Flagship 05.05.2022

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

IN THIS ISSUE Child Abuse Prevention Month Representatives from the Defense Logistics Agency joined the military services in highlighting efforts to observe this month’s focus on child abuse prevention during a virtual event April 28. PAGE A2 VOL. XX, NO. XX, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

May 5-May 11, 2022

NORTHWEST ANNEX GALLEY WINS CNRMA’S ANNUAL COOKING COMPETITION

By MC2 Michael Botts, and AOAN Brittany Sandoval

Naval Air Station Oceana and CNRMA Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Naval Air Station Oceana hosted Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s annual Regional Culinary Competition at the Dam Neck Annex Galley April 28.

The competition gathers culinary specialists from galleys across the Mid-Atlantic region, testing their culinary knowledge, professional skills, and personal competitiveness.

“The idea is to be able to give the culinary specialists in our region an opportunity to showcase all the hard work they do,” said Chef Scott Cooper, a Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Food Service chef.” We want to give them a chance to get outside the kitchen and to be able to think outside the box, have fun, network, learn something, and showcase their talents.”

One of the biggest goals of the competition is to serve as a way for culinary specialists to develop a passion for their work that will positively affect the rest of their commands and the Navy as a whole.

“Competitions like this are huge boosts to our galley Sailor’s morale,” said Cooper. “It gets them outside of the regular day-to-day galley life.

When they see all the effort that goes into the planning, the unfolding of the event, seeing each other’s food, and the judging after they’re done; it’s going to make them excited about what they do.”

The commands that participated in this year’s event were Submarine Culinary Specialists from the Mid-Atlantic Region participated in the 12th Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Culinary Competition on board Dam Neck Annex. The Base New London, Naval Station competition gathers culinary specialists from galleys across the Mid-Atlantic region, challenging their professional skills, personal competitiveness and Newport, Naval Air Station Oceana, culinary knowledge. (MC2MEGAN WOLLAM) Dam Neck Annex, Naval Station Norfolk, Northwest Annex, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story, and Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

“Just looking out and seeing everyone coming out to support their particular galleys and the cooks working together looks beautiful,” said Bernice Williams, Dam Neck Annex Galley Food Service Officer.

“Yes, it’s a cold day, but they’re still out here doing what they do because they love what they do.”

The winner of this year’s competition was the Northwest Annex Galley team, who will represent the Mid-Atlantic Region in the Navy Installations Command’s Food Services Ashore Culinary Competition held at Naval Station Great Lakes. ( MC2 MEGAN WOLLAM) (AOAN BRITTANY SANDOVAL)

Naval Station Norfolk Holds Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

By Lieutenant Junior Grade James Searles NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk hosted a Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on April 28 to honor and remember the more than six million Jews killed during the genocide known today as the Holocaust.

The Holocaust was the mass murder of approximately six million Jews during World War II, a program of systematic state-sponsored murder by Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party, throughout the German Reich and German-occupied territories. Of the nine million Jews who had resided in Europe before the Holocaust, approximately two-thirds were killed. A network of over 40,000 facilities in Germany and German-occupied territories were used to concentrate, hold, and kill Jews and other victims.

This year marked the 77th

By Katisha Fraguada

Public Affairs Officer At Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads

Rabbi Gershon Litt, Rabbi of Adath Jeshurun Synagogue’s congregation in Newport News and Naval Station Norfolk’s Commodore Levy Chapel deliver remarks during a Holocaust Day of Remembrance ceremony, April 28, 2022. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS JOSEPH T MILLER)

anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps by Allied Forces during the final

Fleet AV-8B Harrier readiness www.flagshipnews.com

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Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Poetry Slam Contest

The AV-8B Weapon Systems Program Office (PMA-257) recently recognized Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) for its outstanding support of the AV-8B Propulsion Integrated Product Team and the AV-8B Harrier fleet. PAGE A5

days of World War II. Each Turn to Remembrance, Page 7

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — April was designated as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) and also widely recognized as National Poetry Month. The Fleet and Family Support Center at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads held a Poetry Slam Contest to raise awareness of the importance of SAAPM and promote awareness, healing and hope in eliminating sexual assault.

The winner of the Poetry Slam Contest received a Commander’s Coin presented by Capt. Matt Frauenzimmer, Commanding

Officer of NSA Hampton Roads, and a certificate of participation.

This year’s winner was Yeoman 2nd Class Rodrigo A. Ruiz Guzman from Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.

“My Prayer Before Dawn”

By Yeoman 2nd Class Rodrigo A. Ruiz Guzman Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command As I lay silently in bed, thoughts roll wild in my head.

Thinking about some parent’s prayers, hoping them affective without regards for disbelievers and naysayers.

Some will pray that if their Turn to Poetry, Page 7

Ribbon Cutting

NAVAIR awards

On Friday, April 29, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) celebrated the ribbon cutting at its new headquarters on Naval Station Norfolk. PAGEA3

Reduced cycle times, increased efficiency and an emphasis on safety and quality earned the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) V-22 team two awards presented during an April 20 ceremony. PAGE A6

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

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 during a photo exercise to conclude Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS KALEB J SARTEN)

NRL Tech Transfer Continues Forging Partnerships With Sherwin-Williams

By Paul Cage

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Technology Transfer Office plays an important role in demonstrating NRL as a leader in technology innovation. Recently, NRL entered into a Limited Government Purpose License (GPL) with The Sherwin-Williams Company.

NRL has developed polysiloxane nonskid coatings with extended durability. Sherwin-Williams requested a Limited Government Purpose License to make, use, and sell the invention directly and solely to shipyards or contractors performing maintenance, repair, or new construction of vessels

owned by the U.S. Government.

“The polysiloxane nonskid coating developed by NRL represents a significant advancement in technology over standard products available on the market today,” Mark Schultz, Business Development Manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine said. “This novel solution with extended durability and excellent color retention, the polysiloxane nonskid coating doesn’t chalk, discolor or fade, and can be rolled or spray-applied — helping minimize waste, increasing efficiencies in the coatings maintenance process, and reducing overcoating for aesthetic purposes. This combination of benefits has been well received by the U.S. Navy.”

A key part of NRL’s mission is the devel-

opment and transition of technologies to support the Navy, and more broadly, the warfighter. NRL’s intellectual property can be used to support those — and other U.S. Government-specific — efforts. NRL offers no-cost GPLs to any of our over 1,200 patented or patent-pending technologies and protected software.

“NRL’s wide breadth of intellectual property are available for use at no cost by the private sector in performance of awarded U.S. Government contracts,” Holly RicksLaskoski, Ph.D., NRL’s Technology Transfer Office senior partnership manager said.

“Leveraging NRL’s intellectual property in this way is an opportunity for cost savings for our government contractor partners.”

NRL partners with a wide variety of orga-

nizations including industry, academia and other government organizations to accelerate the development and transition of new and innovative technologies for the warfighter.

“We are ver y appreciative of our long-standing partnership with NRL. The innovation, testing and evaluation of forward-looking technologies has produced tangible results for our customers in terms of lowering total ownership cost and effectively maintaining ship schedules,” Bryan Draga, Global Vice President of Marketing for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine said. “Sherwin-Williams has been uniquely qualified to bring the MIL-Spec products and technologies to the market thanks to our quality manufacturing processes and MIL-Spec controls.”

Sherwin-Williams’ formulation was submitted for the Department of Defense Qualified Products Database evaluation and qualified under military specification MIL-PRF-24667 for a Type V non-skid coating.

For those company’s looking to work with NRL, Ricks-Laskoski, said, “NRL is open and we are looking forward to working with you.”

The polysiloxane non-skid coating is described and claimed in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,006,307 and 9,034,946 issued 14 April, 2015 and 19 May, 2015, respectively.

DLA shares Child Abuse Prevention Month efforts with DOD

By Nancy Benecki

Defense Logistics Agency

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Representatives from the Defense Logistics Agency joined the military services in highlighting efforts to observe this month’s focus on child abuse prevention during a virtual event April 28.

Lisa Grenon and Michiel DeVito, family program managers with DLA Installation Management at Battle Creek, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio, respectively, presented the agency’s CAPM events to Patricia Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy.

DLA’s CAPM efforts included display tables with information about awareness, web resources and pinwheel parades.

“In addition, we try to add our own flair and interest with events such as Sip (Tea) ‘n Paint, the Clothesline Project and Chalk the Walk,” in which participants receive tips on preventing and reporting child abuse, Grenon said.

Ongoing awareness projects such as Healing Rocks and the Hope Garden keep child abuse awareness and positive parenting in focus year-round, Grenon said. The rocks are painted with positive messages every April

by DLA employees and placed in a Healing Rock Garden. The Hope Garden is dedicated to remembering victims of violence and features native trees, a memory bench, pedestal and plants.

“Pinwheels are placed around the garden

in April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month,” Grenon said. “Because these projects involve multiple installation organizations, they become a force multiplier for the child-abuse prevention message.”

The pinwheel was selected as the national symbol for child abuse prevention by Prevent Child Abuse America because it represents playfulness, joy and childhood.

Outreach and education efforts are important to preventing child abuse, DeVito said. Programs like Project Kindness and the Child Development Center’s Parent Resource Center provide information about parenting and child development.

DLA’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation website also offer resources for families, she said.

“As we have adapted over the last two years, we have increased our education and prevention using technology, which includes providing on-demand resources and educational videos,” DeVito said. “Our community is often spread over an entire country and sometimes in different countries. Using digital platforms allows us to connect with our community members wherever they are located.”

The MWR website offer videos and seminars on decreasing stress, which can prevent abuse, and topics range from how to balance a checkbook to teaching teens how to behave appropriately on social media.

Events are recorded and archived for easy

Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm, maddelin.hamm@navy.mil Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com

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April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Lisa Grenon and Michiel DeVito, family program managers with DLA Installation Management at Battle Creek, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio, respectively, presented the DLA’s CAPM events to Patricia Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy during a virtual event on April 28, 2022. ( PAUL CRANK)

viewing.

“By making an archive and holding those resources on a digital platform, we multiply the number of people who can reach it,” DeVito said. “Sometimes it’s tough to

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm Charles W.“Chip”Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

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find a good speaker for some of these topics, so by banding together and pooling those really good resources, we can take advantage of that.”

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 3

Capt. Bob Carmickle, commanding officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) gives remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for NCTAMS LANT new facility. The new building delivers a secure and modernized three-story communications facility to replace the current facility built in the 1950s, and represents one of the Navy’s largest and most complex communications facilities, housing more than 60 systems 800 personnel around the clock. NCTAMS LANT’s mission is to operate and defend responsive, resilient, and secure computer and telecommunications systems, providing information superiority for global maritime and joint forces. (JASON RODMAN)

From The Shore to the Fleet, NCTAMS LANT Cuts Ribbon on New Home Courtesy Story

Naval Information Forces

NORFOLK, Va. — On Friday, April 29, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) celebrated the ribbon cutting at its new headquarters on Naval Station Norfolk.

Speakers for the ceremony included Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, Commander, Naval Information Forces, Capt. Gordon Meek III, Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic, and Capt. Bob Carmickle, Commanding Officer, NCTAMS LANT. “With more than 163,000 square feet, and

dramatically enhanced warfare capacity and capabilities, this building is more than just the new home for NCTAMS LANT,” said Carmickle. “It represents the Navy’s continued commitment to information warfare and our all-important mission.”

The new building, MILCON P-913, construction estimated at $114 million; command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence system support estimated at $165 million; delivers a secure and modernized three-story communications facility to replace the current facility, built in the 1950s. P-913 represents one of the Navy’s largest and most complex communications facilities, housing more

than 60 systems and will be the work center for more than 800 personnel around the clock and all year around. The facility will stand above the 100 year flood line, helping ensure future survivability of systems and operations into the future.

