THE

ASHINGTON URVEYORW SAPRIL 28, 2017

By MCSA Julie Vujevich

THE STRENGTHOFTHEHUMAN

SPIRITGW SAILORS REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST

PHOTODAYof the

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).

The Washington Surveyor

Commanding OfficerCAPT Timothy Kuehhas CDR Colin Day CMDCM James Tocorzic

LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Executive Officer Command Master Chief

Public Affairs OfficerLTJG Andrew Bertucci

MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke

MC1 Alan GraggMCC Mary Popejoy

MC3 Kashif BasharatMC2 Alora Blosch MC3 Devin Bowser

MC2 Jessica Gomez MC3 Carter DentonMC2 Kris Lindsrton

MCSN Kristen YarberMC3 Anna Van NuysMCSA Julie VujevichMC3 Michael E. Wiese

MCSN Jamin GordonMC3 Joshua DuFrane

MC2 Bryan Mai MC3 Jacob GoffMC2 Jules Stobaugh

MCSN Oscar MorenoMC3 Brian Sipe

MCSN Alan LewisMC3 Shayla Hamilton

Deputy PAO Media DLCPO

Editors

Media LPO

Staff

On the cover: (April 26, 2017) Dana Cohen, a holocaust survivor, poses for a photo. (Photo by MC3 Joshua DuFrane)

*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at kashif.basharat@cvn73.navy.mil*

(April 24, 2017) Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Selhorst grills hot dogs and hamburgers during a fundraiser. (Photo by MC3 Anna Van Nuys)

MCSN Kristen YarberMCSA Julie Vujevich

MCSN Oscar Moreno

News 3 (WTKR) journalists cover the Hampton Roads metropolitan district com-

plete 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 com-munity is located here, including all five service branches, retirees and de-pendents, and major command head-quarters 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 profes-sions, and I am proud of this program because I think it is helpful to both sides.”

The collaboration between the civil-ian and military journalists in the area helps both to accurately inform their shared audience with relevant and in-triguing 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 mili-tary events such as deployments, homecomings, , technologies and innovations, and servicemembers involvement in the community. This program allows a reciprocal relation-

ship, 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 go-ing 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 ci-vilian 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 con-tacts 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 Sail-ors.

“I learned so much,” said Mass Com-munication 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 stu-dio,” said Melgarejo. “They get to see all the stress and everything that goes on in the newsroom when things hap-pen. We get breaking news. Denton was with us, he got to see how we han-dle 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 vehi-cle 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 al-ready have contacts in the industry.

“It’s a fun partnership. We met through a mutual respect of both busi-nesses 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 part-nerships in the future.”

For more information about News Team 3, visit www.wtkr.com

HAMPTONROADSCOLLABORATIONBy 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)

NEWS STATION OPENS DOORS FOR NAVY MCs

By MC2 Bryan Mai

BLENDEDRETIREMENT

The Department of Defense (DOD) will be retiring the leg-acy High Three retirement

system and start rolling out the new blended retirement system (BRS) Jan. 1, 2018. Although it won’t come into ef-fect for several more months, there are plenty of reasons to learn about what it offers and what it could mean for ser-vice members.

Service members who join the mili-tary after Dec. 31, 2017 will automati-cally be enrolled into the BRS. Service members with less than 12 years of service as of Dec. 31, 2017 (entered the service after Dec. 31, 2005 but before Jan. 1, 2018) will have the choice to either enroll with BRS or remain with the High Three system. Service members with 12 or more years of service will remain in the High Three system.

“Everyone wants to know which sys-tem they should go with,” said Chief Religious Program Specialist William Murdy, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “There is no clear answer though, since there are many factors and variables when it comes to individuals. Staying with High Three will be the better op-tion for some and the BRS will serve others better.”

Eligible service members will have the chance to opt-in from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018. Service members will be given the necessary training and re-sources to make the decision to either stay with High Three or to go with the BRS.

“Everyone will have to do training on the BRS,” said Chief Machinist Mate Paul Tornabene, George Washington’s lead command financial specialist and the facilitator for the BRS. “The senior Sailors who aren’t eligible to opt-in will be required to do the same training so they can train and inform junior Sailors so they can make the best decisions for themselves and those who plan on going with the new system will have to do ad-ditional training.”

No one joining prior to Jan. 1, 2018

will be automatically enrolled into the BRS and those who choose not to opt-in to BRS during the Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018 opt-in period will be ir-revocably locked into the legacy High Three retirement system. Service mem-bers that utilize the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will utilize MyPay to opt into the new system.

