Flagship 01.11.2024 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 1

IN THIS ISSUE

NAVFAC MIDLANT Environmental, DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Participate in Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest STEM Event

Participants provided environmental literature, activities, and a trivia game to the more than 3,000 students, 500 teachers and administrators from Norfolk and Portsmouth Public Schools. PAGE A4 VOL. 32, NO. 1, Norfolk, VA | ﬂagshipnews.com

January 11-January 17, 2024

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returns to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after a 8-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 4, 2024. McFaul, part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS RYAN SEELBACH)

USS McFaul returns home from 8-month deployment Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returned to Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4, 2024 after an 8-month deployment to the Atlantic Ocean and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations. McFaul served as an independently deployed ship in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and an air defense unit in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) off the coast of Israel. McFaul completed 34 Strait of Hormuz transits to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial traffic in a highly transited and politically sensitive area of the world. McFaul

also conducted 17 close escorts for maritime allies and assets, in support of U.S. maritime security objectives in the Middle East and Europe. “USS McFaul is a family,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Jose Vispo, a member of the ship’s crew. “Through the adversity and struggles, we still made it through with our chins held high. I believe that we were able to get through this very long deployment with such success because every member of the crew is treated like a brother or a sister. That family mentality turns any challenge, no matter how difficult, into a simple task. I think McFaul answered the call just as our namesake suggests: with courage, honor and sacriﬁce.”

In 250 days, the crew of McFaul conducted 26 replenishments at sea, sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, and safely transferred over 5,500,000 gallons of fuel. McFaul transited the Atlantic Ocean and began patrols the Gulf of Oman and Southern Arabian Gulf after transiting through the Suez Canal. “McFaul and Team 74 return to our families and loved ones today from a record-setting eight-month deployment to Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility,” said Cmdr. Antonia Shey, the commanding officer of McFaul. “During our 192 days in Fifth Fleet, McFaul prevented the Iranian seizure of two motor tankers, completed an unprecedented 34 Strait of Hormuz transits, conducted rescue and assistance of

distressed mariners, and escorted numerous merchant vessels to ensure free ﬂow of commerce. Additionally, McFaul participated in joint and bi-lateral exercises strengthening partnerships and building relationships with ﬁve nations and the U.S. Air Force. The grit, determination, and hard work from every member of Team 74 contributed to McFaul’s successful deployment and I could not be prouder of Team 74.” McFaul crew conducted maritime security operations and engaged with allied and partner nations in the 5th Fleet area of operations. McFaul navigated throughout the region providing assurance and deterring Turn to USS McFaul returns, Page 2

Military Sealift Command: 75 years of maritime excellence By Bill Mesta

USN Military Sealift Command

January kicks off a yearlong celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Military Sealift Command (MSC) supports the joint warfighter delivering agile logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world. Stood up in 1949, MSC (then called Military Sea Transportation Service) became the single managing agency for the Department of Defense’s ocean transportation needs. The command assumed responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all military services as well as for other government agencies. MSC has been present during every major conflict since World War II, providing vital logistic and operational support to the U.S. Navy and Joint Force around the globe. A commemorative anniversary logo celebrates the rich heritage of MSC, with curated ship silhouettes representing USS Taluga, a fleet oiler with a storied history later used to pilot a new manning model for support ships, and USNS John Lewis, the lead ship in a new class of fleet replenishment oilers. Throughout its existence, the MSC combat logistics force has continued to provide fuel, ordnance, food, parts, and

supplies via underway replenishment-at-sea to carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, independent deployers and ships from allied and partner nations. Starting at the turn of the new century, MSC began operating new classes of vessels to support U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense requirements, including an afloat forward staging base, expeditionary fast transports, expeditionary sea bases and transfer docks, and a sea-based radar platform. The Merchant Marine has been integral to the operation and success of command. The United States has relied on the U.S. Merchant Marine to carry logistics power to the fight since the earliest days of the Republic. Today’s contract and Civil Service Mariners remain essential to our economy and defense. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, MSC operates a fleet of more than 135 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces. Video and still photography, and information products recognizing the anniversary year can be found at: https:// www.dvidshub.net/feature/MSC75thAnniversary

January Sailor in the Spotlight: Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo www.ﬂagshipnews.com

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Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo, assigned to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center’s Dive Locker, is January’s Sailor in the Spotlight! Longo performs underwater maintenance and repair to naval ships stationed at Naval Station Norfolk. PAGE A6

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The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Wanted:NAVSAFENVTRACEN seeks speakers and sponsors By Amy Robinson Naval Safety Command

The Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center (NAVSAFENVTRACEN) is currently seeking breakout session presenters and claimant meeting sponsors for its 32nd annual Joint Safety and Environmental Professional Development Symposium (PDS), which will be held virtually April 22-26, 2024. The PDS is a free event that provides opportunities for Department of Defense professionals — uniformed and civilian — to exchange ideas, discuss developing trends and share knowledge in the ﬁelds of safety and occupational health, environmental protection and industrial hygiene. “We are looking forward to another successful symposium, where safety professionals worldwide can come together virtu-

USS McFaul returns from Page 1

aggression, especially in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. While conducting patrols in the Gulf of Oman and Southern Arabian Gulf, McFaul conducted more than 130 hours of UAV operations. McFaul also hosted officers from the Kingdom of

ally to share information, which not only serves to strengthen our collective safety knowledge base but will result in a more effective safety culture,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Schaal, NAVSAFENVTRACEN’s commanding officer. Last year’s PDS provided a platform with over 90 educational sessions that attracted more than 2,700 registered participants from 50 states, one U.S. territory and 20 countries. Attendees came from diverse backgrounds, including safety, industrial hygiene, environmental science, occupational health, public health, radiation health and occupational medicine. Conducting the symposium online allows even more participation and all attendees will receive a certiﬁcate documenting their time attended. The training center will also provide a point of contact to assist presenters before the event and a session moderator

during the event as well, as training on how to engage the audience effectively during the virtual conference. The training center invites and encourages presenters from government, industry and academic agencies to share their expertise on topics including environmental protection, general safety, health and safety for disaster response and recovery, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, occupational safety and health, operational safety, radiation and laser safety and other trending topics. Those interested in presenting during the symposium must submit their proposals online to NAVSAFENVTRACEN by Jan. 24, 2024, at http://jointpds.adobeconnect.com/ pds2024presenters/event/registration. html. Information from approved proposals will be shared with registered attendees; therefore, all information must be unclassi-

fied and publicly releasable. On the first day of the PDS, claimant meetings will provide a chance for up to 15 organizations to host one-day conferences. Here, each organization can tailor the sessions to their specific needs and cover areas such as training, updates, trends and more. Sponsors interested in this opportunity can also submit their meeting content by Jan. 24 using unclassified, publicly releasable information online at http://jointpds.adobeconnect.com/pds2024presenters/event/ speaker_info.html. The PDS committee will send session approval notifications by Feb. 12, 2024. For additional questions or information on the upcoming Joint Safety and Environmental PDS, email the committee at NAVSAFENVTRACEN_JOINT_PDS@navy.mil.

Saudi Arabia, participated in joint operations with the U.S. Air Force, operated at sea with a Qatari ship and joined bi-lateral exercises with the Omanis in order to strengthen ties in the region. Strengthening partnerships during the deployment to the Naval Forces Central Command area of operations builds enduring relationships and emphasizes the shared commitment to promoting safety and stabil-

ity within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability as close allies. The GRFCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and name-

sake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

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NORFOLK (NNS) (Dec. 21, 2023) – Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), the Navy’s largest combat logistic ship, accepted it’s, first-ever, Fuel Management Excellence Award, Dec. 15. MSC’s Director, Maritime Operations Mr. Christopher D. Thayer, centered, presented the award to the ship’s Master, Capt. Dale P. Cramer. Recognized for being the best-of-the-best in the Afloat Capitalized Fuel Category, Arctic received its award as part of calendar year (CY) 2022 Excellence in Naval Fuel Management Recognition Program. This established program promotes excellence in fuel management and recognizes personnel and activities making the most significant contributions to Navy and Marine Corps fuel operations. (PHOTO BY LASHAWN SYKES, USN MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND)

USNS Arctic receives ﬁrst Fuel Management Excellence Award By Lashawn Sykes

USN Military Sealift Command

NORFOLK (NNS) — Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), the Navy’s largest combat logistic ship, accepted it’s, first-ever, Fuel Management Excellence Award, Dec. 15. Recognized for being the best-of-thebest in the Afloat Capitalized Fuel Category, Arctic received its award as part of calendar year (CY) 2022 Excellence in Naval Fuel Management Recognition Program. This established program promotes excellence in fuel management and recognizes personnel and activities making the most significant contributions to Navy and Marine Corps fuel operations. With MSC’s Director of Logistics Mr. Rick Adside on hand to read the award citation, MSC’s Director, Maritime Operations Mr. Christopher D. Thayer presented the award to Arctic’s shipmaster, Capt. Dale P. Cramer who accepted the award with much pride and admiration for his ship and crew.

