Flagship 05.13.2021

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Change of command Vice Adm. Brian B. Brown, commander, Naval Information Forces, was relieved by Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach in a change of command ceremony.

PAGE A3 VOL. 27, NO. 19, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

May 13-May 19, 2021

Lt j.g. Amanda Langhauser, assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), is greeted by her dog during the boat’s homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk, May 7. (MC2 CAMERON STONER)

USS New Hampshire returns from deployment

By MC2 Cameron Stoner

Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK — The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) returned from deployment to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, May 7.

Under the command of Cmdr.

Bennett Christman, New Hampshire returns from a deployment where it executed the chief of naval operations’ maritime strategy by supporting national security interests and

maritime security operations.

“I am incredibly proud of the crew’s hard work,” said Christman. “Under stress, family separation, and without normal liberty, they remained consummate professionals who enthusiastically tackled the toughest problems with ingenuity and drive.

They return fulfilled by their accomplishments on several missions vital to national security.”

According to Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear Power) 2nd Class Andrew Oliphant, every New Hampshire

Sailor played a critical role during the boat’s six-month deployment.

“From the food service attendant to the engineering watch supervisor to the commanding officer, we all have an important role in ship operations,” said Oliphant. “From damage control, to qualifications, to conducting national tasking, every person plays a vital role and it’s inspiring and motivating to be a part of this great mission.”

According to Fire Control Technician Seaman Pedro Hernandez, New

TPU Norfolk Sailor selected as FY20 mid-Atlantic region Shore Sailor of the Year

By HM2 Hideyo Kusano

NORFOLK — Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic has announced a Norfolk Sailor as the 2021 Shore Sailor of the Year.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Elizabeth Y. Bowman, assigned to Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) Norfolk, was selected as the standout among 10 candidates who competed for the title from Navy mid-Atlantic region commands, encompassing 20 states and 14 installations.

Of her selection, Bowman described her reaction as a mixture of joy and shock.

“When my commanding officer told me that ‘HM1, you have been selected,’ I didn’t know whether I wanted to cry, to laugh, [or] to kind of just scream in Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Elizabeth Bowman, the FY-20 Sailor of the happiness. I was thankful, but I was Year for Naval Station Norfolk and Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, works in

her office at Transient Personnel Unit Naval Station Norfolk. (MC2 EMILY

CASAVANT)

Medal of Honor www.flagshipnews.com

www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

www.twitter.com/ the_flagship

Sailors and staff serving aboard Halyburton Medical Clinic paused Monday, May 10, to honor the memory and sacrifice of the clinic’s namesake who sacrificed his life 76 years ago in the service of his nation during World War II. PAGE A5

who have faced what it takes to get to that point, to claim that title, is a small victory that will be with us forever.”

Samara Christman, wife of Cmdr.

Bennet Christman, spoke on the unique difficulties faced by Sailors and families while being deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are so proud of our Sailors and everything they have accomplished during this deployment,” said Samara Turn to USS New Hampshire, Page 7

CNRMA providing employees reasonable accommodations

By MC1 Phillip Pavlovich

Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs

Turn to Sailor of the year, Page 7

Hampshire Sailors also participated in the Blue Nose Navy tradition, a line-crossing ceremony held when a ship or boat enters the Arctic Circle.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hampshire successfully navigated enough mileage to cross the globe 1.65 times,” said Hernandez.

“This includes reaching the milestone favored in our great American Navy’s history known as Blue Nose. The Submarine Force is already a small percentage of the fleet, and to add more Sailors into the brotherhood,

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK — Since Congress passed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to the recent passing of policy allowing transgenders to serve in the military, equal employment opportunity has continued to evolve across the country and Department of Defense. To this day, the Navy still continues that fight.

According to Karen Barnes, an equal employment opportunity (EEO) specialist assigned to Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), everyone has a right to work without discrimination of any kind.

Barnes is one of five EEO specialists assigned to CNRMA and has served as the reasonable accommodations (RA) coordinator for the past four of her 12 years in the EEO field.

Naval sustainment system

How do you improve the highly complex business of ship maintenance to support on-time delivery back to the fleet?

PAGE A6

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job or work environment, or removal of a workplace barrier, to allow an individual with a disability to perform essential job functions or enjoy equal access to benefits available to other employees in the workplace. An accommodation is reasonable if it is effective in balancing the desired request of the employee.

“I actually got into this field by a suggestion of the chief of staff when I worked at Defense Logistics Agency in Richmond. I informed her that I was looking to move into a new field outside of command staffing.

She immediately stated that she felt I had the qualities necessary to not only perform, but excel in the EEO arena,” said Barnes. “Now, I did not necessarily agree to this right away, because I really had little knowledge Turn to CNRMA, Page 7

Strategic Framework

NNSY’s Strategic Framework is a tool to communicate the shipyard’s mission and vision statements, and shows how initiatives executed across the command tie together with why NNSY exists—to deliver warships.PAGE A2

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

Signup today!

Call 222-3900

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Ed Rodriguez conducts postal training for Sailors at the NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Regional Navy Mail Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk prepares shipboard postal teams for deployment

By Jim Kohler

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Public Affairs

NORFOLK — The NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Regional Navy Mail Center (RNMC) Postal Inspection and Training Team recently provided critical training for ships prior to their deployments.

While training of this nature is normally routine, new challenges exist as the respective ships were operating in an extended “bubble” which limits contact with personnel outside the command to protect readiness and mitigate the spread of CoVID. When a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) or Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) prepares for a deployment, the Postal Inspection and Training Team normally conducts a full day of pre-deployment postal training for the

respective CSG or ARG. “We conduct training in the RNMC classroom or onboard a ship,” explained RNMC Deputy Director Jeff Gibbs.

“We provide cradle to grave postal product training from basic mail services up through supervision and management services and requirements. Every Navy deploying asset receives comprehensive training from our team so that they may provide successful postal services for their crews during an away from home, deployed environment.”

With all crew members restricted to the ship under pre-deployment COVID-19 protocol, Sailors couldn’t attend classes at the mail center. To ensure all deploying ships would have the appropriate training prior to leaving homeport, two RNMC postal advisors received special permission to enter the shipboard bubble environments in order to

provide training aboard ship with the ship’s postal team.

In all, they conducted 17 different pre-deployment training sessions. Each deploying ship also received individualized postal refresher training with their assigned Postal Petty Officers and Postal Officers to assist them in providing postal services for their crew members. “We also provide them with guides, checklists and step by step processes that they can bring with them to assist with their missions,” sail Gibbs. “We use all tools available to be able to reach out to our shore and fleet supported customers to provide them the knowledge and guidance needed to conduct any and all mail services for their commands.”

This training was vitally important for the postal crew aboard USS Arleigh Burke (DDG

NNSY’s Strategic Framework: The Infrastructure Pillar Team

By Jason Scarborough

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Strategic Framework is a tool to communicate the shipyard’s mission and vision statements, and shows how initiatives executed across the command tie together with why NNSY exists— to deliver warships. In order to bridge the gap between mission and vision, NNSY has identified four critical focus areas—our pillars. These pillars are the highest priority strategic focus areas we must urgently work to improve. They are Infrastructure; Dependable Mission Delivery; People Development; and Process Improvement and Innovation.

The focus of the Infrastructure pillar includes facilities, utilities, equipment, information technology and communication systems. An Infrastructure Pillar Team (IPT) has been created to enable the delivery of world-class infrastructure in NNSY to meet the shipyard’s mission and support of its production methods. The IPT will identify and champion initiatives and goals that are aligned to the Infrastructure pillar vision, that NNSY’s infrastructure supports on-time

warship delivery to meet today’s mission as well as the mission of tomorrow.

“The strategy of the IPT is to identify goals and initiatives that support the vision and provide the greatest benefit to the shipyard and its workers. Shipyard improvement initiatives will further refine our understanding of where to best align facilities and IT resources to accomplish the goals,” said NNSY’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) (Code 109) and Infrastructure Pillar lead Bill Leidel.

The IPT’s mission is to support the execution of calculated infrastructure investments based on time, manpower, and financial requirements to strike a purposeful and optimized balance between operational requirements, regulatory requirements, safety, and quality of life.

The three other pillars supporting NNSY’s Strategic Framework are Dependable Mission Delivery, People Development and Process Improvement and Innovation. All four pillars fortify each other in achieving results in safety, quality, delivery of ships and submarines, cost, and an invested workforce driven to provide service to the Fleet with a One Mission — One Team mentality.

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

Flagship, Inc.

MNV Military Manager | Ski Miller, ski.miller@virginiamedia.com Advertising Inquiries | Ski Miller, ski.miller@virginiamedia.com Free Classified Advertising, 757-222-5470 Distribution/Home Delivery, Distribution@pilotonline.com

(COURTESY GRAPHIC)

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

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

Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com.

The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offices are located at 150W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. © 2021Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved

51), as they were facing a homeport change to Rota, Spain. “Their postal operation will be providing mail services as if in a deployed status at all times,” explained Gibbs. “They will be providing full service postal operations, unlike what they do in a CONUS homeport. The Arleigh Burke supply officer specifically requested training from the Postal Inspection and Training Team because they had an inexperienced postal officer and postal petty officer. It was especially critical for them to receive the training prior to their homeport change. The valuable knowledge they gained builds confidence in our deploying supply officers and postal divisions while they are away from their normal resources.”

Gibbs added how proud he is of the Postal Inspection and Training Team for always being ready with the most current information available. “I am extremely proud of the team,” said Gibbs. “They do a lot of extra preparation and always keep up with changes as processes continuously evolve within the postal community to ensure the fleet has all of the tools needed to conduct mail services for their crew while in a deployed environment.”

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 3

NAVIFOR holds change of command

By Jacquelynn Fisher

Naval Information Forces Public Affairs

SUFFOLK — Vice Adm. Brian B. Brown, commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), was relieved by Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach in a change of command ceremony, May 7, at the Department of Homeland Security complex in Suffolk.

“You did a phenomenal job leading the NAVIFOR team during a time of significant transition for our Navy and our nation,” said Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, who served as the presiding officer and the event’s guest speaker.

“Your team made tremendous strides in improving the capabilities and readiness of the information warfare community while also positioning your forces to meet emerging challenges of the contested IW [Information Warfare], space, and cyber domains.

Your vision, persistence, and dedication have truly set the bar for excellence, and have well positioned the force, and the fleet, for the challenges of the future.”

Brown assumed command of NAVIFOR in June 2018. As the “iBoss” — or Information Boss — for the Navy, Brown further built on the foundation established by his predecessor, now retired Vice Adm. Matthew J. Kohler. Brown established and led the IW Enterprise, ensuring advancement of Naval IW capabilities. As commander of NAVIFOR, he matured the IW Type Command, improving fleet IW Readiness ashore and afloat.

Brown was responsible for leading a fleet-wide Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems and Intelligence (C5I) wholeness campaign to include the establishment of an IW Readiness Continuum (IWRC) aligned to the Navy’s Optimized Fleet Response Plan. He instituted a first-ever IW platform shore modernization program and elevated the effectiveness of the TYCOM’s Warfighting Improvement Program that details needed requirements to ensure the Navy’s IW readiness well into the future.

As the Navy space lead, he spearheaded the approval for the formation of the Maritime Space Officer (MSO) Designator 187X within the IW community. MSO joins oceanography, cryptologic warfare, cyber warfare engineers, information professionals, and intelligence as a key specialty in the IW arsenal. The MSO community is critical to supporting Navy leadership and achieving national security objectives through the integration of space capabilities into mari-

Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Vice Adm. Brian Brown, and Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, commander, Naval Information Forces participate in a cake-cutting ceremony during a change of command ceremony, May 7. (ROBERT FLUEGEL)

time operations and plans.

For the last 15 months, Brown’s superb leadership was instrumental in navigating the NAVIFOR domain through the COVID19 pandemic. He quickly organized the staff to effectively respond to the crisis, sustain uninterrupted support to fleet commanders, and maintain steady and reassuring communication with domain personnel and their families. A Crisis Action Team and Operational Planning Team where established to ensure 100-percent readiness in critical strategic and operational mission areas while also protecting the health of the workforce.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve alongside the men and women of Naval Information Forces; any success noted during my tenure is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the Fleet and our mission,” said Brown. “Manning, training and equipping IW forces is truly a team sport, and as a leader in the broader

IW Enterprise, I thank my partner fleet commanders, type commanders, resource sponsors, systems commands, and program executive offices for their teamwork, trust, and support. As the outgoing ‘iBoss,’ I leave Naval Information Forces with full confidence that this team is ready for the challenge ahead.”

