Flagship 06.06.2024

Ribbon cutting ceremony marks official opening of ‘Gold Star Police Precinct’

ByKellyWirfel Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer

NORFOLK Va Naval Station

(NAVSTA) Norfolk celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art security precinct witharibboncuttingceremony,May31

The precinct, officially named ‘Gold Star Police Precinct,’ located at NAVSTA Norfolk’s CEP-161 building offers a brandnew environment for the 385 Sailors and 50 civilian personnel assigned to NAVSTA Norfolk’sSecurityDepartment Theconceptionofthe7.9Mdollarfacilitybeganin2015 with Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr Ken Bellomy, theSecurityOfficeratthetimeandkeynote speakerfortheribboncutting

Bellomy spoke about the conditions of the building when he arrived which overall directly contributed to the readiness and morale of the Sailors and civilians who worked in the facility He then talked about whyheadvocatedandfoughtsohardforthe newfacility

“Although we celebrate with pride a new Naval Security Force (NSF) Headquarters on the greatest Naval Station in the world, I can’thelpbutfeelconflicted,asIrealizethat this new building would have never been considered had MA2 Mark Mayo not been

lost,”saidBellomy.“Iknowyouallhavehim in your hearts and minds this morning. For that reason, I think it’s important we look backathowwegothere.”

OnMarch24 2014whileservingatNaval StationNorfolkSecurityDepartment,Petty OfficerMarkMayorespondedtoanintruder who made his way onto the installation Mayo, who was patrolling Pier 1, followed the man onto the destroyer USS Mahan (DDG72).Afterthemangrabbedagunfrom the petty officer on watch, Mayo lunged betweenthem.Hewasshotandkilled

“Nothing else embodied these conditions reputation, and personal and professional challenges of an assignment to the department than the very sight of the old building Dilapidated and well beyond its servicelife;Iwasdeterminedtohaveanew NSFheadquartersandkennelbuiltthatthe people of the department deserved,” said Bellomy. “From that point on my Precinct Commander Colonel Tom Peal and Senior Enlisted Advisor, Master Chief Gainey and I were on a mission. We never missed an opportunity to garner support for a new building I simply decided that if Petty Officer Mark Mayo could find the courage to stand between a Sailor he swore to protect and a deranged person with a gun, I could

The Trident Training Facility aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia celebrated the reopening of its next generation fire-fighting trainerwitharibboncuttingceremony,May30 The upgrade commenced, Sept 1, 2023, and is expectedtobeavailabletothefleet,June3,2024 Thepurposeofthetrainerupgradeistoensure submarinesinKingsBayhavethemostup-to-date submarinedamagecontrolequipmentandfacilitiesavailable whichensurethefleethasthecapabilitiestocombatfiresbothatseaandinport. “At sea, the ability to quickly put out a fire and

KINGS BAY,Ga.(May30 2024) From left to right MasterChiefInformation SystemsTechnician (Submarine), MryonWilliams,TonyPriester in-service engineer NavalAirWarfare Center Training Systems Division,Capt Brian Turney,commanding officer,Trident Training FacilityKings Bay,and Lt Cmdr Aaron Kalfus,executive officer, TridentTraining FacilityKings Baypose fora

findthecouragetotellleadershipwhatthey neededtohear-thetruth.”

Through advocation and support from Commander NavyRegionMid-Atlanticand NavalStationNorfolkleadership theproject wasapprovedandconstructionbegan.

“The importance of this new facility cannotbeoverstated.Itisnotmerelyabuilding; it is a sanctuary where our personnel canperformand/orpreparetoperformtheir dutiesefficientlyandeffectively Itprovides the infrastructure and resources necessary for our mission success, ensuring that we remainattheforefrontofmaritimedefense,” said Capt Janet Days NAVSTA Norfolk CommandingOfficer “Butbeyonditsfunctional significance, this precinct embodies something more profound—it embodies ourcollectivecommitmenttoexcellence It reflects our belief that our sailors and civiliansdeservetheverybest,thattheydeserve aworkplacethatisconducivetoproductivity collaboration,andinnovation.”

To conclude the ceremony, NAVSTA Norfolk’s current Security Officer Cmdr RobCollettdiscussedhowthedecisionwas made to name the new facility ‘Gold Star PolicePrecinct.’

