Flagship 02.10.2022

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 1

IN THIS ISSUE

JEBLCFS CO selected as 2022 BEYA award recipient

The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story installation commander was recently named the Stars and Stripes newspaper’s Navy 2022 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA). PAGE A7 VOL. 29, NO. 05, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

February 10-February 16, 2022

NMCP earns CNOR Strong designation

By Christina Johnson

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs

Sailors, and civilians assigned to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown along with Sailors and civilians assigned to Commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic conduct a force protection (FP) exercise on installation Feb. 1 as part of Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 (CS-SC22). (MC1 MADDELIN HAMM)

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown conducts Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises

By MC1 Maddelin Hamm

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. — U.S. Navy Sailors, and civilians assigned to Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown conducted force protection (FP) exercises on the installation Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 as part of Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 (CS-SC22).

CS-SC22 is an annual, two-part FP exercise conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all CONUS Navy installations.

Exercises on Feb.1 included a small-boat exercise and a mock protest, which both tested the security protocols and procedures of the base security team, which is composed of highly trained Sailors and civilian security professionals.

“These scenarios provide our security team opportunities to train with varying realistic threats and receive feedback on

their performance allowing us to maintain a high level of readiness,” said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Nate Finkbiner, NWS Yorktown’s Security Department leading chief petty officer.

Day two of the scenarios included testing the emergency operations center response protocols and involved a simulated active shooter drill.

“These scenarios are truly about protecting our most important assets - our people, “ said Capt. Chris Horgan, NWS Yorktown’s commanding officer. “We do that by addressing the ever-changing security environment in which our Sailors and civilians work and live.”

When it comes to ensuring safety during the scenarios, everyone involved is briefed prior to the drills on safety procedures and how to report real-world emergencies should they arise during the training.

“Safety of our people, equipment and facilities is a top priority,” said Finkbiner.

“So having skilled trainers out here dedicated to observing and ensuring the training environment is safe is a key to successful training for our Sailors.”

Measures were taken prior to conducting CS-SC22 to ensure the local Yorktown community was not negatively impacted by the scenarios being conducted on the base.

“We are committed to being a good neighbor in our community,” said Horgan. “Keeping the public informed of potential impacts of the exercise is part of our commitment to the Yorktown community.”

NWS Yorktown’s mission is to provide responsive, quality support for explosive ordnance storage, maintenance, logistics, and support services; expeditionary logistics training and operations; warfare training for sailors, Marines, and other Department of Defense and federal agencies.

Please follow us on social media for updates and information regarding NWS Yorktown.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) recently earned the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR®) Strong designation by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI).

This recognition is awarded to facilities that have more than 50% of eligible certified perioperative nurses with the CNOR credential. The process to earn this credential requires a minimum of two years of perioperative nursing experience, and it includes a rigorous exam that assesses the nurse’s knowledge and skills. According to the CCI website, more than 40,000 nurses internationally hold the CNOR credential and consider the designation a personal and professional accomplishment.

“I’m very proud to say that 68 percent of the hospital’s perioperative nurses have obtained the CNOR credential,” said Cmdr. Reggie Middlebrooks, NMCP’s Operative Support Services department head. “All of these nurses have put in the hard work to validate their professional knowledge and skills and demonstrate their dedication to patient safety.”

The CCI website also states that research shows nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice, having validated their specialized knowledge in perioperative nursing. Thus, a team of CNOR certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice furthers a culture of professionalism and has been correlated to improved outcomes in surgical patients.

NMCP last achieved this designation in 2018.

As the U.S. Navy’s oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-ofthe-art medical center, along with the area’s 10 Branch Health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.

From the left, front row: Registered Nurse (RN) Diana Stroz, Lt. Carlos Ochoa, Lt. Perina Neupane, RN Pat West, Lt. Cmdr.

April Gilbrech, and Cmdr. Lacy Gee. Back row, from the left, includes Lt. Stephanie Kaiser, RN Dawn Williams, Lt. Cmdr. Jared Lacamiento, Lt. Joshua Yoder, Lt. Cmdr.

Sarah Tallent, RN Wendy Clement, and RN Mark Bueno. NMCP last achieved this designation in 2018. (MC2 DYLAN KINEE)

Naval Safety Command established

By Leslie Tomaino

Naval Safety Command Safety Promotions

NORFOLK, Va. — Marking a significant new chapter, the Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) was established during an official ceremony at Joint Forces Staff College Feb. 4, 2022. The command, formerly known as Naval Safety Center, bears increased authorities and responsibilities.

NAVSAFECOM will serve as the naval enterprise lead for non-nuclear safety standards, expertise and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps Safety Management System (SMS). The command will operate with the requisite authorities and responsibilities to establish an SMS that provides defense-in-depth and ensures the naval enterprise is both safe to operate and operating safely.

These changes reflect the continued emphasis the Department of the Navy places on safety. By elevating the organization to a command construct, NAVSAFECOM now has the authority to establish Echelon I safety and risk management policy and the ability to conduct formal, independent assurance functions from Echelon II through unit-level commands to evaluate risk control systems and continuous self-improvement.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday presided over the ceremony and delivered remarks as the keynote speaker.

“The significance of today’s Establishment can be summarized simply: a vital change to the way our Navy conducts its vital mission, a mission that is growing in importance every single day,” Gilday said.

Turn to USS O’Kane, Page 7

National Women Physicians Day

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www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

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Since 2016, the United States has celebrated a holiday commemorating Dr. Blackwell’s many contributions to the field of medicine and for recognizing all women who have followed her example by becoming physicians.

PAGE A6

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Michael Gilday, left, Rear Adm. F.R. Luchtman, commander, Naval Safety Command, middle, and Master Chief Jimmy Hailey, command master chief for the Naval Safety Command, right, reveal the new seal for the Naval Safety Command during the command establishment ceremony. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS WESTON A MOHR)

Naval Museum to host free lecture

Naval Museum to host free history lecture titled“With Her Colors Flying: USS Cumberland Remembered” PAGE A2

Shield-Solid Curtain 2022

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads security forces kicked off Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 (CSSC22) with multiple exercises, scenarios and evolutions.

PAGE A5

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

An oil on canvas painting depicting the loss of the USS Cumberland on March 8, 1862 during an engagement with the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia during the Battle of Hampton Roads.

(COURTESY PHOTO OF OIL PAINTING)

Naval Museum to host free lecture in March

By Max Lonzanida

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

NORFLOK, Va. — Naval Museum to host free history lecture titled “With Her Colors Flying: USS Cumberland Remembered” The Hampton Roads Naval Museum will host Dr. Anna Holloway, Fleet History Team Lead at the Naval History and Heritage Command on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 7:00pm for a FREE in-person lecture titled “With Her Colors Flying: USS Cumberland Remembered.” Visit their events section

of their website at www.hrnm.navy.mil to reserve free tickets.

On March 8, 1862, the Confederate ironclad ram Virginia slowly steamed into Hampton Roads and in short order sank the Union sloop-of-war Cumberland, and set the frigate Congress ablaze - a horrifying defeat for the Union Navy. The next day, Virginia met the Union ironclad Monitor in an inconclusive battle that nonetheless captured the public imagination in the north and the south.

But as fascinating as the ironclads were,

the Cumberland held her own in public sentiment and became a tragic icon of the passing of an era. To many, this was the moment in which naval warfare forever changed. The wooden walls of the past were no match for the iron sides of the present, and future. Yet it was not merely this passing of the torch from wood to iron that drove poets to write of the Cumberland.

Quite simply, the ship was not surrendered.

She went down with flags flying and guns blazing. This illustrated lecture will highlight the Cumberland’s role and mythos

U.S. Naval Community College Selects Alexandria College for Nuclear Engineering Program

By Chief Petty Officer Alexander

Gamble U.S. Naval Community College Public Affairs

QUANTICO, Va. — The U.S. Naval Community College selected Alexandria Technical & Community College for its Pilot II Nuclear Engineering Technology associate degree program.

This agreement provides active duty enlisted Sailors an opportunity to earn a naval-relevant and nuclear engineering-focused associate degree which directly contributes to the readiness of the naval services and set them on a path of life-long learning.

The USNCC worked with Alexandria College during the Pilot I phase of the USNCC’s development and was selected to continue to be a part of the USNCC consortium for the continued growth of the newly established institution.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with Alexandria College,” said Randi Cosentino, Ed.D., president of the USNCC. “The education and support the Alexandria College team provided our Sailors during Pilot I were exactly what we were looking for from an institution in our consortium, and we hope to continue to work together to further develop our warfighters’ critical thinking and leadership skills.”

“We are very honored to have been selected to be a partner with the USNCC Pilot II Nuclear Engineering Technology program,” said Michael Seymour, president of Alexandria College. “We are committed to serving the military community in new and effective ways. Our caring staff and faculty stand ready to ensure military members have a great experience here at Alexandria College.”

Naval professionals who pursue the associate degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology through the USNCC will have an opportunity to

gain an in-depth understanding of engineering principles and ethics, quality assurance, radiological and chemistry controls, and more. The degree will also have an established transfer path to four-year degree programs in nuclear engineering.

“For the past year, I have had the opportunity to teach calculus to Sailors as part of the Pilot I project. I have enjoyed getting to know these students, and I am impressed by their ability to study and achieve excellent results in class while still performing their active-duty jobs,” said Justin Eberhardt, mathematics instructor at Alexandria College. “I look forward to the next phase of this project, which will increase the enrollment of the USNCC to further enhance the warfighting advantage across forces.”

While talking about Alexandria College’s selection for this continued relationship with the USNCC, Tamara Arnott, Ph.D., Dean of Educational Services, said Alexandria College offers “the strength of its online programs, excellent student outcomes, a student-first mentality and unwavering commitment to student access and success.” Arnott said, “As a member of the Minnesota State system, we provide an extraordinary education to all students who select Alexandria College.” Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Active duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen can fill out an application on the USNCC website, www.usncc.edu. The first courses will start in the fall of 2022.

The United States Naval Community College is the community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu. Click on the student interest form link to learn how to be a part of the USNCC Pilot II program.

Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm, maddelin.hamm@navy.mil Managing Editor | Ensign James Caliva, james.caliva@navy.mil Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com

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in public memory throughout the 19th century.

This event is free and reservations required. To reserve free tickets, visit the events section of their website at www. hrnm.navy.mil.

Event Point of Contact: Tom Dandes, Special Events Coordinator Thomas.Dandes@navy.mil or (757) 322-3106 Media Contact: Max Lonzanida, Public Affairs Officer Max.Q.Lonzanida.Civ@us.navy.mil or (202) 570-6921 About the museum: The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten U.S. Navy museums reporting to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The museum is located on the second deck of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia; admission to the museum is free. The physical address to the museum is One Waterside Drive, Suite 248, Norfolk, VA 23510. Find them online at www.hrnm.navy.mil.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 3

NNSY’s Hydraulics Shop Streamlines Improvements Through NSS-SY

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD, Portsmouth, Va. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) recently recognized the Hydraulics Shop (Shop 31) in an episode of America’s Shipyard - a video series dedicated to highlighting high-performing employees and NNSY achievements.

“Utilizing Naval Sustainment System — Shipyards (NSS-SY), the shop is removing barriers and streamlining processes to improve throughput which directly benefits our projects, our Navy and our nation,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson. “NSS-SY’s mission of ‘On Time, Every Time’ is directly aligned with our Strategic Framework and vision of delivering on time, every time, everywhere to protect America. In pursuit of those goals, this team has been supporting USS Toledo (SSN 769) better and faster than ever before thanks to amplified efforts with the Shop 31 Production Control Center (PCC), another NSS-SY initiative, to minimize workflow delays as well as increased presence of engineering in the shop.”

Shop 31 has recently doubled the throughput in the shop, decreasing the cycle time so the work gets back to the submarine faster than ever before. These efforts were due in part of the amplified efforts of the PCC within the Production Department (Code 900) in a way to minimize workflow reductions as well as the increased presence of engineering within the shop to aid in getting the work done as efficiently as possible.

“One of the reasons we’ve been able to get certifications out quicker is using our crew boards. With these boards, everyone knows the jobs coming through and our team takes ownership of those jobs,” said Shop 31 Supervisor Aisha Wood.

