The Flagship 01.23.25 by Military News

Norfolk Naval Shipyard welcomes USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for Planned Incremental Availability

ByMichaelDBrayshaw Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomedUSSDwightD.Eisenhower(CVN 69) Jan. 8 in advance of its Planned IncrementalAvailability(PIA).

A PIA is a scheduled period in which an aircraft carrier undergoes extensive maintenance and repairs and/or modernization to meet future operational demands. Jobs during a PIA can include a wide array of overhauls repairs and inspections to the carrier’ssystems As one of the nation’s four public shipyards, NNSY focuses on generating ﬂeet readiness and supporting the Chief of Naval Operation’s Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) objective of putting “more ready players on the ﬁeld,” those being

combat-ready platforms

The second of ten Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers Dwight D. Eisenhower enters NNSY following the successful on-time delivery of the USS GeorgeH.W.Bush(CVN77)PIAinNovember 2024 Similar to the approach used on CVN77,Eisenhower’sprojectteamadopted themodelofgettingthemaximumamount of advance work accomplished while the carrierwaslocatedatNavalStationNorfolk.

Additionally the NNSY team is leveraging the best practices attained from when the ship executed its previous PIA completedinlate2022.Followingtheavailability,theshipwentontodeploytotheRed SeaandreceivetheCombatActionRibbon in 2024 “IKE’s phenomenal last deployment provided a clear demonstration that the

work NNSY does is vital to ensuring our critical national assets are where they needtobe whentheyneedtobethere,and readytoexecutethemission, saidShipyard Commander Captain Jip Mosman. “Building on recent successes, I look forward to anothertimelyPlannedIncrementalAvailability Press forward team!”

As unforeseen maintenance can challenge PIA schedules, the project team is prioritizing early identiﬁcation of any unplanned work, and effectively managingworkloadwithavailableshipyardworkforce capacity.

“The project team is laser focused on the on-time delivery of IKE to support the Operational Commander and the CNO’s NAVPLAN,” said Project Superintendent Commander Jason Downs. “We built the rightworkpackage,weassembledtheright

team, and we’re ready to ‘stand on business!’ ” NNSY’s mission to repair modernize and inactivate Navy warships and training platforms directly supports NAVSEA’s Strategic Framework and Line of Effort to generate readiness by ensuring maintenance, modernization and sustainment of ships,submarinesandsystemsiscompleted on-time to maximize readiness and availability for ﬂeet tasking

For more information on NNSY and the other U.S. Naval Shipyards—Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval ShipyardandIntermediateMaintenanceFacility, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and IntermediateMaintenanceFacility—please visithttps://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/ Shipyards/

ByCommander,NavalAirForce

PLAINS, Ga. Twenty-one U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets conducted a missingmanformationﬂyovertohonorthe former U.S. President James Earl “Jimmy” CarteronJan.9. The eight squadrons, from Strike Fighter WingAtlantic,thatprovidedaircraftforthe ﬂyoverwere:The“FightingSwordsmen”of StrikeFighterSquadron(VFA)32,the“Blue Blasters” of VFA-34, the “Rampagers” of VFA-83, the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, the “Wildcats” of VFA-131 and the“Checkmates”ofVFA-211.

All squadrons are based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Prior to flyover execution the squadronswerestagedatNASJacksonville Duringamissingmanformation,asingle aircraftbreaksawayfromtheformationand soars skyward. This symbolizes the departureoflifefromtheranks Linktovideo

“Today,NavalAviatorsfromStrikeFighter WingAtlanticwerehonoredtosalutePresidentCarterwitha21-planeﬂyoveroverhis home in Plains, Georgia,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo commander Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT). “On behalf of themenandwomenofNavalAirForces,we are grateful to commemorate the legacy of a leader who lived his life in service to our

nation.”

Lt Cmdr Brandon Allgood, assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, was one of the pilots supporting the ﬂyover Allgood is a Georgia-native whose grandfather was the Senate Majority Leader of the Georgia StateSenateduringPresidentCarter’stime inoffice

“Getting to be part of this ﬂyover was trulyanamazingexperienceandsomething that’s only once in a lifetime,” said Allgood “I am very humbled to be a part of the team who soared overhead Plains to recognize an incredible naval officer and friend of my grandfather.”

Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1946 As a naval officer andsubmariner,heservedonUSSWyoming (E-AG 17), USS Barracuda (SSK-1), and the NavalReactorsBranch,U.S.AtomicEnergy Commission,inWashington,D.C.

Capt. Chris Dentzer, commodore, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, emphasized the historicsigniﬁcanceofthisﬂyover.

“The U.S. Navy pilots and aircrew who supportedtheﬂyovertodayarehumbledto honor a former naval officer who selﬂessly served his country in uniform and in public office PresidentCarterrepresentsourNavy core values of honor, courage and commitment, saidDentzer “Flyovers demonstrate not only the

Residents can help protect our local waterways

NavyStormwaterPreventionProgram

Have you ever wondered what you can do to help protect the rivers, streams and waterways near your home? In addition to servingasourdrinkingwatersupplies,these water bodies also provide us with various recreational activities and beautiful scenery Thisarticleistheﬁrstof a four-part series to provide you with more information on the common sources of pollutionfromoureveryday activities and, more importantly, habits that you can adopt to prevent this pollution.

Stormwaterrunoffresults when rain cannot soak into the ground because of impervioussurfacessuchas roads and rooftops Stormwaterpollutionresultswhen stormwaterpicksup carries and discharges various pollutants into storm drains or ditches, and ultimately intothedownstreamwaterways Pollutants include items such as pesticides, fertilizers construction site sediments pet waste, litter and other items. Prevention of stormwater pollutionisimportantto:

Protectplantandanimalhabitats

Preserve the natural beauty of our landscape First, it is important to understand the differencebetweenthesanitarysystemand the storm drain system. The illustration shows how water from our sinks, showers and bathtubs, clothes washing machines, and dish washers all enter the sanitary system via pipesthatareconnectedtoa wastewatertreatmentplant. Pollutantsfromthesewaters are then removed by the treatment plant processes beforebeingdischarged.

By contrast, stormwater, which runs off our rooftops, driveways, roads, and lawns, enters into the storm drainsystemanddischarges directly to nearby streams lakesorbayswithoutreceivinganytreatment.

You may have noticed decals near storm drains indicating that the storm drains flow directly to a nearby waterway NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic installs these decals to educate residents and employees of the Navy installations on stormwater pollution prevention.

Stormwater,which runs offourrooftops driveways,roads and lawns,enters into the storm drain system and discharges directlyto nearbystreams,lakes orbayswithout receiving any treatment

Preventcontaminationofdrinkingwater sources

Protect our precious water resources for recreationalactivitiessuchasﬁshing,swimming,andboating

Commonsourcesofstormwaterpollution fromourlawnsincludepetwaste,fertilizers, pesticides, lawn clippings and leaves, and other substances which may be left uncovered(suchasdirtpiles,saltpiles,paints,oils,

etc.). In addition car maintenance activitiessuchasoilchangesandcarwashingcan contributetostormwaterpollutionwhenoil anddetergentrunintothegutter Remember to collect all used oil and dispose of it properly Whenwashingacar,it’sbettertowash on grass, which helps to ﬁlter the contaminants,ortouseacommercialcarwash.

Thanksforreadingandbesuretopickup the next issue of The Flagship to read Article 2 in this series which will provide some speciﬁc examples of everyday activities to preventstormwaterpollutionfromautomotive,home,pool,andlawncaremaintenance activities

Continuing a tradition of excellence: Wasp holds change of command

ByPettyOfficer2ndClass

JustinKemble

USS Wasp (LHD 1)

NORFOLK,Va

Capt.ChrisPurcell,the 27th commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) was relieved by Capt. Paul O’Brien during a change of command ceremony held in the ship’shangarbay,Jan.15,2025

Purcell assumed command aboard Wasp in September 2023 Under Purcell’s command Wasp completed a successful seven-month deployment while operating in the 6th Fleet area of operations Additionally Purcell oversaw Wasp’s completion of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX)priortodeployment.

Purcell, a St Louis native, commissioned into the Navy in 2000 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy Prior to Wasp, Purcell was assigned to the “War Eagles”ofPatrolSquadron16(VP-16).After departing Wasp, Purcell’s naval career will continueasJointStaffJ7 HamptonRoads

“It’scertainlybeenaprivilegetobeapart of this crew for the past three years and an honor to serve as commanding officer of the #1 ship in the ﬂeet,” Purcell said. “I believe that, as a senior leader, our job is to removebarriersandsettheenvironmentfor otherstoleadandmakegreatthingshappen During my time onboard I was thankful for eachofyouleadingandmakinggreatthings happeneveryday.”

O’Brien became Wasp’s executive officer in September 2023. Prior to Wasp, O’Brien servedaboardtheUSSArthurRadford(DD 968), USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Ramage (DDG 61). Ashore,O’BrienservedatDetachmentPoint Loma, OPNAV N96, Joint Operational War PlansDivision,JointStrategicPlanningand ProspectiveCommandingOfficerCourse

“I stand before you humbled and super excited to lead this crew,” said O’Brien. “At the same time, it’s a bittersweet moment. The thing I’m saddest for today is saying goodbye to Chris You have done so much

President Carter from Page 1 NORFOLK(Jan.15,2025) Capt Paul O’Brien,right assumes

Purcell during a change ofcommand ceremonyheld in the

forus,thecrewandship You’retrulythe#1 captain and we’re going to miss you. I look forward to embracing the challenges of the future and continuing our trajectory as the #1crewonthe#1shipintheﬂeet.”

Rear Adm. Brett Mietus commander Patrol and Reconnaissance group, was the guest speaker and presiding officer for the ceremony. Mietus’ speech celebrated Purcell’s success and achievements as

U.S. Navy also supported a ﬂyover withfourF/A-18E/FSuperHornetsforPresident Carter

Editorial Staff ManagingEditor | MCC Amanda Kitchner

757-262-2852 | amanda.s.kitchner.mil@us.navy.mil

MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm

757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil

Wasp’scommandingofficerandencouraged the guests and crew to “embrace the suck, build your leaders and teams, and ‘pursue the tag,’ to be able to come in and dominate incombat.”

