Flagship 02.25.2021

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 1

IN THIS ISSUE

The Borum Overpass restoration The Borum Overpass has been restored and can now support NNSY fire trucks and other response vehicles.Page A2 VOL. 27, NO. 08, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

February 25-March 3, 2021

Norfolk Naval Shipyard prepares to open new training building

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

of an employee’s immediate supervisor.

Employees without regular computer access can use the Command University classroom in Bldg. 1575 when in-person classes are not in session to complete the training.

When an employee contacts Command University, he or she will receive a student guide (either electronic or hard copy) and will be enrolled in LinkedIn Learning. The participant will then follow along on LinkedIn Learning and fill out the questions in the student guide. Since the course is selfpaced, students can work at their own speed to complete the course within a maximum of 14 weeks. Command University staff recommends that students take their time, perhaps an hour a week, to learn the material and practice before moving on.

Upon completing the course, students will receive credit in ATMS and a course completion certificate. Employees who are membersoforganizationsthatrequireFoundations of Leadership can use this training as a part of their qualification process.

PORTSMOUTH — At 253 years old, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is older than the nation it works to protect and is home to many historic buildings that continue to operate as functional workspaces today. But as a modern shipyard, NNSY continues to construct new buildings necessary to provide the best service to the Fleet. The newest project at the shipyard is the building of a state-of-the-art training facility.

The new building, projected to open September 2021, will be primarily utilized by the Production Training Division (Code 900T) with NNSY’s Radiological Controls Department (Code 105), Quality Assurance Department (Code 130), Lifting and Handling Department (Code 700), Welding Shop (Code 926), Electrical Shop (Code 950), and Business and Strategic Planning Office (Code 1200) also occupying the facility. Continuous Training and Development (CTD) will remain in the shops and not occupy the new facility. “Most other codes within the yard will be trained to some degree by these codes in this building,” said Facilities Support Branch (Code 985) Project Manager Bill Dezern.

According to Code 900T Superintendent Myron Evans, “The project is an investment in the long-term sustainability of workforce development at NNSY. It will have the capacity to hold classroom and mock-up trainings as well as host office space for the various shipyard training organizations under one roof.”

Classroom space in the new training building will be shared amongst the codes who occupy the facility and instructors will be able to make reservations for the space needed. Each classroom will be wired for computers at each seat. Dezern said it will give the shipyard the ability to meet the changing needs of training in the future.

There will be no open use computers available in the building.

In addition to classroom space, there will be space for submarine and carrier mock-ups as well as specific mock-ups for non-nuclear, apprentice, nuclear, and radiological training. Code 926 will have a dedicated space for welding booths and Code 700 will have crane availability in the high bay area of the facility.

One frequently asked question about the new facility is where employees who work in it can park. Evans said there will not be

Turn to NNSY, Page 7

Turn to Opening, Page 7

Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Emerging Leaders Program Manager Dave Randall awards Emergency Management Specialist (Code 1130) Alyx Riebeling with a certificate upon completing the Leadership Development for Emerging Leaders computer-based training program.

(SHELBY WEST)

NNSY Command University introduces self-paced leadership course

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH —A new year brings resolutions and for many that may be to develop their leadership skills. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Command University (CU) has created a program that allows shipyard employees to achieve this goal at their own pace from the comfort of their desk. Entitled Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders, the class is a 14-hour, self-paced, on-demand, computer-based training available on LinkedIn Learning.

Though the course was designed primarily for employees in non-supervisory or work leader positions, Emerging Leaders Program Manager Dave Randall says the class is a good refresher for all employees at any level of leadership.

The training program was developed out of necessity. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the popular Foundations of Leadership two-day in-person training for non-supervisory leaders was suspended.

Some organizations mandate the training

for their job qualifications. When the class was suspended, there were more than 500 employees on a wait list. In an effort to meet this demand and to keep NNSY employees safe, Command University created Emerging Leaders. The course launched August 2020 and, following successful completion of the pilot, was opened to all shipyard employees in October.

The course is based on the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Civilian Leadership Development Program (CLDP), which identified 37 competencies that leaders at different levels should have some level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The CLDP is broken down into five categories: leading self, leading teams and projects, leading people, leading organizations and programs, and leading the institution. The first 13 competences fall under the category “leading self.” According to Randall, “any leader needs to be familiar with these foundational competencies.”

Any NNSY employee can participate in the course. The only prerequisites are having a valid @navy.mil account and the support

A chief who strives for more

By MC3 Brandon Roberson

Uss George H.w. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

PORTSMITH —When you walk the passageways aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), you cross paths with a number of different Sailors. Different ranks, different experiences, and different ways of life. Among them is a chief who greets every Sailor that crosses his path, no matter who they are. If you’ve ever visited the XO Admin Office, it’s easy to see that Chief Yeoman AJhourni K. McClain, Chief of the Executive Officer Administration, is that chief.

“I want every Sailor to feel as if they can approach me,” McClain said. “I’m an approachable person. Don’t let my anchor scare you.”

If you sit with McClain, you get an idea of

how popular he is among Sailors onboard.

Not only will he greet every Sailor, he will answer any question presented, both professional and casual.

“Chief, do you know where I can find the file we emailed to the CO?” asked one Sailor.

“Chief, what do you think about this song?” asked another Sailor.

McClain, amazed at the number of questions he just received, answered.

“I guess I’m just the one who knows everything, huh?” McClain said sarcastically.

To better understand McClain, you must know his beginning. McClain grew up in Warren, Ark., a town a little over an hour away from Little Rock. He grew up in an Turn to Chief, Page 7

The backbone of the flight deck

www.flagshipnews.com

www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

www.twitter.com/ the_flagship

If an aircraft carrier did not have Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (Equipment), also known as ABEs, carriers would just be carrying aircraft.

PAGE A6

Chief Yeoman AJhourni McClain, from Warren, Arkansas, poses in his office aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). (MC3 BRANDON ROBERSON)

The jig is up, Thanks to innovative thinking,NNSY has implemented a 3D-printed stave measurement jig for ship propulsion system work.

PAGE A4

Foreign military sales

As the International Logistics Control Office for the U.S. Navy, the NAVSUP WSS International Programs, Foreign Military Sales directorate provides support to more than 80 countries around the world. PAGE A7

THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!

Signup today!

Call 222-3900

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY’s) Command Historian Marcus Robbins stands at the top of Borum Overpass prior to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the overpass restoration project. The plaque Robbins is standing near was dedicated on April 8, 1943 by Mr. and Mrs. John R. Borum, parents of Lt. j.g. Borum, the bridge’s namesake who was lost at sea.

(DANIEL DEANGELIS)

The Borum Overpass restoration: More than a bridge repair

By Jason Scarborough

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — Since March 2020, the restoration project of Borum Overpass has had significant impacts to base parking and base access. But the repair was necessary since the overpass has long affected Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY’s) emergency response. Prior to the restoration, emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, were unable use the overpass because of the deteriorated structure. Additionally, as a result of overpass inspections, one lane had to be closed to limit the possibility of overstressing the weakened structure.

The Borum Overpass serves as a primary means to enter and exit the south end of the yard. It bridges over the Norfolk and Portsmouth Beltline Railroad, allowing traffic to flow unimpeded by trains. Now that the Borum Overpass has been restored, bridge capacity has increased to allow two lanes of traffic to flow simultaneously over the bridge and the new structure can now support

NNSY fire trucks and other response vehicles. Having the overpass restored also reopens two main entry points, Gates 36 and 29, increasing base access and decreasing delays during peak travel times.

The $6,460,230 restoration project replaced three main sections of the bridge and repaired other deteriorated portions of the existing structure. It has been repaved, existing structural steel repainted, and with upgraded lighting and required maintenance also completed.

The Borum Overpass has a unique history dating back to World War II. The original construction of the structure cost $240,000 in December 1942, taking four months to build, and opened to traffic on April 8, 1943 after a dedication ceremony in honor of the bridge’s namesake, John Randolph Borum, who was lost at sea on January 20, 1943.

Borum was employed in the Public Works Drafting Room at NNSY and took an active part in the preliminary layout of the section of the shipyard where the overpass is located today. On April 11, 1942, he resigned to accept

a commission as lieutenant junior grade (Lt. j.g.) in the U.S. Naval Reserve, later reporting for duty at the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company, Chester, Pennsylvania, as the officer in charge of the Armed Guard assigned to the Socony-Vacuum Oil tanker Brilliant.

On Nov. 9, 1942, Brilliant sailed with 112,000 barrels of oil as cargo. Nine days later, as the crew steamed off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, German submarine U-43 torpedoed the tanker. Flames immediately broke out and caused the three senior officers to believe the ship was doomed. As those officers began to abandon ship, including Brilliant’s junior third officer, James C. Cameron, Borum, on his way to his battle station, suggested to Cameron that the general alarm be turned off. Borum had been amused by the hasty departure of the senior officers of the ship. “His (Borum’s) coolness struck me as funny,” Cameron wrote later. “I really had to laugh, and this in itself created in me a feeling of confidence which I would not otherwise have had.”

Cameron, remembering the fire-fighting system onboard from recent study, turned it on, smothering the flames and suppressing the blaze that had endangered the ship. With undamaged engines and 58,000 barrels of

her cargo still intact Borum and Cameron got Brilliant underway and headed for the safety.

Cameron wrote on Nov. 24, 1942: “In looking back over the events which have taken place since the torpedo struck and since I assumed the responsibility for the ship’s safety, I would like to record my thanks to every man on the ship for the manner in which they conducted themselves. At the head of the list, Lt. Borum, who in the first place instilled in me a sense of confidence by the casual attitude he assumed when things look worst.”

After voyage repairs, Brilliant was towed to Halifax and on Jan. 20, 1943, during a severe storm, the ship broke in half and sank, taking with her ten men. Two of those men were Junior Third Officer Cameron, and Lt. j.g. Borum, who was later awarded posthumously a letter of commendation from the Chief of Naval Personnel for his heroic work in helping to save Brilliant after she had been torpedoed by U-43.

It was because of Borum’s actions that former fellow workers in NNSY’s Public Works Design Division initiated the movement for the dedication of Borum Overpass and on April 8, 1943. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Borum, parents of Lt. j.g. Borum, unveiled the dedication plaque that is still mounted at the top of the structure today.

NEX customers save an average of 22.49 on products

By Kristine Sturkie

Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH —The Navy Exchange Service Command (Nexcom) Recently Completed Its Annual Market Study To Determine How Much Customers Save When Shopping At The Nex On Specific “Basket” Items. Based On The Recent Survey, Nex Customers Can Expect To Save An Average Of 22.49% On Their Purchases, Not Including Sales Tax. The Savings Amount Increased From 20.5% In 2019. This Is A Benchmarked Survey That Nexcom Has Conducted Over The Last 15 Years.

“The NEX has made a significant investment over recent years to strengthening our value proposition with strong national brands and retail brand partnerships as well as the launch of several new private brands,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some outside retailers raised prices or cancelled promotions, we kept our pricing consistent because of our mission to constantly pass along greater value to our military customers.”

In fall 2020, NEXCOM hired an outside company, RetailData, to do a price survey in different areas of the United States to obtain an average percentage for how much customers save when shopping the NEX. To determine the percentage of savings, the same items were surveyed from region to region. The items included electronics,

A customer at NEX Bethesda, Maryland, shops for essentials. (COURTESY PHOTO)

clothing, housewares, sporting goods and health & beauty aids. The surveyors shopped at discount stores, mass merchants and full-line department stores for comparison prices.

The survey also determined customers’ savings in each of the eight different areas of the country surveyed. NEX customers in San Diego save an average of 25.62%; custom-

Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Peter Lewis 757-322-2853/ news@flagshipnews.com Managing Editor | Ensign James Caliva 757-322-2853/ news@flagshipnews.com Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, 757-222-3859

Flagship, Inc.

MNV Military Manager | Ski Miller, 757-446-2795 Advertising Inquiries | Ski Miller, 757-446-2795

Free Classified Advertising, 757-222-5373 Distribution, 757-222-5629 Home Delivery, 757-222-3900

ers in Bethesda, Maryland, save an average of 23.49%; customers in Everett, Washington, save an average of 23.64%; customers in Pearl Harbor save an average of 23.05%; customers in Great Lakes, Illinois, save an average of 21.81%; customers in Jacksonville, Florida, save an average of 20.64%; customers in Norfolk, Virginia, save an average of 21.08%; customers in Pensacola, Florida,

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm Charles W.“Chip”Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., 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, Inc. 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, Inc., whose offices are located at 150W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. © 2021Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved

save an average of 19.86% “This survey captures savings on over 350 most commonly shopped items across various categories,” said Bianchi. “While customers won’t save 22.49% on each item they purchase at the NEX, this improvement in savings compares with the improvement that we have seen in broader surveys that we have taken over the last several years.”

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 3

MC3 Marissa Bacon

walk in our

founders’ footsteps

And get the real story behind the history.

You can’t know history till you know the whole story. A visit to the eight destinations that make up the Founders District is a chance to see history unfolding before your eyes – but in a fun, modern way. Learn about America’s first permanent English Colony, retrace Capt. John Smith’s route, and see how Pocahontas lived. You’ll see how Virginia Indians, early English settlers and West-Central Africans came together in the 17th century to forge a new world.

Plan your trip at TheFoundersDistrict.com

Jamestown Settlement

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

left to right: Dixie Cox, Technology and Innovation Lab Subject Matter Expert for Additive Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering Supervisor Robb Morris; and Jessica Roberts, NNSY Technology & Innovation Community of Practice Lead/Additive Manufacturing Lead. (SHELBY WEST)

The jig is up, assisting propulsion system work for Norfolk Naval Shipyard

By Michael D Brayshaw

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMITH —Thanks to innovative thinking and teamwork, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) has implemented a 3D-printed stave measurement jig for ship propulsion system work.