Vice Adm. Aeschbach emphasized the importance of the new facility in ensuring NCTAMS LANT is able to meet the Fleet’s ever-increasing demand for information superiority. “While the Navy’s communications technology and equipment have drastically changed since NCTAMS LANT’s inception, the capabilities the command provides are still constantly in demand,” said Aeschbach. “New threats and new chal-

lenges are emerging daily at a pace we’ve never seen before, and we must have welltrained, adaptive, agile and responsive operators to meet those demands and ensure the integrity of our networks and communications. This facility, the Information Warfare equivalent of an aircraft carrier, will ensure our information warriors are better postured, better equipped and better prepared to provide communications to the Fleet, allowing warfighters to compete, deliver lethality, and win against any competitor, adversary or threat.”

NCTAMS LANT’s mission is to operate and defend responsive, resilient, and secure computer and telecommunications systems, providing information superiority for global maritime and joint forces.

For more information on NCTAMS LANT, visit the command Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NCTAMSAtlantic/ or the public web page at https:// www.navifor.usff.navy.mil/nctamslant/.

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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

Angels of the Airfields: Navy Nurses of Iwo Jima and Okinawa

By André Sobocinski

U.S. Navy Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) Douglas R4D broke through the clouds of volcanic dust and smoke to land on Iwo Jima on March 6 1945, it carried more than whole blood and medical supplies for the wounded. On board this inaugural air evacuation flight was a 22-year old nurse named Jane Kendeigh, marking the first time in history that a Navy flight nurse appeared on an active Pacific battlefield. Kendeigh may have become a symbol for casualty evacuation and high altitude nursing on that day, but she was far from alone in this daring mission.

From March 6-21, 1945, Kendeigh and her fellow flight nurses air evacuated some 2,393 Marines and Sailors from Iwo Jima. Pictures of these first combat nurses show them offering encouragement and comfort to the rows of littered patients along the battlefield runways.

For the physically and psychologically wounded warfighters of the Pacific, Navy flight were the military equivalent of Dante’s Beatrice—appearing at critical moments in their lives and escorting them from veritable pits of hell to the safety of hospitals on Guam, Hawaii and California. It’s little wonder why a special bond often developed between these patients and nurses. Mary Hudnall, one of the first flight nurses on Iwo, recalled that one patient being so grateful of his rescue he insisted on giving her a memento from the battlefield. “He asked me to take a small medicine bottle and said ‘It’s sand from Iwo Jima. I don’t want you to forget what we did here.’ ” By the time of the invasion of Iwo Jima, the idea of casualty air evacuation was nothing new. The British had experimented in “air ambulancing” as far back as in the 1920s.

And in 1929, the Colonial Flying Service and Scully Walton Ambulance Company of New York organized the first civilian air ambulance service.

During the Guadalcanal campaign, the U.S. South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT) began using cargo planes to evacuate wounded servicemen marking the first time U.S. military used air evacuation in a wartime setting. These missions were initially free of medical personnel until November 1942 when Navy pharmacist’s mates (hospital corpsmen) were added to these flights.

In March 1943, SCAT formally established a joint medical section comprised of Army and Navy flight surgeons to supervise and select casualties for air evacuation in theater. Flight nursing first took off when the U.S. Army employed nurses on evacuation missions to North African campaign in December 1942.

A year later, in June 1943, the Army formally established the Army Air Force School of Air Evacuation at Bowman Field, Kentucky to offer specialized training for its flight nurses. Two Navy nurses—Dymphna Van Gorp and Stephanie Kozak—graduated from the school in January 1944 becoming the first trained flight nurses in the Navy. Upon graduation, the Navy sent Van Gorp and Kozak to Brazil to establish an “aeromedical evacuation program” in the

Courtesy Graphic. (ANDRÉ SOBOCINSKI)

Brazilian Air Force Nurse Corps.

Seeing a need for flight nurses to support operations in the Pacific theater, the Navy established the School of Air Evacuation Casualties at Naval Air Station Alameda, California in 1944. Overseeing the school was a former United Airline stewardess and registered nurse named Mary Ellen O’Connor, later dubbed the most “flyingest woman in the world” for her long career aboard airplanes.

Prior to the war, O’Connor worked for United Air Lines (UAL) as a stewardess-nurse.

At the time of her entry in the U.S. Navy she had already accumulated over 2,500,000 miles by air. After the war, she returned to UAL where in 1953, they honored her as namesake of the new Convair 340 aircraft (“Mainliner O’Connor.”)

Under O’Connor’s instruction, the evacuation school commenced its first class of 24 Navy flight nurses and 24 pharmacist’s mates on December 10, 1944. The school’s applicants were recruited from naval hospitals and each candidate were required to have “good character references” and be “excellent swimmers.”

The eight-week course consisted of lectures and demonstrations on survival training, air evacuation techniques, physiology of flight, first aid with emphasis on shock, splinting/

redressing wounds, and treatment of patients in non-pressurized cabins. Students also learned about artificial horizons, and altitude through flight simulation exercises. The course hallmark was an intensive 18-hour “watermanship” training organized to simulate conditions of a water landing/crash scenario. The prospective flight nurses were required to swim underwater, swim one-mile, and be able to tow patients 440-yards in 10 minutes.

Following graduation in January 1945, twelve of the first flight nurses were sent to Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, to prepare for their first battlefield mission while the others were used to transport casualties in the Continental United States and from the (Territory of) Hawaii. By the end of March, after two more classes graduated from the school, the Navy had 84 trained flight nurses; almost all would be used for the next big challenge, perhaps the biggest of them all: Okinawa.

Fought between April 1 and June 22, 1945, the Battle of Okinawa accounted for 17 percent of the total Navy and Marine Corps casualties suffered in World War II. Owing to the enormous casualty totals, Okinawa was the largest combat casualty evacuation operation in U.S. military history and marked the first time the Navy evacuated more casualties by

air than sea. Unsung heroes in this campaign, the Navy flight nurses, now using larger R5D which could accommodate up to sixty patient litters, helped evacuate some 11,771 to Guam.

By comparison, the Navy evacuated some 11,732 casualties by APA, LST, and hospital ship. It could take a ship eight to ten days to transport casualties from Okinawa to Guam; whereas an R5D took about eight hours.

After Okinawa, many of the flight nurses were used to repatriate Prisoners of War from the Philippines to Guam. A few who stayed in service years after the war participated in the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949. Owing to a longstanding ban on marriage that was renewed after the war, the choice of service and family was not possible for flight nurses and most left the Navy.

Today, the story of the brave women of Iwo Jima and Okinawa remains a footnote in most histories of military nursing; they never achieved any medals for their service let alone much notoriety. Then again, most would say that they were just happy doing their jobs. As Ens. Jane Kendeigh remarked about the role of flight nurses in World War II: “our rewards are wan smiles, a slow nod of appreciation, a gesture, a word—accolades greater, more heart-warming than any medal.”

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

FRCE recognized for contributions to Fleet AV8B Harrier readiness

By Joe Andes

Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. —The AV-8B Weapon Systems Program Office (PMA257) recently recognized Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) for its outstanding support of the AV-8B Propulsion Integrated Product Team and the AV-8B Harrier fleet.

Col. Mark R. Amspacher, PMA-257 program manager, visited FRCE Mar. 31 and presented staff with letters of appreciation citing the depot’s direct contribution to the readiness of the Marine Corps’ AV-8B fleet and support in meeting its war fighting missions.

FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James Belmont said he was pleased to see the team’s hard work and out-of-the-box thinking acknowledged by leaders in the AV-8B community.

“I could not be more proud of the team here at FRCE,” Belmont said. “Seeing a program office recognize our people in this way just reinforces to me that we employ some of the most innovative, highly skilled experts in the world, who have real-world impact on flight line readiness for the Harrier fleet and beyond. They will stop at nothing to ensure our warfighters receive the support they need.”

According to Christopher Day, FRCE’s Engines and Dynamic Components Branch lead, FRCE began identifying potential supply constraints with the AV-8B’s fuel management units (FMUs) as early as 2019, and proactively began searching for solutions.

“The AV-8B Harrier is in its sunset years,” Day said. “The F-35 will replace the Harrier at some point, but we still need to maintain AV-8B capability. Harriers are still going out and serving the country across the globe. It was vital that we continue fuel control production for these Harriers and their F402 engine.”

The AV-8B is a vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) strike aircraft powered by the F402 turbofan engine.

Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps.

The FMU is an essential part of the AV-8B’s F402 engine. Day compares it to the

Shawn Kidney, left, a pneudralics systems mechanic at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), and Wyatt Amacker, an aerospace engineer at the depot, test an AV-8B fuel management unit (FMU). To overcome potential issues with obtaining new FMU materials through traditional supply sources, a team consisting of members from the AV-8B Weapon Systems Program Office (PMA-257) and FRCE artisans, engineers and planners explored creative ways to ensure that production of this vital part of the Harrier engine would not be impacted. (FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE)

carburetor in a car, albeit a very large and complex one. It delivers fuel to the Harrier’s engine and the aircraft cannot fly without it.

“Without a fuel control you don’t have an F402 engine,” said Day. “And without an engine you lose the close air support capability that the Harrier provides. This was a ‘couldn’t fail’ type of effort. Everything that we could put on the table, we put on the table.”

To overcome potential issues with obtaining new FMU materials through traditional supply sources, a cross-disciplinary team consisting of members from the program office and FRCE artisans, engineers and planners was formed to look at creative ways to ensure production of this vital part of the Harrier power plant would not be impacted. One option — salvaging out-of-service fuel controllers that could be dismantled to provide piece parts for use in newly overhauled, ready-for-issue FMUs — showed promise. Rigorous examination and testing confirmed this approach was a viable option.

“We decided that it might be possible to minimize throwing out some of the old parts,” Day said. “We had them inspected and the team worked with engineering to add processing steps to prolong the life of some of these critical parts, and we were able to do that.

“It took an exhaustive effort on engineering’s part to get these to the lab and analyze

the data to make a safe-for-flight determination,” he continued. “We also used the RILOP program, or reclamation in lieu of procurement. We basically brought in older-style FMUs and tore them down for usable parts.”

In addition to putting together and testing new FMUs, FRCE artisans now found themselves tearing down older FMUs and obtaining usable parts. According to David Lawrence, FRCE’s Fuel Control Shop supervisor, his team was more than up to the task.

“The guys who build FMUs in my shop — I can’t say enough good things about them,” said Lawrence. “One of my artisans who builds them has an incredible level of experience, and was able to train two more people and certify them to build FMUs. In our testing area, another artisan, who is a long-time aviation maintenance professional, had trained a secondary operator and is currently training a third operator to test FMUs. During this whole process, there was never a time when folks weren’t on board. Everybody was doing everything they could to get FMUs out the door and where they need to be.”

Despite the hard work involved, Lawrence says the FRCE team focused on the importance of their task, with each team member aware of the vital nature of their work.

“It’s all about supporting the warfighter,” says Lawrence. “At the end of the day, you tell the artisans where the finish line is and

they’re going to cross it. The people in this shop have a high level of integrity. The end result is they give that pilot something he or she knows they can get the job done with.”

The innovative thinking and diligent work of the FRCE team have paid off and provide Harrier pilots with a capable and quality aircraft to complete their mission.

The depot’s efforts ensure that FMU production continues without a hitch and continues to support Fleet requirements.

“That was absolutely epic for those guys to have someone like Colonel Amspacher come in and present our team with their letters of appreciation,” said Day. “I thought that was outstanding. I’m proud of not just this team, but all the teams we have here in the Engines Branch. They’re always up for a challenge and always looking for ways to keep those engines running and aircraft flying.”

According to Day, the depot’s support of the FMU for the AV-8B is a good example of just how important the work of the FRCE artisans and engineers can be.

“These FMUs are going on a single engine aircraft,” said Day. “The readiness of each of these aircraft is vital to our country.

Things happen in the world that we need to be ready for. Right now, the Harrier is still that aircraft that needs to be ready to go. It is our job, along with the Marines, to ensure that the AV-8B can go, will go, and will be on-site at any time.”

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

FRCE V-22 team, lead earn dual recognition in NAVAIR awards

By Heather Wilburn

Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Reduced cycle times, increased efficiency and an emphasis on safety and quality earned the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) V-22 team two awards presented during an April 20 ceremony.