“You’re exceptionally well led, and you justcamebackfromanexceptionaldeployment, said Mietus “Knowing your leaders and seeing you this day I have no doubt thateachandeveryoneofyoucan,andwill,

ar-powered aircraft carriers, 55 aircraft squadrons,1,200aircraftand43,000officers, enlistedandcivilianpersonnelbasedonthe East Coast of the United States It provides

makethechoicetoacceptandexcelinyour assignedmissionandwin. Wasp is the namesake of the Wasp-class multipurposeamphibiousassaultshipsand the 10th ship to bear its name Wasp was launched Aug. 4, 1987 and commissioned July 29, 1989 The ship is currently homeportedatNavalStationNorfolk. YoucanfollowUSSWasp’sadventureson FacebookandInstagram(@usswasp_lhd1).

USS Pasadena conducts change of command

Force Atlantic

NORFOLK Va TheLosAngeles-class attacksubmarineUSSPasadena(SSN752) conductedachangeofcommandceremony onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads, Jan. 13

Cmdr Andrew Cole relieved Cmdr Joshua Peters as Pasadena’s commanding officer

Capt DavidFassel,commodore,Subma-

rine Squadron Six, served as the presiding officer during the event.

“During Pasadena’s time at sea, we maintained a high state of readiness safeguarded vital sea lines of communication and projected power in support of our nation’s strategic objectives,” said Peters “Our work has not only contributed to immediate mission success but also reinforced the broader strategic framework that ensures peace, stability and freedom for future generations.”

During his ﬁrst speech as commanding officer ColethankedthePasadenateamfor thewarmwelcomeandsupportthroughout theturnoverprocess;hepraisedPasadena’s Sailors for the pride they all share.

“To Cmdr Josh Peters, congratulations on an incredibly successful command tour,” said Cole “Thank you for your dedication, care for the crew and commitment to excellence Pasadena is an outstanding command,andIamgratefultostepintothis

role following your leadership.” Pasadena was commissioned Feb. 11, 1989 and became the ﬁrst improved 688 class submarine to deploy, in July 1991. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacingmorethan6,900tons,Pasadena has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors Pasadena is capable of supporting

Lt. Cmdr. Richard D. Harvey named the 2023 Junior Officer of the Year

ByCherishGilmore Office of Naval Research

The Reserve Organization of America (ROA) recently honored Lt Cmdr Richard D. Harvey with the 2023 Junior Officer of the Year award for his service at the Office ofNavalResearch(ONR).

“Receiving this award seems like a capstone achievement of my long career,” said Harvey, who has served his country for almost three decades “It stands as the most signiﬁcant public recognition I have everhadthehonortoreceive,andIamvery grateful.

Harvey enlisted in 1991 as a nuclear machinist’s mate He was selected for an officerprogramshortlythereafterand,after receiving his degree in nuclear engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he was commissioned as a naval officer in 1996 He went on to ﬂy in F-14s and work on Tomahawk missions. He also attained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate fromtheUniversityofTennessee According to his nomination, Harvey consistently tackled the most complex science and technology tasks facing the

The Outstanding Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the characteristics expected from an outstanding military officer Consideration is given to performance and accomplishments over the last three years Harveyservedasassistantmilitarydeputy to ONR’s Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department, where he directly supported more than 20 research projects and coordinated 20 reserve officers from across the nation to support the Navy’s future air warfare and weapons needs, while at ONR. He is currently serving at the Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element for the CommanderoftheU.S.PaciﬁcFleet.

NavyandMarineCorps Hedirectlycontrib-

uted to developing a computer model for the TALISMAN project, which integrates radars from multiple independent aviation platforms a project that helped him earn the2023JuniorScientistOfficeroftheYear award.

Harvey was hand-selected to support the Naval Research Laboratory’s Moisture and Aerosol Gradients/Physics of InversionEvolution.Hewastheonlyreservistto accompanyﬁvecivilianscientistsoutﬁtting a newly constructed 60-foot atmospheric monitoringtowerinBarbados

This project will improve weather and climatepredictionsbystudyinghowenergy and atmospheric constituents exchange between the warm subtropical ocean and theatmosphere. Intheciviliansector,Harveysupportsthe DepartmentofEnergy’sOakRidgeNational Laboratoryasaseniornuclearanalyst.

“The journey to this moment has been

shaped by the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to work alongside, as well as by being fortunate enough to ﬁnd myself in the right place at the right time,” said Harvey “This award is not just about me; it represents what can be achieved whentalentedindividualscometogetherto supportoneanotherinpursuitofacommon goal. The Reserve Organization of America (ROA)isanational,all-service,all-rankorganization centered on maintaining a strong national defense capability. ROA, formerly known as the Reserve Officers Association,continuestheproudlegacyofannually honoringoneNavySelectedReservistasits JuniorOfficeroftheYear

Cherish T. Gilmore is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications

NAVFAC Atlantic awards $95 million contract to RMC 2021, LLC

ByMichaelMorris

TheNavalFacilitiesEngineeringSystems Command Atlantic has awarded a $95 millionindeﬁnite-delivery/indeﬁnite-quantity contract to RMC 2021, LLC, based in Arlington, Virginia, to conduct mission assuranceassessmentsatDepartmentofthe Navyinstallationsworldwide

The contract, designated N6247025-D-0003, supports the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Mission Assurance Program, a critical initiative aimed at ensuringthesecurityandresilienceofNavy and Marine Corps facilities, infrastructure and operations Under the contract, RMC 2021 will evaluate utility systems and facility-relatedcontrolsystems,assessrisksand developmitigationplanstoaddressvulnerabilitiesacrossinstallations Awardedthroughacompetitiveprocurement process the contract attracted three

proposals and was evaluated using the best value source selection method. Thisapproachprioritized factors such as corporate experience technicaland management expertise, safety protocols and past performance alongside costconsiderations

Thecontractincludesa base period of 12 months and four one-year option periods with work potentially extending through Jan. 7, 2030 If all options are exercised, thecontractwillreachits full value of $95 million.

The initial task order of $10,000, funded through ﬁscal 2025 operations and maintenance, Navyfunds,willserveastheproject’slaunch point, with future task orders funded by

operations and maintenance allocations for the NavyandMarineCorps Rommel Dayanghirang mission assurance program manager and a technical evaluation team board member for thecontract,emphasized the program’s broader impact.

“The contract primarily supports the OPNAV N4I Mission Assurance Program,” he said “The successful contractor will follow a process to protect or ensure the continued function and resilience of capabilities and assets including personnel, equipment, facilities, networks, informationandinformationsystems,infrastructure, and supply chains critical to

the performance of DoD mission essential functions in any operating environment or condition. The process looks at hazards, vulnerabilities and risk to assist leaders in makingprogrammingdecisions.”

The work will span installations across the continental United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. Taskswillincludeassessments,riskanalysis, development of risk mitigation strategies, follow-up reviews, training and documentation to ensure facilities are prepared for anyoperatingenvironment.

This contract underscores NAVFAC Atlantic’s commitment to advancing the operational readiness of Navy and Marine Corps facilities By prioritizing mission assurance and leveraging comprehensive assessments, the Department of the Navy continuestosafeguarditscriticalinfrastructureandsupportglobaldefenseobjectives

USNA and Submarine Force drive innovation in additive manufacturing

CourtesyStory

Commander Submarine Force Atlantic

NORFOLK Va Commander Submarine Forces is researching the usage of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to address operational needs, in collaboration with midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Submarine Squadron Two (CSS-2), Submarine Squadron Four (CSS-4), and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).

CSS-4

identiﬁed a need for plastic dust caps a material item essential for preventing dirt and debris from fouling the heads of submarine hatch tightening bolts, that was not readily available in the U.S. Navy’s supply chain system and had an acquisition time of nearly a year as of August 2024

To address this shortfall CSS-2’s AM team consulted with the USNA Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, where Permanent Military Professor Cmdr Jonathan “Buddy Slager, challenged midshipmen with a goal to ﬁnd a solution.

MIDN 1st Class Abby Palaia and MIDN 1st Class Carolyn Thurlby led initial efforts, with support from Slager, Lt Derek Pomer CSS-2 and Alex Kartaszewicz, PNSY Their manufacturing solution landed on utilizing AM to rapidly produce end use dust caps

This effort has already produced operational beneﬁts, to include an increase in the completion rate of submarine maintenance tasks and the creation of technical drawings for new AM parts, for addition to the Navy’s library for maintenance and onboard operations

“This collaboration highlights the value of partnerships between academia and the ﬂeet, said Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, commander, Submarine Forces “The NavalAcademywasanobviousinitialpartner for us, but since launching this effort, we have seen great interest with many potential partner universities We hope to build more partnerships that will help us get after parts obsolescence and supply chain issues to make our force more ready and more resilient.

The project utilizes several advanced AM technologies, including Fused Depo-

sitionModeling(FDM),Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) with speciﬁed materials, creating functional parts that are designed to meet the demands of submarine operations

This initiative reﬂects the Navy’s focus on using innovative technologies to address practical challenges and support the development of future leaders.

The Submarine Force executes the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, the SubmarineForce,inparticular,isexpected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the nation could not otherwise achieve

The Submarine Force and supporting organizations constitute the primary underseaarmoftheNavy Submarinesand their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear

ByWarrenDuffie Office of Naval Research

A favorite childhood memory for Dr. Sandra Chapman was visiting the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor with her father They hung out at the memorial so often that they memorized lines to the movie playing prior to the boat ride to the memorial.

So it’s appropriate that Chapman a program officer in the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Warﬁghter Performance Department is passionate about her involvementinthedevelopmentofaninnovativetechnologyrecentlyappliedtoefforts topreservetheareaaroundtheUSSArizona Memorial.

