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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 11 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 03.15.12
Enterprise departs on final deployment Press Release Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, AT SEA
The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departed Norfolk Naval Station on the ship’s 22nd and final deployment, March 11. Enterprise is slated to deploy to the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. Working with allied and partner maritime forces, the Enterprise and her accompanying strike group will
Change of command celebrates achievements, teamwork
■ its final voyage Enterprise is scheduled for deactivation and eventual decommissioning following its return later this year – the end of more than a half century of service.
focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts designed to maintain regional stability. The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group consists of approximately 5,500 Sailors and Marines who, during the last few months, success-
fully completed a series of complex training events and certifications to ensure they were capable of operating effectively and safely together. “This strike group is trained and ready for the full spectrum of operations,” said Rear Adm. Ted Carter, Commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. “We’re ready to maintain freedom of the sea lanes, project power if directed to do so, and certainly perform a presence mission.” These skills, which will be vital as the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group travels to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF),
were recently tested during the carrier’s Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). “During my time as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, I haven’t sent a strike group underway that is as ready as you are,” said Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, while addressing the crew of Enterprise prior to the ship getting underway. “No one has done as much to get ready, worked as hard and accomplished as much in every warfare area. You should be very proud of
MCSN Frank J. Pikul Family members of Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise ( CVN 65 ) wave good-bye as Enterprise departs Naval Station Norfolk on its final deployment.
Enterprise is as ready and capable as she has ever been throughout her 50 years.” - Capt. William C. Hamilton, Enterprise Commanding Officer
» see ENTERPRISE | A9
MISS AMERICA VISITS HAMPTON ROADS USO’S Press Release USOHRCV Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Webb takes final flight onboard NAS Oceana By Cathy Heimer Jet Observer
VIRGINIA BEACH
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana change of command, March 8, not only celebrated the achievements of outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Jim Webb and the future under the leadership of the new Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis, it also recognized the teamwork at NAS Oceana, Dam Neck Annex and NALF Fentress, as well as the base’s partnership with the city of Virginia Beach.
MC3 Antonio P. Turretto Ramos NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Jim Webb is greeted by Commander, Carrier Air Wing 3 Capt. Mike Wallace following Webb’s final flight, March 7.
For guest speaker Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, a naval aviator who is now the U.S. Fleet Forces Command chief of staff, returning to Oceana is like coming home, having been stationed at squadrons and carrier air wings at the Naval Air Station during the past 30 years. In praising the teamwork that Oceana is known for, Guadagnini used the example of the differences between a house and a home. He explained Oceana is more like a home, where caring people put their heart and soul into it and “where people will come and feel comfortable.” He attributes that feeling at Oceana
to Webb and Geis’ leadership, “where the people at the top definitely care. They care about the facilities, they care about the people who work here, they care about the product that operates out of Oceana.” He compared Webb and Geis to diamonds, as they are “gemstones as leaders. They were forged under the pressures of combat, decisions that many people have never been faced with and that has hardened them into the type of great leaders that they are right now – the diamonds of naval aviation.”
» see WEBB | A6
TRUMAN SAILORS ATTEND WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM Female Sailors aboard USSTruman attended a women’s personal and professional growth symposium, March 7.
BRAVO ZULU Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command announced the 2011 USFF Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of theYear (SOY) during a ceremony in Norfolk, March 8.
NSA HR VISITS SCHOOLS DURING READ ACROSS AMERICA Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads (NSA HR) Sailors stepped into the world of Dr. Seuss for James Monroe, Larchmont, and Willard Elementary Schools, and St. Pius X Catholic School, March 2.
» see A11
» see B3
» see C1
Service members transiting through the United Service Organizations (USO) of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia’s Hospitality Center at the Norfolk International Airport received a surprise visit from a national icon, March 10. Outside of her hometown of Kenosha, Wis., Laura Kaeppeler’s name doesn’t ring many bells. But her title as Miss America, which she has held since Jan. 14, is instantly recognizable from coast to coast. “Having her come out here today is a real morale boost for our visiting troops,” said Amber McKinney, diMC1 Eric Brown rector of the USO at the airport. Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler, During her 90-minute visit, she poses with Air Force 1st Lt. posed for pictures, signed autographs Jeremiah Alefosio at the USO and talked with dozens of service of Hampton Roads and Central members and their families. Virginia’s Hospitality Center at the Norfolk International Airport on March 10.
» see USO | A9
HOUSING FORUM Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads (NSA HR) will be hosting a housing forum, March 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Crossing Community Center. » see A4 for details