Driven by a need to support emergent work on a ship at one of the shipyard’s satellite locations, NNSY’s Engineering and Planning Department’s Propulsion Machinery Branch (Code 266) teamed with the NNSY Technology and Innovation (T&I) Lab to design, develop and manufacture this tool to precisely measure waterborne bearing stave widths. NNSY’s Inside Machine Shop (Shop 31) then produced a stave standard of a known width to calibrate the jig and expedite installation jobs.

“Waterborne staves are part of the bearings for the propulsion shaft line that support the shaft sections outside the dry portions of the ship’s hull,” explained Code 266P’s Mechanical Engineering Supervisor Robb Morris. “They are used as a wear surface for the shaft to rotate in while supporting the weight of the shaft and are

lubricated and cooled via seawater.”

While the staves are replaceable, they must be in adherence with their corresponding NAVSEA standard drawing.

Standard drawings detail items used across multiple ship classes, with bearing staves used for aircraft carriers, Ohioclass and Los Angeles-class submarines serviced by NNSY. Pointing out that the standard drawing includes 10 different sized staves of various widths, Morris said the new jig can verify all sizes when used with the standard NNSY’s Inside Machine Shop produced.

Discussing the benefits of the new tool, Morris said, “Use of the jig can identify stave discrepancies early and easily when the material arrives prior to installation.

This jig is easy to use and is well within the normal tooling familiarity of any Shop 38 [Outside Machine Shop] mechanic. It can be used anywhere, is lightweight, and requires basic precision instruments to utilize.”

Creating this tool lends further credence to the mantra of necessity being the mother of invention. Given the urgency of executing the work to support the ship’s

looming deployment, NNSY’s Propulsion Machinery Branch collaborated with the lab to develop the tool’s prototype within two days of starting discussions, with Shop 31 producing their standards within a day. “Both the lab and Shop 31 reps were eager and happy to help and prioritized the work to support the deploying unit,” said Morris. “They understood the need for urgency.”

Dixie Cox, Technology and Innovation Lab Subject Matter Expert for Additive Manufacturing, said the use of 3D printing proved an ideal medium for the request.

“Additive manufacturing is well suited for rapid prototyping,” she said. “We managed to go through multiple iterations and improvements of a physical, tangible model in a matter of about two days. Another strength is the use of additive manufacturing in the customized sense. Code 266 requested one tool for exactly one intended use. Creating an in-depth procedure for the development of a custom-made tool can be impractical with traditional tooling methods. Turnaround times and wasted material can make such a request infeasible with subtractive manufacturing, so this

is a victory as an effective and appropriate application of additive manufacturing.”

Jessica Roberts, NNSY Technology & Innovation Community of Practice Lead/ Additive Manufacturing Lead, said, “it’s always exciting to have people visit the T&I Lab with an idea; this one in particular was a great example of a Real Idea [employee improvement suggestion] from beginning to end. The tool was the perfect size for quick 3D-printing, allowing several iterations to be printed and tested, despite the tight deadline. Code 266 remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout, providing details about the need, drawings of the system, design suggestions, and useful feedback on iterations. In the end, the tool had a positive impact on Code 266’s job, and we’re pleased to be part of this success.”

Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson said, “This collaboration between Code 266, Shop 31 and our Technology and Innovation Lab is a great example of our shipyard’s One Mission—One Team mindset! Together as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard workforce, we are in the mission of providing exceptional, safe and timely delivery of warships back to the Fleet.”

For more information regarding innovation, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-3967180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil. To learn more about the Additive Manufacturing Program, contact Roberts at jessica.f.roberts@navy.mil

HARD-TO-FIND AND OBSOLETE PARTS YOU CAN TRUST

SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO KEEP FLEETS & SYSTEMS OPERATIONAL, READY AND SAFE 757-434-9123 | ctgsales@ctgnow.com | CTGNOW.COM ©2020 CTG is a registered trademark of Crestwood Technology Group, Corp. All rights reserved.

Follow us on LinkedIn

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 5

NAVSUP WSS T&D takes on heavy metal, ROCKS it

By Kelly Luster

Navsup Weapon Systems Support Public Affairs

NORFOLK — The last thing a naval supply officer wants to hear is, “Sorry, the parts are delayed.”

That’s precisely why the next step is critical — calling NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, the U.S. Navy’s end-to-end supply chain integrator. And, in late January, a similar scenario reared its ugly head, but was quickly subdued by NAVSUP WSS’s Transportation and Distribution directorate in Norfolk, Va. As the USS Wasp undergoes maintenance and modernization in Virginia, supplies are shipping from myriad mission partners to ensure the vessel returns to the Fleet, operationally ready.

However, most parts on a ship, especially a ship as sophisticated as the USS Wasp, aren’t at the local hardware or auto parts store.

In some cases, mission partners’ facilities are on the other side of the planet.

Capt. Mark Garrigus, supply officer, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, understood the gravity of the situation and the cascading effects of a single delay in ship maintenance. When Garrigus was told the metal plates for the USS Wasp may be delayed in Europe, he knew exactly who to call: NAVSUP WSS Transportation and Distribution.

“Getting ships through maintenance on time is crucial,” said Garrigus. “For every delay, even small ones, the cascading effects may be realized across the Fleet financially and also further delays in other maintenance and repair schedules.” After exhausting options through normal shipping channels, Garrigus knew the shipping and transportation experts at NAVSUP WSS T&D could make this happen.

NAVSUP WSS Transportation and Distribution provides transportation and related financial management for the efficient, safe and most cost effective movement of passengers, mail and cargo, while maintaining expertise regarding transportation and distribution analysis, forward positioning recommendations and strategic mobility support.

On Jan. 27, Garrigus reached out to NAVSUP WSS T&D, with a heavy metal conundrum. Metal plates that will later be transformed for condenser and inlet tube repairs while the vessel is in

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) transits the Coral Sea. (MC1 DANIEL BARKER)

dry-dock, were sitting in Europe and potentially delayed, negatively impacting planned maintenance timelines on the USS Wasp. The metal plates weigh more than two tons each, are awkwardly shaped and needed to be transported in a specific configuration to ensure the cargo’s integrity when it arrived in the United States. In other words, it’s not something commercial delivery services would be picking up on the front steps of an office. After speaking with Garrigus, logistics experts at NAVSUP WSS T&D sprang into action.

Pam Young, operations department head, Transportation Operations, NAVSUP WSS T&D, said she knew the timeline was going to be tight, but had no doubt that they could get it done. “I love calls like this,” said Young. “This really allows our teams to excel,” she said. “Ninety nine percent of the time, you never hear about the work we do, because we keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. It’s that one

time when things go awry, you’ll hear about. Not this time. Not on our watch!”

The complications surrounding this shipment included speaking with multiple shipping companies to determine the best course of action to ensure on-time delivery.

Jacquelyn Jackson, Navy freight management team lead, NAVSUP WSS T&D Operations, contacted numerous carriers for rate quotes and make certain they could meet the required delivery date and manage the unusually awkward and heavy parcel. At the end of the day, FedEx was the best carrier to meet the challenge.

Once a shipper was determined, it was time to put all the pieces of the puzzle in place. For that, Young reached out to Matt Keifer, Worldwide Accounts Manager at FedEx. “I knew Matt was a rock star, and could help us get this across the finish line,” said Young. According to Young, Keifer coordinated with key players across multiple time zones, countries, mission partners, governmental organizations,

commercial shippers, and customs agents.

Keifer ensured a specialized truck was on site Feb. 3, to load, secure and begin the 10-hour trek from Toulon to Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris. Simultaneously, Keifer was working with customs and exports agents. According to Keifer, there were legitimate concerns, COVID19 restrictions could cause a delay and lead to additional costs. With Keifer’s constant communication and stewardship, the plates left France on schedule without further delay.

Once the shipment was on the ground at the FedEx Hub in Memphis, Tenn., Keifer was a step ahead. He already made arrangements for the final legs of the shipment to Norfolk and Portsmouth. Additionally, Keifer was in constant contact with the NAVSUP WSS T&D leadership team, as well as the shipyard, providing regular updates on the status and location of the inbound shipment as it made its way to Virginia—a day ahead of

schedule.

“Naval logistics is complex work that requires constant insight and oversight,” said Rear Adm. Peter Stamatopoulos, Commander, NAVSUP. “The number of avenues available for delivery of critical parts is limited only by the resourcefulness of the Navy’s Supply Corps officers, enlisted personnel and civilian subject matter experts. This is another example of our men and women going that last tactical mile to ensure combat capability for our Fleet.”

NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUPs mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupwss and https:// twitter.com/navsupsyscom.

FAMILY LINES FOR MILITARY & VETERANS 50% off add’l line price for lines 2-6 vs. Magenta; w/ AutoPay.

T-Mobile.com/military During congestion, the small fraction of customers using >50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next bill cycle due to data prioritization. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD quality (480p). International data at 2G speeds. Submit U.S. military verification within 45 days at my.t-mobile.com/ profile; otherwise your plan will become Magenta at an additional cost of up to $20/line per month. Military individual must be account holder & account must maintain valid military line. Limited time offer; subject to change. At participating locations. Credit approval, deposit, $10 SIM card, and, in stores & on customer service calls, $20 assisted or upgrade support charge may be required. May not be combined with other promotions/discounts and features; existing customers who switch may lose certain benefits. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ: includes 200MB U.S. roaming. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference & chat lines, etc.) may cost extra. Unlimited high-speed data US only. In Canada/Mexico, up to 5GB high-speed data then unlimited at up to 128kbps. Not available for hotspots and some other data-first devices. Capable device required for some features. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. For best performance, leave any video streaming applications at their default automatic resolution setting. Netflix: Offer subject to change. Receive Netflix Basic (1-screen, up to a $8.99/mo. value) while you maintain 2+ qual’g Military lines in good standing. Value may be applied to different Netflix streaming plans. Not redeemable or refundable for cash. Cancel Netflix anytime. Netflix Terms of Use apply: www.netflix.com/termsofuse. 1 offer per T-Mobile account; may take 1-2 bill cycles. See t-mobile.com/netflix for add’l info. Like all plans, features may change or be discontinued at any time; see T-Mobile Terms and Conditions at T-Mobile.com for details. Tethering: 3GB high-speed data then unlimited on our network at max 3G speeds. Smartphone and tablet usage is prioritized over tethering usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. AutoPay Pricing for lines 1-8. Without AutoPay, $5 more/line. May not be reflected on 1st bill. Int’l Roaming: Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Usage may be taxed in some countries. Calls from Simple Global countries, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico and Canada). Standard speeds approx. 128Kbps without Plus; with Plus approx. 256 Kbps. Gogo: on U.S.-based airlines; Wi-Fi Calling functionality, valid e911 address, & 1 prior Wi-Fi call w/ current SIM card required for messaging. Coverage not available in some areas. We are not responsible for our partners’ networks. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for details. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2021 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

Ford’s handler paves the way for legacies to continue

By Lt.j.g. Ayifa Brooks

Uss Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs

NORFOLK — On the seventh day he rested. An aircraft carrier’s aircraft handling officer’s (ACHO) control of the hangar bay and flight deck is like the hand of a “bird master” choosing which birds fly and which ones don’t. Lt. Cmdr. Rodney M. King Sr., from Elkin, North Carolina, Ford’s ACHO is the youngest child of four, and a first generation military service member.

King joined the Navy as an undesignated airman, making chief petty officer in 2002.

He was selected for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program in 2007 which allowed him to work his way to his current position.

He now leads Ford’s air department from his very own throne, Flight Deck Control, with 30 plus years of service under his belt.

An ACHO is in charge of the movement of all aircraft onboard. The ACHO also coordinates all maintenance for aircraft and elevator runs to ensure flight operations are safe and efficient.

“Earlier in my career having an opportunity when I first joined the Navy was the biggest challenge,” said King. “There wasn’t a lot of mentorship for African Americans on how to better yourself and excel in the Navy.”

As one of the first ACHOs on Ford, King has ensured the success of many “Ford firsts,” to include aircraft compatibility testing in January 2020, flight deck certification in March 2020, and first operations with an embarked carrier air wing of 35 aircraft in May 2020. In a short amount of time King marked a historic sequence of events during his time onboard.

“The Navy has come a long way, however there is always room for improvement,” said King. “We still have yet to have an African American master chief petty officer of the

Navy (MCPON) so we still have a ways to go.”

Two of King’s mentors are retired Navy Capt. R.D Jones, who convinced him to apply for the LDO program, and Cmdr.

Tommy Edgeworth, whom King did previous tours with. They are both African-American LDOs and have helped him get where he is today.

The work that King has done is still just the beginning for some to follow, but the path he paved is another milestone for African Americans to know they can start from the bottom and work their way to the top.

He’s reached for many goals, accomplished many more and for that reason he leaves a legacy behind for future generations to be proud of.

“30 years vice 20 years is huge, it’s a difference in whether you want to work or have to work,” said King. “Getting my kids through college was also another reason why I decided to serve past 20 years”.

The legacy of African Americans’ contributions to the Navy is still developing. Individuals such as retired Rear Adm. Lawrence Chambers, the first African American to command an aircraft carrier, Ens. Jesse L. Brown, first African-American naval aviator, and Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle, the Navy’s first African-American female tactical aircraft pilot who qualified and received her wings onboard Ford last year while King was serving as ACHO. They, just like King, have made history through their greatest accomplishments in the Navy.

“Nothing is given to you easy,” said King.

“You still have to go get it, but there’s definitely a lot more avenues for you to progress and get promoted in the Navy than [there were] 30 years ago.”

For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/ CVN78

Cmdr. Rodney King, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) handler, announces flight deck quarters over the 5MC inside of flight deck control. (MCSN RILEY MCDOWELL)

The backbone of the flight deck

By MCSN Jackson Adkins

Uss Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs

NORFOLK — If an aircraft carrier did not have Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (Equipment), also known as ABEs, carriers would just be carrying aircraft. Flight operations wouldn’t be possible and one of the carrier’s primary missions couldn’t be accomplished.

ABEs assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), work with first-in-class technology known as Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Ford’s ABEs are specifically charged with learning these new systems and paving the way for future Ford-class carriers.