Developed in partnership with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Coda Octopus, the system is the Divers Augmented Vision Display (DAVD), which enables divers to better operate in inhospitableunderwaterenvironments.

“Throughreal-timeinformationsharing high-resolution imagery and an augmented-realitydisplay,DAVDallowsNavydivers tooperatemoreeffectivelyindark,low-visibilityenvironments,”saidChapman.“This increases their productivity, improves communications,keepsthemsafeandturns

onthelightsunderwater,sotospeak.”

Navydivingmissionsincludedeepocean salvage of vessels and aircraft, underwater rescues, explosive ordnance disposal, ship hull maintenance and recovery of sunken equipment. This often involves working in pitch-black dangerous conditions littered with hazards such as pier pilings, rock and jaggedmetal. Designed to address these challenges, DAVD’s most prominent feature is a heads-updisplayresemblingvirtual-reality glasses, which can be adapted to any Navy dive helmet. Other components include specialized augmented-reality software (which allows the Coda Octopus 3D sonar or virtual images to be overlaid on a physicallandscape),laptops,cables,camerasand lighting

While using DAVD, a diver is tethered to a ship or ﬂoating platform by cables transmittingvitalinformationbetweenthediver andsurfaceteam includingrateofascent anddescent,timeelapsed,currentandmaximumdepth,andremaininglevelsofbreathinggas

DAVD can take sonar imagery gathered beforeandduringadiveanduseittocreate adetailed3Dmodelofthedivesite Inaddition, divers are able to receive videos, technical manuals, images, messages and other

data to help them navigate underwater and maintainsmoothcommunicationswiththe surface

“As a diver, I’ll say DAVD is a gamechanger,” said Lt Matthew Coleman, a NAVSEA assistant for salvage “It gives us an extremely detailed view of the bottom with much more accuracy than what we used previously and is an excellent tool for completing any mission, in all working conditions.”

DAVD’s roots stretch back to 2019, when ONR sponsored its development to answer a need voiced by NAVSEA to improve diver visibility underwater It eventually was moved to ONR’s Future Naval Capabilities program, which is designed to complete development of mature technologies and transition them into naval programs of record.

Inthesubsequentyears,multipleversions of DAVD were introduced into the ﬂeet for testing, demonstration and transition, each withnewimprovementsandupgrades The latestiterationenteredservicein2023

Approximately 15 DAVD systems are currently being used by nine naval commands and have played important rolesinbothnavalandnon-navaloperations For example, in the aftermath of the 2023 wildﬁresinMaui,Hawaii,Navydiversused

DAVDtolocate26boatsthathadsunkalong amarinaduringthedisaster.

Navy and Coda Octopus engineers also employed the DAVD 3D sonar systems to assist in salvage efforts after the March 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott KeyBridge AndDAVDwasinstrumentalin effortstomapthemurkywaterssurrounding thesunkenUSSArizona.Thepurposewasto helpU.S.PaciﬁcFleetandtheNationalPark Serviceinspecttheconditionofsubmerged, severely degraded construction moorings usedtobuildthememorialinthe1950s. In the future, Chapman and McMurtrie envision potential upgrades to DAVD that couldincludeGPSforgeoreferencing(relating a digital map or image to geographic coordinates),physiologicalmonitoringsuch asaneye-trackingdevice,orenablingDAVD to work without cables connecting to the surface

“As we get regular feedback from divers, we want to continuously upgrade and improve DAVD to ensure it stays effective and relevant,” said Paul McMurtrie NAVSEAdivingsystemsprogrammanager “Similar to how your iPhone is always gettingupgrades.”

uarterdeck

Navy awards $3.5B contract to Northrop Grumman to develop successor to E-6B Mercury aircraft

The U.S.Navyawarded the contract to conduct the mission-systems integration forthe E-130J,whichwill be the successorto the E-6B MercuryfortheTACAMO mission. PageB3

Groundbreaking ceremony launches construction of Nuclear Regional Maintenance Facility at Kings Bay

ByJeffreyHamlin

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the construction of a new facility for the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Georgia. The facility will serve as a centralized, state-of-the-art hub for NRMD, enabling critical maintenance andrepairoperationsforTrident-equipped submarines The event brought together senior Navy leaders,localofficials,andprojectstakeholderstocelebratethemilestone

“This groundbreaking represents NAVFAC Southeast’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that directlyenhancetheﬂeet’soperationalreadiness, saidCapt MiguelDieguez,NAVFAC Southeast commanding officer “This new Nuclear Regional Maintenance facility will

consolidate resources improve collaboration and ensure that our submarine force hasthemaintenanceinfrastructureitneeds to remain at the forefront of our national defense.”

The NRMD plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s ballistic missile submarine force It provides intermediate-level repairandmaintenanceofpropulsionplant systems and components ensuring submarines remain mission-ready for both rapid 28-day overhauls and extended 270-day majormaintenanceperiods

Currently, NRMD operations are dispersed across NSB Kings Bay in temporary trailers, CONEX boxes, and facilities shared with the TRIDENT Reﬁt Facility at Kings Bay (TRF-KB). This project will consolidate these functions into a single purpose-builtstructure,enhancingcommunication and collaboration between engineersandmechanicsonthewaterfront.

“There has been a tremendous amount of effort to get us to this point, and from

our perspective, it has been a collaborative and satisfying experience,” said Brian Logan, deputy director, Naval Regional Maintenance Department, Kings Bay. “The ﬁnal design turned out to be spectacular and today it is satisfying to take pause…and reﬂect on what all has been accomplished andwhatiscoming.”

The new low-rise facility will feature a reinforced concrete slab-on-grade with a steel and precast concrete superstructure supported by a pile foundation. The building will include nuclear repair shops, ship services support areas, applied instruction spaces, and a parking facility accommodatingupto300employees

Thecontractforthis$136millionproject was awarded to BL Harbert International onDec.13 2023.

“BL Harbert is profoundly grateful and humbled by the opportunity to contribute our construction expertise to execute this project with the Navy,” said Jeremy Pipkin, senior vice president at BL Harbert International. “Over the next few years, we look

forward to integrating into the Kings Bay communityasweworkdiligentlytodelivera facilitythatembodiesthehigheststandards of craftsmanship and reﬂects the immense importance of the work that will occur withinitswalls.”

Thecompanywilloverseethedesignand construction of the facility, which is scheduledforcompletionbyDec.15,2028

TheNuclearRegionalMaintenancefacility atKingsBayunderscorestheNavy’scommitment to maintaining its strategic deterrence capabilities by providing cutting-edge infrastructuretosupportitssubmarineﬂeet.

NAVFAC Southeast, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, provides planning, design, construction, contracting, environmental services, public works, real estate, and facility maintenance for the U.S. Navy MarineCorps Army,AirForce,SpaceForce, andotherfederalagenciesacrosstheSoutheast. Its area of responsibility covers installations from Charleston, South Carolina, to CorpusChristi,Texas,andextendssouthto GuantanamoBay,Cuba.

NAS Pensacola recognizes Naval Security Forces

ByGarrettDipuma

PENSACOLA Fla. NavalAirStation (NAS) Pensacola recognized their Navy SecurityForces(NSF)teamJan.9forLaw Enforcement Appreciation Day, highlighting their critical role in ensuring the safetyandsecurityoftheinstallation.

NSF personnel at NAS Pensacola are responsible for protecting the service members,civilianemployees,familiesand visitors who come through the installation’s gates each day. Their duties range from securing entry control points and conductingpatrolstorespondingtoemergenciesandenforcingregulations

They also safeguard areas of public interest onboard the installation such as the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Fort Barrancas Barrancas National Cemetery and other facilities and events that draw thousands of visitorsannually

“Our Naval Security Forces are the backbone of our safety efforts at NAS Pensacola,” said NAS Pensacola

Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman. “They serve with unwavering commitment to protect our service members their families and everyone who visits our installation. Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and we recognize their dedication and thank themfortheirservice.”

The NSF team at NAS Pensacola consists of both military and civilian personnel who work around the clock to ensure the installation remains secure. In addition to daily duties they conduct regulartrainingexerciseswithlocal,state and federal law enforcement partners to maintain readiness for various security scenarios

“The mission of Naval Security Forces goes far beyond just enforcing the rules,” said NAS Pensacola Security Officer Lt DavidHazenﬁeld “Weareheretocreate a safe environment where everyone on the installation can focus on their duties It’saresponsibilitywealltakeeveryday.

As the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” whereallNavyandMarineCorpsaviation

From left:Joseph Singer production facilities and equipment managerat NorfolkNaval Shipyard; Sherri Eriksen,project managerforAECOM; Capt.Juan Hines,commanding

Weapons Facility,Atlantic (SWFLANT); Capt.Miguel Dieguez,commanding officerofNaval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast;JeremyPipkin,vice

Harbert International; Brian Logan,deputydirectorofthe NuclearRegional Maintenance Department (NRMD); and Capt.Michael Paisant commanding offi

Facilityat Kings Bay,breakgroundwith ceremonial shovels during the groundbreaking ceremonyforthe newNuclearRegional Maintenance facilityat Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay,Georgia.The facility will enhance maintenance capabilities forTrident-equipped submarines.(PHOTOBYKEITHBOYDSTON)

SSP achieves major modernization milestone

ByShelbyThompson Strategic Systems Programs

CAPECANAVERAL,Fl.

U.S.NavyStrategic Systems Programs (SSP) achieved a major milestone in support of the Navy’s nuclear modernization effort with the validation of Final Operating Capability (FOC) for the Strategic Weapons Systems Ashore (SWSAshore)facilityonNov.26

Located at Naval Ordnance Test Unit on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida, SWS Ashore is a state of the art test-facility designed to test modernizations and alterations of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System (SWS) and Strategic Weapon Support System (SWSS) equipment in a land-based facility prior to ﬂeet deployment.Thefacilityexpandsthegroundbased testing capabilities for the sea-based strategic weapons systems to ensure StrategicSystemsProgramsisreadytosupportthe Columbia-classSSBNasitenterstheﬂeet.

