that junior Sailor having have to depend on your shipmates

IT TAKES A VILLAGE By MC3 Trey Hutcheson

t’s no secret that being in the duty days for instance, I have to be on have to know them and trust them. I military and balancing family the ship for 24 hours. Being a single need to know that my child is being Ilife can be challenging. This is mom I have to find someone to pick my cared for. It’s an emotional feeling. As especially true for mothers that serve in child up from school and take care of a mother, you want to know that your all branches of service, including those them while I’m away.” kids are safe and being cared for the on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Roberts, who has a 4-year-old son way you would care for them.” George Washington (CVN 73). knows all too well the hardships of Some Sailors go above and beyond to Motherhood brings hardships and being a parent and having to rely on help their shipmates who are mothers, sacrifice when it comes to making sure people she trusts to help care for her and their families. One such Sailor an appropriate care plan is in place for child. is Machinist Mate 1st Class Sheltina the safety of their children. “One of the biggest challenges that A. Beckett, the leading petty officer “It’s pretty challenging being a I face is making sure that my child is of fire watch division for Weapons mother in the Navy,” said Culinary safe because I can’t be there all the department. Specialist 2nd Class Madeline Roberts, time with deployments, underways and “For many years I’ve helped Sailors a mother aboard George Washington. standing duty,” said Roberts. “I can’t with their children,” said Beckett. “On “Some days are harder than others. On just leave my child with anybody. I their duty days I will watch Sailors’ Photo courtesy of MM1 Sheltina A. Beckett NOTASHIPINSIGHT By MCSN Zack Thomas

Japanese aircraft carrier Shoho is hit, during attacks by U.S. Navy carrier aircraft in the late morning of 7 May 1942. Photographed from a USS Lexington (CV 2) plane. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives) he Battle of the Coral Sea was attack, Yorktown and Lexington sunk Japanese carriers Zuikaku and Shokaku a defining moment during the the light-aircraft carrier Shoho as well were damaged. Despite the damage, TSecond World War. For the first as one cruiser. both sides were able to return to Pearl time in naval history, a battle at sea was The following day, both the Japanese Harbor and Japan respectively, ending waged without either side seeing their and the Americans sent out scouts to the Battle of the Coral Sea. enemies’ ships. This was a battle of locate more enemy ships. Several hours According to historical data on Naval aircraft. later, and after the scouts made contact History and Heritage Command, the At the beginning of the Battle of the with their opponents, Japanese fighters battle is one of the most infamous Coral Sea, both the Americans and the were sent out. events in modern naval history. Imperial Japanese sought control of Port According to historical data on Navy. Distinguished as the first time a naval Moresby as well as Tulagi Island. To mil, the first successful hit was on the battle was fought solely with aircraft, control the area, both sides sent aircraft aircraft carrier Shokaku, which left the as well as forcing the Imperial Japanese carriers. This would cause the entirety carrier unable to launch planes. This to adopt a new strategy in the Pacific of the battle to be carried out by the attack caused the ship to leave the area Theatre which would ultimately lead to aircraft attached to the carriers. and return to Japan for repairs. their defeat. According to historical data on Naval Two hours later, the Imperial Japanese The tactics used in the Battle of the History and Heritage Command, the fighters struck the American carriers, Coral Sea were new, but it didn’t keep battle started in the beginning of May severely damaging Lexington. The ship the Allied forces from reaching success. 1942, when Task Force 17, under the was unable to continue through and was Due to the gains made in this battle, it command of Rear Adm. Frank Jack therefore evacuated. set the Allied forces up for the Battle of Fletcher sent aircraft from Yorktown At the end of the battle, Yorktown and Midway that occurred shortly thereafter. (CV 5) to attack an Imperial Japanese naval base on Tulagi Island. During this time, the Imperial Japanese navy was sailing toward Port Moresby to establish a base and cut Australia off from allied forces. On May 7, 1942, Yorktown and Lexington (CV 2) sent out an attack on