“Receiving awards always feels good because it helps boost ship’s morale and gives those involved a sense of pride for their hard work and dedication,” Cramer said. While the Arctic crew took great pleasure in celebrating the ship’s achievement, Cramer said, there were four crewmembers from the Supply, Deck, and Engineering cargo teams who were responsible for administering and managing the ship’s fuel operations in CY22. Those crewmembers who deserve a big thank you, he said, are Supply Officer Susan Clayton, Junior Supply Officer Sherri Golden, and Cargo Officers Gabrielle Marionakis and Benjamin Bailey. Despite facing some fierce competition, Arctic was able to take its first win over both MSC and U.S. Navy ships in the Afloat Capitalized Fleet Category (Defense Fuel Supply Points), because Arctic excelled in the areas of fuel quality surveillance, safety, fuel accounting, and training, Adside said. In addition to executing 103 logistical support services with U.S. Navy and foreign navy ships, transferring 7,006 pallets of critical

repair parts, mail, and general consumables, the Arctic crew safely delivered more than 25 million gallons of diesel marine fuel and JP-5 aviation fuel. “Having an excellent fuel management program beneﬁts efficiency and productivity and, more importantly, ensures long-term sustainability. I am so blessed to have such an experience and dedicated team,” Cramer said. What makes Arctic an invaluable asset to the Navy’s ﬂeet is its speed, ability to carry all the essentials to replenish Navy ships, and its capacity to keep pace, with the carrier battle groups, at sea. Because of the ship’s speed, it can rapidly replenish Navy task forces while carrying more than 6.5 million gallons of bulk petroleum, 1,800 tons of ammunition, 250 tons of dry cargo, and 400 tons of refrigerated cargo. Arctic is part of MSC’s Combat Logistics Force program, composed of 14 dry cargo and two fast combat ships (USNS Arctic and USNS Supply). Arctic is crewed by 170 Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) and a detachment of aviation personnel from Helicopter

Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7. While at sea, Arctic has maintained an excellent record in providing exceptional on-time logistics services to the Navy’s ﬂeet. The ship uses two proven underway replenishment (UNREP) services — connected (CONREP) and vertical (VERTREP). Both methods can be used one at a time or at the same time. A CONREP involves two or more ships, steaming side by side, using hoses and tensioned wire ropes to transfer fuel, ammunition, supplies, and personnel. A VERTREP is the ability to supply seaborne vessels by helicopter. MSC is an organization that controls the replenishment and military transport ships of the U.S. Navy. It has the responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all U.S. military services as well as for other government agencies. For more information about Military Sealift Command, visit Military Sealift Command.

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

NORFOLK, VA (Oct. 20, 2023) The Department of Defense Chesapeake Bay Program and Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) Environmental staff, within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic Public Works Department, participated in the recent NSN Fleet Fest STEM event, onboard the installation. The volunteer cadre of staff participants provided environmental literature, activities, and a trivia game to the more than 3,000 elementary students, 500 teachers, administrators, and chaperones from Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia Public Schools, in attendance. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY JEFFREY C. DOEPP/RELEASED)

NAVFAC MIDLANT Environmental, DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Participate in Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest STEM Event By Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic NORFOLK, Va. — The Department of Defense (DoD) Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) and Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) Environmental (EV) staff, within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) Public Works Department, participated in the recent NSN Fleet Fest Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) event. The volunteer cadre of staff participants provided environmental literature, activities, and a trivia game to the more than 3,000 elementary students, 500 teachers, administrators, and chaperones from Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia Public Schools, who were in attendance. Students were eager to test their knowl-

edge during an environmental-themed, trivia-style game tailored to their standards of learning, which covered earth resources, watersheds, the Chesapeake Bay, recycling, and how to be good stewards of their environment. “The enthusiasm of the students was infectious,” said DoD CBP Coordinator Kevin Du Bois. “It was great to see how they worked as a team to answer some of the toughest questions.” To continue growing their environmental knowledge after the STEM event, students and their teachers were given a wealth of environmental literature and fun activities to engage inquisitive minds. “It’s always a pleasure interacting with these young learners,” said Mark Sauer, NSN Water Program Manager. “I think we’re as excited about the Fleet Fest STEM event as they are. If we can inspire a couple of these

students to pursue a STEM career, who knows, maybe one day they’ll be doing our jobs.” Along with the students, the EV and DoD CBP staff were eager to return to NSN Fleet Fest after the three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meaningful engagements with students, teachers, and chaperones help fulﬁll the stewardship goals exemplified in Executive Order 13508, which calls for the Federal Government to lead the effort in protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed, while inspiring students to learn more about STEM. “The students showed interest in the environment and asked questions about what work we do regarding the environment,” said Jennifer Tabor, NSN Installation Environmental Program Director. “We hope students that attended are inspired to follow their aspirations and work in the environ-

mental ﬁeld.” NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering, public works, and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine, as far west as Illinois, and down to Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organization to ensure the region’s facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively. For additional information about NAVFAC MIDLANT on social media, follow our activities on Facebook at www.facebook. com/navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.

NIWC Atlantic Navy Veteran applies active-duty experience, worldly view to mission accomplishment By Jerry Sekerak

Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic

John Radford grew up in the desert loving the ocean. It was that love for the ocean that eventually led him from his hometown of Carson City, Nevada to pursue a career in the U.S. Navy spanning the globe. This self-described “Intuitive leader with a wide area of technical experience in Navy IT systems focusing on operational capabilities and information security,” who now serves as NIWC Atlantic’s Supply Chain Risk Manager (SCRM) in Hampton Roads, had humble beginnings. He began his 22-year Navy career in January 1989 as a Data Processing technician and migrated through other enlisted rates including Radioman and Information Systems Technician before he earned a commission as a Chief Warrant Officer. “Throughout my Navy career, I experienced some significant and memorable experiences including the introduction of personal computers, (limited) satellite connectivity, and e-mail and web access for the ﬂeet, things that are all now commonplace in and out of the Navy,” said Radford. “It was certainly a different time and had its challenges, but I relished every minute of it.” Radford started his Navy career at the most junior enlisted rank (E-1) as a Data Processing Technician Seaman Recruit (DPSR) aboard the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS 19) forward deployed in Guam, eventually advancing to DPSN (E-3) and serving as Advanced Data Processing Shift Supervisor. He continued to move up through the ranks from DP3 (E-4) to DP2 (E-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) where he worked as PC / Helpdesk support, before migrating to the Enlisted Personnel Management Center (EPMAC) in New Orleans and serving as Database analyst where he advanced to DP1 (E-6). On board USS Peleliu (LHA 5) in San Diego, Radford changed rates to Information Systems Technician (IT1) and served as Leading Petty Officer, then transferred to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS) Pacific in Hawaii where he worked as a Network Operations Center admin, and Joint Forces Tactical Operations Center Watch Officer

make the world safer while protecting our citizens.” After making the transition from active-duty military to civilian, Radford found his niche at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, then Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic, aka SPAWAR. Once on board (NIWC Atlantic), he served as FBI network upgrade and deployment deputy lead, Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) Developer for Military Sealift Command System Management; and SW2 Development Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME), progressing over the years in paygrade and assignments. He went on to serve as Fleet Support Engineering Technician Atlantic Area of Operations Lead; CANES SME for waterfront installations; John Radford, NIWC Atlantic Supply Chain Risk Manager. CANES Unified Services Facil(PHOTO BY JERRY SEKERAK) ity PITCO Lead; and ultimately the CANES Network Integraand achieved the rank of Chief Petty Offi- tion and Engineering Facility (NIEF) Atlancer (E-7). tic Project Manager before progressing to He then moved on to Carrier Air Group his current assignment as NIWC Atlantic Seven (CAG-7) in Virginia Beach, Virginia Supply Chain Risk Manager. where he earned his commission and the “Our role in continuous improvement and rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 and served focus on the fleet, including new methods as CAG Advanced Data Processing (ADP) and processes to improve quality of products Officer before transitioning to USS Wasp and reduce installation time and complexity, (LHD 1) in Norfolk where he also served as has undoubtedly had a positive impact on ADP Officer. the warfighter and on our mission of delivAttaining the rank of CWO3, he moved ering information warfare,” said Radford. halfway around the world serving as Local Radford has experienced numerous Network Support Center Director for ONE successes during his time with NIWC NET Guam before completing his active- Atlantic, but one of his most memorable duty Navy tour in Manama, Bahrain work- and proudest moments was playing a signifing as Coalition Communications Officer for icant role in changing the enterprise culture Commander Fifth Fleet. for CANES Engineering, Sustainment and “It was rewarding being able to effect Installation and providing a stable, repeatchange and improvement at the local, battle- able, verifiable CANES (SW4) baseline. group and enterprise level and being part of Additionally, his efforts aligning a capathe change engine for positive growth,” said bility-based organizational structure and Radford. “I’m proud to know that I directly merging CANES ILS (Integrated Logistics supported world changing events, partici- Support), Training, PITCO, and CB-ISEA pated in humanitarian missions and helped (Capability-Based In-Service Systems Engi-

neering Activity) into an Integrated Product Team served as the key enabler to improved, inter-related, enterprise-wide and complex quality of service and products that directly support the ﬂeet from initial install to operation and sustainment. While he did the heavy lifting, he attributes much of his success to his leaders/ mentors for helping him get to this point in his career. “They encouraged me to accept challenges and helped me break the status quo and think outside of the box,” said Radford. “They pushed me outside of my comfort zone to expand my vision and taught me to always do the right thing for the right reasons. It took, and continues to take, patience to reach the end goal, but it’s important to never give up.” His current team members, including but not limited to, Esther Cushman, Meade Dillion, Pamela Furr, Mike Gurney, Luis Munoz, and Ernie Micks, continue to help him accomplish the mission and support his role at NIWC Atlantic by encouraging him to remain committed to the vision and focusing on the end state. According to Radford, that type of support is not only important to him, but something he feels he is obligated to share with the younger generation, especially those looking at pursuing a career in the military or government. “Commit to doing your best every day,” said Radford. “Every improvement no matter how small is a net gain.” He added that it’s best to focus on providing the best service and continuously seek to improve your project, peers, leaders, command and organization. “What an amazing journey. I have travelled the seven seas from Australia to Iceland and most places in between, crossed the equator several times, established command centers, enabled foreign countries to ﬁght pirates, helped free countries from hostile forces, built relationships between organizations, saved lives displaced by natural disasters, deployed and operated many IT systems on many ships,” said Radford. “Throughout all, I have stayed focus on the fact that without everything we can do and give to the Navy, this world would be a lesser place and much more dangerous for our families, children and nation.”

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 5

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

January Sailor in the Spotlight: Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Carson Cleverly

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center

NORFOLK, Va. — Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo, assigned to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center’s Dive Locker, is January’s Sailor in the Spotlight! Longo performs underwater maintenance and repair to naval ships stationed at Naval Station Norfolk. A native of New York City, Longo enlisted in the Navy two and a half years ago, and has been at MARMC since May 2022.

