Flagship 04.08.2021

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

IN THIS ISSUE USS Providence returns home

The USS Providence has completed its 16th and final deployment and returned home.

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VOL. 27, NO. 14, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

April 8-April 14, 2021

IWTC Virginia Beach Sailor paramount to command’s mission, Navy readiness From Center For Information Warfare Training Public Affairs

lot more time at home due to last year’s stay-athome mandate. These projects allowed families to spend time together, feel less isolated, and have fun in a safe environment.

“We are trying to provide the families with a little sense of normalcy,” said Eric Emerson, community recreation programmer at NSA Hampton Roads-Headquarters Annex. “We are trying to duplicate our normal programming as much as we can.”

That normal programming was modified in a significant way as MWR was forced to close their facilities, change their services, and cancel all events when COVID-19 hit in March 2020.

“Our facilities play an essential role in quality of life. We create opportunities to relax, relieve stress, and support overall physical fitness or wellness, so having to make the decision to close weighed very heavily on us as the only possible outlet for our service members and

VIRGINIA BEACH — Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Justin Kolbinskie, from Brooksville, Florida, currently serves as the N9 departmental leading petty officer at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach.

Kolbinskie graduated from Nature Coast Technical High School, Brooksville, Florida, in June 2009 and later enlisted in the Navy. He reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in June 2013. Following graduation from Recruit Training Command, he transferred to the Training Support Center Great Lakes where he graduated from Apprentice Technical Training and Interior Communications “A” School.

Kolbinskie reported to his first operational command onboard USS Mason (DDG 87) in July 2014 where he not only promoted to third class petty officer, but also deployed with the ship as the work center supervisor for the CE01 division where he was responsible for ensuring all maintenance was scheduled, tracked, and accomplished for the division.

Following his tour aboard USS Mason, he transferred to Training Support Center Hampton Roads as the certified pay and personnel assistant as well as the leading petty officer of the operations department including student management.

Since reporting as the newly established IWTC Virginia Beach N9 departmental leading petty officer in February 2021, he is now responsible for the oversight of all student management for the command, including optimizing assets and resources to ensure an effective and efficient learning site.

When asked about his motivation behind his work ethic, Kolbinskie referenced the quote, “The reward would not be so great without the struggle,” by the American Track and Field Olympian, Wilma Rudolph.

“We are very fortunate to have a talented cadre of instructors but robust, supporting staff as well,” shared Cmdr. James Brennan, IWTC Virginia Beach commanding officer. “Without our Sailors and civilian workforce’s efforts, it would make day to day functionality of the command very difficult. IC1 Kolbinskie’s contributions to the command are a great example.”

IWTC Virginia Beach currently offers 59 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of

Turn to MWR, Page 7

Turn to IWTC, Page 7

Sailors hold up their DIY door hangers from the event at NSA Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex. (COURTESY PHOTO)

MWR finds huge success with DIY kits during COVID-19

By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Public Affairs

NORFOLK — Although the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation programs at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads had to physically close their doors in March of last year when the COVID-19 pandemic initially hit, they were still able to connect and support their military families in a very creative and unique way.

One very popular and well-received approach was in the form of Do-it-Yourself (DIY) kit drive-thru events hosted at Headquarters Annex, Portsmouth Annex and Northwest Annex.

“It was important for us to continue to create a sense of community and connection with our service members and their families,” said Kelley Harkins, MWR director at NSA Hampton Roads. “We strive to continue to provide activ-

ities and events that are innovative and high quality, in this new environment.”

Over the past several months, the community recreation teams have put together various DIY drive-thru events to include resin art, Valentine canvas, gingerbread house, door hanger, holiday activity book, slime, ice cream in a bag, face mask, air plant terrariums and pizza. Each kit comes with all the necessary materials, instructions and contact information.

“My hopes are to create a bit of fun during these dark times,” said Ashley Carter, community recreation director at NSA Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex. “Although I miss being able to host our usual events, I hope that our families are able to bring that fun home with them by engaging everyone with these DIY events.”

Over the past year, the three annexes have hosted various DIY drive-thru pick up events as many people found themselves spending a

Norfolk Naval Shipyard unveils strategic framework

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) has unveiled its new Strategic Framework. This is a tool that communicates the shipyard’s path forward on achieving its vision of delivering on time, every time, everywhere to protect America.

According to Quality Assurance Director (Code 130) George Fitzgerald, “The Strategic Framework is important in aligning our efforts across the shipyard on the most important initiatives in order to improve our performance.

Our framework will aid in communicating those initiatives across our workforce to engage everyone in our improvements.”

NNSY’s Engineering Planning Manager

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(Code 200) Mike Zydron added that the Strategic Framework will help unify the shipyard workforce to work as one team toward one mission. “The Strategic Framework is key to unite all members of the NNSY team, whether they are directly or indirectly working on the one mission of delivering warships and training platforms. Improved understanding of the urgency behind why we do what we do and how to continuously and measurably improve in order to achieve our vision will result,” said Zydron.

The visual representation of the Strategic Framework resembles a house with each element representing a different component of the structure. The bedrock of the house is the Turn to Framework, Page 7

(Courtesy Graphic)

Preventing pollution

Ribbon-cutting

USS North Dakota

Stormwater pollution results when precipitation such as rain or snowmelt runs over surfaces picking up pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, construction site sediments, pet waste, litter, etc.

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new Submarine Universal Modular Mast Maintenance Tower onboard NAVSTA Norfolk.

An accomplished submariner is not uncommon in the world’s finest Navy. Achieving the rank of chief. Some even do it in record-setting time. But one North Dakota Sailor did it all… on the same boat.

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

U.S. Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron One prepare to launch a RQ-21 Blackjack UAS during Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course (WTI) 1-18 at Yuma, Arizona. (USMC Lance Cpl. RHITA DANIEL)

NAVSUP WSS supports achievement of 100% readiness rate

By Lt. Cmdr. Chase Vizzier,

NAVSUP Weapons System Support Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA — In April 2021, the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integrated Weapon System Team (IWST) was able to support the achievement of both 100% Mission Capable (MC) and 100% Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate for the UAS RQ-21A “Blackjack” platform; a feat rarely, if ever, seen by any Type Model Series.

The RQ-21A platform is utilized by both the U.S. Marine Corps and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) for deployments and exercises around the world.

There are currently 155 Blackjack air vehicles in the fleet.

In order to reach 100%, the UAS IWST

worked daily with key stakeholders, including fleet users, NAVSUP WSS Engines IWST, NAVAIR PMA-263, Fleet Support Team (FST) and Insitu, the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Collaboration and open communication between all stakeholders enabled real time updates and expedited finding solutions.

Furthermore, the UAS IWST championed different initiatives to increase overall readiness. For example, the team hosted two End-to-End (E2E) events. These events were aimed at identifying potential issues, developing solutions, and tracking efforts to completion to proactively affect current and future readiness. The recent E2E events focused on the RQ-21 platform, the team identified 226 action items and to-date has completed 210 of those actions. Each week the team meets to review action items and

discuss current supply degraders to identify potential solutions.

In addition to the E2E events, the UAS IWST holds weekly meetings with Insitu to discuss critical parts causing readiness issues. Receiving updated status, with all key stakeholders involved, allows the team to drive immediate solutions.

“This was truly a team effort. Not only did the logistics managers and equipment specialists go above and beyond, but our contracts team was paramount to Blackjack’s success,” said Ron Menzel, UAS IWST deputy.

Being able to ensure the right parts are in the right location enables our Blackjack mission partners to accomplish their broad and diverse missions. By reaching 100% FMC, the UAS Blackjack team met leadership standards, as detailed by Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker, in the recently

DEOCS launches at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — Following Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) recent change of command, employees are being asked to share their experiences and feedback.

Members of the NNSY workforce will have a chance to have their voices heard by participating in the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) April 5 — 26. The survey provides an avenue for civilian employees and military members to share their impressions of the organizational climate by focusing on issues of effectiveness, equal opportunity, and sexual assault response and prevention.

The DEOCS provides valuable insight to command leadership by assessing 19 protective and risk factors that can impact an organization’s climate and ability to achieve its mission. According to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Code 1103) Director Tarane Parker, “in order for leadership to address cultural systemic issues that exist in the command, it is important that this information is captured where it can be assessed and monitored.”

Though NNSY completed its last DEOCS in July 2020, a new survey is required to be administered within 80 days of a change of command.

There will be some changes for this year’s DEOCS that NNSY employees need to be aware of as they prepare to participate. As with the most recent DEOCS, a paper copy of the survey will not be available. A link

to the survey and the departmental access codes will be provided to the departmental DEOCS points of contact (POCs). The DEOCS POCs will then distribute the link and access code to their respective departmental personnel prior to or on April 5.

Employees with regular computer access will be able to take the DEOCS using this access code. Employees without regular computer access can participate in the DEOCS by utilizing one of the laptop kiosks set up on the NNSY waterfront. The laptops are for DEOCS use only. The location of these kiosks will be announced prior to the DEOCS launch date April 5.

The results of the survey are completely confidential and employees are highly encouraged to participate to provide the shipyard a thorough assessment of the issues.

Following the conclusion of the survey, the results of the DEOCS are supplied to NNSY leadership Command Resiliency Teams (CRT), led by each code’s DEOCS lead that will analyze the information, identify areas of concern, and propose to their department head a way forward.

“The goal is to have leadership champion their DEOCS lead and to use the information gathered to identify, assess and create specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (S.M.A.R.T.) goals to address trending problematic areas,” said Parker.

By participating in the DEOCS, employees have the power to provide feedback to leadership and to help shape the path forward at NNSY. Have your voice heard and make a plan to participate in the DEOCS!

Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Peter Lewis, news@flagshipnews.com Managing Editor | Ensign James Caliva, news@flagshipnews.com Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com

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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.

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released Department of the Navy Unmanned Campaign Framework, “To ensure success, the Navy and Marine Corps are tightly coupling our requirements, resources, and acquisition policies to develop, build, integrate and deploy effective unmanned systems faster.”

“Reaching 100% MC and 100% FMC is a tremendous accomplishment,” stated LtCol Ryan Finn, Senior Marine Liaison Officer at NAVSUP WSS. “Having the right parts allows both Marine and Naval Special Warfare users to accomplish any mission at any time, in any place. The capabilities the Blackjack brings to the fight are critical, and providing that capability at 100% is an unheard-of accomplishment.”

NAVSUP WSS is one of eleven commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP’s 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.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 3

Lt. Michael Ashley greets his wife Jessica and baby Holden during a homecoming event for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. (MC3 CHRISTIAN BIANCHI)

USS Providence returns home

By MCC Joshua Karsten

Naval Submarine Support Center, New London Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. — The USS Providence (SSN 719) has completed its 16th and final deployment and returned to the boat’s homeport at Naval Submarine Base, New London in Groton, Connecticut, April 1.

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine crew, commanded by Cmdr. Michael McLaine, executed the chief of naval operation’s maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations during their seven months at sea in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Providence was underway for 212 days, of which the first five months were spent

predominately underway “maintaining a vital presence in the western Pacific Ocean.”

“We stayed at sea for an astonishing 97% during our first five months of deployment,” McClaine said. “Our country can be proud of the USS Providence, the oldest fast attack submarine in the fleet, for being battle ready to the end.”

McClaine called his crew “warfighters to the end,” noting that this will be the last scheduled deployment homecoming for the 35-year-old submarine.

“I’m so proud of the accomplishments of this crew on the completion of the ship’s 16th and final deployment,” McClaine added. “We steamed over 50 thousand miles, which is equivalent to twice around the world.”

The crew’s only respite included two port

visits to Guam, both limited to the pier. The crew was able to qualify 34 submariners, though, with 30 enlisted and four officers earning the coveted “dolphins.”

Providence and crew were welcomed by a parking lot full of socially-distanced friends and families with signs and flowers, but the raffled first kiss went to sonar technician Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Thomson and wife Alicia.

“This is his last deployment of his career,” said Alicia Thomson from her reserved parking space. “And this is the first one with me and our kids, so he is probably going to cry… as will I.” New dad Lt. Michael Ashley also had first dibs to the pier to greet wife Jessica and new baby son Holden, who to this point has only

walk in our

founders’ footsteps

interacted via Zoom sessions.

“I’m super happy to see my husband,” Jessica Ashley said. “It has been the longest time I’ve gone without seeing him.”

Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Providence was commissioned July 27, 1985 and is the fifth U.S. warship named after the capital city of the state of Rhode Island. It is 362 feet long with a beam of 33 feet and a crew of approximately 134 total officers and enlisted Sailors.

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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

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Justin Stewart, assistant navigator for the Virginia-class submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784), poses for a pierside photo. (MCC JOSHUA KARSTEN)

Seaman to chief: A plankowner’s success story aboard USS North Dakota

By MCC Joshua Karsten

Naval Submarine Support Center, New London Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. — An accomplished submariner is not uncommon in the world’s finest Navy. Earning one’s dolphins. Achieving the rank of chief. Some even do it in record-setting time. But one North Dakota Sailor did it all… on the same boat.

Meet Justin Stewart, a husband, a submariner, a plankowner, a chief, a navigator, and an all-around swell guy. And it’s his positive attitude as a young Seaman that he credits for his success.

Young “Seaman” Stewart, a native of Prattville, Ala., checked aboard the Virginia-class submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784) in November of 2012 and will leave in October of 2021 — a year shy of a decade.

Today, “Chief ” Stewart, an Electronics Technician (Navigation) and ship’s Assistant Navigator (ANAV), spends his days training the crew, managing charts, and planning future operations.

“My job is to overall assist the ship’s navigator with the planning of day-to-day operations in port or at sea,” Stewart said. “Underway, I give the officer of the deck recommendations that he uses to drive the ship.”

Apart from an eight-month ride on the USS Virginia (SSN 774) in 2013, where he earned his submarine qualification while North Dakota was in its pre-commissioning unit (PCU) stage, Stewart has spent “probably five-to-six years on the boat either underway or in a duty status.”

“I basically started my qualification without a submarine,” Stewart explained. “I talked to my chain of command and requested to ride on a submarine that was seagoing at the time.”

Once submarine qualified, Stewart returned to a newly commissioned USS North Dakota and had a successful first tour, achieving the rank of petty officer second class. But it was the coveted “ANAV” qualification that initially kept him on board past his first four-year enlistment, stating he extended for two years to work toward the qualification and the rank of petty officer first class.

“At the end of our 2019 deployment, I relieved as ANAV,” Stewart said. Then, he signed up for another three-year billet… on the North Dakota. “And that September of 2019, I picked up Chief.”

North Dakota’s Chief of the Boat (COB) Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron Packnick called Stewart’s career path “unique, but he’s a unique sailor.”

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a living history book of the USS North Dakota that has been onboard for as long as the ship has existed,” Packnick said. “Having him has been vital to the storied success and high level of performance that North Dakota is known for.”

Command Master Chief Petty Officer Kellan Voland, Stewart’s former North Dakota COB and current command master chief of Naval Submarine Base New London, recalls Stewart to be “everything right in today’s Navy… just motivated.”

“He was really good at making North Dakota home for everybody as it had been for

him because he’d been there so long,” Voland said. “He was supremely professional, not only as a master of navigation, but he really built the navigation team from the ground up.”

Voland assisted Stewart’s career path with the required waivers to stay on board and work toward his ANAV qualification.

Stewart partially credits his motivation to entering the Navy later than most; he was 26.

His accomplishments aboard North Dakota are “not a happy accident,” though, but what he called accomplished goals.

“It’s just the start,” he said. “My next sea tour goal is to become a command master chief or a COB of a submarine. I’ve got a little way to get there but that’s the goal” He smiled and added that his career goal is “obviously to be MCPON,” referring to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy — the most senior position an enlisted member can achieve in the Navy.

“I feel like if I’m not trying to reach the highest level that an enlisted sailor can, then I’m not doing myself or the Navy a service.”

But first, Stewart will begin a well-deserved shore duty later this year, which he says he and his wife are happy about. When asked where he would like to eventually do his COB tour, if given a choice, he said “I’m coming back to the North Dakota - no questions asked!”

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

Navy Diver 3rd Class Aiden Lockard, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, prepares to leave the surface during ice dive training at a frozen lake on Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minn.

(MCC JEFF ATHERTON)

Mobile Diving, Salvage Unit 2 divers train for any future Arctic operations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH — Camp Ripley, the sprawling Army base in northern Minnesota, is impressive. With nearly 53,000 acres of training sites, the installation is normally buzzing with tanks, troops and jets, but not necessarily in February, when the temperatures rarely see double digits and regularly stay sub-zero.

For one unit, however, this Arctic environment is just right.

“We come up here to train hard,” said Chief Navy Diver Stephen Eide, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 training and readiness leading chief petty officer.

Navy divers are a far cry from tanks, troops and jets, but the frozen lakes and harsh environment on the friendly confines of a military installation are ideal to prepare the normally deep-sea experts to operate for any future tasking in the Arctic.

The ice dive training, led by MDSU 2, is not in response to any specific threat, but rather an extension of the Department of the Navy’s Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic, and this training has become even more relevant showcasing how Navy divers are at the tip of the spear in building a more capable Arctic naval force.

“We say that we dive the world over but for the last 20 years our mission has been primarily in the Middle East and other warm water environments,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Slack, MDSU2 training and readiness officer.

“With the great power competition, that is no longer the case. We need to be ready to operate where we are not accustomed to.”

The frozen lakes on Camp Ripley provide a safe haven for training with access to berthing, training classrooms and normal every-day amenities in order to prepare for a more austere and less forgiving environment.

Although the training does occur on the safe confines of the base, it is not without challenges. The ice is about 16-inches thick and water temperature hovers just above freezing at 34 degrees, which leads to equipment challenges that the divers have not seen in the last 20 years.

“With the extreme cold, there are significant equipment considerations that we need to make that we did not run into in our normal operating environment,” said Eide. “Chainsaws and sleds are not in our normal gear load out but this is the reality now and I’m confident that our divers can perform the mission in an Arctic environment when called upon.”

This was the first year that MDSU 2 incorporated additional expeditionary skills train-

ing in the Arctic environment. Above the ice, the divers trained in cold weather acclamation, demolition, M9 service pistol and M4 rifle familiarization, stoppage and malfunction remediation. Under the ice, 27 divers braved the water for a combined total of 10 hours on the bottom of the frozen lakes.

This was also the first year that MDSU 2 incorporated a final evaluation problem (FEP) for one of the dive companies in an Arctic environment.

“We thought it was important for one of our dive companies to go through the full spectrum of operations in this environment to really hash out any potential issues and flex our ability to truly complete a task,” said Slack.

For the FEP mission, the dive company was called upon to retrieve sensitive items from under the snow and ice covered lake. They were given approximate coordinates where the items were suspected to be and went on their mission.

“The value of conducting a FEP in this environment cannot be overstated,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Beau Lontine, MDSU2 company 2-2 officer-in-charge. “We were presented with real-world scenarios and given the opportunity to accomplish the task with equipment and personnel organic to the team.”

The real-world scenarios presented to the dive company forced them to think outside the box and take into consideration the constraints of operating in such an austere environment.

“This Arctic environment forces us to get uncomfortable and creative and function with the gear and the people we have, which is crucial to accomplishing the mission by ourselves this far from our normal resources,” said Lontine.

The successful completion of FEP certified the dive company for deployment and served as eye opening experience for any potential cold weather future tasking.

“This was the first time that MDSU 2 had done a FEP like this and it really showed us the significant logistical lift required to complete the mission under the ice,” said Lontine. “While we are training, we want to make sure we are advancing the force at every level possible and the lessons learned from this exercise will pay dividends in the end when we need to accomplish the mission in the real world.”

With all of the gear stowed and secured, the MDSU 2 team returned to Virginia Beach to track lessons learned and prepare for the next mission.

“I’m confident that when we get the call, our divers will be ready to deploy anywhere in the world, hot or cold, sandy or snowy, to complete any mission that is asked of us,” said Slack.

MDSU 2, headquartered out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., is the Navy’s premier East Coast diving and salvage unit, capable of providing skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

Navy unveils new Submarine Universal Modular Mast Maintenance Tower with ribbon-cutting From Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) MidAtlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic, in conjunction with Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new Submarine Universal Modular Mast (UMM) Maintenance Tower onboard NAVSTA Norfolk, March 31.

Capt. Tres Meek, commanding officer, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic; Capt. Dianna Wolfson, commander, NNSY, and Capt. Vince Baker, commanding officer, NAVSTA Norfolk participated. Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety protocols, attendance for the ceremony was limited.

“The project made good use of naval design and construction expertise, while also welcoming invaluable input from the end user, our tenant commands, who will ultimately meet and achieve the Navy’s mission,” said Meek. “This new facility will provide great support directly to our warfighters and helps us to increase fleet readiness.”

Built by Norfolk-based Tazewell Contracting, the new 55 foot tall, 1,300 square foot tower

will have a major impact in servicing the Navy’s modern, state-of-the-art Virginia and futureclass nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines.

The contract was awarded in May of 2018 and construction finalized in January of 2021.

The overall Project Manager was Carl Tarkenton, from Public Works Department (PWD) Norfolk. Design was led by architect Robert Frank (NAVFAC) and construction was managed by Michael Van Dyke (PWD Norfolk), with input from NNSY and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) technical expert team led by Richard Csernelabics (NAVSEA).

Prior to this project, Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam and Naval Submarine Base New London were the only two sites in the Navy that could perform repairs and maintenance to the UMM, which is an integrated system that houses the submarine’s periscope, antennas and sensors. This meant repairs for submarines homeported in Hampton Roads could take — on average — two weeks maintenance time per assembly. The new facility, which will be operated jointly by the Navy, Fleet Maintenance Submarines and NNSY, will ultimately save the Navy both time and money for repairs.

“This facility helps us to reduce costs. As one

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic, in conjunction with Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new Submarine Universal Modular Mast (UMM) Maintenance Tower onboard NAVSTA Norfolk, March 31. (JEFFREY C DOEPP)

of NAVSEA’s five core principles, affordability is extremely important to the work we do,” said Wolfson. “We have been challenged to reimagine our business processes to ensure we get the most from our resources within all areas of our complex business and throughout the lifecycle of the ships, submarines and systems we maintain. We do that by being relentless in finding ways to improve our business and making every dollar count.”

At its core, the project is a testament to the important and longstanding partnerships

between NNSY — America’s Shipyard; Naval Station Norfolk — the world’s largest naval base; and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic design and construction team members.

“This was a great initiative and stands as a monument to the outstanding collaborative efforts exhibited between multiple commands and organizations,” said Baker. “Having a shared common goal helps Naval Station Norfolk to improve our capabilities, and continue to generate combat power at sea from the pier and the runway well into the future.”

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 7

Framework from Page 1

shipyard’s mission to repair, modernize, and inactivate our nation’s warships. The ridge of the roof is the pinnacle, Warships, the single word that ties together everything NNSY does. Each component of the house helps it stand strong and firm, just as each element of the Strategic Framework is essential in ensuring NNSY’s success.

But the Strategic Framework is more than just a picture, according to NNSY’s Chief of the Contracting Office (Code 400) Brad Crosby.

“It’s where we document what is important to us and tie all of the elements together, to include mission, culture, results, vision, principles and the pillars. The framework is our common language to identify what’s most important for our organization and rally behind it.”

The Strategic Framework was created by a work group, comprised of NNSY Department Heads. The group was led by Lifting and Handling Department Director (Code 700) Terri Makely. Makely said of the working group: “each of them heavily invested their time and expertise to this important task. I am proud to be a part of

MWR from Page 1

Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Justin Kolbinskie, from Brooksville, Florida, currently serves as the N9 departmental leading petty officer at Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach. (COURTESY PHOTO)

IWTC from Page 1

military, civilian, and contract members who train over 6,600 students every year at five training sites in the Hampton Roads area. It is one of four school houses for Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and also oversees learning sites at Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut to continue aligning information warfare community training.

With four schoolhouse commands, a

detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 22,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

For more news from the Center for Information Warfare Training domain, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/CIWT, www. facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.

families,” said Harkins. “Also, ensuring we took care of our staff; ensuring we would be able to retain our staff and not worry about reductions in force was very concerning. The team jumped right into action completing special projects and offering virtual programs and events to stay engaged and validate our importance to the fleet.”

Brainstorming ideas and putting together all of the elements for these DIY events was definitely not a small task and involved support from each of the community recreation teams.

“We work with our team to develop ideas for the events, reach out to vendors to see what they can supply, develop an action plan with the team on how to execute it in a COVID-19 environment, and adjust as necessary during set up and execution of the event when problems arise,” said Travis Scott, community recreation director at NSA Hampton Roads-Northwest Annex.