“ABEs conventionally are steam and hydraulic related so that’s all we deal with.

So here we have had to adapt to the electrical side of our rate,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class David Vonbehren, from Cincinnati, assigned to Ford’s air department as the bow catapults leading petty officer. “As far as Nimitz [class], everything has been laid out for them over lots of years. They have got everything set up, we had to start everything from the ground up here.”

Ford-class carriers have optimized manning which allows them to operate with less personnel than Nimitz-class carriers. In air department’s V-2 division there are approximately 25 ABEs, half the amount that would be assigned on a Nimitz-class carrier.

They also work with many other

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Recruit David Caruso, left, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Apprentice Darion Thornton, bow safeties from USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) air department observe an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the“Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 launch off Ford’s flight deck. (MCC RJ STRATCHKO)

departments on the ship to maintain their equipment such as reactor, supply, and engineering.

“On a Nimitz-class carrier it’s hydraulics, here it’s mostly electrical,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Kimberley O’Donnell, from Silverdale, Washington, assigned to Ford’s air department as the arresting gear leading petty officer. “Engineering helps us out a lot by helping us get parts from the hanger bay to the 03 level, when we have to replace parts.”

While Ford is underway, ABEs are

continually testing the equipment and stressing them to their limits.

“EMALS is the future of the Navy,” said Vonbehren. “There is not going to be another aircraft carrier that is going to be able to contend with us.”

Though the work life of an ABE can vary depending on what ship they work on or what equipment they maintain, Vonbehren says some consistent characteristics you will find in any ABE is that they are knowledgeable, hardworking and adaptable.

“With every ABE comes adaptability and versatility. Each day is started

with an open mind and the acceptance of the challenges that have not yet been revealed,” said Chief (Sel) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Justin Knighton, from Euless, Texas, assigned to Ford’s air department as the bow catapults leading chief petty officer. “Through blood and sweat, no matter the elements, an ABE will complete the mission.”

Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/ CVN78

TOGETHER WE WIN 52,000 IN 52 WEEKS TO 52 WORTHY CHARITIES

$

“I want to thank Rosie’s for giving back to our community and for their generous donation to our organization. It will greatly assist our efforts in helping our citizens in New Kent County”

Ron Stiers

Founder & President | The Forge Foundation Every week in 2021 we will donate $1,000 to a local nonprofit that is providing valuable services in the areas we are located.

Helping those communities around us is at the core of our operational philosophy. We truly believe that high tides raise all ships and we are determined to add value to the communities in which we operate.

Through the charitable program, Rosie’s Gives Back, Colonial Downs Group has made monetary and in-kind donations of more than $1,100,000, and has logged over 1,100 service hours in Virginia communities.

Must be 18 or older. Problem Gaming? Call the Virginia Help Line at 1-888-532-3500.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 7

AH-1Z Vipers escorted UH-1Y Hueys to a forward arming and refueling point at Ie Shima Island, Okinawa, Japan. (Marine Corps Cpl. JESSICA ETHERIDGE)

Foreign military sales, supporting the supply chain internationally

By Tristan Pavlik

Navsup Weapon Systems Support Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA —While NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support has provided supply support to the Navy for more than 100 years, it has also supported the international community for more than a quarter century.

As the International Logistics Control Office for the U.S. Navy, the NAVSUP WSS International Programs, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) directorate provides support to more than 80 countries around the world, ensuring foreign mission partners are prepared and equipped to participate in cooperative coalition military actions with U.S. Forces.

As part of an effort led by Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) to address the Navy’s requirement for a single, sustainable and strategic design for a Navy-wide supply chain—known as Naval Sustainment System-Supply or NSS-Supply—NAVSUP WSS International Programs directorate has integrated foreign mission partners into the naval supply chain to maximize end-to-end support efficiency.

The U.S. Security Cooperation Program and NAVSUP WSS FMS operate under the guidance of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 supporting U.S. Foreign Policy strategic objectives globally. Foreign Military Sales goals for readiness and collaboration, are accomplished by working side-by-side with Security Assistance Foreign Representatives (SAFRs), enabling the command to deliver customer service and engage effectively with international mission partners around the world.

In the same way that NAVSUP WSS fills the Navy’s program and supply support

Chief

from Page 1

impoverished community without much to look forward to in life.

“There isn’t much to do where I’m from,” McClain said. “There aren’t many opportunities for me or people who are Black.”

McClain graduated high school and there wasn’t a lot of prospects to better one’s self. Unfortunately, college was never in the cards for McClain.

“Nobody came to help us with that type of thing where I was living,” McClain said.

“My school was terrible, so I went to Job Corps until I figured it out.”

During a seemingly normal day at work, a Navy recruiter approached McClain with an opportunity to see the world, and McClain jumped at the chance to leave.

“I was so desperate to get out of Warren that I was prepared to accept any rate,” McClain said. “I wanted to do what I already had been doing with Job Corps, but it really could have been anything and I still would have signed.”

Seventeen years later, Chief Yeoman McClain can look back at the beginning as a seaman recruit and know he has become a Sailor who carries the swagger and self-belief of knowing he is the best at what he does.

“I have worked at the Pentagon, I have worked for admirals. Everywhere I have gone I have either worked for captains or higher,” McClain said. “I am very good at what I do, and I say that humbly, but I also say that with the arrogance of a person who strives to be great.”

While McClain demonstrates what it is to be a great Sailor, he also exemplifies what it means to be a community leader and role model for young adults to

role, the FMS program serves as the supply chain integrator for international partners to increase their capacity, proficiency and interoperability. This function supports the NSS-Supply mission of increased end-toend velocity through supply chain resilience.

“We must deepen our operational relationships within the Navy and beyond, to include other services, agencies, industry, allies and partners. The durability of these networks and the quality of the communications within them is vital to our national defense,” said Rear Adm. Peter Stamatopoulos, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. “Understanding their intrinsic symbiosis is perhaps the most critical enabler to our success as professional logisticians.”

Through participation in the U.S. Security Cooperation Programs, NAVSUP WSS is able to integrate and synchronize end-toend supply chain performance for foreign mission partners.

Fran Litle, department head of Country Program Management at NAVSUP WSS, spoke to the importance of the directorate’s mission.

“FMS manages and executes program and supply support capabilities to foreign militaries around the world," Litle explained.

“As advocates for our international mission partners, their readiness is our top priority.”

Other vital services the NAVSUP WSS FMS program provides include the support of foreign partners’ embassy personnel and in-country representatives, as well as, alignment with multiple system commands to advance and strengthen allies weapon systems. By utilizing FMS programs NAVSUP WSS is able to not only increase relationships with foreign mission partemulate. Once he’s done with the Navy, he plans on bolstering Black youths to do more and give back.

“I have a plan to rebuild neighborhoods that are considered impoverished,” McClain said. “I want to be able to do it with the young adults from those areas.

I want to help get them into school, and become agents of knowledge with the ability to build and sell properties in their own areas.”

McClain also has one other special venture, something that he has had a passion for since he was a child. He is an accomplished R&B singer. He has worked with several individuals from the music industry including Artists & Repertoire (A&Rs) from Capitol Records and the main engineer of Grammy nominated artist, Wale.

“Wale’s engineer heard me recording my first single at a studio in (Washington) D.C.” McClain said. “I recorded that song and he enjoyed it. He took my music and got it into the right people’s hands. I didn’t know he worked with Wale until later when he told me.”

McClain takes his music very seriously, so much so that he has two EP’s, several singles, and a full album that will be releasing soon.

“I have a small studio in my home and it’s enough for me to do all I need to do,” McClain said. “I can put out music whenever I need to and it allows me to have full creative ability.”

With a passion for music, community, and Sailors, it’s easy to see why McClain is such a popular Sailor aboard GHWB. He is a leader who is kind, fair, and charismatic. He holds others accountable, but will also defend them when necessary.

McClain is the gold standard of what leadership should be. He is a great role model for young Sailors, especially young Black Sailors, to emulate.

ners, but also increase end-to-end velocity by taking into account several factors such as demand management.

One of the most unique aspects of the FMS program is the presence of SAFRs, or members of a foreign countrys military, according to Litle. They participate in short rotations to the United States, working with NAVSUP WSS’ program analysts to support their country’s military.

The SAFRs ensure clear communication between NAVSUP WSS and the allied nation and efficient use of resources. Currently, there are a few dozen SAFRs stationed in Philadelphia representing countries around the world.

“We must also remember that there are limits to the utility of technology. In the final analysis, it is the human element that separates us from our potential adversaries,” said Stamatopoulos. This unique program ensures maximum communication between naval logisticians and foreign mission partners.

“My experience working with the FMS team has been very enriching,” explained Maj. Antonio Elvira, a SAFR from the Spanish air force. “NAVSUP WSS program analysts are always ready to solve any issue my country has with requisitions, and they do it thoroughly. The program analysts always provide proper information and give advice to help us to make the right decision.”

“Being at NAVSUP WSS is very important for my country because you can deal with any discrepancy face to face, which makes supporting our military more efficient,” Maj. Elvira continued. “Because of that, the NAVSUP WSS FMS program is very effective.”

The NAVSUP WSS FMS program

manages six formal types of cases tailored to different forms of support: Initial Spares, Follow on Supply Support Cases, Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangements, Direct Requisitioning Procedure, Repair and Omnibus.

Each type of case is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the various platforms they support. For example, initial spares cases tailor allowance products and leverage stock and procurement for economies of scale in support of Aegis Combat System and the E-2C Hawkeye. Follow on supply support cases also provide tailored allowance products, but they also provide access to legacy parts for platforms like the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Repair cases include Repair of Repairables, which allow countries to send in broken parts for repair, and Direct Requisitioning Procedure cases allow them to submit requisitions for specific parts.

These cases allow for the direct integration of requisitions into the naval supply chain.

In total, NAVSUP WSS FMS cases support more than 2,400 international aircraft and over 750 international ships. This encompasses the Aegis weapon system, fast missile craft, several series of the F/A-18 Hornet platform, several growing helicopter programs, legacy platforms such as the A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair and even the newest AH-1Z Viper platform.

The FMS program keeps NAVSUP WSS globally engaged every day, ensuring to keep international mission partners’ and the fleet mission ready.

NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUPs mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook. com/navsupwss and https://twitter.com/ navsupsyscom.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/ local/navsup/.

This multi-story, multifaceted facility marks NNSY’s biggest step yet in the realization of Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP) and marks a new chapter in the long story of excellence at America’s Shipyard!

Opening from Page 1

special parking for the facility; however, building occupants and visitors can park in the “S” lots.

The first and second floor will be accessible to the shipyard workforce, just as the Code 900T training trailers currently are.

NNSY from Page 1

To learn more about the program, employees can contact Dave Randall. His contact information and more details on the class are available on Command University’s SharePoint page on WebCentral. Supervisors can also recommend a student take this

The third and fourth floors of the building will be limited to training personnel only.

This multi-story, multifaceted facility marks NNSY’s biggest step yet in the realization of Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP) and marks a new chapter in the long story of excellence at America’s Shipyard! course as a part of their personal development.

“This course is a great start for any NNSY employee to begin their journey in leadership,” said Randall. “Any individual who guides or influences others is a leader. You can find these influencers, guiders, coaches, and mentors in every shop or office — on the waterfront, at home, or in the community.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination.”

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

THANKS TO ALL THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

$750 2021 RAV4

U.S. Military

Incentive

1

CAN BE COMBINED WITH TOYOTA SPECIAL CASH BACK OR SPECIAL FINANCING OR SPECIAL LEASES!

2021 CAMRY

2021 COROLLA

2

2

1

2021 4RUNNER

OR

2021 TACOMA

2 3

1

2021 SIENNA

2021 HIGHLANDER

1

CASEY TOYOTA

601 East Rochambeau Drive • Williamsburg 757.259.1000 • caseytoyota.com

CHARLES BARKER TOYOTA

1877 Laskin Road • Virginia Beach 757.437.4000 • charlesbarkertoyota.com

2021 VENZA

1

1

CHECKERED FLAG TOYOTA

5301 Virginia Beach Blvd. • Virginia Beach 757.490.1111 • toyota.checkeredflag.com

FIRST TEAM TOYOTA

3400 Western Branch Blvd. • Chesapeake 833.628.1653 • firstteamtoyota.com

GLOUCESTER TOYOTA

6357 George Washington Memorial Hwy. • Gloucester 804.693.2100 • gloucestertoyota.com

PEARSON TOYOTA

12978 Jefferson Ave. • Newport News 757.874.6000 • pearsontoyotascion.com

PRIORITY TOYOTA CHESAPEAKE

1800 Greenbrier Parkway • Chesapeake 757.213.5000 • prioritytoyotachesapeake.com

PRIORITY TOYOTA HAMPTON 2301 W. Mercury Blvd. • Hampton 757.838.5000 • prioritytoyotahampton.com