“I decided to join the Navy to travel and dive around the world,” Longo shared. “Since I’ve been in, I’ve enjoyed the comradery of the diver community.” Prior to his naval career, Longo worked as a commercial diver in the city, freelancing in underwater construction and engineering. Since being stationed at MARMC, Longo has over 4500 minutes of underwater time. His work includes underwater maintenance, repair, cleaning, general upkeep, and rigging on all types of ships, including surface ships, submarines and carriers. “I’m enjoying the ride and like doing ship

husbandry,” Longo added. Beyond his official duties, Longo dedicates most of his time to training and competing in body building competitions. In his ﬁrst competition at the National Physique Committee Virginia competition, Longo placed second in the True Novice Division and plans on continuing his training. “After I graduated dive school, I wasn’t a big guy and wanted to challenge myself and do something difficult,” Longo explained. “I started training on deployment and when I got back I got a personal trainer and have been working out and eating a ton every day

to get into the shape I’m in now.” For his outstanding work and commitment to MARMC and the Navy, Longo has been recognized for MARMC’s January Sailor in the Spotlight. Congratulations! MARMC, a ﬁeld activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and ﬂeet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Military Sealift Command Atlantic builds a Monarch Waystation to conserve and protect a vulnerable subspecies By Lashawn Sykes

USN Military Sealift Command

Which subspecies is instrumental in pollinating the many flowers and dietary staples that we enjoy today, like squash and blueberries? Not sure, here is a hint. It can migrate up to 3,000 miles before reaching its final destination. It possesses two pairs of brilliant orange-red wings, featuring black veins and white spots along its edges. With a wingspan of 95 to 100 millimeters, it is the largest and rarest migrant species. It is the migratory monarch butterfly. Recently, several members of Military Sealift Command Atlantic (MSCLANT) built a Monarch Butterfly Waystation, located in the command’s very own backyard of Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk). The team planted several plants

of milkweed that will serve as the migrating monarch butterfly’s food source and a place for thirsty pollinators to lay their eggs during its upcoming spring migration. Each year in early March, millions of multi-generational migratory monarch butterflies, also known as Danaus plexippus ssp. plexippus, leave their Mexican roots, flying north and east in search of milkweed, a food source that is crucial for their survival. “It is the only plant source that can sustain both their long migration and reproduction for generations,” said Ms. Kimberlie Young, MSCLANT counsel. Unfortunately, the habitat of the migrating monarch butterfly is at risk due to the loss of milkweed plants, Young said. “Habitat conversions for other uses, herbicide applications, and climate changes have caused a decline in the milkweed habitat in

both the eastern and western regions of the Monarch’s North American range.” To help conserve and protect monarchs, the National Wildlife Federation is encouraging communities to grow Monarch Butterfly Waystations, planting native plants like milkweed in the places where they live, work, learn, play, and worship. Young, who is a master gardener, first planted milkweed at her home and then tended to the caterpillars and butterflies that emerged before introducing the idea to members of the MSCLANT team. “It’s a wonderful thing to raise a monarch from an egg to a butterfly. Because there is so much open space on NAVSTA Norfolk, I thought it would be a good opportunity to use a patch of MSCLANT’s backyard to build the command’s very own waystation to help our pollinators. As people see the garden and

witness God’s beauty, the hope is this will inspire others to plant milkweed.” The migratory monarch butterfly is a subspecies of the monarch butterﬂy (Danaus plexippus). It spends winters in Mexico and California before migrating to its summer breeding grounds throughout the U.S. and Canada. According to a recent online Monarch Joint Venture article dated Dec. 11, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to reduce the migratory monarch butterﬂy’s status from endangered species to vulnerable. To learn more about Military Sealift Command, visit https://sealiftcommand. com.

NAVFAC Washington selects Contract Specialist in the Spotlight By Regina Adams

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

The procurement and contracting world may not be as complicated as universal physics, but they do benefit from the wisdom of great thinkers. We have one such phenomenal thinker, Molly Lawson. She is an 1102 Intern in the Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP), at the Washington Navy Yard, who is the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Contract Specialist in the Spotlight. Lawson determines contractor responsibility, compiles market research, completes contractual analysis of contractors’ proposals to determine fair and reasonable pricing, documents those findings and builds task orders and modifies awards in the contracting system. She is passionate about task execution and award modifications of regional contract vehicles in her professional career. But when

she is not enjoying the roles as a contract specialist, Lawson is devoted to her husband of 13 years, Lt. Cmdr. Bo Lawson, their three children and her relationship with ﬁtness, health and wellness. She holds a CrossFit level 1 certiﬁcation. Although she participated in exercise competitions, she declares those days are behind her now that she is busy nurturing her three children. However, she still prioritizes her exercise and time outdoors to set a foundation that encourages her offsprings to embrace healthy lifestyles when they are older. Lawson is grateful to her husband who encouraged her to pursue a contracting career following eight years as a stay-athome mom. She also thanks Alan Tamayo and Roger “Chip” Marce for giving her the start she needed. Lawson lives in Maryland but is originally from New Jersey. Prior to joining the NAVFAC Washington team in 2022, she graduated from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in

Special Education and Elementary Education. “I enjoyed my undergraduate time and my brief career in education. But professionally speaking, I have found the utmost fulﬁlment in pursing this career through the NADP.” Lawson feels a great sense of pride in supporting the Navy not only as a military spouse, but as a federal employee for the Department of Defense. “Contracting is vital to strengthening our national defense capabilities. What we work to procure behind the scenes directly enables our warﬁghter to focus on their core mission and enhances their effectiveness and readiness. I am proud to be a part of that supporting effort.” Lawson enjoys her job and is currently working on new environmental actions as well as the ongoing building 157 renovation. Previous projects she was involved in include the execution and allotment of 20 actions valued some $2.7 million and the execution of four large projects valued at

$18 million for Naval Air Station Patuxent River in FY23. Although challenging, she considers the award of the highly visible Global Contingency Construction contract task order to be a large catalyst of her contribution to NAVFAC this year. Her work philosophy is to simply be effective. Lawson believes simple does not mean easy, and that it takes a great deal of time and devotion to be an effective member of the contracting community. Her goal is to work each day at NAVFAC Washington on meaningful projects to support the warﬁghter. Her advice for anyone thinking of making contracting a career is to “take on each assignment with a can-do attitude, even if it intimidates you. Realize that you have a world of resources and good people in the community to support you.” In her spare time, Lawson enjoys reading, listening to music and watching a good television series with her husband.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 7

Adm. Kilby assumes role as Vice Chief of Naval Operations Courtesy Story Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti welcomed Adm. James Kilby as the 43rd Vice Chief of Naval Operations in a ceremony at the Pentagon, Jan. 5. Kilby most recently served as the deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a native of Pound Ridge, New York, and a 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has commanded at unit and strike group levels and is the recipient of the Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership. “Adm. Kilby is an exceptional leader who is truly committed to our Sailors and meeting the needs of the Fleet,” said Franchetti. “His extensive operational experience combined with his deep requirements and

force development expertise will help accelerate change across the force. I am thrilled to have him on board as we lead the Navy through this decisive decade, and I am grateful that he and his family continue to serve the Navy.” Kilby was promoted to the rank of admiral prior to the assumption of office. “I am honored and humbled to assume this position at such a critical time for our Navy and our nation,” said Kilby. “I am excited at the opportunity to support our CNO to ensure the Navy remains the most capable and powerful maritime force in the world.” His biography and photo can be found here: https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/ Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2236251/admiral-james-kilby/

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Adm. James Kilby is the 43rd Vice Chief of Naval Operations. (MC1 ERIC DIETRICH)

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DOD releases training, resources to help combat trafficking in persons January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Americans are urged to learn how to identify signs of trafficking. The Defense Department continues its efforts to eradicate this horriﬁc crime. Page B3

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Rebecca Ratcliffe poses for a portrait photo at Recruit Training Command. More than 40,000 Recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS CHRISTOPHER M. O’GRADY)

Staff in the Spotlight - Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Rebecca Ratcliffe By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Ogrady

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command

Meet Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Rebecca Ratcliffe! She’s a Recruit Division Commander (RDC) at Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy’s only boot camp. “I joined the Navy because I saw my life going nowhere,” she said. “The Navy gave me the discipline and motivation I needed to make something of myself.” Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ratcliffe joined the Navy on February 19, 2008. Ratcliffe, though nearing the end of her Naval career, wanted to give back to the Navy for her ﬁnal duty station. “I’m getting toward the end of my career and I always loved teaching and I wanted to make sure that not only could I spend some time on doing something I love. Also when I retire, I can kind of

play a role in training my replacement as a whole and not just in the easy world.” The importance of the mission of RTC is not lost on Ratcliffe. “Without the proper training, the Navy is just going to crumble,” Ratcliffe said. “We have to make sure that the Recruits know the seriousness of our job what we do, and what it means to be a Sailor.” As an RDC, bringing the division together to work as a team is paramount. For Ratcliffe, it’s her favorite part. “I love watching the Recruits grow and go from 88 individuals to one cohesive unit. This sounds silly, but I think watching them pass out laundry is one of the best ways you can tell that they’re a cohesive unit,” said Ratcliffe. “Watching them on the ﬁrst day, and it’s like a nightmare, and everybody’s trying to be on their own program. But by the last day, you know that you can have laundry handed out, passed out, folded, and stowed properly in like 10 minutes.” Ratcliffe’s previous command was the

Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 “The Skinny Dragons.” VP-4 is a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft squadron that conducts anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian response. “Aviation Maintenance Administrationmen’s calculate flight hours for the aircraft and keep track of all the maintenance documentation and all the parts that are in the aircraft,” Ratcliffe said. “Any paperwork that’s done or anybody that touches the aircraft, I make sure that the paperwork is good to go on it.” With her job, Ratcliffe is able to get a different side of history very few are able to see. “I like learning the history of the individual aircraft. The ﬁrst aircraft I worked on was built in the 80’s. So I could see all the ﬂight hours from back then,” said Ratcliffe. “I could see the history of where they went and what was

done to them. Then getting new aircraft into the Navy system. Knowing what’s going on and behind the scenes of all the maintenance was pretty cool.” This behind-the-scenes look is something Ratcliffe does not take for granted. “It’s kind of like little bits of Navy history that people usually don’t see or don’t think about,” said Ratcliffe. “They know about the carriers and they know about the big events, but like knowing the airplane that I was working on had done something in Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn, like knowing that I was part of that and my name’s on that forever.” In her free time Ratcliffe likes to craft, making quilts and shirts. Boot camp is approximately 10 weekslong and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 Recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.

USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Strait of Gibraltar By U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs The U.S. Navy’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and embarked staff from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, transited the Strait of Gibraltar and exited the Mediterranean Sea after conducting operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Jan. 5, 2024. Since June, Ford has conducted training, exercises, and operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility in support of maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., Allied, and partner interests. “Throughout our time in the Mediterranean, the ship and crew both performed remarkably. Our sailors breathed life into the ship’s advanced technologies to demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities Ford-class carriers will provide to future generations,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, commanding officer of Ford. “At the height of our readiness and proﬁciency, we were called to the Eastern Med, and proved to be the right ship at the right time to answer our nation’s calling. The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more.” The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with approximately 300 ships crossing the Strait every day. Completing this transit and entering the Atlantic Ocean is a major milestone and one of the last scheduled operations of Gerald R. Ford’s 8-month deployment. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the ﬁrst-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The new systems incorporated onto Ford-class ships are designed to deliver greater lethality, survivability and joint interoperability with a 20% smaller crew than a Nimitz-class carrier, paving the

EAST MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 3, 2023) The world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in formation with the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a photo exercise, Nov. 3, 2023. Normandy is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is currently operating in the East Mediterranean Sea, at the direction of the Secretary of Defense. The U.S. maintains forwarddeployed, ready, and postured forces to deter aggression and support security and stability around the world. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MALACHI LAKEY)

way forward for naval aviation. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is conducting a scheduled deployment in U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the Navy’s globally deployed force. The GRFCSG provides an inherently ﬂexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free ﬂow

of global commerce. In total, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European

Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. Our persistent presence in Europe is in accordance with our international commitments and agreements and is necessary to reassure our Allies and Partners of our commitment to collective defense.

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Q: What types of family housing are available? A: There are three types of housing available to families:

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Mark 54 Mod 1 Torpedo Advanced Processor Build 6 Control Group Assembly Re-architecture Team recently won the 2023 National Defense Industrial Association Lt. Gen. Thomas R. Ferguson Jr. Systems Engineering Excellence Award for transitioning legacy technology to a new and more adaptable platform. Pictured are Undersea Warfare Weapons, Vehicles and Defensive Systems Department team members Kyle Thibodeaux (from left), Jonathan Ogren, Matthew Villanueva, Brandon Medeiros, Jay Patel and Kevin Chaves. Team member not pictured is Michael Zhang. (PHOTO BY RICHARD ALLEN)

NUWC Division Newport team wins NDIA Engineering Excellence Award By Public Affairs Office

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport Mark 54 Mod 1 Torpedo Advanced Processor Build 6 (APB-6) Control Group Assembly (CGA) Re-architecture Team recently won the 2023 National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Lt. Gen. Thomas R. Ferguson Jr. Systems Engineering Excellence Award. This prestigious award recognizes achievements in the practical application of systems engineering principles, promotion of robust systems engineering principles, and, achievement of signiﬁcant cost savings. Team members from the Undersea Warfare Weapons, Vehicles and Defensive Systems Department include Kevin Chaves, systems engineer and team lead; Jonathan Ogren, software engineer; Brandon Medeiros, software engineer; Jay Patel, test engineer; Kyle Thibodeaux, system engineer; Matthew Villanueva, test engineer; and Michael Zhang, test engineer. The team was tasked with re-architecting legacy components of the Mark 54 Mod 1 torpedo system software baseline. The re-ar-

chitecture aligned these older components with the current model-based approach, where functionality can be more efficiently and effectively tested and verified. “The improvements made to the software significantly improved the safety of the system as well as testing and verification processes,” the award states. The team utilized a model-based engineering approach and agile software development practices to create models of all the major CGA software components/functions using the MATLAB commercial-off-the-shelf software product. These models allowed for the rapid development of new architecture functionality without having to modify, integrate and test actual torpedo software. The introduction of the MATLAB-based models of these Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCIs) now allows for automated testing of navigation and autopilot control functions to be accomplished at the lower CSCI-level, rather than at the system level. “The team’s dedication and innovation in transitioning legacy technology to a new and much more sustainable and adaptable platform have provided great benefit to the torpedo enterprise, and tremendous value to

the U.S. Navy,” the award states. NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut. Join our team! NUWC Division Newport, one of the 20 largest employers in Rhode Island, employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, and other STEM professionals, as well as talented business, ﬁnance, logistics and other support experts who wish to be at the forefront of undersea research and development. Please connect with NUWC Division Newport Recruiting at this site- https://www. navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/ NUWC-Newport/Career-Opportunities/ and follow us on LinkedIn @NUWC-Newport and on Facebook @NUWCNewport.

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will execute Realistic Urban Training exercise throughout Virginia and South Carolina from 7 — 27 January. RUT is an expeditionary land-based training exercise where over 2,200 Marines and Sailors from the 24th MEU plan and conduct operations they may execute on deployment. The Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team ⅛; and Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, and the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (reinforced) comprise the 24th MEU. As the second Marine Air-Ground Task

Force training exercise in the 24th MEU’s deployment work-up cycle, the MEU will execute multiple training missions ranging from raids, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, and foreign humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The 20-day scenario-driven exercise is controlled and evaluated by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force and will sharpen the 24th MEU’s capabilities to augment, enable, and operate alongside special operation forces and other governmental agencies. RUT is executed off military installations to position Marines and Sailors in more unfamiliar and urban environments. Residents can expect additional noise in and around the vicinity of Halifax County, VA, Mecklenburg County, VA, Chesterﬁeld County, VA,

and Sumter County, SC due to rotary-wing aircraft operations, military vehicle operations, and range operations. Following RUT, Marines and Sailors with the 24th MEU will embark on the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and U.S. Navy ships for their culminating deployment certification event, Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX is the final deployment certification event for the Wasp ARG and 24th MEU where they will be evaluated on their execution of Mission Essential Tasks to determine certification before deployment. The 24th MEU serves as a premier crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations to support geographic combatant commanders’ requirements.

USS Mesa Verde and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) arrive in Greece By Chief Petty Officer Eva-Marie Ramsaran Amphibious Squadron 8

PIRAEUS, Greece — Sailors and Marines assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) MEU((SOC)) arrived in Piraeus, Greece for a regularly scheduled port visit, Jan. 02, 2024. During this port visit, the Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to experience the historical city of Piraeus, while strengthening the bond with a fellow NATO ally, Greece. “We are excited to be welcomed to Greece again,” said Mesa Verde’s Commanding Officer Capt. Marc Davis. “This is a great opportunity for the Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Mesa Verde to further strengthen the continued relationship with our NATO ally, as well as enjoy Greece’s vibrant culture.” Prior to porting in Piraeus, the ship and

embarked 26th MEU (SOC) conducted a bilateral training exercise with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade, increasing interoperability and overall readiness between the two nations. “This port visit is a great opportunity for the Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU (SOC) to enjoy some well-earned liberty and a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of Greece,” said 26th MEU (SOC) Commanding Officer Col. Dennis Sampson. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, composed of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Harpers Ferryclass dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and USS Mesa Verde, are on a scheduled deployment as the tri-geographic combatant command crisis response force with elements deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. The 26th MEU (SOC) serves as one of the

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24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Realistic Urban Training By Capt. Mackenzie Margroum

Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy. The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing. While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

United States’ premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on-forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the geographic combatant commander. The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with all-domain operational capabilities necessary to compete and win within the littorals and weapons engagement zones of an adversary in any clime or place. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) operates U.S. Naval Forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 3

DOD releases training, resources to help combat trafficking in persons By Combating Trafficking In Persons Program Management Office

DoD News

In late December, President Joe Biden proclaimed January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and urged every American to learn how to identify signs of trafficking. The Defense Department continues its efforts to prevent and eradicate this horriﬁc crime. Human trafficking deprives millions of people worldwide of their freedom. Through innovative training and resources, the Defense Department Combating Trafﬁcking in Persons office focuses on efforts to prevent human trafficking. CTIP offers training and awareness resources to DOD’s 3.4 million civilian and military personnel.

DOD CTIP Chaplains Training and Toolkit Chaplains play a vital role in the fight against human trafficking. Often, chaplains are the first responders to victims, survivors, parents and other service members who have suffered because of human trafficking. The new specialized CTIP chaplains’ training and companion toolkit focus on loss of belief, survivor’s guilt, moral injury and other spiritual issues related to human trafficking. The Chaplains Toolkit, as it is called is a grab-and-go set of action cards featuring

survivor stories, videos, one-pagers, infographics, case studies, pocket cards, desk guides and other resources. Both the training and the toolkit provide military chaplains with the resources they need to help in the following situations: Giving spiritual guidance to someone who has been trafficked. Counseling or ministering to service members who were trafficked before they joined the military. Recognizing those in precursor situations who are potential trafficking victims and providing spiritual guidance with prevention in mind. Encountering trafficking victims or survivors who have experienced moral injury in the course of being trafficked. Chaplains’ guidance can offer spiritual sustenance and healing to victims and survivors of trafficking. Meeting parents and other family members who have suffered loss due to the trafficking of a child, teen or adult. Chaplains’ guidance and ability to refer members to the right resources is critical.