“I would say the BRS is the better op-tion for Sailors not planning on re-en-listing,” said Murdy. “The BRS is very similar to a 401(K) plan in the civilian sector. After the minimum two years of service required for the plan, you’ll be eligible to receive benefits from BRS if you decide to not re-enlist.”

Most service members (about 81 per-cent) do not make it to the 20-year mark

and leave the military with no retire-ment benefits. Under the BRS, about 85 percent of service members will receive a retirement benefit even if they don’t qualify for full retirement.

“The biggest difference between High Three and the BRS is the length of ser-vice in order to receive benefits,” said Tornabene. “With BRS, you won’t need to stay in for 20 or more years to start receiving retirement benefits.”

The DOD will automatically contribute 1 percent of a service mem-

ber’s base pay to their Thrift Sav-ings Plan (TSP) after 60 days of service. After the completion of two years of service, the service member is vested and the money belongs to them. If they decide to not re-enlist, the money goes with them.

“The DOD will also contribute matching and automatic contributions at the start of your third year of service,” said Murdy. “The DOD will automati-cally contribute 1 percent and up to an additional four percent if you decide to contribute five percent or more.”

Service members that opt into the BRS will begin receiving automatic and matching applicable government con-tributions effective the first pay period after the opt-in but it is important for service members to fully understand the new BRS and to take their time to make an informed decision.

For more information about the Blended Retirement System, visit mil-itarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetire-ment or see a command counselor or financial specialist.

CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM

“I would say the BRS is the better option for Sailors not

planning on re-enlisting.”-RPC William Murdy

$$THE UNIFORMED SERVICES

BLENDEDRETIREMENTSYSTEM

- Eligibility - 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

$BANK

Active Component as ofDec. 31, 2017, with Lessthan 12 Years of Service?

BRS Opt-In Eligible?

Reserve Component in apaid status and as ofDec. 31, 2017, with Lessthan 4,320 RetirementPoints?

CY 2018: Opt-In EligibleService Members DecideWhich Retirement Planto Choose

There are Resources to Help You:

Make an Informed Decision foryour Financial Future

• Opt-In Course on JKO• Installation Personal Financial Managers and Counselors• MilitaryOneSource.mil • Militarypay.defense.gov/ BlendedRetirement

• 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

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(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) 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)

(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)

WALKSFORAWARENESS

GW SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

By MC2 Alora Blosch

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Sexual Assault Prevention and Re-

sponse (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 aware-ness. 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 with-out 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 environ-ment for those in attendance. Partic-ipants 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 associa-tion 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 con-tact. “I’m excited that people from the command took time out of their sched-ules to show support to our team and Sexual Assault Awareness and Preven-tion 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-

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 sexu-al assault. SAPR works to promote professionalism, respect and trust using focused education, comprehensive response and compassionate advocacy while preserving Navy mission readi-ness.

For more information about sexual as-sault resources, visit SAPR.navy.mil. To report a sexual assault, contact a SAPR victim advocate. Advocates’ informa-tion 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)

(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)

NAVYNEWS

US, UK, France Complete Exercise Alligator Dagger 17

From USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

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 interna-tional 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 Am-phibious Ready Group (ARG) and 24th Ma-rine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with forces from the Royal Navy and French Marines.

The exercise’s purpose was to familiar-ize 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 Squad-ron (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 sev-eral 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-mili-tary with partnering nations.

“What’s great about these exercises is that we gain proficiency in our ability to operate effectively with coalition forces,” said Com-mander Amphibious Squadron 8, Capt. Larry LeGree. “Table-top exercises have great val-ue, but nothing beats actual at-sea operations to train as we fight. This high-end interoper-ability with the Royal Navy and the French Marines has reinforced my confidence in our ability to plan and execute together as an ef-

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 com-ing months,” said Royal Navy Cmdr. Ian Fea-sey, 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 inte-gration of forces. Forces at sea conducted an-ti-air and anti-submarine exercises to enhance at sea communication and coordination and provide a unique opportunity to enhance mul-tilateral 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 coali-tion forces into the Alligator Dagger 2017 an-ti-submarine exercise (ASW) exercise proved to be a great opportunity to improve our oper-ational 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 Ma-rines in the execution of aviation and ground support operations in an austere and arid en-vironment.

“There were multiple instances of interop-erability between the ACE and the French forces,” said Maj. Jason Harris, operations of-ficer of the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element (ACE), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365. “We were able to execute skills includ-ing reduced visibility landings, forward arm-ing and refueling point establishment, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, and air combat maneuvering. The training we ac-complished will further prepare us to support the MEU in the execution of any contingency operations.”

U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encom-passes 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, in-cludes 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)

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