GW Recognizes Key Players During

Availability Period
Story Number: NNS100311-10Release Date: 3/11/2010 12:32:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheryl L. Callahan, USS George Washington Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) recognized several "Key Players of the
Week" for their outstanding professionalism in the performance of their duties March 5.

The weekly awards ceremony in the ship's hangar bay singles out hard-working Sailors and shipyard
workers who are helping to improve George Washington's state of material condition during the ship's
selective restricted availability at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

The ceremony was also one way George Washington continues to commemorate the 50th anniversary
of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the U.S., which formalized an
alliance between the two nations. As part of the agreement, Sailors from the Navy's only permanently
forward-deployed aircraft carrier work with the Japanese to increase interoperability and better
maintain peace in the Pacific region.

"The teamwork displayed between our two nations speaks to what the 50th anniversary of our treaty
is all about," said George Washington Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman.

Japanese shipyard workers from Ship's Repair Facility (SRF) Yokosuka and Yokosuka-based Sumitomo
Heavy Industries play a significant role in keeping George Washington in the highest state of material
condition.

"The Japanese work is important because completing the work on time allows us to go out to sea on
time," said Ship Maintenance Manager Lt. Cmdr. Stephan Pomeroy.

During the ceremony, Lausman recognized Itsuo Yaso and Cliff Maher for their exceptional work which
was carried out in the same spirit as the two nation's half-century long agreement.

Yaso was cited for his strong leadership, dedication, and teamwork. He supervised all flight deck non-
skid work, resulting in early completion.

Maher and his team worked on Combat Systems Department and Task Force 70 staff work spaces,
resulting in progress ahead of schedule.

Lausman also recognized two junior Sailors for their ongoing efforts in getting George Washington
ready to deploy.

Air Traffic Controller Airman Nicholas Meaders, of Operations Department, has worked on more than
250 square feet of lagging, completing wardroom one ahead of schedule.

Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Phanivong Phillipe, a member of the Ship's Force Work Control Team, has
worked with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) on mechanical and electrical isolations, allowing
them to complete their jobs on schedule.

Jason Bricks, of PSNS, also received a key player award. PSNS workers are stateside specialists who
complement George Washington's crew in technical areas during the ship's ongoing maintenance
period.

The weekly key player awards are based on nominations from workers' parent companies or
commands. Lausman, PSNS Project Superintendent Chris Hughes, and SRF Project Superintendent
Nick Giannoukakis presented the awards.
For more news from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.