Carter said she enjoys the planning process for each DIY project, which are geared towards children, adults, and also families.

“My goal is to offer new and unique crafts that maybe people would not normally try on their own,” she said. “For inspiration I do a lot of research online and have joined a lot of crafting groups on social media. I ask my kids what type of projects they would like and I have also worked with a few local businesses on putting DIY kits together.”

All that hard work has paid off as many families have really appreciated MWR hosting these events.

Military spouse Amanda Blakeslee has attended many of the events at River’s Edge Community Center at Portsmouth Annex.

“With COVID-19, [my daughter] has been stuck inside a lot and is very discouraged,” she said. “The staff is amazing and always seems happy to see us.”

Blakeslee said she enjoyed the tie dye t-shirt DIY event because it was fun and it provided her

this team as it demonstrates how powerful we can be when we work together to accomplish our mission.”

In the process of creating the Strategic Framework, the working group pulled from previous shipyard-wide efforts, including NNSY’s C.O.R.E. values of Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence. “We reaffirmed our commitment to our C.O.R.E. values — which has now remained through three commanders,” said Crosby. “The Strategic Framework is expected to have the same staying power. We do acknowledge that the framework isn’t carved in stone and will evolve over time. We’ll learn, grow, and make purposeful adjustments. This is about writing down what’s important, aligning us all, rallying behind the cause, and then working aggressively to improve the areas that make NNSY the shipyard the Navy needs as one team with one mission.”

Moving forward, NNSY employees will see frequent reference to the Strategic Framework in Service to the Fleet and other communication efforts. NNSY employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all elements of the Strategic Framework as the shipyard’s new tool is implemented. daughter with something that she is able to wear. “[These events] really help with morale and give the kids something to look forward to,” she said. “It also helps the parents with new and fun activities to do with the children.”

Military spouse and frequent DIY event patron Diana Molina agrees.

“They have become a tradition with the kids.

It is a way of escaping the COVID life,” she said.

“We have been in the area for just a few months and we don’t have family or friends here. With the cold weather, these activities are awesome to pass the time with the kids.”

Molina also appreciates spending that time with her family and having a day set aside to do a fun activity.

“Arts and crafts help the overall family. For us, it reduces stress. It gives us a chance to create something together; to have a challenge,” she said. “To have these events every month, it also gives us a sense of routine; of normalcy. With the schools being back and forth from online to in-person, the kids really look forward to the Friday DIYs.” Typically the events are executed with very few setbacks, except sometimes the inevitable inclement weather.

“The only challenge would be weather conditions, either being super cold or rainy on the day of the event,” said Emerson. “But we always push through and the customers still come out to our events, even in bad weather, and they are really appreciative.”

In addition to the various DIY events, MWR has also hosted other drive-thru and virtual events to include a Valentines’ Day dinner, drive-in movie, virtual escape room, haunted harvest drive thru, and an Illumination Celebration.

“Our team did not skip a beat when the world turned upside down. They jumped into action and have sustained high levels of engagement throughout the year,” said Harkins. “Their passion and dedication to our mission has never weaned. They are an exceptional team and I am so proud of the hard work, positivity and flexibility they have displayed over the last year.”

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

Preventing pollution from car, lawn, pool maintenance Amy E. Hardy

PWD NSA Hampton Roads Public Affairs

NORFOLK — Stormwater pollution results when precipitation such as rain or snowmelt runs over surfaces picking up pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, construction site sediments, pet waste, litter, etc. These pollutants can significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic wildlife and human health.

In addition, stormwater pollution impacts our drinking water supplies and use of waterways for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.

Runoff from our lawns, rooftops and driveways drain directly into the stormwater system. This system consisting of ditches, storm drains and pipes, or other conveyances which collect and transport stormwater, all discharges stormwater directly to nearby streams, lakes, and waterways without treating the water first to remove contaminants.

Because of this, it is important for us to try and prevent pollutants from being washed into these storm drains from our car, lawn, and pool maintenance activities. The facts related to pollution can be staggering: • A single quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water (NDRC, 1994).

• Recycling just one gallon of used oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for almost 24 hours (Philadelphia Water Department, A Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management, January 2006).

• Pesticides are toxic to the fish and the organisms living in our waterways and are harmful to our drinking water supplies.

• Excessive nutrients from fertilizers result in an overgrowth of algae and plants which depletes the necessary oxygen for fish.

• Back wash residues, algaecides, and acid washes from routine swimming pool and spa maintenance can be very harmful if discharged into our waterways.

Below are tips we can all adopt to help keep our local waterways healthy!

Vehicle Maintenance: Using the following tips for proper car and truck maintenance can prevent pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and toxic materials from entering the storm drain: • Frequently check your vehicle for leaks by examining the pavement in your driveway or garage and use drip pans to capture the leaky substances until you are able to completely repair the leak.

• Properly dispose of or recycle used or unwanted oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and batteries. Never dump or allow these materials to leak onto paved surfaces that connect to the storm drain system.

• Carefully store vehicle maintenance supplies in tightly sealed containers to prevent spills.

• In the case of a spill, use an absorbent material to contain the potential pollutant, clean it up immediately once absorbed, and

properly dispose of the spill and cleanup materials.

Special tip: Empty liquid detergent bottles are excellent for storing vehicle maintenance fluids because the lids seal tightly.

Lawn Maintenance: Using the following tips for proper lawn care and maintenance can prevent pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, lawn clippings and leaves from entering the storm drain and negatively affecting our nearby waterways: • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and never right before it rains. If you believe that your soil needs nutrients, have your soil tested first so that you know the proper amount to apply. Over application of fertilizers is a leading cause or pollution from homeowners.

• Composting and/or using organic fertilizers are highly recommended to reduce polluted runoff from our homes.

• Do not use a leaf blower or sweep your leaves and grass clippings into the storm drains around your home. This clogs storm drains which can cause flooding issues and adds excessive nutrients to our waterways.

Grass clippings hold the fertilizers or pesticides that are applied to your lawn, and if blown into the nearby storm drains will carry these pollutants into the downstream waterways.

Special tip: Instead of bagging your lawn clippings and leaves, use your lawn mower to mulch the lawn waste and allow it to spread over your lawn which will act as a natural fertilizer. This will also help you save money because you will not have to pay for fertilizers and will help get that nice green lawn!

Pool Maintenance: Using the following tips for proper pool maintenance can prevent chlorine from entering the storm drain: • Drain your pool waters to the sanitary system if possible and allow by local ordinance. The sanitary system provides treatment before discharge to local waterways.

• If draining your pool water to the stormwater system, only drain your pool when a test kit demonstrates that the chlorine levels have dissipated and are no longer detected.

The pH should be between 6.5 and 8.5 before discharging.

• Never clean or rinse a pool or spa filter over a paved area that leads to a storm drain.

Only rinse in a sink that is connected to the sanitary system or over a lawn that will absorb and infiltrate the runoff.

• Carefully store your pool chemicals in a covered area and in tightly sealed containment to prevent spills and/or exposure to precipitation.

• Prevent algae buildup and the need for additional chemicals with regular cleanings and maintaining consistent chlorine levels.

• Avoid the use of the more toxic copperbased algaecides by using an alternative such as sodium bromide.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 1

From Snipe to CHENG USS Blue Ridge Chief Engineering Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Patricia R. Cunanan, came to the United States determined to seek a better and brighter future.

Page B3

Sailors watch from the flight deck as the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal, April 2. (MC3 ANDREW T. WATERS)

Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group enters 5th Fleet From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN — The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), along with guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), completed a southbound

Suez Canal transit into the Red Sea, April 2.

The IKE CSG’s transit marks the first U.S. warships to pass through the Suez Canal since it reopened on March 29.

“We appreciate the Government of Egypt and Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in this critical waterway for all ships, and in allowing the IKE CSG to transit so quickly,” said Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command,

U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.

While in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, the IKE CSG will operate and train alongside regional and coalition partners, and provide naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Our strike group is excited to sail and fly in the conduct of our operations in the Red Sea,” said Rear Adm. Scott F. Robertson, Commander Carrier Strike Group TWO. “The importance of our regional part-

Navy kicks off SAAPM with a call to action – How you can help

By MC1 Mark D. Faram,

Chief Of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — This April marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Officially established in 2001, the month’s purpose is to raise awareness and facilitate the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.

In the Navy, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention isn’t just a month; it’s a movement.

This April marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).

Officially established in 2001, the month’s purpose is to raise awareness and facilitate the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has themed this year’s SAAPM as “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.”

As a Navy, the month-long focus on awareness will kick off a year-round effort of prevention with a theme of “Respect. Protect.

Empower.”

“Just one incident of sexual assault or harassment is one too many, so this really is an All-Hands effort,” said Rear Adm. Putnam H. Browne, director of the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor Office.

“Every level of leadership has a duty to promote a command climate of dignity and respect. and has a responsibility for cultivating an atmosphere of trust and professionalism. But it all starts with treating everyone with dignity and respect,” said Browne.

“Commands should never toler-

nerships throughout U.S. Fifth Fleet cannot be overstated and enhancing our relationship with Egypt is a continuation in fostering both trust and unity in our enduring maritime efforts.”

As an inherently flexible maneuver force, capable of supporting routine and contingency operations, the carrier’s presence demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional partners and maritime security.

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

ate sexual harassment, assault, or retaliatory behavior. Victims need to have confidence in the system and know they can report these behaviors because perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

As the Navy changes from a culture of compliance to one of excellence, the 10 signature behaviors of great leaders and shipmates will fuel this culture, Browne added.

“When adopted and used in our daily lives, these behaviors positively contribute to an improved well-being, greater connectedness and increased toughness, trust and

resilience,” he said.

“A community that adopts these signature behaviors is engaging in the prevention of sexual violence.”

This month and beyond, the Navy’s leadership is challenging all Sailors and Navy civilians to concentrate on three specific behaviors as a starting point in this call to action: • At all times, commit to treating others with respect.

• Protect one another from harm and retaliation through active intervention.

Turn to SAAPM, Page 7

Turn to Eisenhower, Page 7

All Navy commands to conduct climate surveys – Here’s why From Department Of The Navy Public Affairs

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Adm. Scott F. Robertson, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); Destroyer Squadron 22 ships include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on Eisenhower

WASHINGTON — Ever y command in the military, both active and reserve, will immediately conduct a Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS), to assess compliance with Sexual Assault and Harassment prevention policies and enforcement at the unit level.

Sexual assault and harassment in the military “remain persistent and corrosive problems across the Total Force,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin wrote in a Feb. 26 memo, putting the military on a new path to solve these issues.

Less than three months on the job, Austin has hit the ground running, specifically on this issue, where he set a deadline for every command in the military, both active and reserve, to conduct a Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). What Austin wants is a baseline gauge at the unit level.

Austin noted he has seen some progress in the military’s response, however, “the effort is far short of what is required to make lasting change,” he wrote. He called on the entire Department of Defense, uniformed and civilian, to take “direct accountability” and make “meaningful change” a priority.

“To make real progress, we must consider outside views and ideas, to the extent practicable, and be transparent about where we have fallen short,” he wrote.

The surveys are just the start.

The memo lays out three immediate actions to counter sexual assault and harassment. He’s also established a “90-day Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military” which will develop a plan for moving forward.

The actions he’s calling for will assess compliance with sexual assault and harassment policies and integrated violence prevention efforts; establish a violence prevention workforce; and conduct evaluations at high-risk installations.

The command survey results will help each service identify high risk installations.

The Navy’s deadlines for completing the surveys are April 30 for active-duty commands and May 30 for the reserve, according to NAVADMIN 068⁄21.

“Department-wide completion of the DEOCS will establish a baseline climate assessment, enabling transparency and accountability to allow the Department of the Navy to detect and correct emerging hot spots for harmful behaviors and climate issues and identify areas of promise and healthy command climates,” Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr. wrote in the message.

The assessment must be done using the new DEOCS version 5.0, released on Jan. 4. Commands that have completed a command Turn to Survey, Page 7

2

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

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Lisa’s dog Moby (COURTESY PHOTO)

Spring flora, fauna, and fur

By Lisa Smith Molinari

What does the month of April represent to you? If you’re stationed in the southern hemisphere, you’re waiting for your autumn leaves to fall. For those of us north of the equator, we’re watching new bees buzzing among the spring daffodils.