Commissioned as a naval intelligence officer through Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in 1990, Aeschbach has served in various operational, overseas, ashore, and staff assignments. During her career, Aeschbach supported Operation Enduring Freedom attached to Carrier Strike Group NINE, served as deputy director of Intelligence at Headquarters, Resolute Support, Afghanistan, and as Director of Intelligence for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Her most recent assignment as a rear admiral upper half was Director, National Maritime Intelligence Integration Office /

walk in our

founders’ footsteps Now with good food and a craft brew.

You can’t know history till you know the whole story. A visit to the eight destinations that make up the Founders District is a chance to see history unfolding before your eyes – but in a fun, modern way. Learn about America’s first permanent English Colony, retrace Capt.

John Smith’s route, and see how Pocahontas lived. You’ll see how Virginia Indians, early English settlers and West-Central Africans came together in the 17th century to forge a new world. Plan your trip at TheFoundersDistrict.com

Commander, Office of Naval Intelligence.

Just prior to the change of command ceremony, Aeschbach pinned on her third star and promoted to the rank of vice admiral. In his last official action before he relinquished command, Brown served as the promoting officer. Changing out her shoulder boards were Aeschbach’s husband and sons.

“I am excited to return to Naval Information Forces and continue to build on the outstanding accomplishments of Vice Adm. Brown,” Aeschbach said. “It is an honor to be asked to work in this role with the stellar men and women who make up Navy’s Information Warfare Forces,” Aeschbach concluded.

NAVIFOR’s mission is to generate, directly and through our leadership of the IW Enterprise, agile and technically superior manned, trained, equipped, and certified combat-ready IW forces to ensure our Navy will decisively DETER, COMPETE, and WIN.

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Members of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Dependable Mission Delivery Pillar Team. (TROY MILLER)

Dependable mission delivery pillar crucial to NNSY success

By Troy Miller

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — Editor’s Note: Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Strategic Framework is a tool to communicate the shipyard’s mission and vision statements, and shows how initiatives executed across the command tie together with why NNSY exists—to deliver warships. In order to bridge the gap between mission and vision, NNSY has identified four critical focus areas— our pillars. These pillars are the highest priority strategic focus areas we must urgently work to improve. They are Infrastructure; Dependable Mission Delivery; People Development; and Process Improvement and Innovation.

“The Department Head Group (DHG) and the Strategic Framework Working Group identified areas that needed focused attention and urgent action because they directly impact the shipyard’s ability to dependably deliver on its core mission,” said Engineering and Planning Manager (Code 200) and Dependable Mission

Delivery Team Lead Mike Zydron. “Initially, we came up with the Mission Delivery Pillar, but words matter and we decided to take it one step farther by making it Dependable Mission Delivery. We always meet mission delivery without fault on quality and safety, but delivering the mission, particularly for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) scheduled availabilities, on-time has become an area that we need to improve on: One Team, One Mission, on time every time.”

The Dependable Mission Delivery Pillar Team (MPT) charter states its mission is “Continuous evaluation of facts and performance data in order to focus on the three to five highest potential initiatives and associated action plans that will measurably increase Productive Capacity in alignment with the command’s overall Strategic Framework aimed at maximizing repair, modernization and inactivation of our Navy’s warships and training platforms.”

The primary goal of the MPT is to improve mission delivery through increasing the productive capacity (PC) to deliver ships at NNSY. PC

is measured by the amount of personnel able to perform direct wrench turning work as budgeted. The MPT has used a systems-based strategy on its first pass to identify the following four MPT focus areas in order to measurably increase PC: reduce overhead, optimize direct support services, improve production efficiency, inventory and reassign other direct, non-core mission work.

“The goal is to focus fact-based analysis and action on these four focus areas in order to measurably increase the number of wrench-turning resource days we are delivering with budgeted allowances each day,” said Zydron.

In addition to Zydron, the MPT core members consist of Operations Officer Capt.

Michael Oberdorf (Code 300), Deputy Operations Manager Wallace Martin (Code 301), Nuclear Production Manager Jim Crunden (Code 300N), Production Resources Officer Capt. Scott Tracey (Code 900), Production Resources Manager John Walker (Code 901),

Business and Strategic Planning Officer Capt.

Jim Kuhlmann (Code 1200), and Deputy Business and Strategic Planning Manager Maria Williams (Code 1201).

Additionally, the team has been further strengthened by the participation of NNSY’s lead for Naval Sustainment Systems-Shipyards/Integration of Performance to Plan and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Public Shipyard Improvement Plan Amanda Gulledge, Lean Program Manager Mike Perkins, and Program Analyst and Process Improvement Master Black Belt Myron Wynn. Process Controls Division Analyst Josh Wannemacher and Organization and Employee Development Engineering Technician Virginia Eaton round out the MPT. The MPT members are from a variety of departments across the shipyard, reinforcing the One Mission — One Team concept.

“The Dependable Mission Delivery pillar initiatives were established through the MPT’s diligence in assessing past and current trends to set progressive benchmarks to meet our overall goal,” said Wannemacher. “In the same respect, our overall success as a pillar team and at NNSY, will also be attributed to our sister pillars initiatives such as leadership concepts and practices, development of a proficient workforce, and continuously seeking out opportunities to gain a competitive advantage and best achieve NNSY’s mission.”

GO FROM MARITIME TO YOUR TIME With 100% online courses, flexible schedules and over 200 programs to choose from, Southern New Hampshire University offers degree pathways built to fit your life.

Visit snhu.edu/military today

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 5

Halyburton Medical Health Clinic honors namesake 76 years after Medal of Honor actions

By Thomas Cieslak

Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point Public Affairs

CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Sailors and Staff serving aboard Halyburton Medical Clinic paused Monday, May 10 to honor the memory and sacrifice of the clinic’s namesake who sacrificed his life 76 years ago in the service of his nation during World War II. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William D. Halyburton posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions May 10, 1945 while serving as a corpsman with 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division during the WWII Battle of Okinawa. He became the clinic’s namesake in a ceremony held October 1, 1994.

“Every day, Sailors and staff of Halyburton Medical Clinic honor the memory and actions of Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William Halyburton Jr,” said Navy Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, the clinic’s Executive Officer. May 10th is a day we hold in our hearts as we recognize Halyburton’s courage and sacrifice that his comrade may live.”

Throughout the day, Fitzpatrick read Halyburton’s Medal of Honor Citation over the clinic’s intercom system to staff and patients while staff read vignettes of his life and service.

Marian Halyburton Rosse, Halyburton’s sister-in-law, transferred his Medal of Honor to the clinic during a ceremony held Friday, May 27, 2016. The medal and numerous other artifacts showcasing Halyburton’s personal life and service continue to be displayed to all clinic visitors.

The Medal of Honor posthumously presented to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William D. Halyburton for his actions on May 10, 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa. (THOMAS CIESLAK)

(MCSN JORDAN A. GRIMES)

TOGETHER WE WIN $

52,000 IN 52 WEEKS TO 52 WORTHY CHARITIES

“Young Marines strengthens the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service and living a healthy drug-free lifestyle. This donation by Rosie’s will help us continue our mission of developing youth leaders in communities across the US and spreading our healthy living and drug prevention messaging”

Col William P. Davis

USMC (Ret) National Executive Director | CEO of the Young Marines Every week in 2021 we will donate $1,000 to a local nonprofit that is providing valuable services in the areas we are located.

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

Through the charitable program, Rosie’s Gives Back, Colonial Downs Group has made monetary and in-kind donations of more than $1,300,000, and has logged over 1,100 service hours in Virginia communities.

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

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Naval sustainment system – Shipyards effort now in full swing at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

By Michael D Brayshaw

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — How do you improve the highly complex business of ship maintenance to support on-time delivery back to the Fleet?

It’s a tough nut to crack, and one that’s getting attention at the highest levels of Navy. Helping to conquer this challenge is the Naval Sustainment System — Shipyards (NSS-SY) effort across all four of the nation’s public shipyards in an aligned initiative with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

Centering on empowering project mechanics and driving continual work execution on the availability deckplates, NSS-SY is modeled on the successful effort at the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs) to achieve more mission capable F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.

Regardless of the product line being by air or sea, the same ingredients for success include having a sense of urgency, a willingness to challenge established modes of thinking, and ensuring quick and visible change where possible in matters of maintenance.

NSS-SY is part of an overarching effort at the four shipyards implementing the Navy’s Public Shipyard Improvement Plan.

This plan aims to enhance production efficiency and schedule execution to shorten the duration of availabilities using both NSS-SY and Perform-to-Plan (P2P), a Navywide approach to combine continued learning and data-driven decisions to improve ship maintenance.

“Perform to Plan originated in aviation depot maintenance with resounding success,” said Commander Dave McGlone, NAVSEA 04 X Military Deputy. “While there are definite differences between aviation and ship depot maintenance, the overall concept is to make data-driven improvement decisions in our ship maintenance business. There’s a lot of emphasis on ship maintenance at the highest levels of our Navy and beyond, and there’s a high demand for increased operational ability. The ship-

Norfolk Naval Shipyard welcomes the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Toledo for an engineered overhaul. (SHELBY WEST)

yards have a huge role to play in this and it’s essential that each person recognize just how pivotal their contributions are to this tremendously important goal.”

Across the public shipyards, NSS-SY is a partnership of on-site contractors specializing in business processes, along with dedicated shipyard personnel who ensure Navy standards are met while collaborating to bring innovations to the deckplates.

“We have world-class performers and a lot of great intelligence and talent in our yards doing a lot of extremely complex maintenance,” said McGlone. “A fresh look through P2P is helping us identify where we can continue to improve our business in making our organization more efficient, delivering boats on time, and planning for shorter durations than we have today to meet that operational demand.”

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) were the first two shipyards, piloting the NSS-SY effort in August 2019. NNSY’s initial focus was identifying and mitigating any constraints to bolster performance of topside work on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), including catapult systems and jet blast deflectors. One improvement included a topside temporary material storage area for NNSY’s Outside Machine Shop (Shop 38) onboard the carrier, providing greater accessibility and convenience for project mechanics. This aligned with the NSS-SY priority

of ensuring tradespeople have the tools and equipment at the ready to execute work efficiently and with requisite first-time quality.

NSS-SY was relaunched in January 2021 with NNSY’s concentration on USS Pasadena (SSN 752), a Los-Angeles class submarine currently undergoing a Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability. Navy leaders such as Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker met with the Pasadena team in recent weeks to pledge their support and discuss the drive to “get real, get better,” encouraging shipyarders to candidly discuss any constraints so they can be resolved. “As you identify problems and barriers to success in your work, there are people across the enterprise asking how they can remove those problems now and for the future,” said Harker.

“We’re looking across naval leadership at the things we can put in place to knock down those barriers.”

NSS-SY improvements have included a new daily production meeting cadence, focusing on key issues and barrier removal.

A new Horizon Review Board model has replaced the previous NAVSEA Project Support Meeting format, emphasizing the “get real, get better” concept and ensuring increased action and support from NAVSEA and corporate partners. Additionally, NNSY is getting “back to the basics” with the reimplementation of crew boards across the waterfront. “We are excited about all of the improvement occurring at each of the four shipyards and the potential this effort has

for our corporation,” said NSS-SY Champion Amanda Gulledge. “We are challenging ourselves, our processes, and cutting through the red tape to embrace change, with full support and backing of NAVSEA leadership and the VCNO. That is powerful; this is our moment to turn ourselves into the top performing world class organization we know we can be.”

NSS-SY initiatives will work in tandem with the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), a 20-year, $21 billion program dedicated to completely refurbishing the nation’s four public shipyards by modernizing equipment, improving workflow, and upgrading dry docks and facilities. Whereas SIOP will provide the physical upgrades to the shipyards, NSS-SY initiatives will provide the procedural updates to ships undergoing maintenance and modernization to maximize workforce productivity.

“Efforts supporting the Navy’s Public Shipyard Improvement Plan are very important to us at America’s Shipyard,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Dianna Wolfson. “The plan is greatly aligned to messages we’ve been receiving from Navy leadership to ‘get real, get better’ in our service to the Fleet with an intent to either ‘fix or elevate’ problems in our work. Ensuring a sense of urgency and resolve at all levels of the workforce, working in conjunction with our contracting partner on this effort, will help us reach our vision of delivering on time, every time, everywhere, to protect America.”