Every new Toyota comes with

5 $750 INCENTIVE OFFERED BY TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. AND MAY BE APPLIED TOWARD FINANCE OR LEASE CONTRACTS ON NEW TOYOTA VEHICLES, DATED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2021 THROUGH MARCH 1, 2021. TO QUALIFY FOR THE INCENTIVE, AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR LEASE YOU MUST (1) BE IN CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY STATUS IN THE U.S. MILITARY (NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, NATIONAL GUARD, COAST GUARD AND ACTIVE RESERVE) OR A U.S. MILITARY INACTIVE RESERVE (I.E., READY RESERVE) THAT IS PART OF THE INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE, SELECTED RESERVE AND INACTIVE NATIONAL GUARD; OR A MILITARY VETERAN OR RETIREE (RETIREES HONORABLY DISCHARGED) OF THE U.S. MILITARY WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THEIR DISCHARGE/RETIREMENT DATE; OR A HOUSEHOLD MEMBER OF AN ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL, INCLUDING GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS; AND (2) PROVIDE VERIFIABLE PROOF OF MILITARY STATUS OR ACTIVE SERVICE; (3) RECEIVE A SALARY SUFFICIENT TO COVER ORDINARY LIVING EXPENSES AND PAYMENT FOR YOUR NEW VEHICLE; AND (4) RECEIVE CREDIT APPROVAL FROM AND EXECUTE A FINANCE OR LEASE CONTRACT THROUGH A PARTICIPATING TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. NOT ALL APPLICANTS WILL QUALIFY. ON LEASE CONTRACTS, INCENTIVE MUST BE APPLIED TOWARD THE AMOUNT DUE AT LEASE SIGNING OR TOWARD THE CAPITALIZED COST REDUCTION. ON FINANCE CONTRACTS, INCENTIVE MUST BE APPLIED TOWARD THE DOWN PAYMENT. LIMIT ONE INCENTIVE PER FINANCE OR LEASE TRANSACTION PER ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL OR ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD MEMBER. OFFER NOT COMBINABLE WITH THE COLLEGE GRADUATE INCENTIVE PROGRAM, THE IFI PROGRAM, AND THE LEASE-END REFI PROGRAM. VEHICLE MUST BE TAKEN OUT OF DEALER STOCK. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. PROGRAM IS NOT AVAILABLE IN AL, FL, GA, HI, NC, AND SC. ASK YOUR PARTICIPATING DEALER ABOUT THE MILITARY INCENTIVE TERMS IN YOUR AREA. MUST PAY SALES TAX. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES IS A SERVICE MARK OF TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORPORATION (TMCC). TMCC IS THE AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY-IN-FACT AND SERVICER FOR TOYOTA LEASE TRUST. ©2020 TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2CUSTOMERS CAN RECEIVE $1000 CASH BACK FROM TOYOTA ON RAV4 (EXCLUDES HYBRIDS), 4RUNNER (EXCLUDES TRD PRO MODELS), SIENNA, VENZA AND HIGHLANDER (GAS MODELS), $1500 CASH BACK FROM TOYOTA ON HIGHLANDER (HYBRID MODELS) OR CAN APPLY CASH BACK TO DOWN PAYMENT. 3LOW MILEAGE LEASE. TERMS AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT THROUGH PARTICIPATING DEALERS AND TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES (TFS). NOT ALL CUSTOMERS/LESSEES QUALIFY. CAMRY LEASE EXAMPLE BASED ON 2021 CAMRY 2.5L 4-CYL GAS MODEL 2532 WITH MSRP OF $26,224, CAPITALIZED COST OF $22,588, AND A LEASE END PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $13,899. $2,999 DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $2,120 CUSTOMER DOWN PAYMENT, FIRST MONTH’S PAYMENT OF $229, AND $650 ACQUISITION FEE. EXCLUDES MODEL NUMBERS 2021-2517, 2021-2518, 2021-2540, 2021-2548, 2021-2549, 2021-2550, 2021-2554. COROLLA LEASE EXAMPLE BASED ON 2021 COROLLA 1.8L 4-CYL LE MODEL 1852 WITH MSRP OF $21,619, CAPITALIZED COST OF $17,879, AND A LEASE END PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $12,971. $2,999 DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $2,200 CUSTOMER DOWN PAYMENT, FIRST MONTH’S PAYMENT OF $149, AND $650 ACQUISITION FEE. $500 CASH FROM TMS MUST BE APPLIED AS A CAPITALIZED COST REDUCTION (DOWN PAYMENT) THAT IS EXCLUDED FROM DUE AT SIGNING; NO CASH BACK OPTION. TACOMA LEASE EXAMPLE BASED ON 2021 TACOMA SR 4X4 ACCESS CAB 4-CYL. ENGINE 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 6-FT. BED MODEL 7514 WITH MSRP OF $28,685, CAPITALIZED COST OF $25,795, AND A LEASE END PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $22,374. $2,999 DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDES $2,150 CUSTOMER DOWN PAYMENT, FIRST MONTH’S PAYMENT OF $199, AND $650 ACQUISITION FEE. EXCLUDES MODEL NUMBERS 2021-7597, 2021-7598. ALL LEASES: DEALER CONTRIBUTION MAY VARY AND COULD AFFECT LEASE PAYMENT. INDIVIDUAL DEALER PRICES, OTHER TERMS AND OFFERS MAY VARY. MUST LEASE FROM PARTICIPATING DEALER’S STOCK AND TERMS ARE SUBJECT TO VEHICLE AVAILABILITY. LESSEE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE, EXCESS WEAR AND USE, AND WILL PAY $0.15 PER MILE FOR ALL MILEAGE OVER 10,000 MILES PER YEAR. $350 DISPOSITION FEE IS DUE AT LEASE END. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH TFS APR CASH, TFS LEASE CASH, CUSTOMER CASH, APR, APR SUBVENTION CASH. OFFER AVAILABLE IN DE, MD, PA, VA, WV REGARDLESS OF BUYER’S RESIDENCY; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES IS A SERVICE MARK USED

BY TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORPORATION (TMCC). TMCC IS THE AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY-IN-FACT AND SERVICER FOR TOYOTA LEASE TRUST. 40% APR FINANCING UP TO 60 MONTHS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYERS THRU TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. TOTAL FINANCED CANNOT EXCEED MSRP PLUS OPTIONS, TAX, TITLE, LICENSE AND DEALER FEES. 60 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $16.67 FOR EACH $1000 BORROWED. NOT ALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY. ALL OFFERS: OFFERS MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE. DEALER FEES ARE EXTRA. VEHICLE SHOWN MAY BE PROTOTYPE AND/OR SHOWN WITH OPTIONS. ACTUAL MODEL MAY VARY. DELIVERY MUST BE TAKEN FROM DEALER STOCK BY 3/1/21 AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SEE PARTICIPATING CENTRAL ATLANTIC TOYOTA DEALER FOR DETAILS. OFFERS END 3/1/21. 5TOYOTACARE COVERS NORMAL FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 2 YEARS OR 25,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. 24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IS ALSO INCLUDED FOR 2 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES. THE NEW VEHICLE CANNOT BE PART OF A RENTAL OR COMMERCIAL FLEET, OR A LIVERY/TAXI VEHICLE. SEE PARTICIPATING CENTRAL ATLANTIC TOYOTA DEALER FOR DETAILS AND EXCLUSIONS. VALID ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. AND ALASKA. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTS AND FLUIDS, EXCEPT EMERGENCY FUEL DELIVERY. 1

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 1

uarterdeck

7th Fleet destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law. Page B3

Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) Hector Amador observes the coastline of Cape Town while on board the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel“Woody”Williams (ESB 4) during a previously scheduled port visit to South Africa, Feb. 20. (MC2 ERIC COFFER)

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams visits Cape Town to strengthen bilateral ties

By Mc2 Eric Coffer

Uss Hershel “Woody” Williams Public Affairs

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The US Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Cape Town, South Africa on Feb. 20, 2021 for a planned port visit. The visit builds on U.S. maritime partnerships with African nations and improves maritime safety and security in the region.

“USS Hershel “Woody” Williams’ manning and maintenance model maximizes our availability and ensures our persistent presence in African waters,” said Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael Concannon. “Important port cities, like Cape Town, are critical to global trade. As coastal nations, both South Africa and the United States rely on maritime shipping and free and secure sea lanes for economic prosperity.”

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the second U.S. ship to stop in Cape Town in the last 12 months. The USS Carney had a port visit with public events in Seychelles just before coming to Cape Town in March of 2020.

“As we are for trade and investment, the United States is a strong security partner for South Africa,” said Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens. “This visit by the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is one more step in bolstering our already strong security cooperation.”

The stop will also allow a restock for fuel and re-supply for the ship. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, there will be no public visits to the ship and the crew will not have the opportunity to visit this historic and renowned city.

“We at the U.S. Consulate General are delighted that Cape Town is hosting the ship’s resupply stop, as we firmly believe that working together to promote international security will lead to greater prosperity and security for our two nations,” Stevens said.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is currently conducting operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, which covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic Ocean to the coast of Antarctica, and nearly the entire continent of Africa.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint

Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 2nd Class Kalynn Fitzgerald observes the coastline of Cape Town while on board the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel“Woody”Williams (ESB 4) during a previously scheduled port visit to South Africa, Feb. 20, 2021. (ERIC COFFER)

and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to

advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

USS Curtis Wilbur conducts tri-lateral 2021 greets the new plank, replenishment-at-sea with Japan, France row portions of the PRT

By Mc2 Benjamin T. Liston

By Mc3 Tyler Priestley

Uss Curtis Wilbur Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Towada-class replenishment ship JS Hamana (AOE-424) and the French Floréal-class light frigate FNS Prairial to conduct a tri-lateral replenishment-at-sea (RAS), Feb. 19.

The RAS allowed French, Japanese and United States, Sailors to complete an underway evolution highlighting the capabilities of their respective navies.

“We integrate, train, and plan with our allies any chance that we can find,” said Cmdr. Diane Cua, commanding officer of Curtis Wilbur. “Being able to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with not only the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, but the French Navy as well, is an amazing opportunity to show a unified effort in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.”

During the RAS, Curtis Wilbur and Prairial came alongside Hamana to refuel and receive supplies.

“The ship-handling skills of the U.S. Navy and the French Navy were extremely high, which encouraged me as we are engaged in the same mission with same mind at sea,” said Cmdr. IKEDA

Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Towada-class replenishment ship JS Hamana (AOE 424) and French Floreal-class light frigate FNS Prairial (F731). ( COURTESY PHOTO)

Masato, commanding officer of Hamana. “Even during COVID19, making the most of the naval unique flexibility and mobility with taking all countermeasures, we conducted the trilateral exercise and were able to deepen the cooperation with the U.S. Navy and the French Navy.”

Curtis Wilbur is underway conducting operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, while assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s

principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The Navy is replacing the “curl-up” portion of its Physical Readiness Test (PRT) with the “plank,” as well as adjusting the physical health assessment (PHA) requirements. The changes improve requirements while taking into consideration current pandemic challenges.

A plank is a core strength exercise that looks much like a push-up in the raised position with the person using their feet and arms to support their weight while holding their core body straight. The main difference is using a person’s forearms rather than the palms of their hands while keeping perfectly still.

COVID-19 has brought many changes to the Navy, with one of them being the cancelation of multiple PHAs. In 2021, there will be one PHA instead of the usual two. This PRT will introduce the plank and will also introduce a rowing machine as an alternative cardio option.

The Navy chose to do only one cycle of the PHA to aid in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus and allow more time for the COVID-19 vaccine to be widely distributed throughout the fleet.

The PHA cycle will go from July

1 to Dec. 31, 2021.

For this cycle, Sailors will not receive a “fail” for the PRT if they do not meet minimum requirements for the plank as long as they pass the push-ups and cardio portions. As of now, this exception is only for the upcoming 2021 cycle.

“The transition to the plank is a wise move on the Navy’s part,” said Chief Cryptological Technician (Interpretive) Justin West, Navy Recruiting Command’s Command Fitness Leader. “It is a better gauge of an individual’s core strength than the curl-up is, and there is less chance of sustaining injury or strain on the lower back than with the curlups.”

An example of the plank scoring goes as follows: Sailors age 17-19 must reach a minimum time of one minute 30 seconds in order to pass. The required time to achieve maximum points is three minutes 40 seconds. From there, the time needed is decreased by five seconds as you go up each age bracket. The plank scoring is gender-neutral just as the curl-up portion was.

“I’ve seen the PHA and PRT changes come and go the last seven years, and I think planks make the most sense of any of the improvements,” said InformaTurn to PRT, Page 7

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

Heroes at Home

What I found while losing my mind

Question goes herey and herey Ibus volo mo molorepudis nos ut aut eaqui aut et, aut et aperfera conse dis experib Answer goes herey Nobis excepuda andit, sit inihilluptas esequae consedio volenihit qui as simi, simoleste venieni musciam, tenduci molores ciassitisqui]

By Lisa Smith Molinari

“Mom, do we have any photos of me and Dad when he came home from deployment?” our daughter asked, unwittingly sending me on a harrowing, epic journey through the storage spaces of our home.

Anna, 23-years-old, was completing an application for a fashion design opportunity that required her to tell her “life story” in photos and video clips.

The employer thought it was interesting that Anna was a well-traveled military kid turned fashion designer, so she needed photos depicting her unique upbringing.

I’m usually annoyed by the tasks my perfectly capable, resident, young adult daughter lobs at me (e.g., “Could you buy more goat cheese crumbles?”) But I responded, “I’m on it!” confident that I knew just where to find a photo of Anna at age ten, waving a small flag, when her Dad returned from a year-long deployment in his desert cammies.

In my youth, I was a meticulous organizer, obsessive even. I squirreled everything away in its proper place. I categorized, labeled, and indexed my belongings — everything from Tupperware to important papers. My obsessive tendencies served me well into my thirties, when I was spinning many plates in the air as a Navy wife and mother of three children. Order was comforting.

I clearly recall the rush of satisfaction I would feel after sorting our daughter’s extensive Polly Pockets collection, matching pairs of tiny rubber shoes, grouping accessories, and storing everything in separate colored bins, labeled and stacked neatly on our playroom shelves.

Therefore, I had a false sense of confidence when I began my search for the deployment photographs Anna needed. I started with our computer files, because the deployment was in 2008, the year I received my first digital camera. Also, I specifically remembered a digital slideshow of the homecoming event set to “Home” by Daughtry made by one of the unit’s spouses.

I sniffed at the thought, wondering if I’d cry when we played the video again.

But after scrolling through hundreds of JPEG files, I found nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. “Maybe I didn’t use my digital camera after all?” I thought, and spent the next hour searching a closet full of old albums and shoeboxes containing photos dating

NAVY HOUSING Norfolk (757) 445-2832 JEBLCFS (757) 462-2792 Oceana/Dam Neck (757) 433-3268 Yorktown (757) 847-7806

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost.

Courtesy Photo

from the 1980s to 2007. Aside from unearthing disturbing photos of my husband’s old girlfriend, my search was fruitless.