April is the also the month that I begin shaving my legs above the ankle. It’s the time of year that seasonal allergies render my eyes baggy and swollen, and the month that I gain five pounds from sneaking Easter candy and gorging on leftover scalloped potatoes.

But the April event that has the most significant impact on our household each year is when our dog Moby sheds his winter coat.

I didn’t believe our base neighbors who warned us.

“You’re getting a lab?” they said in disbelief.

“You know labs shed, right?”

But six years ago, when I first set eyes on our then eight-week old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy we named Moby, people could’ve warned me that he would grow up to have poisonous tentacles, razor sharp claws, and skunk-like scent sacs. I simply didn’t care.

Moby was the cutest bundle of velvety fuzz, loose flub, and puppy breath I’d ever seen. He looked just like one of those impossibly adorable L.L. Bean catalog puppies, and nothing, including zoological fact, scientific evidence, and common sense, was going to stop us from taking him home.

Throughout that first year of puppy-rearing, Moby shed hairs here and there, but we were too busy dealing with potty training, shoe chewing, and needle teeth wound care to notice. But when Moby turned one-year-old and was officially an adult, his follicles decided celebrate by taking a vacation. Accordingly, his stiff yellow hairs were granted their freedom to explore every nook and cranny of our household.

It all happened quite suddenly. One day, to praise Moby for returning the pair of underwear he’d stolen from our daughter’s room, I reached down to stroke his back. He gave me several licks to the face before I noticed. I had a catcher’s mitt of dog fur covering my hand.

Ever since then, April has become the month that dog fur permeates every aspect of our lives.

First thing in the morning, my scratchy throat is the sure sign that I’ve inhaled several

hairs in the middle of the night, triggering sudden coughing fits. Moby sleeps in a crate in the corner of our bedroom, but when I lift the quilt to make our bed, puffs of his fur take flight and become airborne, creating a cyclone of dog hairs that glows visibly in the morning light, before gently drifting back down to settle back on our bedspread, ready to be inhaled another night.

When I dress for the day, I’m hard-pressed to find an article of clothing that is free of Moby’s fur, even if it’s been freshly laundered. I often find a hair floating in my morning coffee and have to fish it out with a finger. If I miss, it ends up on my tongue. Strangely, I can feel it, but somehow can’t seem to find it. Eventually, I swallow and hope that dog fur doesn’t have too many carbs.

The rest of the day, I find mats of fur in the lint trap, tumbleweeds of fur drifting down the hallway, tufts of fur on the upholstery, balls of fur on the bathroom rug, blankets of fur in the vacuum filter, tangles of fur on the fan blades, and a generous sprinkling of fur on carpets, furniture and fixtures.

Also, thanks to my unfortunate mistake of allowing Moby to ride along in my car, anyone who enters my vehicle gets out looking like Chewbacca.

I didn’t think it was canine-ly possible for a dog to shed so much fur, much less for it to end up on top of our refrigerator, baked into the meatloaf, or woven into my toothbrush bristles. In a strange and incredibly annoying sort of way, dog shedding is quite miraculous.

In fact, it will be a miracle if I survive April without hacking up a hairball myself.

The Military Parenting Community: Enhancing Resilience One Family at a Time From MilitaryOnesource Parenting is an ever demanding job that requires you to be ready at all times. For parents in the military, raising kids comes with an added degree of difficulty due to the many demands of military life. You’ve got this, but if there are days you wonder if you are up to the challenge, it’s OK — all parents do.

Luckily, you and the MilParent community are in this together.

Connect with Other Parents and Support Getting a coffee or meal with a friend or having that venting session with your mom or dad does more than make you feel better, it can make you an even better parent. Research shows that supportive social connections can help keep your family strong. Several military community resources stand ready to provide support or connect you with other parents.

Your Military and Family Support Center can direct you to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program for health, fitness and family fun in your community.

Contact your installation’s Family Advocacy Program, New Parent Support Program or Child and Youth Program to take advantage of affordable education programs, flexi-

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Harris, assigned to the USS Freedom (LCS 1), embraces his daughter during a homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013.

(MC2 Daniel M. YOUNG, )

ble child care, age-appropriate activities and more.

Military and Family Life Counselors are available to help talk through parenting challenges and military-life stresses.

The Military OneSource call center can directly connect you to these and other resources. Call 800-342-9647. Click here for international calling options.

Offer Help if You Can You know what it is like to need a hand, and you may even know that it can be hard to ask for one. So, take a minute and offer help to others around you. Be proactive and ask, because ultimately working together creates a sense of community, and supportive communities help build strong families.

Opportunities to connect with others — from eating together to lending a hand — builds resilient families and a healthy community.

Here are a few ideas for offering help to

fellow parents in your community: Babysit. You don’t need to offer your whole day or watch five kids at once to be helpful.

Sometimes even a short break can make a major difference for a busy parent.

Cook. Whether it’s an invite for dinner or dropping off a frozen casserole, helping with mealtime is a gesture that enhances community at any time — not just after a baby is born.

Listen. Sometimes a listening ear is all that is needed to regain perspective. Other times, it can provide relief and serve as a first step toward identifying that he or she may need benefit from additional help.

Compliment. Don’t underestimate the value of a kind word or encouraging thought. Most people, parents included, are empowered by positive feedback. Be sure to tell the parents around you when you think they’re doing great.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 3

From Snipe to CHENG: The story of Blue Ridge’s first female CHENG

By MC3 Brandon Harris

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

EAST CHINA SEA — Born in Bangkok, Thailand and raised in Manila, Philippines, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Chief Engineering Officer (CHENG), Lt. Cmdr. Patricia R. Cunanan, came to the United States at 20 years old on a one-way flight with just $75 in her pocket, determined to seek a better and brighter future.

Before Cunanan ever joined the U.S. Navy, she studied civil engineering for three years in Manila and worked three jobs simultaneously for a year in Santa Maria, Calif. On Dec. 18, 1994 she enlisted as a Boiler Technician (BT), beginning a decades-long adventure, as a female pioneer in steam ship engineering plants and setting the ground work for Navy women in her field.

Cunanan’s career started where all newly enlisted Sailors do, Basic Military Training or “boot camp”, followed by BT “A” school. Due to the repeal of 10 USC § 6015 on Nov. 1993, which barred women from serving aboard combatant ships, Cunanan was among the first ever female firemen to go to sea, reporting immediately after graduating from “A” school to USS Cimarron (AO 177), a steam ship homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in the summer of 1995.

Beginning her Navy career as a snipe, a term used to describe sailors that work below the waterline, she was assigned to the fireroom as the only female BT on Cimarron. She quickly developed her interest in the uniqueness of boilers, gears and gauges. Cunanan thrived despite being one of very few females onboard, and she never perceived barriers or boundaries due to her gender, nor did she perceive that one day she would make history.

“I remember when I got to my first ship,” said Cunanan. “I was determined to prove that I was capable of doing the same job as the male BTs.” While Cunanan’s peers were enjoying their time off, she would spend her time working on qualifications and reading various ship technical manuals. She dedicated her time to better her craft, applying what she learned by volunteering to fix any out-of-commission equipment.

“I never shied away from hard work,” said Cunanan. “I qualified as fireroom supervisor and Boiler Technician of the Watch (BTOW) as a third class petty officer. A watch normally stood by a BT1, earning the respect of my

peers and supervisors through initiative.”

Cunanan’s journey led her to the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), homeported in San Diego, where she met Capt. Michelle Howard, who would become the highest ranking African-American and woman in Navy history, a woman who greatly inspired her to be who she is today. To Cunanan she was a female leader who truly cared about all her Sailors on the deck plates.

Through her unwavering dedication to her craft and devotion to her shipmates, Cunanan was advanced in rank and accepted into the Chief ’s Mess in 2007. Her original dream was to become the first female Master Chief Boiler Technician, but was encouraged by her former mentor, the CHENG of Bonhomme Richard, to submit an officer package.

As fate would have it, Cunanan was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program while pregnant with her only daughter. Three years after becoming a Chief Petty Officer (CPO), on April 1, 2010, the CPO’s birthday, she became a mustang as a prior Enlisted Commissioned Officer. And her daughter, once born, joined her husband as her main source of motivation.

“All I ever wanted was to make them proud and give them a better life,” she said, adding that she hopes her daughter remembers her in the future as a woman who takes care of people and is well respected, just as her engineering department looks up to her and fondly calls her “Mama Cheng.”

Asked what advice she would give her younger self: “Read more books, workout and wear hearing protection,” she laughed.

Now sailing aboard the U.S. Navy’s oldest operational warship and one of its last remaining steamships, Cunanan felt honored to lead the engineering plant as the first female chief engineering officer in the long history of the ship. She hasn’t only followed a less common path, but she has achieved a unique milestone that very few women would dare attempt.

“It was a great honor to lead the charge and promote equality.” said Cunanan. “I have been in the Navy long enough to have witnessed the rise of female numbers in our fleet… Just as in the corporate world, we lack women in the engineering and scientific communities and we require more diversity as a whole.”

Conveying her admiration and support for women who continue to break boundaries and lay the groundwork for female junior

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Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Cunanan, from Manila, Philippines, a chief engineering (CHENG) officer poses for a photograph in the fire room aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). (MC3 BRANDON HARRIS)

Sailors to emulate, she said “I remember being in the same place in this stressful environment. By being positive you can make it through any storm or bad weather in life.

Instead of thinking ‘This sucks or I hate the U.S. Navy’ you should think ‘What can I do to make it better. What can I do to make life better for my shipmates as well?’ ” In recognition of Women’s History Month and the triumph of female accomplishment in the fleet, Cunanan advised female junior Sailors to “never quit. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do the same job as a man…

In some applications where you need to lift something or turn a wrench. Be smarter than the weight. Qualify as a rigger and hit the gym. Use your creativity as a woman to show that you can also do challenging things and

it will build ‘esprit de corps’ and men will notice too. Work as hard as you can every day and study. Just as you wouldn’t drink soda and candy at every meal, don’t fill your mind with the non-sense of social media all day, read books instead. Surround yourself with good people and be driven to be the best and help all of your shipmates.”

As Cunanan’s time onboard Blue Ridge comes to an end, she had these words to say looking back on her years in the Navy, “never take any opportunity for granted, if given the chance to make a shipmates life better, do it.”

Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and as 7th Fleet command ship, is responsible for patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

Customers at NEX Yokosuka, Japan, celebrate the Navy Exchange Service Command’s 75th birthday on April 1. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Navy Exchange Service Command celebrates 75 years of service

By Kristine Sturkie

Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH — The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) celebrated its 75th birthday on April 1. NEXCOM can trace its roots back to the 1800s when Sailors had to depend on “bumboats” that moored alongside their ships to buy personal items.

The Navy officially established the Navy Ship’s Store Office in Brooklyn, New York, on April 1, 1946. The command was renamed

NEXCOM in 1991.

“NEXCOM’s legacy over the past 75 years has been our dedication to our deserving military members and their families around the world,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “Throughout these past 75 years, we’ve learned to adapt and evolve as the needs and roles of the U. S. Navy and our patrons have changed. That was never more apparent than over the past year with all the changes and new programs we put in place to support our

Navy and our patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic. NEXCOM is and always will be here to offer assistance wherever and whenever it’s needed.”

In honor of its 75th birthday, NEXCOM will be hosting a virtual 5K race, its first of 2021. The #RunforFamily Virtual 5K, in partnership with MWR Navy Fitness, takes place April 8 - 11. Registration is now open at NEXtLevel5k.com and is free for all authorized patrons. The first 1,500 participants will receive a commemorative race medal

by mail.

In celebration of its birthday, NEX customers will find special sales throughout the store and on myNavyExchange.com. At the end of April, patrons can enjoy a 3-day music series featuring artists such as Aly & AJ, Jake Miller, Allie Sherlock, Walker Hayes, Conner Youngblood, Lily Rose, Craig Wayne Boyd Track45, Tigirlily, Allie Colleen and more.

“The mission of NEXCOM is vital to our Navy community,” said Bianchi. “We are committed to progress and ingenuity to remain an essential resource for our nation’s most deserving patriots for another 75 years!”

NEXCOM encompasses six business lines including NEX stores, the Navy Lodge Program, Ships Store Program, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office and the Telecommunications Program Office.

Its mission is to provide quality goods and services at a savings to its authorized customers and to support Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists, Veterans and families.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) returns to Naval Base San Diego. (MC2 JESSICA PAULAUSKAS)

USS John Finn returns from maiden deployment From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs SAN DIEGO — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) returned to San Diego April 2, after the ship’s maiden deployment.

