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There are 365 days in a year. That’s 365 chances to accomplish a goal, make changes, take chances, and live every day to its fullest potential.
As we conclude the year, let’s take a look at how the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) made the best of each day in 2018.
The year got off to a great start with a visit from Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran, Jan. 10. During his visit, Moran spoke with Sailors, leaving them with words of encouragement and advice.
“He was very easy to talk to and very interested in what we had to ask him for the changes within the Navy,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Larissa Pruitt. “It was very exciting to see that happen. One of the best pieces of advice that the VCNO gave was to stay engaged during [refueling complex overhaul].”
One-on-one face time with someone of Moran’s stature is a once-in-a-career event. It can be said that those Sailors who were privileged enough to meet him used that moment to take a chance, reach a goal, and influence change.
As the year continued, the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) committee aimed to provide various events and resources in which George Washington’s Sailors could partake. At the same time, Rosalio Nieto became the new fitness specialist, or fit boss as the crew affectionately calls him, on Jan. 16. Nieto jumped into his new role eager to begin helping Sailors accomplish their fitness goals.
“My favorite part about my job is that I do not have to charge each Sailor,” said Nieto. “Coming from the private sector, I could only help individuals who paid me, but now that I am in the federal sector, I can help every Sailor. It does not matter what their issue is, or what they are trying to achieve, I am able to provide services to everyone.”
In addition to adding a new fitness specialist, MWR held a Super Bowl party and the annual command birthday ball in February.
“This year’s birthday ball had a total of 1,200 ticket sales, which was a better turnout than previous years,” said Lt. j.g. Shanita Williams, the MWR officer aboard George Washington. “The best part of the event was the positive feedback and watching everyone enjoy themselves. The casino was a success, and prize giveaways were something everyone greatly enjoyed.”
Another milestone event of February 2018, was a visit to the ship’s namesake’s home, Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Command Master Chief Maurice Coffey and Capt. Glenn Jamison, the commanding officer aboard George Washington, participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Washington’s tomb. Jamison presided over the event as the guest speaker.
“I was in awe; I could almost feel like I was a part of history just by being there,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) David Hooker. “For the guests to come to the ceremony, curious and wanting to know about our ship and what it is we do in the United States Navy, was very humbling.”
In April, the George Washington crew had a family fun day at a Norfolk Tides baseball game. This event allowed Sailors to take a break from the day-to-day shipyard work of refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and spend some quality time with family and friends.
May marked yet another milestone for the command. The first command physical training (PT) session took place on the field behind Huntington Hall.
"Participating in command PT has helped me to be more motivated and proactive in my physical health," said Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Tahina Rodriguez, a Sailor aboard George Washington. "Sometimes I may not feel like working out when I get home, but I know that I want to be able to push myself harder at the next command PT, so it helps me hold myself accountable.”
As the command strived to promote good physical health through command PT, the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) team also made an effort to take care of the crew’s mental health.
“ASIST is important because it gives Sailors someone to lean on,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd class Katelynn Phillips. “It is vital for those struggling to be able to talk to someone who can help them get the treatment they need.”
Throughout the year, the ASIST team held and participated in awareness walks for breast cancer, AIDS, and suicide. They also handed out purple ribbons to the crew in support of those affected by domestic violence.
To bring some fun to the summer, MWR hosted a Captain’s Cup, an athletic challenge in which each department competed for bragging rights. Events included a bowling tournament, paintball, tug-of-war, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, and a fitness competition.
“I participated in the bowling event, and had a great time,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Tony Jones, training department leading chief petty officer. “I enjoyed the time with all the Sailors involved as we showed off our GW Pride.”
In the end, there could only be one winner, and it was the Sailors of air department that earned the bragging rights as the George Washington Captain’s Cup champions of 2018.
From distinguished visitors, frocking ceremonies, chiefs’ pinning, and sportsmanship competitions, 2018 was filled with a lot of good times and memories that will last a lifetime. As we prepare to say farewell to 2018, one thing that will remain the same in 2019 is the RCOH mission for the ship. The crew will continue to work hard to bring the ship back to life so she can return to active service and support the Navy’s mission. Here’s to making more memories, achieving milestones and qualifications, and making a positive impact in our community in 2019!
| Date Taken: | 12.17.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2018 09:37 |
| Story ID: | 303841 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 73 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Looking Back: 2018 Year in Review, by PO3 Jamin Gordon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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