THE ASHINGTON URVEYOR W S SEPT. 8, 2017

By MCSN Oscar Albert Moreno Jr. THEPEOPLEBEHIND THESAILORS

A STORY OF PERSONNEL

By MCSN Julie Vujevich THISDAYINNAVYHISTORY

THE BATTLE OF CAPES

By MC2 Anna Van Nuys BETTERBREAKFASTMONTH

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING A BREAKFAST ROUTINE On the cover: (Sept. 7, 2017) PS3 Sherane Blackman reviews documents at her desk inside the Personnel office in the Maritime Building. (Photo by MCSN Oscar Albert Moreno Jr.) PHOTO of theDAY

W (Aug. 31, 2017) Capt. Michael Bratley, center, and his family pose for a photo during his promotion ceremony. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding Officer Executive Officer Command Master Chief CAPT Glenn Jamison 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 Editor Staff MC3 Alan Lewis MC2 Alora Blosch MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Shayla Hamilton MCSN Julie Vujevich MC2 Jessica Gomez MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Kashif Basharat MC2 Kris Lindstom MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Brian Sipe MC2 Bryan Mai MC3 Jacob Goff MCSN Oscar Moreno MC2 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Jamin Gordon MCSN Marlan Sawyer

The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS (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 [email protected]* THEPEOPLEBEHINDTHESAILORS A STORY OF PERSONNEL By MCSN Oscar Albert Moreno Jr.

o matter what duty station a Sailor get assigned to, they Nare accompanied with endless paperwork and documents under their name. From Page 2’s to performance evaluations to even pay issues, the pa- per trail seems endless and without any sense of organization. Luckily, the Personnel department aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is stacked with qualified Sailors, ready to take on any and all issues that may come their way. Personnel is split up to five different sections, with customer service being the hub of the department. Customer (Sept. 07, 2017) ABH 1 Charles Paulino, left, getS clarification on a document by PS2 Malik Jalloh, (Photo by MCSN Oscar Albert Moreno Jr.) service is split up into two sections: Pay and Personnel. Pay handles pay benefits ing and complex overhaul (RCOH) Per- known as Personnel Department, and and issues, like flight deck pay and fam- sonnel Department can be located in the that is to uphold the standard they have ily separation allowance. Personnel han- Maritime Building in Newport News at placed on themselves to do their best on dles re-enlistments and Page 2’s. 2600 Washington Ave. Suite 203. How- a daily basis. “At customer service, we try to help ever, there is a duty Personnel office in “Personnel is an intricate process with Sailors with any questions that they may Room 220 of the Floating Accommoda- lots of moving parts,” said Chief Per- have,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd tion Facility (FAF) for any necessities sonnel Specialist Bradley Mcanuff, Per- Class Shavaughn Hunter. “Sailors will that need to be taken care of while Sail- sonnel Department leading chief petty always have questions, from pay issues ors are on duty. PS’s use TOPS (transac- officer. “Each and every one of those and reenlistments, and it’s our job to tion online processing system) to trans- 12,000 transactions a month are done eliminate most if not all uncertainties fer all documents from the ship to the by our detailed-orientated Sailors. The that Sailors may have.” main building, allowing PS’s on duty to aptitude test you take before you enter The remaining three sections are sep- start on Sailors’ needs on the spot. the military gauges a person to a job that arations/transfers, travel/receipts and “TOPS acts like a liaison from the fits a specific description. These Sailors the education service office. Separa- ship to the main office and vice versa,” want to be here and they want to help.” tions and transfers deals with any end of said Hunter. TOPS also is like an ac- The Personnel Department works MCSN Julie Vujevich service documents or transfers to other countability log on our side of things. It hard with excellence on their minds as commands. Travel and receipts takes keeps track when the document was cre- they proceed to handle every transac- care of any travel situations and new ated, where it was sent, when it was read tion that comes their way with proper checks-in, and the Education Service and its current location. It eliminates execution every time. Office helps with any school questions, the issue where paperwork is left at the For more information, contact your online or on campus, advancement bottom of the stack and deadlines start duty PS at room 220 on the FAF, or Per- exams and signing exam worksheets placing Sailors in a bind,” said Hunter. sonnel at (757) 534-1582 at the Maritime whether they take the test or not. Both the junior Sailors and Khaki’s Building. During George Washington’s refuel- play an important role in the machine THISDAYINNAVYHISTORY THE BATTLE OF By MCSN Julie Vujevich