John Finn departed with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) for a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific December 23.

“John Finn provided presence and maintained the freedom of the seas while deployed,” said Cmdr. Bralyn E. Cathey, commanding officer of John Finn. “My crew and ship were proud to show the flag abroad while executing myriad missions and exercises during our maiden deployment.”

The destroyer’s primary mission was conducting maritime security operations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. While

operating in U.S. 7th Fleet, John Finn participated in freedom of navigation operations, conducted bilateral operations and coordinated maneuvering exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, executed multiple transits and operations within the Philippine archipelago, and sailed through the international waters of the Taiwan Strait.

“John Finn’s performance during her maiden deployment has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. “The captain and his crew should be incredibly proud of the job their team did, seamlessly integrating into the strike group and exceeding every

expectation. I’m so proud to have them as a member of Team Fury.”

John Finn participated in dual carrier operations in February with TRCSG and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group that showcased the tactical capabilities of two carrier strike groups operating jointly.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s timeless roles of sea control and power projection. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered Fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready assets to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 5

Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) pulls into San Diego. (MC3 CHEYENNE GELETKA)

Rewording of Navy Uniform Regs — Here’s why

By MC1 Mark D. Faram,

Chief Of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — The Navy has released the first of a series of uniform policy changes expected to enhance clarity, interpretation and application of service uniform policies on the deckplates.

The changes are the result of feedback, comments, and recommendations received from officers, CPOs and junior enlisted Sailors during a series of working and focus groups conducted during fiscal years 2020 and early 2021.

Upon the Navy receiving direction from the then Secretary of Defense to review grooming standards for racial bias, the Navy Uniform Matters Office reviewed Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I).

In addition to their review, focus and

working group discussions were held with east and west coast assigned Sailors.

Although the NAVPERS 15665I review and focus group discussions determined no racial bias exists in policy, there is a perception of bias existing in the fleet because some wording used in the document fostered inconsistent interpretation of the rules.

NAVADMIN 072⁄21, released on April 1, is expected to eliminate that perception’s root cause by deleting eight subjective terms and phrases used in many of the regulation’s seven articles. Three new phrases will be added while another will be revised.

Some examples of deleted terms include ‘faddish’, ‘good taste’, and ‘outrageous’, while terms such as ‘complementary appearance’ and ‘uniform distraction’ were added and clearly defined.

Sailors can find the full list of what is

changing in the message.

“The review of NAVPERS 15665I and discussions with Sailors concluded the Navy’s grooming policies are not racially biased, but various terms, phrases and definitions were found to be subjective and lead to misinterpretation,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr. wrote in the message.

The Navy Uniform Matters Office’s (UMO) deep dive into grooming standards started with the review of the regulations for bias.

After finding no bias in the document, UMO turned to focus and working groups and Sailor interviews to get a different perspective. It is here they found a perceived racial bias through how the Navy’s grooming policies were interpreted and enforced in the fleet.

Sailors involved in these reviews were both male and females in paygrades E-3

through O-6 and came from ashore and afloat commands and the various communities and ethnicities reflecting the Navy’s demographic makeup.

This input led to the current rewrite of the regulation’s seven chapters to reflect the updated verbiage.

Updates to uniform regulations don’t only happen when changes in Navy uniforms or the policies related to wearing them are updated. Instead, the document is “constantly reviewed for applicability, accuracy, clarity and comprehension,” the message said.

Navy uniform policy and changes usually come from fleet feedback, command-sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership.

As this is just the first in a series, Nowell wrote that Sailors should standby as more “uniform policy changes are forthcoming and will focus on simplifying grooming and appearance policies to alleviate misinterpretation and facilitate equal and ready compliance and enforcement.”

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/usnpeople, Twitter at https://twitter.com/usnpeople or visit https://www.navy.mil/cnp.

USS Essex first ship to participate in the Crew Readiness, Endurance, Watchstanding Study

By MC3 Isaak Martinez

USS Essex (LHD 2) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO — The Naval Health Research Center’s (NHRC) Warfighter Performance Department is working with Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) to implement a wearable device that monitors sleep, fatigue, and health among Sailors over the course of several underway periods as part of the Crew Readiness, Endurance, and Watchstanding (CREW) study.

The overall goal of CREW, a new program developed by NHRC in conjunction with Commander, Naval Surface Forces, is to identify individuals in the pre-symptomatic window of a transmittable disease and to be used as a tool for leadership to monitor essential watchstanders and personnel who are at a high risk of fatigue. This program was created in response to recent incidents involving fatigued watchstanders throughout the fleet. Watchstanding “We want CREW to be a decision support tool so that you can understand how fatigued people are and how much sleep they are or are not getting,” explained Dr. Rachel Markwald, a sleep physiologist from NHRC. “We can then determine how those fatigue levels correspond with the health

Lt. Xavier Pierce from Reaford, N.C., puts on a health-monitoring ring as part of the Crew Readiness, Endurance, and Watch Standing (CREW) study aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (MC3 ISAAK MARTINEZ)

of the individual so that we can provide a way or course of action to offset some of the risks that come with fatigue and poor health.”

The long-term goal of CREW is to serve as a tool for command leadership to use in making educated decisions about a Sailor’s sleep pattern and or their level of fatigue.

“Sleep is essential,” said Hospitalman Niderra Jennings, a Sailor aboard Essex.

“Without enough rest, it [is] harder to do our jobs; with minimal sleep, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. A full night’s sleep keeps us fully alert and focused on the mission.”

Essex is the first ship to participate in this study, which utilizes innovative technology such as a ring and bracelet to automatically detect the wearer’s sleep pattern.

The devices detect dangerous fatigue levels while identifying other crew endurance threats, such as illness and infections like COVID-19. Markwald has reported positive feedback from the Essex Sailors involved in her study.

“In [the] engineering department, we work long hours on top of the watches we stand underway and operate heavy machinery,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Alexandra Kleist, who is assigned to Essex. “We are always working on big jobs to ensure the ship functions at the highest possible level. I think that if the Navy sees how much sleep we are getting and how much that can impact the ship and the safety of its Sailors, hopefully they can implement changes for the future.”

When asked if Sailors seeing the data of

their sleep might change or benefit them in any way, Dr. Markwald said, “We are in the early stages of this program. We have started implementing technology like this, collecting info, and learning how best to present that data back to the Sailor or Marine, which is so important to it all.”

Dr. Markwald goes on to say, “Sometimes it can just take one good night of sleep to get back to feeling yourself again.”

Essex, home ported in San Diego, is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2 and https:// www.facebook.com/USSESSEX/.

For more information, visit www.navy. mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www. twitter.com/usnavy.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

Force Master Chief James Osborne, U.S. Naval Surface Force Pacific, hugs his family after passing through side boys for the final time of his naval career. (MC1 SARAH VILLEGAS)

U.S. Navy’s longest-serving, active duty chief petty officer retires after 34 years of service From MCPON Public Affairs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy’s longest-serving, active duty chief petty officer in today’s fleet retired after 34 years of service on April 1, 2021 — on the birthday of the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer.

Force Master Chief James Osborne donned anchors 26 years ago while serving at Afloat Training Group San Diego. Since then his career has taken him to 15 commands across the fleet, many of which have centered around damage control training and the critical role

it plays in the success of our force. His service culminated as the Force Master Chief for Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Force Pacific.

During his retirement Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith, U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Honea, and senior enlisted leaders outlined the constellation of impacts he has made on our fleet.

“Force Master Chief Osborne represents the best of our Navy’s senior leaders. He should take great pride in the fact that our Navy stands ready to answer the call, thanks to his leadership and service. His tireless,

relentless efforts to drive combat readiness into our surface forces will advantage our Navy in any conflict we face in the years to come,” Smith said.

Osborne joined the Navy as a Damage Controlman and spent many years training Sailors across the fleet in his craft. During his tenure at U.S. Naval Surface Force Pacific, Osborne has made it a point to emphasize the importance of damage control readiness and team dynamics each time he set foot on the deckplates. According to Honea, he has provided mentorship of this caliber

for many years. The two formerly served together aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as Second Class Petty Officers and have remained mentors and friends with one another ever since.

“Today marks the 128th birthday of the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and it’s bittersweet. I’m saying farewell to a shipmate, mentor, and outstanding Chief Petty Officer” Honea said. “We are in uncertain times.

Chiefs are constantly asked to provide a vision of a future while delivering an even better outcome. There is no better example of a leader that has taken this charge and delivered, than James. He was asked to share this vision for our surface forces and has delivered by refining our warrior ethos of our surface Sailors. He understands the price of leadership and has willingly paid into it every day for over three decades. Now it’s time to give him back to his wonderful family.”

The Charlotte, N.C. native, remarked during his ceremony that he plans to stay connected to his Navy family regardless of where his next chapter with his family takes him.

The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) departs Naval Station Mayport. (MC2 ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

USS Sioux City deploys to support regional cooperation, security

By MC2 Marianne Guemo

USS Sioux City (LCS 11) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), along with the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, detachment 3, is underway to support operations in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Sioux City will support counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Sioux City’s operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with

partner nations, supporting U.S. 4th Fleet interoperability and reinforcing the U.S. position as the regional partner of choice.

The deployment of an LCS to the region aims to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to regional cooperation and security. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.

Sioux City will initially be manned by its Blue Crew of more than 100 Sailors, including surface warfare mission-package personnel; a U.S. Coast Guard law

enforcement detachment; and an aviation detachment, who will operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter and MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff/Unmanned Vehicles.

“The Sioux City Blue Crew is comprised of ordinary Sailors that do extraordinary things, day in and day out,” said Cmdr. Scott Whitworth, executive officer of Sioux City.

These are the mostly highly motivated, highly trained and cross qualified Sailors in the fleet.”

An LCS is a fast, agile and networked surface combatant, optimized for littoral zones. The primary missions for the LCS

include countering threats from diesel submarines, littoral mines and attacks by small surface craft, to assure maritime access for joint forces.

“This is my first deployment and my first ship,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kattie Smith, from Palo, Iowa. “I’m looking forward to getting all of my qualifications and maybe even get an ESWS (Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) pin.”

USS Sioux City is attached to U.S. 2nd Fleet and is one of four deployable littoral combat ships under Surface Division Two One. LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused surface warfare, mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 7

Corpsmen and a pharmacist with the Naval Hospital San Juan baseball team, 1906-07. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Revisiting Navy Medicine’s Field of Dreams: A look back at Navy Medicine’s curious baseball heritage

By André Sobocinski

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

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — April 1st is the first day of the Major League Baseball season. For baseball fans across the globe “Opening Day” is a special occasion marking the return of America’s pastime—and with it, a hint of a post-pandemic world and return to normalcy.

From its lexicon and idiomatic phrases to its larger-than-life legends to the genre of films it inspired, baseball has impacted American culture like no other sport. And whether or not good old Major General Abner Doubleday ever conceived of the game from a cow pasture in Cooperstown, N.Y., doesn’t really matter.

Baseball and the Armed Forces have their own interwoven history that no one can deny. Even our own Navy Medicine has its unique baseball heritage.

In the Naval History and Heritage Command’s photographic archives there is an image of the U.S. Naval Academy’s officer baseball team dated 1895. Sitting in the second row holding a baseball bat is none other than future Navy surgeon general and inventor of the wire-basket stretcher, Dr. Charles F. Stokes. Efforts to determine the doctor’s slugging percentage that year have been unsuccessful, but we like to think the idea for the “Stokes Stretcher” was born mid-way through the seventh inning in one of his baseball games (seventh inning stretch.)

At Washington Senators games in the beginning of the twentieth century it was not uncommon to see Navy medical officers (and White House physicians) like Cary Grayson and Joel Boone sitting in the stands next to the president and first lady or witnessing the president’s ceremonial first pitch on opening day (a time honored tradition going back to President William Howard Taft in 1910).

During the 1917 season, there is a good chance that Dr. Cary Grayson (President Wood-

row Wilson’s personal physician and confidant) witnessed the play of then Washington Senators shortstop John “Doc” Lavan, an actual doctor and Major League Baseball’s only commissioned Navy physician.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 28, 1890, John Leonard Lavan went to Hope College, in Holland, Mich. and medical school at the University of Michigan where he played baseball for future general manager for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. Between 1913 and 1924, Doc Lavan played for the St. Louis Browns (later known as the Baltimore Orioles), St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Senators, and the 1913 World Series champions, the Philadelphia Athletics. Lavan used his winning World Series share of $3,294 to pay off his medical school debts and earn his doctorate (in 1914).