“Envisioned as an integrated testing facility to support Columbia-class SSBN delivery and subsequent ﬂeet operations, SWSA achievingfulloperationalcapabilityisatestamentofyearsofhardworkandcooperation,” saidNOTUCommandingOfficerCapt.Jason Schneider This major effort was achieved on-time with considerable contribution and partnershipbetweenNavy,industry,andlocal Florida ‘Space Coast’ government organizationsthatstretchesbackmorethanadecade SWSAshorebrokegroundonNov.8,2012, and was originally intended to achieve three goalsfortheNavy-applythelessonslearned from the Ohio-class SSBN program to the future Columbia-class; assist the U.K. with hands-on experience for its future Dreadnought-class shipbuilders and sailors; and, provideanenduringend-to-endshore-based strategicweaponssystemfortheU.S.andU.K. toconducttroubleshooting,testing,andtrainingfor In the ﬁve years since the facility began initial operations in 2019, these aspirations have been realized thanks to the hard work and sense of urgency that has driven the teams involved in construction and operations

“SWS Ashore is a true success story of thinking ahead to manage risk and protect schedule margin,” said Steven Van Dyk, SSP chiefengineer Today, the Trident II D5LE SWS is

deployedontheNavy’sOhio-classSSBNsand will continue to carry the current SWS until the last Ohio-class boats are retired in the early 2040s. The Trident II D5LE SWS will alsobetheinitialloadoutonColumbia-class SSBNs, built and commissioned throughout the 2030s. As the next generation Trident II —knownasTridentIID5LE2-isdeveloped SWS Ashore allows for advanced testing to ensureefficientsystemsintegrationontothe future Columbia-class SSBNs, decreasing risk for the Navy’s number one acquisitions priority

“SWS Ashore was not only vital in ensuring the next generation weapon system met allexpectationsduringanextensivetwoyear veriﬁcationandvalidationtestingperiod,but wasalsoinstrumentalinimprovingshipyard installationandtestingprocesseswhichwill help to reduce time and cost in the shipyard, said Scott Brockman, NOTU SWS Ashore weaponsofficer

SWS Ashore is an example of prioritizing risk-based planning, and highlights SSP’s commitmenttomanagerisksandprotectthe schedulemarginsoftheNavy’shighestpriorityprograms Theintegratedtestcapabilities at SWS Ashore provide additional stability and technical veriﬁcation during Trident II SWS integration into the Columbia-class shipbuilding That same testing supports the integration of the weapons system onto thefutureU.K.Dreadnought-class,andisan example of well-planned infrastructure and facilityinvestmentsunderpinsuccessfulpartnerships with both DOD and international partners

“SWSAshoreisvitaltoprovidingthemost cost effective, technically capable nuclear [sea-based] strategic deterrent for both nations,” said Matt Vilk, Strategic Systems ProgramsSWSAshoreprogrammanager

SWS Ashore provides a key service to the U.K. who purchase the Trident II D5 SWS from the U.S. under the Polaris Sales Agreement. While the U.S. is pushing forward with the future Columbia-class, the U.K. is utilizing SWS Ashore to beneﬁt its own next generation Dreadnought-class SSBNs. The Columbia- and Dreadnought-classes make useofacommonmissilecompartment,which enables the testing and reﬁning of the SWS for both nations, as well as the ability for the U.S. and U.K. navies to train the sailors who willeventuallytakethesesystemstosea.

De-riskingschedulesforourstrategicpart-

ners strengthens the U.S. program as well, ensuring that the programs stay aligned and costsarekeptdown

“SWS Ashore allows the U.S. and U.K. programs to stay in parallel,” said Van Dyk, whoisexcitedabouttheabilitytotestfuture system refreshes independent of shipyard schedules

SSPpartneredwithSpaceFloridatomake this facility a reality Space Florida, a public corporation of the state of Florida, provided fundsfortheNavytorefurbishanoldmissile launch site on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,andpreparethesitefortheconstructionofSWSAshore.

“The local Florida community has been and continues to be a wonderful host,” said Vilk.

“They’ve made SWS Ashore a desirable destination for our Navy community and its industrypartners.”

Ensuring the on-time integration of the Trident II D5 SWS onto the Columbia-class directly support the readiness of America’s Warﬁghting Navy, and will continue to provide the underlying strategic deterrent capabilitythatallowstheNavytoadvanceand adapt in other areas to address the changing characterofconﬂict.

A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies Deterrence remains a cornerstoneofnationalsecuritypolicyinthe 21stcentury Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy commandthatprovidescradle-to-gravelifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation’snucleartriad Thisincludestraining systems,equipment,facilitiesandpersonnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II(D5LE)StrategicWeaponSystem.

SLBMs are one leg of the nation’s strategicnucleardeterrentTriadthatalsoincludes the U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBM)andnuclear-capablebombers Each part of the Triad provides unique capabilitiesandadvantages.

SLBMs make up the majority approximately 70 percent of the U.S.’s deployed strategicnucleardeterrentTriad.TheSLBM is the most survivable, provides persistent presence,andallowsﬂexibleconceptofoperations

USS Beloit makes it home to Mayport

ByLt AyifaBrooks

Commander Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Beloit (LCS 29) makes it to her homeport in Mayport,Fla.,December19

After15locks,fourGreatLakes,threeport visits,andover2,500nauticalmilestraveled, USS Beloit (LCS 29) and her mighty crew at last arrived in the Atlantic Ocean, continuing her transit to its future homeport, Naval StationMayport,Florida.

The road to make it to the Atlantic Ocean included months of preparation from the crew In less than two months after moving onboard in August, the crew certified in several mission areas required to safely operate and get underway including: Search and Rescue, Navigation, Damage Control, CommunicationsandEngineering

“The Beloit Badger crew are some of the best Sailors I have served with. They are resilient, strong flexible and dedicated, and I am blessed to be their Commanding Officer Almost everything we have done in the pastfivemonthshasbeen‘highrisk’and‘first time’, but that’s what makes us so unique,” said Cmdr LeAndra Kissinger, Beloit’s commanding officer We work hard, pray hard, and lean on each other as a team We trulyareafamily andwhenafamilywantsto

Naval Security Forces from Page 1

personnelbegintheirtraining,NASPensacola reliesonitssecurityforcestoprotectcritical assets TheeffortsoftheNSFteamensurethe installation continues to operate smoothly while providing a safe environment for all wholiveat,workonandvisittheinstallation. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observedannuallyJan.9,providesanoppor-

accomplishamission,it’shardtostopthem.”

Each evolution, although involving differentdepartmentsontheship,requiredcareful coordinationandsupportfromeachdivision and Sailor onboard and was necessary for thecrewtobeabletosetsailfromMarinette, Wisconsin, towards the site of its commissioningceremonyinMilwaukee,Wisconsin

On November 23, the crew took the order to “man the ship and bring her to life.”

Amongst thousands of onlookers, the ship made its much anticipated transition from pre-commissionedunittoUnitedStatesShip andbeganhersailaroundhome

Her commissioning festivities included a crewvisittotheirnamesaketownofBeloit,a Chairman’s dinner hosted by the Commandant, and a commissioning ceremony who’s audiencewasﬁlledwithveteransfrommany signiﬁcantbattles Alongtheway,shestopped inCleveland,Ohio,QuebecCity,Quebecand Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Norfolk for refueling stores replenishment and liberty for thecrew

“This crew has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming the last 4 months. Completing difficult consecutive certiﬁcations while learning a new ship and being away from family This team made it look easyandbroughtawholenewmeaningtothe term“BeloitProud,”saidSeniorChiefDavid Chisholm, Beloit’s Senior Enlisted Leader.

tunity for the public to recognize and thank thoseinthelawenforcementcommunityfor theirserviceandsacriﬁce.

“We are incredibly grateful for the professionalism and vigilance our Navy Security Forcesdemonstrateeveryday,”saidNewman

“Their presence is a constant reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re proudtohavesuchadedicatedteamprotectingNASPensacola.”

NAS Pensacola, referred to as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” is designed to support

“Watchingthemperformunderpressureand overcomingeveryobstaclewithgraceshows justhowawesomeourteamisandtheirreadinesstofacethechallengesaheadaftersome muchneededandwell-deservedfamilytime It is an honor to be sailing with them and representingthecityofBeloit.

Capt. James Lawrence said it best, “Don’t giveuptheship.”Andthat’sexactlywhatthis crewdidtogetushomeontime!”saidOperationSpecialistﬁrstclasspettyofficerErnesto Sanchez,USSBeloit’sSailoroftheYear! With the last port fading in the rear only a few hundred nautical miles remain before Jacksonville is within view, the crew is eagerly awaiting returning to their families and friends, and ready to take on the next missionthatwillcometheirwayastheNavy’s newestwarshipjointheﬂeet!

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security,seacontrol,anddeterrence For more news from Commander, LittoralCombatShipSquadronTwo,visithttps:// www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcsron2/ or followonFacebookathttps://www.facebook. com/comlcsron2/

operational and training missions of tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for NavalAviationTechnicalTraining(CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG)21and23andisthe headquarters for Naval Education and TrainingCommand(NETC).

Crisis Support

Suicide Prevention

SAPR Support

CourtesyStory

Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT

RIVER, MD The U.S. Navy announced today that it has awarded Northrop GrummanCorp a$3.5billioncontracttoconduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, which will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury for the Take Charge and MoveOut(TACAMO)mission.