DOD CTIP Healthcare Personnel Training and Toolkit Health care providers are ﬁrst responders and play a vital role in the identiﬁcation, treatment and follow-up for victims, survivors and their families. The new DOD

CTIP Healthcare Personnel Training and Toolkit provides DOD health care providers the information they need to recognize human trafficking in health care settings and to respond effectively. Like the chaplains’ toolkit, the health care professionals’ toolkit is a set of action cards that include pocket cards, desk guides, case studies and other resources on human trafﬁcking for healthcare providers. The training and toolkit include information about trafficking in healthcare settings, including: Health issues of human trafficking victims and survivors. Indicators of human trafficking in chief complaint, medical history and medical exam. Barriers to health care for victims and survivors. Best practices for identifying, treating, referring and reporting human trafficking. New International Classification of Diseases codes on human trafficking. Mandatory reporting issues. The effective use of electronic medical records in human trafficking cases. All training and toolkits can be accessed on the CTIP website training page.

labor trafficking and child soldiering to its Survivor Voices of Human Trafficking webpage. Currently there are 17 stories. Survivors have provided ﬁrst-hand insight into areas of DOD that beneﬁt from specialized trainings and resources. CTIP website: The CTIP office regularly updates its website with awareness resources including public services announcements, posters available in 22 languages, worker’s rights cards available in 10 languages, newsletters, fact sheets, training, toolkits and more. For more information on how to report trafficking in persons, visit the Report Tip page on the CTIP website. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, there are resources available: Contact the DOD Inspector General hotline at 1-800-424-9098, visit https:// www.dodig.mil/Components/Administrative-Investigations/DoD-Hotline/, call the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, or visit https:// humantraffickinghotline.org/en.

Additional CTIP resources include: Survivor Stories: The CTIP office continues to add stories of survivors of sex and

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 6, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) responds to a simulated small-craft vessel during an anti-terrorism drill, Dec. 6. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS AARON LAU)

U.S., partners committed to defensive operations in Red Sea

By Joseph Clark DoD News

The U.S. remains committed to providing a persistent defensive presence in the Red Sea alongside allies and partners, the commander of Naval Forces Central Command said today. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said about 1,500 merchant ships have safely transited the Red Sea since mid-December when the U.S. launched Operation Prosperity Guardian. The operation is a multinational, maritime security initiative responding to the recent escalation in Houthi attacks originating from Yemen. “We are certainly mindful of the continued threat and expect the Houthi attacks may continue,” he said. “I think really importantly, though, our actions in this defensive operation are not just through words, but through deeds.” Since mid-November, Houthi rebels have launched 25 attacks against merchant vessels

operating in the Red Sea. Those include the detonation of an unmanned surface vessel in international shipping lanes earlier today. While no ships were hit in the most recent attack, Cooper said that the persistent threat from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in an international shipping lane is a vital concern. “Our assessment is that 55 nations have direct connections to the ships who’ve been attacked, whether through the ﬂagging state, where the goods were produced or destined, or the nationalities of the innocent mariners aboard each vessel,” Cooper said. “The impacts of these attacks stretch across the globe,” he said. “This is an international problem that requires an international solution.” On Wednesday, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and warning the rebel group against further escalation.

“Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing,” the statement read in part. “There is no lawful justiﬁcation for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels.” The group of nations warned that the Houthis “will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and [the] free ﬂow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.” “We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks,” the statement concluded. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian on Dec. 18, while on a multiday trip through the Middle East. The operation brings together forces from several nations to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation

in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The forces will operate under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led initiative focused on maritime security in the Red Sea. Cooper said that since the start of the Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.led coalition has shot down 19 drones and missiles and sunk three small boats launched by the Houthis against vessels operating in the Red Sea. Of the drones and missiles shot down, 11 were uncrewed, aerial vehicles; two were cruise missiles; and six were antiship cruise missiles. “I think the relationships that have always been strong are even stronger,” Cooper said. “Our industry partners have said back to us that Operation Prosperity Guardian is contributing to their sense of security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.”

USNS Trenton arrives in Durrës, Albania By USNS Trenton Public Affairs DURRES, Albania — Military Sealift Command (MSC) Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) arrived in Durrës, Albania for a regularly scheduled port visit Jan. 3, 2024. The port visit provides an opportunity to enhance the U.S.-Albanian partnership as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe. It also allows the sailors and Civilian Mariners of USNS Trenton a chance to experience the unique culture, historic sights and hospitality of a NATO Ally. Albania joined NATO in 2009, and in the years since strengthened their partnership via participation in joint exercises in the Adriatic Sea. They last hosted a naval vessel in July 2023 when the USS Ramage (DDG 61) arrived for a scheduled port visit. “This visit continues to affirm the shared values and partnership between the U.S. and Albania, as we work together to ensure security and stability in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea,” said Cmdr. Damon Bateson, Trenton’s military detach- DURRES, Albania (January 3, 2024) USNS Trenton tied portside at the conclusion of sea and anchor detail following the arrival into Durres, Albania, January ment (MILDET) officer in 3, 2024. USNS Trenton is forward-deployed conducting scheduled port visits throughout the U.S. SIXTH Fleet area of operations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY charge. “The crew and I are INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS BROOKE MINNICH/RELEASED) excited to visit Durres and spend some time in this historic Albanian cer Second Class Cassandra Gallo. a wide range of missions including humanHeadquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEURport city.” “When I researched where we were going itarian assistance, disaster relief, theater NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. Port visits, such as the Trenton’s visit on our next port visit, I was really excited security cooperation and maritime domain European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. to Albania, build upon the long history of about there being so many historical sites awareness. It is crewed by civilian mari- Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of demonstrating NATO’s commitment to from different time periods. I am looking ners, with military personnel embarking as responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permamaritime security throughout the region. forward to visiting the Amphitheater as well required by the mission. nently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and As an added beneﬁt to the morale and educa- as the Venetian Tower,” said Gallo. For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has employs maritime forces through the full tion of crew members, the historical and The USNS Trenton is a high-speed, shal- forged strategic relationships with Allies and spectrum of joint and naval operations. cultural sights of the city are of particular low draft ship with the capability to deliver partners, leveraging a foundation of shared interest to Operations Specialist Petty Offi- operationally ready units to ﬂexibly support values to preserve security and stability.

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ARLINGTON, Va. (Jan. 3, 2024) – Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer John A. Robinson III, the 12th U.S. Navy Vice Chief of Information, is officially promoted to Rear Adm. (lower half) by Rear Adm. (lower half) Ryan M. Perry, Navy Chief of Information, during his promotion ceremony on Jan. 3, 2024, at Lyon Park Community Center in Arlington, Va. Robinson is the ﬁrst non-prior service direct commission officer to serve as the Navy’s top reserve public affairs officer in the role’s 74-year history. As VCI, Rear Adm. Robinson oversees a worldwide force of nearly 500 Navy Reserve public affairs officers and enlisted mass communication specialists. He is tasked with ensuring the Navy Reserve public affairs force is ready to deliver warﬁghting readiness for an ever-evolving future operating environment. (U.S. NAVY COURTESY PHOTO)

The 12th VCI promotes to Rear Admiral Courtesy Story U.S. Navy

ARLINGTON, Va. — Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer John A. Robinson III, the 12th Vice Chief of Information (VCI), promoted to Rear Admiral (lower half ) during a ceremony at Lyon Park Community Center. Rear Adm. (lower half ) Ryan Perry, Navy Chief of Information, presided over the ceremony that hosted more than 80 Navy officials and guests. “John’s leadership will ensure our PA team continues to lead effective communication, and his promotion comes at a time comes when the Navy has been at the forefront of

national and global security,” said Perry. Robinson is the ﬁrst non-prior service direct commissioned officer to serve as the Navy’s top reserve public affairs officer in the 74-year history of the role. As Vice Chief of Information, he leads a global force of nearly 500 Navy Reserve public affairs officers and enlisted mass communication specialists. “I would not be here today if it was not for the Navy’s Direct Commission Officer program which allowed me to seek a commission without prior military experience,” said Robinson. “It is a huge honor to be entrusted to hold this rank and represent the U.S. Navy.” Responsible for the critical undertaking of

aligning the Navy’s communication efforts with the National Defense Strategy, he will ensure that the Navy Reserve public affairs force continues its transition from a post9/11 response force to one poised to deliver warﬁghting readiness for a rapidly evolving future operating environment. Prior to his promotion to Rear Adm., Robinson’s command leadership positions include a deployment as the Director of Public Affairs for Joint Task Force Guantanamo; separate assignments as Commanding Officer of the Chief of Information and U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs Unit; Officer in Charge of Navy Expeditionary Combat Camera; and as the Executive

Director of two commands, Defense Media Activity and Naval Media Center. His staff assignments include acting chief of staff to the Vice Chief of Information, and special assistant (Public Affairs) to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Robinson is a native of Chicago and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Government Affairs. He holds advanced degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He and wife Betsy raised their children, Jay and Lucy, in Arlington, Virginia.

ONR-sponsored research could potentially lead to millions of new materials By Rebecca Ward

Office of Naval Research

Extraordinarily rugged with a melting temperature of several thousand degrees Fahrenheit. That describes the results of research into new ceramic materials sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and recently published in the Journal Nature. A research team, led by ONR’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Stefano Curtarolo, Duke University, developed a computational method for creating new types of ceramics using transition metals — carbonitrides or borides — through a process called Disordered Enthalpy-Entropy Descriptor (DEED). The applications are endless, said Dr. Eric Wuchina, a research materials engineer who was the program officer with ONR’s Sea Warfare and Weapons department when Curtarolo’s research team was awarded the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI). “Wuchina said. “Now we can help design any material for high voltage, breakdown resistance for strength, for high temperature

capability, for high or low thermal conductivities — a variety of things that you can do because of the thermodynamic database that Professor Curtarolo has been putting together for the last 20-25 years.” Curtarolo’s team maintains the Duke Automatic-FLOW for Materials Database (AFLOW)—a database that allows algorithms to accurately predict the properties of unexplored mixtures without having create them in the laboratory. “We’ve used the same iron, copper, nickel and other alloys throughout history and just added stuff in to change the properties,” Wuchina said. “Rather than limit ourselves to just 10 chemical elements, this allows us to look at the whole periodic table of 100 elements — and to look at a variety of different compositions.” According to Wuchina, the variety of new compositions could create potentially millions of new materials. “Professor Curtarolo has developed the ability to for us to look at a wide variety of materials and potential materials that have never been made and predict what their properties are going to be. And then how to make real materials out of those for applica-

tions for speciﬁc applications.” So far, DEED has predicted 900 possible new formulations of high-performance materials — 17 of which have already been successfully created in laboratories. Instead of focusing solely on the orderly atomic structure of conventional materials, Curtarolo’s team worked to develop the predictive properties of “high-entropy” materials — that is, materials that could be created through a chaotic mixture of atoms. “The high-entropy carbides all had a relatively uniform amount of enthalpy, so we could ignore part of the equation,” Curtarolo said. “But to predict new ceramic recipes with other transition metals, we had to address the enthalpy.” Enthalpy is a measure of the sturdiness of a design while entropy is the number of possible designs that have similar strength. Curtarolo’s computational method not only calculates what elements need to go into creating a ceramic for a certain application, but how to arrange the microstructure — the atoms — so that it has also high temperature capabilities. “Typically to get higher or lower thermal conductivity you will use a ceramic,”