Shop 31 Mechanic Janine Swanson added, “We’re definitely a family in this section and the crew boards do bring us together. They help us know who has what jobs, so if something comes in material wise, we know who we need to send it to and keep track of everything. The boards are the first thing you see when you come to work every day and help us as a team ensure we’re getting the job done so we can serve our ONE MISSION.” Members of Shop 31 say they feel pride in the work they do and have accountability in what they do every day. They work together as a team and look out for each other, helping each member of the team to rise up to the challenge each and every day. From apprentices to supervisors, they prioritize everyone being able to contribute to the

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) recently recognized the Hydraulics Shop (Shop 31) in an episode of America’s Shipyard - a video series dedicated to highlighting high-performing employees and NNSY achievements. (SHELBY WEST)

mission and feel like a valued member of America’s Shipyard.

Second Year Apprentice Melanie Davis has been at the shipyard for two years with the shop and feels energized every day when she comes to work with the team. She said, “Everyone in this shop is welcoming and encourage questions. They are hands on in the way they teach and make me eager to learn. They make it an environment where you want to learn and stay and improve.

I’ve only been here two years but they have truly made this an experience where I want to build my career here.”

Shop 31 Work Leader Travis Taylor has been at the shipyard about ten years and has seen the shop grow with time. “I’ve seen a drastic change from availabilities of the past to where we are today and I truly feel we’re

heading in the right direction,” he said. “I see it every day and I think it really starts with caring and understanding the importance of what we do. We have excellent leadership who is engaged with us. With the crew boards, the improvements to the shop, everything adds up to the bigger picture.

They add to the mindset that you enjoy where you’re at and the work that you do.”

The Hydraulics Shop has put in the care and investment into their team and they plan to keep charging forward together, finding more ways to improve.

“I’m so impressed with everything you guys are doing in the shop as we work to Get Real, Get Better,” said Capt. Wolfson.

“I’ve seen the ownership in this shop and it’s truly impressive. You come every day with such an incredible attitude to get the job

done and I’m so proud of you all.”

You can view the episode on the NNSY Facebook page at https://www.faceb o ok . c om / Nor fol k Nav a l Sh ipy ard 1 / videos/338515991260126/, the NNSY YouTube page at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=CIGtziyvEBI and NNSY Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) at https://www.dvidshub. net/video/828512/americas-shipyard-episode-eight.

This series is an ongoing effort and new episodes will be premiering soon. Stay tuned to NNSY’s social media platforms to see the next episode. If you have an idea that should be recognized for a future episode, please email nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil and provide a detailed response of who or what we should recognize and why.

APPLY BY FEB. 15, 2022 TO SAVE 50% ON TOLLS AT THE DOWNTOWN AND MIDTOWN TUNNELS Must live in Norfolk or Portsmouth and have an individual income of $30K or less per year To apply, bring proof of income and residency to the Norfolk or Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center by February 15, 2022.

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VDOTTollRelief.com

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Maxine Bell-Culley, Manager of the Northwest Annex Navy Exchange, celebrated 45 years with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and was presented her award at a ceremony on Jan. 27. Bell-Culley started her career with NEXCOM as an Entry Level Sales Clerk. (From left to right) Lt. Cmdr. Luz Davis, Officer-in-Charge at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex; Brett Haftel, Navy Exchange Tidewater District Operations Manager; Maxine Bell-Culley, Northwest Annex Navy Exchange Manager; and Melissa Dodson-Dozier, Tidewater District Vice President, NEXCOM. (KATISHA DRAUGHN-FRAGUADA)

NSA Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex Navy Exchange Manager Celebrates 45 Year Anniversary

By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Public Affairs

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — In 1977 when Maxine Bell-Culley began her job as an entry sales clerk at the Northwest Annex Navy Exchange (NEX), she did not think that 45 years later she would have impacted so many employees, colleagues, and customers, all while working at a job that she has always loved.

Bell-Culley initially applied for the sales clerk position after a military family member, who attended her church and was the supervisor at that location, asked if she knew anyone looking for a job.

“I immediately said, ‘Yes, me!’ ” said Bell-Culley. “She asked me on a Sunday and I went in the next day for the interview and was hired the same day.”

Over the years, Bell-Culley was assigned to work as a sales clerk, gas station attendant, mobile equipment operator, specialty sales clerk, retail annex operator, supervisor, and manager. She held all of these positions at NEX stores at Northwest Annex; Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT); Wallops Island; Norfolk Main; Huntington Hall; Dam Neck; Portsmouth Scott Center; Portsmouth Fleet Store and Package Store; and Sugar Grove.

In 2004, Bell-Culley found herself back at the Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex NEX as the store manager.

“In my position, I provide support and assistance to the Navy Exchange Team as we serve the military men and women and their families by providing goods and services at a savings and support quality of life programs on base,” said Bell-Culley. “It is also my responsibility to oversee the staff, maintain proper inventory levels, financial accountability, and provide retail and service functions to our military members, their families, and our business partners.”

Bell-Culley provides that service and support to the military community without hesitation and interacts with people from all walks of life to include military members, civilians, retirees, dependents, and family members.

“If a customer ever needs something, Maxine will do everything in her power to ensure that she is meeting their needs,” said Cora Emig, specialty sales clerk at the Northwest Annex NEX. “She is just such a really nice person and she genuinely cares for everyone that she meets.”

Brett Haftel, Tidewater NEX District Operations Manager, has worked with Bell-Culley for 10 years and values the experience and professionalism that she brings to her position and the NEX store.

“After 45 years with the company, Maxine is truly an expert in her field. She knows what it takes to support the NEX mission, her customers, and associates,” he said. “She is the best there is and is at the top of her game.

The annual associate satisfaction surveys and the daily online customer comments demonstrate this all the time.”

However, being the best there is could not have prepared Bell-Culley for the drastic change that the entire country would endure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“That season made me realize that life as we knew it will never be the same. So many things have changed and people have changed to adapt to the pandemic, yet I resolved to maintain a standard of excellence in the workplace,” she said. “Thankfully, we never completely ran out of anything requested by the customers due to prior established business partnerships. Many companies were eager to support the military members first and or provide substitutes until replenishment occurred.”

Although the NEX store did not suffer significantly during the pandemic, there were still some challenges and obstacles that Bell-Culley had to overcome in her manage-

rial position.

“I have always viewed challenges as an opportunity to make a difference within my circle of influence. We did experience continued staff shortages, COVID-19 restriction-of-movement, and supply issues during that year,” she said. “However, we partnered with our headquarters team and local business partners to take care of our customers with whatever goods were available.”

The responsibility of taking care of the customers also meant that Bell-Culley would work at the store six to seven days a week to cover shifts and make sure the team did not become burnt out. This selfless act is one of the many characteristics that Bell-Culley’s employees and colleagues admire about her as a person and manager.

“She truly is the face of the store,” said Timothy Reid, delivery driver for the NEX. “And she always makes everyone feel like they are number one when they walk in the door.”

Under Bell-Culley’s managerial leadership, the Northwest Annex NEX has received the prestigious Bingham Award nine times. The Bingham Award was established in 1979 to recognize excellence in customer service, operations and management at NEX activities. The award is presented to the best of the best NEXs in nine sales categories for overall financial results and customer service.

Bell-Culley also received the Bingham Award when she worked at CINCLANTFLT in 1999.

“I may not have always made the right decisions, but it’s important to maintain high standards and expectations and not settle for less than,” she said. “After receiving the 2020 Bingham Award with everything that occurred that year, it gave me a stronger desire to make the Navy Exchange an even greater place for our team to work and give our customers a greater shopping experience.”

For 45 years, Bell-Culley has done just that and more for her customers.

“Maxine’s biggest contribution is her dedication and extreme commitment to the Sail-

ors, Marines, and all customers who shop her store to give them the very best in customer service and product selection, and support the base and leadership in any way possible,” said Haftel.

Bell-Culley’s strong work ethic was instilled in her as a child and has made a huge impact on who she is today.

“I was raised by my parents to be wise, polite, independent, treat people the way I want to be treated, and respect myself and others,” she said.

Bell-Culley comes from a large family and is the third of nine children born to Randolph and Maudell Bell. She is married to her husband, Ronnie Culley, and they have three children, Asha, Ronnie II, and Nita. She also has grandchildren, Tavares, Marquell, Jazmine, D’Aija, Jeremiah, Jayden, Legend and Dallas; son-in-laws Horace and Fred; as well as a special daughter and family members, Heavenly, Maurice, Justus and Alivia.

“I am truly blessed and I do not take my life and what I have been blessed to achieve for granted,” she said. “All of the glory for anything I do will always belong to God who gave me the strength and ability to lead others. It is my goal every day to be a blessing to someone in word or deed.”

Although Bell-Culley enjoys getting up each day and coming to the NEX store and supporting the military community as she has done for the past 45 years, the thought of retiring does cross her mind pretty often.

“I still truly enjoy working with the Navy Exchange, and meeting new people, but in the midst of all that, yes, I am making plans to retire in a few years,” she said. “I just have a few more things I would like to accomplish.”

Bell-Culley has truly impacted the lives of everyone she has met over these past four decades, and will leave a lasting impression on her team members and future managers to come.

“I work with an amazing group of individuals at Northwest that embrace and adapt to change while knowing the true meaning of teamwork,” she said. “I’m honored to serve our military families, as well as the ability to develop long lasting relationships with our customers.”

NSA Hampton Roads Participates in Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022

By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Public Affairs

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads security forces kicked off Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 (CS-SC22) with multiple exercises, scenarios and evolutions.

CS-SC22 is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all Navy installations in the continental U.S. The exercise began on Jan. 31 and will conclude on Feb. 11.

“This exercise gives our team the opportunity to appropriately respond to various threats while establishing a learning environment for our security personnel to exercise functional plans and operational capabilities,” said Capt. Matt Frauenzimmer, commanding officer of NSA Hampton Roads.

Installation security forces, including civilian and military personnel, responded to training exercises to include a peaceful protest, vehicle borne improvised explosive device, vehicle gate penetration, armed barricade/hostage, and an active shooter.

These realistic training scenarios ensure that the Navy is ready to respond to changing and dynamic threats at all times.

“This opportunity is keen for Navy Security Forces (NSF) to exercise the antiterrorism plan in coordination with supporting agencies,” said Lt. Raymond Smith, security officer for NSA Hampton Roads. “This will allow the NSF team to identify any issues of concern and better prepare our first responders for an actual response.”

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jacob Norris responds to an active shooter scenario at Northwest Annex Feb. 3 as part of Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022. (KATISHA DRAUGHN-FRAGUADA)

CS-SC22 is designed to enhance the readiness of NSF and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services, and agency partners. It is not in response to any specific threat, rather a regularly sched-

uled exercise.

Measures were taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around

bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 5

Clock is ticking: Feb. 17 is the application deadline for the annual Scholarships for Military Children program

By Defense Commissary Agency Public Affairs FORT LEE, Va. — The Feb. 17 deadline to apply to the Scholarships for Military Children program, administered by the nonprofit Fisher House Foundation (http://www.fisherhouse.org/), is quickly approaching.

A total of 500 scholarship grants, each for $2,000, will be awarded for the 202223 school year with at least one recipient selected at every commissary location where qualified applications are received.

Additional recipients will be selected based on a prorated basis, so more applicants will be selected from those commissaries with larger numbers of applicants.

“As of Jan. 28, there had been just over 1,200 completed applications submitted, but from experience, we anticipate somewhere near 5,000 by the deadline,” said Marshall Banks, Fisher House Foundation’s Director of Community Relations.

Now in its 22nd year, the Scholarships for Military Children Program, through the generosity of DeCA business partners and others, has allowed more than 12,300 students, selected from a pool of nearly 109,000 applicants, to share over $21 million in scholarship grants.

The program was created in 2001 to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force, and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is open to sons and daughters of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military commissary customers.

“Over the years Fisher House has become a beacon of hope for military families, often during the most challenging moments those families will ever face. Our commissaries are incredibly honored to remain participants in a program that has provided the children of military service members with this financial boost to their higher education goals for 22 years now,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to DeCA’s director.

Eligibility for the program is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database.

Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military dependent ID card. The applicant must also be planning to attend or already be attending an accredited college or university full

Applications for the 2015-2016 Scholarships for Military Children program are available at commissaries worldwide or on the Internet at http://www.militaryscholar.org. (COURTESY GRAPHIC)

time, or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a fouryear program.

Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship to attend a college or university or receive an appointment to one of the service academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive

funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses.

All rules and requirements for the program, as well as links to frequently asked questions and the application itself, are available at Fisher House’s Scholar-

ships for Military Children web page (https://fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/scholarships-for-military-children/).

Fisher House also hosts a custom scholarship search engine on its web site, tailored to military families, called “Scholarships for Service” (http://search.militaryscholar. org/) It’s free, easy to use, and formatted for both mobile devices and computers at MilitaryScholar.org.

Students enter brief background information and educational goals and the search tool will identify military-affiliated scholarships they may be eligible for based on their input. Once the search is complete, students receive a list of scholarships with a summary of eligibility requirements, points of contact and links to the scholarship provider’s website.

“Fisher House Foundation and DeCA have had a long-standing partnership on our scholarship program,” said Fisher House Chairman and CEO Kenneth Fisher.

“This program is an extension of how we support and show gratitude to our nation’s military families. Just saying thank you is not enough.”

The Scholarships for Military Children program is managed by Scholarship Managers, a national, nonprofit organization. If students have questions about the scholarship program application, they should call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311 or email them at militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.

No government funds are used to support the Scholarships for Military Children Program. Commissary vendors, manufacturers, brokers, suppliers and the general public donate money to fund the program.

“One hundred percent of the donations given to the Scholarships for Military Children program go toward the award recipients’ education. This means that a $10,000 donation, for example, fully sponsors five scholarships of $2,000 each,” explained Banks. “Fisher House Foundation covers all administration costs and the cost of the scholarship management contract.”

Saucedo also praised the program’s many donors for their continued efforts to keep it alive and relevant for 22 years and counting. “We at the Defense Commissary Agency extend our thanks to Fisher House Foundation as well as the generous industry partner donors and others that make these scholarships possible for so many deserving families each year.”

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“The generous donation from Rosie’s will allow our Foundation to help community youth through Athletics and Youth Development Programs designed to expose young men between the ages of 5 and 18 to leadership training, mentoring, planning, execution, reporting ideas, and simulating good leadership characteristics designed to raise their aspiration levels.”

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Through the charitable program, Rosie’s Gives Back, Colonial Downs Group has made monetary and in-kind donations of more than $1,700,000, and has logged over 2,500 service hours in Virginia communities.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Navy Medicine Celebrates National Women Physicians Day

By André Sobocinski

U.S. Navy Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

On February 3, 2022, we mark the birth of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910), the first woman in the United States to obtain a Medical Degree (1849). Since 2016, the United States has celebrated her birthday as National Women Physicians Day, a holiday commemorating Dr. Blackwell’s many contributions to the field of medicine and for recognizing all women who have followed her example by becoming physicians.

Today, in honor of Dr. Blackwell’s 201st birthday, there is no better time to look back at some of Navy Medicine’s own pioneering women physicians. The following is a listing of some of the notable Navy Medical Corps milestones.

Notable Milestones: In April 1943, Congress approved appointing women physicians and surgeons into the Army and the Navy with the same pay and benefits as men (Public Law 38). Lt. junior grades Achsa Bean, Cornelia Gaskill and Hulda Thelander are among the first women physicians in the Navy. Between 1943 and 1945, 57 female physicians were commissioned into the Navy Medical Corps.

In June 1948, under the Women’s Service Integration Act (Public Law 625), the first (non-nurse) women were sworn in as commissioned officers in regular Navy. And on October 15, 1948, psychiatrist Lt. Cmdr. Frances L. Willoughby became the first female physician in the regular Navy.

In 1950, Dr. Frances Willoughby earned the distinction as the first woman physician promoted to the rank of Cmdr. and in 1957 became the first female psychiatrist to reach the rank of Captain.

In the late 1940s, Lt. Cmdr. (later Capt.)

Norma C. Furtos helped pioneer the treatment of streptomycin for pulmonary tuberculosis.

On August 18, 1950, Lt. Cmdr. Bernice Gertrude Rosenthal Walters reported aboard USS Consolation (AH-15) becoming the first female physician to serve aboard a Navy ship and the first ever female Chief of Anesthesiology aboard a hospital ship.

On November 4, 1955, Dr. Gioconda R. Saraniero earned the distinction as the first woman physician in the Navy to attain the rank of Captain. Capt. Saraniero had been one of the first women physicians to enter in the Navy in 1943 and was also the Navy’s first female hematologist.

In December 1973, Lts. Jane McWilliams and Victoria Voge made history as the first female

On February 3, we mark the birth of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910), the first American woman to obtain a Medical Degree (1849). Since 2016, the United States has celebrated her birthday as National Women Physicians Day, a holiday commemorating Dr. Blackwell’s many contributions to the field of medicine and for recognizing all women who have followed her example by becoming physicians. Clockwise starting top left: CAPT Kim Davis, CO, NMC San Diego; LT Taylor James, Naval Hospital Jacksonville; LT Elizabeth Rettie, USS George H.W. Bush; and LCDR Marissa Mayor, USS America. (ANDRE SOBOCINSKI)

flight surgeons in Navy history. Dr. McWillams (later Capt. Jane Hardman) would serve over 20 years in the Navy as a flight surgeon and aviation pathologist.

On April 25, 1975, Dr. Donna P. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Navy Medical Corps becoming the first black woman physician in the Navy. Dr. Davis would rise to the rank of Captain and finish her career in the Navy Reserves.

On July 29, 1975, Dr. Jean E. Todd became the first woman physician to enter the Navy as a direct appointment Captain. She was followed in 1980 by Dr. Haydee Javier Kimmich, an orthopedic surgeon. In 1980, Dr. Kimmich also earned the distinction as the first Hispanic woman physician to attain the rank of Captain.

In August 1986, Capt. Alice Martinson, one of the first female orthopods in the Navy, took the helm of Naval Hospital Oakland, California.

She is the first woman Navy physician to serve as an MTF commanding officer.

In 1993, Rear Adm. (lower half) Eleanor

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“Connie” Mariano became the second woman (and first female military physician) to serve as primary physician to a sitting present. She later documented these experiences in her book, The White House Physician (2010).

In April 1996, Capt. Laurel Blair Salton Clark, an undersea medical officer and flight surgeon, became the first female physician in the Navy selected to become an astronaut. From 1997 to 2000, Dr. Clark served in NASA’s Astronaut Office Payloads/Habitability Branch. In 2003, she logged 15 days, 22 hours and 20 minutes in space. Clark was one of two Navy physicians killed on February 1, 2003 when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated 16 minutes prior to entry. In 2004, Capt. Clark was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal.

In 1997, Dr. Bonnie B. Potter became the first woman physician to attain the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half). She was soon after followed by Dr. Marian Balsam. Admirals Potter and Balsam were the first two women physicians to command Naval Medical Centers—

Potter took the helm of NNMC Bethesda in 1997 and Balsam the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia in 1998.

• In 2000, Dr. Bonnie Potter was promoted to Rear Adm. (upper half) becoming the first woman physician to earn this distinction. Potter was the highest ranking woman physician in Navy history until 2015 when Dr. Raquel Bono was promoted Vice Admiral. Vice Adm. Bono holds the distinction as the highest ranking woman physician in military history.

To date (February 2022), Vice Adm. Bono is also the only woman to serve as Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

Today, Navy women physicians represent 31% of the Navy Medical Corps. They serve across the globe on ships and at shore stations— Blueside and Greenside—as Commanding Officers, Executive Officers, Directors, Officers in Charge, leaders and medical providers.

Across the Navy Medicine Enterprise women physicians are indeed projecting Medical Power for Naval Superiority.

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JEBLCFS CO selected as 2022 BEYA award recipient

By Michelle Stewart

JEB Little Creek Ft. Story Public Affairs

The Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story installation commander was recently named the Stars and Stripes newspaper’s Navy 2022 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA).

The award presentation will take place during the 37th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards Global Competitiveness Conference, held Feb. 18 in Washington, D.C. The Stars and Stripes award is one of the most prestigious and competitive honors in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

“I am honored and forever grateful to have been selected as this year’s Navy recipient of the Stars and Stripes Award,” said Capt. Michael L. Witherspoon, who has more than 35 years of service in the Navy.

According to Witherspoon, engineering has always been a part of his psyche.

“When I was a child in Tuscaloosa,

USS O’Kane from Page 1

was re-established by former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Boorda for young, enlisted Sailors to earn their commission and become naval officers.

“I was one of the 50 first selectees for that program and am one of the remaining still on active duty,” he said.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and proud graduate of Central High School of Tuscaloosa, Witherspoon earned his bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Engineering from Norfolk State University and a master’s in National Security and Strategy from the prestigious U.S. Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island. His educational pursuits continue with him having recently graduated from the City of Virginia Beach’s CIVIC Leadership Institute.

Witherspoon assignments include service aboard the USS McKee (AS 41), the USS Kidd (DDG 993), the USS Merrimack (AOE 107), the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), the USS

As part of this change, the NAVSAFECOM will assess safety culture at all levels, from individual commands up to the fleet level.

Rear Adm. F.R. “Lucky” Luchtman, commander, Naval Safety Command, commented on the importance of the organization’s journey, roles, responsibilities and increased authority. Luchtman stated the Naval Safety Command ensures the effective communication of the Safety Management System and improve understanding of its importance and relevance to the Navy and Marine Corps.

“We will empower our Sailors, Marines, and civilians by collecting their insights to bolster our safety culture,” Luchtman said.

“Ultimately, the Naval Safety Command will serve as a force multiplier of a just culture that incorporates risk management and accountability by all individuals, regardless of rank and position.”

While the organization and its staff are proud of their rich 70-year history, they

look towards the future, continuing to innovate and evolve. The establishment of NAVSAFECOM demonstrates the naval enterprise’s dedicated efforts to growth, innovation and fortified readiness.

“Our readiness and strength rely on the continuous innovation and dedicated efforts of all our personnel,” said Command Master Chief Jimmy Hailey. “The Naval Safety Command team is excited about the future and remains committed to helping keep our global warfighters safe.”

Gilday, Luchtman and Hailey unveiled the Naval Safety Command’s new seal during the ceremony. Key elements of the seal include a blue and red shield representing protection across the naval enterprise, blue for the Navy’s dominance on, under and over the maritime domain, and red for the courage and tenacity of the Marine Corps. The globe behind the shield symbolizes naval warriors, wherever they serve worldwide, under the protection of safety

principles.

The new command motto featured on the seal, “Enabling Warfighting Readiness,” is a testament to the command’s mission to preserve warfighting capability, combat lethality and enable readiness by working with its stakeholders to identify and mitigate or eliminate hazards to reduce unnecessary risk to people and resources.

“The Naval Safety Command will provide transparency into emerging risk trends and the current safety status of all commands through enhanced risk identification, communication, and accountability, as well as data collection, management, and product dissemination, which will protect our most important resource, our Sailors, Marines, and civilians whose lives we value above all else.” Luchtman said.

For more information or resources from the Naval Safety Command, visit the command website at https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil.

SAVE AND INVEST

“Naval Safety Command will enhance our ability to safely operate across the globe, and in turn help accelerate America’s advantage at sea.”

Much has changed and evolved in the Navy and Marine Corps in the last 70 years since the naval safety activity’s inception, however, mission readiness remains a constant need.

Leadership seeks to enhance the Navy’s and Marine Corps ‘safety posture and better prepare for high-end, sustained maritime combat at sea. The deployment of a revised SMS ensures risk management, problem-solving, and critical thinking are encouraged at the enterprise, unit, and individual levels; that accountability for risk is at the appropriate level; and that assurance and regulatory processes met.

Alabama, one Christmas Santa brought me a rolling ball clock. By day’s end, I had assembled it, and it clicked away with acute precision, every second of the day. After a week it disappeared, never to be seen again,” he stated jokingly. “I never knew what happened to it, but it had unleashed my appetite for how things work.”

Witherspoon enlisted in the Navy in October 1986 as a machinist’s mate fireman recruit. As a junior Sailor, he could frequently be found in the engineering plant reading manuals and mentally dissembling and reassembling equipment, Witherspoon said. This passion got him recognized as the go-to Sailor or the “engineering top watch” on his inaugural ship, the USS McKee (AS 41).

