Flagship 05.02.2024

Shipsannouncedtoparticipate in Fleet Week New York

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Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va Fleet Week New York (FWNY) returns to New York City from May 22-28 with two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats (YPs). Additionally NATO allies from Germany will join the week-long celebration. Ships fromtheU.S.militarywillparticipateinthe Parade of Ships on Wednesday, May 22.

USS Bataan (LHD 5) and ships from Germany will be available for public ship tours ONLY on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m.to4p.m.Publicshiptourswillbeavailable in Staten Island May 23-27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Theme for this year will be “Fleet Week New York Celebrating Those Who Serve.”

Ship and pier locations include:

Manhattan,Pier88South:

Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

„ Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5)fromNorfolk,Virginia

Manhattan,Pier90North:

Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

„ Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS

Baden-Württemberg(F-222)fromGermany

„ Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS FrankfurtamMain(A-1412)fromGermany

Manhattan,IntrepidMuseum,Pier86: „ FourU.S.NavalAcademyYPs,Annapolis, Maryland

„ Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109)fromBayonne,NewJersey

HomeportPier,StatenIsland:

Public tours will be May 23 - 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

„ Freedom -class littoral combat ship USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida

„ Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina

„ Keeper-classcoastalbuoytenderUSCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne,NewJersey

Please note: Ship tours on Pier 86, will be conducted daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. andwillbefreetothepublic.USNAYPsare scheduled to depart Saturday, May 25, and will only be available for tours May 23 - 24

USCGC Sturgeon Bay is scheduled to be on Pier86andavailablefortoursMay23-27

Now in its 36th year, FWNY is the city’s time-honoredcelebrationoftheseaservices. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services Nearly 2,300 U.S. service members will participateinthefestivitiesthisyear Forup-to-dateinformationonshiptours and all FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at https://cnrma.cnic.navy mil/Operations-and-Management/FleetWeek-New-York/.Jointheconversationon social media by using the hashtag, #FleetWeekNYC,andfollowuson: „ Facebook:@FleetWeekNewYork „ X:@FleetWeekNYC „ Instagram:@FleetWeekNYC

JEB Little Creek-Fort Story observes Denim Day

VIRGINIABEACH,Va (April 24 2024) –Joint

ByAprilPhillips

JEBLCFS Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va It’s not every day the Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines of JointExpeditionaryBaseLittleCreek-Fort Story(JEBLCFS)seeboththecommanding officer and the executive officer conducting official business injeans,rather than in uniform.However,noonedidadoubletake since the entire installation was observing DenimDay April24 toraiseawareness for sexual assault prevention

“The Denim Day project is the longest preventionandawarenessprojectinhistory to combat victim blaming,” said Regina Zarrelli,JEBLCFSsexualassaultresponse coordinator lead.

Zarrelli said it began 25 years ago in Italy, when the Italian courts overturned a rapist’s conviction because his victim

wore jeans The reasoning was that the victim must have helped him remove them, thereby consenting Following that verdict, the women in the Italian parliament protested by wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Every year since supporters in all 50 U.S. states and morethan100countrieshavewornjeansin solidarityonDenimDayeachApril.Aprilis alsoSexualAssaultAwarenessandPrevention Month throughout the military.

Topreparefortheobservance,JEBLCFS volunteers got together at the Little Creek Chapel on April 16 to paint empowering messages on donated jeans. In all, 68 pairs of jeans were decorated with messages such as “Stop Victim Blaming” and “You Are Not Alone.” The volunteers then hung thejeansonthefencelinesurroundingthe Little Creek track to remind everyone that there is no excuse for sexual violence

“The clothes you wear are not an invitation for rape,” said Zarrelli. She added that there have been important changes over the last 25 years

“We have influenced the rise of legal reform and legislative actions to increase services and protection for survivors,” she said. “There are more conversations aboutsexualviolenceandwhatconstitutes healthy relationships.”

JEBLCFS Commanding Officer, Capt.

David Gray, said observances like Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness and PreventionMontharemakingadifference

“I appreciate everyone’s effort to get the word out,” Gray said. “Your work is preventing bad things from happening. Together we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of all affected by sexual violence.”

The theme for Denim Day 2024 is “Sexual violence ends with us.”

NMRLC acknowledges and supports

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response awareness through Denim Day Walk

ByJuliusEvans Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command, Williamsburg, Va

Throughout April, NMRLC has brought attention to Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) through mass distribution email notifications, SAPR informational displays and All-Hands training led by LS2 Alexis Greene NMRLC Operations DirectorateandcommandSAPRCoordinator Duringthetrainingthatwasconducted in person and through MS TEAMS, Petty Officer Greene explained the importance of increasing prevention awareness, victim centered support, intimidation free reporting,andaccountabilitygoals

Furtheringtheawarenessefforts Greene promoted the NMRLC Denim Day Walk in support of survivors of sexual assaults and efforts to educate themselves and others aboutallformsofsexualviolence

TheturnoutandsupportforSAPRawarenessandtheNMRLCDenimDayWalkwas phenomenal. Participants represented commands stationed both on Cheatham AnnexandNavalWeaponStationYorktown, including the Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA), Marine Corps Security ForceRegiment,NavyExpeditionaryLogistics Support Group (NAVELSG), and Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC)

When asked about the event, Greene

shared her thoughts about the participationandsupportexpressedforsexualassault victimsandvictimawareness

“It truly meant a lot to have the support we did despite the rain. It was great to see thediversityinparticipationaswellfromthe differentbranches,paygrades,civilians and evenpeoplethatsawuswalkingandjoined in. I don’t doubt we got our point across that we support and stand with survivors of sexual assault. Also, my shipmates who volunteeredtokeepusallsafeandorganized everything really made this come together and I am so grateful for every one of them,” Greenesaid. Another participant who braved the weather to walk in the drizzling rain in

supportofSAPRawarenessandDenimDay explained why this event was important to her. “It was the great turn-out that motivated me I was helping with road guard andCorpsmanambulatorycoveragesothat peopleweresafe Itwasnicetoseethedifferent people come out to support the event, even in the rain. Hooyah SAPR team, and specialthankstoLS2Greenefororganizing theevent, saidPettyOfficer2ndClassKyra Gatt,NMRLCDesignDirectorate Next year in April, maybe you too can support your local Denim Day in support of sexual assault prevention and response awareness.

CNRMA’s FFSC teaches ‘Raising Financially Responsible Kids’

ByMC1MaddelinHamm

CNRMA Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va Sailors, assigned to local Hampton Roads commands, attended a finance class held at Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s Norfolk Fleet and FamilySupportCenter(FFSC)April24

The class, titled Raising Financially Responsible Kids, educated parents about various tools they can teach their children aboutmanagingmoney

Jessica Weers, the course instructor and formerelementaryschoolteacher saidifwe want our kids to learn good behaviors with moneywehavetomodelthem

“It’snotalwayswhatwesayordothough,” said Weers “There’s still a message being sent, if we don’t talk to our kids about money.”

Weers said modeling the behaviors and explaining what we are doing at the same time encourages positive dialogue with our kids.Forexample,shesaidparentscanshow their kids the family’s written budget plan, possibly give them an allowance starting around age six, and build on the conversationsfromthereasthekidsgetolder

During the class, parents explored their ownfinancialhabits,skillsandgoals

Lt Cmdr JafarAli,assignedtoUSSMontpelier (SSN 765), said he currently teaches

his kids about money when they are shopping at the commissary and in other ways but said he attended the class to gain more insightonthetopic.

“I believe it’s so important to encourage these conversations early on with spouses andchildren, saidAli.

The course highlights simple concepts which can be introduced around age four to six and by ages 16 to 18 children will be able to use and understand a personal bank account, know the differences between credit and debit, and know how to make a budgetforthemselves

Raising Financially Responsible Kids is just one of FFSC’s life skills classes focused

on enhancing quality of life for Sailors and their families Other family classes include: Building Healthy Relationships, Couples Workshop, Dads and Discipline, Dual MilitaryParenting EnhancingStepfamiliesand more. Visit the center or their website at www.navymwrmidlant.com for more class informationandschedules.

FFSCNorfolkprogramsaremanagedand operated by CNRMA staff members who support qualityof life and qualityof service programs for 13 Navy, shore-based installations on the East coast enabling mission accomplishmentfortheMid-Atlantic’sfleet fightersandfamilies

Amanda Kitchner

757-262-2852 | amanda.s.kitchner.mil@us.navy.mil MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm 757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil

Naval Station Norfolk hosts Parenthood Fair

NORFOLK,Va NavalStation(NAVSTA)

Norfolk’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted a Parenthood Fair at the Norfolk Navy Exchange (NEX) April 18 2024. The event gave Sailors the opportunity to learn about the numerous programs and resources the Navy offers to military membersandtheirchildren

The FFSC provides a range of programs and resources to support the readiness of Sailors and their families These initiatives are designed to help military families build resilience stay well-informed and adapt effectively to the unique challenges of the Navy environment. The Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) is structured around four key areas that are essential for achieving mission objectives These areas are:WorkandFamilyLife(WFL),Counseling,AdvocacyandPrevention(CAP),Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR)andIntegratedPrimaryPrevention (IPP) The parenthood fair is part of their WorkandFamilyLifeprogram.

I was a special education teacher for 16 years,”saidBarbraMathewson,Exceptional FamilyMemberProgram(EFMP)CaseliaisonforFFSC “ThelongerIwasinteachingI sawahugeneedforthemilitarycommunity,

all my knowledge was being funneled into mystudents,butitwastheparentsthathad more of the questions So, I realized it was time to switch from being in a classroom to doingadulteducation.”

DuringtheParenthoodFairattheNorfolk NEX,militaryfamilieswerewelcomedfrom throughout the morning to learn about the programs available to them, such the New Parent Support Program, Navy Housing, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Women, Infants and Children, School Liaison Program, Child and Youth Programs, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Fleet & FamilySupportCentersandTricare

“Our primary objective is to ensure that our service members can fully concentrate on their duties by supporting their families in overcoming any obstacles that may arise when a new member joins the family, said Mathewson. “When a deployed parent is reassuredthattheirfamilyiswell-caredfor, theyarebetterequippedtofulfilltheirduties successfully.”

The fair served as a platform for Sailors to discover and make use of the available services. Through the distribution of informative pamphlets and engaging question andanswersessions,thespeakersprovided valuableinsightstotheattendees Moreover, Sailorsweregiventheopportunitytoregisterfortheservicesthatpiquedtheirinterest,

makingitconvenientforthemtoaccessthe necessarysupport

“I love that everyone had giveaways motivating Sailors even more to visit their booths, saidHospitalCorpsmanFirstClass KristyTaheri,NAVSTANorfolkDeployabilityCoordinator.“Wereceivedagreatdealof resourcesandknowledgefromthecommunity afforded to us as military families This

is going to help going forward with Sailors parenthoodjourneys.”

