Flagship 02.15.2024 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 1

IN THIS ISSUE Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit TWO receives Battle “E” Award The battle“E”award is awarded annually to a select number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command that display outstanding readiness and efficiency throughout the previous year. PAGE A3 VOL. 32, NO. 6, Norfolk, Va. | ﬂagshipnews.com

February 15-February 21, 2024

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Feb. 9, 2024) Naval Station Norfolk’s Best of the Mess team, support personnel and leadership display their“Best of the Mess”award during the annual competition at the Founders Inn, Feb. 9. The event hosted by the Chief Petty Officers Scholarship Fund highlights the talent of commands and their culinary specialists in the Hampton Roads area. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JOSEPH T. MILLER)

Naval Station Norfolk crowned Best of the Mess U.S. Navy Story By Kelly Wirfel

Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer

Sailors assigned to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk’s Pirate Cove galley competed and were named the overall winners at the Best of the Mess competition at the Founders Inn, Feb. 9. The annual Best of the Mess competition is hosted by the Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund (CPOSF), a publicly supported charity organization that generates and distributes funds to provide educational opportunities to qualiﬁed families of Chief Petty Officers. Since 1988, the organization has award more than $1.7 million to qualiﬁed candidates. This year’s Best of the Mess theme was “Get Your Thrill” which took participants and guests back in time to a 1950’s Sock Hop. The event included a silent auction along with the cook-off between six different commands. NAVSTA Norfolk’s competition included USSKearsarge(LHD3),USSArlington(LPD 24), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). NAVSTA Norfolk’s team consisted of Culinary Specialist 1st Class Phillip Harrison Jr., Culinary Specialist

2nd Class Guadalupe Garcia and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Brian Snell Jr. Each team were given the same ﬁve ingredients to feature in their dishes. This year’s

ingredients were pork shoulder, sweet potatoes, fennel, yuzu and rhubarb. According to NAVSTA Norfolk’s team captain, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Phillip

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Feb. 9, 2024) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Guadalupe Garcia (left), Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Brian Snell Jr. (center) and Culinary Specialist Phillip Harrison Jr. from Naval Station Norfolk explain their menu to the panel of judges prior to tasting at the Best of the Mess competition at the Founders Inn, Feb. 9.

Harrison, the ﬁrst step was to meet with his team to create the menu. “Once we found out the required ingredients we sat down to come up with a plan and solidify our menu” said Harrison. “We bounced around tons of ideas, did lots of research and decided to do more of a fusion menu.” NAVSTA Norfolk’s menu consisted of rustic sweet potato soup, griot with piklis on top of jon jon rice and fennel salad and for dessert yuzu pound cake with rhubarb glaze. In addition to cooking, the chefs had to present and extensively explain their choice of dishes to the judges which is also part of the score sheet. “I am so incredibly proud of these Sailors,” said Capt. Janet Days, NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. “Over the last couple weeks they have rehearsed, practiced and continued to reﬁne their amazing craft! These Sailor and our galley is top notch!” Following the presentation and tasting, the winners were announced. NAVSTA Norfolk’s planning, hard work and determination paid off as they were crowned the overall ‘Best of the Mess.’ USS George H.W. Bush received 1 st runner up and USS Arlington received 2 nd runner up.

Department of the Navy takes a Running Fix on organization and programs From Navy.mil

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has initiated a program to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of the Navy Called “Running Fix,” the initiative works to address programmatic and organizational issues not aligned with current priorities. It is a proactive approach to listen to Sailors and Marines, hear their concerns and ideas, and identify solutions to budget and acquisition inefficiencies.

“The Department of the Navy is a venerable and strong organization well-poised to address our Nation’s strategic needs,” said Secretary Del Toro in All Navy Message (ALNAV) 006⁄24. “We owe it to the American people to take a hard look at ourselves and be the best stewards of every tax dollar they provide. This process will enable us to demonstrate transparency and accountability, which will further strengthen our Navy.” Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) for Research, Development and Acquisition (RDA) Nickolas Guertin and ASN Financial

Management and Comptroller (FM&C) Russell Rumbaugh will chair the project. They will conduct a formal process to identify and analyze issues with input from stakeholders across the DON, then incorporate those issues into the Fiscal Year 2026 budget development process. Individuals can provide their submissions online at https://portal.secnav.navy. mil/orgs/FMC/Lists/RunningFix/ccs_ NewForm.aspx. Afterward, information will be gathered and analyzed by a working group in the

Pentagon. Ultimately, commands whose ideas are selected will receive recognition and potentially to retain the savings associated with their respective nomination. By maintaining ﬁscal responsibility, the DON ensures that our Sailors and Marines have the resources they need to carry out their missions effectively. We are committed to delivering the highest level of operational readiness while being good stewards of taxpayer funds.

USS George Washington welcomes USO Aﬂoat Center The USS George Washington and United Service Organizations held a ribbon cutting ceremony, aboard the ship, officially opening another of many ship-based USO centers, February 5, 2024. The aﬂoat center includes amenities such as comfortable seating, TVs, video and board games, USO program kits, and snacks. PAGE A5

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The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024

Capt. Brent C. Gaut, right, from Stockton, California, is relieved by Capt. Timothy Waits, left, from Anniston, Alabama, as commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), during a change of command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, Feb. 8, 2024. George Washington is moored pier-side at Naval Station Norfolk. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS AUGUST CLAWSON)

George Washington hosts change of command ceremony By Ensign Hannah Smith

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted its change of command ceremony onboard Feb. 8. Capt. Brent C. Gaut, the 15th commanding officer of George Washington was relieved by Capt. Tim Waits, after more than 30 months in command. Waits who is from Anniston, Alabama, previously served as the commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

“It is an honor to take command of the mighty George Washington as we prepare for a pivotal year to become the Navy’s only forward deployed carrier later this year,” said Waits. “There are a lot of challenges ahead of us, but our team is ready to take them head on.” Gaut, who is a native of Stockton, California, will retire from his career in the Navy after 31 years of active-duty service. “Having the honor and privilege to command our great nation’s premier CVN has been the highlight of my career, not

only because of all we have accomplished together as a warship in the past two and half years, but the unbreakable bond we have created as a team,” said Gaut. “I am exceptionally proud of each and every one of our mighty Warﬁghters aboard GW, and feel so blessed to forever be a part of the GW family.” During his tour as commanding officer, Gaut both revitalized the crew and the combat readiness of George Washington through the redelivery of the carrier back to the ﬂeet in 2023, following a mid-life refuel-

ing and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, a Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Additionally, Gaut oversaw a series of milestones for the ship and its crew including the ship’s ﬁrst underway and ﬂight operations in nearly seven years, as well as earning the retention excellence award. George Washington serves as one of the Navy’s premier carriers and is preparing to replace USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the only forward-deployed naval forces-Japan (FDNF-J) carrier in 2024.

Micro Market, macro quality of life improvements for Sailors By Andrew Revelos

Naval Support Activity South Potomac

DAHLGREN, Va. — When Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro visited Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren Feb. 2 to see some of the Navy’s most advanced training and technological programs, a small store inside of the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) made a big impression. Established in 2019, the Micro Market serves the 500 students that are onboard daily during three different training shifts and a blended workforce consisting of over 400 service members and civilians. Prior to it, traditional support services had challenges supporting SCSTC ATRC students and staff contending with training shifts and high ops tempo. Enter the Micro Market, a hybrid of vending and convenience stores. The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Micro Market is a self-service, self-checkout store that offers a broad array of fresh food, healthy and traditional snacks, and beverage products at a convenient location for ease of access and quick purchases. They deliver an improved customer experience compared to traditional vending machines, offering an expanded assortment variety, while retaining the operational efficiencies of automated retailing. The NEX Micro Market at ATRC quickly became popular beyond all expectations. The operation may be the smallest, but it is the highest in gross sales by square footage out of NEXCOM’s nearly 100 Micro Markets, and settling in among the top quartile. Sales at the SCSTC ATRC NEX Micro Market in 2024 topped $500,000 with beverages being the top sellers, and coffee in the number one spot. “Having the Micro Market here in the building at ATRC provides both conve-

nience and quality of life for the staff and students,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Schermerhorn, SCSTC ATRC commanding officer. “They don’t necessarily have to run out and buy lunch or a cup of (much needed) coffee when it is literally right down the hall provided for them. In addition, it is a great morale booster.” It isn’t just Navy leaders who see the value. “The quality and variety of refreshments and food items provided make our ability to perform that much easier,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Zackary Countryman. “The staff in charge of our Micro Market truly is a blessing to the command.” “The convenience provided by having the drinks and food so easily accessible cannot be overstated,” added Fire Controlman 3rd Class Manuel Torres. “It makes getting through the long work and school days much easier.” NEXCOM currently operates 78 shorebased Micro Markets, as well as two ‘Micro Market@Sea’ locations, onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). NEXCOM plans to open 21 additional locations around the globe in 2024 to support the Navy and its Sailors. “From shore to sea, NEXCOM is charged with strengthening Navy quality of life services for our warﬁghters and military families,” said Jesse Webb, NEX Dahlgren exchange manager. “NEX Micro Markets operate in locations where foods options are limited and convenience is critical to mission readiness. The NEX Micro Market at SCSTC ATRC is a great example of NEXCOM’s innovative approach to serve our Navy communities, and particularly support the folks here at Dahlgren by ensuring they have access to food and beverages 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Micro market products are merchandised and fully accessible to customers within a contained, monitored retail environment. Self-checkout and payment settlement is

DAHLGREN, Va. (Feb. 2, 2024) During his visit to Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro purchases a coffee at the NEX Micro Mart conveniently located inside the schoolhouse onboard Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. Established in 2019, the NEX Micro Market serves the 500 SCSTC ATRC students that are onboard daily during three different training shifts and a blended workforce consisting of over 400 servicemembers and civilians. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOVA)

managed through a PCI-compliant, automated kiosk payment system. “It’s not easy these days to deliver the quality and quantity of services our Sailors deserve with so many pressing budget needs,” said Capt. David Wilson, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) and SCSTC ATRC’s host command. “NEXCOM’s Micro Markets are a great outside-the-box way to provide outstanding services at the deckplates where they’re needed most. It’s also notable that these stores essentially operate on the honor system… it’s fulﬁlling to see young Sailors putting Navy Core Values into action.”