Japanese forces that were covering the Destroyers assist with the abandonment of USS Lexington (CV-2), during the afternoon of 8 May Port Moresby attack force. During this 1942. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.) (March 30, 2018) Sailors pose for a photo following the retirement ceremony of AB1 Tommy Ulman at Olde Yorke Chapel. (Photo by MCSA continuity pay, a mid-career retention “The TSP matching is awesome,” The BRS calculator is a tool located Adam Ferrero) tool received between the eight and 12 said Davids . “Having a matching on the military compensation website year mark in which, if a Sailor reenlists contribution on top of what I’m already that assists eligible service members in in the Navy, they receive a pay between putting in means even more savings put comparing the two retirement systems. 2.5 and 13 times their base pay, away for later.” “In general, I tell Sailors who know depending on the Navy’s need for their Despite several advantages of the they don’t want to stay in the Navy until skill set. This can be determined by rate, BRS’s, there are some aspects of it that retirement that they should opt-in,” said rank, and Navy Enlisted Classification may still make the traditional system Tornabene. “Otherwise they will leave (NEC ). more appealing for some Sailors. the Navy with no benefits.” According to Tornabene, those “Sailors enrolled in BRS only receive Tornabene said that Sailors who have enrolled in BRS also get the option of 40 percent pension after 20 years of questions about Blended Retirement receiving a lump sum of 25percent or service instead of 50 percent,” said can ask the CFS, the Command Career 50 percent at retirement in exchange for Tornabene. “Annual increase for years Counselor and the Fleet and Family a reduced retired pay annuity until they of service after 20 years are 2 percent Support Center. reach full retirement age, which is 67 per year instead of 2.5 percent as well.” It’s never too early to think about the OPTINGTOOPT-IN years old. With so many differing features of future and about retirement. By keeping Perhaps one of the most exciting each system, some Sailors may want themselves informed, Sailors can make THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM advantages for some Sailors is that, to seek additional guidance in helping sure they choose the retirement system By MCSA Adam Ferrero under the BRS, the DoD provides them make the choice of whether or not that works best for them. matching contributions to a Sailor’s to opt-in. For more information on the ailors who accrue several years serve 20 years like the old retirement a Sailor aboard George Washington. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) up to 5 “The most common question I get Blended Retirement System and of service in the Navy provide system.” “With the new system, if I decide to percent. is, ‘should I opt-in to BRS?’,” said to use the BRS calculator, visit the themselves with the opportunity The option of receiving these benefits leave earlier than that, I don’t come S “You are in charge of your money,” Tornabene. “That is really up to the Military Compensation website to build, not just a solid naval career, before the 20-year mark is well received away with any benefits like I would said Tornabene. “The TSP portion individual. The most helpful tool to at http://militarypay.defense.gov/ but also something to take with them among some Sailors who aren’t sure have before. It’s reassuring.” of BRS allows you to control how help in making this decision is the BRS BlendedRetirement/. after it’s complete. I’m talking of course about how much time they’ll commit to In addition to receiving retirement contributions are invested within TSP.” calculator.” about retirement. the Navy. benefits with less than 20 service years, For a long time, Sailors who served “It’s still early, and I’m not sure yet the BRS carries other advantages. for at least 20 years had the opportunity if I want to do the full 20 years,” said Tornabene said that advantages over to retire under the traditional “High-3” Machinist Mate Fireman Chris Davids, the traditional retirement system include retirement system. Sailors with 12 or more years of service as of Dec. 21, 2017 will still be grandfathered into that system. For less seasoned Sailors however, the advent