“We wanted to choose a name that honoredthesacrificeofPettyOfficerMayo,

aswellasthatofotherfallenMaster-at-Arms (MAs) and Department of the Navy police officers, who also made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the line of duty,” said Collett. “Gold Star families display a flag as a symbol of the loss and sacrifice of a loved one in uniform. In my view, Petty OfficerMayowasamemberofourfamily of our Naval Station Norfolk family as well as our much larger family, the Navy Security Force. By christening this building as the Gold Star Police Precinct, and affixing its symbol to the apex of this building, we are reminded not only of the sacrifice of others but also that we must be ever vigilant and alert to the inherent dangers that existinthedailyexecutionofSecurityoperations,theprimaryofwhichistoprotectand serveNavalStationNorfolk,itstenants,and the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Petty Officer Mayo, andourotherfallenMAs,gavetheirlivesto this country and nothing can change that. However,whatwecandoasleaders asshipmates - as a family - is to honor his sacrifice by ensuring that never again will another memberofourNavalStationNorfolkSecurityfamilymakesuchasacrificeagain. The event concluded with the official ribbon cutting, a cake cutting and tours of thenewfacility

Morethan500Sailors,civilians,andfamily membersattendedthetwo-dayevent hearing fromahostofkeynotespeakers,thatincluded

32nd Annual PDS continues to grow for a global audience

ByLeslieTomaino Naval Safety Command

NORFOLK,Va

Morethan3,000registrants across the federal government took the opportunity to share innovative ideas new trends and information in the fields of safety occupational health and environmental protection at the 32nd Annual Joint Safety and Environmental Professional DevelopmentSymposium(PDS).

The Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center (NAVSAFENVTRACEN) hosted the virtual PDS on April 22-26. The PDSwasopentoFederalpersonnel,Federal contractors and students pursuing courseworkinrelatedfields Presentedonlinesince 2013 thesymposiumhascontinuedtogrow in both the number of attendees and the topicsoffered.

This year’s PDS provided over 18,000 continuing education certificates to more than 3,000 registrants. Thirty-four percent of attendees were from the Navy, 4% were Marine Corps 19% were Army 1% were Coast Guard, and 13% were Air Force. The remaining 29% were from other DoD organizations and agencies A global audience was reached, with viewers in 19 countries and15timezones

“The NAVSAFENVTRACEN team has outdonethemselvesagainthisyearwiththe successful completion of another sympo-

sium for a global audience This year’s 32nd symposium was another great joint eventwithover150presentationsprovided throughouttheweek,includingfourengaging keynote speakers,” said Commanding OfficerCmdr CodySchaal.“Asanattendee it is difficult to see how much effort is required to effectively put on a symposium ofthisscope Thesuccessofthissymposium would not have been possible without the selflessdedicationofthevolunteerpresenters, keynote speakers and the NAVSAFENVTRACENstaff.”

This year’s keynote speakers were Rear Adm. Christopher Engdahl, Commander, Naval Safety Command; Mr Peter Lynch, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Safety; the Honorable Meredith Berger Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E) and the Honorable Douglas Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety andHealth.

Presenters from government, industry and academic agencies participated in the event and speakers presented from locationsworldwideontopicssuchashealthand safety for disaster response and recovery, general safety, operational safety, occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, environmental protectionandothertrendingtopics

Engdahlgaveakeynotepresentationand

discussiontoover1,200onlineparticipants Hespokefundamentallyaboutmishapsand the Safety Management System (SMS) for thenavalenterprise

“The Navy’s SMS establishes a principles-based ecosystem to influence decision-making and behavior across the enterprise in all activities,” said Engdahl. “Our assurance processes are critical to a successful defense-in-depth, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd party assessments Normalization of deviation or where the accidents happenoccurswhentheseassessmentlevels acceptalowerstandardofperformance,and thatlowerstandardbecomesthe“norm”for them.”

Engdahl also presented an informative recent case study for a Nimitz Class 4-WireCVNconfigurationnear-missevent.

Engdahl broke down the value of organization learning and what NAVSAFECOM EnterpriseSafetyActivitiesaredoingtoget afterriskandpreventingmishaps

“InputsbysafetyprofessionalstoDepartment of Defense operations are critical to mission success This symposium is a vehicle to provide training that is both ready and relevant, and industry-aligned, said Engdahl.