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Wesley McCall

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Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker Public Affairs Deputy Director | Leon Moore The Flagship® is published by Flagship, LLC., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, LLC. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, LLC., whose offices are located at 223E. City Hall Ave, Suite 400A, Norfolk, VA 23510. © 2021 Flagship, LLC. All rights reserved

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“Part of building a culture of warﬁghting excellence is treating our people with dignity and respect,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Our people provide the foundational strength for this Department and taking care of them is absolutely critical to our mission. Providing services, such as the Micro Market, continue our efforts to improve quality of service for our Sailors, Marines, civilians and their families. They deserve it.” *Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) Public Affairs Officer Kimberley Lansdale and NEXCOM Public Affairs contributed to this article.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 3

Virginia Beach, Va. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit TWO (EODESU 2) was presented the Battle Efficiency, or Battle“E”, Award for ﬁscal year 2023 during a ceremony held at EODESU 2 on Feb. 5th, 2024. The battle“E”award is awarded annually to a select number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) that display outstanding readiness and efficiency throughout the previous year. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JACKSON ADKINS)

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit TWO receives Battle “E” Award By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Adkins

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit TWO (EODESU 2) was presented the Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E”, Award for ﬁscal year 2023 during a ceremony held at EODESU 2 Feb. 5, 2024. The battle “E” award is awarded annually to a select number of commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) that display outstanding readiness and efficiency throughout the previous year. “I’m extremely proud of the hard work, mission focus, and dedication of the EODESU 2 Sailors,” said Commander Bren-

dan Casey, commanding officer, EODESU 2. “Winning the Battle E is evidence that EODESU 2 delivers an unparalleled level of sustainment and integrated logistics capability to EOD Group 2 forces. It is certainly well deserved, and it’s my honor to work alongside this phenomenal team of professionals.” EODESU 2 provides optimized logistics support to United States Fleet Forces Command, Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and diving and salvage forces through operational planning, maintenance, transportation, communication, dive, medical, ﬁnancial, supply and global force support. “The Sailors of EODESU 2 regularly distinguish themselves through the daily management, maintenance, and account-

ability of 11 distinct materiel and service commodities in support of EODGRU 2 and six adjacent echelon V commands,” said Casey. “The dedication to duty, devotion, phenomenal teamwork, and selﬂessness of each EODESU 2 Sailor is critical to the mission success of EODGRU 2 units of action and make them most deserving of the recognition afforded by awarding of the Battle ‘E’.” Over the past year, EODESU 2 supported a variety of missions and exercises including EOD Group TWO forces Mobility Exercises, Tactical Operations Center Exercises, Naval Integration Exercises, Final Evaluation Problems, Snow Crab Exercise, High Altitude Balloon Recovery, Large Scale Exercise 23-1 team and Expeditionary Support

Element global deployments. Other Virginia Beach based Naval Expeditionary Combat Commands who will receive their Battle “E” include Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE THREE THREE, (NMCB 133), Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOURTEEN (NMCB 14), Maritime Expeditionary security Squadron THREE (MSRON 3), Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron EIGHT (MSRON 8), and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion EIGHT (NCHB 8). For more news about U.S. Navy EOD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two, visit https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/ Organization/Operational-Forces/EOD/ EOD-Group-Two/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

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NORFOLK, Va.- Electronics Technician 2nd Class, Guillermo Mendoza, attached to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) troubleshoots a pre-faulted Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) at the third annual Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) Navy Expeditionary Sustainment and Repair (ESAR) workshop, Jan. 30, 2024. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY OSCAR POPE/RELEASED)

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center participates in the third annual Expeditionary Sustainment and Repair Workshop By Oscar Pope

Chief Electronics Technician Thomas Werth emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “It’s all about saving the Navy money and Mid-Atlantic Regional Mainteproviding my Sailors with expenance Center’s (MARMC) Inside rience. We are grateful not just for Mechanic Tech Innovation shop and the invite, but for the opportunity to Miniature Micro and Module Test display this troubleshooting skillset Repair (2M/MTR) lab participated at this remarkable event.” in the third annual Repair TechnolHull Technician 2nd Class ogy Exercise (REPTX) Navy ExpeMatthew Owen, from the Inside ditionary Sustainment and Repair Mechanic Tech Innovation shop, (ESAR) workshop Jan. 30, 2024 in showcased the PlasmaBlast system, Norfolk, Virginia. demonstrating the removal of corroThis was the first year MARMC’s sion around a compromised strucInside Mechanic Tech Innovation ture. Owen highlighted the efficiency shop and 2M/MTR lab participated of the plasma technology currently in the event. MARMC, alongside utilized by Sailors in the fleet, stating, representatives from private indus“I’ve heard many stories about the try, academia and the civilian sector, difficulty of needle gunning, using a aimed to showcase technological pneumatic tool to remove corrosion. solutions addressing four key areas: I’m glad I am here at this workshop visualization, command and control and got to use the plasma blaster. aids, forward manufacturing, and “It allowed me to reduce the time it expeditionary maintenance. takes to grind rust off of a corroded Lisa Strama, President and CEO of flange.” the National Center for ManufacturThe REPTX is set to return next ing Sciences (NCMS), a non-profit year, offering more opportunities for organization, emphasized the workindustry and government collaborashop’s significance, stating, “The NORFOLK, Va.- Hull Technician 2nd Class, Matthew Owen, attached to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance tion to share, promote, and accelerESAR workshop brings innovative Center (MARMC), tests a corrosion removal tool at the third annual Repair Technology Exercise (REPTX) Navy ate technology. maintenance and sustainment tech- Expeditionary Sustainment and Repair (ESAR) workshop, Jan. 30, 2024. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY OSCAR POPE) MARMC, a field activity under nologies directly to those who strive Naval Sea Systems Command to keep our warfighters at maximum read- ing and repairing a pre-faulted Circuit fully identified and repaired the faulty (NAVSEA), provides surface ship mainteiness levels.” Card Assembly (CCA) with an existing Test component using the 2M/MTR portable nance, management and oversight of private During the workshop, Electronic Tech- Routine on the 2M/MTR Gold Disk in an repair kit. A qualified civilian technician sector maintenance and fleet technical assisnicians 2nd Class Guillermo Mendoza and austere environment. After meticulous trou- verified the accuracy of the repair, marking tance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of Winston Wylie focused on troubleshoot- bleshooting, Mendoza and Wylie success- it a success. the United States. Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center

USNS Robert E. Peary and NAVELSG join forces to carryout Proof-of-Concept testing By Lashawn Sykes

USN Military Sealift Command

NORFOLK, Va. — Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Lewis and Clarkclass dry cargo ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), in January, joined forces to successfully conduct 1,456 cargo and ordnance transfer lifts, with the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The Net Explosive Weight (NEW) of the combined transfers was more than a thousand tons. Through collaboration and coordination between MSC and NAVELSG, a Proof of Concept (POC) idea formed, with the primary objective to integrate 10 NAVELSG Sailors with 116 MSC Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARS) aboard Robert E. Peary in order to support a critical mission aﬂoat ordnance operation with CVN 78 in the Atlantic Ocean. Leaders from both MSC and NAVELSG expressed great enthusiasm for the opportunity to forge a partnership that extends into the future, said MSC’s CLF Fleet Sustainment Division Director Rick Adside. “This partnership addresses critical manning shortfalls of CIVMARs onboard MSC Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships, while providing opportunities for NAVESLG to enhance its existing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) in support of CLF ﬂeet sustainment mission sets.” Although NAVELSG Sailors have long

supported MSC cargo operations ashore, this level of integration, marked a significant milestone that promises both professional and operational benefits for both MSC and NAVELSG, Adside said. “MSC gains the ability to better account for in-transit ordnance, while NAVELSG acquires additional proficiency equivalent to MSC’s Cargo Afloat Rig Teams (CART), augmenting their existing AMMO/QUAL Certification program. This POC is also noteworthy because it contributes to a more seamless integration experience for both CIVMAR and NAVELSG personnel.” The success of this proof-of-concept testing will serve as a springboard for future partnering opportunities between NAVELSG and MSC, Adside said. Robert E. Peary’s shipmaster Capt. Andrew Lindey deemed the proof of concept testing a huge success. “I know this because when I asked the deck leadership if they would like to have the Sailors onboard for future ordnance events there was a resounding YES! This was a great educational opportunity for the Sailors and a huge manpower help for the ship.”

Ford, Lindey said. “Both U.S. Navy Sailors and MSC CIVMARs worked hand-in-hand the entire download. The Sailors from Cargo Handling Battalion One (CHBO) had great attitudes and actively looked for ways to help! Without the Sailors from NAVELSG, it would have taken longer for the CIVMARs to get the job done.” Before joining Robert E. Peary’s cargo team, the 10 NAVELSG Sailors ﬁrst received specialized training from the ship’s crew. In accordance with MSC’s Safety Management System, the Sailors trained in several critical areas: cargo weapons elevator operations, ordnance banding, ordnance blocking and bracing, and ordnance accounting and sentencing. Upon completion of their training and while the ship was enroute to the rendezvous position of the aircraft carrier, Robert E. Peary was tasked to refuel two Navy ships: USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). These two events, executed by the CIVMARs, gave the Sailors a front row seat on how to conduct underway replenishments at sea, properly and safely, Lindey said.

Ten NAVELSG Sailors Augment Robert E. Peary’s Cargo Team Forty MSC CIVMARs from Robert E. Peary’s cargo team and 10 NAVELSG Sailors, assigned temporarily to the vessel to help strengthen the cargo team’s capability, worked around the clock for 72 hours, in January, in order to complete the aﬂoat ordnance operations with USS Gerald R.