During an event live-streamed from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) headquarters at Patuxent River, Maryland, FRCE’s V-22 Aircraft Integrated Product Team (IPT) earned the 2022 NAVAIR Commander’s Award for Best Performing Fleet Readiness Center/Integrated Product Team and Andrew Rock, V-22 Branch Head, was named Most Collaborative IPT Lead.

This year marked the 22nd annual observance of the awards, which recognize teams that improve speed and readiness within naval aviation.

“The outstanding service provided by our V-22 Aircraft IPT, with Andrew Rock at the helm, consistently helped maximize material availability to the Fleet,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont. “There are real-world implications to the support provided by the workforce at FRC East, as we saw with Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26). Our V-22 team’s dedicated service helped provide MAG-26 with mission-capable aircraft when the Marines were called upon to support Joint Task Force-Haiti in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission following a devastating earthquake in August 2021. The Fleet’s ability to execute critical missions is always aided by the quality and timely products delivered by FRC East.”

NAVAIR Deputy Commander Tom Rudowsky led the ceremony, presenting awards that reflect the NAVAIR values to teams and individuals focused on outcomes that matter to the fleet: speed of capability, delivery, affordability and availability.

“Our people are the driving force behind our success here at NAVAIR,” Rudowsky said. “We know our mission is not about us, it’s about how we support those who are on the front lines so they have the capability they need to successfully execute their mission and return home safely.”

The enterprise has faced significant challenges over the past year, but has found a way to continue delivering outcomes for the Fleet, he said. The V-22 Aircraft IPT at FRCE exemplified this with its exceptional performance.

In 2021, the V-22 team pushed to drive down cycle times for planned maintenance interval (PMI) events on V-22 aircraft, accelerating the return of aircraft to the Fleet by 31 percent. The team kicked off the year with a 297-day delivery in January, setting a new record for FRCE and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC). The team continued its unyielding drive to shorten cycle times throughout the year, hitting the 220-day mark in March and 164 days in November. The team also returned its first Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX1) V-22 PMI in an unprecedented 122 days.

In total, FRCE returned 21 V-22s to operating forces in fiscal year 2021, achieving early delivery on 15 of those aircraft and making a positive

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont and Acting Executive Officer Lt. Col. Jason B. Raper join the V-22 Aircraft Integrated Product Team (IPT) in displaying two awards the team received during an April 20 ceremony at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) headquarters in Patuxent River, Maryland. (HEATHER WILBURN)

impact on aircrew proficiency and currency, and flight line readiness.

The V-22 Aircraft IPT achieved this notable reduction in cycle time through the implementation of several strategies that helped the team boost efficiency, Rock said. This includes the application of a “Core Team” concept, in which the same core group shepherds the aircraft through the entire process from induction to delivery. One work leader assumes responsibility for each aircraft, and with input and assistance from subject-matter experts, makes daily decisions on scheduling, parts and staffing. The work leader oversees a team of seven to nine mechanics who work the same aircraft for the duration, and monitors the progress of critical operations while making course corrections and elevating potential barriers to higher levels for action.

“With this concept, the team is mirroring the aerospace industry’s airframe and power plant license concept, which enables employees to perform a mix of trade skills and allows for flexibility in work assignments and increased employee utilization,” Rock explained. “It allows the team to be fully engaged, and instills a sense of ownership, commitment, inclusiveness and teamwork that results in increased efficiency.”

Implementation of the Naval Sustainment System (NSS) also helped improve efficiency on the V-22 line. With support from COMFRC, the team completed full implementation of Phase 1 of NSS, which focuses on fleet readiness center reform through an emphasis on people, parts and processes, and a commitment to providing artisans with the resources they need to get

the job done. As part of the initiative, the V-22 Aircraft IPT established a dedicated production control center (PCC), through which all maintenance activities flow.

PCCs ensure efficient operations and production management by helping streamline the administrative functions on the line: issuing work orders, validating work order completions, keeping track of milestones and helping production run smoothly.

“The production control center makes information readily available and improves communications and collaboration,” Rock said. “The PCC manager coordinates with the work leaders to clearly identify the sequence of tasking, which helps facilitate a smooth transition from phase to phase and ensure on-time or early delivery and optimized employee utilization.”

That optimized employee utilization proved effective in driving down turnaround times and reducing costs. The V-22 Aircraft IPT was able to significantly increase direct labor hours on the line with only a minor increase in staffing, showing a 30% increase in direct labor hours with just a 15% increase in staffing. At the same time, the team absorbed an average increase in work hours per aircraft of 24% for CV-22 aircraft and decreased the cycle time for MV-22 aircraft by an average of 135 days.

Other improvements in the V-22 Aircraft IPT’s performance include a 19% reduction in the cost of poor quality from fiscal year 2020 figures; a 14% reduction in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable injuries; and a finding of 100% compliance in and International Organization of Standard-

ization Aerospace Standard 9110 audit. Aerospace Standard 9110 assesses the processes, procedures and efficiencies of an organization’s quality management system and serves as the benchmark for excellence in the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul industry. Conformance to the AS9110 standard is voluntary, and represents an above-and-beyond commitment to quality.

In addition to recognizing the herculean efforts of the V-22 Aircraft IPT, Rudowsky honored Rock as the Most Collaborative IPT Lead for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to bolstering V-22 readiness.

The annual award honors an IPT lead who has achieved significant warfighting capability using innovative teaming strategies.

David Williams, director of FRCE’s Rotary Wing Division, said he nominated Rock for the recognition because Rock’s management and leadership of the IPT enabled the V-22 Production Line to support the Naval Aviation Enterprise in generating superior combat air power.

“Across the enterprise, V-22 cycle times for planned maintenance interval events were unpredictable or simply too long,” Williams said. “The goal for Mr. Rock, a Marine Corps veteran, was to reduce cycle time while ensuring the highest quality airframes, engines and components, maintaining a safe work environment, and delivering the absolute best value.

The overall performance of the IPT certainly indicates these goals were met.”

In addition to piloting the “Core Team” maintenance concept, Rock has promoted by example a culture of “Safety First,” making safety of paramount importance to the team’s daily operations, and championed top-down management involvement in product quality assurance.

“With Mr. Rock’s leadership, the V-22 IPT demonstrated exceptional performance in supporting the V-22 Production Line in execution of their rework and planned maintenance interval events,” Williams said. “He is certainly deserving of this recognition, as is the IPT as a whole.”

Rock’s leadership embodied the “Get Real, Get Better” formula that leads to a winning culture, as did all of the NAVAIR Commander’s Award winners, Rudowsky said.

“Each of today’s award winners is being recognized for their accomplishments but, more importantly, they are being recognized for behaviors they and their teams have demonstrated — behaviors that were instrumental to their success,” he explained.

The winners challenged assumptions, didn’t take no for an answer, elevated issues quickly, made hard decisions and owned the results, and listened with an open mind to ideas that weren’t their own.

“They practiced and abundance mindset, and figured out how they would, vice why they couldn’t,” Rudowsky continued. “They thought differently about the problem and redefined how they executed to achieve required outcomes. … Ultimately, we found a way to really think differently about how we do our business.”

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Poetry from Page 1

child died before they wake, their good Lord will have their soul to take.

And I just hope to have some faith, that your kind heart and soul won’t break.

We’re living now in modern times and we have heard of heinous crimes.

I can’t raise you to be what I expect but I can teach you about respect.

My sweet angel that I adore, I give you my prayer before dawn that you feel loved and nothing more.

And don’t end up as someone’s pawn.

May you be surrounded with those who care and their friendship can keep you content.

When it comes to hurting you, they

Remembrance from Page 1

year the Department of Defense selects a theme for the Week of Remembrance. This year’s theme is “Determination, Hope, and Honor.”

“Is there a higher level of honor, a higher level of determination to stand together with all?” remarked keynote speaker Rabbi Gershon Litt after delivering a powerful story of United States Army Master Sgt. Roddie Edmons who refused to deliver Jewish comrades to German captors while a prisoner of war at the Stalag IX-A POW camp in 1945.

Rabbi Litt, the Rabbi of Adath Jeshurun Synagogue’s congregation in Newport News as well as Commodore Levy Chapel at NAVSTA Norfolk continued by saying, “To assure the atrocities never happen

wouldn’t dare.

And they understand what is consent.

Your time will come to love and feel but don’t let your dignity bend down or tilt.

Don’t let someone’s words make you feel small.

I raised a strong woman, stand proud and tall.

Your body is yours and yours alone.

Remember that after I am gone.

My precious child, my only one.

Remember you belong to none.

All I ask of heaven is one thing.

That you find your bravery within. when you say no, that’s what it means.

Finding comfort within your own skin.

That’s my prayer before dawn.

Don’t forget you’re not alone.

Even when my time has come, I still watch you from above.

And that is just a parent’s love.

again, stand up for what is right. Let us all find hope, honor, and determination,” echoing the Department of Defense’s Week of Remembrance theme.

Following Rabbi Litt’s remarks, six members of the Military Sealift Command each took turns lighting six candles, each candle representing the memories of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. As the candles were lit, the members in attendance sat in silence. Each collectively sharing a moment together to remember the victims and the unbelievable struggles they endured, to remember the horrors that others are capable of committing, and finally to remember the strength of the human spirit.

For more information regarding the Holocaust visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website: http://www. ushmm.org/

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 1

TCC-1 Changes Command Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Tactical Communications Command (TCC) 1 held a change of command ceremony April 28.

PAGE B3

USS Springfield Sailors Volunteer at Food Bank in Australia

By Lt.Cmdr. Robert Reinheimer Commander, Submarine Group Seven

Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) guide a Harpoon inert training shape into position while the submarine is pierside at Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling on Garden Island, off the coast of Perth, Australia, April 28, 2022.

Springfield is currently on patrol in support of national security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS CHARLOTTE C OLIVER)

Royal Australian Navy Conducts Weapons Handling Exercise with USS Springfield

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Trejo USS Frank Cable (AS 40)

HMAS STIRLING, WA — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) completed a weapons handling exercise involving the transfer of an inert training shape from Royal Australian Navy assets ashore to the submarine, while moored at HMAS Stirling navy base, April 28, 2022.

The exercise included the handling of a Harpoon inert training shape and demonstrated the increased submarine logistics capabilities present in Australia. Springfield Sailors worked alongside Royal Australian Navy Submarine Force personnel to complete the exercise safely and efficiently.

“Our relationship with Australia has never been stronger,” said Cmdr. Andy Domina, Springfield’s commanding officer. “Proving that we can conduct an expeditionary weapon reload here in HMAS Stirling — I think — just strengthens that bond between us even further.”

Personnel ashore first transferred the deck skid and all associated weapon handling gear to Springfield via crane, where it was assem-

bled and attached to the submarine before transferring the inert shape. This was the first instance of a U.S. Navy submarine participating in a RAN-led weapons handling exercise, and the crews worked seamlessly with each other throughout the evolution.

“We both benefit from interoperability,” said Royal Australian NavyChief Petty Officer Scott Schluter, Submarine Weapons and Escape Manager at HMAS Stirling. “The U.S. Navy and the Australian navy are working in the same area of operations a lot more and I think this will assist us in being able to maintain a capability in the area and assist each other on the logistics side.”

Springfield conducted a similar exercise earlier in the week while moored alongside the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). RAN sailors observed that evolution, learning about the process from subject matter experts onboard both Frank Cable and Springfield before taking the lead transfer role in this evolution.

“This week at HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia, USS Springfield is proving to our fleet commanders, and really to the world, that we can conduct an expeditionary weapons reload,” said Domina. “This gives our commanders another tool in their toolbox;

the ability to reload a U.S. Navy submarine in an Australian port and get that ship back in the fight.”

Springfield arrived at HMAS Stirling Naval Base, Australia, April 23, 2022 for a port visit as part of a routine deployment to the Western Pacific.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Springfield is one of the stealthiest, most technologically advanced submarines in the world. Los Angeles-class submarines support a multitude of missions, to include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare, making Springfield one of the most capable submarines in the world. Springfield is the fourth ship in U.S. Navy history to bear the name.

Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from USS Springfield, please visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/ springfield/.

PERTH, Western Australia — Sailors from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) volunteered at Foodbank WA during their regularly-scheduled port visit to Perth, Western Australia, April 27.

The event ran from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with Sailors working alongside Foodbank WA staff to help sort and package food items at the hunger relief organization’s Perth Airport warehouse for distribution to those in need.

U.S. Embassy Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires Michael Goldman and U.S. Consul General David Gainer were in attendance, and thanked the Sailors for giving their time to the Australian community.

“After months serving at sea, Springfield’s crew made time on shore to give back to the Western Australian community,” said Chargé d’Affaires Goldman. “Our U.S.-Australia alliance is active every single day in so many ways.”

Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class John Huffman, one of Springfield’s volunteers, said that it is important to give back to the community and to help those less fortunate.

“When we got here, we learned that Foodbank WA helps feed more than 40,000 people every month, so it feels great to be able to come together as a boat and help such a great cause,” said Huffman. “Furthermore, an opportunity like this is yet another example of the great alliance between our countries, working together for the common good.”

Springfield arrived at HMAS Stirling Naval Base, Australia, April 23, for a port visit as part of a routine deployment to the Western Pacific.

Measuring more than 360-feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Springfield is one of the stealthiest, most technologically-advanced submarines in the world. Los Angeles-class submarines support a multitude of missions, to include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare, making Springfield one of the most capable submarines in the world. Springfield is the fourth ship in U.S. Navy history to bear the name.

For more news from USS Springfield, please visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/springfield/.

Michael Goldman, Charge d’Affaires at the United States Embassy to Australia, center, and U.S. Consul General David Gainer, right, talk with a Sailor assigned to the Los Angelesclass fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) at the hunger relief organization Foodbank WA, April 27. (MACHINIST’S MATE (NUCLEAR) 1ST CLASS JOHN HUFFMAN)

U.S. 4th Fleet and USNS Burlington Conduct Fleet Experimentation in Key West Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

UNITED STATES — The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) completed U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet 2022 Fleet Experimentation events in Key West, Fla. April 22-27, 2022.

The U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility provides a permissive environment to experiment with new technologies, tactics, techniques, and procedures. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides an annual experimentation venue for technology developers to embark with the operational force, evaluate new systems in the maritime environment, validate assumptions, and receive feedback from Sailors and Marines.

“The U.S. Navy must move faster, take smart risks, and focus on key operational problems to outpace our global threats,” said Dr. Christopher Heagney, NAVAIR Fleet/Force Advisor to U.S. 4th Fleet. “Our ability to establish maritime superiority in the littorals is foundational to deterring future conflict. Here, we are bringing together air, expeditionary, and information warfare to achieve that effect.”

During the week-long engagement, Burling-

Marine Corps Maj. Brooks Grado, an intelligence officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Southern Command and Navy Cmdr. Jonathan Saburn, a future operations officer assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet, discuss future operating concepts aboard the expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) during a fleet experimentation period. (CPL BRENDAN MULLIN)

ton went to sea to perform a series of tests and demonstrations with the assistance of scientists and engineers from U.S. 4th Fleet, Office of Naval Research (ONR), Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Naval Surface Warfare Centers, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, among other science and research institutions.

Test concepts were selected based on operational needs and gaps. This year’s iteration aimed to demonstrate Navy/Marine Corps integration to protect naval assets during expeditionary advanced basing operations (EABO), by evaluating expeditionary systems for force protection and coordinated electronic warfare.

“These fleet experiments provide an important opportunity to test new ideas in a controlled environment. They also put technology experts in close contact with fleet operators to increase mutual understanding of operational problems and the state of the art tools that can be leveraged to address them,” said Rear Adm. Doug Sasse, Reserve Vice Commander of U.S. 4th Fleet. “This year’s experiments were expeditionary focused and demonstrated how spectrum dominance can provide great advantage for our forces operating in littoral waters in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility and around Turn to Key West, Page 7

2

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

Heroes at Home

Q: Retired Disabled Veterans allowed to live in on-base housing?

A: Housing is privatized in most CONUS locations. Based on occupancy and business agreements for each area, they may allow retired military to live in privatized housing. You can find contact information for the privatized housing at each installation online at www. militaryhomestoday.com.

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

(LISA SMITH MOLINARI)

Understanding Mom

By Lisa Smith Molinari

When we were stationed in Virginia, I had a small book of quotes about motherhood that, along with Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr., I kept on a three-legged table in the powder room, stacked neatly on top of two National Geographic magazines.

The pair of books paid equal homage to the males and females using our facilities. Besides, I figured that anyone staying in our bathroom long enough to read might as well enrich themselves while they’re at it.

I’d received the motherhood book years ago as a baby shower gift from someone I’d forgotten. Perhaps I was feeling the kind of pre-natal hormone surge that turns mortal women into teary-eyed cornballs, but I recall being touched by the gift, and envisioned my family pondering its inspirational quotes and appreciating their loving matriarch for years to come.

When our military family moved from Virginia to Germany, to Florida, and to Rhode Island, the movers packed up the books along with other bathroom accessories — a wicker tissue box cover, a decorative soap dispenser, fingertip towels, a little dish for matches, and the three-legged table. In every new location, I faithfully placed the little motherhood book back in its traditional spot.

Even though this routine went on for 15 years, the book’s binding somehow remained crisp. Apparently, no one in my family was

interested. Admittedly, the few times I tried to read the book it bored me to tears. Its heartfelt reflections about the nurturing bond between mother and child made reading the back of the antibacterial soap bottle seem far more entertaining than the perusing the book’s clichéd drivel.

Sure, I’ve experienced the indescribable joys and deep-rooted connections unique to motherhood. I’ve felt every saccharinely trite, sickeningly sentimental, and shamelessly schmaltzy emotion when mothering my own three children.

When they were young, our children gladly accepted my frequent outward displays of motherly affection, often reciprocating with cuddles. On Mother’s Day, they were so excited to present me with construction paper cards and popsicle stick crafts they’d made at school, animated with crayon stick figures or strung with macaroni.

However, our children grew, eventually reaching their teens, and now, are in their twenties. Naturally, I’ve stopped being the center of their universe. I’ve learned that my maternal displays of physical affection have become somewhat irritating, and I shouldn’t expect reciprocation, unless I want to see my adult children’s eyes roll, which I certainly do not.

My son doesn’t understand why I still smooch his prickly cheeks. My middle child thinks it’s weird that I breathe in her hair when I hug her. My youngest doesn’t get why I regu-

larly stop on the stairs to sigh at the framed photo of her as a newborn wrapped in a tiny flannel blanket.

No little book of mush will make them understand what I know. I’ve learned over the years that true appreciation for motherhood is best felt, not described in words on a storebought Mother’s Day card or in a schmaltzy book on a three-legged table in the bathroom.

In other words, the best way to fully comprehend the instinctual and emotional feelings of motherhood is to experience parenthood for oneself.

Thankfully, our three children are too wrapped up in their twenty-something lives to consider procreating anytime soon, which is fine by me. In the meantime, I’ll try to let it go when they act like Mother’s Day is a hassle.

I’ll pretend I didn’t hear them say, “What do you mean we’re going to early church because we have to take Mom to brunch?!” I’ll smile and thank them when they give me cards they hastily picked up from 7-Eleven. And I’ll bite my lip when my husband blurts out his brunch order before mine.

We moms can wait for our children to experience parenthood in order to be truly appreciated, because motherhood has taught us patience, selflessness, and love unencumbered by conditions. When our children finally figure that out, they may not come running home to show their undying love and appreciation, but maybe, just maybe, they’ll stop being the first ones to let go when we hug them.

Wounded Warrior Programs

By Military Onesource The military provides specialized wounded warrior programs designed to help wounded, ill and/or injured service members transition back to duty or civilian life. Each service branch has its own program. While the programs do not focus on medical issues, they do help service members and their medical teams develop a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses specific rehabilitation and recovery goals.

Wounded warrior program eligibility Wounded warrior programs are not solely exclusive to service members with combat injuries. They also assist: • Service members who are battling serious illnesses • Service members who have been injured in accidents and require long-term care Types of support wounded warrior programs provide Wounded warrior programs provide non-medical support that is tailored to fit both the service member’s and caregiver’s needs. This support spans from something as simple as helping service members understand their benefits to assisting them with their specialized transportation needs. The program provides services that address: • Pay and personnel issues • Invitational travel orders • Lodging and housing adaptations • Child and youth care arrangements • Transportation needs • Legal and guardianship issues • Education and training benefits • Respite care • Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress support services How to enroll in the wounded warrior program Enrollment into a wounded warrior program varies per branch. Some service branches allow wounded warriors to self-refer into the program. Other service branches require that

(COURTESY PHOTO)

a medical officer make a program enrollment request on behalf of the service member. Here is a contact list for the various wounded warrior programs: • Army Recovery Care Program: To be considered eligible for entry into the Army Recovery Care Program, soldiers must meet the entry criteria for their component. For more information and assistance, contact the Army Recovery Care Program call center at 877-3939058, DSN 312-221-9113.

• Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment: The parent command, medical officer, medical case manager or Wounded Warrior Regiment detachment officer-in-charge must initiate the request on behalf of the service member. For more information on the referral process, contact the Wounded Warrior Regiment call center at 877-487-6299.

• Navy Wounded Warrior: Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to the program or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. For questions on enrollment eligibility, contact the Navy

Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVYWWP or 855-628-9997, or use the contact links provided on the website.

• Air Force Wounded Warrior: Anyone can refer an airman into the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. Contact the AFW2 program office at 800-581-9437 or use the direct email links provided on the website.

• S. Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program: USSOCOM WCP was established in 2005 to provide support to special operations forces wounded, ill or injured service members and their families after life-changing events to help them navigate through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. For more information, call 877-6723039 or 813-826-8888.

For additional information and resources, including free specialty consultation services, visit the Military OneSource Wounded Warrior webpage. You can also contact a Military OneSource consultant 24/7/365. Call 800-3429647, view overseas calling options or schedule a live chat.

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

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 3

Capt. David Abernathy, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, pins the meritorious service medal on Cmdr. Blythe Blakistone during a change of command ceremony for Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command (TCC) 1. Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which mans, trains and equips West Coast-based SEAL Teams, is comprised of SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7 as well as Logistics Support Unit 1 and TCC-1. TCC-1 supports SEAL Teams, other special operations forces, and conventional forces worldwide by providing tactical communications in all environments and levels of conflict. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS DANIEL GAITHER)

TCC-1 Changes Command Courtesy Story

Naval Special Warfare Group One

CORONADO, Calif. — Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Tactical Communications Command (TCC) 1 held a change of command ceremony April 28.

Cmdr. Taylor Forester relieved Cmdr.

Blythe Blakistone as Commander, Tactical Communications Command 1.

Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which mans, trains and equips West Coast-based SEAL Teams, is comprised of SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7 as well as Logistics Support Unit 1 and TCC-1. TCC-1 supports SEAL Teams, other special operations forces, and conventional forces worldwide by providing tactical communications in all environ-

ments and levels of conflict.

Blakistone took command in 2020 and was the first woman to command an NSW unit. During her time in command, she saw that TCC-1 delivered a reliable, go-to capability for NSW in a dynamic environment.

Capt. David Abernathy, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, presided over the ceremony. “[Blakistone’s] unique leadership style promoted a culture of creativity and innovation, putting her team at the forefront of experimentation for not just NSW, but for the fleet, joint special operations forces, and other conventional forces,” said Abernathy.

“That creativity and innovation is what our nation needs right now to counter adversaries and deliver those ‘red button’ options

that NSW is known for.”

Blakistone credited the unique mission and her team for her success in command.

“Every time I see former Sailors, I encourage them to come to this command.

It’s different, the mission is amazing, all the Sailors are top notch, and my triad team is unbeatable,” said Blakistone. “Thank you to the officers, chiefs, and Sailors of [TCC-1] for being you. Thank you for trusting, partnering, and serving with me.”