Forthoseinterestedinparticipatingnext year, the symposium is an opportunity to learnaboutthelatesttrends,technology,and best practices while allowing participants

to interact with subject matter experts of various disciplines. The symposium counts toward continuing education credits from an ever-growing variety of safety, occupationalhealthandenvironmentaltopics The 33rdannualjointPDSisscheduledfor21-25 April2025

“The virtual meetings and sessions provide attendees with a great opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and continuing education credits without the burden of travel or conference costs,” said Schaal. “This aligns with our accredited training center’s year-round shore-and afloat-based trainingeffortswith36safety,occupational healthandenvironmentalcoursesprovided across the Navy and Marine Corps in residentandonlineformats.”

For those registrants who may have missed a session or want to rewatch, recorded sessions are available for viewing at https://events-na2.adobeconnect.com/ content/connect/c1/889710285/en/events/ event/shared/3613076134/event_landing html?sco-id=3613093305 You can click on the interactive schedule select a topic, and pressplaytostarttherecording.Viewerscan alsoreceiveacertificatewithCEUcreditfor watchingtherecording

Those interested in presenting during next year’s PDS can email the symposium’s planning committee at NAVSAFENVTRACEN_JOINT_PDS@navy.mil

Hard work, dedication earn Navy Lodge, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites associates command recognition

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Hospitality Group presented its 2023 hospitality awards on May 16, 2024 Ron Loman, Senior Vice President, NEXCOM Hospitality Group, announced the winners during a virtual award ceremony.

“Our Navy Lodge and Navy Gateway Inns & Suite associates are the backbone of the NEXCOM Hospitality Group,” stated Loman. “The goal of every associate is to provideguestswithoutstandingserviceand tomakethemfeelathomeduringtheirstay These hospitality awards recognize those associates who went above and beyond to assisttheirguestsaswellastosupporttheir teammatesandlodgingfacility.”

Leadership empathy and unwavering commitment to service are just a few of the reasons Bruce Williams, Guest Services Representative at Navy Lodge Little Creek Fort Story, Virginia, was selected as Navy Lodge Associate of the Year Williams’s personal touch and ability to remember returning guests by name was just one way he created personal connections In addition, he played a vital role in training and mentoringnewstaffmembers ensuringthey are well versed in the Navy Lodge’s culture andoperations

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suite (NGIS) Associate of the Year is Giovanni Marletta,

TTF Kings Bay from Page 1

Maintenance Worker at NGIS Sigonella

Sicily In addition to his commitment to safetyforhimself,hiscolleaguesandguests he used his strong problem-solving skills to find effective solutions to maintenance concerns This proactive approach significantly enhanced the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the NGIS Additionally, he proactively followed up with guests to ensure their satisfaction during theirstay

Managingsevenbuildings 571roomsand 19 associates in four locations kept DepartmentManageroftheYear,DesiderioPerez, NGIS Key West, Florida, extremely busy in 2023 Working in the maintenance department, Perez effectively managed over 300 purchase requests for in-house repairs and maintenance, reducing the need for external support by 80% In addition, his proactive handling of guest suggestions and concernskeptallthebuildingshemanaged inexcellentcondition,resultinginanoverall customersatisfactionscoreof88%.

Supervisor of the Year, Sergio Alfieri, FrontDeskSupervisoratNGISNaples,Italy, excelled in creating an exceptional patron experience by prioritizing comfort and convenience that surpassed expectations Moreover guestcommentsnotedhisprofessionalismandcalmdemeanorinresponding toanyconcernsorquestions.Finally Alfieri led by example, maintaining a positive and engagingatmospherethatdrovehisteamto meetandexceedtheirgoals

minimizedamageisessentialtoaship’sabilitytoremainmission ready and on station,” said Capt Brian Turney, commanding officer,TridentTrainingFacilityKingsBay.“Thistraineristhe premierefirefightingtrainingcapabilityintheNavy,andsoon, itwillstarthelpingthesubmarinecrewsachieveahigherlevel ofproficiencyandexcellenceinfirefightingthathaseverbeen possible.”