REP - CVN Cargo and Ordnance Transfer Lifts The transfer lifts between Robert E. Peary and Gerald R. Ford took place over three days in January, with more than 1,299 ordnance and 157 cargo transfer lifts completed. The transfer details are as follows: Day 1: 403 Vertical Replenishments Day 2: 418 Vertical Replenishments

Day 2: 216 Connected Replenishments Day 3: 262 Vertical Replenishments - ordnance Day 3: 157 Vertical Replenishments - cargo “I am always proud of the Robert E. Peary crew because I know they put their hearts into their work, but I am even more proud of how they took the Navy Sailors into their team and made them apart of the crew.” CLF ships and MSC Robert E. Peary is one of 14 fleet ordnance and dry cargo ships that are part of MSC’s Combat Logistics Force (CLF) inventory. CLFs are the supply lines to U.S. Navy ships while at sea. CLF ships provide virtually everything Navy ships need including fuel, food, fleet ordnance, dry cargo, spare parts, mail, and other supplies. CLF ships enable the Navy fleet to remain at sea and combat ready for extended periods. In addition to U.S. Navy ships, CLF ships also resupply international partners and allies operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. “In peacetime or conflict, amidst the ever-changing landscape of global affairs, America’s Navy remains a successful and highly impactful global force. When called upon, it swiftly responds to and supports world events. Military Sealift Command (MSC) plays a vital role in providing essential sustainment to warships, enabling the fleet to meet its mission objectives, including the safe handling and execution of transitional ordnance from deploying and redeploying ships, Adside said.”

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 5

Guests of United Service Organizations attend a ribbon cutting with Capt. Brent Gaut from Stockton, California, commanding officer aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. (PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS AUGUST CLAWSON)

George Washington welcomes USO Aﬂoat Center By Petty Officer 2nd Class John Jarrett

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

NORFOLK, Va. — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and United Service Organizations (USO) held a ribbon cutting ceremony, aboard the ship, officially opening another of many ship-based USO centers, Feb. 5, 2024. The aﬂoat center includes many of the same amenities as a land-based center, such as comfortable seating, TVs, video and board games, USO program kits, and snacks.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this,” said Capt. Brent C. Gaut, commanding officer of George Washington. “The establishment of a space where Sailors for just a small amount of time can relax away from their day to day grind of being underway.” The new aﬂoat center — which will be open while ashore and at sea - is outﬁtted with computers and phones to give Sailors another way to communicate with their families to further enhance morale. “We operate in more than 250 locations, but this one is special,” said Christopher

Plamp, USO chief executive officer. “We are honored to cut the ribbon on another shipbased USO center aboard George Washington. The USO goes where the men and women of the military go; on land and at sea.” The USO previously opened ship-based aﬂoat centers aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) and Amphibious Command Ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). For more than 80 years, the USO has served the men and women of the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their

time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, the USO is always by their side. With multiple ships now carrying a USO presence, the organization is charting a course toward an extraordinary era of USO support at sea. George Washington is pierside at Naval Station Norfolk preparing to become the Navy’s only forward deployed aircraft carrier in Japan late 2024.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 7

NORFOLK, Va. (Feb. 3, 2024) – Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) sixth expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) shifted its hub port in Saipan to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, Va., Feb. 3, 2024. The evolution signiﬁed the completion of a seven-year forward deployment that began Jan. 30, 2017, in support of military logistics operations in U.S. Seventh, Fifth, and Third Fleets’ areas of operation. (PHOTO BY LASHAWN SYKES, USN MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND)

USNS Brunswick returns home after 7 years in the Western Paciﬁc

By Lashawn Sykes

USN Military Sealift Command

NORFOLK, Va. — Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) sixth expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) shifted its hub port in Saipan to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek — Fort Story, Va., Feb. 3, 2024. The evolution signified the completion of a seven-year forward deployment that began Jan. 30, 2017, in support of military logistics operations in U.S. Seventh, Fifth, and Third Fleets’ areas of operation. While steaming more than 21,600 nautical miles in support of a variety of high visibility, multinational U.S. Navy and partner nation operations in several Pacific countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, Brunswick circumnavigated the globe — a first for the vessel and a first for an EPF. Built for its speed and its capacity to support a wide range of operational maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, global fleet stations operations, flexible logistics support and rapid transport as an alternative to airlift, Brunswick’s performance remained rocksolid throughout its seven-year deployment. 2017 – While supporting military logistics operations in U.S. Third Fleet, Brunswick participated in Operation Triggerfish 2017, conducted several port calls to Pohnpei and Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia and Guam, and hosted distinguished visitors such as Mr. Robert Riley, U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia. This vital cargo and passenger operation fostered relationships with the islands visited and provided potential sites

for future military infrastructure projects.

2018 – Brunswick operated from Saipan in support of military operations throughout the western Pacific Ocean in 2018. While there, Brunswick visited places such as Guam, Yap, Thailand, and Malaysia as part the 2018 Pacific Partnership, an annual mission focused on disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance, conducted in the Indo-Pacific with more than 500 personnel from several Pacific countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The EPF also participated in several port visits to Lumut and Kuching and Malaysia. The crew took advantage of the opportunity to experience Malaysia’s rich culture and strengthen ties with the local population. Port visits such as these serve as an important element in the U.S. Navy’s theater security cooperation efforts by enhancing solid relationships with partner nations throughout the region. 2019 – In addition to participating in its second Pacific Partnership in 2019, Brunswick, together with sister ship Fall River (T-EPF 4), conducted engineering projects, hosted medical events, and oversaw humanitarian assistance and disaster response training exercises throughout the pacific region. EPFs, working together, bridge the gap between high-speed, low-capacity airlift, low-speed, and high-capacity sealift in order to provide for the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies over operational distances and the sustainment of joint theater and multinational logistics that help to augment MSC’s combat logis-

tics force. Additionally, Brunswick docked in the Lower Mortlock Islands to support local communities recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Wutip, a Category 5 super typhoon that affected Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The typhoon claimed the lives of 86 people and injured hundreds of others.

2020 – The Brunswick crew was recognized, in 2020, for their extraordinary support and contributions to the Typhoon Wutip relief efforts. U.S. Maritime Administration Administrator Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark H. Buzby presented the crew with the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement. In addition, Brunswick supported the Valiant Shield 2020 — A joint force training exercise to protect the Indo-Paciﬁc. During the exercise, more than 11,000 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen synchronized to train in a real-world environment to demonstrate their readiness to respond to any contingency at a moment’s notice. 2021 – Brunswick took part in Noble Jaguar, in 2021, an integrated naval exercise in and around Japan that included units from the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), along with elements of U.S. Seventh Fleet. 2022 – Brunswick, along with sister ships USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) and USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF 11), in 2022, supported the CARAT exercise, Resolute Dragon, Koa Moana, Valiant Shield, and various other regional security cooperation exercises for III MEF.

2023 – The expeditionary fast transport vessel played an instrumental role in exercises Talisman Sabre, Balikatan, Keen Sword, Kamandag for III MEF in 2023. Marines and other members of the U.S. military routinely embark on ships like Brunswick to transport cargo, equipment, and personnel expeditiously. Likewise, Brunswick supported I MEF for three months during its Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia deployment. EPFs provide warﬁghters ﬂexibility as the ship’s storage capacity can be tailored to meet mission objectives. While in U.S. Fifth Fleet, Brunswick accomplished a humanitarian assistance mission that resulted in the movement of 836 evacuees from 18 nations, including 168 U.S. citizens, from the Port of Sudan to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in support of the Department of State’s efforts to evacuate and assist US citizens and other civilians during the civil war in Sudan. Throughout this seven-year deployment, the superb work performed by the Brunswick crew helped to improve interoperability and foster trust and cooperation with partner nations — all of which is in keeping with the Navy’s goal to enhance regional preparedness for crisis response. MSC operates approximately 120 non-combatant civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, and strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world while moving military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. To learn more about MSC visit: https:// sealiftcommand.com.

Healthy food options for Newport News Virginia Sailors By Telly Myles

Supervisor of Shipbuilding Newport News

It was a signiﬁcant milestone as Captain Robert Williams, the Quality of Service Director at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair - Newport News, and Jo French, the Senior Business Development Manager at Aramark, Virginia, joined Karey Malyszko, the Vice President of Plant Operations at Newport News Shipbuilding, and Captain Hannah Kriewaldt, the Commanding Officer of Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair - Newport News. Together, they opened a new MicroMarket. CaptainWilliams was thrilled to announce a major development in food accessibility to theSeniorLeadersandthe WaterfrontTeam. The collaborative efforts of Newport News Shipbuilding and Aramark have resulted in the establishment of a 24/7 MicroMarket within the Huntington Ingalls Inc. Newport News Shipbuilding premises. This roundthe-clock MicroMarket provides a range of healthy food options. Its prime location adjacent to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the Virginia-Class Submarine Sailors working in Newport News Shipbuilding during their ships’ service period ensures easy access for everyone.