“Aha!” I exclaimed, when I remembered that our external hard drive contained gigabytes more memorabilia. I connected the drive to my laptop and scrolled through hundreds of digital photographs and videos. Although I found nothing from homecoming, I did locate photos of every flipping statue, painting and pigeon in Italy, hours and hours of videos of tourist spots in London, and GoPro movies from the time the kids strapped the camera to our dog.

My follicles bristled at the thought of having lost the homecoming photos and video, and I longed to sort a pile of Polly Pockets to restore some sense of order.

“It has to be somewhere!” I grumbled, determined to leave no stone unturned. I discovered nothing but soccer picnics and band concerts on old CDs I popped into our ancient iMac. A

dusty file box in our attic full of pre-digital video recordings seemed promising, but we no longer had the equipment to play the clunky tapes. I was so frustrated, I actually contemplated searching for a hulking, shoulder-mounted camcorder on Ebay.

I went to bed after 1:00 am, utterly defeated. I had failed to keep a tight ship. I had loosened my grip on order. I had lost control.

The next morning, bleary-eyed and yawning, I stumbled upon three blurry digital photos of the homecoming on a scratched CD I found in a basket of computer cords, and gave them to Anna. The disappointing 24-hour search helped me realize three things. One, our family should have taken more photos and videos of each other, rather than tourist sights. Two, the advent of digital photo technology, exacerbated by the chaos of a year-long deployment, was too much for me to manage.

And, three, I’m way better looking than my husband’s old girlfriend.

ClinicalCounseling(Individual, Couples,a nd Child Counseling) Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance

Top 10 Ways to Practice Resilience Skills During Challenging Times

Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support SuicidePrevention SAPR Support

From MilitaryOnesource

Uncertain times like these can present incredible challenges. Normal life has turned upside down because of coronavirus disease 2019, and no one knows when things will be settled again. Military families are used to uncertainty and challenges and already have skills needed to remain resilient in challenging times. The current COVID-19 situation can be an opportunity to practice your resilience skills and share them with others.

Change and uncertainty can increase stress and anxiety. A healthy dose of concern can help solve problems, but paying too much attention to things we can’t change can leave us feeling powerless and more stressed. Here are 10 things you can do to practice staying strong and build resilience skills to help yourself, your partner, your children and other loved ones: • Recognize the situation and validate your feelings. It is normal to feel stressed and worried right now. There is a saying in psychology that “what we resist, persists,” so the best way to begin to address an issue is to face it.

Acknowledge that things are uncertain now and know that is OK. If you are not worried or anxious, that’s fine too. Everyone deals with stress in different ways, and the most important thing is to validate whatever you are feeling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information on managing stress during the outbreak. If you want to talk to a professional, free, confidential non-medical counseling is available through Military OneSource.

• Talk to your children. It’s especially important to talk to children now, because even if they aren’t saying anything, they may have questions and concerns they don’t know how to voice. Talk to them in an age-appropriate manner about COVID-19 and make sure to acknowledge their feelings.

• Follow accurate information about the virus. Make sure you are doing the things you can to stay safe and healthy while staying at home and explain those things to your family.

Continue to check the Coronavirus Information for Our Military Community page for updates.

Try to view the current social situation as a challenge rather than an insurmountable problem. Yes, times are difficult right now, but things will get better again.

FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES:

(Courtesy photo)

• Maintain routines as much as possible.

Paying attention to things you can control helps to decrease anxiety and increase a sense of personal effectiveness.

• Limit media exposure. Stay updated on health and safety measures, but try not to tune in 24/7. Constant media viewing can increase stress and anxiety. Choose one or two reliable news sources and schedule regular times to check updates. Make time for positive input as well. Try searching online for good things that have come out of the current social situation.

You might be surprised at what you find.

• Stay connected. Talk to your spouse, your children and extended family. Military spouses usually have a strong, established virtual support network. This could be a time where you help others develop similar connections.

• Practice positive thinking. When you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts or worrying excessively, stop and count 10 things that make you feel grateful. Starting a gratitude journal can be a powerful daily practice, and is also something that is easy to do with children to get them to practice positive thinking skills. For more ideas, check out these resilience resources from Military OneSource.

• Help others. Research shows that helping others decreases anxiety and builds resiliency. Search online for things people are doing during COVID-19 to help others. Have your kids draw pictures and text them to grandparents. Bring groceries to an elderly neighbor who can’t get out. Have your teenager organize a video dance party or put together a playlist for family dance time. You can also search online for organizations that are helping deployed service members and veterans, and find some way to get involved.

• Take care of yourself and seek help if you need it. Make sure you are practicing good selfcare, and addressing all five pillars of wellness.

Turn off the TV. Listen to music. Get outside

and take a walk. Check out these other tips for managing stress. Everyone needs a hand now and then, and the Department of Defense offers a variety of programs and services to keep service members and their families healthy and strong.

-Help for an unsafe or abusive relationship is available. The military community has resources to support you if your partner’s behavior makes you feel uncomfortable or anxious, and you are seeking ways to maintain your boundaries at home, or make a plan for safety. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, or if your partner or spouse has threatened you, your children or someone you know. If you are on a military installation, call your military law enforcement office. Connect 24/7 with a Family Advocacy Program victim advocate, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233, or chat online at thehotline.org.

-Parenting help is available, and you can tap MilParent Power year-round.

-If you have financial stresses as a result of COVID-19, contact your military service relief organizations, or tap other financial resources.

-Free, confidential non-medical counseling is available for eligible individuals, and for immediate help you can call the Military Crisis Line.

-This is an incredibly challenging time, but you have tools and resources to help you stay strong. Understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly changing. For updates and information specific to your location, visit your installation’s official website. You can also follow your installation’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram platforms.

For Department of Defense updates for the military community, visit Defense.gov, follow Military OneSource’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms, and continue to check the Coronavirus Information for Our Military Community page for updates.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 3

U.S. Sailors stand watch at the helm on the bridge as the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) conducts routine underway operations. (MC3 WADE COSTIN)

Seventh Fleet destroyer conducts freedom of navigation operation in South China From 7Th Fleet Public Affairs SOUTH CHINA SEA — USS Russell (DDG 59) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. The international law of the sea as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention

provides for certain rights and freedoms and other lawful uses of the sea to all nations. The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability, and prosperity.

The United States upholds freedom of navigation as a principle. As long as some countries continue to assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and that purport to restrict unlawfully the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all States, the United States will continue to defend those rights and freedoms. No member of the international community should be intimidated

or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.

China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines each claim sovereignty over some or all of the Spratly Islands. China, Vietnam, and Taiwan require either permission or advance notification before a foreign military vessel engages in “innocent passage” through the territorial sea. Under international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States — including their warships —enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage

is not permitted by international law.

By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage may not be subject to such restrictions.

U.S. forces operate in the South China Sea on a daily basis, as they have for more than a century. They routinely operate in close coordination with likeminded allies and partners who share our commitment to uphold a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. All of our operations are designed to be conducted professionally and in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows —regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events.

Summaries of U.S. freedom of navigation assertions are released publicly in the annual “DoD Freedom of Navigation Report.” Past reports are available online at https://policy.defense.gov/OUSDP-Offices/FON/

WEST SHORE HOME

SHOWER & BATH SPRING SAVINGS EVENT

FREE INSTALL ON ALL SHOWER & BATHS

PLUS

24 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST

OFFER EXPIRES

3.20.21

EASY, CUSTOM BATH REMODELING INSTALLED IN AS LITTLE AS 1-DAY PROVIDING A SAFE & CONVENIENT EXPERIENCE WE ARE FOLLOWING ALL CDC GUIDELINES

CONTACTLESS A APPOINTMENTS PPOINTMEN NTMENTTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST We want to create an environment that is comfortable for you. Our design consulconsultants and installers wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash hands often.

Simply call or fill out an online form and we will contact you to show you how easy the consultation process is.

CALL TODAY OFFER ENDS SOON

EXPERIENCE A SWIFT, NO-HASSLE, BATHROOM REMODEL Customize your dream shower or bath with safety features such as grab bars, low & no-thresholds, and built-in seats for a more enjoyable, independent, bathing experience. All of our showers and baths are made from 100% non-porous acrylic that is resistant to mold and mildew.

SLIP-RESISTANT, TEXTURED FLOORING EFFORTLESS SHOWER ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS EASY TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN

OVER

10K

DOUBLE LIFETIME WARRANTY

5-STAR

REVIEWS

757-280-2257

New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. Free installation is equal to 20% off the total project. *Financing subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 24 months. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, equal opportunity lender banks. Other restrictions may apply. See sales rep for details. NMLS #1416362 Expires March 20th, 2021. 270504092

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean. (MC3 CAMERON PINSKE)

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower deploys upon completion of historic COMPTUEX

From U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), departed for deployment Feb. 18, after successfully completing a historic Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), that included a NATO vignette and training with SEALS from an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Group for the first time in recent history.

“COMPTUEX provided graduate-level training that simulates the full spectrum of operations, low intensity to high-end combat that IKE CSG must be ready for,” said Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, commander, CSG-2.

“The live, virtual and constructive training with a NATO backdrop enabled the team to hone its application of integrated, multiple domain warfare. We are ready to deploy!”

The inaugural NATO vignette, developed by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 and Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence (CJOS COE), consisted of familiarity training designed to facilitate Allied maritime interoperability and integration, in practical terms using NATO procedures, messaging formats and chat

capabilities. The vignette developed and refined a clear list of interoperability requirements for future Navy force generation, and improved allied maritime command and control (C2) linkages.

“To ensure truly effective deterrence and defense in the North Atlantic, we need to make sure that the navies of NATO can work as one team, and that means interoperability is vital,” said Commodore Tom Guy, Royal Navy, deputy director CJOS COE. “This NATO vignette has been a great step forward in pursuing allied interoperability. CJOS COE looks forward to continuing to develop this for future deploying strike groups.”

Additionally, NSW SEAL, Boat and Reconnaissance units integrated with the IKE CSG team to enhance warfighting lethality in the maritime domain and to educate Fleet leadership on unique NSW capabilities. The SEAL Team focused on supporting COMPTUEX in maritime strike warfare.

During the training, personnel helped with over-the-horizon targeting, directed combat aircraft’s action in close-air support, and other offensive air operations. NSW forces controlled operations from a Task Group headquarters. To extend the IKE CSG reach, NSW forces employed multi-mission combatant craft, which allowed operators to get closer to simulated enemies and

send the real-time operational picture back to decision-makers on the ship and beyond.

The SEAL Team also sent an advisor to the training cell to provide expertise on NSW capabilities.

The opportunity to support IKE CSG objectives by showcasing NSW’s unique contributions to Distributed Maritime Operations improved integration and interoperability with the Fleet. NSW was able to validate nearpeer maritime and land-based tactics, techniques and procedures to demonstrate NSW’s critical role in Global Power Competition.

COMPTUEX is a live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training that provides Sailors from the IKE CSG with an opportunity to operate real equipment with real risk.

LVC training increases interoperability and provides the fleet with unprecedented flexibility in conducting training across the spectrum of operations and threat scenarios. CSG 4 was involved in building the scenarios and assessing performance to ensure that when IKE CSG shows up to the fleet they are ready to operate.

The IKE CSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe.

Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott

Robertson, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt.

Paul F. Campagna; eight squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Three; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) from Destroyer Squadron 22 stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, commanded by Capt. Marcos Jasso, embarked on Eisenhower include the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7; “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74; “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123; “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.”

C2F exercises operational authorities over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic. When directed, C2F conducts exercises and operations within the U.S. European Command area of operations as an expeditionary fleet, providing Naval Forces Europe an additional maneuver arm to operate forces dynamically in theater.

For more information, contact C2F public affairs at ashley.hockycko@navy.mil.

For more news from U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/ and for more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ US2ndFleet/ or http://twitter.com/US2ndFleet.

U.S. Navy issues Standardized Operational Guidance 4.0 From Navy Chief Of Information Public Affairs WASHINGTON — The Navy issued COVID-19 Standardized Operational Guidance (SOG) Version 4.0 to combat the coronavirus pandemic with NAVADMIN 037⁄21 Feb. 16.

The latest guidance updates the previously issued COVID-19 guidance and is intended to protect the health of individuals and units while preserving operational readiness.

Although it is predominantly focused on the shipboard environment, this guidance applies to all uniformed Navy personnel at home and deployed.

This update incorporates updated Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance based on our evolving understanding of the COVID-19 threat, incorporates lessons learned from the Fleet operating in the COVID-19 environment, and begins to integrate the benefits of vaccinated service members into policy. SOG 4.0 serves as a standard framework for the fleet. Commanders may provide more specific guidance, for subordinate units.

“The Navy’s duty to protect the seas and defend American interests has never been more important,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy. “In addition to the disciplined adherence to our mitigation measures, the COVID-19 vaccine is key to improving the safety of our Sailors and maximizing operational effectiveness in the

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Adam Santos, from Los Angeles, administers the first COVID-19 vaccine to Rear Adm. Scott Robertson aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (MCSN JACOB HILGENDORF)

COVID-19 environment.”

This overarching plan includes guidance on immunization, an option for members of a non-operational units who are asymptomatic to conduct a 7 day quarantine followed by a negative test at Commanders discretion, guidance for units with a high percentage of immunized Sailors and community outreach guidance.

Vaccination will significantly help protect our Sailors and their families from the risk of infection.

However, many shipboard commands will still require current health protection measures like PPE, social distancing and routine cleaning. This guidance introduces opportunities for highly immunized units to reduce ROM requirements and other potential relaxations of mitigation measures, improving operational effectiveness and Sailor quality of life.. Fully immunized Sailors allow our Navy to begin to unwind the limits that have been placed on our Sailors at sea where the consequence of a wide spread

outbreak is greatest.