THOSE WHO SERVE COULD

SAVE MORE WITH A SPECIAL

MILITARY DISCOUNT 109 Volvo Parkway Chesapeake

757-549-1772

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

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 7

Sailor of the year from Page 1

Karen Barnes is one of five Equal Employment Opportunity Specialists assigned to CNRMA and has served as the reasonable accommodations coordinator for the past four years. (COURTESY PHOTO)

CNRMA from Page 1

of the EEO office. So, I went about meeting with various department managers to ascertain which area I wished to pursue. I was lucky that my organization supported my efforts.

In a nutshell, after some more conversations with my supervisor I agreed EEO would be the best fit.”

As part of the Reasonable Accommodations Advisory Team, Barnes provides recommendations to supervisors and managers on RA requests. It is her duty to ensure that supervisors are engaging in interactive discussions with their employees who are seeking RA, while simultaneously safeguarding the confidentiality of medical information.

“When you think about it, life is the influencer and depending on how you deal with it, can ignite the passion or dull it. I’ve been fortunate. I have always been that neutral person always believing there is a way and having the desire for fair play. Don’t misunderstand, I believe in a person’s right to defend what they believe, as long as they don’t mistreat others to do it,” Barnes said. “Believe it or not, counseling was one of the fields I have always been interested in but had never pursued. In this life you need to listen and be open to compromise. To be a good counselor you have to acknowledging that it’s not about you.”

According to the secretary of the Navy website, equal employment opportunity is an essential element of readiness. It is vital to attracting, developing and retaining a top-quality workforce necessary to accom-

plish the Department of the Navy’s strategic mission. It is the Navy’s policy to ensure that EEO is integrated at all levels.

Providing equal opportunity in employment for all employees and applicants through clearly defined human resources (HR) and EEO policies and programs gives the Department of the Navy the foundation to proactively prevent discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability, and prohibits acts of reprisal.

Barnes works closely with investigators to conduct investigations and hearings regarding complaints, and serves as an EEO counselor and mediator, as required.

“The goal is to always work toward resolution at the lowest possible level,” said Barnes.

When not working directly with employees needing assistance, Barnes evaluates management practices, identifies actions that can potentially cause allegations of discrimination, recommends corrective action for resolution or prevention of problems, and provides input on the affirmative action.

“If I had to do it again, would I have made the same choice? Yes, but I would a whole lot sooner in my career,” said Barnes.

CNRMA is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations, and 50 naval operational support centers.

As the naval shore installation management headquarters for the mid-Atlantic region, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the fleet, fighter and family.

shocked, and I was like, is it April Fools’ Day?” Bowman is a 16-year veteran of the Navy who currently serves as an independent duty corpsman (IDC) and Sailor deployment coordinator at TPU Norfolk. TPU Norfolk, whose primary mission is to liaise with deployed commands and assist Sailors transitioning to and from them, is the largest in the Navy, processing as many as 7,000 transient personnel every year.

When she first started in 2017, her workdays were fairly routine, but already packed for an IDC. Throughout the years, she performed various medical screenings, coordinated health programs, and conducted sick call daily, all while leading other Sailors in multiple capacities to include her roles as the leading petty officer of medical, the Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) vice president, a SAILOR 360 team leader, and a member of the First Class Petty Officer Association.

Then, COVID-19 hit.

As COVID cases began to rise around the world, the need to isolate and test transient personnel for the virus became apparent to protect the fleet. This meant placing thousands of personnel on restriction-of-movement (ROM) for weeks at a time for monitoring before they could be cleared to travel to their assigned duty stations. This required protocols and manpower that did not yet exist anywhere else in the fleet, and Bowman is credited for establishing and leading a team to implement new procedures, for which she was also instrumental in developing.

“We had almost 1,300 Sailors at one point stuck here at TPU by itself, and more than 400 Sailors on ROM in a one day period timeframe.

I could not do those checks by myself anymore,” she said, describing a rapidly escalating situation and a still-evolving response to meet it, filled with gaps she set out to close by establishing a medical team.

There were not enough general duty corpsmen available to her for the scale of the task at hand. Moreover, in a climate where medical personnel where in high demand. She needed

USS New Hampshire from Page 1

Christman. “We know the work they do is vital, but we are so ready to have them home with us again. I’ve been doing this for a long time now, and deployments are always challenging. Going through a deployment during a pandemic makes everything far more difficult.

I was consistently amazed and impressed by the ways in which our families came together to support each other from afar. I can’t say enough good things about this group of families or Sailors.”

New Hampshire was also the first submarine to deploy with a 3D printer kit developed by Naval Sea Systems Command. The printer gave New Hampshire the ability to fabricate several temporary parts while deployed.

During the deployment, New Hampshire steamed over 40,000 nautical miles and conducted brief stops in Faslane, Scotland and

a solution, and it was to assemble and train a group of Sailors from a wide array of Navy rates to include master-at-arms (MA), logistics specialist (LS) and damage controlman (DC).

“I have pretty much all the rates in the entire Navy working under me, and I’m very very grateful that every single one of these Sailors that have worked with me are accepting and want to learn,” said Bowman.

Bowman and her team’s fleet-wide impact is undeniable, and as TPU’s primary advisor on COVID-related issues, her efforts did not go unnoticed.

Cmdr. Karen Sankes-Ritland, the commanding officer of TPU, in her nomination letter of HM1 Bowman, remarked that “she readily adapted to changes in command policy, procedure and assigned workload which increased 1,000% during COVID-19. She has that special blend of leadership coupled with superior management and administrative abilities that assures success in virtually any assignment or task.”

Although her first assignment was as an undesignated deck seaman on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Bowman described having had a passion for medicine before joining the military in 2004 and later becoming a corpsman, which did not happen until 2007.

“So close to 9/11, the spots were not available for females. So instead of spending time at home and staying stagnant for a year, I decided to go ahead and join the Navy so that I can start my career and start my independence,” she said.

Born in the Hubei Province of China, Bowman moved to the United States at age 10 and considers The Plains, Ohio, to be her hometown. She credits her immigration status as one of the reasons she was compelled to join the Navy.

“When I was able to leave China and come to the United States and have a new sense of freedom, I decided to give myself as a payment back for the welcome and the love that I received once I came over to the U.S., and I decided to serve my country,” stated Bowman.

Bowman aspires to become a chief one day, and upon retiring from the Navy, complete her studies in oncology or law, or both simultaneously through medical law.

Haakonsvern, Norway.

Twenty-three enlisted Sailors and five officers earned their submarine warfare qualification, known as “dolphins,” while three officers were promoted, 17 enlisted Sailors were advanced to the next paygrade and seven Sailors reenlisted.

Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

The Virginia-class submarine is 377 feet long and 34 feet wide, and weighs about 7,900 tons when submerged. Underwater, it can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots.

MAY 1 - JUNE 1

Celebrating the Commitment That Connects Us Learn more at navyfederal.org/celebrate

Insured by NCUA.

© 2021 Navy Federal NFCU 13985 (3-21)

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

*NEW* DESIGN SHOWCASE

Your Home Designed by YOU #NATIONALHOMEIMPROVEMENTMONTH REPLACEMENT WINDOWS ARCHITECTURAL ROOFING VINYL SIDING AND TRIM GUTTER PROTECTION

BEFORE

AFTER

You choose your offer...

NO DOWN PAYMENTS NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS NO INTEREST FOR 18 MONTHS

or...

50

BEFORE

% OFF LABOR

AFTER

SCHEDULE FREE ESTIMATE

(866) 723-2063

WWW.PARAMOUNTBUILDERS.COM/PARAMOUNT-PILOT

POP

uarterdeck

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 1

Maritime Security Initiative patrol continues

The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy continue their joint mission in the Western and Central Pacific aunder the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative Page A3

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivers remarks during the change of command ceremony for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), where Adm. Philip Davidson relinquished command to Adm. John Aquilino. (MC2 ANTHONY J RIVERA)

Defense Secretary says ‘integrated deterrence’ is cornerstone of U.S. defense

By C. Todd Lopez

DOD News Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii — Deterrence has always been the first line of defense. Preventing conflict, when possible, is greater than engaging, said the secretary of defense.

“The cornerstone of America’s defense is still deterrence, ensuring that our adversaries understand the folly of outright conflict,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in Hawaii Friday during a change of command ceremony for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

“Throughout American history, deterrence has meant fixing a basic truth within the minds of our potential foes: And that truth is that the costs and risks of aggression are out of line with any conceivable benefit,”

Austin said.

But Austin said that, going forward, deterrence must be different from what it has been in the past, characterizing a new approach as “integrated deterrence.”

“To make that clear today, we’ll use existing capabilities, and build new ones, and use all of them in networked ways — hand in hand with our allies and partners,” he said. “Deterrence still rests on the same logic — but it now spans multiple realms, all of which must be mastered to ensure our security in the 21st century.”

Integrated deterrence, Austin said, includes having the best weapons systems and the latest technologies that make adversaries think twice. This includes development of tools that make use of artificial intelligence and quantum comput-

ing, for example.

Integrated deterrence also includes new concepts of operation, the elimination of stovepipes between services and their capabilities, and coordinated operations on land, in the air, on the sea, in space and in cyberspace.

“We can’t predict the future,” Austin said. “What we need is the right mix of technology, operational concepts and capabilities — all woven together and networked in a way that is so credible, flexible and so formidable that it will give any adversary pause. We need to create advantages for us and dilemmas for them.”

Most significantly, Austin said, integrated deterrence means working together in ways that were not done before.

“Integrated deterrence means

USS Monterey seizes illicit weapons in North Arabian Sea

all of us giving our all,” he said.

“It means that working together is an imperative, and not an option.

It means that capabilities must be shared across lines as a matter of course, and not as an exception to the rule. And it means that coordination across commands and services needs to be a reflex and not an afterthought.”

As a former soldier and one-time commander of operations in Iraq and U.S. Central Command, Austin said he understands the instinctive impulse to trust first those who wear the same uniform.

“I’ve been there,” he said. “I’m a former combatant commander and senior service leader. I get it. I know the temptations and the impulses, the desire to preserve what you believe is your equity. I indulged in that kind of thinking myself back in

U.S. service members, ships, aircraft meet in Alaska for Northern Edge 21

From U.S. Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

Thousands of illicit weapons interdicted by guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) from a stateless dhow in international waters of the North Arabian Sea, May 6-7. (COURTESY PHOTO)

From NAVCENT Public Affairs MANAMA, Bahrain — The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6-7.

USS Monterey and its embarked U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) discovered the illicit cargo during a routine flag verification boarding conducted in international water in accordance with customary international law.

The cache of weapons included

dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights.

The original source and intended destination of the materiel is currently under investigation.

The materiel is in U.S. custody awaiting final disposition.

Assessment of the findings will be an interagency effort.

Monterey provided more than

36 hours of over watch and security for its boarding teams and the interdicted vessel throughout the two-day operation.

After all illicit cargo was removed, the dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and after questioning, its crew was provided food and water before being released.

The U.S. Navy conducts routine patrols in the region to ensure the free flow of commerce for legitimate traffic, disrupt the transport of illicit cargo that often funds terrorism and unlawful activity, and safeguard the rules-based international order.

the day. But I also see what’s coming.

And there’s some old habits that just don’t serve our core mission anymore.”

Now, he said, every service and agency — each of which brings its own unique capability for deterrence, first, and conflict, when needed — must be willing to draw on the capabilities of partners.

Those partners include not just the U.S. military services, but federal agencies, partner nations and allies, as well.

“We have to redouble our efforts to work together — across commands, across services, and across stovepipes,” he said.

During Friday’s ceremony, Navy Adm. John Aquilino took the helm of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from outgoing commander Navy Adm. Philip Davidson.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members, six U.S. Navy ships and 240 aircraft will participate in Northern Edge 2021 (NE21), a joint field training exercise May 3-14 from various locations in and around Alaska.

Locations include Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, Allen Army Airfield, King Salmon, Cold Bay, Fairbanks International Airport, Ted Stevens International Airport, Juneau International Airport, Alaska; and Fairchild AFB and Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington.