This round-the-clock MicroMarket provides a range of healthy food options. Its prime location adjacent to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the Virginia-Class Submarine Sailors working in NNS during their ships’ service period ensures easy access for everyone. (PHOTO BY TELLY MYLES)

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 15, 2024

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 1

uarterdeck

Service members to be surveyed about health behaviors The DOD is ﬁelding the 2024 Health Related Behaviors Survey to nearly 250,000 randomly selected active duty service members. This year’s survey includes questions addressing mental and physical health and substance use. Page B2

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-month deployment, Jan. 20, 2024. Normandy, part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, was deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

USS Normandy returns home from 8-month deployment By Carrier Strike Group 12 Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. — The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) — part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) — returned to homeport in Norfolk after an 8-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, Jan. 20, 2024. Normandy steamed more 61,000 nautical miles while serving as the air defense commander for the strike group. “From the North Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean, this deployment has enhanced and reinforced regional stability, as we worked with our allies and partners to uphold our mutual commitment to maritime security,” said Capt. Errol A. Robinson, Normandy’s commanding officer. “Our Sailors expertly executed complex multiship maneuvers with our allies and tactically controlled aircraft and the airspace, while maintaining the material readiness of the ship. During my two tours aboard Normandy, as division officer and 23 years later as her commanding officer, I can say that my Sailors’ tireless and exacting performance was in keeping with Normandy’s 34 years of superb service.” Over the course of 262 days, Normandy’s crew conducted over 40 replenishments-at-sea, and manned ﬂight quarters 670 times. Normandy’s embarked air detach-

ment, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, flew 393 sorties, totaling 1,132 hours flown. Normandy’s culinary team prepared and served over 388,500 meals, which included over 68,619 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables, 4,382 lbs. of steak, 10,520 hot dogs, 3,207 lbs. of bacon, 89,000 individual eggs and 800 lbs. of coffee. Over the course of 262 days, Normandy’s crew conducted over 40 replenishments-at-sea, and manned flight quarters 670 times. Normandy’s embarked air detachment, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, flew 393 sorties, totaling 1,132 hours flown. Normandy’s culinary team prepared and served over 388,500 meals, which included over 68,619 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables, 4,382 lbs. of steak, 10,520 hot dogs, 3,207 lbs. of bacon, 89,000 individual eggs and 800 lbs. of coffee. Throughout deployment, Normandy’s crew embraced numerous opportunities to strengthen partnerships with allied navies, hosting crew exchanges with the U.K. royal navy Duke-class frigate HMS Kent (F 78), the Italian navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Carabiniere (F 593), the Turkish navy Gabya-class frigate TCG Gökçeada (F 494), and the first-in-class Hellenic navy frigate HS Elli (F 450). In addition to these crew exchanges, the 2023 deployment saw Normandy steam with frigates of the Croa-

tian, Dutch, French, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, and Swedish navies, demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting safety and stability in Europe. Port visits in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations made Normandy’s Sailors de facto ambassadors, as the ship moored in: Gothenburg, Sweden; Koper, Slovenia; Rijeka, Croatia; Aksaz, Türkiye; Bar, Montenegro; and Athens, Greece. Office calls to local navy leadership, and community relations events in nearly every country Normandy visited, bolstered valuable partnerships. In Bar, Montenegro, Normandy hosted Nicole Otallah, the charges d’affaires of the U.S. embassy in Montenegro, at a reception for Montenegrin civil and military leaders held on the ship’s flight deck. Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, Normandy and the strike group were ordered to the Eastern Mediterranean by the secretary of defense to provide a constant and stabilizing presence that would prevent regional escalation of the conflict. “For almost 70% of Normandy’s crew, this was their first deployment,” said Command Master Chief William Palmer. “That did not deter them from seizing opportunities to excel and gain further expertise in their fields. Normandy’s Sailors are returning home more accomplished and more resilient, and their families should be proud of the work they have done.”

The GRFCSG is comprised of its ﬂagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA-213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEURNAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Dr. Mike McGinnis returns to service as Navy Medicine Executive Director

From André Sobocinski

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Dr. Mike McGinnis was sworn in as the new Navy Medicine Executive Director by Rear Adm. Darin Via, the Navy Surgeon General, on February 6, 2024. He is only the second Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian to serve in this role. “My goal as the Executive Director is to support the Surgeon General’s Lines of Effort in support of America’s warﬁghter,” McGinnis said. “In particular, I hope to establish stronger bonds with senior civilian leadership throughout the Pentagon and the services. I want to ensure that our expeditionary medical capabilities are properly resourced, not just to develop them, but to sustain these life-saving capabilities consistently.” As Navy Medicine increasingly focuses on providing agile, scalable, trained, and certiﬁed medical units to the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force, there is no better time to have an operationally focused Executive Director helping to support the ongoing strategic efforts. “His deep experience brings instant credibility to distributed maritime operations, and we’ll be able to leverage his knowledge of the defense healthcare system as we continue driving towards our North Star,” said Rear Adm. Via. Born into a Navy family, McGinnis grew up around the world appreciating the Navy’s mission and the concept of service to the country. And when it came

time to continue this tradition, he embraced the opportunity. “I wanted to emulate a family tradition and do that as a Navy physician,” said McGinnis. After attending Johns Hopkins University, Dr. McGinnis was accepted into the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), which funded his medical education at the University of Virginia. He was commissioned as an Ensign in 1989 and served 34 years in Navy Medicine, retiring as a Captain in the Medical Corps in 2023. His military service includes a broad spectrum of operational and executive positions, including U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Fleet Surgeon, U.S. Pacific Fleet, COMNAVEUR-COMNAVAF-COMSIXTHFLEET Force Surgeon, and Commanding Officer, Naval Health Clinic Annapolis. As Executive Director, McGinnis will advise the Surgeon General, Deputy Surgeon General, and Force Master Chief to ensure unity across BUMED’s business and planning programs, functions, and processes. As the Navy’s senior civilian healthcare executive, he is also responsible for the development and execution of Navy Medicine’s five-year Campaign Plan aligned to the Chief of Naval Operation’s priorities for “America’s Warfighting Navy.” The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) established the position of the Executive Director in 2015 to increase collaboration across Navy medical Turn to Dr. Mike McGinnis, Page 2

Dr. Mike McGinnis signs his oath of office as a Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian on February 6, 2024. He is the second SES to serve in the Navy Medicine Executive Director role since 2015. (PHOTO BY CMDR. JESSICA L. MCNULTY, BUMED PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER).

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 15, 2024

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

Team“A”begins the journey around Baumholder Army Base with a tow bar on their shoulders, during Staff PT. (PHOTO BY SGT. 1ST CLASS ANTHONY KING)

Service members to be surveyed about health behaviors Courtesy Defense Health Agency

The Department of Defense is fielding the 2024 Health Related Behaviors Survey to nearly 250,000 randomly selected active duty service members. This year’s survey includes questions addressing mental and physical health, substance use, and other health topics related to service member readiness. Service members selected to complete the survey will find a link in the inbox for their military email address as it is recorded in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS. The survey is sent to a randomly selected group of active duty service members across all military branches, pay grades, race/ethnicities, and ages. Since 1980, the DOD has partnered with third party survey assessors to gauge health-related trends within the force. Typically offered every two or three years, the survey has evolved from focusing strictly on substance use and abuse to a broader look at overall service member health and well-being. “The HRBS is the Department of Defense flagship survey for understanding health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of service members, allowing leaders to better understand the health-related readiness of the force,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Kenneth Rich-

ter, director of psychological health for the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “Increased participation by service members help develop conclusions that better represent the overall population of the DOD.” Survey answers are confidential, and a participant’s responses are not shared with the Department of Defense or service branches in a way that can identify them. Echoing Richter’s sentiments on survey participation, Dr. Daniel Evatt, the chief of the research execution section for the Defense Health Agency’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence, emphasized the importance of the survey in understanding the health of the force. “If members of a particular occupation or demographic group don’t have a high rate of response, then we may not have a very good understanding of the needs of that group,” Evatt said. “If you are invited to respond, then your answers will help make sure that we understand experiences of service members like you.”

Outcomes Some of the major ﬁndings from the 2018 survey showed an increase from the 2015

survey in reports of health-related behaviors that are associated with poor outcomes. However, service members’ self-reported behaviors appeared at or above general population benchmarks set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for physical health and functioning, including rates of obesity, frequency of exercise, and high-risk group HIV testing, Richter said. “The ﬁnal results [of the survey] are read and used by policy makers, program managers, and researchers, and they can help us direct care where it is needed most,” Evatt said. “Sometimes the ﬁndings tell us that a health-related behavior issue is more or less common than previously thought.” The survey window extends from February to April. The DOD has partnered with the RAND Corporation, a private research and analysis company, to conduct the survey. Recipients will receive an email from 2024hrbs. com with a survey control number and a link to the welcome page. For more information and an extensive FAQ on the purpose of the survey, recipients are encouraged to visit health.mil/HRBS.

WASHINGTON — The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Energy Excellence Award winners for fiscal year 2023 were announced Jan. 23. The SECNAV Energy Excellence Awards Program is designed to promote excellence in the areas of energy security, energy resilience, innovation, combat effectiveness, and program management. After careful consideration of all nominations, the Secretary of the Navy is pleased to announce the 2023 Energy Excellence Award Winners: Afloat (Large): USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Afloat (Small): USS Stockdale (DDG 106) Afloat (Logistics): USNS Joshua T. Humphries (T-AO-188) Installation (Large): Naval Station Norfolk Marine Corps Air Ground Combat

Dr. Mike McGinnis from Page 1

functions, facilitate headquarters communication through “one voice,” and ensure continuity of command leadership. Communication, engaged leadership, teamwork, and mentorship are among the chief tenets Dr. McGinnis aims to bring to his new role. “These are qualities that I want to emphasize and exemplify as Executive Director,” McGinnis said. “I believe it is important to be proactive and energetic about communicating up and out, ensuring that everyone understands why we are doing what we are doing, and how we are getting there while being open to feedback from the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and the deckplates.” Dr. McGinnis credits several mentors who played key roles in inspiring, shaping, and preparing him for this position. Among them, Vice Adm. C. Forrest Faison, Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, Rear Adm. Bruce Gill-

Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms Installation (Small): Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Technology Development and Acquisition: Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 SECNAV Energy Excellence Awards for their work and accomplishments to advance the Department’s energy initiatives,” said Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, Installations, and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer. “They have set the standard for the rest of the Navy and Marine Corps who can follow their lead in supporting the Department’s Climate Action 2030 efforts.” A prepared force is a lethal force. In May of 2022, the Department of the Navy released

ingham, Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, Rear Adm. Colin Chinn, Dr. Mike Malanoski and Mr. Joe Marshall — the latter two served as members of the Department of Defense SES community. As he looks back on his military career, McGinnis acknowledges that his entry into senior executive and expeditionary/operational medicine owes much to Capt. (ret.) Fanancy Anzalone. “I had the fortune of having a great commanding officer at Naval Hospital Naples, Italy in Captain Anzalone,” related McGinnis. “He had been Director of the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI) during a previous tour and recruited a friend and me to take a look at the Residency in Aerospace Medicine (RAM) program. At that time, I had not been operational. RAM was a fantastic opportunity to get a master’s in public health and solidify my understanding of public health and preventive medicine through aerospace medical residency. I went through the training pipeline with future aviators and learned about the special physical demands placed on