t began in 1775 with “the shot though combat ceased in 1781 with Concord, Bunker Hill, Fort Ticon- heard ‘round the world,” and the surrender of British forces at deroga, Valley Forge and Trenton. I ended with the surrender of Yorktown, the war was not fully re- Many are not often taught, however, British General Charles Cornwallis solved until 1783 when the Treaty the may not have at Yorktown, Virginia, marking the of Paris was signed, recognizing been such a key battle in the war end of the Revolutionary War. the sovereignty of the if it hadn’t been for a naval battle Over ten years of strained rela- and formally concluding the war. which had happened over a month tions between Britain and the col- Many of the battles of the Revolu- earlier. onies was followed by the initia- tionary War are so notable that they The Battle of the Chesapeake, or tion of open combat in April 1775 are remembered by name to this day. the Battle of the Virginia Capes, is at Concord, thus beginning a war As children, Americans were taught one very few Americans have even that lasted eight long years. Al- about the battles of Lexington and heard about. Most likely due to the

Battle of the Virgnia Capes

The French fleet was lead by Rear Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse 1781 Information courtesy of C3i magazine The surrender of Lord Cornwallis October 19, 1781 at Yorktown (Photo courtesy of Library Congress)

A French fleet successfully prevented the British fleet from entering and relieving Major General Lord Cornwallis’ army at Yorktown, Virginia. After a siege by American and French forces, Cornwallis was forced to surrender on 19October 1781, an event that led the British to abandon their effort to prevent American independence. fact that no Americans took part in Yorktown their resupply and escape “This engagement was one of the the battle. The battle took place be- route. Because British ships couldn’t decisive battles of history,” wrote tween the French, whom were allied come to their aid, the British had Michener, “for when it was termi- with the Americans, and British na- to abandon all hope of retreat, and nated, with the French line of battle vies. instead were forced to surrender to still impregnable, the English had to On Sept. 5, 1781, a French fleet of General Washington and his colonial withdraw, leaving the Chesapeake 24 ships engaged a British fleet of army. Cornwallis’ surrender hap- open to the French fleet. Rocham- nineteen ships in the Battle off the pened less than two months after the beau was now able to bring thou- Virginia Capes. The battle lasted Battle of the Chesapeake. sands of French soldiers south for for several days with no decisive While neither side won nor lost the the final thrust against Cornwallis; victory. The British fleet redirected battle, the French fleet succeeded in the iron blockade of the Atlantic their forces on Sept. 13, returning to the prevention of the British fleet ports was broken. New York to regroup and repair their from relieving the besieged army “It became a battle without a damaged ships. of Cornwallis at Yorktown, leading name, a triumph without a celebra- The British naval blockade was ef- to the eventual surrender of some tion. It accomplished nothing but the fectively broken by the Battle of the 7,000 British troops to the combined freedom of America, the establish- Chesapeake. As a result, the French American and French army. ment of a new system of government wound up in possession of the bay. James A. Michener wrote in his against which all others would even- The French were then able to supply fictionalized novel of the event, tually compare themselves, and a re- the American land forces with heavy Chesapeake about the impact that vision of the theory of empire.” artillery, also denying the British in the battle had on American history. BETTERBREAKFASTMONTH THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING A BREAKFAST ROUTINE By MC2 Anna Van Nuys