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery COVID-19 Readiness Guide (BUMED CRG) provides medical personnel amplifying guidance to address deployability, duty status, return to work, and return to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be found at: https://esportal.med.navy.mil/ bumed/rh/m3/m34/crg/default.aspx For the latest updates on Navy COVID guidance please visit: https://www.navy.mil/ US-Navy-COVID-19-Updates/

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 5

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

MCSA Jordan Grimes

The history of Black History Month

By MCSA Jordan Grimes

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK — February brings the opportunity for the American people to celebrate several holidays each year: Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and the Lunar New Year, to name a few. However, one thing is being celebrated all month long: Black history.

Carter G. Woodson, an American historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAHL), first established the celebration in 1926. In the beginning, it was a weeklong celebration, which Woodson referred to as Negro History Week.

He believed it would help popularize the knowledge of Black history for the American public.

Though it is the shortest month of the year, the historian had a great reason for choosing February to hold his week of celebration. The month houses the birthdays of two Americans who played crucial roles in shaping Black history as it is known today: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Since Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, African Americans had celebrated his birthday in honor of his role in ending slavery by signing the Emancipation Proclamation. Since his death in 1895, Douglass’ birthday would be celebrated in the African American community because of the abolitionist’s lifelong fight for equality.

With this in mind, Woodson knew February would be the right month for his week of raising awareness.

Today, Black History Month celebrates

THOSE WHO SERVE COULD

SAVE MORE WITH A SPECIAL

MILITARY DISCOUNT 109 Volvo Parkway Chesapeake

757-549-1772

even more accomplishments than the end of slavery. It puts a spotlight on prominent Black names such as civil rights activists Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and Martin Luther King, Jr.; scientists such as Charles Richard Drew who pioneered research used to discover the effective long-term preservation of blood plasma, and Mark Dean who co-invented IBM’s original personal computer and the PC color monitor; and service members such as Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., the first African American to serve aboard a fighting ship as an officer, and Carl Maxie Brashear, the Navy’s first African American master diver. The month goes on to highlight the community as a whole and all the accomplishments African Americans have added to American history.

Each year, ASAHL establishes a new

theme for Black History Month, putting the focus on a new aspect of the community’s culture and history. This year, the theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” It shows the impact the community has on the country as a whole due to an extensive genetic and cultural ancestry, as well as diversity in lifestyle aspects like childhood upbringing, gender norms, and sexuality. With the ever-growing diversity of American culture, it’s no wonder the same can be said for the African American community, proving this year’s theme to ring true; that the differences of the community go beyond skin color, but to the root of its very identity.

As time goes on, Black History Month gives the American population more to celebrate. Since the mid-1970s, the celebration’s annual theme has been endorsed in an official proclamation made by the president of the United States, reinforcing Woodson’s vision to bring forth the importance of acknowledging Black history.

SERVING TODAY. LEADING TOMORROW. With a long history of educating service men and women, Embry-Riddle is committed to assisting active-duty military, veterans and their families pursue their passion.

Earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree with Embry-Riddle. Inquire today and receive a FREE t-shirt! erau.edu/military-degrees Use code HERO21 when you apply and we’ll waive your application fee.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076 a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2020 GEICO. 20_549328606

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 7

Sailors conduct a decommissioning ceremony aboard the Cyclone-class patrol ship USS Shamal (PC 13) at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Feb. 16. (MC3 AUSTIN COLLINS)

Patrol Coastal Ships USS Shamal, USS Tornado, USS Zephyr decommissioning ceremonies

By MC2 Wyatt L. Anthony

U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. — Patrol coastal ships (PCs) were designed to provide littoral operations such as patrolling coastlines and interdiction surveillance. They are particularly suited for maritime homeland security missions and are capable of quickly responding to emergent requirements in a shallow water environment. PCs also work together with the U.S. Coast Guard to help protect the U.S. coastline, ports and waterways from terrorist attacks, illegal drugs and illegal immigration.

During their time in service these three ships have been vital in the counter-narcotic patrols and illegal migration patrols in the coastal waters of the United States, Central America and Caribbean Islands.

“These three warships have served our Navy and our country well,” said Capt.

Mike Meyer, commander, Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen. “Each of them has operated well past their designed service life, with their crews contributing demonstrably to meeting our national objectives.”

Shamal pursued and seized a 45-foot go-fast boat, which led to the recovery of 19 bales of marijuana weighing more than a ton in 2005. They also located a hidden compartment containing more than a ton of cocaine on a 165-foot coastal freighter.

Shamal and her crew participated in the Coast Guard’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

On its final mission in September 2020, Shamal and her crew worked alongside the Coast Guard in seizing nearly two-anda-half tons of marijuana, with a street value of eight million dollars, and the detaining of seven suspected narcotic traffickers.

“Shamal is leaving behind a storied legacy of operating in the waters of the United States and abroad”, said Lt. Cmdr. Dan O’Neill, commanding officer, Shamal. “Her crew, past and present, can stand proud of her accomplishments and service to our Nation.”

Zephyr was one of the first ships to respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and assisted in searching for survivors in April 2010, while on loan to the Coast Guard in

an inter-service transfer from 2004-2011.

In addition, Zephyr confiscated seven tons of cocaine while apprehending 17 drug traffickers during counter-narcotic patrols. In 2020, Zephyr, along with two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, two Coast Guard cutters and two British Royal navy ships, seized approximately 12,100 pounds of cocaine and approximately 5,759 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $216 million.

“In her service life, Zephyr has crossed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, circumnavigated South America and executed numerous patrols in support of U.S. 4th Fleet,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steven Terjesen, commanding officer of USS Zephyr. “Her Sailors have always met every challenge head-on, exemplifying their ship’s motto: ‘Leading the Charge.’ I believe I speak for all Zephyr Sailors, past and present, when I say that it was a true honor and privilege to serve onboard this mighty warship.”

Tornado, working within Joint Interagency Task Force South, contributed to the disruption of more than 40 tons of cocaine and two tons of marijuana with

an estimated street value of nearly 850 million dollars in 2020.

“This class of ship provides an extremely high rate of return to the American public,” said Lt. Cmdr. G. Graham Van Hook, commanding officer, USS Tornado.

“The Sailors onboard are the most impressive Sailors I have ever served with.”

Patrol coastal ships were originally built with a 15-year design life service, but with incremental modernization and maintenance periods, this class of ship has reached an average age of 26 years. The eldest ship in this decommissioning class, Zephyr has more than doubled her designed life service and would have turned 27 this October, while the youngest of the three, Tornado, would have been 21 this June.

The decision to decommission these three ships stems from the fact that they have all exceeded their designed service life. Based on the rising cost of modernization efforts, the Navy will receive a better return by decommissioning and freeing up funds to invest in other platforms.

With the Shamal, Tornado, and Zephyr decommissioning there are now a total of 10 patrol coastal ships remaining in service, all of which are homeported in Manama, Bahrain.

Following their decommissioning ceremonies, the ships will be designated as “Out of Commission in Reserve” and will sail to the Navy’s Inactive Ship’s facility in Philadelphia where they will await their official decommissioning designation, which will take place in March 2021.

WWII Navy veteran birthday

By MCC Joshua Wahl

Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England Public Affairs

CRANSTON, R.I. — Sailors from Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England honor World War II Navy Veteran Donald Mellor during a birthday celebration drive-by Feb. 20, 2021.

Mellor joined the Navy in 1943 as Fire Controlman was attached to the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Hopewell (DD 681).

His ship was hit by enemy fire and lost 17 Sailors during the war.

“In combat, you will realize how important it is to respect your leaders,” said Mellor. “You become extremely close… even closer than my friends I grew up with.”

Naval Station Newport was once the

PRT

from Page 1

tion Specialist Technician 1st Class Caleb Womack. “I like running the cardio portion, but can see where rowing is a lot easier on your knees. It’s a better option for many people.”

With rowing being introduced as an alternative cardio option, Sailors must row a set distance of 2,000 meters. Score is based on how long it takes a Sailor to reach the 2,000meter mark. Unlike the plank, the scores for the row are affected by gender and altitude.

At an altitude of less than 5,000 feet, a male age 17-19 must reach 2,000 meters by seven minutes for maximum score, and nine minutes 20 seconds would net them a probationary score. A female of the same age and altitude would be eight minutes and 10 minutes 30 seconds for the same respective scores. Sailors above 5,000 feet

homeport for Cruiser Destroyer Force Atlantic near Mellor’s home, a source of inspiration for Mellor.

“I had seen pictures of destroyers and thought it would be interesting to join the Navy and see the world,” said Mellor. “I made lifelong friends and continued to see them for many years after our service. I’d sign up tomorrow if I could pass the physical.”

Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) Scott Dixon, from New Bedford, Massachusetts, said he had a deep appreciation for Mellor’s service, having served on a destroyer and following a family history of military service himself.

“Meeting him was great,” said Dixon.

“His generation sacrificed everything to make our lives better today. They don’t make them like they used to.”

Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) Scott Dixon, attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New England, greets Navy veteran Donald Mellor at his 100th birthday celebration in Cranston, Rhode Island, Feb. 20, 2021. During World War II, Mellor served in the Pacific theater as a fire controlman aboard the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Hopewell (DD 681). ( MCC JOSHUA WAHL)

are allotted slightly more time.

“I think it will be well-received,” said West. “Planks are a fairly standard exercise for core workouts, and the rowing machine is a popular cardio workout for a lot of Sailors. More so, in my opinion, than the recently removed elliptical.”

For more information, please reference NAVADMIN 024⁄21.

Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, 26 NTAGs and 64 Talent Acquisition Onboarding Centers (TAOCs) that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www. cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/

Information Systems Technician 1st Class Caleb Womack rows in preparation of the upcoming Physical Readiness Test. (MC3 TYLER PRIESTLEY)

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

On iberty

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 1

The 8 Best Pasta Substitutes Perhaps you’re in need of a low carb pasta alternative, are newly gluten intolerant, or simply want some more variety in your diet.

Page C4

Courtesy Photo

Afrofuturism’s Leading Artists and Educators Headline Nauticus’ February Programming From Nauticus NORFOLK, Va.—Afrofuturism—the merging of Black history and culture with science fiction, science, technology and art—is the focal point for Nauticus’ Black History Month celebration. A series of signature events will spotlight the science, literature, and art of Afrofuturism, including a panel discussion with three renowned Afrofuturism creators. The programming lauds Afrofuturism innovators who have dared us to dream bigger and recognizes leading Black environmental and sustainable scientists.

The Afrofuturism celebration weekend will take place February 26 — 28, preceded

by a special series of free virtual programs.

Admission for all visitors from February 26 — 28 has been discounted to $7.57 (plus tax). Nauticus members receive free admission.

Schedule of Events: -February 21st / 10:30AM: Curious Kids STEMulating Activities — Melt the Rainbow! (Virtual -FREE) • Combine science, art, and upcycling with this colorful activity. Make your own Afrofuturism-inspired poster by melting and cooling crayons! Register here by Saturday, Feb. 20th, to reserve your spot. Recommended ages 5-12 + Families.

-February 23rd / 3:30PM: Afrofuturism; Inspiring Us to Dream Bigger (Virtual -

FREE) • How has Afrofuturism inspired scientists and creatives to dream bigger and imagine themselves limitless? Join Nauticus and our panel of experts on the Nauticus Facebook page or Zoom Webinar.

Leading Afrofuturism panelists include: -Ytasha Womack, Author, Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture -Kemi Layeni, Artist & Founder, Blooming While Black -Cheyney McKnight, Artist, Educator & Founder, Not Your Momma’s History -February 26th — 28th: Afrofuturism Weekend Celebration (Discounted Admission)

• A variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) based activities, crafts, and programs with an Afrofuturism theme will be presented inside Nauticus and on the Battleship Wisconsin.

• National Geographic’s Planet or Plastic?

Exhibition is included with admission. No other discounts apply.

• Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin admission is just $7.57 for adults or children.

Link to series of events: www.Nauticus. org/afrofuturism Capacity limited to 30% and will be monitored. In support of a touch-free payment process, online ticket purchases are encouraged. Masks are required for visitors ages 5+. Programs and events are hosted by the Nauticus Foundation. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org

Norfolk Festevents Announces Establishment of New Community Development Program Presented by Inman HomeServices From Festevents NORFOLK, VA — Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. has announced the establishment of a new Community Development Program presented by Inman HomeServices dedicated to empowering local small businesses, non-profit organizations, and aspiring industry professionals. The program is set to debut in 2021 and applications are currently being accepted.

“Since our inception, Festevents has always been deeply connected to our diverse communities working with volunteers, charities, civic organizations, military, and all types of businesses,” said Norfolk Festevents CEO Ted Baroody.

“This new program allows us to formalize and expand our relationship with small business owners, non-profits, and those interested in the special events and hospitality industry.”

The Norfolk Festevents Community Development Program is comprised of three initiatives: the (1) Small Business Outreach Kickstart & Grant Program, the (2) Charity Fundraising Program, and the (3) Karen Scherberger Scholarship & Internship Program.

The Small Business Outreach Kickstart & Grant Program is designed to provide Norfolk small businesses with a unique opportunity for growth and exposure through a Festevents partnership.

Selected businesses will be showcased

at major events and festivals, as they can be granted complimentary booth spaces. In addition, selected businesses will also gain access to educational workshops on event marketing, as well as receiving guidance in obtaining required business licenses, insurances, and additional business documents.

The program will award a select number of small businesses each year and is primarily directed towards local restaurants, food trucks, retail vendors, start-ups, and newlyowned franchises.

The Charity Fundraising Program will provide an avenue for local charities and service club organizations to raise funds through the sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at Festevents events and festivals. A portion of all net proceeds is donated directly to participating organizations. Over the course of its 30+ year history, Festevents has raised more than $3.5 million for local charities and organizations. New to this program, selected charities will also gain access to educational workshops that provide insight on how to capitalize on fundraising, team building, and the exposure that special events have to offer.

The Karen Scherberger Scholarship & Internship Program, named in honor of Norfolk Festevents Founding Executive Director Karen Scherberger, has been created to recognize aspiring industry professionals currently enrolled in a college program concentrating on special events.