Blakistone will go on to be the Information Warfare Commander at Commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) West.

Forester was previously assigned to NAVIFOR West where he deployed onboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and led

the Amphibious Squadron Three Information Warfare team through pre-deployment workups, an extended 5th and 6th Fleet deployment, three multinational exercises, and joint operations. “[Forester], I know you will take this command to the next level by bringing your fleet and information warfare experiences to NSW, building on the efforts of your predecessors,” said Abernathy.

Forester said he looks forward to leading TCC-1.

“There is no place I would rather be than right here, right now,” said Forester.

Since 1962, Naval Special Warfare has been the nation’s premier maritime special operations force — a highly reliable and lethal force — always ready to conduct full-spectrum operations, unilaterally or with partners, in support of national objectives, and uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach, delivering all-domain options for Naval and joint force commanders.

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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Command Master Chief Robert Florentino, second from right, attends an enlisted leader development (ELD) meeting with Peruvian senior enlisted leadership, Oct. 4, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. (U.S. NAVY COURTESY PHOTO/RELEASED)

4th Fleet Helps Promote Enlisted Leader Development to Partner Nations Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

UNITED STATES — Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is making strides with their ongoing initiative of enlisted leader development (ELD) to partner nations in the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

Leading the charge is 4th Fleet’s Command Master Chief Robert Florentino. He and other command leaders have partnered with nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America regions to assess, formulate, and train on the integration of enlisted service members into key leadership roles, ushering in a new era of enlisted leaders working alongside top officers.

Enlisted service members have been the backbone of the U.S. armed forces since its

inception. They are technical experts and advisors to their commanders, providing them valuable insight to help make key decisions downrange. Today, enlisted service members play an even more critical role in the operational effectiveness of the armed forces as they take on more responsibilities and tackle the complexities of a changing battlespace and society.

“I am excited for what lies ahead for our partner nation’s enlisted leaders,” said Florentino. “Never has there been a better time than now for 4th Fleet to help incorporate the best and brightest enlisted service members to lead and help shape the future of partner nation maritime forces.”

The effort is aligned with U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Enlisted Leader Professional Development (ELPD) program. SOUTHCOM’s priorities through ELPD aim to help professionalize the noncommissioned officer (NCO) corps

in partner nations by sharing experiences, best practices and lessons learned. With the support of U.S. combatant commands, many nations have embraced ELD programs.

Florentino explains that ELD is not a new concept, it has been around for quite some time.

Currently, ELD efforts have been seen during engagements at 4th Fleet’s maritime staff talks (MSTs) as well as trips to the region for exercises and key leader engagements. During these, Florentino briefs partner nation leadership on the benefits of ELD. “The goals are to establish a relationship with our partner nations, learn from each other, and establish a program where we can have enlisted leader development across the fleet both abroad as well as in the United States,” said Florentino.

The initiative will be conducted in phases. The first is the assessment phase,

in which 4th Fleet leadership will travel to a country to better understand partner nation current ELD status, and help them create a tailored plan. Subsequent phases will consist of actions to better integrate enlisted leaders.

One aspect of the program for 4th Fleet involves setting up leadership subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) in partner nations that are aligned with SOUTHCOM’s overarching ELPD goals. Leadership SMEEs will be structured similar to courses in the U.S. Navy, which consist of training junior and senior enlisted personnel.

Through consistent and relevant engagement, 4th Fleet aims to enhance and build enlisted leaders in maritime forces to be the best they can be, which will further strengthen regional partner relationships and allow forces to better work together to strategically solve problems.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

L e arn more ab out USNAVSO/4t h Fleet at https://www.facebook.com/ NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.

USS Momsen Conducts Underway Operations with India Navy

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Lily Gebauer Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

ARABIAN SEA — The U.S. and Indian navies concluded at sea bi-lateral operations off India’s West Coast in the Arabian Sea, April 27.

The operations included the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) and the Indian Navy’s guided-missile frigate INS Trishul (F 43), which focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships.

“Our crew strives to work efficiently and effectively to ensure we are able to operate together with our partners while underway.

Conducting an exercise with the Indian Navy off of their western coast is a chance that we did not want to miss,” said Cmdr. Erik Roberts, commanding officer of Momsen. “Our commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific is bolstered every time we perform at-sea operations with those who share our maritime goals.”

The U.S.-India bilateral operations focused on division tactics, a passing exercise, commu-

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) conducts a bilateral training exercise with the Indian Navy’s guidedmissile frigate INS Trishul (F 43). USS Momsen is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, and is underway supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.( NAVAL AIR CREWMAN (HELICOPTER) 2ND CLASS REGNOR VONDEDENROTH)

nications checks, and formation sailing, providing both navies the opportunity to work together to further common maritime goals.

Momsen is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON)

15. CTF 71/DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet and routinely operates and interacts with 35

maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect critical regional partnerships.

For more news from CTF 71, visit https:// www.dvidshub.net/unit/DS15

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

Cmdr. Ken Packard (left), incoming commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold), salutes Cmdr. Matt Luff (right), outgoing commanding officer, relieving him of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. (CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST ASHLEY BERUMEN)

USS Tennessee Gold Crew Welcomes New Commanding Officer

By Chief Petty Officer Ashley Berumen Commander, Submarine Group Ten

KINGS BAY, Ga. — The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Gold Crew held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Apr. 29.

Cmdr. Ken Packard relieved Cmdr. Matt Luff as the commanding officer of the ship’s Gold Crew during a ceremony held at the base’s chapel.

Tom Shugart, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, was the guest speaker of the ceremony, and said Tennessee’s high retention rates are a great reflec-

tion of the leadership.

“I am here to tell you that the days of the submarine force having to prove that it matters are well and truly over,” said Shugart. “Aside from providing strategic deterrence, perhaps the next most important role that Tennessee has fulfilled is to produce and retain skilled and seasoned submariners. Whether via patrolling, maintaining, training, or retaining, I wish you success in these vital endeavors in the coming years under Cmdr. Packard’s leadership, and beyond.”

Luff, from Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

He received a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University.

During his speech, Luff discussed USS Tennessee’s role in strategic deterrence and thanked the crew for their resiliency.

“Strategic deterrence isn’t about launching missiles, it’s about the readiness to launch missiles.” said Luff. “Sailors of the Tennessee, what we do matters now more than ever.

Being your commanding officer has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.”

Luff took command of the Gold Crew in August 2019. Under his leadership, the crew completed two successful patrols despite the challenges of a global pandemic, planned and executed maintenance during an Extended Refit Period, completing ten days early, and earned the retention excellence award for three consecutive years.

Luff ’s personal awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various unit and service awards.

Packard, the incoming commanding officer, graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He received his commission through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program In his speech to the crew, Packard complimented them on maintaining a standard of excellence.

“I’ve met many of you over the past few weeks, and I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know each of you better.” said Packard. “I’m impressed with your high level of knowledge, amazing ownership, and resilience as you’ve executed this very challenging extended refit period.”

Ballistic-missile submarines are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Cooley, from New York, medical officer recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, reviews paperwork with William Pinamont III, from West Chester, Pa., prior to his commissioning to Ensign through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. Pinamont was commissioned by his father, retired Navy Capt. William Pinamont Jr., during a ceremony held at the Union League of Philadelphia. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. ( MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS DIANA QUINLAN/RELEASED)

Health Professions Scholarship Program

By Jordan Smith

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — For those interested in a career in the medical field, the Navy has the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) to help fund graduate-level professional schooling—all the way through residency. After graduation, scholarship recipients will become officers and professionals serving in the world of Navy health care as a dentist, physician, nurse, health care scientist, health care administrator or clinical care provider.

The HPSP offers 100 percent of the cost of dental school, medical school or qualifying postgraduate school tuition; a sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 for dental school and medical school candidates; and a monthly stipend in excess of $2,200 to cover living expenses for up to four years. Beyond financial assistance, many officers believe HPSP helped them in a multitude of ways—including providing them with life experiences most civilians do not get to experience through their jobs.

“I think one has to look at what they want,”

said Capt. Kenneth Bonaparte, MD, senior medical waiver authority for Navy Recruiting Command. “The Navy offers many things that others don’t offer. A person has to be able to look at what they’re actually looking for.

For instance, a civilian’s experience in the civilian sector. Many don’t get to travel. They don’t get to sit with the Marines. They don’t get to be on a ship. There’s some leadership training that I believe the Navy gives that you will not get in the civilian sector. One has to actually look at all of these other factors.

It’s not the dollar amount that life should be measured by.”

The benefits of this program become evident once one considers the strict parameters of medical school and how those same parameters make funding one’s education difficult if one has to pay for his or her own schooling expenses.

“No medical students are allowed to have jobs outside of school,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dustin Porter, MD, acting program manager for Navy Medicine Accessions Department at Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and an HPSP graduate. “It probably sounds weird, but basically the financial aid packages that

you receive as part of being a medical student are built to encompass all of your needs—not just tuition and books. Financial aid packages are there to give you extra money to live on and to have a place to stay. Because medical school is so intense and you’re required to be working at the hospitals all the time and studying all the time, you are not allowed to have an outside income source for any kind of work. It was definitely a boon for me to have that HPSP money coming in during my time in medical school.”

When asked what time is the best time to speak to a recruiter, Cmdr. Jennifer Eng-Kulawy, MD, the plans and policy officer for the office of the Medical Corps Chief, offered an approach that involved taking the initiative as early as one can.

“The best time [to speak to a recruiter] is once you’ve made that firm decision to attend medical school,” said Eng-Kulawy. “I think we’ve talked to a lot of people who have started really early. If you’re a real go-getter, I think starting when you start applying or at least when you start gathering everything in writing in order to start applying for medical school is the perfect time to apply for HPSP.”

While other military branches also participate in the HPSP, being a part of the Navy has specific advantages unique to the sea-going service.

“Something that I think is a selling point that many people don’t realize is that if you come into Navy medicine, you’re also serving the Marine Corps,” said Capt. Wayne Smith, MD, head of Medical Corps Assignments at Navy Personnel Command. “Navy medicine takes care of the Marine Corps, so I think that alone is a selling point: You’re not just Navy; you’re also the Marine Corps. I think of an expeditionary force and readiness when I think of what the Marine Corps is. We have a culture of resiliency.”

Interested personnel who plan to start a career in the medical field should speak to a local recruiter who can help them learn more about applying for the HPSP. This program can help fund a fulfilling career as a nurse, doctor, dentist or another role in the vast medical field via the HPSP. Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, Navy Reserve Recruiting Command and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www. cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR), Twitter (@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter).

USS Spruance Completes Voyage Repair Availability in Sasebo, Japan

By Ensign Sky Avants

USS Spruance (DDG 111)

SASEBO, Japan — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) departed Fleet Activities Sasebo after completing an eight day voyage repair availability (VRAV).

The VRAV comes nearly four months into Spruance’s scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The eight-day repair period included critical maintenance of navigation, combat systems and engineering equipment vital to continuing the mission, conducting cooperative security engagements with regional partner nations and enhancing maritime security relationships during the ship’s rotational deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Voyage repair availabilities require detailed coordination between the ship’s crew, contracted personnel and Navy repair coordinators to ensure ships like Spruance can take full advantage of availabilities to maximize operational effectiveness while on deployment.

“The self-sufficiency of our crew while at

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) transits the Philippine Sea. Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Spruance is conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS COLBY A MOTHERSHEAD)

sea is second-to-none, but having an opportunity to complete major repairs and conduct significant maintenance in Sasebo was critical to keeping Spruance fully mission capable,” said Cmdr. Christopher Ivey, Spruance Executive Officer. “Japan is one of our strongest allies and also has one of the best ship repair capabilities anywhere. We are grateful for this voyage repair availability and are taking full advantage of it.”

In addition to the VRAV, Spruance

conducted shipboard training and exercises to maintain readiness, with an emphasis on in-port emergency team damage control training, rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) operations, and anti-terrorism exercises.