NE21 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to provided high-end, realistic war fighter training, develop and improve joint interoperability, and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces. This is done by providing a venue for large force employment training and multi-domain operations; tactical training for the full spectrum of conflict; execute and

advance adaptive basing joint tactics, techniques, and procedures; advance live-virtual-constructive capabilities; and support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s experimental initiatives.

“We need events that allow the joint force to come together in a large venue to train alongside each other,” said Lt. Col. Mike Boyer, Pacific Air Forces NE21 lead planner. “Typically, training happens within your units, within your services, but you never really get the volume or the complexity you would expect to see in a modern day conflict.

Northern Edge allows the joint force to put all the pieces of the puzzle together in the big picture and allows our younger generation within the armed forces to experience what future conflict could feel like in the complexities associated with it.”

U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will conduct training over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area.

Major participating units Turn to Northern Edge 21, Page 7

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Heroes at Home

Q: My family and I are planning on moving into privatized or Government housing. Can we have a live-in aide or nanny?

A: There is no instruction that directly authorizes a live-in nanny. CNICINST 11103.5 CH-1 Navy Housing Eligibility, Assignment and Termination Criteria states in Enclosure 2, number 2 c.(5):“If the inventory is available and when a live-in aide or nanny is approved by the CO of the Installation, they will be eligible for a separate bedroom.”

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

(ISTOCK)

Confessions of a TV junkie

By Lisa Smith Molinari [In the basement of a dingy community center, a florescent light buzzes over a dozen or so people seated in a circle of metal folding chairs. Some nibble anxiously at store-bought sandwich cookies, while others sit in nervous silence. There is a screeching of chair legs against linoleum, as one bleary-eyed woman stands with a trembling Styrofoam coffee cup to speak.]

“Hello, [clears throat] my name is Lisa ... and I, ... I am a Binge Watcher. It’s been one week since my last television fix, and I’m here to share my story….”

Believe it or not, there was a time when I didn’t know what Binge Watching was. While our Navy family was stationed in Germany, we felt lucky that Armed Forces Network aired day-old episodes of “Survivor” and “American Idol.” The rest of the time, we entertained ourselves with middle-of-thenight football broadcasts, quirky BBC shows, and strange AFN public service announcements.

But when we moved back to the States, my husband and I finally discovered the joys of Digital Video Recording. Despite this, our television use was purely recreational. We were mere “social watchers,” catching a recorded program here and there,

and streaming a movie over the weekend.

Little did we know, we were perched on the slippery slope of instant gratification.

Eventually, we needed more episodes to be entertained. Our digitally-savvy kids introduced us to the allure of services such as “On Demand” and “Hulu.” How intoxicating it was to take a double hit of “The Bachelor” and chase it with “Dr. Pimple Popper” all in one evening!

Soon, we were hooked. There was no going back.

Before we knew it, we were spending perfectly sunny weekends holed up in our base house watching episode after episode of random television series. We told everyone that we were “just catching up on ‘Modern Family’” or “simply wondering what all the hubbub is about ‘Stranger Things’.”

Ironically, it was the show “Breaking Bad” that nudged us into the deep, dark abyss. We’d been jonesing to see the series for a while, and when we found out that the episodes were streaming, we knew we’d just scored.

During our epic three-week “Breaking Bad” bender, we hit rock bottom. Our family room looked like the scene of a rave party, strewn with soda cans, popcorn and Chinese take-out boxes. Our permanently dilated pupils stared, transfixed, into the

psychedelic LCD screen, our cold, clammy fingers gripping the smudged remotes.

We were so strung out after that binge, we quit cold turkey, satisfying our cravings with short doses of “House Hunters” and “The Office” reruns in hopes that we’d avoid the painful withdrawal symptoms of rapid detox.

Just when we thought we had a handle on our addiction, the Pandemic hit, rendering us helpless to resist our visual drug of choice. “Tiger King” merely whet our appetites for the year-long relapse. Every night we took to our well-worn spots on the sofa and held remotes with trembling hands, in search of relief from the unprecedented boredom and monotony of quarantine.

Now that we’ve been vaccinated, one would think that we’d peel ourselves away from our television pacifier. However, ads have been popping up for “City on a Hill,” “The Real Housewives of New York,” and “Sasquatch.” Season four of “The Handmaid’s Tale” premiered April 28th, and we still haven’t finished watching “Goliath” and backlogged episodes of “Schitt’s Creek” ... What’s a TV junkie to do? Binge watch, of course!

I must confess that Premiere Season has triggered my addictive tendencies.

Although I’m not sure there’s a 12 step recovery program for Binge Watching, I’m absolutely certain I’ll gain 12 pounds if I don’t get off the couch and stop watching so much TV. Mark my words: I’m quitting Binge Watching for good this time. I’m 100% serious. No more lounging in sweatpants on Sunday afternoons pressing “play” hour after hour. Summer is coming, I’m vaccinated, and I’ll be spending time in the great outdoors. I swear, I’ll get clean, and there’s no time like the present.

And I’ll start just as soon as the new season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” is over.

Military Child Care Programs

FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling(Individual, Couples,a nd Child Counseling) Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support SuicidePrevention SAPR Support

From Military Onesource Choosing child care may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, and it can be hard to know where to start. Rest assured, the Department of Defense provides military families with a variety of quality, affordable child care options.

The Department of Defense is committed to meeting the growing and diverse child care needs of military families, and takes great pride in the quality of services provided to children on and off installations worldwide. While services may vary by location, the standards and quality of services are consistent and meet established regulations.

Learn more about military child care program options below.

Child development centers Child development centers, or CDCs, are located on installations and generally offer care for infants through preschool age children. Child care is available Monday through Friday, during standard work hours (e.g., 6 a.m. — 6 p.m.) with some locations offering extended hours. CDC programs provide fullday and part-day care. Centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. CDC programs have Department of Defense certification, and accreditation from a national accrediting body such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Family child care Family child care providers are certified professionals who provide child care for infants through school age children in their homes, located either on or off an installation. FCC providers typically offer a flexible schedule to support parents with a variety of care needs, including full-day, part-day, and school year care, summer camp, and in some cases, 24/7 and extended care. Regulations limit the number of children who receive care at any one time to no more than six children under age eight, and no more than three children when all children are under age two.

Family child care providers must be certified by the installation to operate. Individual providers may voluntarily seek national accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care and receive local support, training, and materials to accomplish this goal.

School-age care

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

(COURTESY PHOTO)

School-age care, or SAC, programs provide care to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Care is offered before and after school, during non-school days and summer vacations. SAC programs may take place in Department of Defense youth centers, child development centers, or other suitable facilities. All programs have Department of Defense certification, and accreditation by a national accrediting body such as the Council on Accreditation.

Requesting child care MilitaryChildCare.com is a Department of Defense website that helps families in any service branch find and request military-operated child care anywhere in the world. Families can search for full- and part-time care in the CDC, FCC and SAC programs outlined above.

If your child has special needs, your service will work closely with you to find the best placement for your child. You can contact your installation Exceptional Family Member Program to learn about options for your family. For more information, visit the Military OneSource Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support page.

Hourly child care service In addition to child care programs available through MilitaryChildCare.com, the Department of Defense is proud to offer an expanded child care service to help meet the growing and diverse needs of military families. Through Military OneSource, parents can now access a nationally recognized caregiver database to search for hourly, flexible and on-demand child care.

The online caregiver service lets you: Search for care that fits your own needs and

criteria Find potential care providers Check references Review background checks Interview, hire and pay providers on your terms Use your Military OneSource account to set up free access to the online child care service.

Log in to your existing account or create an account to get a unique subscription code and establish your child care service account.

For more information about the online caregiver search service, and to register, visit Military OneSource Expanded Hourly Child Care Options.

Finding child care that is right for you If this is your first time arranging child care and you’re feeling overwhelmed, Child Care Aware of America offers lots of helpful information for families. Resources include these downloadable checklists with questions to help you compare different options and make the right child care decision for your family: Child Care Center Checklist Family Child Care Home Checklist Preschool Program Checklist School-Age Child Care Program Checklist Child Care Aware of America manages several programs for the military and you may be eligible for fee assistance.

If you have questions about child care, parenting or military life in general, reach out to Military OneSource. Consultants are available 24/7/365 to answer questions and connect you with resources to help your family thrive. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS dialing options or schedule a live chat.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 3

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 104 and Sailors assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) ride in a rigid-hull inflatable boat. (MC3 ADAM BUTLER)

Coast Guard, Navy high seas Oceania Maritime Security Initiative patrol continues From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy continue their joint mission in the Western and Central Pacific aboard USS Charleston under the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) to reduce and eliminate illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing, combat transnational crimes, and enhance regional security, May 9.

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), with an embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachment (LEDET 104) from the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team

are conducting maritime law enforcement operations through the enforcement of international law and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention in order to protect United States and Pacific Island Nations’ resource security and sovereignty. The OMSI program is a Secretary of Defense initiative that leverages Department of Defense assets transiting the region to improve maritime security and domain awareness, ultimately supporting regional stability and partnerships in Oceania.

“The Charleston team is excited to work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard in conducting the OMSI mission,” said Cmdr. Joseph Burgon, Charleston’s commanding officer.

“The embarked law enforcement detachment is a force multiplier and one of the greatest assets we have in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening regional partnerships.”

The Oceania Maritime Security Initiative improves maritime security and maritime domain awareness by enabling U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel to conduct maritime law enforcement operations from U.S. Navy assets in coordination with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

“LEDET 104 is incredibly proud to play a part in the fight against illegal, unreported,

and unregulated fishing activities in the Western and Central Pacific region,” said Lt. Carlos Martinez, LEDET Officer in Charge.

“Our team of highly trained law enforcement professionals are ready to respond to this growing threat against our global resources with our maritime partners.”

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations — from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information on USS Charleston, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy. mil/lcs18/.

A BETTER HOME REMODELING EXPERIENCE

SHOWER & BATH SAVINGS EVENT

20 OFF %

YOUR ENTIRE PROJECT PAYMENTS AS LOW AS

BCI

Safety Grab Bar

99

OVER 10,000S

EVIEW 5-STAR R

THIS DEAL WON’T LAST LONG - OFFER EXPIRES 5.16.21

&

STRESS FREE

SLIP-RESISTANT, TEXTURED FLOORING

Customize your dream shower or bath with safety features such as grab bars, low & barrier-free thresholds, and shower seats for a more enjoyable, independent bathing experience. All of our showers and baths are made from 100% non-porous acrylic that is made to resist mold and mildew.

EFFORTLESS SHOWER ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS MANY STYLES & COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM EASY TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN PREVENTS MOLD & MILDEW GROWTH

PROVIDING A SAFE & CONVENIENT EXPERIENCE WE ARE FOLLOWING ALL CDC GUIDELINES

IN-HOME CONSULTATION

OFFER ENDS SOON

MONTHS

PER MONTH

We can be at your house within 24 hours for your free design quote.

CALL TODAY

12

$

FAST, EASY

Easy Step Threshold

MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR YOUR FIRST

OR

ONLINE CONSULTATION

We can design your shower or bath in an online contactless design consultation.

757-280-2257

New orders only; offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. *Subject to credit approval. Plan 1129. 6-month purchase window. 0.00% interest rate during 12-month promotional period followed by fixed interest rate of 9.99% for 120 months. Payment example assumes one-time $7500 purchase on approval date (8.94% APR) with 12 months of $0.00 payments followed by 120 amortized payments of $99.00. Actual payment amount based on total cost of project.

Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, equal opportunity lender banks. NMLS #1416362. Other restrictions may apply. Wall surround styles and options vary per state. See sales rep for details.

Expires May 16th, 2021. 270504092

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

A P-8A Poseidon aircraft, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, sits on the runway in Command Security Location (CSL) Comalapa. (LTJG JOEL DAVIS)

World-famous Golden Eagles fly high during 4th Fleet deployment From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.s. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sailors from Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) returned home to family and friends after a successful deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet Area of Operations.

VP-9 deployed to Cooperative Security Location Comalapa, El Salvador, last October to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Flying 1,060 mishap-free flight hours in the P-8A Poseidon multi-mis-

sion maritime aircraft, the Golden Eagles coordinated with U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and partner nation surface forces to disrupt more than 38,000 kilograms of cocaine and 18,000 pounds of marijuana worth a street value in excess of $2.7 billion dollars.