As the event came to a close the Sailors who attended left the Norfolk NEX feeling more at ease with their transitions into parenthood. For more information on classes and to sign up you can visit the NAVSTANorfolkFFSC

Electric boat competition sparks interest in Naval science careers

ByRebeccaWard Office of Naval Research

Student engineering teams from Princeton, Washington College and the UniversityofAlabamahavewonfirstplaceintheir respective events at the “Promoting ElectricPropulsion”(PEP)boatraces,sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE).

Injustsixyears,thiselectricboat-building competitionhasgrownfromasingleuniversityto34 withmorethan200studentswho tookpartinthefive-mileracesonBroadBay inVirginiaBeach.Dr SteveRussell,program officer, Sea Warfare and Weapons department, said he launched the PEP competition with a colleague from ASNE, Dr Leigh McCue, and Tim Cullis, Naval Sea Warfare CenterCarderock,afterseeingapublicrace bylocalhobbyistsintheChesapeakeBay.

“It gave us the idea this would be a good wayfortheNavytogetengineeringstudents interested in electric propulsion, so we did it.”

Russell said they are reaching hundreds of science and engineering students every year The PEP racing event not only offers students valuable learning experiences, it providestheNavyandMarineswithaworkforceforthefuture

“The goal is to create a pipeline of graduatingengineerswhohaveworkedonasuite ofproblemsthatarecurrentlyissueswithin theU.S.Navy Theycomeoutofschoolafter having designed and built a boat like this and learning about high power electronics, propulsion, hull design, cooling and boat stability the naval architecture parts of it,”Russellsaid.“Sofar,we’vehiredmanyof themintothewarfarecentersandourindustrypartners.”

Theteamsofcollegestudentscomefrom

universities all over the country. Some are very well known, like Princeton and Texas A&M, but others are much smaller and not necessarily easily recognized. That doesn’tmeanthesmalleruniversitiesaren’t as competitive. Russell said Washington CollegeinMarylandcameinfirstandsecond place, respectively, in the 2022 and 2023 mannedrace,aswellasplacingfirstin2024

“They don’t even have an engineering school. It’s just a group of students who go toschoolneartheChesapeakeBayandthey builtacoupleofverygoodboats,”hesaid.

The PEP competition includes manned and unmanned boat races. Russell said the mannedcompetitionseemstobemoreexcitingforthestudents Itisarace,afterall and theycangoprettyfast Mostoftheentrants, though,registerfortheunmannedcompetition.Regardlessofwhichcategorytheteams fall into, they are all involved in meaningful and,insomecases,record-breakingwork.

“Whilewe’renotreallylookingtouseany ofthetechniquesthatthestudentscomeup with,theirinnovationhasbeenveryimpressive. For example, the Princeton team last fall took their boat down to a river in North Carolinaandbeattheworldrecordforelectricboatspeedonthewaterwithanaverage speedof114mph,”Russellsaid.“Whatwe’re really trying to do is to get them interested insolvingNavy-relatedproblems,andhopefullytheywillpursuecareersintheNavy.” It’s also become something of an industryeventwherethestudentsareintroduced to industry partners in the area. Since its inception in 2018 the PEP competition has helpedrecruit44engineeringgraduatesfor theNavy Elevenothersgainedengineering positionswithindustrypartners For more information on PEP, visit their website at https://www.navalengineers. org/Education/Promoting-Electric-Propulsion-PEP

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USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)

Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) honored late President George H.W.Bushwithaship-widevolunteerevent throughout the Hampton Roads community under the ship’s Thousand Points of Light service initiative, April 25 2024. The event provided an opportunity for the ship’s crew to thank the Hampton Roadscommunityforitscontinuedsupport both while deployed and at home Sailors worked at 41 organizations across 77 locationsinspecialappreciationtoCVN77and Bush being the 41st President.

The Thousand Points of Light program received its name and inspiration from Bush’sPresidentialInaugurationspeechin which he called on Americans to serve as a “thousandpointsoflight intheircommunities through volunteer service

“PresidentBushoncesaid,‘anydefinition of a successful life must include service to other,’”saidCapt.DavePollard,commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. “Team Avenger is doing just that by serving our country and community with pride while exemplifying our namesake’s legacy of service grit humility andresiliencesothat, as President Bush said, ‘we can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves.’ ” Each department aboard the ship is participating in community service projectsincludingvolunteeringatlocalschools, assisting at food banks animal shelters homeless shelters cleaning parks and beaches and more, all to celebrate Bush’s 100th birthday this year

“This ship-wide initiative is intended to enrich the lives of Sailors and their loved ones as we serve as the warriors, teachers, leaders, and ambassadors of our communities and uphold the spirit of our namesake’s lifetime of public service,” said Lt KarlGibbs aNavychaplainaboardGeorge H.W. Bush and the ship’s Thousand Points of Light coordinator George H.W. Bush’s mission has shifted from deployed operations to service at home This program began again after the COVID 19 pandemic with a renewed dedi-

cation to service, starting with the countries visited during the ship’s 2022-2023 deployment Since returning from deployment, the shiphasaccumulatedover6,055volunteer hoursinthespiritofBush’sfamousinaugural address

Maximizesummerfunwhileminimizingrisks

CourtesyStory Naval SafetyCommand

Prepareforasummerfilledwithadventure, butacknowledgethepotential for misadventure as well.Amemorable experiencecanbe overshadowed by a tripto thehospital—or worse. Understandand managetherisksassociatedwithsummer activitiestominimizethechance ofagood timeturningbad. The101Critical Daysof Summeristhe periodbetween Memorial Day weekend andLabor Day weekendwhenoff-duty accidentstendtoincreaseacrossthe Navy and MarineCorps. As Sailorsand Marines engageinoutdoorpursuitsandleisureactivities,it remainsimperativetomanagerisks proactively.This strategyinvolvesidentifyingpotentialhazards,implementingstrategiestomitigateharmandmakinginformed decisions.

Complacencyoftenunderliesoff-duty mishapsduringthesummermonths.Maintainsituationalawarenesswiththesesafety tipsinmind:

„ Self-assessandself-correct—Recreational mishapsarepreventable.Regularlyevaluate how youspend yourtimeduringoff-duty hoursthissummer. Assessrisks,adhereto establishedprocedures,complywith relevantlawsandknowyourlimits.

„ Educateothers—Ensureeveryoneparticipatingintheactivityisfamiliarwiththe day’splan,properequipmentoperationand emergencyprocedures. Sharing bestpracticeswithothershelps reinforceproper proceduresinyourmemoryandensuresall participantscaneffectivelyaddressemergencysituations.

„ Thebestpreventionispreparation— Prioritize hydration,ensurecommunicationdevicesarefullycharged,carryspare gear, applysunscreen,dressappropriately andengageinproper warm-up routines Anticipatingpotentialchallengesandbeing adequatelypreparedcanmitigaterisks.

„ Motorcyclesafetyisdeadly serious

—About1in10

Sailorsand Marines own amotorcycle.Riderssufferhigher ratesof seriousinjuriesandfatalitiesthanother motorists.Complete recommendedsafety courses, wearappropriateprotectivegear andadheretosafetyregulationstominimize thelikelihoodofsevereinjuryorfatality.

„ Simplydrive—Operating a vehicle requires yourfullattention.Drivedefensively,minimizedistractions, maintain safedistances, andadheretotrafficlaws Prioritizearrivingsafely overarriving quickly,andneverdriveundertheinfluence ofalcoholorwhilefatigued.

„ Suspectandinspect—As youunpack

yoursummertimegear,conductathorough inspectiontoidentifypotentialhazards beforeuse. Storeditemssuchas yourgrill, motorcycle,orsportsequipmentmayhave sustaineddamage.Checkthefitofallwearablegearandreplaceorrepairanydamaged itemstosafeguardagainstpotentialrisks. „ Refresh yoursafetymindset— Has anythingchangedsincelastsummer? Stay abreastofany changesinlaws, regulations, orresourcespertinenttoyoursummeractivities. Review your regular route, reread the owner’smanuals,ortakearefreshercourse toremaininformedandprepared.

DistractedDrivingContinuestoRise

We’ve allseenit.Driversglued to theircellphones,others attempting to multitask by eating breakfastontheirmorningcommute, andthefrustratingdelays caused by curiousonlookers. Distracteddrivinghas reachedunprecedentedlevels,causing 1.6millionaccidents everyyearthat canshatterlivesinmeremoments.A carelessdrivercancauseanaccident thatcanleave youinjured, your vehicle totaled,and yourdailylifeupended. Immediatelyfollowinganaccident, you’d becomfortedtoheartheotherdriver had agreat“full-coverage”carinsurance policy. Initially, that gaveyousome peaceofmind,whichis exactlywhat autoinsuranceismeant to provide.

Butwhatifitturnsoutthat a“great full-coveragecarinsurancepolicy”just isn’t enough to coveryour extensive medicalbills? Worseyet,whatifthe at-faultdriverdoesn’t have anyliability insuranceatall?

Suddenly, inaddition to thepainand distresscaused by theaccident,

“FULL-COVERAGE” CARINSURANCE MIGHTNOTBEENOUGH

Situationslikethisonearecommon.

Anestimated 1outof every10drivers inVirginiaareuninsured,according to theInsuranceInformationInstitute, and somebelieve that numbercouldbe even higher.Significantlymoredrivers are underinsured,carryingonlythebare minimumliabilityinsurancepolicy, which iscurrently$30,000underVirginialaw (slated to increase to $50,000in2025).

Theoddsofbeinghit by adriverwho mightnothave themeans to providefull and faircompensationafteranaccident arehigh.

Withthecostofmedicalbillsgetting higher everyyear,$30,000inminimal liabilityinsuranceisn’t likelytooffset thecostsofaninjurysustainedin acar accident. To protectthemselvesand their families,drivers need to understand thathavingfull-coveragecarinsurance means youhaveenoughinsurance–morethan requiredstateminimums–andthepolicyincludesliability, collision, andcomprehensivecoverage.

you’re dealingwiththepossibilityof unexpected expensesthat farexceed whattheat-faultdriver’s insurancepolicy willprovide.Thepeaceofmind youhad hoped forearly onisgone,and you’re leftwonderingwhat youcouldhave donebettertoprotect yourselfbeforethe accidentoccurred. You’re probably also asking yourself,“Do Ihaveenoughcar insurance myself?”