In 1995, he was commissioned through Officers Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida as part of the Navy’s first Seaman-to-Admiral Program after the modification of the program. The program

Gravely (DDG 107) and assignments with Coastal River Squadrons TWO (CRS 2) and FOUR (CRS 4). His contingency operations include Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Nobel Anvil, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

Upon hearing of this selection his first thought was how to best give back, he said.

“Black and brown communities remain underrepresented in STEM jobs relative to their shares in the U.S. workforce. I intend to pay it forward, for students here in the Hampton Roads area and back home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama,” he said. “I can best do that by sharing how STEM has benefited me and the opportunities I was afforded.”

In addition to being a walking witness, he stresses that one must possess great communication, problem-solving and organizational skills that directly relate to process improvement for organizations and people.

Witherspoon’s impact is best summed in his nomination package.

“Capt. Witherspoon’s personal commitment and dedication to the Navy have been a constant source of encouragement to those around him and have improved the performance level of the installation command and the Navy. He is most deserving of the recognition and truly exemplifies the best qualities of a leader in our naval service,” wrote Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock.

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New P-8 Hangar U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella unveiled a new P-8 hangar on Feb. 2.

PAGE A6

Naval Station Great Lakes Participates in Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022

By MC2 Brigitte Johnston

Naval Station Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. — Navy installations across the country are participating in an annual two-week force protection exercise, Jan. 31- Feb. 12.

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all Navy installations in the continental U.S., including Naval Station Great Lakes.

On Feb. 1, the NSGL installation training team, led by Installation Training Officer Terry Lanners, conducted an active shooter drill that evaluated information dissemination, individual response plans, security force response, and the ability to coordinate with local emergency responders and the community. A simulated active shooter took place at the USS Midway Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command in a graduation day scenario. Naval Security Forces and Great Lakes Police responded to multiple simulated threats in the Visitor’s Reception Center and adjacent parking garage. Great Lakes Fire & Emergency Services additionally simulated triaging victims.

“Practicing our responses to these scenarios is crucial to supporting our mission, said Capt. Jason J. Williamson, NSGL’s commanding officer. “Our drill went smoothly both on scene with our security forces and in the Emergency Operations Center with the incident management team. We really strive to be prepared for these scenarios and we exhibited that.”

The local community was informed prior to the exercise, warning of traffic, sirens, and other possible minor disturbances that could affect the area. The use of outdoor warning sirens is used in lockdown procedures to inform the base to lock down or shelter in place. Part of the simulation included practicing lockdown procedures.

“You never want to just jump into something without fully understanding the situation,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Brandon McPhan, the drill’s Emergency Operations Center Liaison. “Without proper training you will not know what to do.”

In addition to Great Lakes resources, outside law enforcement agencies included Gurnee, Wauconda, Lake Forest, and Buffalo Grove Police Departments and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service.

Lanners states that incorporating help from federal and local partners makes this exercise complex and realistic.

“You want to train as much as possible,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Zachary Plumb, NSGL’s security department training officer. “When you work with a small unit, they become cohesive. Here, we need to bring all of those units together to execute those mass casualty events. This gives us the opportunity to do that, refine that, and work out any kinks in the communication and response systems. We can figure out best practices together and change what needs to be changed and move forward in the direction we need.”

Naval Station Great Lakes Navy Security Forces police officer takes a simulated active threat into custody in visitor’s center parking garage at Recruit Training Command during Exercise Citadel Shield. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 is a two-part, anti-terrorism force protection exercise that is being conducted nationwide on navy installations, Jan. 31 - Feb. 11. (MC2 BRIGITTE JOHNSTON)

“Naval Station Great Lakes would like to thank all of our partners, both federal and local, who participated,” said Lanners.

“Without your assistance, cooperation and dedication this exercise would not have been as successful as it was.”

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2021 is a regularly scheduled exercise

that reinforces the need for everyone to maintain a force protection mindset and a readiness to respond to threats. We encourage personnel to remain aware of their surroundings throughout the exercise and to not assume that any suspicious activity is part of the exercise. Community members are asked to report any suspicious activity

COMSUBPAC Announces Battle “E” Winners

By MC1 Michael Zingaro

Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR — Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) announced the COMSUBPAC winners of the 2021 Battle Efficiency (“E”) Competition Awards, Jan. 1.

The Battle “E” competition is conducted to strengthen and evaluate both command and overall Force warfighting readiness and to recognize outstanding command performance. The criterion for the Battle “E” Award is the overall readiness of a crew to execute its combat mission.

“Competition for Battle ‘E’ Awards was extremely tough,” said Jablon. “These awards recognize commands which were evaluated during the past year to have attained the highest overall or departmental readiness to carry out their wartime mission.”

COMSUBPAC Battle “E” winners are the following: At Sea Category: USS Missouri (SSN 780), Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 1 USS Seawolf (SSN 21), Submarine Development Group 5 USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), CSS-7 USS Hampton (SSN 767), CSS-11 USS Key West (SSN 722), CSS-15 USS Maine (SSBN 741), Blue and Gold Crews, CSS-17 USS Ohio (SSGN 726), Blue and Gold Crews, CSS-19 Submarine Tender Category: USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Shipyard Category: USS Topeka (SSN 754) Special Category: Arco (ARDM 5) Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron 1 Naval Ocean Processing Facility Dam Neck “Battle ‘E’ award winners have proven their ability to exceed expectations under

to Great Lakes Police at (847) 688-5555 for non-emergencies and to call 911 for emergencies.

For updates during the exercise, visit the base’s Facebook account at www.facebook.com/NavalStationGreatLakes, and the base’s Twitter account at twitter.com/ navstaglakes.

USS O’Kane Returns Home from Deployment

By U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

(MC1 MICHAEL ZINGARO)

complex circumstances in one of the most challenging and dynamic environments on earth,” said COMSUBPAC Force Master Chief Jason Avin. “They have pushed themselves to improve every day by honestly assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and by holding each Sailor at their commands accountable to helping find solutions to problems. Bravo Zulu to every member of these elite teams for a job well done.”

These ships were considered the most ready for combat throughout the year and were judged based on their warfighting readiness; mission accomplishments;

self-assessments and ability to improve; ability to innovate; and resiliency in executing the ship’s schedule.

“Each crew member can be justifiably proud of their contribution to improve Pacific Submarine Force combat readiness,” said Jablon. “I am extremely proud of your outstanding performance. Well done and congratulations.”

The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence; anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; precision land strike; intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and early warning; and special warfare capabilities around the globe.

SAN DIEGO—The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77) returned home to Naval Base San Diego, completing an eight-month independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, Feb. 6.

O’Kane deployed in June 2021 in support of national tasking, serving as the ballistic missile defense (BMD) commander for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet and the primary BMD asset while in the U.S. 5th Fleet.

“The Sailors aboard USS O’Kane lead the way in demonstrating resiliency and dedication to support the mission and each other,” said Cmdr. Michelle R. Fontenot, O’Kane’s commanding officer. “As an independent deployer serving in both the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets, O’Kane met each mission with success.”

While operating in U.S. 5th Fleet, O’Kane escorted multiple high-value units through 30 strait transits, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal. O’Kane participated in several high-end exercises such as Maritime Security Operations in support of the International Maritime Security Coalition (IMSC), collaborating with seven partner nations for security and the free flow of commerce. O’Kane also participated in Indigo Defender, a bilateral maritime exercise between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. In addition, O’Kane Turn to USS O’Kane, Page 7

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Heroes at Home

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Heart shape candy and Valentine’s Day sign

Love? It’s complicated.

By Lisa Smith Molinari As Valentine’s Day approaches, I tend to panic.

Rather than my heart filling with the wonderment of love, I’m struck with sudden dread. “Oh crap, it’s almost Valentine’s Day! We haven’t made dinner reservations! I need a card for Francis! I’ve gotta buy a gift!” I rush around in my salt-crusted car, hastily spending money and mustering contrived affection to fulfill modern societal expectations for this yearly celebration of love, often finding myself too tired to enjoy romance anyway.

Oh, the irony.

It wasn’t always this way. As a child, Valentine’s Day represented a whole week of excitement. First, Mom took me to the store to buy Ziggy Valentines for my classmates at East Pike Elementary School. At home while munching conversation hearts, I’d select my favorite magenta crayon and sign each one “Lisa S.” before scotch-taping it to a heart-shaped lollipop. At school, we spent the day exchanging Valentines and treats, cutting hearts out of red and pink construction paper, and pasting them against lacy doilies for our moms and dads.

Having no concept of romance, I happily expressed my universal love of friends, teachers, and parents with the same affection I felt for my pets, my Barbie Doll, and chocolate chip mint ice cream. To me, love was whatever brought me joy.

And Valentines Day was simply a day to celebrate

that wonderful feeling without complications or contradictions.

However, the unavoidable responsibilities and routines of adulthood tend to expose the ironies of love. Like, I may love my husband, but I may be in no mood for romance, especially on a busy Monday night when my kid has a science project due, my favorite show is on, and I just sprouted a cold sore. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but we mustn’t deny reality. Why not acknowledge and appreciate love’s contradictions and complications?

For example, I love friendships that involve no judgement, where my friend and I are free to confess our deepest insecurities, most embarrassing habits, and worst flaws without fear of criticism.

Instead, offering unconditional acceptance, admiration and support.

Ironically, I also love when my BFF and I dish the dirt. In the safe and comfortable atmosphere of our supportive relationship, we engage in lively gossip about other people — movie stars, workmates, old boyfriends, public figures — judging their behavior, clothing, parenting, hairstyles, nail polish color and criminal records as if we are perfect human beings.

I love our flubbery, adorable, thick-headed, yellow English Labrador Retriever named Moby.

I love that he follows me around our house, plopping down on his kitchen dog bed, or sneaking

up onto our couch and beds for naps. I love that, despite his stocky girth, he curls himself up to sleep, collecting all four paws near his nose.

Ironically, I also love a clean house, free of stiff yellow dog hairs that permeate every nook and cranny of our house, that weave themselves into our sweaters, that blow like tumbleweeds across our floors, that become airborne before sprinkling down onto furniture, fixtures and food.

I love our three children, each with their own distinct personalities. I love that they share my sense of humor and appreciation for clowning around. I have loved watching them grow into interesting young adults, and writing about them in my columns.

I also love the irony that they have no interest in my writing, and probably won’t read my columns until after I’ve died and they find my book while cleaning out our house for an estate sale.

I love my husband, Francis, a sweet guy with great comedic timing, a strong work ethic, and an unbreakable sense of loyalty. I love that he spent 28 years serving his country in the navy, and now works hard in his civilian job to support our family. I love that under his hairy Italian-Irish exterior is a sensitive softie without typical manly ways.

Ironically, I also love when spiders are smooshed, dead mice are removed, batteries are jump-started, and toilet flappers are replaced by someone other than me, which mostly never happens.

How do I love thee? It’s complicated. It’s contradictory. It’s ironic. It’s beautiful. Let me count the ways.

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How to Talk to a Child About a Parent’s Severe Injury

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Stress and Anger Management

Telling your child about a parent’s severe injury is a delicate subject that often requires some preparation and guidance. How you talk with your child about a parent’s injury will depend on the child’s age and ability to understand the injury, your own emotional state and the emotional and mental state of the injured parent. This conversation is a necessary first step toward helping your child cope with the adjustment, so it’s best to give it some thought.

You might want to consider the following strategies.

When to tell your child • These tips can help you decide the right time to discuss the injury with your child: • Tell your child as soon as possible. Children can often sense when something is wrong, and they may become frightened if they aren’t told what is going on.

• Wait until you can speak about the injury calmly. Your child may become scared or anxious if you become distraught.

• Be sure to give your child your full attention.

Sit down to talk when you won’t be interrupted or distracted. Also, give your child time to ask questions.

• Choose a time when you don’t have anywhere else to be, like school or work. Even if your child doesn’t want to talk after learning the news, he or she will be comforted knowing that you are available.

• Make yourself available for follow-up discussions. Your child may take days to process the details of the changes ahead. Be available for additional questions and conversations.

What to say How much you reveal about the parent’s injury will depend on your child’s age: • Be open and honest, and use language that your child can understand. Follow your child’s cues as you discuss the injury. Some children will want to know everything, while others will feel overwhelmed if you give them too much information.

Several shorter conversations might be better in those instances.

• Keep your explanations simple and brief for young children. Toddlers and preschoolers have short attention spans for complex topics.