Theupgradesallowtwofireteamstoworksimultaneously in combating a dual-level fire. Within the trainer staff are capable of simulating multiple scenarios, including a galley fire,berthingfire,twotypesofelectricalfiresandvariousother firefighting scenarios

TheceremonialribbonwascutbyTurneyandTonyPriester, in-service engineer, Naval Air Warfare Center Training SystemsDivision,whobothspokeonthismilestoneachievementandwhatitmeansforthebaseandmissionreadinessof the submarine force as Kings Base prepares to homeport the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines in 2028

“This facility is what I would describe as a world class facility,” said Priester I can tell you that our Sailors here are excited to have such a major impact in enhancing the Navy’s damage control ability This was a complete team effort and I’m proud and honored to be a part of this team.”

Submarine Group Ten is the nation’s preeminent provider of sea-based strategic deterrence, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes, and unique submarine-based special operationscapabilities ThebaseishometoalleastcoastOhio-class submarines For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit Commander, Submarine Group 10 (navy.mil) and http://www.facebook.com/submarinegroupten

Margaret Winfield, NGIS Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, Virginia Guest Service Representative received the Department Lead of the Year award for her outstanding leadership qualities and problem solving skills Among her many accomplishments,Winfieldimprovedsecurity and accountability of hotel assets and volunteeredtoassistthehousekeepingstaff clean rooms. Guests also appreciated her, commenting on her pleasant demeanor duringcheck-insandwake-upcallsandher commitmenttosuperiorguestservice Due to his professionalism, devotion to duty and outstanding performance, Christopher Nine, Assistant General Manager at NGISGuam,wasnamedTraineroftheYear According to his award nomination, Nine performed significantly above and beyond therequirementsofhisjobandinallareasof responsibility Inadditiontohissolidprofessionalreputation,Nine’scontributionstohis hotel’s operational efficiency and material readiness were apparent to both managementandhispeers Stefano Fortunato, Front Desk Assistant, NGISSigonella,Sicily,adeptlyhandledlodgingconcerns,quicklydevisingsolutionsand making decisions under pressure to ensure guest satisfaction. For that and much more, FortunatowasnamedGuestServiceRepresentative of the Year One such initiative, Fortunato developed a maintenance trackingsystemthatallowsforstatisticalanalysis of guest reports, which serves as a valuable

tool for management and maintenance branches to enhance responsiveness and theNGIS’sefficiency

The final award given during the virtual award ceremony was to Queen Weaver, NGIS Hampton Roads, Virginia. Named HousekeepingAttendantoftheYear,Weaver used her impeccable interpersonal skills to connectwithbothlong-termandshort-term guests In addition, her proactive approach incommunicationwithmanagementabout facility and maintenance concerns ensured they were quickly addressed. Finally as a departmental expert, she played a crucial role in training new associates as well as helpingcolleaguesrecognizetheirstrengths tofosteracollaborativeandsupportivework environment.

“It was an honor to recognize all these amazing lodging associates for their dedicationandhardworkin2023,”saidLoman. “They set the bar high for all our associates moving forward. I’m excited for what can be accomplished during the remainder of 2024.” Navy Lodge and NGIS are lines of effort underneath the NEXCOM Hospitality Group, a separate non-appropriated fund instrumentality of NEXCOM Established in2023 theNEXCOMHospitalityGroupis theNavy’ssingleproviderforallpermanent change of station (PCS), temporary duty (TDY) and leisure through Navy Lodges and Navy Gateway Inns & Suites locations aroundtheglobe

and

Surface Force holds Culture of Excellence 2.0 Summit

ByLt.cmdr DavidCarter

Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) hosted a Culture of Excellence 2.0 Summit May 29-30 in Norfolk.

ViceAdm.BrendanMcLane commander, NavalSurfaceForceskickedofftheeventby speakingaboutthemissionoftheU.S.Navy theSurfaceForcestrategy,andemphasized theopportunityfortheattendeestolearn.

“We are here to discuss our warfighting culture, learn from each other, learn from thoseupanddownthechainofcommand… and the wisdom is going to be broad and deep,” said VADM McLane. “Leaders, warriors mariners and managers that’s thenumberonelineofeffortofourCompetitive Edge strategy, because that’s the most important thing so it’s no mistake that we’re going to be talking about people and theculturethatsupportsthem.”

More than 500 Sailors, civilians, and familymembersattendedthetwo-dayevent, hearingfromahostofkeynotespeakers,that included Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Adm. Jim Kilby, as well as dozens of active, reserve, and retired Navy leaders across a variety of panels, all centered around this year’s theme of Warfighting, Warfighters, andtheFoundationthatsupportsthem.