Following the 1917 season, Lavan applied for a commission in Navy Medical Corps. As he stated in an interview with The Washington Post, “While I like the game, I felt it was my duty to enlist with the country at war. If I survive, surgery and medicine will be my profession and not baseball.”

On active duty, Lavan served as a physician at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes where he conducted exams on new recruits. He also served as a manager for the Navy’s baseball club in 1918 before returning back to the major leagues for the 1919 season. After 11 years playing ball, Lavan went on to manage the minor league clubs Kansas City Blues and, perhaps fittingly, the Lincoln Salt Dogs.

Throughout his time in baseball Doc Lavan practiced his medical craft during the offseason at dispensaries in Lincoln, Neb., Kansas City, and St. Louis, Missouri. He later worked in public health departments in Toledo, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Mich. In the 1940s, Lavan served as the Director of Research for the National Foundation for Infant Paralysis (later known as the “March of Dimes.”) Lavan remain a physician in the Navy Reserves throughout

this time and was recalled to active service in 1942 where he served at Naval Hospital Brooklyn, N.Y. Lavan died in Detroit, Mich. on May 29, 1952. He is one of several baseball players interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Others include none other than Abner Doubleday.

As a veteran of two wars, Lavan was not the exception among baseball players. In the “Great War” and World War II baseball players entered the military services in droves. It is interesting to note that in the First World War 11 Major and Negro League players were killed in action or die of disease while in service. During the Second World War, over 500 major league baseball players served in the military.

In his book Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II, Steven Bullock reminds us that baseball did not die in World War II. In many respects it flourished, and like everything else in America it was molded by the irrepressible wartime culture.

As the pool of younger major league talent was gradually siphoned into wartime service the quality of many military baseball teams and leagues vastly improved.

For a time the baseball team at Naval Training Station Great Lakes included baseball players-turned sailors, Johnny Mize, Bob Feller, and was managed by hall of fame catcher Mickey Cochrane.

Yankee shortstop and future announcer Phil Rizzuto played for the U.S. Navy Mobile Hospital No. 8 Brisbane, Australia, baseball team.

And the star of the U.S. Naval Hospital Aiea Heights, T.H., “Hilltoppers” baseball club was Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop and future hall of famer Pee Wee Reese. Reese even represented the naval hospital in the “Serviceman’s All Star Game” in 1943. His team also competed in the Central Pacific Area Service Championship against Joe DiMaggio’s Army Air Forces team.

Undoubtedly, “Joltin’ Joe” DiMaggio’s greatest rival in the major leagues was the “Splendid Splinter,” Ted Williams. Williams had the unique distinction of serving five years in uniform

Eisenhower from Page 1

hower 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)

SAAPM from Page 1

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the“Eightballers”of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 flies above the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), front, the Royal Australian Navy fleet replenishment ship HMAS Sirius (O 266), and the Ticonderogaclass guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). (MC2 CASEY S. SCOULAR)

Survey

from Page 1

climate survey since Jan. 4 with version 5.0 do not have to conduct another to meet this requirement.

The Navy requires command climate assessment within 90 days of a commander’s assumption of command. Follow-ups

are due every 9 to 12 months during that commander’s tenure.

DEOCS instructions are available at https//www.defenseculture.mil/Assessment-to-Solutions/A2S-Home/.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/usnpeople, Twitter at https://twitter.com/usnpeople or visit https://www.navy.mil/cnp.

• Empower those around you to speak up or intervene.

To rid the ranks of destructive behaviors, officials say all members of the Navy team must report sexual harassment and assault and work to connect victims with needed care and support.

“Sexual assault and harassment should never be tolerated, condoned or ignored,” said Browne.

“We need to promote a culture of respect and protect our shipmates, empowering them to seek assistance and support if they are sexually harassed or sexually assaulted.”

Officials say all Sailors should challenge inappropriate comments and behaviors directed towards their shipmates and speak up as a show of support to discourage physical and mental abuse.

The Navy has an established support structure for victims of sexual assault so they can report incidents and get the help they need.

This includes networks of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs), Sexual

(1942-46; 1952-53) with the Navy and Marine Corps. During the Korean War, Williams flew 39 combat missions as a Marine aviator, many alongside future astronaut John Glenn. In March 1953, Williams was treated for pneumonia 22 days aboard the Navy hospital ship USS Haven (AH-12). In an oral history, Navy Nurse Lt. Nancy Crosby remembered Williams as a patient on her ward. “When he was getting better I asked him if he would mind if I took a couple of pictures.” recalled Crosby. “He was the most gracious fellow.”

Stories abound of Navy Medicine’s connection to Major League Baseball. . .

Allen “Dusty” Cooke was a defensive all-star who played eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds.

After his professional career ended, Cooke became a Navy hospital corpsman who saw action in World War II. Post-World War II, Cooke returned to baseball where he served as a coach for the 1950 World Series-bound Philadelphia Phillies (AKA, the “Whiz Kids.”)

Louis “Big Bertha” Santop was one of the first stars of the Negro Leagues prior to his service in the Navy in World War I. At the end of his life, he was a patient the Naval Hospital Philadelphia.

Longtime Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Al Campanis served as the coach of the Naval Hospital St. Albans baseball team in 1945.

Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics catcher, and future manager, Howard “Doc” Edwards earned his nickname from his days as an FMF hospital corpsman in the 1950s.

Hall of Fame pitcher Eppa Rixey was the nephew of the Navy Surgeon General and White House physician Rear Adm. Presley Marion Rixey.

Former Washington Nationals outfielder-turned dental student, Justin Maxwell is the son of two Navy dentists.

Future flag officer and Vietnam War Pacific Fleet Surgeon, Rear Adm. Walter Welham was recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies prior to entering Temple University Medical School.

And Capt. Paul Barry, the future commanding officer of the MTF, USNS Mercy in the Persian Gulf War, was once offered a minor league contract with the then California Angels before obtaining his commission in the Navy.

We like to think this only scratches the surface, and for this baseball fan, we hope other curious Navy medical connections will eventually be discovered.

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, the “Rawhides”.

The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three chokepoints, critical to the free flow of global commerce.

Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates (SAPR VAs) and Unit SAPR VAs. These specially trained individuals help victims obtain services and offer trauma-informed care, referrals and ongoing non-clinical support.

Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) and Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) provide victims with legal representation, support in exercising their legal rights, and other assistance while navigating the military justice system.

The DoD Safe Helpline is also available 24/7 to assist victims with the reporting process and next steps after a sexual assault.

Sailors impacted by sexual harassment or assault can call (877)995-5247 or (202)5405962 to reach a trained, confidential, Safe Helpline staff member. DSN users can call (877)995-5247. OCONUS Service members can contact the Telephone Helpline for free from anywhere globally by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from the Safe Helpline App. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/usnpeople, Twitter at https:// twitter.com/usnpeople or visit https://www. navy.mil/cnp.

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On iberty

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Top chef Wolfgang Puck is known all world over, but calls California home. For his award-winning restaurants, he draws inspiration from the bountiful fresh ingredients the Golden State has to offer. PAGE C4

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Nauticus’ Waterfront Restaurant Returns, Best views and outdoor space in Downtown Norfolk From Nauticus

Norfolk, Va.— Outdoor waterfront dining returns to Downtown Norfolk this week as the Big Wisky Porch opens at Nauticus. The restaurant launched as a trial concept last summer and quickly became a favorite among downtown residents, office workers, and Nauticus visitors. Based on the enthusiastic demand, the Big Wisky Porch will return as a permanent/seasonal feature; the restaurant is managed by the owner of 757 Crave in partnership with Nauticus.

“The response we got last year was just amazing,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “It’s got great shade, great river views, and the greatest lobster roll in town.”

The Big Wisky Porch is located on the front deck of Nauticus and opens on April 1st. Spring hours are Wednesday — Sunday (11AM — 5PM). Along with a full lunch menu, beer and wine are available as well as mid-day happy hour specials.

For more information, visit www.Nauticus.org

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Explore Norfolk’s Backyard Like Never Before From The Virginia Zoo

NORFOLK, VA — Your Zoo, parks and trails are calling you to see, play or ride this spring - right in your own backyard. Connecting with nature is proven to boost the cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development of children, as well as instill empathy for the great outdoors at any age.

The Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk Recreation, Parks and Open Spaces and the Virginia Zoo have teamed up to show their backyards offer something for everyone.

Explore miles of city landscapes on the Elizabeth River Trail or drop your kayak in at Plum Point Park. Challenge your friends to a game of frisbee golf at Lafayette Park or get sandy at Ocean View Beach. Bring your family to meet a family of giraffes or come face-toface with a Malayan tiger at the Virginia Zoo. Or, take flight on a bike with a free, costumed ride looping from Norfolk’s Lafay-

(COURTESY GRAPHIC)

ette Park along the Elizabeth River Trail and back to the Virginia Zoo. On April 17, the community is invited to this eight-mile, casual-paced ride that celebrates the partnership.

Registered participants will also receive a $5 discount code to purchase timed tickets to the zoo anytime between April 17 and June

30, 2021. In accordance with current COVID safety guidelines, attendance is limited and advanced registration, beginning March 31, is required. Register at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/148236269673 This partnership, made possible by a grant from the Virginia Tourism Corpora-

tion’s (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program (RMLP), encourages the community to explore what’s possible in their own backyards.

Follow your Zoo, parks and trails online for more ways to get out and see, play or ride this spring - and all year long.

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

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, April 8, 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/

TCC welding student Aurora Finchum. (COURTESY PHOTO)

TCC to provide tuition-free education through Gov. Northam’s “G3” program From Tidewater Community College HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Tidewater Community College will offer tuitionfree education to low- and middle-income students through Gov. Ralph Northam’s “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” initiative, or “G3” program, which was signed into legislation on March 29, 2021.

The “G3” program includes $36 million to cover tuition, fees and books and provides wraparound support for eligible students at the Commonwealth’s two-year public institutions.

“This is a phenomenal day for TCC and the students we serve,” said Dr. Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president of academics and chief academic officer. “This program will help many students retrain for new careers in high-demand industries and expand the pipeline of talent for Virginia’s businesses.”

The “G3” program connects students with training and resources so they can secure jobs in high-demand fields and support their families without incurring high levels of student loan debt.

“G3” program areas include health care,

information technology and computer science, manufacturing and skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education. On average, students in these high-demand degree programs increase their wages by 60 percent upon program completion.

TCC alumna Marcus Moody teaches welding on the Portsmouth Campus, which is home to the area’s largest welding lab. He came to TCC in 2012 to retrain for a new career after being laid off from a job in the banking industry. “A program like this would have been helpful to me. I would not have been able to improve myself and learn

a new skill without the financial aid and the lower tuition rates at TCC,” Moody said.

“I encourage anyone to take advantage of the opportunities at TCC, including the skilled trades. I talk with my students about the options for welders, from working at the shipyard to owning your own business.

Once you learn the skill, it’s yours for life.”

The “G3” program is one of the first in the nation to provide wraparound financial assistance to help students at the lowest income levels with expenses such as food, transportation and childcare. Students who qualify for a full federal Pell grant and enroll full-time will receive student support incentive grants on a semester basis. These grants will be in an amount up to $900 per semester and up to $450 per summer term.

Students interested in “G3” programs at TCC should call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111 or email info@tcc.edu.

six feet apart; and the tour guide will have a speaker and mic so that attendees can remain physically distant and still hear the program.

“I am very excited to be expanding the partnership with Downtown Norfolk Council,” said Joshua Weinstein, owner of Norfolk Tour Company. “The increase in vibrant activities in the city is very encouraging. We believe our tour programming will further enrich Downtown Norfolk life by highlighting its attractions and architecture, as well as the beauty and intrigue of its stories. We offer these tours to the public for free, thanks to DNC.” These popular tours started in 2018, and participants include locals and tourists.

Norfolk Tour Company was founded in 2018

by Joshua Weinstein, who has spent years crafting tour programming of Norfolk’s historic cemeteries, the Chrysler Museum and the NEON District. In addition to local walking tour programs focusing on history, public art,

architecture and food, Norfolk Tour Company also provides tours, step-on guides, escorts and tour assistants to out-of-town groups visiting Norfolk. For more information, please visit toursofnorfolk.com.