Under the contract, Northrop Grumman of Melbourne Florida will serve as the prime contractor to integrate TACAMO mission systems, including the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency system, into government-furnished C-130J-30 air vehiclesbuiltbyLockheedMartinCorp The contract is for three Engineering DevelopmentModels(EDMs)andoptionsforupto three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs)anduptosixaircraftintheﬁrstlot ofproduction.CollinsAerospaceandLockheed Martin are directed subcontractors to supporttheintegrationandairworthiness “OurTACAMOmissionisfoundationalto ournation’snuclearTriad,”saidSecretaryof the Navy Carlos Del Toro “The E-130J will carryontheproudlegacyofNavyTACAMO aircraftandkeepournationsafe.”

The acquisition effort is being led by the Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office(PMA-271)withintheProgramExecutiveOfficeforAirAnti-SubmarineWarfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)).

“Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviation’s contribution to our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission,” said Capt. Adam Scott, PMA-271 program manager “With the selection of Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor for the TACAMORecapitalizationProgram,weare readytomoveoutwithdevelopingthiscritical asset. In carrying on the legacy of the E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will ensure our nation’sleadershipisalwaysconnectedtoits nuclearforcesfordecadestocome.” Workdevelopingthisassetinconjunction withtheprimecontractorbeginstoday.

The Navy selected the winner based on theproposalthatofferedthebestvaluetothe government,consideringtheofferor’stechnical approach and cost The total contract valueis$3,459,276,000.

The E-130J is a critical part of the United States’ nuclear modernization program which includes new Columbia-class ballisticmissilesubmarines newbomberaircraft

The contract award is the result of a competitive source selection that included significant engagement with industry. PMA-271releasedtherequestforproposals onsam.govonSept.21,2023 withproposals duebyApril22,2024

suchastheB-21Raider,andSentinel,anew ground-based system to replace the silobased Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles The E-130J will ensure that leadership can always communicate withthosenuclearforcestoorderorcancel strikes, even if ground-based communicationsareunavailable

The E-6B is a communications relay and strategic airborne command post aircraft It provides survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) for the president,secretaryofdefenseandU.S.Strategic

Command.Itisadual-missionaircraftcapableoffulﬁllingtheno-failTACAMOmission andtheLookingGlassmission,whichfacilitatesthelaunchofU.S.land-basedintercontinental ballistic missiles using an airborne launch control system. The E-130J will relievetheE-6BoftheTACAMOmission. PMA-271 is headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Its missionistodeliverandsupportsurvivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications for the president,secretaryofdefenseandU.S.Strategic Command.

NMRC CTC seeks volunteers for staph vaccine trials

ByTommyLamkin Naval Medical Research Command

BETHESDA, Md Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC)’s Clinical Trials Center (CTC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a phase 1 clinical trial for a vaccine aimed at reducing frequency and severityofinfectionscausedbyStaphylococcus aureus bacteria, a leading cause of skin andsofttissueinfections

The study, beginning in December and fundedbyLimmaTechBiologics,isseeking 129 participants to help evaluate the safety ofthevaccine,calledLTB-SA7.Participants willreceivetwoinjections,fourweeksapart

According to the Center for Disease Control, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a typeofgermthatabout30%ofpeoplecarry ontheirskinorintheirnoses Insomecases, staphcancauseinfections,whichcanleadto serious or fatal outcomes Staph can cause serious infections with signiﬁcant morbiditythatincludespain,scarringandtimelost fromschoolandwork.

Staph is a leading cause of skin and soft tissueinfectionsinU.S.militarypopulations and a leading pathogen of concern, due to the antimicrobial resistance of Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcusaureus

“Between January 2016 and September 2020, over 200,000 cases of skin and soft tissue infections affected 174,893 service members,” said Lt Cmdr Jaqueline Clerk, deputy director of the CTC “Our junior servicemembersaretheonesmostlikelyto be affected and are at highest risk of infectionduringtraininganddeployments Asafe and effect vaccine to reduce the burden of Staphinfectionswouldsigniﬁcantlyimprove thelivesofservicemembersandreducethe amountofantibioticsused.”

The LTB-SA7 vaccine consists of five components, including seven toxoids The use of inactive toxins or toxoids allows for the controlled introduction of products that will trigger an immune response without causing the toxin-induced disease The toxoidsintheLTB-SA7arefromthreefamiliesofstaphylococcaltoxins

“First-in-humanclinicaltrialsprovidethe firstlookathowaproductwillactinpeople,” said the CTC’s Dr Chad Porter “They also represent the first step in a long clinical development process It is exciting to be a part of the earliest clinical evaluation for a product that could have such significant

BETHESDA,Md (Nov 21 2024) Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC)’s ClinicalTrials Center(CTC) is seekingvolunteers to participate in a phase 1 clinical trial foravaccine aimed at reducing frequencyand severityofinfections caused byStaphylococcus aureus bacteria,a leading cause ofskin and soft tissue infections.NMRC CTC is located at Naval SupportActivityBethesda,Building 17B (2nd ﬂoor) and can be contacted at 301-295-4735 (call) or301-233-9640 (text)

areas oftheworld to investigations in operational environments.In support ofthe Navy Marine Corps,and joint U.S.warﬁghters,researchers studyinfectious diseases,biological warfare detection and defense,combat casualtycare,environmental health concerns,aerospace and undersea medicine,medical modeling, simulation,operational mission support,epidemiologyand behavioral sciences (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYTOMMYLAMKIN/RELEASED)

beneﬁt for the military and other populations.”

The CTC study is open to the public for all healthy people between the ages of 18 and50years Participantsmusthaveabody massindex(BMI)between19-35andbeable to complete at least seven in-person visits over one year Active-duty personnel must complete a supervisor’s approval form as part of the study Participants may be eligibleforcompensation.

NMRC CTC is located at Naval Support

ActivityBethesda Building17B(2ndﬂoor).

If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact the center at 301-295-4735 (call) or 301-233-9640 (text), orviae-mailatusn.nmrc.ctc@health.milto scheduleanappointment. TheNMRCCTCevaluatesvaccines,therapeutics, prophylactics in human subjects to advance products from the laboratory to the front line and maximize the medical readiness of the warfighter NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activities from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments In support of the Navy, Marine CorpsandjointU.S.warfighters,researchers studyinfectiousdiseases,biologicalwarfare detectionanddefense,combatcasualtycare, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiologyandbehavioralsciences.

become crucial to maintaining strategic advantage.”

NATIONALHARBOR,Md OnAugust 13th,2024 theNavalInformationWarﬁghting Development Center (NIWDC), was recognized as the Shore Command of the YearbytheAssociationofOldCrows(AOC) at an awards dinner held in the Maryland’s NationalHarbor NIWDCisleadingthecharge,transforminghowtheNavypreparesforandexecutes operationsintheelectromagneticdomain. “Intherapidlyevolvingworldofmodern warfare, the importance of electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operationscannotbeoverstated, saidMr Edwin Grohe, Technical Director, NIWDC “As technological advancements reshape the battleﬁeld,theabilitytocontrolandmanipulate the electromagnetic spectrum has

NIWDC’s work in electromagnetic warfare is particularly significant as it involvesacomprehensiveapproachtointegrating EW capabilities into naval operations The center’s strategy encompasses training, research, doctrine development, and coordination with other military branches and allies. By fostering collaboration and innovation, NIWDC ensures that the Navy remains prepared to confront and defeat adversaries who seek to challenge its dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum. As naval forces around the world face increasingly sophisticated adversaries the role of electromagnetic warfare will only grow in importance NIWDC is poised to remain at the forefront of this critical domain, ensuring the Navy is prepared to

meetthechallengesofthefuture

The recognition of NIWDC’s leadership in this ﬁeld underscores the importance of electromagnetic warfare in modern naval operations As the center continues to lead the charge the Navy will remain ready to adapt to emerging challenges ensuring that the U.S. remains a dominant force on the world’s oceans With more than 14,000 members internationally, the Association ofOldCrowsisanorganizationforindividuals who have common interests in Electronic Warfare (EW), Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Operations, Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), InformationOperations(IO),andotherinformationrelatedcapabilities TheAssociationof Old Crows provides a means of connecting members and organizations nationally and internationally across government, defense,industry,andacademiatopromote

the exchange of ideas and information and provides a platform to recognize advances andcontributionsinthesefields NIWDCistheU.S.Navy’sIW Information Warfare - tactical center of excellence whichenhancesfleethigh-endwarfighting capabilities and readiness across the operational and tactical levels of war. For more information on Naval Information Warfare Advanced Weapons School “, visit https:// intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/NIWDC-Doctrine-CIE/IW_WTI/SitePages/Home.aspx oremailIW_WTI@navy.mil.Tokeepupto datewiththelatestnewsfromNIWDC,visit https://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/NIWDC/ or NIWDC’sFacebookpage https://www.facebook.com/NIWDC

Lisa A. Harden receives Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award

ByAlishaTyer Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division

BETHESDA, Md Lisa A. Harden, a dedicated leader at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, was honored with the prestigious Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award presented by Commanding Officer

Capt. Chris Matassa on Dec. 4, 2024 The awardrecognizesherexceptionalleadership and dedication as head of the Recruitment andStudentOutreach,andStaffingandClassiﬁcationBranchesfromMarch2020toMay

2024

As one of the Navy’s highest civilian honors, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to the Navy or Marine Corps For Harden, the recognition marks four years of transformative work thathelpedshapethefutureofCarderock’s workforce The award nomination noted Harden’s “unparalleled personal initiative, dedication, and commitment to duty,” emphasizing her leadership during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period ofunprecedentedchallenges

When Harden assumed her supervisory role in March 2020, the world was on the brinkofamajorshift.

“I had just become supervisor and then thenextweek,wewenthome,”sherecalled. “Iwaslike,‘HowamIgoingtobeasupervisorwhennobody’sevenhere?

Despite her uncertainty, and faced with leading a team remotely, Harden focused onbuildingtrustandcommunication.“Her ability to seamlessly transition her team to remoteworkwhilemaintainingproductivity wascriticaltothemission,”thenomination packagestated. Under her guidance, her team rose to the challenge,achievingremarkablemilestones. These efforts included onboarding nearly 1,300 new employees in two years, directly supporting the Navy’s operational readinessandmissionsuccess.Hardenattributed muchofhersuccessandthatofherteamto theircollaborativeculture.