Launchedinearly2024,androotedinthe Navy’s“GetReal,GetBetter”(GRGB)callto action,COE2.0isfocusedonbuildingGreat People Great Leaders and Great Teams, withtheknowledgethatthisisthebestway to prepare for victory in combat innovate andsolvehardproblems,andpreventharmfulbehaviors

Paneltopicsincluded:

„ Developing and Leading a Culture of Warfighters

„ Leveraging Tools to Perform Under Pressure

„ AnsweringtheToughQuestions

„ HighPressureDecisionMaking

„ AdvancingClimateandCulture

„ CombattingDestructiveBehaviors

„ Fostering a Warfighting Environment of Inclusion

The event was designed to serve as a drumbeatforthecommitmenttoexcellence asaForceandempowertheFleettoachieve warfightingexcellencebyfosteringmental,

physical,andemotionaltoughness;promoting organizational trust and transparency; and ensuring connectedness among every Sailor,familymemberandcivilian “IthinkthisSummitwasanexcellentstart to elevate Culture of Excellence initiatives across the surface force, and having junior Sailors, the Chiefs Mess, and the wardroom all participate definitely opened up the conversation on a number of important topics,” said Command Master Chief Joezette Julien, assigned to USS Tortuga (LSD 46). “Throughout the event, I felt engaged, and it’s inspired me to be a better

CMC, person, and leader and address areas whereImayhaveblindspotsandcanbetter servemySailors.”

Astheeventconcluded,McLaneprovided closing remarks where he expressed the need to inculcate the tenets of the Culture ofExcellenceacrosstheSurfaceforce “WhatIloveaboutCOE2.0isit’sgoingto giveuswarfightingadvantage whenweget into the fight, whoever adapts faster, learns quickerandcanmaketheadjustmentisthe one who’s going to be able to win,” McLane said.

COE 2.0 aims to simplify, streamline,

and align many Navy programs that share the same objectives, including: Get Real, Get Better, Warrior Toughness, Suicide Prevention, and Quality of Service A full listofresourcesisavailableat:https://www mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/ Culture-Resilience/Culture-of-Excellence/ The mission of Commander, Naval SurfaceForceistoman,train,andequipthe Surface Force to provide fleet commanders withcrediblenavalpowertocontrolthesea andprojectpowerashore.

EOD Mobile Unit 12 holds change of command ceremony

ByLt ChelseaCannaday

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Cmdr Jack Damon assumed command of Explosive OrdnanceDisposalMobileUnit12(EODMU 12) during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFortStory,May23,2024

Damon relieved Cmdr David Scherr as commanding officer of EODMU 12 in front of family friends and service members. Scherr was in command of the unit from May2022toMay2024

Capt.KarlHaywood,commander,ExplosiveOrdnanceDisposalGroup(EODGRU)2, presided over the ceremony. He welcomed Damon and praised Scherr for his leadership during his time as the EODMU 12 commander

“Over the past two years EODMU 12 manned, trained, and equipped combat forces that provided support to six Combatant Commanders, three Numbered Fleet Commanders,twoNavyRegionCommanders, aCarrierStrikeGroup,twoSpecialOperations Task Forces, and all East Coast SEAL Teams and Special Boat Teams,” said Haywood. “They have continued to excel at every task andchallengethatwassenttheirway.”

Haywood welcomed Damon saying “Although you have big shoes to fill, you are inheriting an amazing team, and I am confident you have the talent, vision, and leadership that will shape the future of this

extraordinary command. Lead with integrity and courage and continue to foster an environment that encourages innovation, camaraderie,andgrowth.”

Inhisfirstaddressascommandingofficer, Damon highlighted the legacy and professionalismofEODMU12

“It is an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate this moment in the history ofourunit.Iamexcitedtobereturningtoa unitIamproudtohavepreviouslybelonged to and the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and capable team is humbling,” said Damon.

“To the visitors, Mobile Unit Twelve’s story is unique and noteworthy. Twelve is the youngest mobile unit. We were activated in 2008 when our nation was in need of a surge of EOD forces to defeat violent extremists Wewereborninatimeofconflict andouryouthwasmarkedwithmanysacrifices mixed in mud, dust, and blood…may we all honor the legacy of those who came before us with how we serve our nation as weprepareforthefuture.”

