Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Jan. 10, to observe the progress of the ship's Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), meet and greet the Sailor of the Year (SOY) awardees, and speak with crew members.

During Moran's time aboard George Washington, he toured the ship literally from bottom to top. His tour began beneath the ship in the dry dock area, and ended on the ship's flight deck.

While in one of the reactor spaces on the ship, Moran asked various questions about the complex process of RCOH. Most importantly, he was focused on how the crew is affected by RCOH.

Moran asked questions about new processes Sailors may have to learn and how knowledge is transferred from the uniform side to the civilian side. Overall, Moran wanted to make sure the Sailors are getting what they need to be successful.

Although there were many conversations pertaining to the ins and outs of RCOH, Moran kept the Sailors at the forefront. When one Sailor asked about the possibility of updating a uniform regulation to allow Sailors to wear facemasks during unseasonably cold weather like Hampton Roads has been experiencing, Moran didn't hesitate with his answer.

"I've been asked many questions about uniform regulations before, but this is the first time I've had this question," said Moran. "As for an official regulation change, I will have to get back to you. However I'm telling your captain now, do what you think is right for your Sailors. Don't wait for permission. Do what you have to do to take care of your Sailors."

Another Sailor went on to ask Moran if there are any other major changes coming up that Sailors should be concerned about.

"When we make a lot of these changes, we are trying to listen to Sailors," said Moran. "Changes like blended retirement, evaluations and retention policies are designed to grow the Navy. We are trying to retain good talent versus get rid of it."

As Moran's tour came to a close on the flight deck, he held one last question-and-answer session with another group of Sailors. There were a variety of questions, from choosing a good mentor, to what to expect in the new budget.

"Sir, the POTUS (President of the United States) has been talking a lot about funding for the military, and upping it," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class William Workman. "Have you heard anything about getting any more funding for RCOH, or the carrier strike wings going on deployment, and how much would that be?"

After concluding the last question-and-answer session, Moran prepared to go on to the next shipyard. While the visit gave Moran vital feedback from Sailors who carry out the day-to-day work, this visit also helped prepare him for his testimony with Congress.

"Congress calls me to testify, and Adm. Moore (Vice Adm. Thomas Moore, commander, Naval Sea Command) to testify about how the yards are doing," said Moran. "Congress has a lot of interest in yards because it's a lot of jobs, and it impacts the fleet. Coming out and seeing you all, what you're doing and what your relationship is like with the yard workers, really helps me communicate that back to Congress so they can understand what we need in terms of money and support."

George Washington, docked in Newport News, is the sixth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to undergo the RCOH process at Newport News Shipbuilding. Having five other carriers go through RCOH before George Washington means that contractors, along with Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) personnel, have had ample experience to make each RCOH better and more efficient.

The efficiency is already being exhibited during George Washington's yard period. Though at one point it seemed George Washington's RCOH would take about 48.5 months to complete, that time frame has now rolled back to 44 months.

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