“Myteamisgreat,”shesaid.“Ifyoureally lookatit,we’vehadthesamecoreteamsince I became a supervisor That says a lot about theenvironmentwecreatedtogether.” Hardenalsocreditedhermanager,Emily Grauwiler, for fostering a supportive environment that has extended beyond the workplace During the award ceremony, Emily arranged for Harden’s husband and son to attend, a gesture that Harden said meanttheworldtoher

“IhadnoideathatIwasevenbeingputin for this,” Harden said “Emily knows me so wellthatshehadmyhusbandandsonatthe awardceremony.”

For Harden, this moment was deeply personal,notingthatherfamilyhasbeenan integralpartofhercareerjourney,fromrelocating to Maryland to work at Carderock, to supporting her through every challenge andtriumph.

“They’ve been with me for every single step of the way in my career not just for theforwardsteps,butevenfortheonesthat Ithoughtwesteppedbackward,”sheshared.

“Havingthemthereforthismomentmeant everything.”

This blend of professional collaboration and personal support has been a deﬁning featureofHarden’scareer Theawardnominationcitedherabilityto“cultivateaspiritof unityandsharedpurposewithinageographically dispersed team,” With her leadership styleprioritizingtrust,resilience,andasense ofcommunity

“It’s not just about me,” Harden said.

“It’s my team, my family, and the larger Carderock community We’ve all made this happentogether.”

The award underscores Harden’s leadership and contributions to Carderock and theNavy

“Ithink‘humbled’isusedalot,butinthis instance it’s the right word It makes me feel appreciated, Harden said, reﬂecting on the recognition. “It just gives me a sense of accomplishment. Even with the ups and downsandchallengesthatIface,IloveHR, so it’s good to be recognized for what you lovetodo.”

Naval engineer builds success through creative expression

ByNatashaWaldronAnthony Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD From meticulously assembling a nearly six-foottallEiffelTowertopaintinginspiredbythe Botanic Gardens’ reﬂecting pools, Cmdr Shannon Wright brings the same creative vision to her role as Naval District Washington’sassistantregionalengineerthatshe applies to her artistic pursuits

A registered Professional Engineer and decorated Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer, Wright credits her childhood love of LEGOforsparkingherengineeringcareer

“Becoming a civil engineer was because of LEGO in some respect,” she explains. “That idea was ingrained in me at a young age of enjoying the process of building stuff Then I ﬁgured out I could do that for a living as a civil engineer. It’s the building blocks of society.”

Her office showcases this passion, displaying approximately one-third of her extensive LEGO collection alongside Marvel memorabilia. These pieces serve dual purposes both as creative outlets and as conversation starters that help bridge communication gaps in the workplace “I bring the LEGOs because they’re conversation starters,” Wright notes “If youhaveanopendoorpolicy,it’shelpfulto havesomethingthatreducestheapproachability gap.”

DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,Wright discovered another creative outlet: painting What began with a simple rock painting kit has evolved into a serious artistic pursuit that provides balance to her technical work.

“Whenitcomestothecanvas,there’sno right or wrong answers,” she reﬂects “It lets you release There’s no pressure to be exactingandalwayscorrectbecausethere’s no such thing in that world.” Wright’s artistic endeavors extend beyondpersonalenjoyment shedonates paintingstocharitablecausesandenvisions usingartsalestofundprogramsthatwould expose underrepresented youth to museums and art appreciation.

USS Texas holds change of command ceremony

ByChiefPettyOfficerJoshuaKarsten Submarine Readiness Squadron 32

KITTERY,Maine Cmdr KennethIngle turned command of USS Texas (SSN 775) overtoCmdr AndrewMcGoverninatraditional change of command ceremony held Friday,January10 atNavalSubmarineBase NewLondoninGroton,Connecticut

Capt. Phillip Castellano, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, presided over the ceremony and praised Ingle and crew for “getting Texas ready to ﬁght.”

“Kenneth led this storied submarine through the arduous shipyard period in record time,” Castellano said. “His leadership enabled Texas to get back out to sea whereshebelongs.”

“I trust Andrew will continue that ‘don’t messwithTexas’spiritastheshipprepares for deployment,” Castellano added “You have received a ﬁne warship and a tough crew welcometotheteam.

Ingle,aBurlington,NorthCarolinanative and 2004 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, praised his crew for completing their maintenance period, calling their return to Grotona“resultofagenuineteameffort.”

“The opportunity to lead the Texas crew has been a true honor and the highlight of my career, Ingle said. “It is your diligence and perseverance that distinguish Texas fromotherships.”

“I know you are ready to accept the challenges of demanding at-sea schedules in preparation for future deployments,” Ingle added.“Andy,youaretherightcommander toleadTexasintohernextchapter Iwish youallthebest.”

Ingle took command of Texas in May 2022 and led the crew through a scheduled maintenance period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine before shifting homeport to Groton and preparing for deployment. Following his command tour,

Ingle is transitioning to a position at Naval Reactors His previous submarine tours include USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), and USS Alaska (SSBN 732).

McGovern, a Canandaigua, New York native and 2005 graduate of Lycoming College spoke briefly during the event saying he “had big boots to ﬁll, a reference tocowboyboots.

“TomyTexans,asyourcaptain,Iwillpush each and every day to be the absolute best versions of yourselves,” McGovern said to his crew after relieving Ingle. “You follow me,andI’llfollowyou.”

McGovern comes to the Texas from Gorton’s Naval Submarine School and his previoussubmarinetoursincludeUSSProvidence (SSN 719), USS Wyoming (SSBN 742),USSSouthDakota(SSN790),andUSS Montpelier(SSN765).

Texas was commissioned in 2006 as the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the

Lone Star State. The ﬁrst two were battleships, commissioned in 1895 and 1914, respectively The third was a Virginia-class guided-missile cruiser in service from 1977 through1993 Thesubmarineis377feetlong and has a 34-foot beam, as well as a crew of morethan130Navypersonnel. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling ﬁve of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities sea control,powerprojection,forwardpresence, maritime security and deterrence They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, specialoperations,intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and minewarfare.Fast-attacksubmarinesproject power ashore with special operations forcesandTomahawkcruisemissilesinthe preventionorpreparationofregionalcrises

DiscoverThe Virginian-Pilot app andenjoycurated articles onevery topic–frompolitics to sports to food anddining. Youcan also receivebreakingnewsalerts and save stories to read at your convenience.

The Perfect BusinessPartner

Has yearsofbusiness experience. Doesn’trequestthe cornerofﬁce. Alwayshas theinsidescooponbusiness trends

NEWS

Newsyou can useand reports about Hampton Roads from a business perspective

FEATURES

In-depth proﬁles oflocal companies and business leaders, trends from around the country that aretaking holdinHampton Roads.

LEADS

DATA:Abusinesscommunity bulletinboard of the latest acquisitions, mergers, new products,community service and other achievementsofHampton Roads businesses

CALENDAR: Themostcomprehensive listingofthe area’s meetings, events and networking opportunities.

PUBLIC RECORDS: Weeklylistings of newbusiness licenses and new corporations.

PEOPLE

Briefs aboutpromotions,new hires, retirements, certiﬁcations and otherachievements of those in the local business community

EXPERTCOLUMNS

Localprofessionals in theareas of law,ﬁnance, management, sales andmore, offeradvice and updates of what’s happening withintheir industries

SPECIAL REPORTS

Inside Business offersquarterly,semiannual special reports with thelatestdevelopments, trendsand proﬁles of companies and peopleina wide varietyof industries

SPECIAL EVENTS & PUBLICATIONS

Inside Business publishes specialprojects coordinated with events to recognize theTop FortyUnder 40, Best Places to Work, Women in Businessand many more.

On iberty

NASA’s upcoming documentary “PlanetaryDefenders,

NASA’s Planetary Defenders head to the Sundance Film Festival

PressRelease

NASA is bringing the high-stakes world of planetary defense to the Sundance Film Festival, highlighting its upcoming documentary “Planetary Defenders,” during a panel ahead of its spring 2025 premiere on theagency’sstreamingservice

“We’re thrilled that NASA is attending Sundance Film Festival for the ﬁrst time afestivalrenownedforitsinnovativespirit,” said Brittany Brown, director, NASA Office ofCommunicationsDigitalandTechnology Division, at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington. “Our participation represents a groundbreaking opportunity for NASA to engage with the ﬁlm industry and share new avenues for collaborative storytelling Byconnectingwiththecreativemindsatthe festival, we aim to inspire new narratives,

explorenewavenuesforcollaborativestorytelling,andignitearenewedsenseofwonder inspaceexploration.”

The NASA+ ﬁlm explores a compelling question: How would humanity respond if wediscoveredanasteroidheadedforEarth? Farfromscienceﬁction,“PlanetaryDefenders”followsreal-lifeastronomersandother experts as they navigate the challenges of asteroid detection and safeguarding our planetfrompotentialhazards

“NASA is home to some of the greatest stories ever told, and NASA’s new streamingplatformNASA+isdedicatedtosharing thesestoriestoinspirethenextgeneration,” saidRebeccaSirmons,generalmanagerand head of NASA+. “We are honored to host a panel at this year’s Sundance Film Festival discussingourupcomingNASA+documentary“PlanetaryDefenders.”