• Tell your child what is being done for the parent. Reassure your child by discussing all the ways that people are caring for the injured parent.

• Talk about how things will change, but focus on what will stay the same. Most children will worry about how the injury will affect their own lives. If the parent will need a wheelchair to get around, explain how the injury will change the parent’s mobility but that he or she will still be able to play some games. Also, remind your child that you, the injured parent, other family members and friends will still be around to help care for and keep him or her safe.

• Arrange for phone calls with the injured parent, if possible. Hearing the parent’s voice can reassure your child. It can also help your child understand how long it will be before he or she will get to see the parent again.

How your child may react Consider seeking counseling for your child if these common signs of stress don’t go away on their

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Child hugging service member

own after a few weeks: • Toddlers and preschoolers may become clingy and fear separation. Some children return to old habits and behaviors, like bed-wetting or thumb sucking. Younger children may express new fears or have nightmares.

• School-age children may have problems in school. They may have a hard time paying attention, or they may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches. They may even become aggressive or afraid that something bad will happen to other loved ones. Your local school liaison can assist with educational support if your child needs a little extra help during this family transition.

• Teenagers may also have problems with school or have difficulty paying attention. Some teenagers may exhibit risk-taking behavior. Others may become depressed and withdraw from family and friends. Read more about parenting and teen stress.

What you can do to help • Tell your child that it’s normal to feel angry or sad about what happened. Let your child know that you feel sad or angry, too.

• Draw your child out gently if your child seems withdrawn. You can encourage your child to express his or her feelings through drawing, playing or writing. Don’t force your child to talk about feelings but be available for conversations whenever your child is ready to talk.

• Maintain routines. If your child is staying with a friend or adult while you are helping your injured service member, write down your child’s routines and ask the caregiver to follow them.

• Answer your child’s questions with honesty and openness. When your child wants to talk, stop what you are doing and give your child your full attention. Provide lots of cuddling and comfort.

• Offer to stay in your child’s room if your child has nightmares or fears. Let your child know that you are there for support.

• Encourage your child to email, write letters to and telephone the injured parent. Provide opportunities for your child to maintain a connection with the injured parent. This will allow your child to ask the parent questions. It will also help the

injured parent remain involved in your child’s life.

• Schedule an appointment with a child and youth military and family life counselor or call Military OneSource for confidential non-medical counseling. Call 800-342-9647, schedule a live chat or view overseas calling options.

• Get support by talking with your unit’s chaplain. Find contact information locally through your Military and Family Support Center.

• Get support for yourself. Check out the resources and assistance available for military caregivers.

Resources for families of an injured service member The following resources can help your child adjust to life with a parent who has had a severe injury: Sesame Street for Military Families offers resources to help children and their families understand the big adjustments all family members will make to assist their injured family member and find a new balance. Videos, games and other program content encourage family togetherness and assist with ways to face what lies ahead.

Parenting for Veterans has tips and strategies to help parents with physical or mental injuries and their families adjust to a new normal.

Honoring Our Babies and Toddlers: Supporting Young Children Affected by a Military Parent’s Injury Guide, a free, orderable resource from Military OneSource, explores the issues of stress, trauma, grief and loss as it relates to reunion with an injured parent.

Time to Connect With Family Around Injuries, Illness and Recovery, a webinar offered through FOCUS, looks at the impact of a service member’s injury or illness on the family. The webinar offers strategies for talking with children about their parent’s injury and describes the TeleFOCUS program, which offers resilience training by video for military families.

Whatever situation you’re facing, let Military OneSource help you connect to the support you need. Call 800-342-9647, or schedule a live chat or view overseas calling options.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 3

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Christine Tyler, from Onalaska, Wisconsin, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) air department, presents a brief to new Ford Sailors about the Family Advocacy Program during Ford’s Wolverine Academy Jan. 25, 2022. (MCSN JACOB MATTINGLY)

This is Ford Class: Establishing Connections at the Wolverine Academy

By MCSN Jacob Mattingly USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Every month, a few dozen Sailors report to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and start a new chapter in their life. Regardless of whether it is their first time assigned to a U.S. Navy ship or their 78th, all Ford Sailors must attend Wolverine Academy before reporting to their division for duty.

Wolverine Academy is a week-long course consisting of presentations from various departmental representatives with the goal of making each Sailor’s transition into the command as smooth as possible.

“Wolverine Academy ensures Sailors have the resources they need to succeed onboard,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Rashaun Ford, Wolverine Academy’s Leading Petty Officer. “We give them a proper introduction to the command, resources and basic shipboard training.”

Although Sailors are trained on basic damage control and first-aid at boot camp, they receive refresher courses as part of the curriculum. At the end of the week, they get the opportunity to test for and earn their ship-specific basic damage control qualifications.

“Our goal at Wolverine Academy is to reinforce the skills they previously learned so that they are ready for more advanced training once they get to the ship.” said Ford.

Students are also given a brief on the ship’s namesake, the late president Gerald R. Ford’s, life and legacy, the ship’s history and an introduction to ship life.

“It is an honor to be able to serve on Ford.

When you look at the name of ships, they all represent something not only important to the Navy, but also our country as a whole,” said Lt. j.g. Alexander Chang, from Manalapan, New Jersey, assigned to Ford’s reactor department and a student at Wolverine

Academy, “When you have a brand-new class of ship of someone who came before us, it’s important for us to remember the legacy they left behind.”

Another large part of working on an aircraft carrier is interacting with Sailors from various departments and Wolverine Academy provides them the opportunity to start building their network.

“The course gives them a chance to make friends and begin connecting with other Sailors of all paygrades and jobs,” Ford explained. “Wolverine Academy makes sure nobody comes to the command alone or unprepared.”

Representatives from Fleet and Family Support, Morale Welfare and Recreation, and other Navy programs visit the class to equip Sailors with the resources necessary to have a successful assignment.

“We make sure to hit on as many important programs on and off-ship as we can,” Ford explained. “Our goal is to ensure new

Sailors are fully aware of the resources and programs available to them and their families.”

New Sailors also get to meet and personally interact with the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Command Master Chief (CMC), also referred to as the command “triad.” Here, they get a chance to introduce themselves and ask questions and the triad gets to share their expectations and personally welcome them to the ship.

“Wolverine Academy is essential to building a solid foundation for these new Sailors,” Ford’s CMC Bryan Davis explained.

“The instructors serve as these Sailors’ first impression of the command, so we want to make sure we are sending Ford’s best and most motivated Sailors to lead these classes and leave a lasting impression.”

As Ford prepares to leave the Newport News shipyard and resume underway operations, the nation can be assured that the crew is dedicated to maintaining President Gerard R. Ford’s strong legacy and will continue to serve as a lethal U.S. Navy vessel for many years to come.

Ford is in port at Newport News Shipyard executing Planned Incremental Availability, a six-month period of modernization, maintenance, and repairs.

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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Sailors refuel UH-1Y Cobras during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Jan. 24, 2022. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Six are underway for COMPTUEX in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercises NATO Capability during COMPTUEX

By U.s. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN — The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Feb. 4, and is a fully-certified, combat-ready naval force capable of conducting a full-spectrum of integrated maritime, joint and combined operations.

This was the first time that an ARGMEU participated in training under NATO Command and Control (C2). They rehearsed Transfer of Authority (TOA) of C2 between a U.S. Navy numbered fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), as well as using NATO reporting procedures, messaging formats and chat capabilities. This training was developed by Carrier Strike Group Four (CSG 4) with input from Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence (CJOS COE) and prepared the ARGMEU staff to work within the NATO Alliance.

“This recent demonstration of C2 under NATO authority by an ARGMEU is vital to our continued efforts ensuring that the navies of NATO can work as one team, to defend our shared interests and deter potential threats to international maritime order in the North Atlantic,” said Commodore Tom Guy, Royal Navy, deputy director CJOS COE. “This NATO vignette enables us to exercise Allied interoperability and integration with deploying Strike Groups.”

The NATO vignette, designed by CSG 4 with input from CJOS COE, is the period of time a CSG trains to operate under NATO C2. In the past year, two Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) completed the training, which prepared the Harry S. Truman CSG (HSTCSG) to serve under STRIKFORNATO C2 in the Mediterranean during their recent participation in Neptune Strike activity across Europe.

COMPTUEX is the culmination of a series of exercises designed to integrate the ARGMEU as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force ready to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. Leading up to COMPTUEX, the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU participated in an amphibious squadron/MEU integration exercise and Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise, led by CSG 4 and Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

“COMPTUEX was a major milestone and mission accomplishment for the Kearsarge ARGMEU team,” said Capt. David Guluzian, commander of the Kearsarge ARG and Amphibious Squadron Six (CPR-6). “Opportunities to fortify Navy-Marine Corps integration, Coast Guard integration, and NATO command implementation across ARG ships, MEU teams, and embarked staff were prevalent and proved to be successful.”

During COMPTUEX, the Kearsarge ARGMEU units were trained, mentored, and assessed across every core warfare area

through a variety of simulated and live events including air warfare, strait transits, boarding operations, amphibious operations, live-fire events, responses to surface, subsurface, and land-based contacts and electronic attacks, and ship-to-shore evolutions. The ARGMEU was tested on its ability to manage the integration of air, land, and sea combat capabilities across the three amphibious ships, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Arlington (LPD 24), and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), and tested their response to a variety of potential threats and real-world factors such as weather and equipment casualties.

“The training Carrier Strike Group Four provides to the Fleet is constantly evolving, adapting and responding to real-world events and operations around the globe,” said Rear Adm. Rich Brophy, CSG 4 commander.

“Throughout AMX and COMPTUEX, units of the ARG/MEU rehearsed a host of tactics and capabilities in a dynamic training environment, ensuring they are ready to respond to any potential adversary, in any deployed theater.”

Additionally, the exercise was the first to integrate Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG 2) and staff, who embarked USS Kearsarge in the final phase of the exercise. ESG 2 afloat was joined by Carrier Strike Group Two, which participated as a virtual strike group from shore.

“The Kearsarge ARG and the 22nd MEU successfully completed the final exercise of our pre-deployment training plan,

COMPTUEX,” said Marine Corps Col. Paul Merida, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. “Throughout the exercise we planned and executed various types of operations in line with our mission essential tasks and our role as the nation’s primary expeditionary crisis response force. The Marines and Sailors of this combined naval force stand ready to go and do as directed.”

Participation of U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Forward (WMEC 911) also marked the first time a cutter participated in an ARGMEU exercise, providing the ARGMEU valuable interoperability experience as naval and USCG forces operate together in forward theaters.

The Kearsarge ARG consists of the of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge, amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington, and dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall. Embarked commands include Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Six, Fleet Surgical Team Two, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit Two, Assault Craft Unit Four, Naval Beach Group Two, Beach Master Unit Two, and the 22nd MEU. The 22nd MEU consists of the Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team Two/Six (Reinforced); and the Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 26. Also taking part in COMPTUEX was the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Forward.

U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) exercises operational authorities over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic. For more news from C2F, visit https://www.c2f.navy.mil and for more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ US2ndFleet or http://twitter.com/US2ndFleet

Testing Results Released for Two Water System Zones (B1 and E1)

By U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs POINT BASE PEARL HARB ORHICKAM, Hawaii — The U.S. Navy released initial system flushing data validated by the Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST) for McGrew and Halawa; and Makalapa (Zones B1 and E1) today.

A summary of the lab results for McGrew and Halawa (Zone B1) can be found at: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/ Portals/52/Downloads/JBPHH-Water-Updates/20220201_B1_Flushing_Zone_ IDWST Stage_2_Data_Release.pdf, and the complete lab results can be found at: https:// www.cpf.navy.mil/Portals/52/Downloads/ JBPHH-Water-Updates/20220201_B1_ Flushing_Zone_Lab_Reports_Stage_2_ Data_Release.pdf.

A summary of the lab results for Makalapa (Zone E1) can be found at: https:// www.cpf.navy.mil/Portals/52/Downloads/ JBPHH-Water-Updates/20220202_E1_ Flushing_Zone_IDWST Stage_2_Data_ Release.pdf, and the complete lab results can be found at: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/ Portals/52/Downloads/JBPHH-Water-Updates/20220201_E1_Flushing_Zone_Lab_ Reports_Stage_2_Data_Release.pdf.