“The Golden Eagles lived up to their reputation of operational prowess and mission success,” said Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh, Commander of Task Force Four Seven (CTF -47). “They flawlessly executed all the types of missions we train for as maritime patrol aviators which helped people in need and

strengthened partnerships with our friends in the region.”

Additionally, VP-9 provided support to two major hurricanes Eta and Iota off the coast of Honduras. Both hurricanes brought heavy rains, severe flooding, and landslides to many of the same areas. VP-9 flew reconnaissance missions in support of disaster response operations, providing real-time information to decision makers to ensure the proper flow of aid to the most severely impacted regions of the country.

The Golden Eagles also participated in several training opportunities, specifically a

Thrift Savings Plan adds email to two-factor authorization From Chief Of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — Uniformed service members now have the ability to utilize an email address as a means to set up two-factor authentication in order to access their respective personal accounts within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) website.

Previously, service members were only able to receive a two-factor authentication code via text message or phone, causing significant barriers for deployed Sailors.

Service members will need to log into

their personal account at www.TSP.gov and add their email address to their profile for two-factor authentication. Once complete, service members will be able to validate their email address in order to utilize this new functionality.

It is recommended that deploying service members utilize their military (.mil) accounts in order to maintain access while deployed and test your access prior to deployment.

For more information on TSP, please visit the TSP website at https://www.tsp. gov.

(COURTESY GRAPHIC)

tri-lateral anti-submarine warfare exercise with forces from Colombia and Peru. Planned in a pandemic environment with no face-toface meetings, VP-9’s performance enhanced interoperability with two of our key partners and increased the naval warfighting readiness for all three navies.

“The hallmark of VP-9’s deployment was seamless coordination,” said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. The squadrons are vital to our mission and our partner nation relationships.”

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.

Learn more about USNAVSO/4th Fleet at https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT Learn more about Patrol Squadron Nine at https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Patrol-Squadron-VP-9/ and https:// www.facebook.com/vp9goldeneagles/ and @VP9GoldenEagles

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 5

Adm. Craig S. Faller, commander, U.S. Southern Command, speaks during the commissioning ceremony for the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). (MC2 KEVIN LEITNER)

USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) commissions

By MC2 Kevin Leitner

Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO — The Navy commissioned its newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) Saturday, May 8, at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, California.

Due to COVID-19 limitations, 50 guests were able to attend the ceremony for the ship named in honor of Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam exactly 51 years to the day his namesake ship joined the fleet.

“This ship is named after an inspiring leader - a Marine,” said Adm. Craig S. Faller, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, who delivered the ceremony’s principal remarks.

“Lt. Gen. Heckl ran through Miguel’s career and a more detailed action of that day. But can any of us truly imagine? Close your eyes for a minute and try to think. The sound of

gunfire like the worst violent storm any of us have ever been through. The searing heat, suffocating humidity, the chaos, and confusion of battle. The smell of death and destruction. When many would have stepped back, Miguel stepped up. He led the charge courageously focused on his team above all else, and he made a difference. A difference that is continued today.”

Guest speakers for the event also included The Honorable James Geurts, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy, and Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl, Commanding General, First Marine Expeditionary Force.

“What a great day for our Navy, our Marine Corps, and our nation,” said Geurts.

“It’s an exciting time for our Navy and Marine Corps right now as we are retooling as a Naval force. This ship joins that force, as we look to the future. We are going to ask a lot of this ship. We are going to ask a lot of this crew. I am confident that they are up for the charge.”

“It is only fitting that the motto of this beautiful ship is “Semper In Pugna,” which translates to “Always in the Fight”,” said Heckl. “Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith died a true American Hero. His warrior spirit will carry current and future generations of service members aboard this ship as they deploy around the world in service to our great nation.

During the ceremony, USS Miguel Keith’s commanding officer, Capt. Troy A. Fendrick, reported the ship ready, and Mrs. Eliadora Delores Keith, the ship’s sponsor and Miguel Keith’s mother, gave the traditional order to “Man our ship and bring her to life!” via a tearful pre-recorded message.

“This is by far the greatest honor for myself and my entire family,” said Jesse Mendez, Lance Cpl. Keith’s brother. “I want to thank everyone so much on behalf of my family for dedicating this ship in my brother’s name, recognizing him as a war hero and who saved lives for the United States of America.

The Secretary of the Navy approved the commissioning of all ESBs following a determination that the ships could not do their full mission set as USNS-designated ships.

Therefore, the commissioning of these ships allows for greater mission flexibility and is consistent with international law.

“Preparing a warship to enter the surface fleet is a privilege and the Miguel Keith crew has done an exceptional job during this challenging time,” said Fendrick. “I am proud of our Sailors’ and Civil Service Mariners steadfast dedication to ship and each other. I am honored to serve as their commanding officer as we bring the ship to life.”

The ceremony concluded, with a musical tribute to Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith’s military service, as the Marine Corps Hymn played and the crew’s battle cry of “For Miguel,” echoed across the pier.

USS Miguel Keith is the third Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) variant of the Expeditionary Transfer Dock platform (ESD).

Expeditionary Mobile Base was previously known as Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) in the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) program. ESBs are highly flexible platforms that provide logistics movement from sea to shore supporting a broad range of military operations. The ESB variant is designed around four core capabilities: aviation, berthing, equipment staging area, and command and control.

USCGC Hamilton conducts exercises with Ukraine

By USCG PA3 Sydney Phoenix

USCGC Hamilton Public Affairs

BLACK SEA — The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conducted a series of operational exercises with Ukraine, May 9, in the Black Sea. The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conducted a series of operational exercises with Ukraine, May 9, 2021, in the Black Sea. Hamilton conducted maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and ship handling operations with Ukrainian navy vessel Island-class patrol boat Starobilsk (P-241). These operations were designed to increase interoperability as a part of a regional effort to bolster maritime partnerships with NATO partners.

“Hamilton was honored to conduct as-sea operations with the Ukrainian navy,” said Capt. Timothy Cronin, commanding officer of Hamilton, “Because we have shared interests, these events promote our strong partnership in ensuring safe and lawful activity in the Black Sea.” The U.S. Coast Guard has a long and enduring partnership with regional maritime forces, particularly in strengthening maritime forces in Georgia and Ukraine.

Hamilton conducted at sea engagements with Georgian coast guard and a port visit in Batumi, Georgia, last week.

“This was a great opportunity to interact and share best practices with the Ukrainian navy,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason

U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Solis Headlam, aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), looks out to the Ukrainian navy Island-class patrol boat Starobilsk (P-241), after conducting communication, passing and maneuvering exercises in the Black Sea, May 9. (USCG PA3 SYDNEY PHOENIX)

Dunsavage, Hamilton crew member. “Both of our crews take pride in being professional mariners and today we proved that.

We look forward to doing it again.”

Hamilton is the first U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to visit the Black Sea since 2008.

The last U.S. Coast Guard Cutter to visit the Black Sea, USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716) sailed to the Black Sea twice, in 2008 and 1995.

Hamilton is the fourth national security

cutter and is the fifth cutter named for the father of the U.S. Coast Guard — Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and advocate for the creation of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.

The U.S. Coast Guard remains operational during COVID-19, following all COVID-19 safety precautions and regulations.

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in U.S. Sixth Fleet area

of operations, working alongside NATO Allies and partners, building maritime domain awareness and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Fast response cutter USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) transits the Suez Canal, May 7. (MC2 HILLARY BEAUGH)

USCGCs Charles Moulthrope, Robert Goldman transit Suez Canal

By MC2 Matthew Riggs

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

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN — The Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) transited the Suez Canal, May 7.

Charles Moulthrope and Robert Goldman are traveling to their new forward-deployed homeport in Bahrain to replace decommissioning island-class patrol boats as part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA).

“The capabilities these new cutters bring to this area of operations (AOO) will be a

VIRGINIA presents

force multiplier with the latest technological advances in command, control, communication and computer technology,” said Master Chief Petty Officer James Baxter, PATFORSWA Command Master Chief and former mechanical division lead at the Fast Response Cutter Project Resident Office in Lockport, Louisiana.

Moulthrope and Goldman are the first two of six Sentinel-class ships scheduled to join PATFORSWA, which is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 55.

“We have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of these new fast response cutters, which will join our team of highly capable forward deployed naval forces assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 and CTF 55,” said

Capt. Michael Brasseur, deputy commodore of DESRON 50 and CTF 55. “They bring critical capabilities essential to meeting our maritime security and high value unit escort missions, as well as our ability to provide sentry ships to Coalition Task Force Sentinel.”

While in the 5th Fleet AOO, the crews will conduct maritime security operations and support engagements with regional and coalition partners, strengthening relationships and demonstrating continued commitment to global maritime security and stability.

“We are very excited about the arrival of the new fast response cutters to Bahrain,” said Capt. Willie Carmichael, commander of PATFORSWA. “These new cutters bring enhanced capabilities and will play an import-

ant role in furthering the integration of the U.S. Coast Guard’s unique resources and skills in supporting 5th Fleet’s maritime security mission in the region.”

Established in 2002 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA plays a critical role in maritime security and maritime infrastructure protection operations. It is the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the United States.

DESRON 50 and CTF 55 operate in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

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

ARTSFESTIVAL

VIRGINIA

INTERNATIONAL

TATTOO TATTTTOO ! s n r u t e R

Join us in honoring your Heroes at Home AT THE 2021 MILITARY SPOUSE & LITTLE HEROES VIRTUAL AWARDS

ARMY • NAVY • AIR FORCE • MARINES COAST GUARD • NATIONAL GUARD

★ ★ N E W L O C AT I O N ★ ★

JUNE 3-6

Old Dominion University’s

S.B. Ballard Stadium

★ Thursday, June 3........ 7:30pm

★ Saturday, June 5 ......... 7:30pm

★ Friday, June 4 ...........10:30am

★ Sunday, June 6 ........... 2:30pm

★ Friday, June 4 ............ 7:30pm

Performances will take place rain or shine.

Presented in cooperation with North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Norfolk NATO Festival.

Buy tickets now at VAFEST.ORG

OR

Call the Box Office @

757-282-2822

Join us, virtually, in recognizing our local Military Spouses & Little Heroes for their unending strength, personal sacrifices, support for their military families, and for their selfless commitment to our communities.

May 26th | 6 PM | Facebook Live facebook.com/spouseawards

Enter for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Amazon gift cards: tinyurl.com/spouseawards Thank you to our sponsors!

Presented by: EVENT SPONSORS: VIRGINIA ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 7

The Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) is the 2021 designated flag ship for the execution of Exercise At-Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield, scheduled to take place May 15 to June 3. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Allied forces prepare for the start of Exercise At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield 2021 From U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs FERROL, Spain — The Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) is this year’s designated flag ship for the execution of Exercise At-Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 2021, scheduled to take place May 15 to June 3.

At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield is a U.S. Sixth Fleet-led exercise, conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), in which NATO Allies are the participants.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to show our relationship with the exercise organization and with this big challenge of the ballistic missile defense in Europe,” said Cristóbal Colón Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Juan Bautista Payá. “It’s a really demanding task to be the flag ship, but the Spanish Navy is prepared for that and we are doing our best to embark [U.S. personnel] and to allow you

to perform the command and control for the exercise in the best way.”

STRIKFORNATO will provide a maritime battle Staff Operational Command directly to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), delivering a rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations and providing command and control of maritime Ballistic Missile Defense, primarily through integration of U.S. Naval forces.

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 64, Capt.

Jon Lipps will lead this year’s exercise as the Commander, Task Group Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). Lipps addressed the crew after a brief tour of the Cristobal Colon, April 30.

“Like the namesake of this warship, you will lead an international armada at sea that will make history conducting the world’s most complex joint and combined

integrated air and missile defense exercise across the Maritimes,” Lipps said. “From below sea level to low earth orbit, you will reinforce the importance of mission command across all domains in high-end warfare. It is truly an honor and a privilege to join you today as we prepare to set out to sea.”

The exercise is designed to improve allied interoperability in a live-fire joint IAMD environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures. Ten nations will participate by sending ships, aircraft, ground assets, and embarked staff in Task Group IAMD, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“We are really happy about embarking American staff from Sixth Fleet from the U.S. Navy and from Striking and Support Forces NATO from NATO. For us, of

course, it’s a good opportunity to show the Spanish ‘will’ to support NATO and this new and demanding challenge of ballistic missile threat,” Payá said.

There will be 15 ships, more than 10 aircraft, and approximately 3,300 personnel participating this year.