In addition to receiving a $1,000 scholar-

Courtesy Graphic

ship, the awarded individuals will also gain powerful industry insight through a hands-on experience working alongside the Norfolk Festevents staff. Within the scholarship program, Norfolk Festevents will work closely with local universities and colleges to help improve event industry educational

programs.

The application window for all three programs is currently open and closes on Wednesday, March 31. Selected recipients will be notified by April 15.

More information can be found online at bit.ly/CommunityFE.

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

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

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/

Courtesy Photo

159thAnniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads commemorated

By The Mariners’ Museum and Park NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A popular commemoration event to attend in person over the years, The Mariners’ Museum and Park will instead offer virtual programming for the Battle of Hampton Roads’ upcoming 159th anniversary on Friday, March 5, and Saturday, March 6. With the Museum galleries closed due to the ongoing global health pandemic, the Mariners’ commitment to connect people to the world’s waters remains at the forefront as its team shifts many programs to virtual.

This year’s virtual programs will provide different insights and perspectives to the famous Civil War battle where the Union USS Monitor and the Confederate CSS Virginia fought relentlessly for hours off the waters near Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862. While the battle ended in a draw, it also demonstrated a supremacy of iron over wood and changed modern naval warfare forever. All of the programs for the Mariners’ Battle of Hampton Roads Series will be available online and free of charge.

John V. Quarstein, renowned author, historian, and director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will kick off the commemoration Friday, March 5 at 12 p.m. Eastern time.

Quarstein will present “Spirits on USS Monitor: Alcohol and the Civil War Navy,” and how the consumption of alcohol plagued sailors.

This talk is also part of the Civil War Lecture

Series.

On Saturday, March 6, the Mariners’ virtual schedule will be filled with four intriguing programs starting at 10 a.m. when Erika Cosme, content and interpretation developer, takes viewers through the reasons and significance of ironclads in “The Development of European Ironclads.” Then at 11 a.m., the Mariners’ Interpretation Team and Eric Jeanneret, a longtime costumed interpreter for the Museum’s iconic event, collaborate to reveal important details about the history of Civil War food and present a comparison of food for enlisted and officers aboard USS Monitor.

The commemoration of the Battle of Hampton Roads will continue into the afternoon when Kyra Duffley, digital content assistant at The Mariners’ Museum and Park, brings an artistic element to the historic battle as she examines how romanticism and commercial patriotism paved the way for the Civil War to be the first “illustrated” war at 1 p.m. The series concludes at 2 p.m. with Hannah Fleming, maritime archaeologist at the Mariners’, when she pieces together the history of an artifact found from USS Monitor in “Follow the Phoenix.”

Viewers will be able to send any comments or questions to the presenters, which they will answer following the presentations. All virtual programs are free and scheduled for Eastern Time Zone.

Recent changes to registration have been

made to make it easier to sign up. A personal Zoom account is no longer required, but advance registration is still necessary. For more information about the Battle of Hampton Roads Series and how to register, visit MarinersMuseum.org/BOHR. Media interested in interviewing any of the scheduled guest speakers and The Mariners’ Team about their upcoming programs or would like to request images should contact Crystal Breede, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, at cbreede@MarinersMuseum.org.

Full virtual schedule of The Mariners’ Battle of Hampton Roads Series: All virtual programming is FREE. Pre-registration is required. Times are Eastern.

Friday, March 5, 2021 12 p.m. - Civil War Lecture Series Spirits on USS Monitor: Alcohol and the Civil War Navy Presenter: John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center Kick start the Mariners’ Commemoration of the Battle of Hampton Roads by joining us for a virtual lecture with author and historian John V. Quarstein when he presents on how the consumption of alcohol plagued sailors on USS Monitor during the Civil War. Saturday, March 6, 2021 10 a.m. - The Development of European Ironclads Presenter: Erika Cosme, content and inter-

pretation developer at The Mariners’ Museum Follow along with Erika Cosme, content and interpretation developer at The Mariners’ Museum, as she takes you through the reasons and significance of ironclads and the technological impact they had on navies around the world.

11 a.m. - Foods and Feasts: A Comparison of Enlisted and Officers Foods Aboard USS Monitor Presenters: The Mariners’ Interpretation Team and Eric Jeanneret, volunteer costumed interpreter Join the Mariners’ Interpretation Team and Eric Jeanneret, a longtime costumed interpreter for the Museum’s iconic Battle of Hampton Roads event, as they reveal important details about the history of Civil War food and present a comparison of food for enlisted and officers aboard USS Monitor.

1 p.m. - Romanticism and Commercial Patriotism in the Art of the Battle of Hampton Roads Presenter: Kyra Duffley, digital content assistant at The Mariners’ Museum Have you ever wondered how paintings, especially ones depicted of war and fighting, are portrayed with such intricate details and vibrancy? Or have you questioned whether what is seen in the painting is what actually occurred? Come learn from Kyra Duffley, digital content assistant at The Mariners’, as she brings an enlightening perspective to the Battle of Hampton Roads in the form of art.

2 p.m. - Follow the Phoenix Presenter: Hannah Fleming, maritime archaeologist at The Mariners’ Museum Finding archaeological artifacts often leads to more questions than answers. Come discover a fragile reminder of the past with Hannah Fleming, maritime archaeologist at The Mariners’ Museum, when she pieces together the history of an artifact found from USS Monitor.

Hampton Roads Convention Center Has Achieved GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation From Hampton Roads Convention Center HAMPTON, Va – The Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia has achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, The Hampton Roads Convention Center has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. The Center is currently serving as a vaccination site.

“At the Hampton Roads Convention Center, the safety of our guests and employees is our top priority,” said Eric Nealy, general manager at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. “We have established key best practices to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for all our clients, guests and

Courtesy Photo

visitors.”

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program verifies that the Hampton Roads Convention Center implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, the Hampton Roads Convention Center has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness

and commitment to operating safely.”

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, The Hampton Roads Convention Center was required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about GBAC STAR accreditation at www.gbac.org.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 3

Join an Award-winning

COMPANY

WE NEED MILITARY VETERANS LIKE YOU! • Flexible Schedules • Part-time and Full-time Opportunities • Paid Training • Military Spouses Welcome • Locations throughout Hampton Roads • Immediate openings for security officers and site supervisors

2016 & 2019 Governor’s Award as the Top Veteran Employer in Virginia

APPLY AT

topguardinc.com/flagship DCJS #11-2291

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

Food

Mike Garten

The 8 Best Pasta Substitutes That Won’t Leave You Hungry

By Cathrine Lo Noodles are one of our all-time favorite comfort foods. (I personally love a big bowl of mac ‘n cheese on a dreary afternoon, or a good healthy pasta recipe.) These days, though, you may be looking into pasta substitutes. Perhaps you’re in need of a low carb pasta alternative, are newly gluten intolerant, or simply want some more variety in your diet.

Vegetables can be a great sub for pasta.

They’re chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and all that good stuff, plus plenty of fiber.

But before you go wild with the spiralizer, consider the structure and flavor of each type of veg. Hearty choices like eggplant and even beets can stand up to heavier sauces and longer cooking times. Save delicate veg that naturally contains a lot of water (looking

at you, zucchini!) for lighter preparations.

You can also consider using other pantry items to replace your beloved pasta. Grains and seeds like farro and quinoa (bonus: it’s gluten free!) typically contain more fiber than regular pasta and are worth putting into the rotation.

What are the best pasta alternatives?

• Zucchini and cucumbers (yes, cucumbers!)

Spiralize, then treat like angel hair: Cook until barely tender, 1 to 2 minutes, then drain.

Try with sesame and chiles, lemon, butter, and herbs or in “pasta” salads.

You can also shave zucchini or cukes into skinny planks, sprinkle with salt to draw out some of the moisture, let sit for about 10 minutes then pat dry. Then roll up around sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or ground cooked chicken. (If the planks seem too stiff

to roll without breaking, try microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds first.)

• Squash and sweet potatoes Spaghetti squash is an obvious choice because once cooked, its flesh is easily separated into strands that look and act (almost) like you know what. Its somewhat neutral flavor is a good foil for many different types of sauces. Don’t forget to check out our other spaghetti squash recipes!

Other starchy vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes also make great subs for spaghetti. (Try doing half pasta and half vegetable if you don’t want to fully commit). You could also roughly chop them then pulse in the food processor until pea-sized. Simmer with a cheesy sauce or toss with sautéed garlic and spinach.

• Eggplants Eggplant isn’t just for eggplant recipes

— it’s also perfect for using in lasagna and layering into baked casseroles. Thinly slice into planks with a mandoline then pan-sear until softened. You could also try salting the slices to dry out the moisture, then pat dry and layer in raw. (Our test kitchen is partial to this Benriner mandoline).

• Beets Roasted or steamed then thinly shaved with mandoline, beets make beautiful “ravioli” layered with goat cheese or mozzarella and drizzled with herbed olive oil.

• Grains (e.g., farro, quinoa, etc) In general, cook them per package directions, then use as you would macaroni — think tomatoes and ground beef — or try instead of orzo, say, with mushrooms and caramelized onions.

Both farro, especially the quick-cooking type, and barley would be terrific in recipes like minestrone soup. Or try either as a sub in your favorite macaroni and cheese recipes.

Quinoa, (and its relative, millet) is actually a seed with a slightly vegetal flavor. It’s high in protein yet surprisingly not heavy.

Tossed with broccoli and cheese, it’s as comforting and delicious as can be. Even for something that’s not pasta!

pan with paper liners.

Spread walnuts on small rimmed baking sheet and toast until light golden brown, 3 to 6 min. Transfer to cutting board and, once cool, roughly chop. Reduce oven temp to 325°F. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

In large bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, oil and pineapple juice. Add flour mixture to eggs and mix to combine; mix in ginger. Fold in carrots, pineapple and walnuts.

Divide batter among prepared muffin cups (about ¼ cup per cup; you may have

leftover batter for a second batch) and bake until wooden pick inserted into centers comes out clean, 22 to 25 min. Let cupcakes cool in pan 10 min., then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Make frosting: In food processor, pulse dried pineapple to fine powder. Pass through fine-mesh sieve. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Add sugar and beat on low speed to combine. Mix in pineapple powder and enough milk to achieve desired consistency (if frosting is too thin, cover and refrigerate until thickened). Spread frosting on cupcakes and top with pineapple flowers.

CarrotPineapple Cupcakes

By Kristina Kurek DIY pineapple flowers add an extra touch of beauty to sweet seasonal cupcakes.

Ingredients For Pineapple Flowers 1 pineapple For Cupcakes ½ c. walnuts 1 ½ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. kosher salt ½ c. dark brown sugar ¼ c. granulated sugar 2 large eggs ½ c. canola oil 2 tbsp. fresh pineapple juice (from making flowers) or fresh orange juice 1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger ½ lb. carrots, peeled and grated (about 1¾ cups) ¾ c. chopped pineapple (from scraps left over from making flowers) For Frosting 1 1.5-oz-pkg. freeze-dried pineapple 1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese, at room temp 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temp 3 c. confectioners’ sugar 2 to 3 tablespoons milk Directions Make the Pineapple Flowers Heat oven to 200°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut top and bottom off pineapple, then remove very thin layer of rind. Using tip of vegetable peeler, cut out eyes (don’t skip this step; it provides the shape of the flower).

With a very sharp knife, slice pineapple as

Mike Garten

thinly as possible (reserving 2 tablespoons of accumulated juices for cupcake batter), then place slices between paper towels and pat out moisture.

Transfer slices to prepared baking sheets and bake, flipping after 30 minutes, until mostly dry and beginning to brown around edges, 1 to 2 hours depending on pineapple thickness.

While pineapple slices are still warm, place each in muffin-pan cup, pressing center down so it forms a cup shape. Let cool completely.

Make the Cupcakes Heat oven to 425°F. Line 12-cup muffin

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 5

Health

Miranda Heilweil gets her blood drawn at Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington, one of five DOD sites where the STORM CHASER trial is studying the efficacy of an antibody product that could prevent COVID-19 in people who have been exposed to the virus within eight days. (JANELL CAIN)

DOD participates in new COVID-19 antibody combination prevention trial

By Military Health System Communications Office While the Military Health System continues to support the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to counter the ongoing public health threat of the disease, it’s investing in other efforts to counter the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

One of those includes evolving therapeutics as part of the U.S. government’s COVID-19 response through clinical trials of a long-acting antibody combination medicine to prevent COVID-19 among people who have been exposed to the disease.

The intramuscular long-acting antibody product, called AZD7442 and developed

by AstraZeneca, is undergoing a phase III clinical trial at five Department of Defense sites to study its efficacy among eligible MHS beneficiaries who have recently been exposed to others with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“This study will run for one year, although interim and primary analyses will likely occur much earlier in 2021,” said Dr. Simon Pollett, associate scientific director and COVID-19 research area director at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science’s (USU) Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Program (IDCRP).

Under the name STORM CHASER, Pollett’s program is coordinating teams of

physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and clinical research staff at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington, William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Texas, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, and USU in Maryland. The lead investigators at these sites are Army Col. Viseth Ngauy, Army Col. Anjali Kunz, Dr. Gina Kubicz, Navy Lt. Cmdr.

Tida Lee, and Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Livezey, respectively.

This study is designed to prevent the development of illness in people who have been exposed to COVID-19 in care homes and sites with enhanced risk of disease transmission, under the sponsorship of AstraZeneca with support from the U.S. health information technology and clinical research firm IQVIA. IDCRP is supported through a cooperative agreement with The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine.

Primarily, STORM CHASER seeks to determine if the antibody injection can prevent COVID-19 in people who were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus — which causes the disease — within the last eight days, but have not yet developed symptoms, explained Pollett. “This may include those exposed by household contacts, in crowded working conditions, in health care settings, and other scenarios,” he added.

A secondary objective of the study is

examining whether the antibody injection can reduce viral shedding in those who may develop the disease after receiving the injection, said Pollett. Viral shedding occurs when the virus replicates inside the body and is released to the environment, making the host person contagious to others.