EODMU 12 is a subordinate command of EODGRU 2 and operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Force providing skilled capable and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces aroundtheglobetosupportarangeofoperations

FormorenewsfromExplosiveOrdnance

Disposal Group 2, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/eodg-2

VCNO visits Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity, Yorktown, Va.

ByJuliusEvans Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command, Williamsburg, Va

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Jim Kilby traveled to Yorktown, Virginia to meet with Sailors, Soldiers and Civilians of Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA), headed by Capt. Brian Hatch.ThevisittookplaceMay29 2024 AdirectorateofNavalMedicalReadiness LogisticsCommandheadedbyCapt ChristopherBarnes,NORAisthelargestofthe22 U.S.ArmyandU.S.NavyOpticalFabrication Labs and provides guidance to all military opticalfabricationlabsaroundtheworld.

While there, Kilby learned that NORA deploys Sailors and Soldiers with mobile optical fabrication capability in support of the National Guard and Navy Reserve missions, with prefabricated eyewear for overseas humanitarian relief and medical civicactionprogrammissions.NORAisalso the only laboratory to produce eyewear for the Coast Guard, Public Health Service, NASA, NOAA, as well as providing optical care for active duty, reserve components, NATO and several other federal beneficiaries

Two Sailors learned they were promoted to the next highest paygrade when Adm. Kilby summoned Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Avey Pokorny and Hospital Corpsman3rdClassMichaelNorthlandfrontand center They weren’t sure why they were being called out by Kilby. They were happy tolearnoftheirpromotions

NMRLC’s mission is to develop acquire produce field, sustain, and provide enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high end competition, crisis,andcombat.ItsvisionistobetheJoint Force’spremierintegratedmedicallogistics supportactivity.

(NORA) headed byCapt Brian Hatch.Thevisit tookplace May29 2024.Adirectorate ofNaval Medical Readiness Logistics Command headed byCapt ChristopherBarnes, NORAis the largest ofthe 22 U.S.Armyand U.S.Navy Optical Fabrication Labs

NSASP recognizes outstanding Sailors

ByAndrewRevelos

Naval Support Activity South Potomac

Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) recognized its high-performing Sailors during an award ceremony May 29 at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren. Capt. Chris Schwarz, commanding officer of NSASP and NSA Annapolis presented theawardsandthankedtheSailorsfortheir dedicated support of critical NSF Dahlgren andNSFIndianHeadmissions

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class

Brandon Martinson received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his selection as NSASP’s Sailor of the Year Martinson “effectively instructed 58 DoD officersonthepropertactics techniquesand procedures during 10 integrated exercises, resulting in NSA South Potomac completing the [Commander, Navy Installation

Command] Final Evaluation Problem and USFF Higher Headquarters Assessment, accordingtothecitation.

FireControlman(Aegis)2ndClassAustin MasonreceivedtheNavyandMarineCorps Achievement Medal for his selection as NSASP’s Junior Sailor of the Year “As a [Counter Unmanned Aerial System] operator hetrainedtwopeersintheidentification and tracking of 465 drones and delivered training to 30 DoD officers in the proper employment of the drone buster system, accordingtothecitation.

Yeoman1stClassLilyanTaylorreceiveda LetterofCommendationforherselectionas NSASP’sSailoroftheQuarter,FourthQuarter Taylor “processed 185 pieces of correspondence revamped12filingsystems and implemented38newrecordkeepingprotocols,”accordingtotheawardcitation.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class

Uriah Miller received a Letter of Commendation for his selection as NSASP’s Junior SailoroftheQuarter,FourthQuarter Miller “led six Departmental Training Coordinators in the completion of four training requirements for a staff of 385 personnel,” accordingtothecitation.

Command Master Chief Phil Croshaw received the Meritorious Service Medal for hisexceptionalperformanceofdutiesservingasthecommand’sseniorenlistedleader from May 2022, to July 2024 “Command Master Chief Croshaw redefined the role of this pivotal position and propelled the command to new levels of success in supporting 16,000 civilian, military and contract personnel in two states,” accordingtothecitation.