Theattorneys atHuffman &Huffman Brothers-in-Law, alocalpersonalinjury law firm,handlesituationsjustlike thisone regularly.“We seethedaily consequencesofbeinginvolvedinan autoaccidentwitheitheranuninsured orunderinsureddriver.Manysituations involveourclientshaving to turnto theirpolicytoobtaincompensation for theirpersonalinjuryclaim,”saysBrad

Huffman,thelaw firm’s seniorpartner attorney.“Itissoimportantthat you ensureyourcarinsurancepolicyhas sufficientcoveragesothat youhave asafetynetif you find yourselfinthis situation.”

PROTECTING YOURSELFBEFOREA CARACCIDENTHAPPENS

The numberone waytoprotect yourself and your familybeforeanaccident happensis to makesureyourauto insurancepolicyisequipped to cover youinany situation –whether youor anotherdriverisat fault forthecollision. Huffman &Huffman’s attorneys saythe biggestmistakeadrivercanmakeisnot havingenoughinsuranceorassuming thattheminimumlimits required by the stateare enough. Ifanat-faultdriveriseitheruninsured orunderinsuredandcannotcoveryour personalinjuryclaim, astrong,fullcoveragepersonalautoinsurance policy(andenoughofit)willprovide asafetynet.

Attorneys who work withcaraccidents sayautoinsuranceliabilitypolicies should greatlyexceedVirginia’slegally requiredminimumof$30,000,they suggestdriversobtain$100,000in liabilitycoverage(whichprovidesthe sameamountinuninsured/underinsured coverage). Withanalready existingauto insurancepolicy, increasingcoverage to moresubstantiallimitsshouldonlycost afew extradollarsa month.Thatsmall increaseinmonthlypremiumscould potentiallysavedrivers thousandsin thefuture.

ASKTHE LOCALCAR ACCIDENT

EXPERTS

If you’ve beenin acaraccidentthat wasnot your fault,itisalsoimportant to consult aknowledgeablecaraccident attorneyto help explorealltheoptions thatmightbe available toyou.

Thesobering statisticsfromprevious summersunderscoretheimportanceof theseprecautions. By prioritizingsafety Sailorsand Marinescanmitigatepersonal harmandsafeguardtheir well-beingand thatoftheirlovedones. Take amomentto reflectonthese considerationsthroughout thesummer— yourvigilancecouldsave lives.

Visitthe Naval SafetyCommand’s101 Critical Daysof Summersafetycampaign webpageathttps://navalsafetycommand. navy.mil/Stand-Down/101-Critical-Days-ofSummer/formoretipsandsummersafety resources.

“Oneofthemanybenefitsofhiring apersonalinjurylaw firm isthat we have experiencein findingallpossible insurancecoveragethatcouldhelp coveryourinjuryclaimandmaximize yourcompensation,”saysKeithLeonard, partnerattorney atHuffman &Huffman. “Thiscouldincludeutilizingcoverage from apolicyaresident relativemay have ortrackingdownthe vehicle’s owner’s policyiftheywerenotthe driver.”

Acost-freeconsultationwith aseasoned personalinjury firm likeHuffman& HuffmanBrothers-in-Lawcanprovidea betterunderstandingofthe rightsand optionsbothdriversandpassengers have afteranaccident.Huffman& Huffmanhasbeenservinginjuredcar accidentvictims forover 50 yearsinHampton Roadsandall overVirginia.

When youhavebeeninjured by someoneelse’s negligence,youhave the right to becompensated foryour medicalbills,lost wages,pain,suffering, andinconvenience.ContactHuffman &Huffman todaytolearnmoreabout thesteps youcan take if you’ve been injured following acaraccidentorhave questionsaboutcarinsurancecoverage.

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USN Military Sealift Command

NORFOLK Va This year Military SealiftCommandiscelebratingits75thanniversary.For75years,MSChasprovidedagile logistics, strategic sealift and specialized mission capabilities to the Department of Defense. At the heart of the MSC’s longevity are thousands of dedicated Civil Service Marinersandcivilianemployeeswhowork at sea and ashore to ensure the mission is accomplished

The “We Are MSC75,” series focuses MSC’s team members who have worked relentlessly over the years to make MSC whatitistoday thenation’spremiermaritimelogisticsprovider Allofthemhavetheir ownuniquepathandstory,buttheonething they have in common is pride in working forMSC.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist Tammie Bingley-Gadson is a member of MSC’s EEO Team. MSC’s EEO Team offers the command’s Civil Service Marinersandciviliansupportstaffanavenue toreportallegedworkplaceincidentsinvolving unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic discrimination, age, disability,andprohibitedactsofreprisal.

“As an EEO Specialist I assist supervisors and senior level MSC leadership to ensure informal and formal EEO issues are processedcorrectly,”Bingley-Gadsonstated. “MSC’sEEOOfficeensuresthatallemployees, regardless of their race, color, religion, sexornationaloriginareaffordedafairand equalopportunityforemployment.”

Bingley-Gadson recently completed the 32-hour Counselors Course which makes her qualified to act as an MSC EEO Counselor

“I started at MSC in 2021 as an intern undertheU.S.DepartmentofLabor’s(DOL) Work Recruitment Program (WRP),” Bingley-Gadson stated. “Prior to starting my employmentwithMSC,Iworkedwithvarious medical facilities working on medical billingandmedicalreimbursement.”

The WRP for College Students with Disabilities is a free resource co—spon-

soredbyDOL’sOfficeofDisabilityEmploymentPolicyandtheDepartmentofDefense, through which private businesses and federal agencies nationwide can find qualifiedcandidatesfromavarietyofprofessional fields who are looking for internships and permanentpositions

“WRPisaFederalGovernmentprogram, with select private sector partners, which selects college students with disabilities who are either current students or who haverecentlygraduated,”accordingtoBingley-Gadson “WRP gives these students the opportunitytofillinternshipsorpermanent employmentpositions.

Bingley-Gadson offered some advice to those looking to become an MSC Teammate as well as those considering the WRP program.

“Do your research. Learn as much as you can about MSC and become familiar with WPR and how the program works,” she advised. “Learn what MSC’s mission is and itsroleinnationalsecurityaswellasthetype ofworkyouwouldbeperformingatMSC.”

Bingley-Gadson intends on pushing forward with specialized skills training in EEO She will also be graduating this year from Norfolk State University with a Master’sinUrbanDevelopment

Any MSC Teammates who are seeking the assistance of our EEO Team should call 757-341-3310ore-maileeo_msc@us.navy.mil.

Bingley-Gadsonconcludedbystatingshe “is really enjoying her time at MSC so far and would like to offer ‘congratulations’ on 75years.”

MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships thatreplenishU.S.Navyshipsatsea,conduct specialized missions preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move militaryequipmentandsuppliestodeployedU.S. forces Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately6,000CivilServiceMariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and reservemilitarypersonnel.

MilitarySealift Command Equal Employment Opportunity(EEO) SpecialistTammie BingleyGadson,March 28 2024.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYRYANCARTER)

Cetacean celebration: ONR sponsors familyfriendly dolphin workshops in South Carolina

ByWarrenDuffie Office of Naval Research

Thousands of wildlife lovers learned aboutthelivesandhealthofdolphinsduring workshopssponsoredbytheOfficeofNaval Research (ONR) in partnership with the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF)

The interactive events titled “Dolphin Doctor: On the Front Lines of Marine Mammal Medicine” occurred duringthe recent Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)inCharleston,SouthCarolina.ONR fundedtheworkshopsthroughthescience, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) efforts of its Warfighter Performance Department. Approximately 3,400 peopleattended.

“NMMF already has a huge outreach presence on the West Coast,” said Natalie Steinhauser,anONRprogramofficer “This appearance at SEWE was part of a broader effort to expand the foundation’s outreach ontheEastCoast

“The workshops are great for getting the public, especially kids who might want to pursue STEM interests, to see the Navy in a new way,” Steinhauser continued. “We’re notonlyaboutshipsandweapons Notalot of people associate the Navy with marine mammals, but we do a lot of research and work with them and are looking to attract more scientists and engineers to such domains.”

SEWEisanannualcelebrationofnature, wildlife and the outdoors, spotlighting the sporting lifestyle and conservation efforts With a focus on education, conservation and art, SEWE enables attendees to engage with compelling exhibits demonstrations andexpertpresentations

AfrequentONRpartner,SanDiego-based nonprofit NMMF is recognized as a leader in marine mammal science, medicine and conservation.

During the Dolphin Doctor workshops named for Dr Sam Ridgway, who helped found the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program in the 1960s participants enjoyedhands-onactivitiesinvolvingmock wild dolphin health exams using inflatable dolphins; ultrasound demonstrations featuringlungandcardiacimagesfrombaby dolphins affected by oil spills; field microscopes displaying microplastics in dolphin tissue; satellite tag tracking of animals; and examplesofentanglementinfishingnets

There also was a panel discussion called “Women in Conservation: Wildlife Heroes oftheSea,LandandSky,”whichhighlighted female veterinarians and scientists from NMMFandpartnerorganizations

“One little boy stayed in our ‘Dolphin Doctor Field Laboratory’ workshop tent fortwohours,”saidCelesteParry,NMMF’s director of community engagement “He couldn’t get enough and asked non-stop questions

“Events like these are vital in increasing awareness of Navy and ONR programs that care for marine mammals, as well as the researchthatgoesalongwiththem,because therearealotoftranslationalbenefitstothe biggerworldofconservation.”

Both Steinhauser and Parry also emphasizedthatinitiativeslikeDolphinDoctorare valuable to increasing awareness of ONR’s Marine Mammal Health and Undersea MedicineandPerformanceprograms

MarineMammalHealthaimstoimprove

the detection, treatment and prevention of diseases in marine mammals used and studied by the Navy in order to ensure the ongoing health and overall longevity of the animals It’spartoftheNavy’sbroadereffort tobetterunderstandwildmarinemammals andassessandmitigatethepotentialimpact ofnavalactivitiesonthem.

Undersea Medicine and Performance develops improved methods, treatments and devices for understanding, preventing or mitigating factors that negatively affect thehealthofwarfighterssuchasdiversand submariners.AccordingtoSteinhauserand Parry, the study of dolphins has spurred various advances in human medicine

including the treatment of kidney stones, the effects of aging and understanding the biologicalsonarofdolphins

“We want to show that the Navy offers exciting STEM careers in marine mammal and undersea medicine,” said Steinhauser. “Our goal is to create a pipeline of future scientists by inspiring the next generation through fun, engaging events like Dolphin Doctorworkshops.”

Learn more about Dolphin Doctor at https://www.nmmf.org/workshops/ dolphin-doctor/.