Exercise At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield receives support from U.S. European Command, Missile Defense Agency, the Maritime Theater Missile Defense Forum (MTMD-F), and Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO-IWS).

The exercise is intended to assure Allies, deter adversaries, and demonstrate the commitment to collective defense for the NATO alliance.

Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, based in Lisbon, Portugal, is a rapidly deployable, maritime headquarters that provides scalable command and control across the full spectrum of warfare areas.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Northern Edge 21 from Page 1

include the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11); the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, JBER; 17th Field Artillery Brigade, JBLM; 3rd Expeditionary Air and Space Task Force, JBER; 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida; and various total force mobility assets.

U.S. military units in the continental United States and from U.S. installations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility will participate in the exercise. It is the largest military training exercise scheduled in Alaska this year with virtual and live participation.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits the Gulf of Alaska. (MC2 ANTHONY J RIVERA)

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

WE’VE MISSED YOU! YOU R H E ALTH & W ELL NE SS IS OUR MIS S ION !

WE’V E G OT EVERY TH I NG YO U NE ED TO GE T BAC K O N T R AC K TODAY! 3 C OM P L I M EN TA RY IN B ODY ASS ESS MEN T! 3 C OMPLIME NTARY PE RS O N AL TR AI N IN G R E-S E T S E SSI ON !

3 FR E E W EEK OF ZO NE4 , F IT 360 O R S MA L L GR OUP TR AIN ING TO FIRE UP YO UR ROUTI NE!

8 C O N V E NI E N T LO C AT I O N S I N COASTA L VA !

CHE SA P E A KE S QUAR E/SU FF OLK 7 5 7. 4 6 5 .6 90 0

G R E E N BR I E R 75 7.4 24.1 600

NEW PO RT N E WS 2 4 H OU R T EC H C EN T E R 7 5 7.8 8 1 .1 3 00

N E W P OR T N EW S S P O R TS C LUB 7 5 7. 59 9. 1 88 8

N O R F O LK 757.2 48.4 8 00

VI RG INI A BEACH BLVD 7 5 7.3 4 0. 48 0 0

VI R GINI A B E AC H PRI N C ES S A N NE 7 57. 4 7 1. 69 0 0

V I RG IN I A B E AC H R ED MI L L 7 57.350.7 3 00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! J O I N TO DAY AT O N E L I FE F I TN E S S .C O M

On iberty

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 1

Food insecurity Food insecurity, a serious global public health issue, has risen significantly in the United States since the start of the pandemic.

PAGE C4

Rudolfo (Jason Slayden) and Mimi (Elaine Alvarez). (PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA OPERA.)

Virginia Opera Announces 2021-2022 Season Plans From The Virginia Opera Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA— Virginia Opera is thrilled to announce the return to fully produced performances beginning in September 2021. The Season begins with Richard Wagner’s first installment in his epic Ring Cycle: Das Rheingold. This newly conceived production will be performed outdoors exclusively at Topgolf Virginia Beach and Topgolf Richmond. Virginia Opera returns to its traditional venues — The Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, The Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax — with an imaginative restaging of Puccini’s La Bohème. A premiere for the Commonwealth of Virginia continues the Season with Three Decembers by American composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Mozart’s comedy The Marriage of Figaro follows. The Season concludes in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival with a co-presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.

Peggy Kriha Dye, General Director and CEO of Virginia Opera: “We are so pleased to announce our plans for getting back to what we do — producing live entertainment for our audiences across the state. Creative thinking has brought us an incredible opportunity to host these performances at Topgolf which promises to be one of the most epic experiences of live theater ever produced by Virginia Opera as Das Rheingold launches our season. When we return to our theaters, the planned La Bohème will be a terrific opportunity for first time opera-goers to experience an all-time great, but with a reduced run-time. Three Decembers is a contemporary work with modern themes, proving opera can be as timely as it is timeless. Figaro will wow as we pull out all the stops with a grand production

of this delightful comedy. All of our plans have been carefully thought through to ensure the safety of our artists and audiences today yet are flexible to evolve with guidelines and regulations as they are updated.”

Adam Turner, Artistic Director of Virginia Opera: “I simply cannot wait to bring the power and passion of opera back to our audiences. In addition to longstanding partnerships with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, I am thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with our colleagues at the Virginia Arts Festival on this exciting new endeavor. Together, we will once again share our love of this artform with audiences throughout the Commonwealth.”

2021-2022 Season — Production Information Das Rheingold Richard Wagner Sung in German with English Surtitles Performed outdoors exclusively at Topgolf Virginia Beach on September 12, 2021 at 4:30 and 8:00 PM and Topgolf Richmond on September 19, 2021 at 4:30 and 8:00 PM The 2021-2022 Season kicks off with a bold premiere for Virginia Opera with Wagner’s first installment of the epic “Ring Cycle” — Das Rheingold. The story includes all the magic and power of Wagner’s monumental vision, including gods, dwarves, giants, and the iconic castle Valhalla. A condensed version by Jonathan Dove will be performed in the unique yet perfectly suited setting of Topgolf in Virginia Beach and Richmond. Seating for these performances is limited and currently only available to subscribers.

La Bohème Giacomo Puccini Sung in Italian with English Surtitles Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, November

5, 6, & 7, 2021 Dominion Energy Center Richmond, November 19 & 21, 2021 Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, November 13 & 14, 2021 Virginia Opera returns to its mainstage venues with a fresh take on a fan favorite with Puccini’s La Bohème. Every note you love from the classic masterpiece will all be there — but in a carefully tailored production that will be under two hours without an intermission. The production will ensure the ‘indoors’ return of audiences to Virginia Opera’s three theaters as safely as possible.

Three Decembers Music by Jake Heggie | Libretto by Gene Scheer Based on an original play by Terrence McNally Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera Sung in English with English Surtitles Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, January 28, 29 & 30, 2022 Dominion Energy Center Richmond, February 11 & 13, 2022 Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, February 5 & 6, 2022 Virginia Opera is pleased to present the Commonwealth Premiere of Three Decembers. This intimate American work follows a family through three decades — 1986, 1996, 2006 — immersing the audience in their struggles to connect, while old secrets emerge thickening the drama and tension. Based on Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally’s unpublished play, Some Christmas Letters, the story follows Broadway diva Madeline Mitchell in the twilight of her career, along with her children Beatrice and Charlie.

The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro) W.A. Mozart

Sung in Italian with English Surtitles Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, March 25, 26, & 27, 2022 Dominion Energy Center Richmond, April 1 & 3, 2022 Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, April 9 & 10, 2022 Closing Virginia Opera’s 2021—2022 season is Mozart’s beloved comedy The Marriage of Figaro. Full of scheming and wooing, flirting and foolishness, Figaro’s joyful and absurd twists pile the truly outrageous on top of the scandalous to provide what we all wish for—the very happiest of endings. Driven by the music of Mozart with his entrusted librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, Figaro promises captivating performances that will leave audiences walking on air!

The Sound of Music Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta von Trapp Co-presented with Virginia Arts Festival Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, May 13, 14 & 15, 2022 NEW FOR 2021-2022 — Virginia Opera and Virginia Arts Festival are partnering to stage a new, full production of the classic musical in May 2022. Winner of five Tony Awards in 1959 and the basis for the timeless film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, plan to revisit all of your favorite songs with the von Trapps. Virginia Opera subscribers will receive a subscriber discount and have early access to tickets.

Subscription tickets for all 4 productions are on sale now for performances in Norfolk and Richmond starting as low as $75. Tickets for performances at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University will go on sale at a later date. Subscription tickets and ticket information at: The Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk, VA,866.673.7282,vaopera.org Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA , 703.993.2787,cfa.gmu.edu The Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center , Richmond, VA , 866.673.7282, vaopera.org

The Sargeant Memorial Collection Receives Historical Photography Donation from The Virginian-Pilot

By The City of Norfolk NORFOLK, VA – The Sargeant Memorial Collection (SMC) of Norfolk Public Library and the City of Norfolk is proud to announce the completion of The Virginian-Pilot photographic collection donation. This collection also includes photographs from the former Ledger-Star. These photographs are the visual heritage for the greater Hampton Roads region and northeastern North Carolina from the mid-1950s to roughly 2000. This donation is significant in that there is no other major newspaper photograph collection held by a public library or archival institution in Virginia. Across the country, there are only a handful of institutions that have major newspaper photograph morgues.

The collection contains several hundred thousand photograph prints and at least 400,000 photographic negatives. It took ten pallets and more than 200 boxes to move everything to the library. The photographs range across the entire spectrum of life here in this region. Some images document the struggle for equality during the Civil Rights era including major figures in the

Civil Rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcom X, and Reverend Jesse Jackson who all visited this region at one time or another. Some images cover emerging sports and recreation like surfing at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The newspaper visually recorded this region’s connection with the early efforts by the United States to reach for outer space.

Lastly, the images in this collection also include photographs of the many different people who made an impact, big and small, on this region.

This donation brings together all the photographs created by The Virginian-Pilot and related publications from the mid-1920s to early 2000 under one roof. In the early 1980s, The Virginian-Pilot donated their historic photographs and negatives from the mid-1920s to mid-1950s to the Sargeant Memorial Collection.

The collection will be closed to the public for research while SMC does inventory and processes the photographs. SMC will selectively digitize some of the photographs once the inventorying of the collection is completed.

Once the digitizing of the selected images is complete, those images will be hosted online at SMC’s digital collection.

(COURTESY PHOTO)

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 13, 2021

Community Submit YOUR events, news and photos

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online.

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

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Graduation Expressions From Virginia Beach Town Center Hats off to the graduates! From May 7 — June 13, we invite our 2021 graduates to celebrate their hard work and years of accomplishment in Town Center at “Graduation Expressions” — a public art exhibit. In honor of our special graduates, Town Center will adorn our streets with life-size graduation caps personalized with inspiring quotes and illustrations by talented local artists, Aimee Bruce, Cherilyn Colbert, Kim Jones, Cindy McWaters, Rick Nichols, and Victoria Weiss.

Additionally, a life-size graduation cap will be suspended over the lower fountain in the plaza. A larger-than-life custom grad themed picture frame will also be displayed. Don’t miss these photo opportunities! Come to “your” Town Center and celebrate a job well done.

Know Before You Go • Visitors are encouraged to follow @town-

centerofvirginiabeach on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tag your experience with #towncenterofvirginiabeach • Displays are zero-touch, free and open to the public • Displays are open daily, rain or shine • No ticket or reservation necessary • The City of Virginia Beach provides free parking in all of their public garages in Town Center. We recommend utilizing garage parking for this exhibit.

• Check the CBDA Facebook Page for the latest exhibit information • More Information: https://vabeachtowncenter.com/graduationexpressions/ Graduation Specials & Gift Ideas Bravo Italian Kitchen | Catering Pan Bravo Italian Kitchen: As the academic year comes to an end, we are here to help you throw a graduation celebration as special as your graduate! Bravo Italian Kitchen has your celebratory menu

covered with our To Go & Catering package!

Cold Stone Creamery: Graduates will receive $1 off any “Love It” or “Gotta Have It” Signature Ice Cream or $3 off a 6 or 8 Ice Cream Cake or $5 off a small or large rectangle Ice Cream Cake. Simply mention the “graduation discount” when ordering.

Eclectic Design Florist & Gifts | Yellow Flowers Eclectic Design Florist & Gifts: Roses are classic graduation flowers. Red roses symbolize respect, passion, romance, and love. Pink roses show gratitude and appreciation. Arguably the best rose color for gradation is yellow, because it stands for new beginnings. Order an arrangement to be delivered to your favorite graduate or pick up a beautiful bouquet before dinner.

Modern Salon: Don’t forget to schedule a blowout for your big day.

Monkee’s of Virginia Beach, Men’s

Wearhouse, Brooks Brothers: Just because they’re wearing a robe to walk across that stage, doesn’t mean they can’t wear an incredible outfit underneath. Click here to see a few of our favorite graduation looks from Monkee’s of Virginia Beach. Stop by Brooks Brothers & Men’s Wearhouse for classic looks he’ll want to wear, not only on graduation day, but time and time again.

Ramone Photography: Ramone will help you make memories to last a lifetime through his Senior Portrait sessions. Call today and schedule your session, (757) 498-7366!