“There’s a tremendous amount of work that happens here with our different commands and tenants that is vital to our

national security,” said Schwarz. “All that is tosay,Itakealotofprideinthesupportpart ofourname NavalSupportActivitySouth Potomac.Weownthebase,wemanageitand provide security, we own the land and the buildings and the infrastructure You guys supportitdaily Weallneedtomarchinthe samedirection,onthesamevector soIthink it’simportanttoknowwhatwedoasagroup andwhatourprioritiesareasabase. Schwarz commended award recipients andallNSASPpersonnel,andsaidheviewed hisroleforSailorsandstaffasthatofacoach “It’smyjobtosettherightconditionsforyou tooutandexecuteandplay,andalsohelpout withbarriersandchallengesyoumayface,” hesaid.“Whateveryourreasonsforserving inthemilitaryorasagovernmentcivilian,I wanttoknowhowIcanhelpyougettothat next step It’s my job to be invested in you, ourpeople.”

From left to right Capt.Chris Schwarz,commanding offi

Uriah Miller and CMC Phil Croshaw.(PHOTOBYANDREWREVELOS)

Vice Chief of Naval Operations visits Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

ByJuliusEvans,PublicAffairsOfficer

Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command and MaxLonzanida,PublicAffairsOfficer

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

YORKTOWN Va – Vice Chief of Naval OperationsAdm.JimKilbytraveledtoNaval Weapons Station Yorktown to meet with service members and civilians at several tenant commands throughout the installationonTuesday,May29th.

Kilby met with Cmdr Kurt Davis, NWS Yorktown’sExecutiveOfficerattheInstallationHeadquarters,beforevisitingtheinstallation’s R-3 weapons pier David Reeves Ordnance Operations Director and Capt. Shaun Fisher Officer in Charge at Navy Munitions Command-Detachment Yorktownwereon-handtogreetthegroup Reeves acknowledged several civilian weapons handlers for their dedication and

hardwork,especiallyduringthepastseveral months,ashotspotsaroundtheworldhave resulted in an increased work load for the installation, resulting in work over weekends to keep the Fleet ready to fight Kilby personally presented several of them with challenge coins while also meeting with leadershipfromtheUSSDonaldCook(DDG 75),attheinstallationforaweaponsonload.

“The Navy is able to defend freedom of navigation and safe passage because of the dedicated men and women here at Yorktown,” said Kilby. “I commend you all for yourdedicationandhardwork,particularly overthepastyear Whatyoudoisinvaluable forourSailorsouttheredeployedaroundthe world,aroundtheclock.

Kilby also visited the Navy Submarine TorpedoFacility,meetingwiththededicated Sailors and civilians assigned to the facilityduringatouroftheMK-48heavyweight

torpedomaintenancefacility Kilbyservedas re-enlisting officer for Torpedoman’s Mate 1stClassRicardoGongaduringacommand ceremony.

Kilby toured the installation’s Unaccompanied Housing complex, where he met civilianleadershipandtenantsduringabrief tour Master at Arms Seamans Kanchez, Ramirez and Lowery were on-hand to provideanoverviewofthe berthing facilities at Gray Hall, Building 2075andtheolderPullerHall,Building1807 Additionally,someofthecommonspacesof bothbuildingwerealsotoured.

Finally Kilby visited the Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA) headed by Capt. Brian Hatch. NORA a directorate of theNavalMedical Readiness Logistics Command headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, is the largest of the 22 U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Optical

Fabrication Labs and provides guidance to all military optical fabrication labs around theworld. While there, Kilby learned NORA is the only laboratory to produce eyewear for the Coast Guard, Public Health Service NASA NOAA, as well as providing optical care for activeduty,reservecomponents,NATOand otherfederalbeneficiaries.

During an all hands call after the visit, Kilby announced that Hospital Corpsman 3rdClassAveyPokornyandHospitalCorpsman3rdClassMichaelNorthlandhadbeen selected for promotion to 2nd class petty officer andbothwerehappytolearnoftheir promotionsfromtheVCNO

This successful and insightful visit was a firsttoNWSYorktownfortheVCNO,andit allowed a glimpse into the operations and dutiesofthescoresofservicemembersand civiliansassignedtotheinstallation.

ByJoshuaRodriguez

Naval Information Forces

SUFFOLK, Va Naval Information Forces(NAVIFOR)CommanderViceAdm.