“It was really rewarding to have the opportunity to pull into port and take care of deck maintenance and conduct preservation on the ship that we can’t do at sea” said Lt. Sean Lawlor, Operations Officer aboard Spruance. “When you have the abil-

ity to pull into port on deployment and set a plan into action whether it’s training or maintenance, you can drastically lengthen and improve your time at-sea.”

Spruance is on a regularly-scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 7

New CENTCOM Commander Visits U.S. Navy Unmanned Systems Hub in Bahrain

Key West from Page 1

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain — The new commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) visited U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, April 29, to see firsthand how the Navy is integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into fleet operations in the Middle East.

During his first visit to Bahrain since assuming command of CENTCOM on April 1, U.S. Army Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla met with Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. Kurilla was also briefed by staff from NAVCENT’s Task Force 59 on various advanced unmanned surface vessels, aerial platforms, and artificial intelligence systems.

NAVCENT established Task Force 59 in September 2021. Since its launch, it has introduced a suite of new unmanned systems based at operational hubs in Bahrain and Aqaba, Jordan. The task force partners with industry

A T38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel operates during a demonstration off the coast of Bahrain, April 29. In September 2021, U.S. 5th Fleet launched Task Force 59 to integrate new unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. DAVID RESNICK)

and international forces for operational evaluation and employment.

Task Force 59 recently conducted the largest unmanned maritime training event in the world. More than 80 unmanned systems from 10 nations participated in International Maritime Exercise 2022 in February.

The Middle East region’s unique geography, climate, and strategic importance offer an ideal environment for unmanned innovation. The area hosts the world’s largest standing maritime partnership and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

the globe.”

Experiments were conducted in a phased approach, with each segment building upon the previous one. A Humvee (HMMWV) was embarked on Burlington as the primary vessel to facilitate experiments and ultimately evaluate capabilities in a contested environment.

In Phase 1, ‘ingress,’ Burlington was at sea with a HMMWV onboard to demonstrate electronic warfare support and establish command and control (C2). Forces tested satellite connections, C2 through tethered aircraft, detection of simulated enemy forces, and the ship’s ability to protect itself with jamming.

Phase 2, ‘the landing,’ offloaded the HMMWV on Saddle Bunch Key en route to establish the EABO. The HMMWV followed a route to the basing site, combating simulated attacks from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), simulated improvised explosive devices (IED), and other cyber and electronic attacks.

Finally, in Phase 3, ‘inside force operations,’ the HMMWV arrived at its basing site, where forces were able to establish a communications network, and conduct coordinated electronic attack tactics on simulated enemy forces.

“The ‘theater of experimentation’ is a wellearned name,” said Dr. Waleed Barnawi, ONR Program Officer. “Dr. Heagney and the 4th Fleet staff provided us a great venue to test cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, and a resilient communications architecture that will connect Navy and Marine Corps warfighters inside and outside the weapons engagement zone. I’m very grateful for Rear Adm. Sasse and his team for coming down as well. He and his team provided unique insight that only comes from an event like this.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 1

Summer Classic Call over the neighbors or simply enjoy family time with your nearest and dearest by savoring the flavor of warm weather meals.

PAGE C4

WWE RAW IS COMING TO THE NORFOLK SCOPE

Damian Priest. (PHOTO COURTESY WWE)

The spectacle that is Monday Night Raw is coming to the Norfolk Scope Monday, May 16th, also an interview with WWE Superstar Damian Priest Interview Conducted by Yiorgo For the first time in over a decade, WWE brings Monday Night Raw to the Norfolk Scope on Monday May 16th with a live airing of the show all over the world. The main event scheduled bout is of The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. SmackGown Tag Team Champions The Usos.

Many of RAW’s superstars are scheduled to appear such as: the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, Theory, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Edge, Damian Priest, Seth Freakin Rollins, Big Time Becky Lynch, RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro, Bobby Lashley, Rey Mysterio, Omos, MVP and so many more.

For more info and to purchase tickets starting at $20 go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/ events/detail/wwe-monday-night-raw Yiorgo: With us today is WWE Superstar Damian Priest, who will be competing May 16th. Damian, you have such an inspirational story. From poverty and hardship to prosperity and superstardom, you are living the American Dream.

Let’s start with, why should people come to the live WWE Raw on May 16th at the Norfolk Scope, what will they experience, do and see at a live TV show? How is it different from watching it at home?

Damian Priest: If you are a fan, you obviously love it and you know but even if you are not, showing up to Monday night Raw is a spectacle that gives you every emotion.

Excitement, pageantry, in owe, on the edge

Damian Priest. (PHOTO COURTESY WWE)

of your seat, fireworks, you can view it all in one night. Live, there is no other show on the entire planet that can deliver what WWE does every single time. Being there live is an experience that you will be talking about every single night. It’s always can’t miss. You know, energy is contagious. I feel like every week there is history being made at the live shows. And when you are there

live, you are in the moment and you can say, I was there for this. It’s just not the same as watching it home. So come on down and experience wrestling the way it was meant to be, live!!

Y: With a name like Damian Priest and given the “edge” pun intended your character has, to me it was natural to have you working with Edge. How did that happen,

whose idea was it, etc.?

DP: It’s funny, since my time in NXT, Edge and I have had conversations about getting together and doing some business together. We have a lot of similarities and I have been very open about how many people and idols I look up to and Edge is clearly one of them. Everything has to do with timing. I kept pushing through.

Everytime we speak I would say, hey by the way, if you ever want to do stuff…. I text him all the time for advice or call him and he is very cool for me to throw ideas at him and give me his opinion. Finally we came to a spot where I did not know what direction I was going to go and he was open to new ideas. He said maybe I’II reform another group or team up with somebody and he said to me, what do you think, do you want to pair up? HE asked ME. That’s how it went down. He came up to me and said “would you be interested in this?’’ I said, “Absolutely, why are you asking me, this is totally what we are doing.”

Y: What have been some pinch me moments for you?

DP: There are so many, but like I always think about the little things, the private things, like when Hunter will send me a text, or pull me aside backstage and start talking to me or Shawn Michaels will call and just talk to me. I am like, I can’t believe these guys have my phone number.

These are my heroes, like is this real? Undertaker gave me advice at SummerSlam where he literally sat down at the table I was eating and said, hey man do you mind if I give you some advice?

Turn to WWE, Page 3

Rising to the Creative Challenge Exhibition on view at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center: May 7 – June 18, 2022 From Hampton Arts HAMPTON, Va. — In response to being closed to patrons and artists during the COVID19 pandemic, the staff at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center devised two seasons of virtual creative challenges in order to bring solidarity to the visual arts community during difficult times. Challenges were emailed and posted to social media, ranging from mural designs to one-line artworks. The Rising to the Creative Challenge Exhibition brings the online challenges to the Center’s physical galleries this spring.

“The communal outpour of creativity was both amazing and inspiring. The feelings that resonated with me when creating these challenges combined with the engage-

ment from the community reinvigorated my passion towards the arts. It deepened the connections we were searching for when we, as a community, couldn’t be together,” said Visual Arts Center Assistant Manager Cody Latpakdy.

The Artist Reception will take place on Saturday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Also happening at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center: Spring 2022 Classes & Workshops Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Social Media www.facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatre www.facebook.com/CharlesTaylorVisualArtsCenter @AmericanThtre @CTVisualArts

Tom Daley, Giant Squid - Mythical Beasts Challenge. (COURTESY OF HAMPTON ARTS)

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

2

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

Community Submit YOUR events, news and photos

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online.

Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

Celebrate Norfolk Bike Month!

By The City of Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. — This May, trade gas power for pedal power during the 11th Annual Norfolk Bike Month. This 31-day celebration organized by the City of Norfolk, Downtown Norfolk Council, Traffix Commuter Options and other community partners is a great opportunity to explore the many benefits of a bike lifestyle and see how Norfolk just keeps getting better for bikes.

Throughout May, residents will find a variety of ways to 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 enthusiasts at Bike Month signature events like the Norfolk Bike Expo and Glow Ride VI. New this year, enjoy miles of new dedicated bike lanes on Colonial Avenue in Park Place and along 26th and 27th Streets from the Villa Heights neighborhood to Hampton Boulevard. Bike Month is also a good opportunity to remind bicyclists and motorists to be safe and vigilant while on the road. In 2019, the City adopted the Vision Zero resolution — an initiative to create a safer environment for all who travel through Norfolk whether by foot, bike, scooter or vehicle.

Motorists are reminded to: Share the road with cyclists. Bikes are allowed on City of Norfolk streets whether in a bike lane or not.

Keep a distance of at least three feet when passing a cyclist on the street. It’s the law!

Watch out when opening car doors when parked on a city street.

Follow the posted speed limits. Speeding can have fatal consequences for both motorists and cyclists.

Bicyclists are reminded to: Follow the same rules of the road as a vehicle.

Stop at stop signs and yield to pedestrians. Bike with the flow of traffic.

Bike helmets are mandatory for those 14 years of age and younger. Wear bright clothing in the dark and use a white headlight or red taillight at night so others can see you.

Use the bike lanes and buffered bike lanes.

If you must ride on a sidewalk, be courteous to pedestrians. Riding on sidewalks is prohibited downtown.

Park responsibly at designated bike racks or out of the right of way. Do not park in front of building entrances and do not block sidewalks or pedestrian access.

For a full list of Norfolk Bike Month events, city-wide biking information, resources and safety tips, visit www.norfolk.gov/bike. Be sure to tag @NorfolkVA with #NFKBikeMonth.

(COURTESY GRAPHIC)

ODU Recognizes Outstanding Faculty, Administrators at Awards Dinner

By Joe Garvey Old Dominion University honored a host of faculty members and administrators at the 2021-22 Faculty and Administrators Awards Dinner, which was held April 20 at Chartway Arena.

Peter Schulman, a professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Letters, was named an Eminent Scholar.

The Eminent Scholar designation was established to recognize faculty members of unusual merit and service to the University. Only faculty members holding the rank of full professor at ODU for a minimum of three years may be considered for this honor.

Schulman, a French professor, joined the ODU faculty in 1996. He has earned numerous awards since arriving at ODU, including the Provost’s Leadership in International Education Award in 2020. In 2021, Schulman was named Officier in the Order des Palmes Académiques, French Ministry of Education.

At the time, Schulman said, “It’s like getting an Oscar, frankly, for academics.”

Schulman, who grew up in New York City, holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Columbia University.

Helen Crompton, associate professor of educational technology, won the A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award, which is given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in teaching, research and service at ODU. Crompton has presented at national and international conferences on the topic of educational technology and published more than 100 articles, book chapters and white papers.

Her research is primarily focused on mobile learning. She won a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award in 2018.

Other nominees for the Tonelson Award were Charles Hyde (physics) and Harry Zhang (community and environmental health).

Michelle Carpenter and Laura Hill were named University Distinguished Teachers, which recognizes faculty members who are outstanding teachers at the undergraduate level.

Only full-time non-tenure-track and non-tenured faculty members are eligible for this honor.

Carpenter, senior lecturer in the Marketing Department, earned her MBA from ODU in 2006. She has received numerous awards while at Old Dominion, including the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads’ Educator of the Year award and the Faculty Teaching Award from the Strome College of Business for non-tenure-track

Helen Crompton receives the A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award, which is given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in teaching, research and service at ODU, from President Brian O.Hemphill, Ph.D., and Austin Agho, provost and vice president for academic affairs. (CHUCK THOMAS)

professors in 2019 and 2013.

Hill, master lecturer in the Human Movement Sciences Department, serves as the undergraduate program coordinator for her department.

A certified exercise physiologist, she conducts research on preventing the onset of debilitating chronic disease and on improving quality of life.

Other awards presented at the dinner were: Alumni Association New Faculty Award: Jian Wu (computer science). Other nominees for the award were Abdullah Al-Taiar (community and environmental health), Oleksandr Kravchenko (mechanical and aerospace engineering), Murat Kuzlu (engineering and technology), Taylor Sloey (biological sciences), Kun Xie (civil and environmental engineering) and Tian-Bing Xu (mechanical and aerospace engineering).