Samples met U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) criteria for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and safe drinking water standards. Based on these test results, flushing teams will conduct residential and non-residential flushing after residents are notified. The residential and non-residential building flushing data will be made available once it has been validated and reviewed by

Jennah Oshiro, a Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command contractor, collects a water sample in the Halawa Housing community.

(COURTESY PHOTO)

the IDWST. The following information is provided to help interpret the data: • Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) tests look for many petroleum compounds and are done in addition to standard drinking water tests.

• Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are established by the EPA and are the maximum permissible level of contaminants in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.

• Environmental Action Levels (EALs) are established by the Hawaii DOH and are concentrations of contaminants in drinking water and other media (e.g., soil, soil gas, and groundwater) below which the contaminants are assumed to not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment.

Exceeding the Tier 1 EAL does not necessarily indicate that contamination at the site poses environmental hazards but generally warrants additional investigation.

• All values are in micrograms per liter

(µg/L) which is equal to parts per billion (PPB).

• The Method Detection Limit (MDL) is the lowest concentration at which an analyte (chemical subject that is being analyzed) can be detected in a sample.

Please continue to follow the Hawaii DOH’s Nov. 29, 2021, Public Health Advisory for JPBHH. For more information on water recovery efforts, please see: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/ JBPHH-Water-Updates/

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 5

Ensign Martin Dubois, a student naval aviator assigned to the first Naval Aviation Next - Project Avenger class, conducts a virtual reality trainer flight at Training Air Wing 4, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, March 8, 2021.Project Avenger is a prototype primary flight training syllabus designed to develop student naval aviators to a greater level of proficiency in a shorter period of time, increasing the availability of naval aviators to the fleet. (LT MICHELLE TUCKER)

Project Avenger: Simulators Get Live Air Traffic Control for More Immersive Flight Training

By ENS. Jahanna Conner

Chief Of Naval Air Training Command Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Student Naval aviators (SNA) with Training Air Wing (TW) 4, located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, now have the capability to speak directly with live air traffic control (ATC) personnel during simulator training, a significant advancement to the Navy’s undergraduate primary flight training.

The inclusion of live ATC communication into flight training is a feature of Project Avenger, Chief of Naval Air Training’s (CNATRA) new prototype primary flight training syllabus designed to develop more

capable aviators at a faster rate. Project Avenger incorporates modern technology into the curriculum to optimize skill development while reducing training time.

To allow students live ATC interaction, the curriculum uses PilotEdge, a software service that provides students with live communications with certified air traffic controllers. These controllers give instruction through radio communications to the students during their simulators. Before Project Avenger, ATC communication was provided verbally by the simulator instructor. This new advancement gives flight students a quicker understanding of realworld flight.

According to Cmdr. Joshua Calhoun, TW-4 Project Avenger Detachment Offi-

cer in Charge, the addition of live ATC communication has provided SNAs a more immersive environment in which to learn.

“Our students are able to learn flight communications earlier, and more frequently, allowing them to become more adept more quickly than students who came before them,” said Calhoun.

For Lt. j.g. Anthony Janssen, who recently completed primary flight training with the new Project Avenger syllabus, the live communication made him more comfortable and familiar with ATC leading up to his first real flight. “[The live interaction] is useful because you get exposure to ATC communications prior to ever strapping into the aircraft,” Janssen said. “Having this software creates a

low-threat environment during the simulations that allows you to get practice so that when you’re flying and having to multitask you are more comfortable doing so.”

Calhoun, who led the transformation from the older primary flight syllabus into the new modern curriculum, has learned that students who went on to advanced flight training for jets after completing the new syllabus have performed above average in relation to those students who completed the previous syllabus.

“Our students are able to process information faster in the aircraft and we specifically train them to do that,” Calhoun said.

“They can adapt more quickly to real-world changes.”

TW-4, comprised of four units, trains student aviators in primary, intermediate, and advanced flight training. These units have a combined total strength of approximately 800 officers and enlisted personnel, as well as more than 180 aircraft and simulators.

CNATRA, headquartered in Corpus C hr ist i, t rains t he world’s f inest combat-quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.

USS Savannah (LCS 28) commissions

By Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One Public Affairs

BRUNSWICK — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) Feb. 5, 2022, in Brunswick, Ga. “It’s fitting that it would find its home in Savannah — a city whose agility has allowed her to be a defining force in the entire scope of American history,” said principal speaker U.S. Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, Georgia’s First District.

Mrs. Diane Davison Isakson is the ship’s sponsor and wife of the late Honorable Johnny Isakson, former Senator from Georgia. Their daughter, Julie Isakson Mitchell, served as the Matron of Honor. The Honorable Meredith Berger, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy recognized Mrs. Isakson.

“It is said that the character and spirit of the ship’s sponsor serves to enrich, guide, and protect the ship and her crew,” said Berger. “You come from a family steeped in service. You’ve got Navy in your blood.”

Guest speakers for the event also included Mayor of Savannah Cosby Johnson, Mayor of Brunswick Van Johnson, and Commander, Naval Air Systems Command Vice Adm. Carl Chebi.

“The USS Savannah is poised to represent its motto across the globe, not for self but for others,” said Chebi. “Today as we commission her as an operating force of the U.S. Navy. The ship and her crew will carry on the legacy of the five other ships that had the honor to bear the name Savannah since 1798. They participated in the Mexican War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. The 6th USS Savannah’s history has yet to be written but will be enriched in stories of honor, courage, and commitment.”

Mayor Van Johnson highlighted the value the Savannah brings to the Navy.

“It cannot be understated, the importance of the day, the significance of this vessel, the importance of the company that built it, the

strategic and operational necessity that our Navy remains the premier maritime force in the world,” said Johnson “Therefore, in addition to having the finest men and women to serve, they deserve a premier vessel to serve upon.”

During the ceremony, Savannah’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Kevin M. Ray, reported the ship ready, and Mrs. Isakson gave the traditional order to “Man our ship and bring her to life!”

“To the city of Savannah, I assure you, the fine men and women of our crew, who I am humbled to lead, represent everything that is great about your city. Pride, patriotism, resiliency, diversity, and hospitality,” said Ray. “We will carry your name forward, wherever our Nation asks us to go, and we will represent you well.”

LCS 28 is the 14th Independence-variant LCS and 28th in its class. It is the sixth ship named in honor of the city of Savannah. The first was a coastal galley that provided harbor defense for the port of Savannah, 1799-1802.

The second USS Savannah, a frigate, served as the flagship of the Pacific Squadron and then served in the Brazil Squadrons and Home Squadrons, 1844-1862. The third USS Savannah (AS 8) was launched in 1899 as the German commercial freighter, Saxonia. Seized in Seattle, Washington, upon the outbreak of World War I, the freighter was converted to a submarine tender and supported submarine squadrons in both the Atlantic and Pacific, 1917-1926. The fourth USS Savannah (CL 42) was a Brooklyn-class light cruiser commissioned in 1938. The warship served through the entire Mediterranean campaign, receiving three battle stars for service before decommissioning in 1945. The fifth USS Savannah (AOR 4) was a Wichita-class replenishment oiler commissioned in 1970. AOR 4 earned one battle star and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in the Vietnam War. The oiler provided underway replenishment services in the Atlantic and Indian oceans until decommissioning in 1995.

Following commissioning, Savannah

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) visits Brunswick, Ga. Savannah is the Navy’s 14th Independence-variant littoral combat ship. (MC2 JAMES HONG)

will sail to California to be home ported in San Diego, joining sister ships USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Omaha (LCS 12), USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Tulsa (LCS 16), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), USS Kansas City (LCS 22),

USS Oakland (LCS 24), and USS Mobile (LCS 26).

The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments while capable of open-ocean tasking. The LCS can support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Capt. Tim Thompson, Commander, Task Force 67 commodore, and Capt. Kevin Pickard, Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer, cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremonyof the new P-8 hangar on NAS Sigonella, Feb. 2, 2022. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command. (MC1 KEGAN KAY)

Naval Air Station Sigonella Unveils New P-8 Hangar

By NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ITALY — U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, along with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT), unveiled a new P-8 hangar on Feb. 2.

The new hangar incorporates modern technology and construction techniques that will enhance overseas maintenance for forward deployed aircraft, enabling greater support and flexibility to operational commanders in the dynamic maritime environment.

“The acceptance of this hangar marks an important milestone in the P-8 program. This remarkable hangar will provide a home base that fully meets the maintenance and support requirements of the world’s most technologi-

cally advanced anti-submarine patrol aircraft,” said Capt. Kevin “Kepper” Pickard, NAS Sigonella commanding officer. “Not only will it serve as a critical enabler to provide enhanced maritime global responsiveness and power projection, but it also represents an example of the enduring commitment of the United States to the defense of our NATO allies.”

NAVFAC EURAFCENT military and civilian engineers began construction on the $26.5 million hangar in May 2017. The new hangar has already established itself as a key contributor to NAS Sigonella’s mission. In August 2021, NAS Sigonella served as a transit site for Afghan evacuees prior to their subsequent movement to other locations during Operation Allies Refuge.

“During OAR, the hangar was used to house up to 1,300 evacuees during Operation Allies

Refuge,” said Cmdr. Mark Christensen, public works officer at Public Works Department Sigonella “We worked closely with our contracting firms to ensure we could comfortably house them while still protecting this nearly complete facility. Our team is proud to support the fleet in the efforts made both during OAR and finalizing hangar construction.”

The facility can house two P-8A aircraft simultaneously and provides a consolidated space for both deployed squadron rotations and CTF 67 operations. For approximate scale, each P-8 aircraft, derived from Boeing 737s, has a wingspan of 123 feet, length of 129 feet and height of 42 feet.

“It is my honor to accept NAS Sigonella’s newest aircraft hangar on behalf of the maritime patrol and reconnaissance force,” said Capt. Tim Thompson, CTF 67 commodore.

“This hangar represents an important investment by the Navy to fully support the principle P-8’s mission areas of maritime surveillance, anti-submarine, and anti-surface ship warfare.

This spectacular facility will significantly enhance the operational mission effectiveness of our aircraft to combatant commanders, the Navy, and our NATO allies.”

The P-8 Poseidon is a multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft with the ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare.

NAS Sigonella enables P8-A deployment throughout the theater, supporting both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. The P-8 is one of many American, Italian and NATO aircraft operating out of NAS Sigonella.

CTF 67 provides responsive, interoperable, and expeditionary combat-ready maritime patrol aircraft and supporting forces to United States and regional allies, while promoting cooperative maritime security in order to enhance regional stability.

Known as the “Hub of the Mediterranean,” NAS Sigonella, due to its strategic location, allows the forces of the United States, allies and partner nations to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 7

George H.W. Bush Completes Ammo Onload

By MCSN Ryan Colosanti USS George H. W. Bush (Cvn 77)

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed an ammunition onload from Feb. 3-4.

George H.W. Bush was supported by the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13). Ammunition and ordnance were brought aboard by connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP), supported by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5.

“There are a lot of moving parts in an operation like this and everyone involved showed incredible tenacity and teamwork,” said Cmdr. Clemente Gattano, George H.W. Bush’s weapons officer. “After 35 years in service, this is my last underway. It’s a great feeling to know that one of my last major evolutions directly supported the warship returning to a deployable status.”

During the evolution George H.W. Bush brought on more than 2 million pounds of ammunition through both VERTREP and CONREP. Originally scheduled for four

days, the team safely completed the onload in just two days.

“The training and teamwork of our team pays dividends for the Navy and the nation,” said Capt. Robert Aguilar, GHWB’s commanding officer. “I am proud of our Sailors and team. Their mission-focus, critical training, and hard work are our biggest tactical advantages over our adversaries.”

George H.W. Bush’s next step to operational readiness is completing Tailored Ship’s Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.

George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

For more information about George H.W. Bush, head to the command’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ussgeorgehwbush) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ghwbcvn77) pages or head to the official webpage (www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn77).

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC 5) deposits ammunition received from USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13) onto the flight deck of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP), Feb. 3, 2022. (PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS BRANDON ROBERSON)

USS O’Kane from Page 1

conducted maritime interdiction operations; board, search, and seizure operations; and operated alongside international navies, including the Egyptian Naval Force, Royal Saudi navy, and the Indian navy. As the on-scene commander, O’Kane was charged with the planning and executing of escorting two mine countermeasures ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking the first time in seven years a mine countermeasures ship operating from Bahrain transited to the Red Sea and back.