The Royal Chocolate: Make your graduation celebration extra sweet with chocolate! Chocolate Fondue Packages are available for dine in (with reservations) or to-go. Receive $10 off package (regular price $32). Looking for a gift? Order the special dipped Oreos decorated just for graduates. They come individually packaged or in gift boxes of 6.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Raise a fork to your grad! Hard work deserves to be celebrated and Ruth’s is the perfect place to do it.

markets—giving business owners free tools, structured training, and free rent in an environment that encourages productivity and idea-sharing—empowers the business owners to scale their ideas. Decreasing the disparity for minority owned businesses and highlighting the pool of talent and ideas in Region 5 of Virginia, this program will target several key industries including business services, tourism and recreation,

life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

While we hope that a large percentage of the free rent will be secured by minorities, this GoVa Grant opportunity is available and open to anyone in need. We encourage all entrepreneurs in the targeted industries to apply.

For more information on the Startup Stability Program, or to submit an application visit https://bloomcoworking.org/ssp/.

Portsmouth and Norfolk coworking spaces receive $200,000 Go Virginia grant for an entrepreneurial Startup Stability Program From Bloom Coworking In a year fraught with health concerns, political and social unrest, shuttered venues and job insecurity, it’s imperative to knock down the barriers to entrepreneurial dreams. Highlighting community and regional collaboration, Percolator in Norfolk and Bloom Coworking in Portsmouth will provide subsidized co-working space and wraparound supportive services to 30 startup businesses. Educational and mentorship services provided by Black BRAND, B-Force Accelerator and the Portsmouth Partnership.

With the goal of opening up opportunities to entrepreneurs that have historically faced closed doors and prohibitive costs, the Startup Stability Program will support local and minority job creation by providing safe, stable office space and support

(ISTOCK)

services, allowing the vulnerable small business owner population to work towards their education and economic growth while recovering from the impact of the Covid19 pandemic.

The Startup Stability Program is a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to providing some tangible solutions to business owners most in need. The hope is that what has proven successful in other

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 3

(ISTOCK)

Safety NACC Helps Pets and Families From The City of Norfolk

NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC) is offering a new program to help Norfolk pets and their families stay together.

The Safety NACC fostering program provides temporary homes for pets whose owners are facing hardship. Pets of qualified program participants will be placed in a home with a short-term foster parent

for 30 days with a possibility to reapply.

Norfolk residents can enroll up to two animals in the program.

“As a Norfolk native, I’m always happy when we can offer a new resource to our community,” said Dog Foster Coordinator Madison Witherite. “There is such a need for this program in our area, and I’m excited to see just how big an impact it will have on local families.”

NACC is participating in a Maddie’s

Fund (a nationwide animal welfare foundation) research study with Arizona State University and Virginia Tech on safety net foster programs. Safety Net Fostering is the fostering of owned animals whose families are experiencing a temporary inability to provide them care. This may be related but not limited to financial instability, domestic violence, incarceration, or hospitalization. The study will be used to help animal shelters better serve the need for temporary

housing of owned animals in the community.

As COVID-19 eviction moratoriums are lifted around the country, Safety Net Fostering programs may provide needed support to keep people and their pets together.

This program expands the level of service and resources NACC can offer and provide to the community and will also help recruit and grow its foster program.

NACC is actively recruiting fosters to offer temporary housing to animals in need.

“This is a vital program for keeping animals and their humans together,” said Bryce Strech, Cat Foster Coordinator.

“We’re always glad to offer a helping hand to our community members in need.”

For information on how to enroll in the program or to become a foster, contact NACC at 757-441-5505 or email FosterNACC@norfolk.gov.

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Food

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Food insecurity on the rise in the United States since start of pandemic From Brandpoint Food insecurity, a serious global public health issue, has risen significantly in the United States since the start of the pandemic. Entire families, especially children, are currently experiencing the detrimental effects of this crisis which the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines as “a lack of financial resources for food for all members of the home.”

“Access to affordable healthy food should be the norm for every person but, tragically, we find ourselves in a global crisis that needs our attention with more than 820 million people around the world living in hunger, a crisis that has been compounded by the pandemic,” said Dr. Kent Bradley, Chief Health and Nutrition Officer at Herbalife Nutrition.

In a survey conducted by Herbalife Nutrition, along with Feed the Children, a nonprofit organization focused on alleviating childhood hunger, six in 10 Americans have faced food insecurity at some point in their lives, and of those, 73% experienced it for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The survey included

over 9,000 respondents from 21 countries and revealed that globally, the effect of the pandemic on food insecurity was less severe than in the U.S. Of those 9,000 respondents, 2,000 were Americans with an annual household income under $100K. Of those surveyed, their concern isn’t only for themselves: 58% of respondents globally are parents, and for those who have experienced food insecurity, 88% are worried their child will have lasting health effects as a result of food insecurity during the pandemic. Therefore, 70% are worried their child is not getting all the nutrients they need - as a result of not having access to school meals while they are distance learning.

“In the U.S. one in four children are living in a food insecure household,” said Travis Arnold, President and CEO of Feed the Children. “Many children who are no longer attending childcare centers or in-person school have limited access to school meals - a source of nutritious meals for millions of students across the country.”

Still, even during a normal, in-person school year, school meals aren’t as accessible as some respondents would like. In fact, the survey

found that 78% of American respondents believe school meals should be available free of charge - and the same number believe “meal debt” from schools should be eliminated.

However, results found that school meals are only one piece of healthy eating. Sixty percent of global respondents said they struggle to eat a diet that aligns with their country’s national dietary guidelines. Part of the problem might be that respondents are unaware of their country’s national dietary guidelines. In the U.S., 45% of respondents believed the current nutritional guidelines were represented by a pyramid that is out of date.

Current guidelines use a circle, or a “food plate.” But even when shown a photo of the food plate, American respondents (36%) still struggled to identify which section represented each food group. They were most likely to correctly place vegetables (29%) on the food plate, and least likely to correctly identify where fruits belonged (6%).

“Understanding the guidelines for a healthy balanced diet is important and we need, as a human race, to ensure that people all over the

world have access to affordable healthy foods,” added Bradley.

American respondents reported other struggles with eating according to their country’s national guidelines, beyond not knowing what those recommendations were. For those respondents, they reported having a harder time storing fresh foods during the pandemic, due to less frequent trips to the grocery store (56%).

That’s in addition to healthy food being too expensive for many to afford (47%), not being sure which foods fall into each of those categories (40%) - and healthy food not being available in their area (34%).

Bradley points out that with a few simple tips, families can improve their healthy eating habits: * Get a healthy start - Ensure that children start the day with a balanced breakfast and eat plenty of healthy protein throughout the day for a positive impact on their health. * Make food fun - Involve children in the food preparation process by having them play an active role in their nutrition. Examples include preparing the grocery list or cooking together. * Eat together - When possible, eat meals as a family and encourage dialogue about the importance of healthy eating. This can help reinforce healthy eating habits for the entire family.

Feed the Children is a partner of Herbalife Nutrition’s “Nutrition for Zero Hunger” initiative, helping find solutions to eradicate world hunger.

4 expert tips to save money while feeding your family From Brandpoint

While becoming a new mom brings a variety of joyful new experiences, it can also be a challenging adjustment. Paired with an ongoing pandemic, balancing parenthood on top of work and other responsibilities has left many women feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Store Brand Infant Formula revealed that 68% of moms stated 2020 was the most stressful year they have ever experienced. Money is at the heart of this stress, as 64% of moms admitted to making sacrifices because of financial reasons, with nearly two in three (65%) cutting costs just to feed their family. Three in 10 moms said the ability to afford enough food for the family was causing the most financial stress, and 30% revealed they have skipped meals so their children could eat.

Fortunately, financial expert and founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, has a few tips on ways parents can save while feeding their families, safely.

“Now is the time to re-assess our budgets and de-stress our households,” Sokunbi said “There’s no better way to relieve stress than by getting control of your finances. Having twins myself, I know the difficulty of balancing a budget and providing children what they need to be healthy. However, there are simple ways that parents can save to stretch the family paycheck.”

Shop sales Maximize your budget by shopping sales and using coupons. This is especially great for shelf-stable items such as canned baby food, cereal and infant formula that can be stored safely for future use. For fresh foods, shop items that are in season because they are

The Perrigo Nutrition“Reassess-ion”Survey was conducted between January and February 2021 among 2,022 American mothers of babies and children under two years old using an e-mail invitation and an online survey. Fifty-five percent of the moms surveyed are on the WIC program.

Margin of error is +/- 3 percent. **Calculation based on December 2020 IRi Market Advantage annual retail sales data of national brand infant formula powder compared to store brand infant formula powder cost per week based on an average weekly usage of 1.5 pounds of powder.

usually cheaper and fresher.

Choose store brands “I always recommend shopping for store brands since they are very similar to the name brands but cost less. For example, infant formula can be expensive for families and many don’t realize that Store Brand Infant Formulas provide the same complete nutrition and meet the same FDA standards as the big-name brands but cost up to 50% less.

That’s an average of $64 a month! Plus, Store Brand Infant Formulas were recently featured as top picks in ‘The Best Baby Formula,’ guide by the New York Times!” Sokunbi said.

Parents can learn more about the benefits of switching to generic options at www.storebrandformula.com.

Maximize SNAP dollars and other federal assistance support Families can turn to a patchwork of

resources for help, such as the local food bank or charity, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Forty percent of moms surveyed applied for WIC or SNAP to help support their family within the last year.

While WIC and SNAP are amazing programs that help millions of families across the country, benefits can run out before the end of the month. It is so important for families to understand their options and make informed financial decisions so they don’t resort to unsafe practices. There are a variety of ways to maximize these supplemental benefits.

For example, when using SNAP dollars to buy Store Brand Infant Formula instead of the nationally advertised brands, you can get twice as many days of safe, complete nutrition. That means you can buy more of the

other nutritious foods you need to feed your whole family.

Swap meat for plant-based proteins When considering your options for protein, it is cheaper to go plant-based since meat is one of the most expensive things you can add to your cart. To save money, stock up on plant-based dry goods like beans, grains and whatever is in season. Pay attention to when plant-based proteins go on sale at your market or check out the aisle that has all the bulk beans, nuts, seeds, lentils or grains.

“The pandemic has hit moms hard, leaving many struggling to make ends meet,” added Sokunbi. “Just know there are some simple steps new moms can take to relieve stress and support their families. From shopping sales to opting for store brands, there are a variety of ways to give your family what they need to grow and flourish.”

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 5

Health

Navy Lt. Karen Jimenez Gudino is a registered nurse at the Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, Emergency Department, Marine Corps Combat Development Command Twentynine Palms in California, which serves Marines and sailors alike. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Daughter of Mexican immigrants excels as Navy nurse

By Dave Marks

NHTP PAO Public Affairs

Navy Lt. Karen Jimenez Gudino, is not only a registered nurse in the Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms (NHTP) Emergency Department at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Twentynine Palms in California, she’s also the daughter of Mexican immigrants.

They didn’t possess strong language skills, but they did possess a sense of ambition for their children and a desire to raise them in the land of opportunity, Gudino explained.

Gudino became interested in healthcare from a nursing program in high school.

“Once you complete your first semester

of nursing school, you can stand for that board and you can work as a certified nursing assistant in a hospital,” she said. During high school she worked in a nursing home.

“It was really rewarding being able to help people and save lives,” she said. Also during high school, she was in the chess club for four years and served as its president during her senior year. “I’m known as the chess master in the emergency department,” she noted.

Gudino earned her registered nursing degree, with a minor in Naval Science, from the University of Arizona through an ROTC scholarship. “It was good training,” she said.

“It was four years of keeping me in shape and giving me military training that continues to benefit me to this day.”

Already with a military predisposition, she looked into pursuing a career in the Navy.

“Honestly, when I looked into Navy nursing and what it entailed, I saw big old hospital ships; I saw Navy medicine promoted as the best and the brightest — it just really called to me,” she said. “Being part of missions, being able to provide for our active-duty service members — it was a natural choice.”

She was commissioned into the Navy in May of 2016, and assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia. Soon after she had one of her ambitions fulfilled, when she was assigned to one of those “big old hospital ships,” the USNS Comfort. During her deployment aboard the Comfort from Oct to Dec 2018, she got to visit Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Honduras.as part of Enduring

Promise 2018.