of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new Blended Retirement System (BRS) will require some thought in regard to which system works best for them. “The Blended Retirement System is important because it is the new retirement system for all Sailors joining the Navy after Dec. 17, 2017, and anyone who elects to opt-in,” said Nuclear Trained Machinist Mate Chief Paul Tornabene, the command financial specialist (CFS) aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “It allows 85 percent of active duty members to receive (March 30, 2018) AB1 Tommy Ulman gives a speech at his retirement ceremony Olde Yorke Infographic created by MCSA Adam Ferrero Source: Military Compensation Website – militarypay.defense.gov/blendedretirement/ retirement benefits without needing to Chapel. (Photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero) (May 8, 2018) Sailors assigned to the training department pose for a photo. (Photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber) Systems (CeTARS) and Defense “We are the number one Training “There really aren’t any differences Travel System (DTS). The Training department of all carriers throughout while being on deployment or department also assists in guiding the fleet, with a 97.3 average of underway versus what we are doing those who have not previously schools not missed,” said Orr. “We here in the shipyards,” said Orr. obtained a Government Travel Charge are able to operate at this high of a “Regardless of where we are, our job Card, which is a necessary tool to level because of the hard work of is basically the same.” have for any cost temporary duty my Sailors, as well as the hard work Although their job stays the same, travels that occur. of all the Sailors onboard the ship their workload becomes easier to “Training brings various different that are attending these schools and manage because of the environment aspects to the ship,” said Aviation classes.” the shipyard brings to a carrier. Boatswain’s Mate-Handling 1st As well as hard work, George “Our workload, on the other hand, DEPARTMENT Class Reshawn Orr, the leading Washington’s Training department would be much harder to handle if we In The petty officer of Training department is the best in the fleet because of the weren’t in the shipyard because of the aboard George Washington. “We willingness get the job done. limited computer access you have at SPOTLIGHT are in charge of all travel requests “I think our department is so times while underway,” said Orr. “In and we also run the command effective because everyone in the the shipyard, the computers are a lot TRAINING indoctrination program. Every department is people friendly,” said faster, which makes us able to operate By MCSN Michael Botts new Sailor that comes aboard USS Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Hannah much faster, and we can call the he life of a Sailor requires class aircraft carrier USS George They process requests for cost and George Washington has to check Bellingham. “We love to make sure necessary people right away instead balancing many things, Washington (CVN 73) that can make no cost Temporary Duty Orders for in through us and has to get their that any need or request you have is of taking all of the extra steps while such as work commitments, one requirement a little easier is Sailors and Officers to attend schools basic qualifications through Training answered. We will go the extra mile we are underway or on deployment.” T department.” for anyone who needs us.” With a friendly staff to assist with maintenance, deck watches, meetings Training. locally and across the country. This and training opportunities in order Training Department manages includes obtaining course quotas, Although RCOH can be a Unlike other departments aboard all of your travel, schools, and travel to maintain readiness standards to the Indoctrination courses, which arranging transportation and lodging challenging time, Sailors in the George Washington, Training’s card needs, Training department support mission tasking. trains newly reporting Sailors and for Sailors through Corporate Training department are working hard day-to-day requirements doesn’t encourages the Spirit of Freedom One department aboard the Nimitz- Officers about life aboard the ship. Enterprise Training Activity Resource to make sure every Sailor gets the change much, even in a shipyard crew to take advantage of training training they want or need. environment. opportunities while in the shipyard.