Faculty Research, Scholarship and Creative Achievement Award: Patrick Hatcher (chemistry and biochemistry) and Ling Li (information technology and decision sciences). Other nominees for the award were Crompton and

Jean Delayen (physics).

Teaching with Technology Award: Soad Ibrahim (computer science) and Amber Pope (counseling and human services).

Provost’s Award for Leadership in International Education: Jose Padilla (VMASC).

Provost’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Research: Anne Muraoka (art history).

Provost’s Award for Faculty Mentorship: Mona Danner (sociology and criminal justice).

Provost’s Adjunct Teaching Faculty Award: Yiu Lung Cheng (information technology and decision sciences).

Doctoral Mentoring Awards: Ruth Triplett (College of Arts and Letters), Jing Zhang (Strome College of Business), Tony Perez (Darden College of Education and Professional Studies) and Sebastian Kuhn (College of Sciences).

Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award: Ryan Klinger (management).

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Classroom Award: Joshua Ruffin (sociology and criminal justice).

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Laboratory Award: Kristin Eggler (psychology).

Kate Broderick Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education: Thomas Kennedy (computer science) and Steve Zeil (computer science).

Excellence in Advising, Advising Administrator Role: Kristin Eden (Batten College of Engineering and Technology).

Excellence in Advising, Professional Advisor Role: Tanisha Bradley (Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships).

Excellence in Advising, Faculty Advisor Role: Brenda Bradshaw (dental hygiene).

J. Worth Pickering Administrator of the Year Award: Jane Dané (associate vice president for student engagement and enrollment services).

Association of University Administrator Monarch Professional Award: Reneldo Randall (College of Sciences).

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

WWE from Page 1

to me or Shawn Michaels will call and just talk to me. I am like, I can’t believe these guys have my phone number. These are my heroes, like is this real? Undertaker gave me advice at SummerSlam where he literally sat down at the table I was eating and said, hey man do you mind if I give you some advice? I was like, what, I can’t believe you just asked me that.

Yes, please give me all of it. That’s one of those moments where I am like, is there anybody else watching this? He is talking to me. If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.

In the ring, every moment is a pinch me moment. The idea that I have theme music going to the ring, that right there, it’s those little things that I am like, I can’t believe this is my life. I am very grateful, very blessed.

Y: What was it like working with Bad Bunny?

DP: Part of the dream of being a professional wrestler is having a WrestleMania moment. So being a part of WrestleMania is everything. Just as a fan, we know how important that is. How many people in the world are trying to become wrestlers? There is only one company that has WrestleMania.

So knowing it was finally going to happen and that I get to do it alongside a celebrity who loves wrestling and put in the time and work because he wanted a performance that he would be proud of and the fans to be proud of. We also became friends throughout that whole process. It was a roller coaster of positive emotions. We were both nervous and we fed off each other.

The experience was everything I wanted it to be especially coming out of the pandemic with no crowds, to now being part of the main roster and in front of such a huge crowd, teaming with Bad Bunny in a high profile match, against former world tag-team champs, I mean you couldn’t write this. For me, it was perfect. And there were so many other things that went into it to make it so special. I know how lucky I am to have that experience as my first WrestleMania.

Y: And you follow up with going to SummerSlam and becoming the United States Champion. Talk about that special day in your life.

DP: I went from WrestleMania into SummerSlam in front of like 50,000 people and won my first championship. What made it even more special was that it was the United States Championship that so many of my idols and heroes have held, including someone like Scott Hall who everybody knows I idolize. He was there that week. There is so much that goes into something like that and that made that championship even more special. I look back at it now, looking at a video or pictures from that day and man, that felt like a dream.

And it was so fast that I was like did this just happen? It was one of the greatest nights of my career. And working with Shamus made it even better. He is awesome, a future Hall of Famer, and to beat Shamus for the title, only a handful of us get that privilege. So it’s very meaningful to me.

Y: Can you share some memories with

Randy Orton, one half of current WWE Raw Tag Team Champions RKBro, at a 2019 World Wrestling Entertainment event. (JONATHAN MCLARTY)

your idol, Scott Hall?

DP: For me to show emotions in public, that is a big deal for me and Scott got me to do that. He is one of those that you idolize and look up to and then you find out, wow, you are that cool. He gave me advice, he was cool and joking around with me from the moment we met, and he had no reason to be.

It’s just who he is and the time I got to spend with him I will cherish forever. I was at the PC for instance where we got to watch some of my matches back and critique them. And him gifting me because I asked him, hey do you mind if I use some of your stuff. He was like h*** yeah man, you want to be reminding people about me man, that’s cool. So he is roasting me while saying yes. That’s who he was in the kindest ways. We would always laugh and it’s just so odd that in that small amount of time that I actually spent time with him and we got to know each other was so invaluable. It was special and crazy how much I gained and the little stories that I can tell by our few interactions. What a special human being and I’m just happy that I was privileged enough to know him, pick his brain, have him guide me a little bit, who gets that from their

heroes. I was the lucky one.

Y: Let’s talk about you. Where were you born, where did you grow up and what made you fall in love with pro wrestling?

DP: I was born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico. You know on the island, still to this day, everyone is obsessed with wrestling, sports entertainment. When I moved there, as a child growing up, everybody watched wrestling. All the kids had action figures. So naturally, I had to watch it too, just to be able to hang out with my friends. And then I just got so invested in what I was watching, the emotion I felt watching this. Without knowing it as a kid, this is what I wanted to do with my life. When I got older I said, those emotions I felt, I want to make others feel that.

I am a big superhero fan and comic fan so this is live action superheroes and supervillains. I want to do this, I have to do this with my life. That’s how that love started. It was these over the top characters watching them and being mesmerized by them.

Y: Spanish is your native language.

How difficult was it to adjust once you came to NY?

DP: I was a baby when they took me to Puerto Rico and Spanish was my first language.

My parents were split, I was raised with my mom on the island and I moved back to New York to be with my dad in the Bronx. It was a struggle. I could speak it brokenly, and fluently not even close. I also could not read or write. I was taking bi-lingual classes and being New York, everyone is from all over and it made it very easy to fit in.

Y: You went through a lot in order to be where you are today. Talk about the reality of what it takes to become a professional wrestler.

DP: This is not a hobby business. The sacrifices we hear about are real. There is no money to be made unless you make it to the big promotions. I was making little to no money at it. I had a job at the time but doing the job meant you were sacrificing the dream because you are working and can’t take the time off.

I quit my job to do my wrestling but now I have no money to pay for food or rent. And then there’s the issue of how do I get to the show? When I get there they are giving me $5 or $10 and it’s 5-6 hours away and now I have no means to get back home. That was my life and a real thing that a lot of us who follow our dreams dealt with. There were days back then when I would say, I got to figure out something else to do with my life. There were a lot of times that I was ready to quit just because you are not living, you are barely surviving, you’re not happy, things are not working. It’s sad and it will get to you. Then I would watch wrestling and I would say no, I have to do that.

Y: Any regrets?

DP: I’II be honest, I’m an extremely positive person and looking back, thinking about the negatives, there’s not one thing I would change because it got me here. It makes me value everything so much more now. My family and friends say, you have not changed and I say, I don’t know how not to be me because of those hardships and growing pains. To this day I’m shocked like I am doing this interview with you and it’s crazy to me. This is nuts that people want to talk to me. I appreciate it, I love it, and I try to do the best that I can with the platform I have right now. I tell people, be me now, not me before.

Y: So what would the Damian of today say to the young you 15 years ago who was struggling to make it?

DP: There is not one person on this planet that will work as hard as you can to follow your dream. For a while I coasted because of bad advice. But I came to the realization that if I want that dream, I have to put in the work now and actually live it. Once I figured that out and really, really looked in the mirror and said ok now you are doing everything you can to achieve your dream, I did achieve it. I always tell people as cheesy as it sounds, I am the example. You can achieve your dreams but you gotta work at it. That’s what I would tell myself, put in the work now and stop wasting your time.

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

Food

A Chef-Worthy Summer Classic

By Family Features

Celebrating summer with sizzling meals starts with tender, juicy cuts of meat that take center stage when dining on the patio or firing up the grill. Call over the neighbors or simply enjoy family time with your nearest and dearest by savoring the flavor of warm weather meals.

Steak enthusiasts can show off their summer cooking skills with this recipe for Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose. Thick, juicy, marbled steaks are cooked to tender doneness and complemented by steakhouse-style fries for a meal that screams “summertime.”

Find more summer favorites at OmahaSteaks.com/Summer.

Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 2 Southwest Steak Rub: 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon cumin Parmesan-Herb Fries: 1 package (16 ounces) Omaha Steaks Steakhouse Fries ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, minced New York Strip Steaks: 2 Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut New York Strips Southwest steak rub ¼ cup grapeseed oil 2 ounces unsalted butter, cold Peppercorn Cream Sauce: ½ cup brandy ¾ cup beef stock ½ cup heavy cream 2 teaspoons peppercorn medley, coarsely cracked salt, to taste pepper, to taste To make Southwest steak rub: In small bowl, whisk salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, chili powder, chipotle pepper, garlic powder and cumin until fully incorporated.

To make Parmesan-herb fries: Preheat oven to 425 F. Place fries on baking rack on top of sheet pan; bake 25 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy.

In medium bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary and parsley until fully incorporated.

Remove fries from oven and toss with Parmesan herbs.

Southwest Steaks with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce and Parmesan-Herb Fries. (COURTESY PHOTO)

To make New York strip steaks: Season steaks generously with Southwest steak rub on both sides.

In cast-iron pan, add grapeseed oil and bring to high heat. Place steaks in pan and sear 3-4 minutes on both sides for medi-

um-rare doneness. Remove steaks from pan and rest 8 minutes; reserve oil in cast-iron pan.

To make peppercorn cream sauce: Add brandy to reserved oil in cast-iron pan and reduce to ⅓ volume, about 1 minute.

Add beef stock and reduce by ⅓ volume, about 2-3 minutes.

Add heavy cream and cracked peppercorn medley to pan, bring to boil and reduce to simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Put Sustainability on the Family Menu

By Family Features Cooking delicious family meals is surely the focus of many home chefs, from quick dishes on busy weeknights to homestyle favorites on the weekend. Equally important, however, is dishing up foods and ingredients you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

The next time seafood is on the menu, consider the source of your main course. Available fresh, frozen, smoked and canned yearround and nationwide, seafood from Alaska is sustainably harvested, and you can trust it comes from a responsibly managed fishery. Utilizing a science-based approach, the state sustains the long-term vitality of species and their natural habitats, as well as the fishing communities that rely on them.

Fishermen and scientists work together to ensure they only harvest what science tells them the ecosystem can support, so that fish stocks, communities and the marine environment can thrive for generations to come.

Wild, sustainable and harvested in the USA, Alaska seafood is full of flavor and high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals and oils essential to good health, including omega-3s and vitamin D. You can feel good serving your loved ones these Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos as a classic way to spice up your dinner table, or give a sweet heat kick to Spicy Alaska Sablefish in Lettuce Cups with Korean chili paste, miso and honey.

Visit alaskaseafood.org to find more information and family-friendly recipes.

Spicy Alaska Sablefish in Lettuce Cups Recipe courtesy of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 (2 lettuce cups each) ¼ cup yellow or white miso 1 tablespoon Korean chili paste 1 tablespoon honey 1 pound Alaska sablefish (black cod), cut into 2-ounce portions nonstick cooking spray 1 small avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped 1-1 ¼ cups cooked sushi rice or quinoa ½ cup chopped English cucumber ¼ cup thinly sliced halved radish ½ cup pickled ginger, chopped ½ cup bottled Asian-style salad dressing with wasabi and ginger 8 medium-large butter lettuce leaves ½ cup cilantro leaves Preheat oven to 450 F. Blend miso, chili paste and honey; spread onto Alaska sablefish portions. Place portions on nonstick cooking spray-coated, foil-lined baking sheet. Roast 5-7 minutes, or until fish is opaque throughout and deep golden brown; cool slightly.

