In any workplace there is a potential for discrimination. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is no exception, however, there is a team of Sailors aboard the ship that work to resolve any concerns of possible discrimination a Sailor may have in the command.

The George Washington Equal Opportunity (EO) Team ensures the equal and fair treatment of the Sailors in their command.

"If a Sailor feels that they're being discriminated against based on race, religion, national origin or sexual orientation they should come to us," said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Sheila Dall, a Command Climate Specialist (CCS) aboard the George Washington. "We will sit down with them and discuss the issue to determine if it's a leadership issue or truly an Equal Opportunity issue."

When working in a shipboard environment, there are periods of time where Sailors see their shipmates more than their own families and should strive to be a leader who seeks an optimal work environment that ensures mission success. The EO team is made up of trained Command Climate Specialists and Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) managers that are there to properly address these issues.

"CMEOs are the first point of contact for Sailors with equal opportunity or sexual harassment issues or concerns," said Dall. "While the CMEO is the first contact, they may have to refer you to a Command Climate Specialist because we're the subject matter experts."

The George Washington EO team is always ready to offer help to Sailors in need. They offer conflict resolution as well as allowing Sailors the ability to file a formal report when discrimination is occurring and all other avenues have been utilized.

"So any one can come see us and we determine whether it's EO or not," said Dall. "We won't turn away a Sailor even if it isn't. If it is EO, we have informal and formal reporting options, but if it isn't then we can set up a mediation with the person and their chain of command if requested. If someone decides to go with a formal reporting option they have to fill out NAVPERS5354/2 with myself or Senior Starr. It will then go to the CO within 24 hours of receipt. We are pretty much always available. I have even had Sailors reach out to me on weekends with concerns as they arise." said Dall.

Sailors aren't required to file a report just because they came to speak with a CMEO or CCS. There are a few perspectives that can deter Sailors from coming forward for help. They sometimes believe that administrative action will take place even if they don't want it to, or that even if they come forward, the problem won't get solved.

"It bothers me when someone feels that they can't come talk to us because they think that we can't help them," said Dall. "We will absolutely help anyone who comes to our office, especially when it deals with equal opportunity or sexual harassment."

There is no problem a Sailor can't bring to the EO team. Sailors can go to the team just to get advice on how to resolve the conflict if they feel it's pushing the boundaries. Sometimes it's a matter of not knowing who to go to for proper guidance and the EO team can direct them through the channels.

"We are here to serve the Sailors and get them whatever assistance they may need," said Dall. "If it's not an issue that we can handle then we will get that Sailor in contact with the proper resources."

The Sailors on the EO team have a passion for helping Sailors, and their doors are always open. Having a safe space to sort through difficult work place situations can have a positive effect on a Sailor's morale and ability to problem solve as well as teaching them what resources are available to help.

"My motivation is knowing that I can have a positive effect on Sailors," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Leonard Starr, a CCS on the George Washington. "I have Sailors that come into my office sometimes just to vent their frustrations. I can hear them out and address their concerns and assist them in getting the help they need."
The EO team provides a vital service to the command. They provide a listening ear which in most cases is all a Sailor needs.

"Without a good EO team a lot of the problems that Sailors at the command have would go unheard," said Starr. "There would be more Sailors unhappy to come to work and finding unhealthy ways to deal with their problems."

For questions, comments and concerns regarding equal opportunity, check out the CMEO poster for department CMEO representatives or stop by the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF), and visit the CCS's in room 420.

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