(May 8, 2018) Sailors recently assigned to George Washington attend command indoctrination organized by the ship’s training department at Huntington Hall. (Photo by MC3 Kristen Yarber) Retired Master Chief Britt HEALTH/WELLNESS Slabinski to Receive Medal of CVN NAVY Honor NEWS From Naval Special Warfare Command

The White House cleared one enemy bunker at close range. to review all Service Cross and Silver announced today The enemy then unleashed a murderous hail Star recommendations for actions since that President of machine gun fire from a second hardened September 11, 2001, to ensure Service Donald J. Trump position twenty meters away. Senior Chief members who performed valorously were will award the Slabinski exposed himself to enemy fire on appropriately recognized. Medal of Honor to three sides, then moved forward to silence Master Chief Slabinski, a native of Master Chief Petty the second position. With bullets piercing Northampton, MA, joined the Navy in Officer (SEAL), his clothing, he repeatedly charged into September 1988. After graduating from Retired, Britt deadly fire to personally engage the enemy Radioman Class “A” School in San Diego, Slabinski for his bunker with direct rifle fire, hand grenades CA, he completed the Basic Underwater heroic actions in and a grenade launcher on the surrounding Demolition/SEAL course in January 1990. March 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar enemy positions. Facing mounting He retired in June 2014 as the Director of while serving in Afghanistan. casualties and low on ammunition, the Naval Special Warfare Safety Assurance Master Chief Slabinski will be awarded situation became untenable. Senior Chief and Analysis Program after more than 25 the Medal of Honor during a White House Slabinski skillfully maneuvered his team years of service. ceremony on May 24, 2018 for his actions across open terrain, directing them out of Throughout his career, Master Chief while leading a team under heavy effective effective enemy fire over the mountainside. Slabinski was assigned to both West and enemy fire in an attempt to rescue teammate Senior Chief Slabinski maneuvered his East Coast SEAL teams and completed nine Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts during team to a more defensible position, directed overseas deployments and 15 combat tours. Operation ANACONDA in 2002. Master danger-close air support on the enemy, Master Chief Slabinski has previously Chief Slabinski’s selfless actions throughout requested reinforcements, and directed the been awarded the Navy Cross; the Navy the 14-hour battle constituted gallantry and medical care of his rapidly deteriorating and Marine Corps Medal; five Bronze intrepidity at the risk of his life above and wounded teammates, all while continuing Star Medals with Combat “V” device; beyond the call of duty. to defend his position. When approaching two Combat Action Ribbons; two Navy In the early morning of 4 March daylight and accurate enemy mortar fire and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; 2002, then-Senior Chief Slabinski led a forced the team to maneuver further down the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; reconnaissance team to its assigned area the sheer mountainside, Senior Chief the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint atop Takur Ghar, a 10,000-foot snow- Slabinski carried a seriously wounded Service Commendation Medal; the Joint covered mountain in Afghanistan. An teammate through waist-deep snow, and led Service Achievement Medal; and eight enemy rocket-propelled grenade attack an arduous trek across precipitous terrain Good Conduct Medals. on the insertion helicopter caused Petty while calling in fires on enemies engaging Additional information about Master Officer Neil Roberts to fall onto the enemy- the team from the surrounding ridges. Chief Slabinski is available at http:// infested mountaintop below, and forced Throughout the next 14 hours, he stabilized navylive.dodlive.mil/medalofhonor. the damaged helicopter to crash land in the the casualties and continued the fight against The Medal of Honor is awarded to valley below. Fully aware of the risks, a the enemy until the mountain top could be members of the Armed Forces who numerically superior and well-entrenched secured and his team was extracted. His distinguish themselves conspicuously by enemy force, and approaching daylight, dedication, disregard for his own personal gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their without hesitation Senior Chief Slabinski safety and tactical leadership make Master own lives above and beyond the call of duty made the selfless and heroic decision to Chief Slabinski unquestionably deserving of while: lead the remainder of his element on an this honor. * engaged in an action against an enemy immediate and daring rescue back to the He is only the 12th living service member of the United States; mountaintop. Senior Chief Slabinski’s to be awarded the Medal of Honor for * engaged in military operations team, despite heavy incoming enemy fire, bravery displayed in Afghanistan. The involving conflict with an opposing foreign was subsequently successfully inserted on Medal of Honor is an upgrade of the Navy force; or top of Takur Ghar. Senior Chief Slabinski, Cross he was previously awarded for these * serving with friendly foreign forces without regard for his own life, charged actions. engaged in an armed conflict against an directly toward the enemy strongpoint. He Former Secretary of Defense Ash opposing armed force in which the United and a teammate fearlessly assaulted and Carter directed the military departments States is not a belligerent party.