s the end of summer draws completely skipping breakfast you both of which are among the leading near, children begin to fin- are going to impair your ability to causes of death in Americans. Aish their outdoor games and perform, both physically and mental- “Health is a huge issue in the Unit- head back to school. Instead of relax- ly,” said Lt. Ruth Cortes, the ship’s ed States,” said Aviation Boatswain’s ing on the beach under the warm sun- physician assistant. “We’ve seen a lot Mate 3rd Class Alejandro Lazo, a light, people are returning indoors to of people come into medical because Sailor onboard George Washington, plan for the autumn festivities. What- their sugar has been dropping or they who is a Fitness Enhancement Pro- ever the season has in store, Septem- are dehydrated and shaking.” ber is here, and with it comes an unof- Cortes said the most common ficial holiday period; Better Breakfast complaint she would hear is that Month. breakfast just isn’t convenient for While it may seem daunting to whip many schedules, so she recommends up a creative and healthy breakfast ev- planning ahead and preparing your ery morning, especially on a military meal the night before. At the very schedule, there are ways to cut down least, she said, is to grab an apple on preparation time. With all the ben- or banana, something to jump start efits a healthy breakfast has to offer, your metabolism. dieticians across America, includ- “The people who don’t eat break- ing the Physician’s Assistant aboard fast are typically complaining about the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS their struggle with weight,” said George Washington (CVN 73), urge Cortes. “They skip breakfast, binge people not to skip out on breakfast, out on lunch, and what that really no matter what. is doing is stalling the metabolism. “What I come to find is especially When you starve yourself, your with a job like ours in the military body goes into a ‘survival’ mode that is fairly demanding is that by and craves high calories and things with high sugar, things that are an instant relief for hunger.” gram (FEP) facilitator and CrossFit Weight isn’t the only thing coach. “People want to say, ‘It’s not to consider when choos- that bad,’ but it really is that bad. ing whether or not to skip There are young kids even in elemen- breakfast. According to the tary school developing type 2 diabe- 2010 Dietary Guidelines tes. If we can impact those kids lives Advisory Committee Re- and impact their parents lives, you can port, research suggests that do a lot. It all starts from the top. My those who don’t eat a regular son is going to do whatever I do, and breakfast are at an increased so on and so forth. So, if I set a good risk of becoming overweight example for my son, he might follow and obesity. This can lead in my footsteps, and his son might do to an increased risk of heart the same thing.” disease and type 2 diabetes, In an effort to help those who don’t eat breakfast due to time constraints, develops this Maxine Smith, RD, LD, a registered dependency clinical dietitian who works in the on the caf- Department of Nutrition Therapy at feine and the Cleveland Clinic, suggested spending drink itself time over the weekend to plan out your is not enough mornings. to hold you “Consider batch cooking on the out through- weekend, particularly foods that take out the day. more time to cook,” said Smith. “You Ingesting too can then use them for a few days or much caf- freeze in individual portions. It takes feine causes some planning but frees up so much poor concen- of your valuable time during the tration, irri- week. Frozen fruits and vegetables tability, and to improve. are healthy, non-perishable options. it ends up slowing the metabolism, “Focus on where your weaknesses because they have nothing in their are,” said Cortes. “If you don’t like body aside from the caffeine to sus- fruit, explore and try to find something tain them throughout the morning you do like. If you don’t already take a time.” multi-vitamin, maybe consider adding Cortes also addressed those who that to your diet. As always, if there may not eat breakfast in the morning is something wrong, any Sailor always simply because they just aren’t that can come to medical for help.” hungry. She warns that this may be In addition to the ship’s med- due to a poor diet overall, not just a ical department on the Floating Ac- poor morning routine. commodation Facility (FAF), Sailors “I think that some of the problem can utilize the knowledge of their lays with people eating their dinners ship’s Fitboss, Nate Owen, as well as really late,” said Cortes. “What hap- visit the site www.navyfitness.org. pens is that people wait to eat later at night and then they ar- en’t hungry at all in the morn- ing when they wake up. But by the time it’s 9 or 10 in the morning they are famished and overindulge on lunch. If you eat [dinner] by 7 p.m., you ar- There are some great frozen options en’t going to have any acid re- for whole grains such as quinoa with flux or indigestion by the time roasted vegetables and brown rice. you are laying down and getting These shortcuts may help.” ready for bed. It’s better for your In addition to eating smart, Cortes metabolism too because now wants Sailors to keep a watchful eye you are letting your body prop- on their caffeine intake in the early erly metabolize things and it just morning. keeps you on a good routine and “One thing we really like to discour- good rhythm.” age is waking up and just consuming While breakfast is important an energy drink, anything with only year-round, the month of Sep- caffeine. If that’s a daily routine in tember is a time to reflect on di- the morning, the person doing that ets and healthy eating and ways RAISINGAWARENESS SUICIDEPREVENTIONMONTH By MC2 Alora Blosch