Warren Duffie Jr is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications

uarterdeck

Navy launches Operation

MWR Entertainment Series with 65 free events at Navy installations around the world

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Engineering Duty Officers enlighten Virginia Tech Midshipmen on career opportunities

ByTellyMyles Supervisor of Shipbuilding

Newport News

BLACKSBURG, Va – A trio of Engineering Duty Officers (EDOs) from the Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Newport News embarked on a mission to enlighten the future of our nation. The officers, Lt Jack Cathcart, Lt Latrivia Johnson, and EnsignMarkAmdahlvisitedVirginiaTech to deliver a lecture to a unit of over 200 Midshipmen from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). The lecture focusedonthemyriadofcareeropportunities available within the EDO community, April 24

Described as highly successful by Cathcart, the visit was an initiative aimed at providingtheMidshipmenwithacomprehensive understanding of the potential career paths within the naval engineering sector The officers shared their experiences and insights, shedding light on the variousrolesandresponsibilitiesthatcome with being part of the EDO community

Theircombinedexpertiseanddedication played a crucial role in making this event a success Thisvisitunderscoresthecommitment of the EDO community to foster a well-informed and prepared generation of naval officers It serves as a testament to their dedication to sharing knowledge and experiences with those who are poised to shape the future of naval engineering

An Engineering Duty Officer in the U.S. Navy ensures the Naval and Joint Forces areequippedwiththemostcapablevessels and systems. They utilize their skills in math, science and business management to enhance the Navy’s warfighting capabilities and maintain a robust cybersecuritynetwork Theirresponsibilitiesinclude conductingresearchonoperationalneeds, leading the design of new ships and their systems, and managing the construction and maintenance of the Navy’s fleet

Cathcart, Lt LatriviaJohnson, and Ensign Mark Amdahl visited Virginia Tech to deliver a lecture to a unit of over 200 Midshipmen from the Naval Reserve OfficerTraining Corps (NROTC).The lecture focused on the myriad of career opportunities available within the EDO community,April 24 Photo by Lt James Whitlesey, Pictured Ensign MarkAmdahl (left), Lt Latrivia Johnson (center), Lt Jack Cathcart (right). (PHOTOBYTELLYMYLES)

ByChiefPettyOfficer

JohnGrandin

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class

Peter Munoz from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Twentynine Palms, California was announcedasNavyMedicine’s2023 SailoroftheYear(SOY),onApril24, 2024

Munoz, originally from El Paso Texas, received the recognition at a ceremony hosted by U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED)leadershipattheDefense Health Headquarters

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy and Force MasterChiefPatrickPaulMangaran, Navy Medicine Force Master Chief and Director of the Hospital Corps kickedofftheceremonyasthenominees awaited the announcement of this year’s selectee

“Standing among the top four FirstClassPettyOfficersoutof1,531 across BUMED, your achievements are truly remarkable,” said Mangaran. “This program is a fantastic opportunity to share your inspiringstoriesandignite thepassionfor excellence in those you’ve guided throughout your careers.” Mangaran closed by urging the group to stay motivated, stay hydrated, and to change their socks

“It is an honor and privilege to serve alongside you,” said Via. “You four truly are the finest across the entireorganization,youarethetrue brand ambassadors for who and what we do Corpsman Up!”

As part of the SOY program, Munoz will be meritoriously promoted to the rank of chief petty officer later this year

“Thiswholeexperiencehasbeenincrediblyhumbling BeingnamedBUMEDSailor of the Year for 2023 is truly an honor, and I couldn’thavedoneitwithouttheincredible teamaroundme.”SaidMunoz.“Myleadership has been a constant source of support and guidance, and the Sailors I work with everydayinspiremetobebetter Ialsowant to thank my husband, who is my unwavering support system.”

The remaining active-duty nominees were Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Blaine Jackson assigned to Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit 5 in San Diego, California; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class BruceBinnsassignedtotheNavalSurvival Training Institute in Pensacola, Florida andHospitalCorpsman1stClassMatthew Potaracke assigned to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia. Each of the nominees received a Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal signed by Rear Admiral Via.

The “Sailor of the Year is a time-honoredtraditionintroducedbyChiefofNaval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and MasterChiefPettyOfficeroftheNavyJohn Whittetin1972.Thisannualcompetitionis heldtorecognizethesuperiorperformance ofindividualSailors whoexceedinpersonifying the ideals of the Navy Core Values The Navy’s Hospital Corps is comprised of over

MARMC wins FY2023

RMC Excellence Award

ByDanielleLofton

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center

NORFOLK Va

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) was presented with the 2023 Regional MaintenanceCenter(RMC)ExcellenceAwardApril 23

Each year, this award recognizes a single RMCforoutstandingperformanceandFleet support in the execution and oversight of surface ship maintenance, modernization, and repair. Commands undergo evaluation based on various criteria, including mission accomplishments, innovative resource utilization,andqualityoflifeprograms

Reflecting on this achievement, MARMC Commanding Officer Capt Jay Young remarked, “A relentless pursuit of excellencehasonceagainenabledthisoutstanding accomplishment Earning this award for the second year in a row speaks volumes to the unwaveringcommitment dedication,expertise andresilienceofeveryteammember As we proceed into the coming year, we will continue to raise the bar, push boundaries, and set new benchmarks of excellence in all thatwedo.”

“It all starts with maintenance,” said Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC) and Director Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization and Sustainment (SEA21) Rear Adm. William ‘Bill’ Greene during the award ceremony. “MARMC is a big part of that effort. Not just here in Norfolk but all across the world supportingthe2nd,5thand6thFleets,andall oftheotherRMCsacrossthecountry.”

Some of the accomplishments that distinguished MARMC as the 2023 award winner are:

„ Conducted 45 Total Ship’s Readiness Assessments resulting in over 21,000 hours oftrainingtoShip’sForce.

„ Thewaterborne reinstallation of USS Iwo Jima’s rudders by MARMC’s Dive Locker in 20 days; marking the first-ever evolution of this magnitude outside of a dry-dock resultingintheavoidanceofa45-daymaintenance delay.

„ MARMC’s Miniature/Micro-miniature (2M) and Module Test Repair (MTR) Lab recorded $2,685,696 in cost avoidance with

atotalof684repairs.

„ The Contracts Department was responsiblefortheawardandexecutionofaportfolio exceeding$1billionandsuccessfullypiloted thefirsteveravailabilityutilizingStreamlined GrowthManagement.

„

MARMC’sfour“GetRealGetBetter pilot programs identified key areas for efficient improvement of safety and maintenance in theshiprepairindustry

“Numerous initiatives and projects pioneered by MARMC have provided unequaled efficiency and quality ultimately supportingtheNavy’sobjectiveofproviding cost-wise readiness, said Greene. “By their commitment to excellence, determination and selfless devotion to duty, the Officers, Sailors, civilians, and contractor personnel ofMARMCreflectedgreatcredituponthemselvesandupheldthehighesttraditionsofthe UnitedStatesDefenseDepartment.”

MARMC a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) provides surface ship maintenance management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-AtlanticregionoftheUnitedStates.

Civilian in the Spotlight

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) takes a moment to recognizeMr JamesFraley ofSumter SouthCarolina,asApril’sCivilianintheSpotlight! Fraley is a decorated Navy veteran with a hostofskillshehasacquiredduringhiseight years as an Electrician’s Mate Transitioning fromcontractortoCivilServiceinNovember 2021,Fraley’ssignificantimpactintheEngineeringDepartmentearnshimthisacknowledgement

MARMC Naval architect Ross Oliveira praised Fraley stating, “He is an extreme go-getter, always involving himself in technical issues even when he is not the subject matter expert, continually engaged in learningandstayingbusy.”

Fraley provided noteworthy technical service to multiples ships, including USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USSNormandy(CG60) USSNewYork(LPD 21), and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). During a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV), he provided technical support for thedishwasheraboardUSSPorterfromOctober2023toJanuary2024,correctingbreaker cable sizes, improper wiring, and incorrect temperaturesettings

“Had it not been for James’ professional andexpertabilities wemightnothavemade the end of avail, and, once again, the ship would have had to continue the use of paper products while underway,” said Richard Benson, MARMC project manager. “Fraley provided all the technical guidance necessarytocorrectlyconnectthenewdishwasher, ‘Dragon’. He identified two existing breakers that were underrated and provided the NSN[NationalStockNumber]toprocureand upgradethoseparts Lastly heinspectedthe ship’smainhotwaterheaterandidentifiedit as being set too low. This wouldhave caused Dragon’s booster heater to overwork itself andpossiblyfailprematurely Throughoutthe avail,Fraleycamebackseveraltimestospotchecktheinstallandrequestedtobepresent for the operational test. This gave the ship thataddedsenseofsecurityknowingwehad atrueprofessionalwitnessoutthefinaltest.” Fraleywasinstrumentalinothertechnical assists such as the cooking griddle replacementaboardUSSRamage,whereheprovided Ship’sForceandtheMaintenanceTeamwith all the necessary information to replace the griddle entirely Additionally, he assisted in USSNormandy’sGaylordsystemtrainingand restored galley ventilation, USS New York’s SmokeEjectionsystemrestoration,andfacilitated the restoration of USS San Antonio’s 60-poundwasher,returningittoservice.

“Honestly I love my job,” said Fraley “I work with some great people who have a wealth of knowledge and are a joy to work with. I’ve always had a passion for fixing things, so having a career where that is what Igettodo,bringsmeasenseoffulfillmenton aregularbasis.”

When Fraley takes time away from work, he enjoys doing activities with his family, getting outdoors or on the water, or finding another reason to spend some time in his garage MARMC a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) provides surface ship maintenance management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-AtlanticregionoftheUnitedStates.

Three NAVSUP FLC

ByJeanetteSteele NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Three Naval SupplySystemsCommand(NAVSUP)Fleet LogisticsCenter(FLC)Jacksonvilleemployeesrecentlyreceivedcivilianservicemedals inappreciationofinnovationsthatimprove thewaywedowork.

In March, Carlin Palmer was awarded theCivilianServiceCommendationMedal, the fourth highest honorary award in the Department of the Navy It acknowledges a significant achievement such as an invention or improvement in procedure, design ororganization.

Palmer, a master logistics support representative, created a training program for NavyReservelogisticiansthatcouldbecome amodelforcollaborativetraining.Between 2021and2023,atleast68Reservistsreceived theirjourneymantrainingspecialistcertificationthankstotheprogram.

Soon after, Willie Blackmon and Edward Betz, two logistics management specialists, wereawardedtheCivilianServiceAchievementMedal,thefifthhighesthonoraryNavy award.

Blackmon and Betz pushed for modernizationofasystemthatpreviouslyreliedon pencil and paper Thanks to their efforts NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville logisticians workingatSoutheastRegionalMaintenance Center(SERMC)cannowaccesstheNavywide computer program used to manage shipsuppliesandreconcileinventories

“It was especially gratifying to recognize our employees that are making a real difference in fleet support and embodying the spirit and intent of the Navy’s Get Real Get Better mindset,” said Steven Holmes NAVSUPFLCJacksonvilleexecutivedirector

A Better Way to Train Reservists

Palmer’strainingprogramisinnovativein twoways:Ittakesplaceoveroneweek,and it includes Reserve units from other Fleet LogisticsCenters(FLCs).

