®
Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 24 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 06.14.12
Dozens of ships from around the world dock in Norfolk
OPSAIL 2012 VIRGINIA COMES TO NORFOLK
By MCSN Chelsea Mandello Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
NORFOLK
Washington Redskins visit NAVSTA Norfolk By MC3 (SW) Tamekia L. Perdue Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk
NORFOLK
Washington Redskins football players and their cheerleaders, the “Ambassadors,” visited Sailors onboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk during their “Thank You Tour,” June 8. Redskins football players DeAngelo Hall, Christopher Baker, Douglas Worthington and Dearrel Young visited Norfolk as part of the tour which honors the Washington Redskins’ 80th Anniversary, and to also give fans an opportunity to meet the players during an autograph signing and photo session.
■ thank you tour The Thank You Tour allows Redskins’ players, coaches and cheerleaders a chance to thank their fans during a fan-friendly pep rally. The tour visited Naval Station Norfolk, June 8.
“Having the players here shows that the Redskins give back to the community,” said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Michael Jarvis from U.S. Fleet Forces. “It shows their appreciation for what we do and that they do care about their fans.” Jarvis said having the players and the Ambassadors aboard
MC3 (SW) Tamekia L. Perdue Players from the Washington Redskins sign autographs for fans during the Washington Redskins’ 80th Anniversary Thank You Tour pep rally held at Naval Station Norfolk, June 8.
NAVSTA Norfolk was a large morale booster for those who aren’t able to attend any games. He said Sailors had the opportunity to see their favorite players and he felt very excited to be a part of the event.
“I appreciate them taking time out of their busy practice schedule to come out here to say thank you to all of us,” said Jarvis. For Defensive Back Hall, a
» see REDSKINS | A9
Former presidents visit USS Bush By MCSN Benjamin Kelly USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs
USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, AT SEA
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) hosted the ship’s namesake, former President George H.W. Bush, and his son, former President George W. Bush, for a promotion and reenlistment ceremony off the coast of Kennebunkport, Maine, June 10. “It’s a great honor to be out here,” said George H.W. Bush. “I’m thrilled to be on this vessel MC3 Joshua D. Sheppard that bears my name, and I’m very Former Presidents George H. W. Bush proud of all of those that re-up’d for (seated) and George W. Bush deliver remarks the service to our great country.” to the crew during a ceremony aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship’s sponsor, Doro Bush-
SHIPS COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY PCU Arlington (LPD 24), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway with wreath-laying ceremonies, June 4.
» see A6 - A7
It’s an honor to be reenlisted by our ship’s namesake. Not many people can say they’ve been reenlisted by a president.” - Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Zachery McKenzie
Koch, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and other members of the Bush family accompanied the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier during a regularly scheduled training evolution to encourage the crew and heighten their morale. While aboard CVN-77, the former presidents presided over a mass reenlistment, enlisted advancements and officer promotions. This ceremony was the highlight of the visit and the crew to expressed their gratitude towards the ship’s namesake. “Today, we are honored to have our namesake available to reenlist
TRAILBLAZER HONORED Hundreds of supporters and family members joined, June 6, to honor the life of the first African American graduate of the Naval Academy.
» see B5
» see BUSH | A9 NAVSTA NORFOLK HOSTS TRIATHLON More than 600 athletes participated in the 21st annual Breezy Point Triathlon hosted on Naval Station Norfolk, June 3.
» see C4
Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) Virginia and the U.S. Navy held the opening ceremony for OpSail Virginia 2012 celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Half Moone Cruise Ship Terminal, June 8. The non-profit organization, OpSail, is committed to promoting goodwill among nations and commemorating American maritime history. This year is the first in which the organization has partnered with the U.S. Navy to support international goodwill and naval history. “This is the first major protocol reception bringing together all of the major forces that are involved in OpSail,” said Janet Bell, producer of the mayor reception and governors state events for OpSail 2012 Virginia. “The Navy, our military, international military diplomats, the ships and many different venues from around the world are involved in OpSail.” OpSail 2012 Virginia is a four-day event that featured several historic outlets and festivities. The event included: participating tall historic ships from several different countries, fireworks, concerts, festivals, a chef’s challenge and educational events and programs. “There are about a dozen tall ships from all over the world,” said Mayor Paul D. Fraim, Norfolk’s mayor. “There are 22 or 23 foreign naval vessels, and it is one of the largest armadas ever to come to the area.” Norfolk is one of several other ports that OpSail is visiting in addition to New Orleans, Baltimore and Boston. “I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see all of these beautiful ships come into the harbor and enjoy all the festivities that are planned for families in the city of Norfolk,” said Bell. “It’s a celebration like no other!”
■ see more coverage and photos of OpSail Turn to A10 and A11 for more stories and photos of the ships and events of OpSail 2012 Virginia.
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free! Sign up today! Call 222-3990