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Secretary of the Navy Energy Excellence Awards announced From Navy.mil

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

Climate Action 2030 in which Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro recognized climate change as one of the most destabilizing forces of our time and charged the Department with building a climate-ready force. A climate-ready force is one that can ﬁght and win around the globe, while anticipating, preparing for, recovering from, and adapting to the evolving climate and security future. It is a force that does its part to combat the climate threat by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, and sequestering carbon in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, leveraging built and natural infrastructure to enhance resilience. For more information and news on the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, visit https://www.secnav.navy.mil/eie/Pages/ default.aspx

pilots. I look back at my senior medical officer tour aboard USS Nimitz as the foundational experience that motivated me to pursue an executive medicine career and set me on the course I’m on today.” As McGinnis embarks on the latest chapter of his storied career, he is most excited to serve alongside some of the Navy’s most talented people. “From the most junior enlisted to the most senior officers and across our civilian workforce, we are in a special window where we have talented professionals all committed to the mission,” said McGinnis. “And I am excited to work side-by-side with everyone in this fantastic global organization and support them.” Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warﬁghter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 3

A Standard Missile -3 Block IIA, or SM-3 Blk IIA, is launched from U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) off the coast of the Paciﬁc Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, during Flight Test Other-23 or FTX-23, February 8, 2024. (COURTESY PHOTO/RELEASED)

Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy successfully demonstrate Aegis Weapon System capabilities against advanced countermeasure missile target By Nancy Jones-Bonbrest Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy successfully executed Flight Test Other-23 (FTX-23) or Stellar Sisyphus, a two part developmental test of sensor tracking and communications link capabilities. Conducted off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, the ﬁrst part of this multi-sensor test successfully demonstrated that the Aegis Weapon System tracked and discriminated a complex target scene of a Medium Range Ballistic Missile target with countermeasures. The second part of this test included the ﬁring of a Standard Missile — 3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA), which intercepted the same Medium Range Ballistic Missile target, verifying additional functionality of the SM-3 Blk IIA. Together, this test demonstrated one of the most complicated target discrimination and intercept missions by the Aegis Weapon System to date. “We are working closely with the Navy to provide new and enhanced capabilities against a constantly evolving threat,” said Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA Director. “Today’s successful test was a key milestone in giving our Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense ships increased sensing and tracking tools to combat threat proliferation. This was an incredible accomplishment and I commend the U.S. Navy Sailors, the MDA team and our industry partners.” U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) along with Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex and Advanced Radar Development Evaluation Laboratory participated in the

A Medium Range Ballistic Missile target with countermeasures is air launched from a C-17 aircraft off the coast of the Paciﬁc Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, during Flight Test Other-23, or FTX-23, February 8, 2024. (COURTESY PHOTO/RELEASED)

event, collecting valuable tracking data on the target. The test was planned as a tracking event of a complex target with the primary objective of collecting data on the target scene from multiple sensors across different viewing angles. While an intercept of the target was not necessary to achieve this objective, the SM-3 Blk IIA and the Aegis Weapons System

demonstrated additional reserve capability with the successful hit. This data collection will help anchor modeling and simulation for future tracking and discrimination capabilities and improvements. Additional information about the Navy’s AEGIS Weapon System and Guided Missile Destroyers can be found at www.navy. mil and additional information about all

elements of the U.S. Missile Defense System can be found at www.mda.mil. Please direct all media related queries to Mark Wright, MDA director of public affairs, at 571-231-8212, Mark.Wright@mda.mil, Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, MDA public affairs officer at 571-231-8211, Nancy.J.Bonbrest@ mda.mil.

DOD advances Microelectronics Commons to build domestic semiconductor industry, workforce Courtesy Story

U.S. Department of Defense

Jan. 29 — Feb. 2 marked the second week of Microelectronics Commons (Commons) Hubs visits for representatives from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)Crane Division, and National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). Representatives traveled to Massachusetts and New York where they met with Hub leaders and members, as well as Governor Maura Healey and representatives from Congressional offices. These visits showed that funding from the bipartisan “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act” is directly contributing to the Commons becoming a community that empowers Hub members to create public-private partnerships, invest in infrastructure for microchip prototyping, and engage in multilateral co-operation — all in keeping with President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. CHIPS funding will continue to be allocated during Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027 to accelerate domestic microelectronics hardware prototyping and workforce development. This will grow local economies by upskilling local talent within each Hub region, while complementing programs run by the Department of Commerce and

the National Science Foundation. The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub (NEMC) site visit on January 30th in Boston included delegates from Analog Devices, Applied Materials, NextFlex, Raytheon Technologies, Columbia University, MITRE, BAE Systems, as well as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and MIT Lincoln Labs. Governor Healey. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Ms. Yvonne Hao, Secretary of Economic Development, also attended alongside representatives from the Offices of Senator Ed Markey, and Congressman Seth Moulton. Congresswoman Lori Ann Trahan addressed the gathering virtually. NEMC Hub members are leaning heavily into public-private partnerships to accelerate semiconductor industry growth in Massachusetts and the entire Northeast, with support from Governor Healey for whom job training is a policy priority. “The camaraderie and collaboration that exists within this Hub has been forged over three years by our 170 member organizations,” said Ben Linville-Engler, interim director of the NEMC Hub. Discussions highlighted the Hub’s connections to both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the defense industrial base, and the site visit showed how public-private investment is adding to advanced nano-fabrication equipment and capabilities within Hub member MIT.nano. The Northeast Regional Defense Tech

Hub (NORDTECH) site visit on February 1st in Albany, New York highlighted principal partners including the State University of New York (SUNY) - Albany, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY CREATES, and IBM — all which participated in the event. Representatives from the Offices of Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also attended. New York state has spent two decades investing in its manufacturing industry, especially microelectronics. This in turn has incentivized SUNY Albany to invest in cutting edge facilities, IBM to remain a stalwart regional partner, Micron Technology to invest $100 billion in a 20 year commitment to the state, and nonproﬁts to facilitate resource sharing, standards, and workforce development. NORDTECH magniﬁes the impact of this pre-existing network by bringing in organizations as Hub members (one-third of which are small businesses), then catalyzing multilateral cooperation over bilateral relationships. “What NORDTECH offers is the ability to really expand our network,” said Nate Cady, Associate Dean for Research, College of Nanotechnology, Science & Engineering — University at Albany. Mr. Maynard Holliday, PTDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, and Dr. Devanand Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics, OUSD(R&E) and Executive Director of the Commons, both applauded NORDTECH’s approach to

workforce development as extremely well thought out, possessing both significant breadth and depth. Given the capabilities of this community, the Hub is well prepared to work with the DoD to achieve the Common’s defense mission. Both NEMC and NORDTECH have impressive infrastructure in place to prototype semiconductors and speed their lab-tofab transition in pursuit of a sustainable pipeline of domestically produced, state-ofthe-art microelectronics to meet U.S. needs. They also have signiﬁcant state and federal government support, and the capabilities to increasingly address defense requirements for advanced microchips. Readouts of the following Commons site visits are forthcoming: 5 February: North Carolina, where North Carolina State leads the Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide-bandgap Semiconductors Hub (CLAWS) 7 February: Ohio, where the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium leads the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium Hub (MMEC) 9 February: Indiana, where the Applied Research Institute leads the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub (SCMC) For more information, please visit the Commons website: MicroelectronicsCommons.org.

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Austin thanks Blue Star Families for their support during global uncertainty By David Vergun DOD News

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III thanked members of Blue Star Families for their service and sacrifice and that of their men and women in uniform. “Global uncertainty is the theme of this gathering. Yet, in times of challenge, the world looks to America,” he said speaking yesterday at a virtual town hall event. The nonprofit group aims to support the immediate family of active-duty service members. The U.S. military is the “most powerful and innovative fighting force in the world,” he said. “It’s not just because of our brave troops around the world. It’s also because of our outstanding military families. You serve right alongside your loved ones. “And you bear all the stress and strain of the homefront, especially in challenging times. So we are forever grateful,” Austin said. Taking care of its people is a top priority for the Defense Department, Austin said. He noted that service members received a 4.6% pay raise this year—the largest in two decades. The department is also working to make child care more affordable and moves easier and help military spouses pursue their own careers. “I’m proud of what we’ve done, but we’re going to keep pushing to do more because we are determined to do right by our troops— and by all of you,” Austin said. Following the secretary’s remarks, senior defense and national security officials took

questions from the family members. “American security and prosperity at home oftentimes begins overseas.” said Laura Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia. A large part of that is providing aid to Ukraine to help them defend against Russian aggression, she said. U.S. forces stationed on NATO’s eastern ﬂank are there to support allies should they face Russian aggression in the future, Cooper said. “If we don’t enable the Ukrainians to stop Russia and defend against aggression, we will face this threat in a much more direct and much more costly way,” she added. Daniel Shapiro, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the goal of the Defense Department is to try to build a more peaceful, prosperous and more integrated Middle East in order to help the lives of those who live there and, thereby, to make the U.S. homeland more secure. The principles of partnership, deterrence, diplomacy and promoting our values in the Middle East are vitally important, he said. John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, spoke of the challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine and China and the importance of U.S. allies and partners. Addressing troop deployments around the globe, Kirby said, “With all the turbulence overseas, you can’t address it if you’re not over there, if there’s not a presence, if you’re not willing to have skin in the game,” he said. A large part of U.S. readiness is ensuring troops and their families have what they

Lenese Rogers, Peterson SFB Main Child Development Center lead education technician, reads a story to a group of children on Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Nov. 9, 2023. This is one of two CDCs that Peterson SFB offers for children whose parents or legal guardians are either active-duty military, DoD civilian personnel paid with either APF or NAF, reservists on active duty or during inactive duty training, and DoD contractors. (U.S. SPACE FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JUSTIN TODD)

need, he added. Jason Israel, director for defense policy at the National Security Council, said these are dangerous times, but it’s paramount that everything must be done to defend U.S. troops and allies. The best thing that Congress can do now

for national security is to provide appropriation and the supplemental funding package, he said. “We are really pushing every day to try to work with Congress to ﬁnd a solution to the impasse,” he said.