The panel, entitled “You Bet Your Asteroid: NASA Has a Story to Tell,” will start at 1:30 p.m. MST on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Filmmaker Lodge in the Elks Building, 550 Main St 2nd Floor Park City Utah. The event will include a discussion about the ﬁlm followed by a Q&A session. Attendees alsowillhavetheopportunitytomeetNASA expertsandsomeoftheplanetarydefenders themselves Panelistsinclude:

RebeccaSirmons,headofNASA+,NASA

Scott Bednar, filmmaker and director, NASA360/NationalInstituteofAerospace

Jessie Wilde filmmaker and director NASA360/NationalInstituteofAerospace

Dr Kelly Fast, acting planetary defense officer, NASA’s Planetary Defense CoordinationOffice

David Rankin, senior survey operations

specialist,CatalinaSkySurvey

Dr Vishnu Reddy, professor of planetary sciences and director of the Space4 Center, UniversityofArizona Through NASA+, the agency is continuing its decades long tradition of sharing live events, original content, and the latest news while NASA works to improve life on Earth through innovation, exploration, anddiscoveryforthebeneﬁtofall.Thefree, on-demandstreamingserviceisavailableto download without a subscription on most major platforms via the NASA App on iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices as well as streaming media players like Roku, AppleTV andFireTV

To keep up with the latest news from NASA’splanetarydefenseprogram,visit: https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense

VIRGINIA BEACH Va This Valen-

tine’s Day, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is celebrating love with a special evening event called Valen-Tide’s ThiseventwillbehostedattheAquarium’s NorthBuildingfrom6p.m.to9p.m.Guests can trade the chocolates and ﬂowers for a romantic evening surrounded by a picturesqueatmosphere.

Valen-Tide’s will be an all-inclusive evening with a gourmet food stations and an open bar all while guests wander past seaturtles,sharks,rays,andmore Theevent will have enhanced offerings with keeper talksandsciencestations Guestswillenjoya meal,stoppingforeachcourseatadifferent exhibit.Thiseventisforages21andup,and identiﬁcationwillbecheckedatthedoor

Guests can have their love be displayed with a customizable message placed in an aquarium. This romantic addition can be purchased for $100 with a limited quantity of eight available The signs size may vary slightlybasedonexhibitplacement Event proceeds support the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center FoundationtoprovidequalitycarefortheAquarium’s animals, offer educational programs, conduct research and conservation work, and operate the nationally recognized StrandingResponseProgram. Keep the tides high with this memorable datenightexperience.Ticketsare$150and availableforpurchaseatVirginiaAquarium. com. About the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connectpeopletothemarineenvironment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquariumaspirestobeadriverinconservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leadingthechargetosavewildlifeandtheir ecosystems Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city departmentinpartnershipwiththeVirginia Aquarium&MarineScienceCenterFoundation.TheAquariumisproudtobeanaccreditedmemberoftheAssociationofZoosand Aquariums theAllianceofMarineMammal

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS,

AND PHOTOS

PressRelease

WILLIAMSBURG, Va Year-round, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown present galleryexhibits,rareartifactsandﬁlmsthat recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America, from the ﬁrst-known Africans in Virginia in 1619 totheroleofAfricanAmericansintheRevolutionaryWar.

This February for Black History Month, compellingspecialprogramsenhancedaily experiences featuring Jamestown Settlement’s monthlong 2025 Black Artist Showcase debuting with an evening reception February1andculminatingwiththeannual AfterAngeloeventFebruary22

2025 Black Artist Showcase at Jamestown Settlement

Backforitsfourthyear,JamestownSettlement will exhibit an exclusive Black Artist Showcase, February 1 March 2, with an intimate opening reception on Saturday, February1.

Connectingthepastandpresentthrough vividintersectionsofcontemporaryartand 17thcenturyhistory theBlackArtistShowcasewilldisplayvisualworksfromVirginia artistsshowcasingthesigniﬁcanceofBlack HistoryMonth.

A special opening reception on February 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. will feature live music by the Hampton University Faculty Jazz Trio, featured artists discussing their art and opportunity to meet with some of the artists featured in the special exhibit. Ticketsare$25perpersonandadvancepurchase isrequired.

After Angelo at Jamestown Settlement

February 22, 12 4:15 p.m.

BlackHistoryMonthculminatesFebruary 22asAfterAngelo namedforoneoftheﬁrst African women in Jamestown’s historical record,returnsforitsseventhyearcelebrating African American culture and heritage through art, performance and community conversation.

Dynamic programs feature storytelling, musicanddancewithAgōAmè,ﬁrst-person interpretation by Valarie Gray Holmes and musical performance from award-winning singer/songwriter Roberta Lea. A compellingconversationat2p.m.betweenBarbara HammLee,hostofWHRV’s“AnotherView radioprogram,andTheBlackOprytouring memberRobertaLeawilllookattheincreasingacceptanceofblackartistsinthecountry musicgenre.

After Angelo complements the Black Artist Showcase and attendees are encouraged to explore the special exhibit, as well asperuseartworkforsalefromvendorsand becometheartistinacraftactivity Black Artist Showcase and After Angelo are supported in part by the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc Annual Fund.

Rare Period Artifacts, Exhibits & Films on

Display

Expansive exhibition galleries at Jamestown Settlement tell the story of Virginia

Indian, English and West and Central Afri-

can cultures who converged in the 17th century The documentary ﬁlm, “1607: A Nation Takes Root, traces the evolution of theVirginiaCompanyspanningthreecontinentsandchroniclestheforcedarrivalofthe ﬁrst recorded African captives in Virginia in1619

Period artifacts, immersive films and interactiveexhibitssharehistoricalaccounts oftheﬁrstrecordedWestCentralAfricansto Virginia in 1619 their homeland in Ndongo (Angola),lifeintheVirginiacolony,developmentofthetransatlanticslavetradeandthe evolutionofanewAfricanAmericanculture.

Through artifacts and ﬁlm, the dramatic multimedia presentation, “From Africa to Virginia,” chronicles West Central African kingdoms’ encounters with the Portuguese and Europeans the impact on diverse Africanculturesanddevelopmentofthetransatlanticslavetradethroughthe1600s At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown,visitorscanexplorethecontributions of both well-known and little-known participantsintheRevolutionaryWarfrom

theﬁrstshotsﬁredattheBostonMassacreto thedecisivevictoryatYorktownandpoints inbetween.

Among the iconic artifacts on exhibit is a circa-1733portraitofAyubaSuleimanDiallo by William Hoare, one of the two earliest knownportraitsdonefromthelifeofanAfrican who had been enslaved in one of the 13 Britishcolonies(Maryland)thatbecamethe UnitedStatesofAmerica.His1734memoir, “Some Memoirs of the Life of Job,” is in the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation collection.

StoriesofenslavedandfreeAfricanAmericans including both Patriots and Loyalists aresharedthroughoutthegalleries,likethat ofBenjaminBanneker,afreeAfricanAmerican who became famous in the 1790s as a scientistandwriter AccountsofBillyFlora, an African American hero of the Battle of GreatBridgein1775 andJamesLafayette an enslavedAfricanAmericanfromNewKent County,Virginia,whosuccessfullyspiedon theBritishforAmericanforces,cometolife inﬁlmsandaninteractiveexhibit.

Visiting the Museums

All daytime programs and exhibition galleries including the Black Artist Showcase and After Angelo are included with museum admission. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located at 200 Water Street in Yorktown. Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Individual museum admission is

Recipes to help you beat winter’s chill

ByFamilyFeatures

Source: Culinary.net

Savory Meets Spicy

Footballwatchparties,familydinnersandcolddaysthat callforwarmmeals-allperfectoccasionsforaheartybowl of this Barbecue Chili from “Cookin’ Savvy.” Serving 8-10 people,it’saperfectﬁtforacrowdorsavingleftoverstomake weeknightdinnersabreeze Findmoresoup stewandchili recipesatCulinary.net.

BarbecueChili

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy”

Servings: 8-10

1porkloin(2-3pounds)

1can(10ounces)dicedtomatoesandgreenchilies

2cupsbarbecuesauce,divided

1cupwater

1can(29ounces)tomatosauce

2cans(27ounceseach)chilibeans

1packagechiliseasoning

1tablespoonbarbecueseasoning

1tablespoononionpowder

1tablespoongarlicpowder

salt,totaste

pepper,totaste

sourcream,forserving

shreddedcheddarcheese forserving

cornchips forserving

Placeporkloininslowcooker.Coverwithdicedtomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup barbecue sauce and water; cook on low4-6hours

Cut up cooked meat and place in Dutch oven along with juices from slow cooker. Add remaining barbecue sauce, tomatosauce,chilibeans,chiliseasoning,barbecueseasoning, onion powder and garlic powder Season with salt and pepper totaste

Cookovermediumheat20minutes stirringoccasionally Servewithsourcream,shreddedcheeseandcornchips

Tip:Addcanofbeansifservingbiggercrowd.

Make Breakfast More

Manageable

Mornings for many families involve hurried breakfasts and mad dashes out the door These Egg Tot Muffins can helptakethatgrab-and-gobreakfasttothenextlevel.High in protein and ﬂavor, they are a good way to get rid of early morningbrainfog.Plus,youcanmakethemaheadoftimeso allyouhavetodoispoptheminthemicrowaveandenjoyon thego FindmoremorningmealinspirationatCulinary.net

EggTotMuffins

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Servings: 12

Butter 36thawedtatertots

10eggs

1/2cupheavywhippingcreamorhalf-and-half 1/2cupshreddedcheese

2teaspoonsgarlicpowder

2teaspoonsonionpowder

1package(21/2ounces)realbaconpieces

salt,totaste

pepper totaste

Heatovento350F.

Grease muffin tin with butter Place three tots in each muffinholeandsmashdown.

In bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper, to taste Filleachmuffinholecompletelywithmixture. Placecookiesheetundermuffintintocontainmessesand bake20-25minutes

Cook Up a Cranberry Treat

Apple and pumpkin are a couple of fruity favorites, but cranberryisanothercommoningredientthatcanbeusedto makeabigstatement.Mixedwithwalnuts,whitechocolate chips and cake mix, these Cranberry Bars will leave family and friends begging for more. Because they’re so easy to make, you can easily fulﬁll the requests Visit Culinarynet formoredessertideas

CranberryBars Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy”

1boxwhiteoryellowcakemix

2eggs

1stickmeltedbutter

11/2cupsdriedcranberries

11/2cupschoppedwalnuts

2cupschoppedwhitechocolatechips divided Hatovento350F.