Previously eachFLCofferedthistraining inpieces conductedonvariousFridaysand Saturdays But if a Reservist missed a class due to life obligations, it resulted in incompletetrainingandnoqualification.

Also,eachunitusuallyfocusedontraining itsownpeople Jacksonvilleleadershadthe idea that gathering many Reservists in one placeforanintensiveone-weekclasswould fillgapsformultipleunits

Capt.RogerDube,commandingofficerof theNAVSUPFLCJacksonvilleReserveunit, saidthefeedbackhereceivesfromSailorsis that Palmer understands how to work with Reservistswhoarejugglingcivilianjobs,and

thatheincorporatesfeedbackfromeventhe mostjuniormembersoftheclass.

“Mr. Palmer has established an empatheticrapportwithhisstudents,”Dubesaid.

“Recalling his own experiences as a junior enlisted member then SK3 Palmer he empathizes with the complexities faced by NavynewcomersingraspingtechnicalNavy jargon.”

To date, the program has trained Sailors attached to Reserve units in Norfolk, Virginia, Sigonella, Italy and Yokosuka, Japan

Feedback has resulted in the class being extended to two weeks, incorporating an extra week for structured on-the-job training that is expected to bolster Reservists’ knowledgeandreadiness

Modernizing Maintenance

ForBlackmon BetzandtheNAVSUPFLC

Jacksonville team at SERMC the supply portion of Navy ship maintenance in Jacksonville is faster and more efficient than before.

Previously, logistics managers made a 35-minute drive from their Mayport work site to the private shipyard across the St Johns River to view the inventory reports and transaction ledgers that help them do theirjob

The difference is access to the system calledR-Supply,orRelationalSupply,which is the database where Navy ships log and tracktheirinventories.Nowourlogisticians at the Mayport maintenance can connect to a ship’s R-Supply database to view and generatereports.

Due to the sensitive nature of Navy ship information, this access required the cooperation of several commands dozens of approvals and myriad technical changes, including access to a new server farm in Virginia.

But the team persevered, and the project gainedmomentumafterNAVSUPBusiness SystemsCentersteppedintoassist

After the technical work was done, the logisticians successfully tested the process with USS Farragut (DDG 99) while the destroyerwasundergoingmaintenance.

NAVSUPFLCJacksonvilleisoneofeight FLCsoperatingunderNAVSUP Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition operational logistics and Sailor and familycareactivitieswithourmissionpartnerstogeneratereadinessandsustainnaval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively winwars Learnmoreatwww.navsup.navy milandwww.facebook.com/navsup

55th annual EOD Memorial Ceremony set for May 4

CourtesyStory Naval Education and Training Command

Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal(NAVSCOLEOD)willhostthe55th annualExplosiveOrdnanceDisposal(EOD) Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024,at9:00a.m.CDTinhonorandremem-

branceofthe344EODtechnicianswhohave made the ultimate sacrifice and given their livesinthelineofduty.

The ceremony will also be livestreamed and available for viewing online by visiting https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/events/.

The original memorial structure was dedicated on June 12, 1970, in Indian Head,

Maryland It consisted of four white cenotaphs oneforeachbranchofservice and wasfacedwithbronzetabletscontainingthe names of EOD technicians who died in the lineofduty. After NAVSCOLEOD was consolidated at Eglin Air Force Base, the original memorial was disassembled and redesigned. The

newstructureconsistsofasinglewhitewall faced with four bronze tablets identifying the names of the fallen. A brick from one of theoriginalcenotaphswasincorporatedinto thecurrentmemorialbyentombingitwithin theconcretewall

Thewallcurrentlyhonors344fallenEOD warriorsfrom1942tothepresent.

Naval Hospital Pensacola Sailor is Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program Active-Duty Counselor of the Year

ByPettyOfficer1stClassMichaelLee

NMRTC

PENSACOLA,Fla TheBureauofMedicineandSurgery(BUMED)awardedHospital Corpsman 2nd Class Heather Selvie, a Pensacola, Florida native, as Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) Active-DutyCounseloroftheYearforfiscal year2023.

BUMEDselectsoneservicememberand one civilian SARP counselor based upon contributions to their clinic or team during the fiscal year The award recognizes and encourages outstanding contributions and services to promote excellence and spotlights superior SARP counselors serving in eachcommunity Selvie served as a SARP counselor for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command(NMRTC)PensacolafromOctober2022toSeptember2023whilestationed

atNavalBranchHealthClinic(NBHC)Belle ChasseinNewOrleans

“Ihavetheprivilegetohelptreatandheal thoseinthearmedforces,sotheycanreturn to the fleet with the readiness to complete themissionathand,”saidSelvie.

The role of the SARP counselor aims to provide support and guidance to service members struggling with addiction, fostering their recovery and successful reintegration into duty. Their primary objectives include facilitating individual and group counseling sessions offering education on substance abuse prevention, and collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensivecare

“The Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program is important to me because it enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives,” said Selvie “I have an opportunity

to actively listen, engage in a nonjudgmental way, treat patients with respect, and help patients understand I am here to helpthemgetthetreatmenttheyneed,and recovery is possible.”

As a SARP counselor, Selvie delivered serviceto4,800beneficiariesfrom66tenant commands, which included 1,576 hours of clinicalcare,118counselingsessionsand119 casereviewsatNBHCBelleChasse.

“I was thrilled but not surprised,” said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr Wade Keckler, NMRTC Pensacola senior mental health executive. “Selvie is an extremely qualified and talented SARP counselor and Sailor who has excelled at a challenging position. She was the first SARP counselor ever stationed at NBHC Belle Chasse, part ofthecommand’sprioritytoestablishSARP servicesintheNewOrleansarea.”

NMRTC Pensacola, including all ten branch clinics enlist the aid of eight highly

trained service members to serve as SARP counselorsintheirrespectiveregions “Itrepresentsthehighqualityofworkthat Selviehasprovidedforourpatientsandour command, saidKeckler.“Italsorepresents the quality of work that the NBHC Belle Chasse Behavioral Health staff and the clinic provide on an ongoing basis We ask our SARP counselors to do very challengingworkonanongoingbasis,andtheyhave excelledbeyondexpectations AccordingtoKeckler thefiscalyear2023 award marks the fourth year in a row that a NMRTCPensacolaSARPcounselorhaswon thisprestigiousachievement.

NMRTC Pensacola has been providing care since 1826 and includes ten branch clinics across five states Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Indiana. Approximately 125,000 patients are enrolled for care at the hospital and the branch clinics

New NHHC publication on the Great White Fleet examines important lessons for current operations

ByMonicaMccoy Naval History and Heritage Command

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD From December 1907 to February 1909, the bulk of the United States Navy’s battleships circumnavigated the globe on a journey that remains unparalleled in modern history Naval History and Heritage Command’s latest publication, “A Pacific Effect”: The United States Navy, Naval Engagement, and the World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, analyzes this event to provide worthwhile lessons for today.

This short booklet sponsored by and with contributed input from the Plans Policy and Integration (N5), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations intentionally uses historical context to support Navy operational planning that continues today. Although the journey occurred more than a century ago, the world cruise of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet remains relevant It demonstrated the need for close cooperation with friendly states to project power over long distances the enduring importance of fleet readiness to combat effectiveness and diplomacy the potential of forward deployment as a tool of deterrence, and the utility of operational experimentation for adapting to new methods of warfare. By reviewing the circumstances and actions of a younger Navy, NHHC historians Daniel P.M. Curzon and Tyler A.Pitrof encourage readers to consider current situations through a retrospective case study

In addition to being an interesting read for the general reader, questions offered at the end of each chapter should engage military readers and help them consider how current activity may be comparable to the planners and operators who participatedinoneofthemosthistoricpeacetime U.S. naval operations

“For the relatively green American navy the journey provided valuable experience in logistical planning, diplomatic presence operations and engagement, and deliberate operational planning of the most pressing naval warfare tasks

President Theodore Roosevelt used the fleet’s passage to show our nation’s maritime power and to send a global message of friendship,” says Rear Adm. Thomas Moninger, Director of Plans, Policy, and Integration (N5), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the book’s forward.

“While over a century has passed since the Great White Fleet returned from this unique operation, there is much to learn from it. Today the Navy still operates forward to secure our nation’s interests and to provide a foundation for the international rules-based order that has helped so many nations to prosper.”

To download a 508-compliant PDF version visit www.history.navy mil/research/publications/publications-by-subject/pacific-effect.html

TodownloadotherNHHCpublications, visit: www.history.navy.mil/research/ publications

NHHC, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for preserving, analyzing, and disseminating U.S. naval history and heritage It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy’s unique and enduring contributions through our nation’s history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services NHHC comprises many activities including the Navy Department Library the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections underwater archeology, Navy histories, 10 museums,USSConstitutionrepairfacility, and the historic ship Nautilus

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Navy launches Operation MWR Entertainment Series with 65 free events at Navy installations around the world

ByDestinySibert Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON D.C. As part of its overall effort to improve Quality of Service the Navy is launching the Operation MWR entertainment series which will host 65 free events at Navy installations around the world from May June 2024 for service membersandtheirfamilies

“Work-life balance and community fellowship are essential to the well-being and readiness of our Sailors and their families,” said Leslie Gould, director of FleetandFamilyReadinessatCommander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “We hope these events not only provide a fun, recreational outlet, but also an opportunity to bring friends and families together to strengthen personal ties throughout our Navycommunity.”

Entertainment will vary by location and may feature concerts comedic performances,interactivemurdermysterydinners and more! Examples of headlining musical performers include acts such as Andy Grammer, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, GooGooDolls,Ludacris,TheAll-American Rejects,Switchfootandothers

Operation MWR events are open to all MWR eligible patrons, are free of charge, and in most cases do not require advanced

registration.However,spacemaybelimited atsomevenuesandentrywillbefirst-come first-served.