5 Months with no base budget affects department’s modernization efforts By C. Todd Lopez DOD News

Soon, the fiscal year 2025 national defense budget is expected to be presented as part of the fiscal 2025 presidential budget request. At the same time, last year’s budget has still not been passed, and the Defense Department is operating on a continuing resolution, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary. “The department continues to urge Congress to pass our base budget,” said Sabrina Singh during a brieﬁng today. “We still do not have an FY24 budget ... and the department will be getting ready to submit our FY25 budget. As the secretary has said, the one thing we cannot buy back is time, and we are losing critical time under a [continuing resolution] that we need to be spending modernizing our military to meet the pacing challenge. Continuously living under a [continuing resolution] is asking us to try and ﬁght with one hand tied behind our back.” Earlier this week, the Senate announced a supplemental bill to provide military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression, Singh said. The bill means investment in the U.S. defense industrial base, the production of weapons and equipment that can be sent to Ukraine, and an ongoing and important show of support to Ukraine. “If the U.S. stops support to Ukraine, we

should be clear-eyed about the repercussions,” Singh said. “Putin is not going to stop in his quest for power and control beyond Ukraine’s borders toward NATO. If Putin attacks a NATO ally, we will ﬁnd ourselves in direct conﬂict as we are committed to defending every inch of NATO. So let’s be clear. We can do the responsible thing and pay now to help Ukraine or we can pay much more later to counteract the gains we would hand Vladimir Putin and an emboldened Russia.”

Air Defenses in Middle East Largely Successful In late January, three U.S. soldiers were killed and 40 other service members were injured at Tower 22 of the Jordanian Defense Network, a military base in Jordan near the Syrian border, following an attack by an uncrewed aerial system. Those service members were in Jordan to support Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. combined mission working by, with and through regional partners to ensure the defeat of ISIS. Singh said the loss of lives at the base is tragic, and Centcom is assessing and reviewing the attack to find out what happened, why it happened, and how a drone was able to evade air defenses. She also noted that in the Middle East, follow-

Members of the press address Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a press brieﬁng at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 6, 2024. (DOD PHOTO BY U.S. AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN CESAR J. NAVARRO)

ing more than 160 similar attacks, U.S. air defenses in the region have been mostly successful. “For a majority, those attacks have been unsuccessful,” she said. “We’ve seen a majority of those attacks have minor

damage to infrastructure, incur minor casualties to our service members,” she said. “For the most part, our air defenses have been able to catch or been able to destroy any impact or any incoming ... whether it be rockets or drones at bases.”

DOD harnesses science, technology to counter adversaries By David Vergun DOD News

China is attempting to offer an alternative to the international world order, increasing its capacity to reshape international borders and rapidly developing capabilities in artiﬁcial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, shipbuilding and space capabilities, said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering. Addressing these long-term challenges requires a robust and accelerated science, technology and development response by the Defense Department, with fewer bureaucratic processes that impede that goal, Shyu told attendees of the 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit in Alexandria, Virginia. “Unfortunately, there’s no monolithic solution to accelerate the department’s effort in development and acquisition of leading-edge technologies,” she said. Shyu said one of the many ways the department is approaching the effort is the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program, established two years ago. She said the program aims to deliver the best technology and address common problems that are faced by companies through experimentation and exercises that accel-

erate technology from prototype to validated military capabilities, she said. Shyu noted that industry works directly with the services, combatant commanders and the joint staff. The program focuses on areas crucial to joint warfare in highly contested environments, including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; unmanned systems; contested logistics; joint fires; information; and command and control, she said. The department is also assisting private-sector investment in critical technologies. The Office of Strategic Capital was stood up a year ago, as authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act, to allow the department to provide loans to small companies, she said. The Office of Strategic Capital will help secure the department’s supply chain and facilitate onshore production of cuttingedge technologies, including microchips and quantum, she said. “I’m absolutely confident that our nation’s R&D enterprise will continue to deliver the most advanced military capability to the warfighters,” she said, referring to industry research and development professionals.

Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu attends a technology demonstration hosted by the Manufacturing Technology Program at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., June 21, 2023. (DOD PHOTO BY U.S. AIR FORCE STAFF SGT. JOHN WRIGHT)

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Sweet & savory meatless favorites to celebrate Lent If you’re in search of a meatless meal whether you’re observing Lent or simply adhering to your own dietary restrictions - you don’t have to sacriﬁce on taste with these delicious recipes. Page C4

William Roscoe Davis, born a slave in Norfolk, who escaped to Fort Monroe during the Civil War and became a pivotal ﬁgure as the head lighthouse keeper at Old Point Comfort. (COURTESY PHOTOS)

Nauticus to honor Norfolk native, William Roscoe Davis, in celebration of Black History Month

Esteemed speakers from local HBCU’s featured in free “EdTalk” lecture series Press Release NORFOLK, Va. — In celebration of Black History Month, Nauticus invites the community to join them on February 22 at 6PM as they kick off their free “EdTalk” lecture series titled “Beacon of History: Illuminating the Past, Igniting the Future”. The event will feature esteemed speakers, Dr. William Wiggins (Hampton University) and Dr. Colita Fairfax (Norfolk State University), who will explore the remarkable journey of William Roscoe Davis, born a slave in Norfolk, who escaped to Fort Monroe during the Civil War and became a pivotal ﬁgure

as the head lighthouse keeper at Old Point Comfort. Dr. Wiggins and Dr. Fairfax will discuss the little-told narrative of Davis as “contraband” and how his resilience and contributions illuminate a signiﬁcant chapter in African American history. The speakers will share their efforts to locate Davis’s ﬁnal resting place, shedding light on the importance of preserving African American cemeteries and honoring the legacies of those who paved the way. This event is free and open to the public, space is limited, and reservations are required. Reserve your seat online at https://

nauticus.org/events/edtalk-beacon-of-history/. About the Speakers: Dr. William Wiggins is a historian and scholar who taught at University of Connecticut, St. Olaf and Allegheny Colleges, Hampton University and Columbia University where he also served as an Assistant Dean. Dr. Colita Fairfax is a Professor, Honors College Senior Faculty Fellow, and an inaugural faculty scholar in the Center for African American Public Policy at Norfolk State University. About Nauticus: Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering

a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonproﬁt, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to beneﬁt the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Trombone Shorty, Dragon Smoke, and George Porter Jr. to headline 2024 Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival

In celebration of Mardi Gras week, 3-day passes are $15 ONLY until midnight this Friday, Feb. 16 Press Release NORFOLK, Va. —Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dragon Smoke, and George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners have been announced as the headliners for the 2024 Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Food & Music Festival, sponsored by Explore Louisiana, to be held Friday-Sunday, May 17-19, 2024, at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. The festival will also feature live performances from Dumpstaphunk, Maggie Koerner, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & the Ils Sont Partis Band, Meschiya Lake & the Little Big Horns, and many more. View below for the current music lineup. The 34th Annual Bayou Bon Vivant is a three-day celebration of the tastes, tunes, and traditions of historic New Orleans and the best of Louisiana. From juicy handfuls of crawﬁsh to world-renowned N’awlins jazz musicians, the Bayou Bon Vivant captures the vibrant spirit of Louisiana and transforms it into a weekend-long party

along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. A wide-ranging and fun experience for the entire family, the Bayou Bon Vivant also features an Arts Market featuring a variety of New Orleans crafters, authentic mouth-watering Cajun dishes such as fresh crawﬁsh, beignets, gumbo, étouffées & jambalaya, and much more. New this year, Norfolk Festevents and the Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music & Food Festival have partnered with Explore Louisiana to celebrate the Year of Music! More details to be announced soon. In celebration of Mardi Gras week, the 3-day passes are $15 ONLY until midnight on Friday, February 16th. Use promo code BAYOU2024 at checkout to redeem special pricing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/24Bayou. For more information on Norfolk Festevents’ 2024 Season of Events, visit Festevents.org.

2024 Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Food & Music Festival Lineup: Main Stage — Friday, May 17 8:30pm — Dragon Smoke 6:00pm — Dumpstaphunk 3:30pm — John Papa Gros Main Stage — Saturday, May 18 8:30pm — Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 6:00pm — Maggie Koerner 3:45pm — CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band Main Stage — Sunday, May 19 4:30pm — George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners 2:25pm — Bon Bon Vivant 12:30pm — New Breed Brass Band Crescent City Stage — Friday, May 17 7:30pm — Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & the Ils Sont Partis Band 5:00pm — Deltaphonic 12:30pm — To be announced soon! Crescent City Stage — Saturday, May 18 7:15pm — Meschiya Lake & the Little Big

Horns 5:00pm — John Papa Gros 2:30pm — New Breed Brass Band 12:30pm — Louis Michot Crescent City Stage — Sunday, May 19 3:30pm — Terrance Simien 1:30pm — Terrance Simien Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., based in Norfolk, Virginia, is a private, not-for-proﬁt organization dedicated to creating the most dynamic urban waterfront community in America through innovative programming and imaginative uses of its historic waterfront spaces. Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its advocacy for public access to waterfronts, outstanding quality programming, and development of public spaces, transforming the City of Norfolk into one of the most progressive, diverse, and livable waterfront communities in the nation. Residents, workers, and visitors to Norfolk and Hampton Roads are invited to experience all the excitement of the 2024 season!