“Reduced viral shedding may perhaps correlate with reduced transmissibility, but this requires further study,” said Pollett.

STORM CHASER also aims to see if individuals who receive the AZD7442 injection after SARS-CoV-2 exposure experience less severe symptoms of COVID-19. Likewise, the clinical trial seeks to explore “sequencing of breakthrough virus to look at antibody escape mutations,” said Navy Capt. Timothy Burgess, IDRCP director. This will help determine whether AZD7442 protects across a range of SARS-CoV-2 strains, including newly emerged variants.

AZD7442 contains infection-fighting proteins called monoclonal antibodies that work to neutralize the virus, thus preventing COVID-19. Each dose is given once as two intramuscular shots in each gluteal region, within eight days of exposure.

If clinical trials are successful and the product receives emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, this investigational product would become another tool to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. Two vaccines, by Pfizer-BioN-

Tech and Moderna, are available to the U.S. population older than 16 and 18 years of age, respectively, under FDA’s EUA, with three more vaccines, including AstraZeneca’s, currently in clinical trials.

The vaccines work inside the body by triggering the immune system to make antibodies that will block or kill the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein if it enters the body, which results in immunity to coronavirus. They are given to healthy individuals who have not been exposed to the virus to protect them against getting seriously ill from the disease if they become infected or exposed, and studies are still being conducted to gauge their ability to keep people from spreading the virus.

AZD7442 may provide very rapid protection against COVID-19 in individuals who have been exposed because it is given while the virus is incubating, said Burgess.

But those who have already received the COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible to participate in the study.

“The investigational product is intended to provide rapid immunity after exposure, with up to six months of protection thereafter,” said Burgess. “STORM CHASER is examining the efficacy of this.”

If the study is successful in achieving its objective of preventing COVID-19 after exposure, the hope, according to Pollett, is that transmission chains will also be stopped by preventing such COVID-19 cases, but further study is required.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Defense; Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense; under Contract No. W911QY-21-9-0001.

How do you mend a broken heart? It usually fixes itself

By Military Health System Communications Office After Americans recently celebrated a COVID-19 version of Valentine’s Day, with its accompanying isolation, video dating, and physical distancing, it’s no wonder that the subject and the science of Broken Heart Syndrome is receiving renewed attention.

You might have found an occasional story about it in years past, but in 2021 the tone has shifted from a curiosity tale to a deadly serious topic.

“The only thing we really like about it is it usually goes away,” said Dr. Mark Haigney, professor and director of cardiology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. “With most people who come in with heart failure, you don’t get much improvement, even over time. Broken Heart Syndrome is one of the so-called reversible causes of heart failure. The heart can spontaneously recover its function. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, and sometimes people die from it.”

From a military readiness perspective, love and matters of the heart may seem trivial. But heart healthiness is not just about solid nutrition and enough exercise. It also goes to the Total Force Fitness (TFF) domains of spiritual, social, and ideological fitness — that is, the beliefs and practices that strengthen one’s connectedness with sources of hope, meaning, purpose, and even love. The heart is not just a powerful red symbol of our inner selves. Our emotions connect directly to our entire health, head to heel.

Haigney remembers the first case of Broken Heart Syndrome that he ever saw, sometime in the late 1990s. It was a woman in her 40s getting a breast biopsy, when suddenly her blood pressure dropped, and the anesthesiologist had to give her a large dose of adrenaline. Her electrocardiogram (EKG) had changed drastically.

They stopped the procedure, took her to the intensive care unit where Haigney was working, and saw via ultrasound that her heart was not contracting in a normal way — it looked like she was having a major heart attack. But upon being rushed into a cardiac catheterization

procedure, it was evident that her arteries were clear and normal.

“It was really mysterious because she had all the EKG changes suggesting a heart attack, and the pumping function of her heart was severely reduced, and yet the usual cause was not there.

It got better over time and everything went back to normal, but it really had us perplexed,” Haigney recalled, citing a paper on the subject that came out years later from a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

“It described this transient, mechanical disorder in the heart that’s brought on by some kind of profound shock, or mental stress,” he said. “It’s a really interesting phenomenon, because if the person survives, they often go back to normal.

They usually recover and do quite well. But to this day we don’t understand the exact mechanism, although it clearly involves the flightor-fight response, the stress response by the nervous system that releases adrenaline into the circulation around the heart.”

Normally, he said, adrenaline causes the heart to contract in a more vigorous manner.

But if there’s too much — perhaps brought on by overwhelming emotion — it can cause heart cells to die, and outright stun the heart. The condition, also called stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is usually brought on by grief, but can also be triggered by sudden overwhelmingly positive news. If you play the lottery, in other words, be forewarned: the chances are tiny, but you might win.

Resilience and ‘Holiday Hearts’ As for overall TFF, “it’s well accepted that stress will in the long term shorten your life due to cardiovascular disease, and in the short term can actually provoke cardiac arrest,” Haigney said. “One of the major things we know about stress is it has a lot to do with your job environment.”

Two people working the same number of hours in the same job may have very different health experiences, he explained. If one feels valued and has some autonomy, for example, they will work with a sense of purpose. If the other feels simply like a cog in the machine with minimal value, they run a substantially higher risk of a heart attack or some other negative health

Michael Service, a family nurse practitioner at Naval Branch Health Clinic Jacksonville, checks Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Upunda’s heart in September 2020 (Jacob Sippel).

outcome.

That’s a reminder for commanders, but is also instructional for the outlook of the soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.

“A lot of this stuff that your coach taught you in high school turns out to be true, that your attitude really determines your fate in a very real way with your heart,” Haigney said.

The military’s long-time focus on resilience helps with this, according to published reports, including one from the RAND Corporation, prepared for the Air Force in 2013.

“By focusing on resilience, the Armed Forces aim to expand their care to ensure the well-being of military personnel and their families through preventive measures and not by just treating members after they begin to experience negative outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, or suicidal ideation),” the report reads.

More recently, the Army’s October 2020 report on Holistic Health and Fitness said resilience “is the ability to face and cope with adversity; adapt to change; and recover, learn, and grow from setbacks.

Resilient soldiers can better leverage mental and emotional skills and behaviors

that promote enhanced performance and optimize their long-term health.”

A more common condition than Broken Heart Syndrome during December, January, and February is called “Holiday Heart Syndrome.” It is when patients have significant increases of irregular heartbeat, or atrial fibrillation, usually associated with binge eating or drinking (or both) around Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. It can happen to people with or without underlying heart conditions, and to those who exercise regularly. Atrial fibrillation can lead to a stroke, Haigney said, and becomes more common as you age.

“Part of it is probably because you don’t sleep well when you’ve had too much to drink, and any predisposition to sleep apnea, or obstructed breathing, can trigger atrial fibrillation,” he said. “Not neglecting your body is critical. Maintaining some degree of exercise, eating as well as you can, and avoiding binge behaviors ... will facilitate a recovery.”

Haigney is quick to point out that he is not a psychiatrist, but that from a TFF standpoint, ideological and spiritual fitness practices will help you when it comes to avoiding these conditions.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021

Estate Sales Estate Sales

Announcements FREE IRISH DANCE CLASS JOIN A FREE IRISH DANCE CLASS AT MAMBO ROOM IN NORFOLK OR GOLDEN SLIPPER IN VB. STARTS IN MARCH 2021. FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS VISIT WWW.ROIDANCE.COM FOR THE INFO!

Estate Sales

Religious Announcements

THANK YOU ST. JUDE & JESUS For Answering My Prayers Again JTM

ESTATE SALE 129 86th St., Oceanside, Va. Bch Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Feb. 25, 26, 27, 8:30 AM-3 PM Beautiful home with very clean furnishings & decorative items. Partial Listing: draw-leaf din rm table, 6 Windsor chairs, marble-top chest, lots of China & crystal, kit. items, original Herb Jones picture & Barclay Sheaks paintings, assorted framed Neptune Festival and Boardwalk Art Show Prints, queen-size fancy iron bed, brass trundle bed & other beds, other chests & dressers, sofas & chairs, wrought-iron outside furniture, lots of Siesta ware, costume & silver jewelry, gar. has tools, Foosball table, lots of stuff, 2 beach carts, old & new stuff, priced to sell.

We follow all Covid rules. Cash or Check Only. Larry Zedd, Va. Beach Antiques, 757-422-4477. virginiabeachantiquecompany.com

Jump start your day.

Early home delivery

757-446-9000 • PilotOnline.com

Fridays in The Pilot

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

Misc. Merchandise For Sale CREST ULTRA SONIC CLEANER $300 + Other Gun Related Items. Call Before 7pm 757-617-3577

Wanted To Buy CARDS, COMICS, RECORDS & More! Cash Today. 757-636-5466

Good news.

Early home delivery.

757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets GOLDENDOODLES 9 weeks, first shots & wormed, have parents. $950. 757-421-7708 HAVACHON 2 MALE PUPPIES $1000 Available now home raised, 1st shots, vet checked, health guarantee. Call 252-473-5619.

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

Don’t pay full price!

With The VirginianPilot’s coupons and sales inserts, shop smart and save big every week!

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales CONCRETE, BRICK & TREE REMOVAL Landscaping, Top Soil, Yard Clean Up & Home Repairs. Low prices! 757-714-4848

Care For The Elderly SENIOR CARE Private Home, Exp’d Nurse w. Refs Virginia Beach Call: 757-808-4111

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

S & H ENTERPRISE 20 YRS. Concrete Exp. All types of concrete work driveways, stamped & exposed.

We accept credit cards. 757-652-4050. www.shabazznva.com

Handyman Services ★GENERAL REPAIRS★ AFFORDABLE. All Handyman, Int & Ext: Flooring, Bathrooms, Small Jobs, Remodel, Rot Repair. 30 Yrs. Exp. BBB A+ Rating.

757-430-2612.

BROWNS HOME REPAIRS Baths, Kitchens, Ceiling Fans, Doors, Locks, Flooring, Paint, Plumbing. 25 yrs.exp. Lic. & ins. Call Rob 757-679-4558

Hauling (A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414 B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

Home Improvements ADDITIONS, SUNROOMS, ROOFS, Decks, more. Member BBB. 757-986-3777. www.builderscorporation.com

YOUR PERFECT

HIRE

IS WAITING

ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS Custom Home Repairs & Renovations.

Patrick Ellis Ent. Inc. Lic. & Ins. BBB A+ 757-635-6609 BEST PRICE EXTERIORS 757-639-4692 Siding, Windows, Trim, Roofing. FREE ESTIMATES! Lic. & Ins’d. Lowest Prices & Top Quality Work. No Repairs. BBB A+ Rating D & W GARAGES 20x24’ $15,995; 24x24’ $17,995; 24x30’ $20,995; w/Slab & Vinyl Siding. 465-0115 or 362-1833. dandwgarages.com FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Lic/Ins. Senior & Military discount!

757-227-8964

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

PROFESSIONAL BRICK REPAIRS 757270-0578. You Won’t Find A Better Man!

Lawn and Tree Service YARD CLEAN UP - GRASS CUTTING, WOOD FENCE REPAIR & BUSHES Weed Eating, Blowing, Reasonable prices.

Call 757-477-2158

Painting/Paperhanging INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING Wallpapering, Pressure Washing, Carpentry, Plumbing & Renov! Free est! Paint & Wallpaper By Bob: 757-714-4573

Roofing CALVIN’S ROOFING REPAIR LLC Specializes in roofing repair, also guttering, Free estimates, roofing of all types, reasonable prices, Shingles, metal, slate, rubber.

Over 30 yrs -business, BBB 757-377-2933 ROOF REPAIR Shingles, tar, rubber, slate, metal, asbestos removal. 757-718-1072 ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles $1.99 sq ft.

Labor & Material included, repair, siding.

Class A Lic’d & Ins’d. (757) 345-9983.

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Stop wasting time searching for talent. Find the right talent with tribune publishing recruitment services.

We work hard to make your talent search easy. With our expansive network of distinguished print and online publications and their respective reach and readership, you’ll have access to top talent from coast-to-coast.

Plus, enjoy advanced job matching and ad targeting technology, access print and digital advertising opportunities, career fairs and more.

Extend your reach. Access customized technology. Simplify your search.

jobs.pilotonline.com

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021 7

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

Don’t pay full price!

LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPY Yellow Labrador Retriever, 6 weeks old, beautiful and stout female . Both parents AKC registered. Available 2/24/21 $650 Call 757-390-6693 POODLE MIX 16 wks. UTD, Vet Checked, $950 text 978-846-9449 YORKIES Small young females, pets only. $750 each. Call: 252-655-1575

Autos for Sale

BMW 2015 328

Wagon. 59K original mis, AWD, fully loaded, new insp, great service history, $22,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

Trucks and SUVs Room For Rent NORFOLK Room for Rent. Upstairs. $450/month $200 deposit. No Utils. Boat. Garden & Refs. Call Ken 757-588-5179 SOUTH NORFOLK Clean/Quiet Furn’d Single Occ. Rms. Share BA/Kit $150/wk/$150 SD. Avail Now. Pay Stubs Req’d. 757-379-6688 NORFOLK Room for rent, close to everything, washer/dryer, $600/mo. 757-235-3630

Shop smart.

Save big! Sunday (and every day).

CHEVROLET 2017 SUBURBAN

LT. 4WD, leather, loaded, warranty, new inspection, all serviced. $26,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

HONDA 2010 ODYSSEY

1 owner, 66K original mis., new inspection, runs & looks great. $9900.

757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

TOYOTA 2008 TACOMA

Regular Cab. Black ext/light gray int, 63K orig mi., automatic transmission, AC, AM/FM/CD, very clean! 2 inch lift. $11,000 Call: 757-966-2417

Wanted Automotive ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!!

FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035 AUTOS ACCEPTED-ANY YEAR Make or Model. TOP DOLLAR, FAST, Free Towing. 757-737-2465, 701-3361

With The Virginian-Pilot’s coupons and sales inserts, shop smart and save big every week!

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021