Following Israel’s transition from the U.S. European Command theater to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in September, O’Kane Sailors were able to enjoy a visit to Haifa, further strengthening the U.S. partnership with Israel. O’Kane also hosted several distinguished visitors throughout deployment, to include Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces; as well as United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Gordon Ruddock and Commodore Don Mackinnon who both commanded IMSC while the ship operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet region.

O’Kane served as a key facilitator in a highly successful seizure of illicit cargo from a stateless fishing vessel during a flag verification boarding in accordance with customary international law in the North Arabian Sea, Dec. 20. O’Kane worked alongside the Cyclone-class coastal patrol ships USS Tempest (PC 2), USS Typhoon (PC 5), and the U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) to seize 1,400 AK-47s and 226,000 rounds of ammunition.

Upon completion of the missions in U.S. 5th Fleet, O’Kane entered U.S. 7th Fleet and took part in expeditionary strike force operations with the Wasp-class amphibi-

The guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77) arrives home to San Diego. O’Kane, a part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 6, following an independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets in support of national tasking and to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (MC2 KEVIN LEITNER)

ous assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The U.S. force of more than nine ships conducted underway replenishments, including vertical and connected replenishments. O’Kane executed anti-submarine warfare operations while escorting highvalue assets through the South China Sea. O’Kane also hosted Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1,

during a transit through the U.S. 7th Fleet.

“O’Kane’s tireless commitment and unparalleled performance are above reproach; I am very proud of every O’Kane Sailor and what we have accomplished as a team,” said Fontenot. “O’Kane Sailors represent the Navy’s fighting spirit and it is an honor to serve them as their commanding officer.”

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pa-

cific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 1

Protein to Power Your Day Give your family meals a powerful boost with better-for-you recipes that pack a protein punch. Revamping the at-home menu with nutrition in mind can still include delicious dishes. Page C4

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2022 Virginia International Tattoo Returns to Scope Arena

From Virginia Arts Festival

NORFOLK, Va. — The largest spectacle of music and might in the United States, The Virginia International Tattoo will MARCH ON April 28 - May 1 with a triumphant return to Scope Arena. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary season, the 2022 Tattoo features an all-new international cast, a musical tribute to “March King” John Philip Sousa, and an emotional celebration of the resilience of the human spirit.

“In 2021, the Virginia International Tattoo was the only major Tattoo in the world to present public performances,” said J. Scott Jackson, Producer/Director of the Virginia International Tattoo. “In 2022 we will once again lead the way as the first to present performances with an international cast. We hope that you will join us as we March On!” Imagine if Hollywood decided to create an old-fashioned epic motion picture with a patriotic theme and you had a chance to see it performed live. You would have a huge cast, stunning costumes, intricate choreography, a dramatic musical soundtrack, moments of sheer spectacle, stirring pride and patriotism, a really good villain, and 2 hours that flew by way too quickly. Replace the villain with bagpipers and you have the Virginia International Tattoo!

Tickets are on sale now and available at www. vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

What is the Tattoo?

Presented annually as part of the Virginia Arts Festival, the term Tattoo evolved from a European tradition dating back to the 17th century when Low Country innkeepers would cry “Doe den tap too!” — “Turn off the taps!” as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters.

At the heart of all Tattoos across the world is a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. But each Tattoo is different and is influenced by the culture of the country they represent. Fans of these massed spectacles of music and might flock to the world’s great Tattoos: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. But the greatest Tattoo in the United States, and the most patriotic in the world, is the Virginia International Tattoo.

Attending the Virginia International Tattoo When: Thursday, April 28, 7:30 pm Friday, April 29, 7:30 pm Saturday, April 30, 7:30 pm Sunday, May 1, 2:30 pm Where: Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia Tickets and Information: www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Stay up to date: Follow the Virginia International Tattoo on social media platforms @ VaTatt and subscribe to our Virginia Interna-

tional Tattoo YouTube page for the latest and greatest content, behind-the-scenes, cast takeovers, and more!

2022 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CAST CANADA 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Pipes and Drums Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, 14 Wing Pipes & Drums Canadian Forces Base Shearwater, 12 Wing Pipes & Drums Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums JORDAN Jordanian Armed Forces Band Jordanian Armed Forces Pipes and Drums NETHERLANDS Band of the Netherlands Mounted Arms Regiment UNITED KINGDOM Pipes and Drums of the Highlanders, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Andy Carlisle’s Tartan Army Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Hampton Roads Police Color Guards Old Dominion University Concert Choir Tidewater Pipes and Drums U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Herald Trumpets

U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band Virginia Children’s Chorus Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dancers Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus *Subject to changes and additions About Virginia Arts Festival The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The largest and most prestigious performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Arts Festival has transformed the region’s cultural scene, presenting great performers from around the world and making this historic region a cultural destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world. Over the past 25 years, the Festival has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 25 foreign countries. The Festival has presented over 1,438 performances, free community events, and student matinees and workshops reaching over 1.2 million attendees. Each season, millions more are reached through international broadcasts of Festival performances on American Public Radio’s Performance Today, nationally on PBS TV, and regionally on WHRO TV. Over 32% of ticket sales come from outside the region, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to local museums and attractions and filling regional hotels and restaurants. The estimated annual economic impact of the Festival exceeds $25 million.

Want to be on View at the Museum? Here’s Your Chance!

From Virginia MOCA

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art invites Hampton Roads artists of all ages to participate in our upcoming Open (C)all 2022 exhibition. This year we are asking for submissions inspired by the environmentally focused interactive project What is Missing? created by internationally-renowned artist Maya Lin. Open (C)all 2022: What is Missing? will be displayed in conjunction with Maya Lin’s upcoming spring exhibition at Virginia MOCA, Maya Lin: A Study of Water. What Is Missing? combines in-depth ecological research with personal memories contributed by individuals all over the world. The project brings attention to biodiversity and habitat loss while also inspiring us with stories of conservation and hope. Visit whatismissing.org for more information.

Add your voice to the project and create a work of art responding to the question What is Missing? Accepted submissions will be displayed in our Community Gallery.

Do you have a memory about a species or a habitat that you remember being more abundant that has now disappeared or diminished with time? Have you witnessed the results of a successful conservation project? It can be something you remember or something your older family or friends may have told you about.

EXHIBITION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS Open (C)all 2022 will be on display at Virginia MOCA from April 21—September 4, 2022. Virginia MOCA reserves the right to decline or exclude a submission if it does not align with the prompt, contains inappropriate content, or if the work lacks sufficient hardware to install.

Artwork will only be accepted based on the following requirements: • Open (C)all 2022 is open to Hampton

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Roads artists of all ages • Only one (1) piece of artwork per artist • All work must be two-dimensional (collage and relief elements are acceptable, but must be a reasonable depth, no more than 3 inches) • All work must fit within a 16” x 16” square.

• Artwork must not exceed 25 lbs • Artwork does not include any unstable live media or food • Artwork must be ready to hang. Virginia MOCA staff will not accept work that is submitted without proper hanging devices.

A wire on the backside of your artwork is highly recommended • Artwork can be in any medium (paint-

ing, photography, etc.) if it adheres to the requirements above • All work must include the submission form’s detachable label. A valid email address and phone number are required Please complete and attach the form’s label to the back of your artwork. This form is required and is how museum staff will contact you to collect your artwork at the end of the exhibition.

ARTWORK DROP-OFF Artwork is to be dropped off in person at the Museum, located at 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Artwork can be submitted in person only from 10 AM — 1 PM on the following dates: Friday, March 18

Saturday, March 19 Sunday, March 20 No mailed submissions will be accepted.

ARTWORK RETURN There will be a two-week period after the exhibition closes to collect your artwork.

Artwork can be collected from 10 AM — 4 PM on the following dates: Thursday, September 15 Friday, September 16 Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 You will receive a reminder email from Virginia MOCA staff prior to these dates stating that your artwork is available for pick up.

COVID-19 Virginia MOCA will be taking extra precautions when accepting artwork in person. A mask is required to enter the building. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, for the safety of our guests and staff, please do not come to Virginia MOCA. • A staff member will be onsite to collect your artwork and completed submission form in a safe and socially distant manner • A small plastic bag will be provided for your artwork so that it may be placed into a bin to minimize hand-to-hand contact • This process will be repeated for collecting your work when the exhibition closes DISCLAIMER Virginia MOCA cannot insure works on display during the exhibition. The Museum cannot accommodate placing work in specific locations in the gallery. Artwork will be accepted for display only and will not be for sale. Virginia MOCA staff will contact any artist and pass along their contact information with their written permission in the event there is an interested buyer.

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

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

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/

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Virginia Ballet Theatre Celebrates 60 Years In Hampton Roads!

From TRDance Center NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads’ premiere and oldest professional ballet company in Virginia is celebrating a milestone anniversary! Virginia Ballet Theatre is bringing to the stage its 60th Anniversary Concert, hosted by The University Theatre at Old Dominion University. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this event! Come experience the magic of dance Friday & Saturday, February 11-12, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.

Artistic Director Ricardo Melendez, never one to stop short of perfection, has curated a spectacular night of performances in celebration. The program blends classical with

contemporary in a way that Ricardo proudly says will “captivate but ask you to think. We aspire to redraw the shapes around beauty and balance…to find new truths through the harmony of movement and cultural celebrations.”

The program will open with an iconic excerpt from classical repertoire: the Peasant pas de duex from Giselle featuring Hampton Roads’ very own Felecia Baker and welcoming our new company member, Brandon Penn. A romantic performance in two acts, Giselle is a classical ballet favorite full of joy, bravura, and technical prowess set to the music of Adolph Adam.

Returning by popular demand, Virginia Ballet Theater will present audience and

ABBA THE CONCERT BRINGS ONE OF THE GREATEST POP PHENOMENA BACK TO LIFE From Sandler Center VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — 21st Century Artists, Inc. has been presenting its ABBA tribute shows throughout North America for well over a decade — ABBA The Music, ABBA The Hits — and now, ABBA The Concert, returning to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, August 6 at 8 PM. The audience and press all agree, “This is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get.”

Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 11 at 10 AM and can be purchased at YnotTix.com or by visiting the Sandler Center Box Office located at 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. To receive the exclusive presale code to purchase tickets before the general public, join the Sandler Center Cyber Club at SandlerCenter.org.

The presale for this show will be Thursday, February 10, from 10 AM to 10 PM. ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling audiences with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic ABBA hits, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”

Presenting sold-out shows in cities around the country, many critics agree, ABBA The Concert is the most amazing and authentic ABBA tribute show in the world.

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company favorite La Casa, choreographed

by Director Ricardo Melendez to the sound of String Quartet #3 by contemporary Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. Based on The House of Bernarda Alba by Spanish writer Federico Garcia Lorca, La Casa combines Lorca’s traditional Spanish roots; themes of passion, conformity, and the never-ending push-and-pull between lovers; the love and darkness that speaks to the pain of comingof-age; and the shapes of 21st century ballet idioms to form a narrative ballet that will always astound—whether it’s the first time for the audience or the hundredth.

The evening continues with FRAGILE set to the contemporary piece Sonata for Cello by the popular composer Gyorgy Ligeti. Origi-

nally inspired by Danielle Tegeder’s art entitled “Lightness as it Behaves in Turbulence,” FRAGILE is a neoclassical piece that captures the American influences to the world of classical ballet fusing efforts, lines, and rhythms inspired by the unrelenting search for escape relevant to life today. Ricardo Melendez’s choreography is an experiment with classical ballet idioms colliding with contemporary movements—or, as Ricardo calls it, “an allegorical image of fragility as it confronts obstacles.”

The program will conclude with the world premiere of Campestral, an original contemporary ballet piece to the music of Afro- Peruvian singer and songwriter Susana Bacca.

Choreographed by Ricardo Melendez, this work combines folkloric tendencies and ballet idioms into a celebration of Afro Caribbean rhythms and movements. At times tender, sensual, wistful, or just plain fun, this new addition to our repertory is certain to engage the audience in a celebration of life.

Come and experience the passion and beauty of Virginia Ballet Theatre; commemorate the cultural voices that shape the vibrancy of our home with an evening of iconic classical and contemporary dance. Join us in celebrating 60 years of bringing the revolutionary voice of dance to our Hampton Roads home. More information is available at TRDance.org.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 3

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Food

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Peanut Protein to Power Your Day

By Family Features Give your family meals a powerful boost with better-for-you recipes that pack a protein punch. Revamping the at-home menu with nutrition in mind can still include delicious dishes.