Norfolk’s first official arts district, NEON (New Energy of Norfolk), is home to longtime cultural institutions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House as well as studio-based ventures like d’Art Center and the Rutter Family Art Foundation, all providing artists a place to make, create and show. Within a few short blocks you can see a muralist at work, take in an improv comedy performance at Push Comedy Theater, watch a live glass-working demonstration, shop for unique home goods, get a tattoo or dine out at an eclectic restaurant. Learn more at NEONNFK.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Downtown Norfolk Council Launches New Walking Tours for 2021 From The Downtown Norfolk Council

NORFOLK, Va. — Downtown Norfolk Council has partnered with Norfolk Tour Company to offer FREE monthly walking tours of the NEON District and Downtown Norfolk. The tours begin in April and run through December 2021.

The 21 walking tours include the NEON District, a tour highlighting the importance of the Granby Street corridor, a history of Downtown theater tour, an urban design-themed tour focusing on Downtown’s redevelopment, the Elizabeth River Trail, as well as tours of historic homes and churches in Downtown.

“Downtown Norfolk has so many unique attributes and stories to tell that we are excited to be able to share this with the community,” said Downtown Norfolk Council President and CEO Mary Miller. “We continually look for new opportunities to safely gather in person and bring people here to appreciate everything we have Downtown.”

The NEON District tours explore more than 93 pieces of public art and a multitude of local businesses that make up the neighborhood fabric. The tours begin at The Plot at the corner of Granby Street and Olney Road.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a friend (furry ones welcome too!). NEON District public parking is available on the street, at the Plot’s parking lot, Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera House lot. The NEON District Tour Facebook event pages offer more information and tour details.

NEON District Walking Tours Friday, April 23 @ 6 pm Friday, May 28 @ 6:30 pm Friday, June 25 @ 7 pm Friday, July 23 @ 6:30 pm Friday, Aug. 27 @ 6:30 pm Friday, Sept. 17 @ 6 pm

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Thursday, Oct. 21: Two tours during the NEON Festival (time TBD) Friday, Oct. 22: Two tours during the NEON Festival (time TBD) Saturday, Nov. 13 @ 2:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 11 @ 2:30 pm Downtown Norfolk Walking Tours Friday, April 2 @ 6 pm Houses of Worship Friday, May 14 @ 6:30 Historic Houses Saturday, June 12 @ 7 pm Granby Street Friday, Sept. 24 @ 6 pm Historic Theaters: A Downtown Norfolk Walking Tour Friday, Oct. 1 @ 5:30 pm Elizabeth River Waterfront Saturday, Nov. 6 @ 2:30 pm Urban Design Saturday, Nov. 20 @ 6 pm Houses of Worship Due to COVID-19, tour attendees will not enter any indoor spaces; the entire tour will be outdoors, but masks are encouraged; everyone will be required to stand at least

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

Virginia is For Music Lovers: Mount Music Talent Management Relocates to Virginia from LA, Signs Tall Boy Special

By Cher Murphy RICHMOND, Va — Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Mount Music & Entertainment is making the move across country, relocating to Richmond, Virginia. The move gives it a chance to expand the roster of talent that it represents and manages. The latest talent it has signed is Tall Boy Special, a TikTok sensation that combines music and comedy.

With the recent re-brand and name change, they are growing their expanding list of talent to include not only musicians and songwriters, but actors, comedians, writers, and more.

“Comedy has been very important in my personal life, with many of my close personal friends being comedians, so it feels like a natural progression for MME to develop beyond the scope of music and start representing a multi-hyphenate act like Tall (COURTESY GRAPHIC) Boy Special,” explains Dave Mount, military veteran and founder of Mount Music passionate about the city and all it has & Entertainment. to offer those in entertainment, which Mount Music & Entertainment manages prompted them to make the move across artists in a wide range of genres, including country. The Richmond area is gaining fame soul, pop, R&B, comedy, and pop country. for its underground music scene. In 2019, It specializes in providing an individualized Forbes called it “the underground music city management experience that is designed to everyone needs to visit.” suit the needs of each of its clients. Some of “We are excited about making the move to the talent it represents include Erin & The Richmond and look forward to expanding Wildfire, a Richmond-based group, and our roster and growing as an agency there,” formerly they represented Meghan Linsey. added Mount. “This move and new signing It is one of the many companies that have comes at the perfect time, as people are ready decided to relocate after being inspired to move on and up. This is the next chapter

by COVID to consider changes to their in Mount Music & Entertainment, and we’re business model. During last summer, the ready for it.” company had the opportunity to get to Tall Boy Special is comprised of multi-hyknow the music in the area. They became phenate musicians, comedians, actors, writ-

ers, directors and producers Alex Kagy, John MacGregor and Zack Barker. They are most recently known for their viral TikTok success, where they have amassed nearly 20,000 followers and 100,000 likes by showcasing their many talents. They are currently working on their first studio album. To get more information about them and get links to their social media pages, visit their site at: https://tallboyspecial.com.

Mount Music & Entertainment offers entertainment industry consulting services, in addition to talent management. Its experiences include consulting a wide range of artists and private equity firms. It specializes in music law, expert witness testimony, litigation support, investment analysis, licens-

ing, publishing, streaming, and more. Clients include Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Fidelity, and RocNation. To learn more about the company, visit the site at: https://mountmusicent.com/.

About Mount Music & Entertainment Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, Mount Music & Entertainment offers talent management to those in a wide variety of genres.

The company was started by David Mount, a military veteran who is a lifelong guitarist and songwriter. David participates in the Recording Academy’s annual District Advocate Day. To learn more about the company, visit the site at: https://mountmusicent.com/.

Follow them on Instagram: @mountmusicent and on Twitter at @mountmusicent

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

Food

Roasted Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Sate Sauce. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Top chefs find inspiration close to home From Brandpoint Celebrated chefs Wolfgang Puck, Nancy Silverton, Gerald Hirigoyen and Martin Yan are known and active the world over, but they all call California home. For their award-winning restaurants, product lines, cookbooks and TV shows, they draw inspiration from the bountiful fresh ingredients the Golden State has to offer.

“California is my favorite place in the world to cook,” said Puck. “The climate is such that we can get the best ingredients - the freshest produce, fish, nuts - with so much flavor.”

It’s this same culinary opportunity that drew French-born Hirigoyen, the chef and owner of Piperade in San Francisco, to California. “The food revolution - knowing where food comes from, how nutritious it is, and supporting the people who grow it - was happening in California, so I came to progress, and with all we have available, continue to progress.”

One California crop that has captured these chefs’ collective imagination of late? Pistachios.

“I find their flavor and crunch irresistible and I love the color,” said L.A.-based chef Silverton. “It’s really easy to add pistachios to almost anything you make. Their flavor enhances other ingredients so well, but they can also be the star of a dish.”

“The great thing about pistachios is they are just the right size, and they add flavor, color and texture to your dish, on top of all the nutritional benefits,” said Yan. Long a popular snack, the trend of using

pistachios for cooking appears to be spreading beyond California. American Pistachio Growers, the trade organization of pistachio farmers in the western United States, reports the sale of pistachio kernels, or unshelled nuts, domestically has risen 14%, and represents 22% of all pistachio sales. Representatives cite the reason as a combination of the increase in people preparing meals at home since the outbreak of COVID-19, and the desire for healthy ingredients.

Pistachios are nutrient-dense and high in protein. Earlier this year, pistachios earned the status of being a “complete protein,” making them popular among people following a plantbased diet. In July, a university study underscored the importance of pistachios as part of weight-loss programs.

With the world’s top chefs adding more pistachio-inspired dishes to their menus, the little green nut is suddenly red hot. But don’t worry about there being a shortage. This year’s American pistachio harvest yielded a record-setting one billion pounds.

Wolfgang Puck’s Roasted Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Sate Sauce Yield: 6 to 8 servings Pistachio Sate Sauce: 1 cup / 230 g coconut milk¼ cup / 60 g lime juice, freshly squeezed¼ cup / 60 g pistachio butter*1 tbsp. / 16 g soy sauce¼ cup / 5 g cilantro¼ cup / 13 g green onions, minced2 tsp. / 30 g Aleppo chiles, or another mild citrussy chile

Method: In a small saucepan combine coconut milk and lime juice. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until coconut milk is hot and aromatic. Transfer to a blender and add remaining ingredients. Adjust seasonings to taste and set aside.

Rack of Lamb: 2 each lamb racks, frenchedOlive oil, as neededKosher salt, as neededBlack pepper, freshly ground, as needed ½ cup / 170 g pomegranate syrup Method: Rub all sides of lamb racks with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle pomegranate syrup across the top of each rack and even out across surface with a pastry brush.Roast in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes for rare/medium rare, or longer depending on preferred doneness. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

Assembly: Cut lamb racks between the bones into individual chops. You can plate the lamb on individual plates or a platter. Using your own presentation style, fan sweet potatoes or other vegetable on both sides of plates or platter, arrange 2 chops per person, drizzle Pistachio Sate onto plate, drizzle pomegranate syrup on top of the vegetable and sprinkle with a generous amount of pistachios, finish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. *Pistachio Butter:

Wolfgang Puck (COURTESY PHOTO)

2 cups / 250 g pistachios, roasted¼ to ½ cup / 55 g - 110 g grapeseed oil ¼ tsp. / 1 g sea salt, optional Method: Scoop pistachios into a food processor and run for 60 to 90 seconds. Open the processor and scrape the sides. Run for another 60 to 90 seconds. Scrape down the sides and continue processing. Slowly drizzle oil as needed into the butter as it’s processing until you achieve the texture and consistency you prefer. Add optional sea salt and pulse to combine.

Transfer butter to a container with a snap-on lid. Refrigerate if holding the butter for more than a few days.

Equipment Needed: Blender, baking sheets, small saucepan, whisk and pastry brush.

Spring into wellness with simple, dietitian-approved steps fueled by potatoes From Brandpoint The change of seasons is a cue for more than just cleaning your home. Spring - nature’s time of renewal - is also a great time to refocus on self-care.

With the additional stresses of the ongoing pandemic, self-care has never been more important. However, life can be busy and too often one of the first things to go is your personal wellness routine. Now is the ideal time to shift your mindset, explore positive routine updates and revamp eating habits with wholesome foods such as potatoes you truly enjoy.

Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD, is an intuitive eating and non-diet registered dietitian and a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert who believes that a self-care routine should be centered around activities and foods you enjoy.

She offers these tips to help guide you as you spring clean your self-care routine.

Explore accessible, enjoyable ways to exercise Moving your body is important, but this doesn’t require an expensive gym membership or fitness equipment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, which can be broken up however you prefer. Maybe that’s about 10 minutes every day in the morning and afternoon or 30 minutes for five days a week.

“Exercise is important for physical, mental and emotional health. Take advantage of the warmer weather by scheduling a short walk into your day. Even 15 minutes gives your brain and body a boost,” said Harbstreet.

Want to try something new? Look online for free exercise videos so you can sample a new activity from the comfort and safety of your home. From yoga and stretching to dancing and strength training, there are so many free resources online thanks to technology.

No matter if you’re walking or gearing up for an at-home or gym workout, be sure to fuel up and recover with a pre- or post-exercise meal or snack. Harbstreet says her go-to food when she needs to refocus her routine or fuel her self-care is often potatoes. “Potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable offering 26 grams of good carbs for energy, potassium (they’re a good source, providing 15% of the daily value and more than a medium-sized banana) and vitamin C (they’re an excellent source, providing 30% of the daily value) that you need to fuel your day and set you up for success. They also offer 3 grams of plantbased protein,” Harbstreet added.

Take a fresh approach to snacking Snacking isn’t a bad thing. In fact, if you’re hungry, it’s your body trying to communicate with you. What you choose is what makes a difference, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with foods you dislike.

“Be sure to listen to your hunger cues and eat snacks you actually enjoy. Snacks can also serve a functional purpose in fueling your brain and energizing your body with nutrients,” Harbstreet said.

For example, potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s built for tasty snacking. Creating snacks with potatoes is a simple step you can take to shake up your snacking routine.

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Try easy, simple, homemade snacks, such as roasted petite yellow potatoes: perfect portable fuel for a hike or a bike ride. Or make Russet potato toast with guacamole or hummus for added nutrition. For more ideas, visit PotatoGoodness.com.