Service members and their families can find information about events at an installation near them by visiting navymwr.org/ operationmwrorcontactingtheirlocalNavy MWRoffice “Service members can also access other leisure and community offerings through their Navy MWR office,” said Gould. “All year long, MWR offers services such as trips, tours, leisure skills classes, sporting events discounted attraction tickets and more, providing opportunities to recharge andconnectthroughrecreation. Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as qualityoflifeprograms CNICoversees10Navy regions 70 installations and more than 43,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family Learn more by visiting CNIC’s website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ or following CNIC on social media: Facebook, Facebook.com/NavyInstallations; X (formerly knownasTwitter),@cnichq;andInstagram, @cnichq

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Afterademandingmaterialmaintenance period,theLosAngeles-classattacksubmarineUSSGreeneville(SSN772)returnedto thefleet battlereadyonApril19

With the successful delivery of Greeneville, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), Kittery, Maine marked an end of an era providing extensive Engineered Overhauls (EOH) to Los Angeles-class attack submarines

An EOH is a scheduled part of the submarine’s maintenance lifecycle which encompasses a major overhaul for the accomplishment of maintenance and modernization based on engineered periodicities, according to Greeneville Project Superintendent Ray Mondor. Since 1984, PNSY has been at the forefront of conductingtheselabor-intensiveoverhauls

“Throughthehardworkanddedicationof the entire shipyard we were able to deliver Greeneville back to the fleet in top physical and operational condition,” said Mondor. “Therearetoomanyindividualstomention, butIgreatlyappreciatetheeffortsandabilityofTeamGreeneville Unlikesomerecent major availabilities at PNSY this core team mainly stayed intact during the duration of EOH. We would not be talking about completing this availability today if not for theirindividualandteamaccomplishments andsacrifices,”continuedMondor

DuringGreeneville’savailability,approximately4000membersofTeamPortsmouth, along with Greeneville crewmembers, worked tirelessly to get Greeneville back to thefleet LikemanyoftheLosAngeles-class attack submarines Greeneville has served thefleetformanyyears

“When I talk about team Greeneville, I can’t forget to mention Greeneville’s commandingofficer,Cmdr ChadTella,and

the ship’s force crew that we built a great relationship with,” said Mondor “I look forward to following the success of this mighty boat and felt a great sense of pride watching it steam out of the channel to aid in the future defense of this country I’m hopingthateveryonewhohadapieceofthis successwillsharethatsameproudfeeling,” addedMondor Greeneville’s sea trials was exceptionally successful.Seatrialsistheship’sfirstunderway following a maintenance period and providesanopportunitytoputtheshipand crew through its paces ensuring the entire teamisreadyforoperationalassignments “Greeneville has pushed these last few months to get back and contribute to the Pacific fleet,” said Capt. Daniel Reiss Commodore, Submarine Squadron Two. “The crew is eager to arrive home and start buildingonthesolidfoundationthey’velaid whilehereatPNSY Thecrewisreadytoget backintothefight,tougherandstronger.”

“This project successfully integrated the knowledge and capability of the entire shipyard into a powerful team to achieve a great outcome,” said Mark Evans, Operations Department Execution Manager “It was a fantastic job by Team Portsmouth in completingGreeneville.” Greenevilleisthe84thLosAngeles-class attack submarine and is the only ship in U.S. Navy history to be named for the city of Greeneville, Tennessee Greeneville was commissioned at Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia on Feb. 16, 1996 and will behomeportedinSanDiego,California. PNSYistheNavy’scenterofexcellencefor attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization. As a field activity of Naval SeaSystemsCommand,PNSYiscommitted tomaximizingthematerialreadinessofthe fleet by safely delivering first-time

Keel authenticated for future USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr.

FromTeamShipsPublicAffairs

SAN DIEGO The keel for the future

USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr (ESB 8), a Lewis B. Puller-class Expeditionary Sea Base,waslaidatGDNASSCOshipyardApril

25

The ship will be named for U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Private Hector A. Cafferata Jr who served with distinction during the Korean War. Surviving the Battle of Chosin Reservoiramongthosewhowouldbecalled, “the Chosin Few,” Cafferata received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for his life-saving heroism during thatbattle. The contemporary keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of a ship’s modular components at the land level. As

part of the ceremony the keel is authenticated when the sponsors etch their initials intoaceremonialkeelplate Thenamesake’s daughter, Heather Cafferata, and granddaughter, Jessica Cafferata, attended the keel laying ceremony as the ship sponsors The ceremony represents the connection betweenashipanditssponsors,throughout theship’slife. “We are honored that the late Hector A. Cafferata’s Jr.’s legacy will live on through thisship,andthekeellayingisafirststepof manymilestonestocomeforthisship,”said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift programmanager,ProgramExecutiveOffice Ships. “ESBs provide a critical capability to thefleetandprovideincreasedflexibilityto ourSailorsandMarines.”

Expeditionary Sea Base ships are highly

flexibleplatformsusedacrossabroadrange of military operations, supporting multiple operational phases Acting as a mobile sea base, they are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports deploying forcesandsuppliestoprovideprepositioned equipmentandsustainmentwithadaptable distributioncapability.

These ships support Aviation Mine Countermeasure and Special Operations Force missions In addition to the flight deck,theESBfeaturesfouraviationoperatingspotsandahangarcapableofsupporting MH-53E-equivalent helicopters; accommodations,workspaces,andordnancestorage for embarked forces; and enhanced command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I). These shipssupportembarkedforcemissionplan-

ning and execution and have a reconfigurable mission deck area to store embarked force equipment, including mine sleds and RigidHullInflatableBoats(RHIBs) GD NASSCO is also currently constructingthefutureUSNSRobertE.Simanek(ESB 7) and John Lewis-class Fleet ReplenishmentOilersRobertF.Kennedy(T-AO208), Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) and Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) AsoneoftheDefenseDepartment’slargest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development andprocurementofalldestroyers,amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.

On iberty

WWE and UFC Star Matt Riddle returns to VCW in Norfolk on May 4th!

BySamSaunders

Virginia Championship Wrestling is back in the Norfolk Masonic Temple on Saturday night May 4th, and former UFCfighterandWWEUnitedStatesChampionMattRiddle willbeincompetition!The“KingofBros”lastcompetedin VCW in 2015, and the VCW audience has clamored for his return since Fans will not only have the opportunity to see MattRiddlecompeteinananticipatedmatchagainst“Mush Master”TimSpriggs buttheywillalsohavetheopportunity tomeethimbeforetheshowbegins Theevent’sdoorsopen at 5:30 pm, and the show begins at 7:30 pm. The address of the Norfolk Masonic Temple is 7001 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23505 Tickets and more information can be found at vcwprowrestling.com Professional wrestling fans will not wanttomissthisevent!

The main event will feature the aforementioned contest between Matt Riddle and “Mush Master” Tim Spriggs. While Riddle’s mixed martial arts background typically gives him an advantage in his matches Spriggs is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu World Champion. Both men’s combat backgrounds are sure to be utilized in this match Spriggs has looked dominant in VCW as of late, most recently earning a tap out victory over Team Reason in Alexandria on April 20th. However, Riddle has been traveling the globe in the nameofcompetition,includingasuccessfulreignasNJPW World Television Champion. With the crowd in support of both men, will the “Mush Master” keep his VCW momentum rolling or will the “King of Bros” be successful in his VCWreturn?

The rest of the VCW card is just as exciting as the main event.TensionswillbehighwhentheVirginiaHeavyweight ChampionJosephKeysteamsupwith“GreekGod”Papadon against The Boar and “The Hoss of all Hosses” Devantes Papadon and Devantes fought in a close matchup on April 20th,withDevantesgettingthevictory However,Papadon blamed “poor officiating” for his loss, which has led to the two having unfinished business. Devantes and The Boar have had their differences in the past, but both have issues with Papadon and Keys On top of that, Papadon has made itclearthathewantstheVirginiaHeavyweightChampionship, a fact that Keys is not fond of A lack of trust between bothteamswillmakethisamust-seematch.

The Boar will have his hands full on May 4th, as along with his tag team match, he willbe a guest on “The Loulies Lounge” with Tim Loulies. The last time The Boar was featured on “The Loulies Lounge” was in February in the Norfolk Masonic Temple as he interrupted the gloating of “The Director” Jerry Stephanitsis Stephanitsis and The Reason cost The Boar the Virginia Heavyweight Title back inNovember,andwhenTheBoarlookedtogetvengeanceon “TheDirector,”the“SimbaofVirginia’’onceagainambushed TheBoar,injuringhisleg TheBoarmadehisreturntoVCW on April 20th, but was once again attacked by The Reason and Stephanitsis What will the former Virginia Heavyweight Champion have to say about his rivals when given ahotmicinNorfolk?

TheVCWTagTeamChampionshipwillalsobeontheline whenthedefendingchampions Delinquents faceTheHype Mikey Banker and Josh Fuller have successfully defended theirtitlesincompetitivematchesagainsttheGoldenPinky Society and The Batiri However, Myron Malone and Khaz Lee’srecentworkacrossNorthernVirginiahasshowngreat results and indicates that this will not be an easy challenge forthechampions Infact,TheHypehasyettobedefeated in VCW. While Delinquents plan to claim a third successful defense of the VCW Tag Team Championship Malone and Lee will aim to show that The Hype is real by securing Virginia’stoptagteamprize

Multiple VCW stars look to prove a point in the Norfolk MasonicTemple TwoofthosepeopleincludeHyenaHera and Adrianna Back in November, Adrianna made a great

PressRelease

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is hosting its first-ever pickleball tournament fundraiser called Dink or Swim on Saturday, June 15 to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day and the Aquarium’s38thanniversary Registrantswillplayinteamsoftwo at the Aquarium’s neighboring facility Pickleball Virginia Beach.ThetournamentispresentedbyTheOceanfrontInn There will be three round-robin tournament divisions, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. A free beginner’s clinic will be offered on Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. to get warmed up before the tournament. The clinic is free for participants but limited to 20 people Pick a partner and sign up for $150 per team. Registrationincludesafreedrinkticketandsnacks Registrantswill receiveacomplimentarycommemorativet-shirtpictured with the Aquarium’s very own moray eel, Pickles Each registered participant will be entered to win a Sharks & SeaTurtlesbehind-the-scenestourattheAquarium Court sponsors are $250 and includes registration for a team in the tournament. Proceeds will support the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to provide quality care for the Aquarium’s animals, offer educational programs conduct researchandconservationwork,andoperatethenationally recognized Stranding Response Program. Prizeswillbeawardedtothetopthreeteams.Interested players and sponsors can register at VirginiaAquarium. com. AbouttheVirginiaAquarium&MarineScienceCenter: TheVirginiaAquarium&MarineScienceCenter’smission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability leadingthechargetosavewildlifeandtheirecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. TheAquariumisproudtobeanaccreditedmemberofthe AssociationofZoosandAquariums,theAllianceofMarine MammalParksandAquarium,andtheWorldAssociation of

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Cinco de Mayo: Sunday, May 5, 4 pm until midnight

PressRelease

HAMPTONROADS,Va CincodeMayoisapopularday

to celebrate Mexican-American culture across the United States Ensure that you and your friends stay safe while celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year by remembering one important piece of advice: A sober driver is one who hasn’t ingestedanyalcoholorsubstances Ifyouplantouse,never drive while impaired -and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment It’s essential to arrange a sober ridehome UseDriveSafeHR’s757SoberRidepoweredby Lyft.https://www.drivesafehr.org/757soberride

Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Cinco de Mayo: Sunday, May 5, 4 pm until midnight

Duringthiscampaign,arearesidentsage21andoldercelebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones, then enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment”tab(underthe“AddLyftPass”option)toreceive theirno-cost(upto$15)safetransportationhome Thecode will only work if used during the above-stated period for ridesoriginatingfromorhavingadestinationwithinHampton Roads. DSHR’s Cinco de Mayo 757 Sober Ride promo codeswillbepostedat4pmSunday atwww.DriveSafeHR. org/757-sober-ride Validwhilesupplieslast.SubjecttoLyft’sTermsofService

According to NHTSA, In 2021, there were 13,384 people killedindrunk-drivingcrashes Infact,onaverageoverthe 10-year period from 2012-2021, about 10,850 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic fatalities One person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019 Drive Safe HamptonRoadspromotesthe757SoberRidecampaignfor ridesoriginatingand/orfordestinationsinHamptonRoads toreminddriversthatimpaireddrivingisnotonlyillegalbut also a matter of life and death. Supporters of the 2024 757 SoberRidecampaignincludeHuffman&HuffmanBrothersin-Law,theChristopherKingFoundation,andtheVirginia DMV In 2019, 47 people died in drunk-driving crashes during CincodeMayo,accountingfor38percentofalltrafficdeaths Theincreasingthreatofdriverscombiningbothmarijuana and alcohol leads to greater impairment and a greater risk ofgettingintoacrash

Jonathan Turner 757 Sober Ride Chairperson recommends, “If you are the designated driver, commit to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe If you see an impaireddriverontheroad,contactlocallawenforcement immediately And,ifyouhaveafriendwhoisabouttodrive impaired,takeawaytheirkeysandhelpthemmakearrangementstogetthemhomesafely IfyouhaveplansforCincode Mayo, our simple message is to celebrate with a plan Plan ahead for a sober ride because #BuzzedDriving is drunk driving!”

EnjoyCincodeMayoresponsibly!Remember,even“just one drinkis too many if you’re driving Stay safe by calling a sober friend, taxi, or using Drive Safe Hampton Roads #757Sober_Ride to get home safely https://www.drivesafehr.org/757soberride

Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is a non-profit regional coalition whose mission is to improve highway safety,andreduceinjuriesanddeathsfromvehiclecrashes For36years,DriveSafeHamptonRoadshaspromotedcitizen involvement and community awareness as we strive towardzerodeathsonourregion’sroadways

impression on the VCW audience through herperformanceintheGeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway Battle Royal. She looks to capitalize with a win in VCW, but Hyena Heraplansondoingeverythinginherpower to prevent that. Fresh off of taking former AEWWomen’sChampionNylaRosetothe limit in Alexandria on April 20th Hera is determined to prove that she is the most dominantwomaninVCW.Whenthesetwo competitors face each other for the first time, it will surely result in momentum for thevictor.

Commander King also looks to prove a point when he and Big AC, with Cassisus Carter in their corner face his former allies the Golden Pinky Society On April 20th these men found themselves at the end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway Battle Royal. Dezmon King shockingly turned on Benjamin Banks and “Diamond”

VictorGriffandalignedhimselfwithBigAC and Carter who forfeited the match after eliminating the Golden Pinky Society Will the newly crowned “Commander of VCW” andBigACshowthattheirpartnershipwas awisedecisionthroughawinagainstVCW’s mostsuccessfulteam?

One more title will be contested when Alex Divine challenges the VCW Liberty ChampionSaulEsparza Esparza,accompaniedbyNeilSharkey losthisLibertyChampionship match with Divine on April 20th, but the loss was by count-out. Because of this, the title did not change hands. While Divine looks to defeat Esparza again, the champion and the crafty Neil Sharkey will bedeterminedtofindanotherwaytokeepa firmholdonthechampionship General admission tickets will be availableatthedoorforSaturdayMay4thatthe Norfolk Masonic Temple but guarantee a seat by purchasing a ticket at vcwprowrestling.com. Don’t miss the chance to meet Matt Riddle at 5:30 pm, and don’t miss a fantasticnightofwrestlingat7:30pm! VCW from Page 1

The Boarboots comedianTim Loulies.(PHOTOBYJONATHANMCLARTY)

VCWHeavyweight ChampionJoseph Keys (left) andTim Spriggs (right) exchanging blows (PHOTOBYJONATHANMCLARTY)

Devantes taking down LDJ.

Howhearingandvisionproblems can be related to brain injury

By:JanetA.Aker MHS Communications

Traumatic brain injuries, including concussion, may lead to hearing and vision problems. Sometimes, these hearing and vision injuries are either not immediately apparent or require additional testing to be diagnosed, according to experts from the DefenseHealthAgency Theseinjuriesmay showuptogether

Ifyouthinkyouhaveaconcussion,known asmildTBI,andmaybeexperiencinghearingorvisionchanges,here’swhattoknow

Those diagnosed with mild TBI should haveacompleteset ofhearing teststosee if they’vebeenaffected.

“Oftentimes, TBI patients are informed they do not have hearing loss despite their perceived listening difficulties which is why additional measures to establish auditory processing abilities are required, said National Intrepid Center of Excellence researcher Melissa Kokx-Ryan, who holds a doctorate in audiology and in hearing, speech,andlanguagesciences NICoEisthe center of DHA’s TBI clinical care, research, and education and is located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda,Maryland.

“A standard audiometric evaluation for a TBI patient should start with a traditional hearing test but also include measures of auditory processing abilities in complex environments,” she explained. Complex environments can be situations with multipletalkersoralotofbackgroundnoisesuch asarestaurantormeeting “Typically,these patients do well in quiet listening environmentswithonetalkerwhoislookingatthem but add in background noise and someone notfacingthemwhiletalkingandtheystart tostruggle.”

According to DHA’s Hearing Center of Excellence, auditory processing disorder symptoms may include struggling to understand speech in noisy settings; problems recognizing spoken words or keeping up with telephone conversations; finding it hard to tell the difference between words thatsoundalike;andfeelinguncertainabout wherethewordsyouheararecomingfrom Tinnitus, a buzzing, hissing, humming, orhigh-pitchedtonalandcontinualringing

sound heardin the head or ears can alsobe associatedwithhearinglossandTBI.

How Hearing Injuries are Treated

Audiologists use communication strategies and hearing aids to treat hearing loss and tinnitus Depending on the patient’s individualneeds theclinicianmay“supplement tinnitus treatment with additional ambientnoisesmartphoneormachines,and refer to the Progressive Tinnitus Managementcoursewhenappropriate,”Kokx-Ryan said.Thecourseisastepped-careapproach atmilitarybasesrunbyanaudiologistanda behavioralhealthprovider.

NICoE works extensively with DHA’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence through the NICoE Brain Fitness Center in Bethesda on research and “auditory training to supplement when appropriate,” Kokx-Ryan said. The Brain Fitness Centerisanadjuncttotraditionalcognitive therapies offered by speech and occupational therapy and receives referrals from theentiremulti-disciplinaryteamatNICoE and Walter Reed for multiple symptoms and patient populations beyond auditory concerns

“NICoEwasamongthefirstmilitaryaudiologyclinicspioneeringtheuseoflow-gain hearing aids to treat auditory processing deficits despite normal hearing sensitivity, whichisnowbecomingmoremainstream,” Kokx-Ryan explained. These devices enhance speech while making loud sounds quieterandreducingbackgroundnoise

Her current TBI research focuses on providing evidence to support the use of low-gain hearing aids for treating auditory processing disorders Kokx-Ryan works primarilywiththeTBIpopulation;however, her research applies to “other service members with perceived hearing difficulties who have a history of significant noise or blast exposure in the absence of a formal TBIdiagnosis,”shesaid.

She’salsoinvolvedwithseveralprotocols lookinginto“multisystemintegration, such ashowvision,vestibular,andhearingaffect oneanother Thevestibularsystemrelatesto movement, gravity, or your balance system

TheHCEtrainsclinicianshowtotreatdizzinessandimbalanceinpatientswithconcussion

The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs issued new practice guidelines for evaluating and managingdizziness associatedwithTBIin October2023

Military sensory research—and the development of clinical best practices—are fueled by vision and hearing injury registriesthatcollectbidirectionaldataonservice members and veterans from their point of injurytorecoveryorrehabilitation.

HCE hosts the Joint Hearing Loss and AuditoryInjuryRegistryandVisionCenter of Excellence hosts the Defense and VeteransEyeInjuryVisionRegistry

Vision Injury Common with TBI But May Not Be Readily Apparent

Visual dysfunction is common in even mild TBI patients, but not everyone who sustains a TBI will have visiondysfunction “Many visual symptoms after a TBI resolve ontheirownwithouttreatment,”saidNatashaMerezhinskaya,ahealthsciencespecialistattheVAandVCE,whoholdsadoctorate inbiophysics AccordingtoMerezhinskaya,anumberof studies have found that visual dysfunctions werereportedinasmanyas43%ofpatients diagnosedwithmildtraumaticbraininjury

“Often these injuries are not visible if one just looks at the eye,” said Chrystyna Rakoczy,adoctorofoptometrywiththeVA andVCE.“Instead,TBIcanaffecttheability of the eyes to work together, follow objects, orfocuswell.Asaresult,apersoncanexperienceblurryvision,difficultiesreading,and increasedsensitivitytolight.Sometimesthe ability of the eyes to see objects on the side ofthevision(visionfields)canbeaffectedas well,”sheexplained.

Merezhinskaya and Rakoczy focus on characterizing eye and vision injuries in service members and veterans after TBI and the development of the recommendations for eye doctors to diagnose and treat theseinjuries SomepeoplecanexperienceTBI-related

symptomsforalongperiodoftime

“These individuals may not realize that their visual system has been affected as symptoms such as headaches, poor reaction time, poor concentration, and loss of balance are typically not associated with eyes and vision These conditions require accurate evaluation of visual function and performancetoteaseoutdysfunctionsofour sensorysystems,”Merezhinskayasaid.

Thewayweseeandinterpretvisualinformationinvolvesmanydifferentareasofour brain.

“Seventypercentofallsensorydataenters throughtheeyes,whichservelikeacamera. The images are then evaluated for a form, color, depth perception, motion, and the sense of body position, and compared with known images using cognitive memory,” Merezhinskayasaid.

Multiple areas of the brain participate in imageprocessing.