“It sometimes only takes one stranger to say hi to another, one person to have a genuine conversation, one person to show genuine concern for the other. When someone tells you that they are thinking about sui- cide, the best thing to do is listen.” - CS3 Katelynn Phillips

t’s easier to run, replacing this ington’s (CVN 73) suicide intervention According to the Applied Suicide pain with something numb. It’s team. “It’s something that can happen Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) “Iso much easier to go than face behind the scenes and goes unnoticed, course from Living Works, some warn- this pain all alone… Sometimes I re- but by raising awareness we keep re- ing signs of suicide are giving away member the darkness of my past, bring- minding ourselves what to do and what cherished possessions, saying goodbye ing back memories I wish I didn’t have. to watch out for in the people around to loved ones, isolation, expressing feel- Sometimes I think of letting go and nev- us.” ings of hopelessness, and withdrawal. er looking back and never moving for- According to the American Founda- Risk factors differ from warning signs ward so there’d never be a past.” These tion for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Sui- because it doesn’t mean someone is ex- are lyrics sang by Chester Bennington, cide is the 10th leading cause of death periencing suicidal ideation or depres- the lead singer of Linkin Park, in the in the United States with approximately sion, just that they are at risk of experi- song ‘It’s easier to run’ on his album 44,193 people dying from it each year. encing those emotions. Meteora released in 2003. Benning- Learning to recognize when someone is “Someone at risk of a suicide attempt ton took his life July 2017 after years contemplating suicide can help decrease can be very stressed out,” said Phillips. of dealing with depression. His suicide these numbers by intervening or pre- “Maybe they are going through a di- sparked a conversation throughout the venting the act before it happens. vorce, lost someone close to them, are nation about suicide and how it affects “The warning signs can happen very dealing with financial stress or have everyone even those who seem to have quickly when someone is dealing with been struggling with mental illness. their life put together. His music focused suicidal thoughts,” said Phillips. “A These things can make someone feel on bringing awareness to depression and suicide attempt is a very thought out, like they aren’t getting anywhere in life anxiety and letting his audience know planned process by the victim. Chanc- and can’t catch a break or accomplish- that they weren’t alone in those feelings. es are the day they are planning to go ment.” September is Suicide Prevention and through with it; something could hap- When someone is dealing with suicid- Awareness Month. Raising awareness is pen that changes the course of their al ideation it becomes important to get one of the first steps toward combatting plan. Watch out for a rush to end conver- treatment, but sometime it comes down suicide because the more educated peo- sations that get too personal, avoidance to friends to push them to it. The tenden- ple become; the easier it is to recognize to answering questions when asking cy is to keep all of those heavy emotions the risk factors and warning signs. about problems or suicidal thoughts. En- inside so that they don’t burden others “I think raising awareness is import- courage them that it is something many and sharing can make it all seem real in- ant because it sometimes falls on the people struggle with and that they are stead of just that voice in their head. way side,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd not alone. Most importantly, if you think “Seeking out treatment is important Class Katelynn Phillips, a member of someone is at risk of suicide DO NOT because if you hold everything inside, the aircraft carrier USS George Wash- leave them alone.” it can build up and become worse,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class John “A lot of things happen with those af- ing a listening ear for someone to blow Stone, a behavioral health technician. fected from suicide,” said Phillips. “On off steam or sort through their prob- “I like to think of it like a balloon. The top of the grieving process there is a lot lems can have a major role in prevent- more air that goes into that balloon, the of blame and shame that we can expe- ing suicide. Being informed on what to more likely it is to pop. Once that bal- rience. The loneliness, depression and do when the signs are recognized also loon pops, that’s when people end up in guilt can cause a lot more pain than a helps, because when the right channels trouble. They start making destructive death by natural causes like old age are used people dealing with depression decisions. That’s why going to get help or cancer, because it could have been can get the help they need to overcome it is equivalent to letting some air out of stopped if the right intervention had oc- and can help remove them from the cor- that balloon.” curred.” ner they feel backed into. The psychologist provides support for Suicide is something that can be com- If you are dealing with depression, those Sailors who may feel the pressure batted it only takes being informed and anxiety or suicidal ideation reach out to beginning to build; however, Stone be- knowing how to identify risk and warn- the ASIST team, ship’s psychologist, a lieves a good way to help with releasing ing signs. It can be a simple conversa- chaplain or call the national suicide life- some of that pressure is also through tion where instead of saying of accept- line at 1-800-273-8255. The command support networks and friendships. ing “I’m good” as a response, people dig chaplain can be reached on the Floating “Friends are a great resource to uti- deeper and ask about how things are re- Accommodation Facility (FAF) in room lize,” said Stone. “They are someone ally going. Showing compassion and be- 321 or by phone at 757-534-0269. you can talk to, someone to vent to, someone to utilize for support in your time of need. If everyone had a good chain of support, then there wouldn’t be a need for a psychologist because you would have everyone you need there to help you get through a problem.” It’s also important to recognize peo- ple’s mannerisms and behaviors because the first line of defense is the people who work with those struggling Sailors. Stone said the best way to help is to ask. “Intervention is easier than someone would think,” said Phillips. “It some- times only takes one stranger to say hi to another, one person to have a genu- ine conversation, one person to show genuine concern for the other. When someone tells you that they are think- ing about suicide, the best thing to do is listen. Do your best to not leave the person alone. Ask them about what is causing them to feel this way and find out what things can happen to change or help their situation, make a plan to keep them safe until you can get them to the help that they need.” The AFSP stated that with every suicide there are approximately 25 at- tempts. Suicide doesn’t only affect the person struggling. It also affects all the people that love the person too. NAVY Florida Navy Bases NEWS Prepare for Irma From Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