Organize your home and your calendar Research has found a cluttered home contributes to stress and anxiety. As you spring clean the visible spaces in your home, don’t forget to open drawers, update closets and go through your pantry. If these tasks seem daunting, choose one to do a day and slowly but surely make your way through the to-do list so you can feel your best.

“Spring cleaning applies to your closet and your pantry. Take stock of what you have, donate what you don’t need and make a grocery list full of shelf-stable, nutrient-dense staples to have on hand as you refocus on self-care. Potatoes are a great option because they last - and they’re nutritious, affordable and extremely versatile. I always keep a bag in

my pantry. Remember, all forms of fruits and vegetables count toward total daily servings, including fresh, frozen and canned, so stock up to simplify meal prep while enjoying great taste and nutrition.”

In addition to cleaning and taking inventory in your home, consider home management, too. Whether it’s a calendar on the wall or a digital app, make changes to relieve stress and streamline your routine. Additionally, always add in time for you. Whether that’s a break from work to take a walk, time after dinner for a hobby, or space before bed to read and meditate, putting something on the calendar makes it a priority and you’re more likely to stick to your preferred self-care activities.

“Overall, make sure you are prioritizing YOU on your to-do list,” said Harbstreet.

“Whether you need energy for spring cleaning and organization, or a new exercise routine, potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that have the energy, potassium and vitamin C you need to fuel your body and your brain!”

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 5

Health

Nichole Carreon, a registered nurse with the Diabetes Remote Electronic Assisted Monitoring program, talks with a patient about their weekly glucose readings at the Military Health System Virtual Medical Center at Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas, March 18, 2021. ( LORI NEWMAN)

Virtual program helps diabetic patients better manage their insulin

By Lori Newman,

Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs

The Diabetes Remote Electronic Assisted Monitoring, or DREAM, program focuses on teaching patients how to measure and adjust their insulin independently based on their provider’s instructions.

A team from the Military Health System Virtual Medical Center coordinated with the Diabetes Center of Excellence at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas — to develop a program to help augment a patient’s diabetes treatment plan, providing support to the patient between provider appointments. The program is available for patients and providers across the San Antonio Military Healthcare System.

“The main idea was that patients are often told to titrate (go up or down) on their basal insulin based on a pattern of fasting glucoses,” explained Air Force Maj. Darrick Beckman, endocrinologist and Diabetes Center of Excel-

lence medical director. “However, it is not uncommon for patients to be overwhelmed at appointments. And, even with having written handouts on how to titrate their insulin, when they return in three months, there have been no adjustments made to their insulin and their diabetes is not better controlled.”

The DREAM program offers patients help from a registered nurse to review their blood sugars and to help them identify patterns related to lifestyle that may impact their blood glucose levels. Patients also learn how to titrate their basal insulin according to the appropriate protocol as ordered by their provider.

After a provider refers a patient to the DREAM program, a registered nurse will contact them by phone to make sure they are suitable for the program and willing to participate.

“From there we set up an orientation to walk them through the program plan, including diabetes education,” said Nichole Carreon, one of the two DREAM registered nurses.

“Each week we have remote encounters by telephone to go through their weekly glucose readings and help them with their basal insulin through a titration protocol. The goal is to get patients into their prescribed target range for four weeks or titrating independently on their own for six weeks before we consider graduation from the program.”

Beckman said they worked hard to develop the algorithm(s) and the overall referral process to ensure the appropriate information is transmitted from start to finish — from provider referral and monthly reports to graduation from the program.

“We beta tested products and reports with primary care managers to get feedback about what data they would desire and even how often they would want reports,” he said. “We had to ensure continuity of care for transitioning providers. Once the patient was referred, we wanted there to be clarity to the providers about how the patient was doing and the ability to notify of acute concerns from nursing, in as little time as possible.”

Once the patient is appropriately educated and feels comfortable to titrate on their own, they no longer need the program, Beckman explained. “This titration capability is something the patient can use life-long.”

Since DREAM launched in February 2019, they have had more than 60 participants go through the program.

“It has taken on average about 5.1 months for participants to complete the program and we have seen an average A1C improvement of up to 2.5 points,” said Kim Wasmuth, DREAM RN. “Most patients reach their target goals before the end of the program and/or are able to titrate their basal insulin on their own. For those who do not reach their target goal, they leave with the tools needed to adjust their insulin on their own so that achievement of their goal is much more likely than without those tools.”

Beckman said from a provider perspective the DREAM program works well.

“I can make quicker adjustments in insulin, with little time spent on the overall process,” he said. “And, acute issues can be identified, such as hypoglycemia, and I can intervene quicker.”

“Patients tell me they enjoy having an accountability partner,” Beckman added.

“They say that they’re more likely to remember to take their insulin doses because they know they need to report the numbers to the nurse.”

Providers interested in learning more about the DREAM program can email the Virtual Medical Center Remote Patient Monitoring Clinic at: dha.san-antonio-tx. healthcare-ops.list.vmc-fo-rhm-nursingsuppor@mail.mil.

Defense Health Agency celebrating the mighty military child in April

By Connected Health Communications Office The month of April is a mighty big deal for the Defense Health Agency.

The DHA launched the “Celebrating the Mighty” global campaign on April 1. This is the eighth year the DHA is participating in and celebrating the Month of the Military Child.

The “mighty” campaign will shine light on the virtual community that is available to military children on Military Kids Connect, as well as educating military children about the importance of building camaraderie as part of strengthening their mental health, well-being, and sense of belonging.

“Military kids provide creative and resourceful support to their families and communities, all while regularly adapting to new environments and making sacrifices alongside their parents,” said Kelly Blasko, counseling psychologist and lead for Military Kids Connect at the DHA Connected Health branch. “This year, the DHA is including the ‘Celebrating the Mighty’ campaign as part of our Month of the Mili-

The Defense Health Agency celebrates the mighty military child in April. (COURTESY GRAPHIC)

tary Child outreach so we can honor the strength, resiliency, and sheer might that military kids demonstrate every day.”

Blasko mentioned military children sometimes face unique psychological challenges that come with military life. For the nearly 1 million military kids, they may have a parent absent for long periods of time and move multiple times during their grade-school years. These factors alone may greatly stress military kids’ mental health.

“For military kids, sometimes it’s hard to relate to other kids when their parents aren’t in the military like yours are,” said Mackenzie Hale, a 16-year-old military kid living in Washington state. “I am lucky to

have found a community of other kids and families who can support each other, and that has been very helpful when my dad has gone on deployments.”

Throughout April, Militar y Kids Connect is hosting virtual “Celebrating the Mighty” events and activities: All month long, Military Kids Connect will share information for military kids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, using #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, #MOMC Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Gragg celebrates the mighty with a video shout out to military kids.

On April 6, Military OneSource’s Daily COVID-19 Facebook Live will feature Mili-

tary Kids Connect and the Celebrating the Mighty campaign.

On April 12, there will be a military kid “takeover” on the Military Kids Connect social media channels (see a preview video here).

April 15 marks Purple Up Day, when the DHA recognizes military kids everywhere by encouraging everyone to wear purple, the color representing all military branches, using #PurpleUp, #PurpleUpDay. Military Kids Connect digital banners will be prominently displayed at large military installations in Germany, Korea, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington state.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, April 8, 2021

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52,000 miles, serviced, $10,900. 439-7717. Va. Dlr.

clean,

LEXUS 2016 IS 200T

Travel/Camping Trailers CONSIGNMENTS WANTED! Let us clean, sell, & finance your RV. Snyders RV 499-8000.

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

Low miles, new inspection, all serviced, sunroof, loaded, $19,900.

757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

LINCOLN 2002 NAVIGATOR

20in tires & rims, 128k miles, runs. $4,000 obo. 222 Inspection James 757-560-3382 or 757-543-9039

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Call 757-446-9000 or go to 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

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

Care For The Elderly HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Hospital experience, flexible, dependable. 757-287-9561

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

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

ATTICS & GARAGES CLEANED Contents hauled away. Also tree limbs & shrubs. Call: 934-2258 B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

D & W GARAGES 20x24’ $15,995; 24x24’ $17,995; 24x30’ $20,995; w/Slab & Vinyl Siding. 465-0115 or 362-1833. dandwgarages.com

LEAF RAKING AND CLEANUP Yard Work, Weed Control, Mulching, Trimming, Planting, Transplanting of Shrubbery and Trees. 25 yrs exp. Call 757-918-4152

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

FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Lic/Ins. Senior & Military discount!

757-227-8964

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

Call 757-477-2158

BRICK & STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native.

Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired - A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-2700578. You Won’t Find A Better Man!

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

YOUR PERFECT

HIRE

ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS Custom Home Repairs & Renovations.

Patrick Ellis Ent. Inc. Lic. & Ins. BBB A+ 757-635-6609

IS WAITING

BULKHEAD & PIER REPAIR Grading & Excavation Services, Free Est 757-262-6511

Lawn and Tree Service

Roofing

ABBOTT’S LAWN CARE We mow, edge, blow & trim bushes, We Don’t Just Cut Your Grass We Manicure Your Lawn Call 757-408-2082.

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

AMERICANTREESERVICE.CO ★Catering to all your tree & yard needs.★ ★757-587-9568. 30 years experience★

ROOF REPAIR Shingles, tar, rubber, slate, metal, asbestos removal. 757-718-1072

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, April 8, 2021 7 Autos for Sale

MERCEDES-BENZ 2010 S-CLASS

S63. 1 local owner, serviced by local Benz dealer, 24K orig. mis., gar kept, service history, AMG pkg., showroom new, $35,900. 757-675-0288 Va Dlr

TOYOTA 2004

Classic, Antique Cars

Boats & Watercraft

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

BOAT FOR SALE 2020 tracker pro 170 with trailer 9.9 ELPT motor spare tire minkota edge 45 foot cont low range hook 4x new condition 11000 call 7574792089

Good news.

CHEVROLET 2017 1500

FORD 2019 F150

TOYOTA 2013 PRIUS

1 owner, all svc, new tires, carport, 103k miles. $9,200. 757-464-4261

VOLKSWAGEN 1973 SUPER BEETLE

King Ranch, Crew Cab, 8000 mis., 1 owner, 4WD, tow pkg., full sunroof, factory warranty, showroom new. $54,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

HONDA 2014 CR-V

1 owner, 1 driver, non smoker, very clean! $11,300 Call: 757-620-8107

VOLKSWAGEN 2017 GOLF

Sta. Wgn, TSI, AWD, 15,145 mis., white, $18,000. 499-8000. Va. Dlr.

VOLVO 1994 740

Gold. $1,250 Call: 757-615-5612

Classic, Antique Cars

CHEVROLET 1984 EL CAMINO

Crate 350, AT, dual exhaust. $9,000 OBO. 757-363-9899

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757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com

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

Boats & Watercraft

28’ WELLCRAFT, 264 COASTAL

Cuddy cabin, twin 200 Yamaha, radar, ff/gps, vhf, stereo, great fast & stable fishing boat, 1998,$17,320 Call: Jeff 757-715-3442

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Early home delivery 757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com

Shop smart.

Save big! Sunday (and every day).

ALUMINUM BASS BOAT PROJECT HULL 17’ 4” Tracker, 90% stripped. $750.

Free trailer. 757-399-0186 Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

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4 X 4 LE+ 25k miles, Well Equipped, 3rd Row Seat, Excellent Cond, Toyota Warranty, Tow Package, $27,900, No Processing Fee, Call: 443-235-0304

Wanted Automotive

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TOYOTA 2017 HIGHLANDER

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

FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035

MISSING AND DEFINITELY WANTED. ORANGE 1973 VW SUPER BEETLE NAMED “GERTIE” AFTER MY GRANDMOTHER. SHE WAS MY FIRST CAR VIN 1332325451 IF YOU HAVE HER OR FIND HER CALL 412-0506. SHE HAD A CB ANTENNA IN MIDDLE OF ROOFTOP WHEN SOLD HER IN EARLY 90’S. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE OFFER TO BUY FIRST CAR BACK AND BRING HER HOME. I MISS HER AND I KNOW SHE MISSES HOME.

Each weekday, you’ll get

Trucks and SUVs Crew Cab. 4WD, 35,000 mis., high country pkg., leather, sunroof, nav, loaded, $38,500. 757-675-0288.

Convertible Solara SLE, V6, auto, 80k miles, silver with black top, loaded, immaculate condition. Selling due to health reasons. Must see to appreciate! $7,900. 757-581-2999

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CryptoQuip

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer After the father let his wee kids have several felt-tip pens, he was a marked man.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

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