Mixcakemix,eggs,butter,cranberries,walnutsand1cup whitechocolatechips Spreadinto7-by-11-inchbakingdish and bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comesoutclean. Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzleoverbars.

BARBECUE CHILI

TOT MUFFINS

CRANBERRY BARS

Seeing wavy lines or missing parts of your vision? It could be age-related macular degeneration

ByJanetA.Aker

MHS Communications

Age-related macular degeneration may cause a gradual reduction in your central visionovertime,soyoumightnotrecognize AMDatﬁrst.

AccordingtoU.S.AirForceCol.(Dr.)KristinePierce withthe96thMedicalGroupat EglinAFB,“Thechangecanalsobeimmediate You can go to sleep one night and wake upwithblurryvisionorlossofvision.

Another symptom of AMD is that “the perfectlystraightedgesofadoorframemay appear distorted and wavy, and you have missing areas of vision such as a blind spot or spots These signs can happen equally,” shesaid.

Pierce a vitreoretinal surgeon, sees a numberofretireesandbeneﬁciariesatEglin Air Force Base Hospitalopens TRICARE mil, Florida. Roughly 50% of her patients have AMD, she said, adding, “I’m a retina specialist,soIseeiteveryday.”

According to the National Eye InstituteopensNIH.gov,damagefromagingtothe macula—“the part of the eye that controls sharp straight-ahead vision”—is the cause of AMD “The macula is part of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye), NEIstated.

It’s the leading cause of permanent impairment of reading or close-up vision. AMDdoesn’tusuallycausecompleteblindness, but losing your central vision can make it harder to see faces, read, drive, or doclose-upworklikecooking needlework, orﬁxingthingsaroundthehouse The Defense Health Agency’s Vision Center of Excellenceopens VCE on Health mil recommends watching out for these signsofAMD:

Blurryorfuzzyvision

Difficultyrecognizingfamiliarfaces

Bumpingintowalls,steps,orother obstacles

Straightlinesappearwavyormissing areas

Agrayedout,dark,ormissingareain yourcentralvision

Deﬁnitiveareas(blindspots)ofmissing vision

Decreaseorlossofcentralvision

Monitor Your Eyesight RegularlyandAmslerGrids

BecauseofthedifferencesinwhenAMD showsup,it’simportanttogetyoureyesight checked on a regular basis by an optometrist to see if you have or are developing the disease “If concerned, talk to your health care provider and have a routine eye exam with an optometrist. TRICARE covers optometry/routine eye exams every two years No referralisrequiredtoseealocaloptometrist whotakesTRICAREopensTRICARE.mil, Piercesaid.Youcanalsoseeanophthalmologist for diagnosis or treatment if they are coveredbyTRICARE.

Ifyou’realreadyconcernedaboutchanges inyoureyesight,yourdoctormostlikelywill give you an Amsler grid to test your vision losseverydayathome Youlookatthegrid heavy paper stock with black-and-white equallyspaced,horizontalandverticallines printed on it—to see if the lines are becomingwavy,distorted,orhavespacesmissing Diagnosing AMD is a combination of examiningtheretinaandopticalcoherence tomographyimaging,Piercesaid.

To examine the retina for AMD, the eye specialist will dilate the pupils with eye

KINGS BAY,Ga.- U.S.NavyLt JosephJeskie an optometrist at Naval Branch Health Clinic Kings Bay,Georgia,performs an eye exam on a patient

“As part ofouroverall health,everyone requires a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist orophthalmologist on a regularbasis,”Jeskie said.“In the earlystages,manyeye diseases like glaucoma,maculardegeneration,and diabetic retinopathyhavevirtuallyno symptoms.”(U.S.

drops which may take 15-20 minutes to work fully Dilation allows the eye doctor toobtainawiderandmoredetailedviewof the retina and the internal eye structures Also, necessary diagnostic testing is easier toaccomplish.

Testing the back of the retina takes a few minutespereye.Theeyespecialistwillalso perform a test called optical coherence tomography, or OCT, to observe the layers oftheretinaadirectexaminationcannotsee.

It’s non-invasive and uses light waves to take cross-sectional maps of the retina’s thickness and layers It’s like putting a dye in your eye (ﬂuorescein angiography) but without the dye and, it’s quicker. OCT can identify the earliest changes in AMD and can help to diagnose and monitor for small progressivechanges

Lifestyle and Other Risk Factors for AMD

Age-related macular degeneration can develop at any time, even as early as your 50s,Piercesaid. Dr David Eliason, an ophthalmologist and deputy chief for the VCE, cautioned about these lifestyle and other risk factors forAMD:

Olderage

PresenceofAMDintheothereye

FamilyhistoryofAMD

Smoking

UVlightexposure

Highbloodpressure

Bodymassindexof30kg/m2orhigher

(overweightorobese)

Dietlowinomega3and6,vitamins carotenoid,andminerals

Diethighinfat

Lackofexercise

“Smoking and UV light exposure deﬁnitely play a role” in the development of AMD, Pierce said. “There is a much higher risk for the wet form of macular degeneration versus the dry form if you are or have beenasmoker.”

She added, “Genetics is still debatable There are lots of factors to include in possible genetic” relationships to the developmentofthedisease

Three Stages of AMD and Possible Treatments that May Slow Progression

TherearethreestagesofAMD:

Early(dry)

Intermediate(dry)

Advanced/late(wet)

DryAMDhappenswhenthemaculathins outandbreaksdownoverseveralyearsand occursinearly,intermediate,andlatestages, according to the NEI. There’s currently no treatmentforearlyAMD soyourdoctorwill keep track of how your eyes are doingwith regular eye exams While there’s no treatment for early dry AMD, there are ways to make the most of your remaining vision by usinglow-visiontechniquesandtraining

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2opens NIH.gov, a large research study sponsored by the NEI, found taking certain

nutritional supplements every day is an intervention to slow progression of AMD once the disease is diagnosed at the intermediatedrystage Speciﬁcformulascontain:

VitaminC(ascorbicacid)500mg

VitaminE400internationalunits

Lutein10mg

Zeaxanthin2mg

Zinc(aszincoxide)80mg

Copper(ascupricoxide)2mg

Medicationsinjectedintotheeye,known asanti-vascularendothelialgrowthfactors, oranti-VEGFdrugs,haveprovenhelpfulfor AMD

Photodynamic therapy, which combines eye injections and laser treatment, has also helped slow or halt progression of the disease,VCEstated.

Low-vision Aids

Low-vision devices such as magnifying glasses, telescopes, closed-circuit televisions or monitors, large-print text, glasses-mounted cameras, increased illumination sources, smartphones, and smart watches are some of the low-vision techniques that can help you maintain vision andimproveyourqualityoflifewithAMD These devices in combination with low vision care or blind rehabilitation by a low-vision optometrist or a vision rehabilitation specialist at a Military Health SystemhospitalorclinicortheDepartment of Veterans Affairs also can help those with AMDenjoyabetterqualityoflife

The Armed Services Blood Bank Program (ASBP) emphasizes the importance of the Apheresis Donor Program

ByNavalMedicalCenterPortsmouth Portsmouth.Tricare.mil

To meet the ever increasing demand for blood, the Armed Services Blood Bank Program(ASBP)isemphasizingtheimportance of Apheresis, a donation process that optimizeseachofyourblooddonations PlateletsfromApheresisdonorvolunteers areroutinelyneededtosupportcancertherapy,openheartsurgery blooddisorders and critically ill patients including babies and infants

Platelets must be transfused within ﬁve days of collection, requiring the supply to beconstantlyreplenished.Mostpeoplehave plentyofplateletstosparebutthereisnever enoughtogoaround.Youcandonateplateletsupto24timesayear

Pleaseconsidergivingthegiftoflife. Why Donate Platelets

Duringtreatmentfortheirillness,cancer patients, babies in intensive care, and surgery patients may become susceptible to life-threatening bleeding Transfusion of platelets is needed to help prevent these complications Youmaygivethesepatientsa

secondchanceatlifebybecominganapheresis platelet donor Most people have more plateletsthantheyneed,andcansafelygive someaway

What happens during an apheresis platelet donation procedure?

Duringanapheresisprocedure,bloodwill be removed from your arm, as in a regular blood donation. It will pass through sterile tubing in a special machine called a cell separator where a safe number of desired platelets will be removed. The rest of the blood will be returned to you. The apheresis donation lasts about two hours New sterile tubing is used for each donor and is neverreused.

Can I be an apheresis blood donor?

If you are suitable to give a pint of whole blood, you are usually ﬁt to be an apheresis donor Additionally: You should not take aspirin or an aspi-

rin-containing drug within the 48 hours precedingaplateletdonation. Yourbloodcellcountmustbehighenough so we may collect the best possible product for the patient and your own cell count will not drop too low after the procedure. (We willdoatesttocountyourcells).

If you have given whole blood, you must wait 57 days after that donation before you may undergo an apheresis procedure. However,youmaymakeanappointmentin advancewiththeNMCPBloodBank. Becauseofstrictregulatoryrequirements, persons may not be able to donate due to prior travel, medications, medical conditions, certain risk factors or other situations If requested, The Apheresis section mayprovidegeneraldeferralinformation. Contact the Apheresis Center at 757953-1717or757-953-1730

How many times may I donate my platelets cells by apheresis?

Each of us has a supply of platelets in the blood, and as many as half can be lost withoutilleffects Thesearereplacedbythebody

within forty-eight hours You may have up totwoapheresisprocedureswithinaseven dayperiod,withanintervalofatleastfortyeight hours between procedures However, we prefer you give less frequently to allow your body to recuperate completely and keepahighbloodcellcount.

Where can I get more information on the apheresis program?

If you have questions regarding the apheresis program or would like to make an appointment to donate, call the NMCP BloodBankat(757)953-1717or1730