Adding a nutrient-rich powerhouse like peanuts as a key ingredient in meals throughout the day makes it easier to zero in on health goals. In fact, peanuts rise to superfood status by delivering 19 vitamins and minerals plus 7 grams of protein per serving.

When it’s time for fueling up the family at the dinner table, pair Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers with Brussels Sprouts with Peanut Chipotle Vinaigrette for a protein-

packed meal.

Find more nutritious family-friendly recipes at gapeanuts.com.

Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission 1 tablespoon minced ginger 6 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cups creamy peanut butter 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 1 tablespoon chili oil ½ tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken

breast 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin In mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, chili oil, lime juice, honey and cilantro. Mix well and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut chicken and pork into strips and thread onto skewers. In non-metal container, marinate meat in half of peanut butter sauce 1-2 hours in refrigerator.

Reserve remaining sauce for dipping.

Heat oven to broil.

Broil skewered meats until done, turning once. In pot, bring remaining sauce to boil and serve warm as dipping sauce.

Brussels Sprouts with Peanut Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe courtesy of Parker Wallace (parker-

splate.com) on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved peanut oil 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons water 3 teaspoons champagne vinegar 2 teaspoons honey ⅛ teaspoon chipotle chili powder 1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided orange or mandarin segments, for garnish fresh orange or mandarin juice, for garnish crispy fried shallots, for garnish crumbled French feta, for garnish chopped fresh mint, for garnish Preheat air fryer to 400 F. Lightly brush Brussels sprouts with peanut oil and place in fryer basket. Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

In small bowl, whisk peanut butter, water, champagne vinegar, honey, chipotle chili powder and 1 pinch salt until well combined.

Once cooked, remove Brussels sprouts from air fryer and place in bowl. Toss in chipotle peanut vinaigrette until well combined. Season with salt, to taste.

Garnish with orange segments, orange juice, crispy fried shallots, feta and mint.

1 cup confectioners’ sugar Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

In microwave safe bowl, combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Microwave 2 minutes; stir until smooth.

Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and

stir until well coated.

Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over popcorn and stir until coated.

Cool to room temperature before serving.

Store in airtight container, refrigerated, up to 24 hours.

Make Snack Time Pop

By Family Features

No matter the occasion, nearly every gathering of loved ones is better with snacks.

One opportunity to celebrate this winter, National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, honors one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods. Perfect served by itself or as an ingredient in whole-grain creations like Poppy Chow, a twist on a classic kid’s favorite made with peanut butter, chocolate and popcorn.

With no artificial additives or preservatives, light and airy popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, making it a sensible option to satisfy cravings for something savory, sweet and just about every flavor in-between. Plus, whole-grain popcorn has energy-producing carbohydrates and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied longer.

Visit Popcorn.org for more tasty snack recipes worth celebrating.

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Poppy Chow Yield: 2 quarts 2 quarts popped popcorn ¼ cup (½ stick) butter or margarine ½cup creamy peanut butter 1cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 5

Health

Sandra Stuart, 23d Medical Group health promotion dietitian at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, provides dietary counsel and offers a variety of sustainable wellness practices to help keep Team Moody fit to fight. ( AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN ERICK REQUADT)

How a Dietitian Can Help You Lose Weight and Maintain Readiness

By Claudia Sanchez-Bustamante MHS Communications

If you’ve struggled unsuccessfully to lose weight in the past, it might be time to try getting some professional help.

A trained nutritionist can help you reach your goals by designing a personalized plan based on your health status, your individual needs, and your lifestyle.

When it comes to obesity, for example, a registered dietitian understands “it’s a disease, just like any other disease,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Tracy Snyder, the nutrition consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General at the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency, in Falls Church, Virginia.

“A dietitian has the scientific background to understand the science behind obesity and the food and nutrition expertise to assist clients with making the necessary lifestyle changes, which may include diet modifications,” she said.

Additionally, registered dietitians are “educated in helping individuals tweak their normal dietary intake and give them options they might not be familiar with that can help them decrease their overall caloric intake,” said Robert Goldberg, a registered dietitian certified in diabetes care and education at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland.

“When it comes to losing weight, for the most part, it will come down to how many calories are consumed versus how many calories are burned throughout the day,” he added.

Tools of the Trade Dietitians and nutritionists can help you to modify habits in a healthy, achievable way. And depending on each patient’s goals, professionals can provide different types of support and education.

“Some patients are interested in learning how to read food labels. Some are interested in creating mutually agreeable dietary goals that they can try on a day-to-day basis. Some are interested in obtaining meal plans. Some want custom meal plans, and some just need accountability and regular feedback from a professional on how they are eating,” Goldberg said.

He tries to empower his patients to be in control, stressing they’re in the driver’s seat and he’s just there to help them get to their destination safely.

“I try to make it a point for my patients to tell me what they think are realistic goals rather than dictating what their daily dietary goals should be,” he said. “I’ve found that method to be much more motivational and less prescriptive.”

Embarking on a weight loss journey with professional guidance also means looking at your current habits and understanding where you want to be and why, Snyder said.

“When beginning treatment with a patient, one of the first things I take into consideration is where the individual is currently in their weight loss journey, their individual motivation and other factors that may or may not impact their ability to make

changes,” she said. “Sometimes that’s not even a nutrition-related problem.”

Instead, it may be about helping them establish a personalized pathway to make the necessary changes. For example, professionals can help patients set SMART goals, said Snyder: Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely goals unique to them.

Goldberg also encourages his patients to track their food and beverage intake in an online application or website.

“It makes everything much more objective,” he said. “I can see exactly what and when they are eating and drinking and how many calories they consume each day, which typically proves to be very helpful for both of us.”

Fad Diets Professionals can also help you avoid “fad diets”, which may not be healthy or effective for long-term weight loss.

“Unfortunately, many fad diets that people attempt are quick fixes,” he said.

“Many can cause short-term weight loss, sometimes rather quickly. But the weight that was lost often returns, and many times people can gain even more weight than their initial starting weight.”

Fad diets can be severely restrictive; they’re not something patients can maintain long term, said Snyder. Severely restricting a specific food group could be problematic.

“Once their diet goes back to baseline,

they quickly regain any weight or body fat that they lost and potentially get into a negative cycle of weight loss, weight gain, weight loss, weight gain, from one extreme to the next,” Snyder said. “That’s how we end up with yo-yo dieting.”

In addition to not being healthy, that cycle fuels frustration and makes patients feel like they can’t achieve their goals and their efforts are pointless.

Making Weight Obesity and weight gain don’t only affect people’s health. For military service members, they can impact careers.

“When a service member exceeds his or her service-specific body composition standards, there are potential consequences to whether they’re considered deployable,” she said.

“Career risks can include not being promoted, but the biggest and most obvious risk would be being released from service,” said Goldberg.

“The bigger concern is the associated health risks that go with being overweight or obese,” said Snyder.

These include an overall increased risk of mortality, high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, certain cancers, mental illness, and body pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To remain in check, Goldberg recommends service members see a registered dietitian to assess their current dietary intake and habits, eating a diet consistent with the plate model, and exercising between 150-300 minutes per week.

Contact TRICARE for more information about coverage of weight management services available to beneficiaries.

Answering Your Questions About COVID-19 Testing By: TRICARE.mil Staff COVID-19 continues to spread, now as the Omicron variant. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect you and your family from getting seriously ill, getting hospitalized, or dying. You should also make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines. Testing is another important step you can take to protect yourself and others.

“Testing is critically important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Kenneth Yale, interim director of the TRICARE Health Plan. “If you’ve been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. We encourage TRICARE families to follow currently approved TRICARE requirements for coverage of COVID-19 testing at TRICARE.mil to ensure your test is covered.”

Check out the below Q&As for guidance on COVID-19 testing and how TRICARE covers tests.

Q: How does TRICARE cover COVID19 tests administered by a provider?

A: TRICARE will cover your COVID- 19 test and waive the cost of the office visit if a TRICARE-authorized provider or a provider at a military hospital or clinic deems your test medically necessary. The provider can decide you need a test based on your symptoms, exposure risk, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To find a TRICARE-authorized provider who can perform a COVID-19 test, use the Find a Doctor tool. You can also reach out to your local military hospital or clinic directly regarding the availability of COVID-19 testing.

Q: Does TRICARE cover COVID-19 at-home tests?

A: TRICARE covers the cost of COVID19 at-home tests that are both approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) (which includes tests approved under Emergency Use Authorization) and ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider for a medically necessary purpose. For example, you’re

Corporal Jovan Pabon Centelles from Joint Task Force - Puerto Rico performs a COVID-19 test to Specialist Keyleen rentas at Bayamon Regional Hospital, Puerto Rico, Jan. 19, 2022.

JTF-PR and the Department of Health of Puerto Rico assembled a health care site to provide medical treatment and COVID-19 testing to ensure the citizens’ health and safety. (SGT CARLOS CHABERT)

showing COVID-19 symptoms or have known or suspected close contact with a known infected person.

At this time, TRICARE doesn’t have authorization to reimburse COVID-19 at-home tests outside of this guideline. These tests are also referred to as self-tests or overthe-counter tests. This means if you buy an at-home test for any reason at retailers or pharmacies without a health care provider’s authorization, TRICARE won’t cover the cost of the test. However, you have multiple options to obtain free at-home antigen rapid diagnostic tests, as well as other tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, through federal and local government entities.

Q: What are other options for getting a free COVID-19 at-home test?

A: As of Jan. 19, you can order free at-home tests through the federal government at COVIDTests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Order your free tests now so you have them when you need them. Here’s when you should take an at-home test: If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms (for example, fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell) If you come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (test at least five days after exposure) Keep in mind, TRICARE will only cover your test if a TRICARE-authorized provider deems the test is medically necessary. If you test positive or negative on your at-home test, follow CDC’s guidance for self-testing. And

be sure to report positive test results to your provider. This free federal government initiative is just one way for you to get at-home tests. Go to COVIDTests.gov to learn about other resources.

Q: Who should get tested for COVID19?

A:The CDC recommends that you test for COVID-19 if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and anyone can have mild to severe symptoms of COVID19. If you come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should also get tested to check for infection. You should test at least five days after you’ve had close contact with someone with the virus. Check the CDC website for further guidance on who should get a test and who doesn’t need a test.

Keep in mind, whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should take steps to protect yourself and others. And follow CDC’s recommendations.

Q: What if my job or my child’s school requires a COVID-19 test?

A: TRICARE will only cover tests that are medically necessary as determined by a TRICARE-authorized provider. This means TRICARE doesn’t cover tests that you may need to return to work, school, travel, or for other similar reasons. You should check with your employer, local or state public health authorities, or other party that’s requiring the test for guidance and possible coverage or reimbursement if there’s a cost.

You can also reach out to your TRICARE contractor if you have questions about testing coverage.

For more on COVID-19 testing and getting care, review guidance on the TRICARE website and CDC website. Remember, get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines by finding a vaccine or a booster near you. By taking the proper precautions, you can help keep you and others safe.

At the time of posting, this information is current. Visit www.cdc.gov or TRICARE COVID Guidance for the most current COVID-19 information.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

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Handyman Services

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Plumbing

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022 7 Wanted Automotive ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!!

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Boats & Watercraft General Help Wanted APPOINTMENT OF CHAPTER 13 STANDING TRUSTEE The United States Trustee seeks resumes from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a standing trustee to administer cases filed under chapter 13 of title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy Code). The appointment is for cases filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk/Newport News Divisions. Standing trustees receive compensation pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 586(e)(1)(A). Standing trustees are not federal government employees. For additional information, qualification requirements, and application procedures go to << http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/private_trustee/vacancies/13ad.htm

Autos for Sale

BUICK 2001 CENTURY

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1995 CENTURY 3000 CENTER CONSOLE 2-1996 Yamaha 250hp OB. Looks & runs great. $37,000. 757-621-5004

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Fun & Games

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer

If Elmer Fudd is being heavily teased by Bugs Bunn, he might be having a bad hare day.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Religious Services For your installation’s religious service times visit www.flagshipnews.com⁄ base_information⁄ religious_services

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 10, 2022