Wuchina said. “You might make it a little more porous so that it has better insulating properties, right? Well, how do you do that without harming the mechanical properties?” That’s what makes Curtarolo’s research and computational method so unique. It allows him to predict how different compounds will behave and to what applications these new compounds would be best suited. Wuchina said. “The DEED process can capture and develop a wide range of materials and the materials properties that we don’t have now, and it allows us to use computational tools to tell us what compositions and what microstructures are best and how to make them. And that’s something that has historically been trial and error.” The results of Curtarolo’s research were published online, Jan. 3, in the journal Nature, which includes contributions from collaborators at Penn State University, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, North Carolina State University and the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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On iberty

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Set the menu for a successful year with new menu options If your goals for 2024 include a healthier lifestyle, add a few new favorites to this year’s menu rotation like BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread, Roasted Cauliﬂower & Potato Spinach Salad and a Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie. Page C4

Shen Yun returns to Chrysler Hall Jan 13th-14th, ancient Chinese culture and dance take center stage Interview By Yiorgo

Shen Yun is happy to return to Chrysler Hall January 13th-14th for three incredible performances. The audience will be immersed into the over 5,000 year old rich history that is ancient China. This theatrical experience will leave everyone spellbound with dancer perfection, visually stunning costumes, multidimensional, patented scenographic effects, and original orchestral works, all brand new to this production. Speaking of brand new, this is a different show from last year with new choreography, new music, new backdrops and more. Shen Yun continues to grow every year and currently, there are eight shows running throughout the US. For more info, go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/shen-yun-9 Editor’s note: What follows below is a past interview with Dong Xiang, a DC volunteer promoter, who helps organize the local volunteers to work together and promote Shen Yun. Mr. Xiang is not employed by Shen Yun. Yiorgo: What should people expect to see when they come to a Shen Yun performance? Dong Xiang: It is a very fast paced, about two and half hour show, including a 15 minute intermission, that has 20 short, different programs, experiencing and learning about Chinese culture and history. It’s like time travel. For those coming for the ﬁrst time, it is deﬁnitely something that the people have not seen before. They will see very, very expressive, very challenging, clas-

sical Chinese dancing filled with spinning, jumping, forward and backward flips. It is almost like martial arts but actually martial arts came from Chinese dances. It’s very interesting that in China the word for dance is pronounced “wu” and the martial arts word is also pronounced “wu” so it is exactly the same pronunciation but the writing is different. In the old days, the warriors would use martial arts on the battlefield but in the Imperial palace the warriors used martial arts as a way of entertaining the emperor and the guests. So it’s almost like classical Chinese dance and martial arts are two sides of the same coin. Y: You do not use the traditional drop-

down backdrops. Instead you use a very expensive, high tech backdrop. Can you tell us about it? DX: It feels like you have a large screen TV with animation in the background, with the dancers performing in front of it and interacting with it. It feels like the characters are jumping in and out of the background enhancing the very expressive way of telling a story. The incorporation of the high tech backdrop and the Chinese dancing is so unique that it was patented in the US a few years ago. Y: The show is so mesmerizing that fans come back year after year. Will they see the same show?

DX: Every year they come up with a different program so even if you have seen a Shen Yun performance before, this show is totally different. Also, do not be late to the show because when the curtain opens with the ﬁrst program, it is designed to have a lot of wow, wow, breathtaking moments. Y: Can you tell us about the dancers, musicians and the costumes in the show? DX: There are close to 40 dancers, 40 musicians and a handful of a production crew. There are six touring companies. Everything in Shen Yun is original. The artists train and meditate in a secluded, peaceful area in upstate New York, adhering to old traditions of purifying themselves and preparing themselves to perfectly perform the dancing and music. The costumes are of course inﬂuenced and based on the 5000 year old programs being presented. They are hand made and in order to ensure that the color matches the feel and mood of the particular story being performed, they mix and custom make their own colors because they can not buy the colors they need. The music that you hear are all original compositions, composed by the Shen Yun conductor. The music is performed live by an orchestra that also includes the Chinese musical instruments: erhu and pipa. This is not an easy thing to do, to include these Chinese instruments. It is like trying to mix oil and water together, it’s close to impossible because the pitch and the tone of these instruments are very different from the western instruments. The Shen Yun orchesTurn to Shen Yun, Page 2

Norfolk designated a “SolSmart Gold” city Press Release NORFOLK, Va. — The City of Norfolk is proud to receive the SolSmart Gold designation, recognizing efforts to advance solar power in the community. Norfolk is the only city in Hampton Roads and one of six localities — plus one regional commission — in Virginia to achieve SolSmart Gold status. SolSmart is a national program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, that recognizes communities that foster solar energy growth, educate residents about solar options and address accessibility barriers, such as fees and permit processing times. The Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy), in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, serve as no-cost technical partners with the SolSmart program. “Facing the direct impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Kenny Alexander, “Norfolk is committed to a future where streamlined solar access for residents and businesses aligns with and actively promotes our vision of a vibrant, healthy and economically robust city for future generations.”

In 2017, Mayor Alexander signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and established the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The Commission’s Climate Action Plan, adopted by City Council in 2019, includes strategies and goals to utilize solar and other renewable energy resources. The City’s Department of General Services Environmental Sustainability Team led interdepartmental efforts to achieve SolSmart Gold status. Requirements include inspection and permit staff training, code and zoning reviews, faster permit turnaround time and an online resource detailing the steps in the City’s permit process for small rooftop solar cells. The City also demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding solar on public facilities, among which includes rooftop solar installations on two Norfolk ﬁre stations and a land lease on an eight-megawatt solar project at the former Campostella landﬁll. Visit www.norfolk.gov/solar for information about solar permits, zoning and resources.

Pictured L to R: Megan Hale, City of Norfolk Environmental Sustainability Manager and Nikki Riddick, Norfolk Department of General Services Director. (ANDREW COOPER, CITY OF NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHER)

INSIDE: Check out Flagship Values, your source for automobiles, employment, real estate and more! Pages C6-7

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Community SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online. Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-ﬂagship/submit_news/

Did you upgrade your electronics this holiday? Dispose of old electronics responsibly at the Virginia Aquarium’s E-Cycling event on Jan. 20 Press Release VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Dispose of old electronics responsibly at the Virginia Aquarium’s E-Cycling event on January 20, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., presented by PRA Group. Rain or shine, participants can plan on recycling old, broken, or expired child safety seats, used vehicle batteries, personal electronic items and more. The event will be a drive-through in the Aquarium’s East Parking Lot with participating vendors including AAA Tidewater Virginia, Goodwill Industries, and TFC Recycling. E-Cycling events like this one provide a sustainable and responsible way to dispose of electronic items. The hard plastic in many of these items will never decompose in a landfill. In items such as car batteries, the acid or chemicals in the products can end up in the ground or water run-offs and are corrosive and harmful to the environment. Many old electronic devices contain toxic substances that include lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride, and chromium. When e-waste is tossed into landfills, these chemicals seep into the soil, polluting the ground water as well as the air. Electronics are made of components that contain valuable raw materials and can be repurposed for new devices when they are recycled. As a result, energy is saved, pollution is reduced, and there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Recycling old devices saves energy. It also means that fewer raw materials need to be drawn from nature to create new devices. Additionally, reusing electronics can help members of the community who would not otherwise have access. Items that will not be accepted during the January event include prescription medicine, hazardous waste, televisions larger than 50 inches, CRT tube TV’s and commercial copy machines. If you have these items in your home, check your local landfill site for drop off. For a full list of accepted items, visit VirginiaAquarium.com. The event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated and will go to the Aquarium Foundation to support efforts to promote sustainable practices. Participants can register for E-Cycling event on VirginiaAquarium.com.

(PHOTOS COURTESY VIRGINIA AQUARIUM)

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Shen Yun from Page 1

tra is able to mix them together. The performances are not just a feast to your eyes but also music to your ears. Y: Where are you from and how did you get involved as a volunteer promoter for Shen Yun? DX: I was born in 1969 and grew up in China under Communist rule where I was raised like all of us in our generation to believe in Communism. That’s totally different from what my parents and grandparents believed in. When I came to the United States I realized that my Chinese culture is so different from what I was familiar with when I grew up. A lot of us are ex-patriots from China. We want to tell the world how China was before Communism took over. This has motivated a lot of Shen Yun artists to dedicate their lives and technical skills to present this show. It also empowered people like me who are not artists to help and promote the show. We, the promoters of the show, are all volunteers, not only do we not get paid to promote Shen Yun but we contribute a small portion of our personal wealth to make sure that Shen Yun has enough resources to send the message out.