families will be reimbursed for lodg- ing and per diem at the approved rate for their designated safe haven. U.S. Fleet Forces, Navy Installa- tions Command and Navy Region Southeast are providing support to the installations. Personnel and fami- ly members should check installation and Navy Region Southeast social media and websites and stay tuned to local radio and television stations for updates and additional information. (Sept. 5, 2017) Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West port operations secure equipment “Please keep safety in mind when from NAS Key West’s Mole Pier in preparation for evacuation from Hurricane Irma. Non-essential traveling to your safe haven,” Boli- personnel and dependents at NAS Key West have received mandatory evacuation orders. Essential personnel will shelter in place, manning essential functions at the air station. (photo by Mc2 Cody R. var said. “The interstate highway and Babin) other roads will be congested with Navy installations throughout Flor- Evaluation Center, 166 non-essential other Florida residents moving away ida are preparing for heavy weather personnel and family members and 97 from the storm. Be patient, follow the as Hurricane Irma approaches South pets are being airlifted from the facil- directions of local law enforcement Florida. ity off the Florida coast. They will be officials and remember to muster Commander, Navy Region South- headed to their designated safe haven. when you reach safe haven.” east, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, di- “Additionally,” Bolivar said, “I’ve All Navy personnel are encouraged rected the evacuation of non-essential directed that when mandatory or- to update emergency contact informa- personnel and family members from ders are issued by competent civilian tion through the NFAAS, which can Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, authorities in Florida counties that be accessed at www.navyfamily.navy. Sept. 5. “Their safety and security could be impacted by Hurricane Irma, mil, or through the NFAAS smart- is a top priority,” Bolivar said. Ap- non-essential active duty military, ci- phone app available for both iOS or proximately 50-60 mission essential vilian employees, drilling reservists Android. If personnel need support, personnel are remaining behind to and authorized dependents residing in they can complete a needs assessment maintain essential functions on the those counties are authorized to evac- through the site or the app on their installation. uate.” smartphone and a Navy counselor Naval Air Station Key West per- Personnel and family members who will make contact to provide assis- sonnel have a designated safe haven evacuate must be placed on evacua- tance. area of within 300 miles of Atlanta. tion orders issued by their parent com- Emergency Family Assistance Cen- Personnel and family members need mand. For Navy Installations Com- ters will open after storm passage. to muster with the installation, their mand personnel and families, the safe Personnel and family members are command or through the Navy Fami- haven is within 300 miles of Atlanta. encouraged to check Facebook pages ly Accountability and Assistance Sys- For personnel and family members for their installation or Navy Region tem (NFAAS) website upon arrival to assigned to other commands, they Southeast for the latest information the safe haven area. should proceed to their command’s and updates. At the Atlantic Undersea Test and designated safe haven. Personnel and CVN HEALTH/WELLNESS All It Takes Is One...