In mixing bowl, combine avocado, rice or quinoa, cucumber, radishes and ginger; pour

Spicy Alaska Sablefish in Lettuce Cups. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SARI DISKIN)

in dressing. Toss to coat.

To serve, place about ⅓ cup vegetable-rice mixture in each lettuce leaf. Top with one sablefish portion. Sprinkle each lettuce cup with 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves.

Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos

Recipe courtesy of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Sari Diskin Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-3 2 cups slaw mix

2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus additional for serving 1 lime, divided salt, to taste pepper, to taste nonstick cooking spray ½ pound Alaska cod olive oil blackening seasoning, to taste, plus additional, divided sea salt, to taste 4 small flour tortillas 1 avocado, sliced Preheat oven to 400 F. In bowl, mix slaw with mayonnaise, hot sauce, juice from ½ lime and salt and pepper, to taste; set aside.

Line baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place Alaska cod on top and coat lightly with olive oil. Generously season with blackening seasoning and sea salt, to taste.

Bake 5 minutes, set oven to broil and broil 3-5 minutes. When fish is done (when it flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout), remove from oven and break into small chunks with fork.

In flour tortillas, add avocado and slaw. Top with chunks of cod and drizzle with additional hot sauce, squeeze of lime juice from remaining ½ lime and additional blackening seasoning.

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

Health

Army Brig. Gen. Katherine Simonson, Defense Health Agency Deputy Assistant Director of the Research and Engineering Directorate, and Dr. Barclay Butler, Assistant Director for Management, DHA, talks with Army Lt. Col. Samantha Rodgers, Ophthalmology chief (left), during a tour and designation ceremony April 19 at the Ocular Trauma Center – San Antonio Region, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The designation ceremony marked the launch of DHA’s first Ocular Trauma Center, comprised of personnel from Brooke Army Medical Center and the 59th Medical Group. (LARINE H BARR)

New Centers Will Deliver Advanced Care for Serious Eye Injuries

By Sonia Clark

MHS Communications

The Defense Health Agency launched the first of four Ocular Trauma Centers, which will become primary hubs for the treatment of complex eye injuries and development of cutting-edge research programs.

Established with the support of DHA’s Vision Center of ExcellenceVision Center of Excellence website, the four centers will be capable of providing care across the full range of eye injuries — from initial medical/surgical management through visual rehabilitation and follow-on care in Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

The first Ocular Trauma Center opened at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas on April 19. Three others are expected to open later this year, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center/Fort Belvoir Community Hospital; Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and at Naval Medical Center San Diego, California.

The four centers will provide access to top-notch care for the entire military community, said Army Brig. Gen. Katherine Simonson, deputy assistant director, Defense Health Agency, Research & Engineering Directorate.

“The establishment of the Ocular Trauma Centers will provide access to eye care profes-

sionals from a variety of subspecialties, offering comprehensive eye injury treatment and rehabilitation, and cutting edge research disciplines, critical to vision-preserving care,” Simonson said.

The origin of the Ocular Trauma Centers began several years ago when the Blinded Veterans Association asked the Vision Center of Excellence to conduct an analysis of ocular care services.

Eye injuries can be very complex, sometimes requiring complicated care coordination across teams of multiple subspecialists.

VCE analyzed eye injury data among service members, including demographic and location information, and validated the results

with the help of the Defense and Veterans Eye Injury and Vision Registry.

In June 2021, VCE presented formal recommendations to establish four regional centers.

The plans were approved by DHA Director Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ron Place, and Dr. Brian Lein, DHA assistant director for Healthcare Administration.

“Designation of the ocular trauma centers aligns seamlessly with the DHA priorities of Great Outcomes, Ready Medical Force, and Satisfied Patients,” said Army Col. Scott McClellan, VCE branch chief.

The centers’ long-term goals also include improvement of systemic ocular and vision care management for polytrauma patients with concurrent eye injuries, and to provide case management, or care coordination, to assist with ocular care management needs.

VCE will provide technical support and consultation to all four ocular trauma centers, along with data analysis to report on their effectiveness to Congress next year, McClellan said.

Pandemic Spotlights the Vital Role of Military Lab Workers

By Sonia Clark

MHS Communications

Clinical labs across the Military Health System — and the staff who operate them — play a vital role in early detection of illnesses, diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

In fact, studiesCDC website on Strengthening Clinical Labs show about 70% of current medical decisions depend on test results.

The demands placed on MHS lab workers intensified during the past two years and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the peak of the pandemic, most laboratories saw their workload double in some areas,” said Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aramatou Toure, assistant manager for the Defense Health Agency’s clinical laboratory improvement program.

“Most laboratories had to re-evaluate their daily operation to address the staff shortage,” she recalled.

Despite the challenges, lab staffs worked hard to keep pace with the demand and to deliver quality results to support clinicians.

“The pandemic helped shine the light on the important role and work the laboratory does,” Toure said. “Most people were not aware of the background work performed by the laboratories in the process of patient diagnosis.”

Moreover, the pandemic made it clear to many people that without the laboratories, clinicians cannot effectively perform their job.

“The outside world, and other medical professionals were able to appreciate the work laboratories do, and I know that means a lot to the laboratory community,” Toure said.

Air Force Lt. Col. Marybeth Luna, the director for the Department of Defense Center for Laboratory Medicine Services, already has plans to prepare for the next

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley Solomon, 18th Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of microbiology, unloads blood samples from a centrifuge at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 31, 2019. (TECH SGT MATTHEW B FREDERICKS)

pandemic.

“We encourage labs to utilize instrumentation that can analyze COVID, respiratory pathogens and other routine microbiological agents,” she said.

“It’s very important to have analyzers that can convert from ‘peacetime’ uses as well as public health emergency responses.

This ensures that labs always have on-site, emergency response capabilities as well as routine lab support,” Luna said.

Every year, the last full week of April is observed as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. Known as Lab Week, it began in 1975, and creates an opportunity to increase

public awareness and appreciation for laboratory professionals. It is sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and coordinated by 17 national clinical laboratory organizations.

Within military medicine, the laboratory community consists of officers, who serve as lab managers, and enlisted service members, who do the actual testing and lab work. The civilians also do everything from sample collection to management.

The lab techs “perform a wide variety of laboratory functions in order to provide data required to diagnose, treat, and monitor patient health,” explained Army Master

Sgt. Roberto Laanan, the program manager for the Army Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program.

Military clinical lab technicians and managers keep up with the latest technology via education and instruction.

“The way we achieve accuracy is through training,” said Air Force Major Tatanya Cooper, deputy chief for the Laboratory Medicine Services.

“Our military trained laboratorians received a minimum of one year of didactic and hands-on training, two to three years of thorough ‘upgrade’ training, as well as an annual competency training,” Cooper said.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

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LINCOLN 2005 TOWN CAR

Signature Ltd. Pkg, same family since new, 36K orig. miles, sunroof, leather, original window sticker, factory chrome wheels, new Michelins, great service history, senior citizen auto, absolutely 100% new, $14,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES AKC, black & tan, UTD shots/deworming, POS, ready now, $700, 252-217-8029, Jamesville NC

757-617-4043

LOOKING FOR ANTIQUE TOOLS I PAY CASH! Call: 757-951-3199

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

Male doodle pups. 11 weeks old. Utd medical. Potty and kennel training almost complete. Turning cafe au lait.

2523313349

www.raymondsantiques.com

OLDE TOWNE ANTIQUES/FLEA MARKET. May 7, 10-2. Fantastic finds. 441 Middle St. 757-339-1876. oldetowneportsmouth.com

MOTORCYCLE TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 2020, 900cc, show room condition, 2900 miles, 58mpg, $7,395 OBO. Call 757479-2730.

Re-homing Dalmatians due to illness in the family. 2 males available, 4 & 5 yrs old. $300. Call/text 757-685-2639

FREE ESTIMATES

CARDS, COMICS, RECORDS,

Travel/Camping Trailers

Motorcycles and ATVs

RAY HIGGINS

BUYING ANTIQUES &

Boats & Watercraft

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

DALMATIAN

AMERICAN ANTIQUE BUYER ESTATES, ITEMS OF VALUE

Happy, healthy, adorable. Vet checked. Shot & wormed. Small parents. 757-572-7987

Room For Rent VIRGINIA BEACH Room for rent in Virginia Beach, Green run area. $600 per month, including utilities and Wi-Fi. Call 757-478-4344.

NORFOLK Shared House furn rm, on bus line, Internet. peaceful & quiet, Close to Ship Yard $170/wk + dep. 252-267-0664

SUBARU 2016 FORESTER

Garaged, loaded, 32k miles. $25k.

Call for pics (757) 679-4240

SUBARU 2018 FORESTER

1 owner, new from RK Chevrolet, 4x4, white, gray interior, many options, 32,800 miles. $27,000.

757-641-0737 or 757-735-3948

VOLKSWAGEN 2014 JETTA

Sport Wagon. Leather, turbo diesel, full sunroof, new insp. Looks great. $16,500. 757-675-0288. Va dlr

VIRGINIA BEACH Room For Rent w. Private Bath, Private Entrance, Fridge, Microwave, All Utils Incld. No Pets, $750/mo. 757-270-6137

Classic, Antique Cars

VIRGINA BEACH Room For Rent $650 Private Entrance, Centrally Located 757-808-4111

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

Shop smart.

Save big! Sunday (and every day).

Fridays in The Pilot

Cockatoo, too.

Trucks and SUVs

FORD 1997 EXPLORER

Runs & drives great, $999 OBO, call 757-270-6034.

Pick a pet in the CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE.

JAGUAR 2017 F-PACE

Loaded, Pano sunroof, low miles, new inspection, AWD, all serviced. $34,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 5, 2022 7

757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales

ATTICS & GARAGES CLEANED Contents hauled away. Also tree limbs & shrubs. Call: 757-934-2258

DRIVEWAY & MASONRY WORK Landscaping, Grading, Top Soil, Yard Clean Up & Tree Removal. 757-714-4848

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

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

Care For The Elderly

Hauling / Moving

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER For elderly or special needs, flexible & reliable. 757-287-9561

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

(A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414

B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

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

AIR DUCT CLEANING UNIVERSAL DUCT CLEANING FREE INSPECTIONS MEMBER BBB. 757-502-0200 BRICK AND STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native. Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-270-0578 stonesmithusa@icloud.com You Won’t Find A Better Man! FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Small jobs.

Lic/Ins. Low Prices. BBB A+ RATING 757-227-8964

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com HAULING Trash, Demolition Scrap Metal, Asbestos & Tree Removal 757-718-1072

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL Universal Pest & Termite.

FREE INSPECTIONS. 757-502-0200.

(Mention This Ad and Get $25 Off)

Lawn and Tree Service ★AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE★ Theo 757-515-6933 Josh 757-998-5327 Tree Trimming & Complete Tree Removal AMERICANTREESERVICE.CO ★Catering to all your tree & yard needs.★ ★757-587-9568. 30 years experience★ GODWIN TREE SERVICE Total Tree Removal w. Stomps. Lic & Ins’d. 25+ yrs exp. Senior & Military Discounts Free Estimates; BBB, 757-237-1285 or 757-816-3759

YARD CLEAN UP WOOD FENCES, BUSHES, & MULCH Weed Eating, Blowing, Grass Cutting. Reasonable prices. Call 757-477-2158.

Plumbing HONEST PLUMBING All Your Plumbing Needs Clogs Water Heater Install Remodel 837-6903 or 510-5970

Roofing ROOF REPAIR Flat Rubber, Shingles, Coating, Slate, Valley, Asbestos, Tar, Painting 757-718-1072

Don’t pay full price!

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

Fun & Games

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer

When the thief wanted some small chocolates, do you think he was guilty of stealing Kisses?

Correction Notice

Hello Flagship Reader, It’s come to our last week our Crypto Quip was misprinted and should have been N equals M. We apologize for the inconvenience.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 5, 2022

AIR LAND SEA START PLANNING YOUR NEXT GETAWAY

In Print. Online.

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