Dong Xiang, a DC volunteer promoter, who helps organize the local volunteers to work together and promote Shen Yun. (PHOTO COURTESY DONG XIANG)

We have a shoestring budget but we have a lot of volunteers and that is why we are able to promote it in Norfolk. I am the Executive Director of the Falun Gong Association in Washington DC and we present Shen Yun in the Virginia, Mary-

land and Washington DC areas. Shen Yun was founded in 2006 and their mission is to restore and showcase the traditional Chinese culture to honor on the stage through classical Chinese dance. The mission is in line with what we believe in the Falun Gong Association. As we know, China has a five thousand year old history and we want to present the Chinese before Communism. The traditional Chinese culture is so different then the contemporary Chinese culture that a lot of people are not familiar with and sadly even many Chinese people don’t know it. I am a perfect example. Y: What has been a favorite moment of yours with the show? DX: There is also another very unique aspect of the show and none of the other performing arts have it. It’s Show Energy. A few years ago, I presented a show in West Virginia, and there was a lady sitting near the front who came to see the show by herself. She was very excited and clapped at everything, sometimes too much. When the show finished, we filmed collecting some feedback from the audience and I was very moved by her comments in her video clip. She said that she was in her 70’s and had pain all the time. She stopped taking the pain-killing medicine because it did not work, but she said, trying to hold

back her tears, that when she was watching the show, for the entire two and a half hours, she did not feel any pain. I was not surprised because I know the power of Shen Yun. In the old days, the Chinese people believed that dancing is not for entertainment for human beings. In ancient times, artists believed that dancing was a gift from heaven. The artists would cultivate their inner purity and beauty so they can purify themselves, have high morals, and perform the art beautifully and show their gratitude to heaven. In the old days, artists lived in very secluded, temple settings, not interacting with everyday people and they constantly practiced their skill sets and sharpened their minds. Today they practice the same noble task. When they perform on the stage, the power of meditation is such that they can radiate energy directly to the audience and that is why the woman felt no pain. That is something that is very unique about Shen Yun and no other performing art group can do that. Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

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AEW’s Collision, Battle of the Belts IX and ROH debut this Saturday January 13th LIVE at the Chartway Arena, Swerve Strickland shares wrestling stories Interview By Yiorgo Wrestling fans rejoice and get ready to feast on three great wrestling shows that are going to be here in Norfolk, Virginia live, this Saturday January 13th, as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will be at Chartway Arena for a Live 8pm AEW Collision show on TNT, followed immediately at 10pm by a live AEW Battle of the Belts on TNT as well as a Ring of Honor (ROH) taping at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm with an ROH taping. Tickets start at $20 + fees. Go to AEWTIX.com for all the info. Hometown stars FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) who are from Asheville, North Carolina and Hangman Adam Page who is from Halifax, VA will be there. Also, some of the other AEW stars scheduled to appear are: Sting, Chris Jericho, Samoa Joe, Christian Cage, Adam Copeland (formally Edge), Darby Allin, and many more. Yiorgo: With us today to tell us all about it is AEW star and one of our own, Swerve Strickland who actually learned to wrestle in Richmond, Virginia. Welcome back to Virginia. Why should fans come to these live AEW shows when they can see them live on TV? What will they see and experience that they will not see on TV? Swerve Strickland: Thank you Yiorgo, I am very happy to be back in Virginia. The fans should come to a live AEW show to experience our AEW atmosphere. It’s infectious and you want to be a part of it while being there as a live audience member. One of the biggest thrills of AEW is that people get to be a part of something that is unique to an AEW live audience. There are superstars and legends that you are only able to see in AEW such as: The Legend Sting before he retires in March, Adam Copeland (Formally Edge), Christian Cage, Billy Gunn, Mark Henry, Tony Schiavoni, Jim Ross, all these legends have left a mark in this business. You are also seeing the future coming up as well such as: myself, Jay White, Darby Allen, Danny Garcia, Mariah May, Toni Storm, a really long list of stars just to mention a few and the fans get to see what the future will hold. You get to watch and help them grow, by being a part of the audience and seeing them live. Y: What advice do you give to those coming especially for the ﬁrst time to an AEW show? SS: The biggest advice I can give is enjoy, have fun, let loose and create history. Every time we have a show, we attempt to make history by creating moments and memories in every city we go to that have not been done before and as a fan, it’s fun to be a part of that. Y: You are coming up to two years with AEW. Congratulations. How did that opportunity come up? How did you join AEW? SS: After I was let go from another place, I was a free agent and Tony Khan reached out through a third party. Tony had an interest in me and I was always intrigued by AEW so once I became available, it was something that I had to make happen. Y: What have been some of your favorite moments working for AEW? SS: Deﬁnitely winning the tag titles in Georgia two years ago. Also at Full Gear against Hangman Page and All In at Wembley stadium in London, England was a historic moment. That experience, talking about being a fan, creating moments and being a part of history makes everything so special. Y: Tell us about Wembley stadium. How did it feel working in front of over 81,000 fans? SS: It felt like a city, not a stadium. It was an incredible, once in a lifetime moment but we are going back this year and we are going bigger and doing it again. Y: What and who made you fall in love with pro wrestling? SS: It was a friend of mine at school and we were playing video games together. Meeting with a bunch of my friends at the lunch table

and talking about wrestling, made me really go out and watch it. We would play video games together and then go to the backyard and try it and then a couple of years later, me pursuing it. Y: Who were your favorites growing up? How was it meeting them? SS: Rey Mysterio for sure was my favorite of all time and one of my biggest inspirations. I wound up wrestling Rey on the Independents in a tag match and it was incredible. Y: You learned to wrestle in Richmond, Virginia at Ground Zero. How did you find out about them? SS: I was living in Pennsylvania and I moved to Virginia. I moved into my mother’s living room at the time. I looked up a wrestling school that was nearby, Ground Zero came up, I moved there Sunday and I was training by Tuesday and the rest is history. Y: What is a favorite memory of you working there? SS: Definitely teaming with and winning the tag titles with my friend Rev J Boogie after one of the TLC matches in the company was one of my favorite memories. Y: Speaking of memories, how about a favorite memory working in WWE? SS: Doing tape studies with Shawn Michaels were history lessons that you could not get anywhere else. Also having in ring training with Terry Taylor really changed my mind about psychology in the ring. He is a tough cookie to crack. He does not give his affirmation too easily. When you earn it, it’s warranted. Y: Can you share a wow pinch me moment? SS: Definitely me facing off Darby Allen and Sting at Wembley Stadium and being able to hit the double spears with myself and Christian as a tag-team. Y: Tell us about your Swerve City Podcast. SS: It’s mainly a couch with my best friend Monteasy who has been an artist for over 15 years. We get a bunch of wrestlers and we discuss things that all fans don’t know. We get personal with some really great guests like Tony Khan, Charlotte Flair, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, really a long list of great people in the wrestling business. MMA UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans has been on, R&B legend Donell Jones, Musiq Soulchild, Affion Crockett big time actor comedian, we have a long list of different artists, athletes, professional wrestlers that have been on. Before Pat McAfee was on WWE, he was on with us. Adam Cole has been on recently. Checkusoutandbecomeapartofourcommunity. It’s been a wild ride and we are about to grow, do bigger things and go on the road with DJ Whoo Kid who DJed with Eminem and 50 Cent in one of the biggest moments in hip hop history. We have some wild stories and music videos as well between myself and Monteasy under the group name Swerve City and you can listen to us on all social platforms and see us at Swerve City Podcast. Y: Tell us about your debut album, You Couldn’t Be Me. SS: The album came out in May, produced by Grammy Award winner R. Profit the producer, super producer ChaseTheMoney has a song on there, a lot of great storytelling and hard work went on there. It has a very unique sound. I’m still trying to find my voice. It’s a blueprint of where I started and where I am going in the music industry for sure. Y: What are you most grateful for? SS: Having my health, given all the crazy things I have done that I am injury free and I am thankful for my family and my two girls. Thank you for the interview. You asked some great questions. Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

ABOVE: Sting LEFT: The Acclaimed - Max Caster (L) and Anthony Bowens (R) at a 2022 All Elite Wrestling event. (PHOTOS BY JONATHAN MCLARTY)

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Food

Set the menu for a successful year By Family Features If your goals for 2024 include a healthier lifestyle and added nutrition, your mission is likely to start with a refreshed menu. Add a few newfound favorites to this year’s rotation like wraps, salads and smoothies to power each day and propel yourself toward wellness success. These easy-to-make, better-for-you recipes offer simple solutions to keep your goals on track without taking ﬂavor off the table. Begin busy days with an energy boost from a Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie then tackle lunchtime cravings or make family dinner a cinch with BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread. For a hearty salad to pair with favorite meals or enjoy all on its own, this Roasted Cauliﬂower and Potato Spinach Salad is an ideal way to make 2024 your best year yet. Visit Culinary.net to discover more nutritious solutions in the new year.

Wrap Your Way to a Nutritious Year

Planning and executing a more nutritious menu can often be thwarted by lunchtime cravings or busy weeknights that leave little time to cook at home. Rather than giving in to those takeout temptations, turn to easy recipes you can create yourself with just a few simple, on-hand ingredients. Grab tortillas out of the pantry and a few favorites from the refrigerator to make these BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread, which are perfect for meal-prepping weekday lunches or whipping up at a moment’s notice for a family dinner. Bacon, a nearly unanimous favorite, teams up with a homemade avocado spread, lettuce and tomatoes for fresh taste without the hassle. For a satisfying meal without leaving behind health goals, serve with a

hearty salad or Spanish rice and banana peppers on the side.

BLT Wraps with Avocado Spread Servings: 4 Ingredients 8 slices bacon 1 avocado, peeled and pitted ¼ cup sour cream 1 lime, juice only ½ teaspoon hot sauce ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon salt 4 ﬂour tortillas 4 large red leaf lettuce leaves 2 large tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices Spanish rice (optional) banana peppers (optional) Directions In large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on plate lined with paper towels. Set aside. In medium bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and salt with fork until combined and smooth. Spread thin layer of avocado mixture over tortillas. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomatoes and bacon. Fold sides up and roll. Serve with Spanish rice and banana peppers, if desired.

Fresh Flavors for the New Year

If you’re among those looking to set goals and wellness intentions for the new year, it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools, whether information or inspiration, to help support you on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. That can

start with something as easy as elevating your menu and the ingredients you keep on-hand. For example, Fresh Express offers more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads, including the French Blue Cheese Salad Kit, which combines a nutrient-dense salad mix of fresh baby spinach, spring mix, red cabbage and carrots, and is enhanced with aromatic blue cheese, crunchy garlic brioche croutons and a savory French blue cheese dressing. Available in the refrigerated produce department, the kit can be paired with better-for-you ingredients like roasted cauliflower and seasoned potatoes to make this Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad in less than an hour. Visit freshexpress.com to discover more recipes and ﬁnd a store near you.

Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Spinach Salad Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided ½ teaspoon salt, divided 1 pound fingerling potatoes, quartered 1 package (8 ounces) Fresh Express French Blue Cheese Salad Kit Directions Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt; mix well. Arrange in single

layer on sheet pan. Bake cauliﬂower 30-40 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and lightly charred. Cool. In bowl, toss potatoes with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning and salt; mix well. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan. Bake potatoes 20 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Cool. Place greens from salad kit in large bowl; add roasted vegetables. Drizzle with dressing from salad kit; mix well. Top with croutons and blue cheese from salad kit.

Start Each Day Strong

Giving your mornings a delicious boost doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be just as easy as it is delicious with a fresh, fruity smoothie ready in a matter of minutes. Just six blended ingredients are all you need to make this Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie, a creamy solution that makes for a nutritious, refreshing and ﬁlling breakfast before heading out the door.

Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie Ingredients ½ cup rolled oats 1 banana 14 frozen strawberries 1 cup soy milk 1 ½ teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Directions In blender, grind oats. Add banana, strawberries, soy milk, sugar and vanilla extract then blend until smooth. Pour into glass or to-go container and serve.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 5

Health

Q&A: How does TRICARE for Life work with Medicare? By TRICARE Communications

Q: What should I know about the optional parts of Medicare (Part C and Part D)? A: With Medicare Part C, you may pay a monthly premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. If you choose to enroll in Part C: You must get all nonemergency health services from that plan’s network of providers. You may pay copayments at the time of service. You may need to file paper claims for TRICARE to reimburse you for TRICAREcovered services you receive. If you need dental and vision coverage, you may qualify to purchase this coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. You don’t need to enroll in Medicare Part D to have drug coverage. With TFL beneﬁciaries remain eligible for the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. If you enroll in Medicare Part D, you’ll pay a monthly premium. You’ll also need to follow your Medicare Part D plan’s rules for where to get prescriptions. Learn more about using Medicare Part D with TRICARE online at https://newsroom.tricare.mil/ News/TRICARE-News/Article/3472382/ understanding-medicare-part-d-and-tricare-pharmacy-coverage.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Will you be eligible for Medicare soon? You may have questions about the different parts of Medicare and how they interact with TRICARE For Life (TFL). “TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage. This means Medicare and TRICARE work together to coordinate your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs,” said Anne E. Breslin, TRICARE For Life Program Manager. “You’ll pay nothing out of pocket when the services you receive are a benefit of both Medicare and TRICARE.” TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. But what do these terms mean? And how does TFL work with about Medicare Part C and Part D? Read on to learn more. Q: Who is eligible for Medicare and TFL? A: Most people become eligible for Medicare the month they turn age 65, as described in the TRICARE and Medicare Turning Age 65 Brochure (online at https://tricare.mil/ Publications/Brochures/medicare_turning_65). You may be eligible earlier if you receive Social Security disability benefits or have certain other health conditions. To learn more about the impact of Medicare eligibility before age 65 on TRICARE eligibility, see the TRICARE and Medicare Under Age 65 Brochure (online at https:// www.tricare.mil/Publications/Brochures/ medicare_under_65). TFL is available to military retirees and their eligible dependents who are eligible for TRICARE and have Medicare Part A and Part B. This is regardless of your age or where you live. TFL is an individual entitlement. This means family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare stay eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. Q: How do I get TFL coverage? A: Your TFL coverage automatically begins the first day that you have both Medicare Parts A and B. There are no TFL enrollment forms or enrollment fees. To avoid a gap in your TRICARE coverage, make sure you’re enrolled Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B at least two months before you turn age 65. You can sign up for Medicare on the Social Security website or by contacting the Social Security Administration to set up an appointment.

U.S. Marine Corps 1stSgt (Ret.) William M. McDowell discusses his time spent serving in the Marine Corps during an interview in Long Beach, CA, June 14, 2023. McDowell, who attended recruit training at Montford Point, NC, served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, earning three Purple Heart Medals. (US. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY GUNNERY SGT. MELISSA MARNELL)

Check out the TRICARE For Life Handbook to learn more about signing up for Medicare (online at https://tricare.mil/ Publications/Handbooks/tricare_for_life). Q: What are the different parts of Medicare? Which ones do I need to have TFL? A: You need to have Medicare Part A and Part B to have TFL. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers inpatient costs for hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Note: Most people are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, based on your own record, you may be eligible for

Medicare on a current or former spouse’s record. Medicare Part B is medical insurance. Coverage includes outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium based on your income. You don’t need Medicare Part C or Part D to have TFL. Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage plans. Private companies contract with Medicare to offer these plans. Coverage includes Medicare Part A and Part B. Some plans also include vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Private companies contract with Medicare to offer these plans.

Q: Does Medicare or TRICARE pay ﬁrst? A: If both Medicare and TRICARE cover the service, TRICARE pays last. However, Medicare doesn’t cover all services that TRICARE covers. Be sure to check whether your health care services are covered by Medicare, TRICARE, or both, so you aren’t surprised by any out-of-pocket costs. Q: What if I have other health insurance? A: TFL pays after Medicare and other health insurance (OHI), such as insurance based on your or your spouse’s current employment. Find more information about how Medicare and TFL interact with OHI in the TRICARE for Life Handbook. Be sure to explore all your options and enroll in Medicare at least two months before you turn 65 to avoid any gaps in TRICARE coverage. Keep your contact information up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to ensure timely delivery of your TRICARE beneﬁts.

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 0 | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

MALE MALTESE

SIBERIAN HUSKY

Estate Sales Estate Sales ESTATE TAG SALE Retired Army Officer Moved To Assisted Living Entire Approx. 3500 Sq. Ft. House Contents Must Be Sold By Attorney 2565 Lower Greens Place, Va. Bch Thurs., Fri. & Sat., Jan 11, 12, 13 9:30 AM-3 PM Extra Clean Furniture & Furnishings. Tons of blue & white Oriental China, Oriental furniture, Monumental Rose Medallion urn, China closets packed, hundreds of new items, kitchen appliances in boxes, 14K, 18K jewelry, costume jewelry, sterling silver flatware, men’s-women’s clothing, contents of garage, Troy Bilt riding lawnmower, tool boxes, , etc. etc. Jewelry & silver removed until sale dates. Pics on Estatesales.net NO ADDED CONSIGNMENTS!! For info, Kenny Keeter 757-718-2464.

CLASSIC & COLLECTIBLE

Room For Rent

Misc. Merchandise For Sale #01A BLACK SIFTED TOPSOIL 6 yds $300. Mulch $30/yd; Compost $35/yd. Rock, playground mulch, firewood, lawn care. D Miller’s 536-3052

CKC Registered Male Maltese For Sale, 2 shots, dewormed. Call or Text Amber @ (804)337-7255. $1200 OLDE ENGLISH BULLDOGGE

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VIRGINIA BEACH Reduced rent in exchange for housekeeping, errands and meals. Must love dogs! Call 757-424-0100 ask for Kim VIRGINIA BEACH Room for rent 1431 Poinsetta Arch VA beach VA. $600.00 per month plus deposit. For more info Call (757)-729-4507

Absolutely adorable!! Ready for their forever family. Males and females available. Call or text 252-377-2496 $675. YORKIEPOOS & MORKIES

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS PUPS Available Jan. 11. AKC registered, OFA certified. Shots/wormed. Facebook: Rick and Stacey’s Fair Hills Goldens. $1800. Email staceyberman919@ gmail.com. 757-719-9273, Smithfield.

Looking for a Loving/Caring forever home for our two puppies. Litter of 5. 1 female and 1 male left. They are 9 weeks old. Shots up to date. $800. 757-642-1327. YORKIE POO BABIES

Beachbulldogges has puppies! Call for info.757-803-2076 www.beachbulldogges.com $2000.

CHIHUAHUA Puppies available have 1st shots males(400$) and females (500$) Call: 757-508-1925

Fridays in The Pilot

Classic, Antique Cars

POODLES, MORKIES & MALTESE Not Mixed. $1200 Located in VA . for info TEXT Marie @(210)584-8896

Autos for Sale

CHEVROLET 1999 TAHOE

SHETLAND SHEEPDOGS Sheltie Pups AKC “Little Lassies” Sables, whites, and tris Pics available, call 757-613-6651 $950 Price negotiable

shots & dewormed, healthy, ready toys $685 7574098461

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Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

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BLUE 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS W/ TINTED WINDOWS, LIKE NEW TIRES, NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS, CD/CASSETTE PLAYER, VERY RELIABLE, 2 OWNERS, 5.7L V8 FWD, SUV 4D, 230K MILES, EXPERIAN AUTO REPORT, $6K OBO 727-560-2791

JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE

Autos. We will purchase your collectible, classic, late model autos, we will come to you. Call 757-675-0288

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Sport. Virginia Valid Inspection. Clean. Great Condition. $12,998 O.B.O.. Call 757-949-1923.

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HANDYMAN Small jobs, repairs, honey-do-lists Call Joe at 757-478-7507

B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

Home Improvements AIR DUCT CLEANING UNIVERSAL DUCT CLEANING FREE INSPECTIONS MEMBER BBB. 757-502-0200

Hauling / Moving (A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414

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BEST PRICE EXTERIORS Siding, Windows, Roofing, Soffit, Trim, Gutters. Licensed. & Insured. A+ BBB. Call 757-639-4692. BULKHEAD & PIER REPAIR Grading, Excavation & Demolition Services, Free Est 757-262-6511

FENCES, DECKS & FOUNDATION REPAIR Moisture Control, 20+ Year’s Experience. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Office at (757) 995-5445.

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Roofing A ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles 900 sq ft. $1,999. Labor & material inclu. Best Price. Class A Lic & Ins’d. 757-807-0682. CALVIN’S ROOFING REPAIR LLC Roofing repair of all types after the storm incl’g cleaning gutters, Free est, reasonable prices, Over 30 yrs-business, lic & Ins, BBB 757-377-2933

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Crossword

CALCULATING CHARACTERS

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

LAST WEEKS CRYPTOQUIP ANSWER:

Why are most folks who annotate books insigniﬁcant? Because their work is usually marginal.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 11, 2024