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

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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/

Blues icon Keb’ Mo’ returns to the Sandler Center Press Release VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In his first return to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts since 2014, legendary blues artist Keb’ Mo’ brings music from his new album, Good To Be, on Friday, May 31 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Sandler Center box office located at 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Tickets are priced at $49.50 , $59.50, and $75, plus applicable fees. It’s a little over 2,000 miles from Compton to Nashville, but drop the needle on Keb’ Mo’s captivating new album, Good To Be, and you can make the trip in a cool three-and-ahalf-minutes flat. “I’ve lived in Nashville for the last eleven years,” says Keb’, “but Compton has always been my home. Finding a way to connect those two places on this album was a powerful thing for me. It felt like something I needed to do.” Written partially in Nashville and partially in the Compton house Keb’ grew up in, Good To Be is a celebration of roots and resilience, of growth and gratitude, of hope and memory. The songs here draw on country, soul, and blues to forge a sound that transcends genre and geography, weaving together past and present into a heartwarming tapestry spanning more than forty years of sonic evolution. Though Keb’ worked with a wide variety of collaborators on the project—country legend Vince Gill produced three tracks, while famed producer Tom Hambridge (B.B. King, Buddy Guy) helmed several more, and special guests like Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth, and Old Crow Medicine Show appear throughout—it remains a deeply cohesive work, one anchored by the five-time GRAMMY winner’s magnetic vocal delivery and relentless optimism. “It’s good to be here / It’s good to be anywhere,” Keb’ sings on the album’s easygoing title track. “It’s good to be back / Good to be home again.” “I believe that music has the power to heal,” Keb’ explains, “and I wanted this album to make people feel good. I wanted it to bring joy and make them maybe think about where they come from and the journeys that brought them to where they are.” For Keb’ Mo’, that journey began nearly half a century ago, when he landed his first major gig in Papa John Creach’s band at

Blues artist Keb’ Mo’ (COURTESY PHOTO)

the age of 21. Over the course of the next 20 years, Keb’ would go on to establish himself as a respected guitarist, songwriter, and arranger, and though he recorded a one-off album in 1980 under his birth name, Kevin Moore, it wasn’t until 1994 that he would introduce the world to Keb’ Mo’ with the release of his widely acclaimed self-titled debut. Critics were quick to take note of Keb’s modern, genre-bending take on old school sounds, and two years later, he garnered his ﬁrst GRAMMY Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album with Just Like You. In the decades to come, Keb’ would take home four more GRAMMY Awards; top the Billboard Blues Chart seven times; perform everywhere from Carnegie Hall to The White House; collaborate with many including Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Lyle Lovett; have compositions recorded and sampled by artists as diverse as B.B. King, Zac Brown, and BTS; release signature guitars with both Gibson and Martin; appear in and compose music for ﬁlms and TV shows like The Blues, Mike and Molly, and Can’t You Hear The Wind Howl; and earn the Americana Music Association’s 2021 award for Lifetime Achievement in Performance. NPR’s Mountain Stage hailed him as “one of the most decorated

living blues artists,” while The New Yorker raved that “few musicians emblematize the blues like Kevin Moore,” and The New York Times praised “the subtle twists of his songwriting” along with his knack for “facing down desolation with a grin.” “I’m happy with my success and grateful for my career,” Keb’ explains, “but I’m still breathing and I’m still hungry. I may be about to turn 70, but I’ve got no interest in slowing down. I’m out there going for it every single day.” Good To Be is proof of that. While some of the material here was written as far back as the early ’70s, other tunes were penned just months ago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Keb’ off the road for more than a full year. Working both in Nashville and in Compton, where he recently purchased and renovated his late mother’s house, Keb’ often found himself reflecting on the idea of home, contemplating what it means to belong and what it takes to stay true to yourself. “You can’t bring an attitude to Compton,” says Keb’, who enlisted the famed Compton Cowboys for the “Good To Be” music video. “You can’t pose. You can’t be anything but real when you’re walking down the same streets you used to ride your bike on as a kid. In a lot of ways, coming back there felt like it completed me.” Once the songs had been assembled, Keb’ set up shop at his home studio back in Nashville, where he cut the bulk of the album live and in the moment. From there, he began fleshing out the performances with horns, strings, backup singers, and the record’s many special guests. Some—like Rucker and legendary Freedom Rider Rip Patton, who at one time lived next door to Keb’ in Compton and sadly passed away before the album’s release—stopped by the studio to record in person, while others—like Chenoweth, Old Crow Medicine Show, bassist Marcus Miller, and guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram— contributed their parts remotely. “This album is where I’m at right now,” says Keb’. “It might not fit neatly into a certain category (even though the music biz and algorithms like to keep me tightly in the blues genre). Don’t get me wrong: the blues is a very important part of my experience, but it’s not all of who I am musically. Years ago, I drove around in LA delivering flowers and listening to some of the greatest Nashville artists on the radio, and now that I’ve

lived here a while, it’s probably shaped me even more. So the album might be ‘all over the place,’ but the common denominator is always going to be me.” Indeed, Good To Be manages to integrate a broad range of sounds, bouncing from funky soul and gritty R&B to country twang and tender folk with deceptive ease. The blissful “Good Strong Woman” mixes buoyant vocals and pedal steel guitar as it celebrates the power of true love, while the ultra-smooth “Sunny And Warm” channels a summer day in SoCal with its breezy guitars and Latin percussion, and the mischievous “Medicine Man” splits the difference between Appalachia and the Delta with its back porch ﬁddle, banjo, and harmonica. The arrangements here are lifted and airy, rarely seeming to touch the ground as they ruminate on commitment (“So Good To Me”), friendship (“Lean On Me”), joy (“’62 Chevy”), and emotional intimacy (“Quiet Moments”). Even when Keb’ tackles weightier topics like the environment and social justice on tracks like the tender “Louder” and stirring “Marvelous To Me,” he still manages to hone in on the light at the end of the tunnel, insisting on hope and faith in the face of doubt and struggle. “No matter what, I’m going to maintain my optimism,” Keb’ reﬂects. “I’m going to maintain my peace.” Ultimately, that’s what Good To Be is all about: appreciating what you’ve got, where you come from, and who you get to share it with. “It’s good to be you / It’s good to be me,” Keb’ sings with an audible grin. “It’s good to be young / Good to be old / Good to be home again.” About The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts: The Sandler Center opened on November 3, 2007 and is managed by Oak View Group (OVG360). With 1,308 seats and a soaring glass façade, the building is located in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center, a hub for cultural entertainment. With local and international talent visiting the Sandler Center, performances are perfect for audiences of all ages. Patrons will experience an intimate environment when visiting the Sandler Center, as no seat is further than 100 ft. from the stage. Learn more at SandlerCenter.org and Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Culinary Cupid: America’s 200 best districts for dinner date revealed Virginia destinations make the list: Old Town Alexandria Voted # 6, followed by Richmond, Williamsburg & Charlottesville By Mixbook @ Mixbook.com In the realm of love and gastronomy, few things blend as seamlessly as celebrating an anniversary with a memorable dinner date. Recognizing the intrinsic connection between culinary delights and romantic milestones, we embarked on a comprehensive survey to uncover the most coveted destinations across America where couples dream of dining on their special day. Couples were asked to envisage their ideal anniversary dinner date, considering factors like ambiance, culinary style, and the unique appeal of various American cities renowned for their food scenes. From the sultry Creole ﬂavors of New Orleans to the innovative farm-to-table experiences in Portland, the survey unearthed a smorgasbord of culinary hotspots. Join us as we reveal where in America lovebirds most desire to toast their union with a feast for the senses. Whether it’s over candlelit dinners, oceanfront views, or amidst the buzz of a bustling city bistro, these destinations promise more than just a meal; they offer an unforgettable experience steeped in romance and ﬂavor. #1. North Beach (Little Italy), California Topping the list is North Beach, California’s “Little Italy,” a neighborhood celebrated for its picturesque charm and Italian culinary excellence. It’s the number one choice for couples celebrating anniversaries, offering a romantic ambiance, authentic Italian restaurants, and cozy cafes, all set against a backdrop of European-style architecture. #2. Coconut Grove, Florida Voted in second place overall, Coconut Grove is celebrated for its laid-back charm. With lush greenery and stunning bay views, it offers a variety of dining experiences from casual bites to upscale restaurants, all set in a tranquil, picturesque environment, perfect for a relaxed culinary adventure. #3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Hilton Head Island in South Carolina takes the third spot. This resort destination is acclaimed for upscale dining against the backdrop of a picturesque island. Its relaxed and elegant atmosphere, combined with stunning natural beauty, makes it a prime choice for sophisticated dining in a coastal setting. #4. Florida Keys, Florida The Florida Keys, famous for their breathtaking ocean views, offer a slice of tropical heaven. This setting is distinguished by its crystal-clear waters and soft breezes, making it an ideal spot for romantic celebrations, where dining becomes an unforgettable experience amid the natural beauty of this unique island chain. #5. South Beach (SoBe), Florida South Beach, known for its iconic Art Deco architecture, buzzes with an energetic vibe. It’s the perfect place for a vibrant, glamorous night out, offering sophisticated beachfront dining options against the stunning back-

(SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE)

drop of Miami’s beaches and lively nightlife. #6. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Sixth on the list is Old Town Alexandria, known for its beautiful waterfront dining and historic streets. This area offers a unique blend of history and modern culinary experiences, making it a preferred location for those who appreciate the allure of the past while enjoying a meal by the scenic Potomac River. #7. Little Havana, Florida Little Havana in Florida captures the seventh spot. This neighborhood immerses visitors in Cuban culture with its authentic cuisine, live music, and vibrant street life. Along Calle Ocho, it offers a lively and culturally rich dining experience, making it a must-visit destination. #8. Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona Blending Southwestern charm with diverse culinary offerings, Old Town Scottsdale is a haven for couples who love history, art, and culinary exploration. With its historic aura and range of dining options, from traditional Southwestern dishes to contemporary cuisine, it’s a top pick for a unique dining experience. #9. Reno’s Riverwalk District, Nevada