“For example, the vestibular/balance system keeps visual images generated by both eyes superimposed and locked while our heads and bodies are in motion so we don’t feel dizzy,” Rakoczy said. “Different systems in the brain need to process visual information appropriately and efficiently for us to function properly and to be safe If the brain cannot interpret data coming throughtheeyesbecauseitisdamaged,our bodiescannotreactappropriatelyinatimely manner.”

The Brain’s Response

Our brain and bodies work together, and if injured, treatment needs to address all aspectsofthoseinjuries

“Vision,vestibular,hearing,andcognitive dysfunction often occur simultaneously as the result of a brain injury. Assessment and rehabilitationofvisiondysfunctioninthose casescannotoccurinisolation.State-of-theart treatment of sensory deficits associated withTBIforbestandquickestreturntoduty dependsoncoordinatedmultisensoryinterdisciplinaryrehabilitation,”Rakoczysaid If you suspect you have hearing or vision injuries as the result of a concussion, see yourprovider Earlydiagnosisandtreatment maylessentheimpactofthoseinjuries.

ComethefirstweekendinMay,Southernersknowit’s timeforsomethingbig–theKentuckyDerby!Adayfull ofexcitinghorseraces,brightwide-brimmedhats,and shinysilvercupsfilledwithMintJulepstheDerbyisa Southernaffairifwe’veeverseenone.Forthosewatchingthefestivitiesathome,it’sallaboutthefashionsand themenu Yes,there’snopartylikeaDerbyparty,so withthesetasty,Kentuckyinspiredrecipesyou’reset witharaceday-readymenu,too!

Kentucky Hot Brown

Recipe By Patricia S York @SouthernLiving.com

TheKentuckyHotBrown,apillowycushionoftoasted breadtoppedwithslicedturkeyandanavalancheof Mornaysauce—allbroileduntilgoldenbrown.

Total Time: 35 mins | Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

„ 4thickwhitebreadslices

„ ¾poundslicedroastedturkey

„ 1MornaySauce

„ 3cup(4-oz.)shreddedParmesancheese

„ 8plumtomatoes,sliced

„ baconslices,cooked

Directions Preheatbroilerwithovenrack6inchesfromheat. Placebreadslicesonabakingsheetandbroil1to2 minutesoneachsideoruntiltoasted.

Arrangebreadslicesin4lightlygreasedbroiler-safe individualbakingdishes Topbreadwithturkeyslices PourhotMornaySauceoverturkey Sprinklewith Parmesancheese Broil6inchesfromheat3to4minutesoruntil bubblyandlightlybrowned;removefromoven.Top sandwicheswithtomatoesandbacon.Serveimmediately

Kentucky Derby Cheese Hat

Recipe By Patricia S York @SouthernLiving.com

Withonlytwoingredientsandaswirlofaribbon,you’ll havethischeekypartysnackreadytogo Fromthere, possibilitiesareendless Garnishwithfreshflowers lavender orevenaspreadoffruitpreserves.This cheesehatissuretobethehitofyournextKentucky Derbyparty

Total Time: 7 mins

Ingredients

„ 1(5.2-oz.,2¾-inch)roundbutterygarlic-and-herb spreadablecheese

„ 1(13.2-oz.,5¼-inch)Brieround

„ Garnish:ribbon;yourchoiceoffreshflowers

Directions PlaceBrieroundonaservingplatter Topwithspreadablecheese Garnishwithribbonandfreshflowers

Kentucky Derby Pie

Recipe By Noel W. @ AllRecipes.com

Ayummychocolatechipcookiepiewithnuts Usually servedwarmwithicecreamorwhippedcream.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr | Yield: 1 9-inch pie

Ingredients

„ 1(9inch)piecrustpastry

„ 1cuplightcornsyrup

„ 1cupwhitesugar

„ 4eggs

„ 1¼cupschocolatechips

„ 1cupchoppedpecans

„ ½cupbutter,melted

„ 2tablespoonsbourbon(Optional)

„ 1teaspoonvanillaextract

Directions Preheatovento350degreesF(175degreesC).Press piecrustintoa9-inchpieplate Beatcornsyrup,whitesugar andeggstogetherina bowlusinganelectricmixeronlowspeeduntilwell blended;stirinchocolatechips pecans butter,bourbon,andvanillaextract Pourmixtureintotheprepared piecrust. Bakeinthepreheatedovenuntilset,45to50minutes

Pimento Cheese

Recipe from KentuckyDerby.com

SavortheSoutherncharmwithourirresistiblePimento Cheeserecipe!Thiscreamyblendofcheddarcheese, creamcheese,andzestyspicescreatesaflavorsensationthat’sperfectforspreadingontoastpointsorservingincucumbercups

Ingredients: „ 2cupsshreddedextra-sharporangecheddarcheese „ 8ouncescreamcheese,softened

„ ¼to½cupmayonnaise

„ 1(4-ounce)jardicedpimento,drained „ 1jalapenopepper,seededandminced „ ¼teaspoongroundcayennepepper(optional) „ ¼teaspoononionpowder „ Koshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste „ Toastpoints,forserving „ Cucumbercups,forserving

Directions: Combineinalargebowlcheddarcheese,creamcheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapeno, cayenne (if using) and onionpowder Seasontotastewithsaltandpepper. Serveontoastpointsandcucumbercups

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Recipe By Laura Kanya @ SouthernLiving.com

Theseno-bakeKentuckybourbonballsareaclassic Southernconfection—sweetwithapunchofbourbon flavorattheend Toastedpecansinthisrecipelendan irresistiblecrunchandaflavorintensity,whilebittersweetchocolatebalancestheflavorsoit’snottoosweet

Thisrecipecallsforhalfacupofbourbon,butyou couldadjusttherecipeifyoupreferlessbourbonflavor Orifyouprefertomaketheballscompletelynon-alcoholic,youcouldsubstitutethebourbonforjuice (suchasorangeorapple),butthatwillcertainlychange theflavorandthespiritoftheconfection.

Servings: 12 | Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients

„ ½cuptoastedchoppedpecans

„ ½cupKentuckybourbon

„ ½cup(4oz.)unsaltedbutter softened

„ 1(1-lb.)pkg.powderedsugar(about4cups)

„ ½tsp vanillaextract

„ ⅛tsp tablesalt

„ 3cupsbittersweetchocolatechips (from2[12-oz.]pkg.)

„ 40toastedpecans

Directions: „ Soak pecans in bourbon: Placechoppedpecansand bourboninasmallbowl.Letstand,covered,atroom temperatureuntilpecanshaveabsorbedsomeofthe bourbon,atleast2hoursorupto12hours

„ Prepare pans: Line2largerimmedbakingsheets withparchmentpaper,andsetaside

„ Make bourbon balls mixture: Beatbutterand powderedsugarwithanelectricmixeronlowspeed untilcombined(mixtureshouldresemblecoarsesand), 3to6minutes Add soaked pecans and any remaining bourbon in bowl,vanilla,andsalt;beatonlowspeeduntilcombined andformsadough-likeconsistency,about2minutes

„ Scoop out balls: Usinga2teaspoon(10mL)sized cookiescoop,scoopmixtureinto½-inchballs,and placeonto1ofthepreparedbakingsheets.Freeze, uncovered,untilfirm,about15minutes.(Alternatively, cover,andrefrigerateupto12hours.)

„ Melt chocolate: Meanwhile,addwatertoalarge saucepantoadepthof1inch;bringtobarelyasimmer overlow.Placechocolateinadrymedium-sizedheatproofbowl.Setbowloversaucepan,makingsure bottomofbowldoesnottouchwater.Meltchocolate, stirringoften,untilsmooth,about8minutes.Remove fromheat. „ Dip bourbon balls in chocolate: removebourbon ballsfromfreezer(orrefrigerator.)Usingafork,dip bourbonballinmeltedchocolate.Gentlytapbottomof forkontosurfaceofmeltedchocolate,andwipeonedge ofbowltoremoveexcesschocolate Transferdipped bourbonballtosecondpreparedbakingsheetbyflippingovertoremovefromfork.Topwithapecan. Repeatprocesswithremainingbourbonballsand meltedchocolate Chill,uncovered,atleast30minutes orupto12hours Storeinairtightcontainerinrefrigeratorupto2weeks

How To Store Kentucky Bourbon Balls:Immediately afterpreparingthebourbonballs,chillthemuncoveredforatleast30minutesorupto12hours Then, storetheminanairtightcontainerintherefrigerator wheretheywillkeepforuptotwoweeks.Tostorein thefreezer,firstfreezetheballsonabakingtrayuntil frozen.Then,transferthemtoanair-tightcontaineror zipperbagwheretheywilllastforuptothreemonths

Gear up to celebrate Norfolk Bike Month

PressRelease

NORFOLK, Va This May, celebrate the bicycle lifestyle and how Norfolk keeps gettingbetterforbikeswiththe13thAnnual NorfolkBikeMonth!

Let the good times roll safely whether it’s a family trek through the Northside Park Bike Trail, a solo ride on the Elizabeth River Trail or meeting fellow bike enthusiastsatsignatureeventsliketheNorfolkBike Expo,BiketoWorkDayandGlowRideVIII. Downloadaprintableandsharablecalendar to choose your own Bike Month adventure (seebeloworonlineathttps://www.norfolk.

gov/CivicAlerts). The City of Norfolk has been named a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community bytheLeagueofAmericanBicyclists,honoring the City’s efforts and progress toward betterbicyclingandsaferstreets.

Motoristsareremindedto:

„ Share the road with cyclists Bikes are allowed on City of Norfolk streets whether inabikelaneornot.

„ Keepadistanceofatleastthreefeetwhen passingacyclistonthestreet.It’sthelaw! „ Watchoutwhenopeningcardoorswhen parkedonacitystreet.

„ Follow the posted speed limits Speeding canhavefatalconsequencesforbothmotoristsandcyclists

Bicyclistsareremindedto: „ Followthesamerulesoftheroadasavehicle Stop at stop signs and yield to pedestrians Bikewiththeflowoftraffic.

„ Wear a helmet! Helmets are mandatory forthose14yearsofageandyounger

„ BeSeen!Wearbrightclothinginthedark anduseawhiteheadlightandredtaillightat nightsootherscanseeyou.

„ Use the bike lanes if available If you must ride on a sidewalk, be courteous to

pedestrians Riding on sidewalks is prohibiteddowntown. „ Park responsibly at designated parking corralsorbikeracks Donotparkinfrontof building entrances and do not block sidewalksorpedestrianaccess

NorfolkBikeMonthissponsoredbyLime and presented in partnership with the City of Norfolk, Downtown Norfolk Council, Hampton Roads Transit, TRAFFIX, ElizabethRiverTrailandcommunitypartners. To find Norfolk Bike Month events, citywide biking information, resources and safetytips,visitwww.norfolk.gov/bike.