Starting in January, Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) who live in Norfolk and don't have their own means of getting to their new place of duty, transportation will be provided.

The GW Transportation Team will shuttle Sailors to and from work, assisting the many Sailors live in Public Private Venture (PPV) housing or the barracks in Norfolk.

For Sailors using their personal vehicles to commute to and from work upon reaching the shipyards, the walk from parking lots to GW ranges from approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile.

"There will be various bus stops locations throughout the Hampton Roads area," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Nathan Boyer. "Buses will load and unload at the barracks in Newport News, the ship itself, warehouse, facilities, and various parking lots. Buses and vans will rotate at set times around-the-clock to pick people up and transport them to where they need to go regardless of what shift work a Sailor will be assigned to."

Boyer said the schedules for transportation are still being worked out, but will be posted prior to the crew moving off the ship.

Twelve GW Sailors stayed behind during the December underway to shadow transportation Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The GW Sailors learned bus routes used by the Lincoln team, and received training on administrative duties and responsibilities associated with accepting Transportation Department.
The Petty Officer in Charge within the team is Petty Officer 1st Class Tiffany James.

"We make sure Sailors get from the ship to their respective workplaces," said James. "Since not everyone has their own transportation it's our responsibility to get them to where they need to be."

Boyer said one benefit for Sailors receiving a ride to and from work every day is they will save money. Also, the vehicles will operate whenever GW Sailors need to get to and from work.

Each driver on the team is trained and certified. Mark Muth, a civilian who works on base, trains Sailors how to drive 44-passenger buses.

"The Sailors that are going to be on the Transportation Team could end up driving more than just a bus," said Muth. "However, it's easy to drive a van or SUV. Driving a bus is new for a majority of team members and therefore they need training."

Upon completing the training course each Sailor is given a commercial driver's license, and begins their transition to the Transportation Team.

James said before each shift, the vehicle will be inspected by the oncoming driver for any cosmetic damage and requires oil and fluid topped-off. When it comes to fueling the vehicles, drivers will be issued a government credit card to purchase fuel for all vehicles at authorized service stations.

"As far as maintaining the vehicles, we will perform minimal maintenance on them" said James. "If a light needs to be replaced or windshield wiper fluid needs refilling then the Transportation Team will take care of that. Anything more major than that, we will have to bring the vehicle to Public Works Department where a qualified and certified mechanic will make all the necessary repairs."

Everything that happens while the vehicle is in use is recorded. From the pre-work inspection up until the shift is over, the status and any discrepancies of the vehicle are documented, taken out of service if need be, or repaired prior to vehicle utilization.

"We chose personnel for this billet based on maturity, driving experience, and how clean their driving record is," said James. "Sailors will have plenty of time to still work on obtaining their professional qualifications and will get to go home every day."

The temporary assignment will last approximately one year for Sailors assigned to the team, but the transportation requirements will remain part of GW's mission during the duration of RCOH.

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