Lining the picturesque Truckee River, Reno’s Riverwalk District presents a mix of dining choices. Perfect for those who prefer scenic views with their meals, it combines riverside tranquility with urban vibrancy, catering to all preferences from casual cafés to ﬁne dining. #10. Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Dining, South Carolina Rounding out our top ten is Myrtle Beach’s Oceanfront Dining. This scenic South Carolina gem offers a variety of dining experiences, each with stunning ocean views. From casual to upscale, these eateries provide the ideal backdrop for a romantic evening. Celebrate your special occasion with the soothing ambiance of the Atlantic, complemented by a diverse array of delicious cuisine. Myrtle Beach is truly an idyllic setting for marking those memorable milestones. Virginia had 3 other foodie destinations included in the top 200 to celebrate anniversaries in the country: #19. Richmond Canal Walk This area is known for its diverse dining options that range from casual riverside eateries to upscale restaurants. The scenic views of the river, combined with the urban landscape, provide a memorable backdrop

for dining, making it a top choice for those looking to celebrate their love in a vibrant setting.. #34. Williamsburg From traditional taverns serving period-appropriate fare to modern restaurants offering contemporary cuisine, Williamsburg combines history with culinary excellence, making it a perfect location for couples seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.. #194. Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall Located in the heart of Charlottesville, the Historic Downtown Mall is a vibrant pedestrian mall known for its charming setting and diverse dining experiences. This area features a wide range of restaurants, from casual cafes to ﬁne dining establishments, all set against the backdrop of historic buildings and local shops.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 3

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 15, 2024

Food

Sweet & savory meatless favorites to celebrate Lent By Family Features If you’re in search of a meatless meal - whether you’re observing Lent or simply adhering to your own dietary restrictions - remember you don’t have to sacrifice on taste. Enjoying a delicious dish without the meat can be an easy feat with just a few everyday ingredients. Start with the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples - a leading apple variety - that provide balanced sweetness with flesh that remains white longer, even after cutting. While they’re often best served fresh or paired with cheese boards, sandwiches or mocktails, their sweetness also helps play up meatless favorites like Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw. The flaky baked fish is complemented perfectly by Asian-style barbecue sauce and fresh herbs then paired with a sweet homemade apple slaw for a classic Lenten dish with a tangy twist. For a family meal that doubles down on freshness, try pairing with roasted broccolini or a light salad. Firing up the grill isn’t only for beef, chicken and pork - you can prepare a tasty recipe over an open flame while skipping the meat with Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers. Simply substitute beef with thick portobello mushrooms and naturally white Envy Apple slices that maintain their beauty while cooking so your finished “burgers” look as delicious as they taste. These plant-forward meals featuring the uplifting aroma and flavor of apples offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table and can help you celebrate Lent and beyond with an ultimate apple experience that introduces your loved ones to new ways to rethink weekly favorites. Find more meatless meal inspiration by visiting EnvyApple.com.

Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw

Grilled Apple Portobello “Burgers”

Servings: 4

Ingredients 4 portions boneless salmon 4 tablespoons Asian-style barbecue sauce 2 Envy Apples, cored and sliced into matchsticks or julienned 1 cup sliced or shredded red cabbage 1 cup sliced or shredded white cabbage 1 celery stick, ﬁnely sliced ½ red onion, ﬁnely sliced ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley or cilantro 1 lime, juice and zest only 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish

Ingredients 1 Envy Apple 2 portobello mushrooms ¼ cup olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup herbed goat cheese 2 brioche buns 2 parge pieces butter lettuce 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions Preheat oven to 375 F using grill or broil setting and line baking tray with cooking paper. Arrange salmon portions on paper and spread barbecue sauce over each portion. Bake 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness and size, or until just cooked in center and caramelized on top. In bowl, combine sliced apple sticks, cabbage, celery and red onion slices; toss lightly. In separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, herbs, lime juice and lime zest. Fold dressing and sesame seeds into slaw and toss together. Divide apple slaw between serving plates and top with glazed salmon. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

Directions Heat grill to medium heat. Slice apples horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork. Remove portobello stems. In small bowl, combine ⅛ cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt. Using basting brush, coat portobellos on both sides with olive oil mixture. Grill stem sides down 2 minutes then ﬂip. Add goat cheese to portobellos and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from grill. Use remaining olive oil to coat apple rounds. Grill apple rounds 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char. Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 5

Health

100 years of lifesaving work and counting:

Happy Birthday to the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is celebrating its Centennial in 2024 with “Bold Hearts” and a vision for advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere

By American Heart Association News DALLAS — From humble beginnings as a small professional health society formed by six cardiologists in Chicago in 1924, the American Heart Association has emerged as the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Uniting more than 35 million volunteers and supporters and more than 2,900 employees, the Association today is a global force transforming the way the world understands, treats and prevents cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In 2024, with Bold Hearts™ - the American Heart Association’s Centennial celebration — the organization celebrates 100 years of progress and a vision for a brighter future for all. “One hundred years ago, heart disease was considered a death sentence. Little was known about what caused it and even less about how to care for people living with and dying from it. Dr. Paul Dudley White, one of the American Heart Association’s founders, described those early years as a time of ‘almost unbelievable ignorance’ about heart disease,” said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “Through our relentless pursuit of lifesaving research, science and innovation, and our unwavering support of patients, families and caregivers, we are creating healthier communities everywhere and transforming the way we all live, work and play, to empower longer, healthier lives.” Before the advent of antibiotics, infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and diphtheria, were the most common cause of death in the industrialized world. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), characterized by blood vessel plaques and thickening of artery walls, first emerged as a leading health threat in the mid-20th century and has remained the #1 killer of people worldwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There is much to learn from this historic shift in the reduction of deaths from infectious diseases and the current prevalence in deaths from cardiovascular diseases,” said Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, the current volunteer president of the American Heart Association, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Simon H. Stertzer Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Stanford School of Medicine. “Through scientific research, technological advances and public health policy, most of these infectious diseases have become controlled, and many have been or are nearly eradicated. As we apply these same clinical and epidemiological methods to the someday hopeful eradication of heart disease and stroke, the American Heart Association is making great progress. Although still too many people die each year, many are living longer, more productive lives while managing their cardiovascular disease and risk factors.” The inspiration for the Association’s formation came in 1911 from Mary Wadley, a nurse and social worker at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, who believed more could be done to help people who suffered from heart disease. At that time, heart disease was considered so dire that doctors were reluctant to even tell their patients they had it, according to renowned cardiologist and preeminent scientist Dr. Eugene Braunwald, often called the “father of cardiology.” In the first of a series of special Centennial Collection papers, “Cardiology: A Century of Progress,” published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association, Braunwald writes that it was “recommended that patients with serious heart disease not be informed of this, but that a friend or relative should be.” He also notes other treatments of the times: Recommended therapy for chronic heart disease was extremely limited and consisted of just a few of today’s recommendations — reductions of weight and blood pressure if elevated, and lower salt intake. There was no specific treatment if one survived a heart attack other than bed rest, a liquid diet and general supportive measures. While people with high blood pressure were advised to reduce their salt intake and body weight, they were also advised to bathe in tepid water and irrigate the colon

once or twice weekly. “Times have certainly changed over the last century. Bold moves, and dedicated researchers and volunteers, have resulted in significant medical advancements over 100 years, including the first artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, cholesterol-lowering medications, techniques for CPR and much more,” said Marsha E. Jones, current volunteer board chairperson for the American Heart Association and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. “Even with today’s knowledge, gaps remain, particularly in ensuring health care access and quality care for people in diverse and underrepresented populations. That is why the American Heart Association continues to be a champion for health equity with our ‘ 1 0 C o m m itments.’ Through research, advocacy, community work and m o r e, t h e s e Commitments are designed to ensure we do all we can to remove barriers to health.” Brown noted that advocacy has been mission-critical in the Association’s work for more than 40 years. “Our grassroots network includes staff and volunteers in Washington, D.C., every state capital and in local communities across the country. We have long been a collaborator in convening powerful coalitions and have built an extensive record of bipartisan success informing and influencing the enactment of evidence-based public policies that lead to longer, healthier lives,” she said. “We were early leaders in the fight for successful tobacco-control policies and have been strong advocates for increasing

federal research funding at the National Institutes of Health. Our advocacy priorities also include improving access to quality, affordable health care; increasing access to healthy foods; creating opportunities for physical activity; improving air quality; strengthening the public health infrastructure and systems of care; elevating the importance of addressing racism and other social determinants of health through public policy; and continually ensuring state and local governments address the health concerns of their residents.” Wu noted that rigorous, innovative research has always been at the core of the mission of the American Heart Association. “The American Heart Association is recognized as a world leader in advancing groundbreaking research and science,” he said. “Our volunteer experts set the gold standard in patient care through the creation and socialization of research-driven cardiovascular care and CPR guidelines. The Association fosters continuous quality improvement through hospital and health care programs to ensure everyone gets the best possible care — the right care at the right time.” Each year at a series of scientific sessions and meetings, the Association convenes thousands of top experts from around the world including dedicated and passionate scientists, clinicians, health professionals, patients and others to discuss and debate the latest cardiovascular science and clinical information in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Publication in any of the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals is synonymous with quality,

relevance and importance in improving the medical knowledge related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. With more than $5.7 billion invested in cardiovascular medical research since 1949, the American Heart Association is the nation’s largest nongovernment funder of heart and stroke research — second only to the U.S. government. The Association has funded more than 49,000 projects, leading to significant breakthroughs in cardiovascular and stroke discovery, translation and clinical application. In addition, 15 American Heart Association-funded investigators have won Nobel Prizes, confirming the Association is the focal point for excellence in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research. “At the heart of everything we do is the powerful commitment of our global family of volunteers, donors, advocates and survivors. From the early days of the Heart Fund when people went door-todoor to collect donations from neighbors, to our record-breaking community Heart Walks, from the generosity of local and national corporate sponsors, to the heartfelt philanthropy of our major donors, the financial support given to the American Heart Association over the years has been game-changing,” Brown said. “Just as noteworthy has been the commitment of time, passion and dedication to our cause given by so many and marked in more ways than we could ever count. ‘Thank you’ seems inadequate and so I want to make a commitment to each person who has made any contribution of any kind to the American Heart Association. As we celebrate our 100th birthday we promise to never stop being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. As we move into the second century of our work, we are focused on advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Our future is about improving yours.” Visit heart.org/centennial throughout 2024 to learn more about how the American Heart Association is harnessing 100 years of saving and improving lives to boldly build a second century of equitable health for all, and read stories about the bold hearts that have inspired, invented, imagined and informed heart health.

(AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION)

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 15, 2024

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