“I think it was probably the most rewarding thing I’ve done in the Navy,” she said. “There was this one case where I think if it wasn’t for us this one little boy probably would have lost his leg. He had a really infected joint and I was part of the team that helped teach the local hospital how to care for his peripherally inserted catheter. Our interdisciplinary team shared our wealth of knowledge and it was hugely rewarding.”

Gudino has been at NHTP since August 2019. She said she’s taking her future one command at a time. “I just want to take advantage of the many opportunities that the Navy has to offer, whether that’s going on another ship or going greenside and getting to do things that as a civilian nurse I wouldn’t get to do,” she said.

For hobbies, she enjoys hiking in Joshua Tree National Park; and playing tennis and chess.

She’s the first in her family to enter the military but she’s not the last. “My brother is following my lead,” she said. “Of course he had to one up me. He’s currently finishing his final year at the Naval Academy.”

Navy nurse steps into Jacksonville community for COVID-19 vaccinations

By Janet A. Aker

MHS Communications

Navy Cmdr. Glenn “Pete” Bradford’s COVID19 vaccination mission exemplifies the Navy’s unofficial mottos of “Always courageous” and “Not for self but for country.”

As a nurse, Bradford serves with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville and Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, and is one of 139 service members assigned to Task Force Southeast - Jacksonville. The task force is the primary Department of Defense support organization for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to COVID-19 in the region. He is the assistant officer in charge of the mission.

The vaccination hub — chosen by FEMA and the state because it is a medically underserved area — is in the parking lot of a mall in northern Jacksonville, Bradford said.

Since the outreach rollout began on March 2, the military team has given more than 57,000 vaccinations at the hub. In total, 83,600 vaccinations have been given to the Jacksonville community at the hub and through military-trained state-contracted staff members working at spokes of the hub and in mobile missions, Bradford said.

Robert Spence, the initial FEMA site lead and part of the unified command team with Bradford, said “Bradford is an exceptional leader who is respected by his sailors, peers, and leadership, and the Florida incident commander, Ron Beasley.”

“As a retired member of the military,” I was astounded by the cohesiveness of the DOD contingent, Spence said. “I was proud to serve alongside Commander Bradford and the state incident commander for this once-in-a-lifetime mission that brought the state, FEMA, and DOD personnel together to serve the citizens of Florida.”

The pandemic has “stretched resources and personal adaptability,” Bradford said by way of lessons learned. “Many of our civilian and active duty nurses have had to discover new ways to use their talents delivering vaccination

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Pete Bradford, the Assistant Officer in Charge of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville speaks with military leaders about the mission and operations of the Community Vaccination Center at Gateway Mall in Jacksonville, Florida April 28, 2021.

U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. (GRIFFIN KERSTING)

efforts to our communities and to our beneficiaries...and many of these efforts are being led by highly capable nurse leaders in and out of uniform.”

Bradford said the registered nurses are coming from the operating room, labor and delivery, post anesthesia care unit, the anesthesia department, and the medical/surgical ward. “All are working outside their normal place of employment to chip away at an invisible foe,” he said and “Each is contributing to the vaccination mission as a trusted clinician, leader, and mentor to representatives of FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and community members seeking vaccination.”

“The nurses have all become trusted advisors to the Jacksonville community when it comes to the citizens seeking information regarding their safety and the vaccine of their choice,” Bradford said, and “each has been a role model naval officer and registered nurse when interacting with other employees on location, with our hospital corps staff and with our US Navy non-medical colleagues.”

TeamSTEPPS Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) is an evidence-based teamwork system designed to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare. TeamSTEPPS consists of a collection of instructions, materials and tools to help

drive a successful teamwork initiative from the initial planning to implementation through to sustainment. The system is designed to improve patient safety using a three-phase approach: Phase I Assessment: Facility determines organizational readiness; Phase II Planning, Training & Implementation: Facility “decides what to do” and “makes it happen;” and Phase III Sustainment: Facility spreads the improvements in teamwork performance, clinical processes and outcomes resulting from the TeamSTEPPS initiative.TeamSTEPPS leader, Bradford follows this evidence-based set of teamwork tools, aimed at optimizing patient outcomes by improving communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, especially regarding “communication efforts whether I am working with fellow nurses, hospital corpsmen or providers,” he said.

TeamSTEPPS is a teamwork system developed by Department of Defense’s Patient Safety Program in collaboration with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and designed to improve health care professionals’ communication and teamwork.

“I am the filter, the collaborator and the information distributor engaged in mission execution,” Bradford added. “I assimilate the information from FEMA, Florida, Task Force South East, and Navy Medicine to ensure we

are safe, clinically competent/accountable and representing the US Navy in an underserved area of Jacksonville with pride.”

Regarding strides nurses have made in this last year under the pandemic, Bradford said: “Nurses are stepping up and continue to look at global medical support of warfighting efforts on land and at sea. I am proud of my Nurse Corps colleagues who continue to “right shape” the fleet with strategic nursing assets on carriers, fleet surgical teams and hospital ships.”

Bradford, who comes from a third-generation military family, has served in a wide variety of Navy roles. He’s been a submariner, instructor, charge nurse in emergency rooms, perioperative nurse, division officer for orthopedics and neurosurgery, in disaster relief aboard the Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy, and as a director of surgical services.

He was commissioned an ensign in the Nurse Corps in 2001 after being selected in 1998 for the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program. He trained in the nursing program at Arkansas Tech University.

Since he joined the Navy in 1987, Bradford has been deployed to Afghanistan, the Pacific, Japan, and Iraqi. He has been in Jacksonville since 2020 and, in his role as the executive officer of Expeditionary Medical Facility - M, is responsible for the deployment preparations and readiness of 490 sailors.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021

Estate Sales Estate Sales ESTATE AUCTION Personal Property of the Estate of Richard E. Cooke Ordered Sold by Attorney On Site At His Waterfront Farm: 30495 BACK CREEK RD. HACKSNECK, VA (Pungoteague/Harborton Area) SATURDAY, MAY 22 @ 10:30 am Preview: Fri., May 14th 10 am - 4 pm Friday, May 21st 10 am - 4 pm • Approximately 30-40 cars, trucks, boats, farm equipment • Steinway piano • 2 lg sheds of tools & farm related Equipment Ordered Sold - Some items not in running cond ATTENTION SCRAP & SALVAGE DEALERS! Don’t miss this sale! For more info: Kenny Keeter, Liquidation 757-718-2464 Steve Johnson, Auctioneer 757-319-0175 Auctioneer VA Lic. 4903 10% Buyers Premium Applies to All Transactions

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

Travel/Camping Trailers

GERMAN SHEPHERD Lrg Bones, Good w. Kids, Vet Checked, Shots & Wormed 8wks $1500. Call: 757-777-4902

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

Room For Rent

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

Misc. Merchandise For Sale WERNER EXTENSION LADDERS 32’ $275, 40’ $350, 30’ scaffold $300.

OBO 757-535-2007

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD AND LAB

305 LEONARD ROAD, FURNITURE, LAMPS, GLASS, PRIMITIVES, LINENS, DOLLS, ORIENTAL, JEWELRY, SILVER, OUTDOOR ITEMS. GARAGE, ETC. THURS. MAY 13TH-SAT. MAY 15TH 9AM.-4PM.

Shop smart.

Save big! Sunday (and every day).

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

Australian shepherd and Lab Puppies available. Born 3/31/21. Located in Ahoskie NC. Both parents on site. $250 Call or Text 252-325-4979

BEAGLE puppies. AKC registered, champion bloodlines, shots & dewormed. 8wks old $300. Call: 757-472-1353 CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS Puppies - AKC, champion lines.

Ready June 21st. Deposit holds. $2,000 Call: 509-919-6950 DOODLES M/F, UTD, home raised, vet checked, ready 5/12, $1,650. 978-846-9449

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

Road & Trail bike (70MPH), a cult classic! Extras including a car carrier - excellent condition like new! Never dropped - 600 original miles. $2,800 Call: 516-316-7043

Administration/Gen Estate Sales Office

ESTATE SALE

2010 YAMAHA TW200

KEMPSVILLE VA Bch. lrg furn rm, all inclusive. Quiet, Nr $165/wk. 757-652-2151

AMERICAN BOXER Fawn & White - 3 years old. Jake Needs A Date in OBX! Studding for $600. Call For Info: 252-202-7678

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

PORTSMOUTH, VA. 23701

Motorcycles and ATVs

GREENSVILLE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION AVAILABLE Greensville County, Virginia, is accepting applications to fill the position of County Administrator. The job description, and other information about this opportunity, can be found on the County’s website (www. greensvillecountyva.gov). The information is located under the Public Information tab on the Careers page. Additional information can also be secured by emailing Gary Cifers, Acting County Administrator, gcifers@greensvillecountyva.gov.

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

Autos for Sale

AUDI 2010 S4

Travel/Camping Trailers

2018 WINNEBAGO MICRO MINNIE #1808FBS

Bought new Summer 2019 - has never been used. New condition - many extras. $21,500 Call: 757-406-5448

Great condition. Well maintained with all service documentation.

Black Exterior / Black Interior. 115K miles.$12,500

CHRYSLER 2000 SEBRING

Conv. 2 owners 79k runs & drives like new, $4500---757-237-5757

757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com CONCRETE, BRICK & TREE REMOVAL Landscaping, Top Soil, Press Wash’g, Yard Clean Up & Home Repairs. 757-714-4848 S & H ENTERPRISE 20 YRS. Concrete Exp. All types of concrete work driveways, stamped & exposed.

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

Hauling Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales CONCRETE SPECIALIST Aych & Aych Inc. BBB. FREE estimates.

Call Sylvester: 757-371-1911

(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 ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS Custom Home Repairs & Renovations.

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

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

YOUR PERFECT

JOB

IS WAITING

BEST PRICE EXTERIORS 757-639-4692 Siding, Windows, Trim, Roofing. FREE ESTIMATES! Lic. & Ins’d. Lowest Prices & Top Quality Work. No Repairs. BBB A+ Rating BRICK & STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native.

Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired - A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-2700578. You Won’t Find A Better Man! 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★★★ Josh 757-998-5327 Theo 757-515-6933 AMERICANTREESERVICE.CO ★Catering to all your tree & yard needs.★ ★757-587-9568. 30 years experience★

Roofing A ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles $1.99 sq ft.

Labor & Material included, repair, siding.

Class A Lic’d & Ins’d. (757) 880-5215.

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

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

Over 30 yrs -business, BBB 757-377-2933

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

Call 757-477-2158

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

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

We work hard to make your job search easy. With our expansive network of distinguished employers from coast to coast and advanced job matching technology, you’ll find opportunities that match your skills, your personality and your life.

Search jobs. Post your resume.

Stand out from the crowd.

jobs.pilotonline.com

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021 7 Autos for Sale

Boats & Watercraft

CHRYSLER 2005 300

28’ WELLCRAFT, 264 COASTAL

Limited, low mileage, 56,500 miles, White, 6 cylinder, standard, fully loaded, chrome wheels, fair condition, $6300 OBO, 201-803-3482

MAZDA 2006 MAZDA5

1 owner, 67k miles, needs repairs. $2,500. 757-343-0595

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

CHEVROLET 1972 NOVA

Super Sport. 350 V-8, air, frame off, photo history, award winner, looks great. Call for details, 757-6750288. Va. Dlr.

Cuddy cabin, twin 200 Yamaha, radar, ff/gps, vhf, stereo, great fast & stable fishing boat, 1998, $18,000 Call: Jeff 757-715-3442 USED TRAILER SALE!!!

OVER 100 Avail. For Boats 12’-38’ BUDGET BOATS: (757) 543 -7595

Don’t pay full price!

WELLCRAFT 33C MECHANICS SPECIAL

VOLKSWAGEN 1956 BEETLE

Conv. National Show Car, removable hardtop, award winner, runs & looks beautiful, magazine feature car. Call for details, 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

Trucks and SUVs

FORD 2007

F650. Over $100,000 new, Catepillar diesel, fully loaded, 33K original mis., auto, $68,500. Call for details, 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

Cummins diesels, runs, tower, chair, serious boat project. $19,000 OBO. 757-435-9680

Good news.

HONDA 2018 HR-V

LX package, AWD, 34K mis., new insp, 1 owner, runs & looks great. $22,700. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

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

FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035

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

Early home delivery.

757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com

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

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

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

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today.

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

Early home delivery.

757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Fun & Games

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer

If the D.J. were to go wild on the job, I suppose he could be spinning out of control.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, May 13, 2021