...To Make A Difference. If you or someone you know is in crisis, visit your local Fleet and Family Support Center, or call the Military Crisis Line or 800-342-9647 Military OneSource. Life Counts IN HAPTON ROADS SEPTEMBER EVENTS

9/9 - 9th Annual Opera in the Park Town Point Park 9/16 - Neighborhood Expo TED Convocation Center 9/16 - Magnolia Circle Dragon Boat Race Military Circle Mall Food Court 9/20 - MacArthur Memorial 2nd Annual Film Festival 9/23 - 2nd Annual Book Lovers Bash The Slover Library 9/26 - Foodbank of Southern Virginia and Easter Shore Fundraiser 9/30 - Diamond Aff air Charity Classic 101 W. Main St

9/2 - Old Town Antiques to Flea Market County Street Parking Garage 9/2 - Olde Town Farmers’ Market (Every Sat.) Corner of High and Courts Street 9/14 - Sunset Thursday at Portside: Hotcakes Portside 9/16 - Farm to Table Tastings 400 High Street 9/22 - Portsmouth Community Convert: Paul McDermad Churchland High School 9/28 - Sunset Thursday at Portside: BLOCK PARTY! Portside 9/30 - Paradise Creek Nature Park Great Migration Bird Walk

9/3 - Symphony Under the Stars Chesapeake City Park 9/3-17 - Farmers Market (Wed. only) Chesapeake Health Department 9/9 - Freedom Run Dismal Swamp Trail 9/11 - Day of Remembrance Ceremony Chesapeake City Park 9/14 - Rolling on the River Food Truck Elizabeth River Park 9/16 - Movies and More Series: The Secret Life of Pets 9/23 - Family Fun Day Northwest River Park

9/9-9/10 - Neptune’s Annual Fall Wine Festival Neptune’s Park 9/9-9/10 - Virginia Beach Pet EXPO Convention Center 9/15 - End of Summer Bash Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club 9/29-10/2 - Sand Sculpting Championship 4th -10th Street 9/30 - Neptune Festival 16th-32nd Street 9/30 - Firework Extravaganza 20th Street

9/2 - Langley Speedway: NASCAR K&N Pro Series East 9/8 - Campfi re Fun and Wetlands Hayride NSandy Bottom Nature Park 9/9 - 7th Annual Buckroe Beach Arts in the Park 9/9-9/10 - Racing to Save the Bay Langley Speedway 9/23 - 92nd Annual Hampton Cup Regatta Mill Creek