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GW, Fleet Hospital Participate in Integration Exercise

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040315-14

Release Date: 3/15/2004 10:41:00 PM

By Chief Journalist (IUSS) Henry Rice, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Eight Sailors from Fleet Hospital, Great Lakes, Ill., arrived aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) to take part in Exercise-04. The exercise, held March 3, involves the integration of active-duty and Reserve forces.

The group consisted of two medical officers and two corpsman. The group also included a storekeeper, yeoman and culinary specialist.

"Our job was to come out here and provide support for George Washington and help build mission readiness," said Lt. William Parthun, a supply officer in charge of the group, who also got underway with GW during carrier qualifications in the fall. "I had a such a great experience the last time I was on GW, I went back to get other people, so they could have the same opportunity and experience I did. I made sure that the people selected for this trip had no prior underway experience."

Experience level and military bearing were factors taken into consideration for the Sailors to be selected for this trip. Parthun said he wanted people who would represent the best of what the Naval Reserves had to offer.

All of these Sailors are part of what is known as a "green unit." They provide support and set up medical facilities on the ground for the Marines. Coming to sea and getting the underway experience was a way for the group to step in and get a feel for what Chief of Naval Reserves Vice Adm. John Cotton has called his vision of the Naval Reserve - "support to the fleet, ready and fully integrated."

Lt. William Jansak, an emergency room nurse, said his goal was to leave with the feeling that he would feel comfortable integrating with a ship if the call came for him to do so. He spent his time aboard providing patient care, walking the medical ward and teaching classes to the GW crew. He has also been touring the ship and learning all about life at sea.

"Knowing I am part of the Navy, I have tried to study and read about shipboard life," he said. "I even read the BMR [Basic Military Requirements], but it is not the same as getting underway. Although it has been only 10 days, I feel like I could get underway and provide whatever support is needed if I get the call."

From participating in drills to working in their ratings, the crew had the chance to roll up their sleeves and help the GW crew. During a mass casualty drill simulating an explosion in the ship's hangar bay, the four Reservists with medical backgrounds assisted with medical response.

"I have experience in trauma and mass casualty situations," said Jasak, "but on board the carrier, with the procedures and other factors associated with being at sea, it added a whole new wrinkle."

During their time aboard, the Reservists contributed more than 720 man hours to the ship and have gained the appreciation of GW's crew.

"These guys were great," said Lt. Jim Strafford, GW's physician assistant. "They came with the attitude, 'how do we integrate?' and were constantly looking for ways to help out and learn."

Strafford added that he's had numerous successful experiences aboard GW with different groups of Reservists, but this crew set very high standards for all future Reservist embarks. He understands where the Navy wants to go with training and maintaining a fully mission-ready Reserve Force.

"This group greatly exceeded any expectations that we could have hoped for," said Strafford. "One benefit we have is that they will take back this experience and spread the corporate knowledge they have obtained. We look forward to the next group, because we are very appreciative of the role Reservists play."

The appreciation worked both ways.

"This visit was all about showing that we are one Navy," said Lt. Robin Collins. "The GW crew accepted us and treated us just like their own, and we appreciated that."