Kelly Aeschbach announced the Shore and Sea Sailors of the Year for the Navy InformationWarfare(IW)domainandtheoverall type command (TYCOM) Sailor of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony held at the NavalInformationForcesMay17 Theaward recognizes the outstanding performance, leadership, and dedication of Sailors from globalcommandsacrossNavyIW

Leading up to the awards ceremony May 17, the NAVIFOR Sailors of the Year gathered in Suffolk for three days of learning networking andprofessionaldevelopment, aswellasexploringNavyheritagesitesinthe HamptonRoadsarea.Theweekculminated withtheselectionofthetopSailorfromboth Sea and Shore commands and the overall TypeCommand(TYCOM)SailoroftheYear fortheInformationWarfaredomain.

IW Sailors of the Year (Sea) include:

„ CTM1(IW/SW/AW)RyanDavidsonfrom FleetElectronicsSupportSanDiego

„ AG1(IW/AW/SW) Brandon Banks from StrikeGroupOceanographyTeamNorfolk

„ CTT1(IW/AW/SW) James Palmer from NavalInformationWarfareTrainingGroup, SanDiego

„ STS1(SS) Marco Estrada from Farragut TechnicalAnalysisCenter

IW Sailors of the Year (Shore) include:

„ CTI1(IW) Amanda Luna from Navy InformationOperationsCommandTexas

„ AG1(IW/AW) Janalle Brown from Fleet WeatherCenterASWDetJacksonville

„ CE1(IW/SCW/EXW) Elliot McFeely fromNavalInformationForces

„ CTR1(IW/SW/AW) Kayla Jorge from NavalInformationWarfareTrainingGroup, SanDiego

„ CTT1(SW) Nichole Garofalo from KennedyMaritimeAnalysisCenter

“Congrats to all the nominees and it doesn’tmatterwhowinsSeaorShore[Sailor of the Year]; you all are amazing and all of you are heading towards greatness,” said NAVIFORForceMasterChiefLauraNunley attheawardceremonyMay17 “Ihavebeen blessed to be able to spend the week with these exceptional Sailors The Navy is in good hands and all these Sailors blew me away with their expertise and accomplishments.”

NAVIFOR Commander Vice Adm. Kelly

Aeschbachalsohighlightedtheimportance of recognizing the Sailors of the Year and theirimportancetoinformationwarfare.

“I take great, great pride in what you represent,becausethecommandsyoucome from, and most of you, are in the fight 24/7, whether that’s afloat or ashore or you are responsible for ensuring that the folks who are in the fight are ready to go,” said Aeschbach.

“Itellaudiencesallthetime information warfare is foundational to every warfighting mission, and we’re our own warfighting capability And the role that each of you play in that, and the chance this week to recognize those accomplishments, I think issignificant.”

Cryptologic Technician Maintenance First Class (IW/SW/AW) Ryan Davidson, Fleet Electronics Support San Diego was namedtheSeaSOY.CryptologicTechnicians Collection First Class (IW/SW/AW) Kayla

Jorge, Naval Information Warfare Training Group San Diego was named the Shore SailoroftheYear

The finalists for the 2023 NAVIFOR SailoroftheYearwereallexceptional,noted Nunley, but there can only be one TYCOM winner Theannouncementwasmetwitha standingovationasCTR1Jorgewasnamed the FY23 NAVIFOR TYCOM Sailor of the Year

“I want to give a special thanks to my family including my husband Henry my daughters,andmyparents,andtomychain of command and my Sailors I also want to thank all my mentors there are too many toname,”saidJorge.

Jorge also had some words of advice to sharewithSailorsaspiringtoberecognized astheircommand’sSOY.

“Keep challenging yourself to do more, stay in your publications and technical knowledge,andstayhungry,”saidJorge.

TheNavy’sSailoroftheYearprogramisa time-honored tradition introduced in 1972 by then-Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. ElmoZumwaltandMasterChiefPettyOfficer of the Navy John Whittet. This annual competition is held to recognize superior performance of individual Sailors who exceedinpersonifyingtheidealsoftheNavy CoreValues 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, andWIN FormoreinformationonNAVIFOR,visit the command Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/NavalInformationForces/ or the public web page at https:// www.navifor.usff.navy.mil.

uarterdeck

AANHPI Heritage Month

Spotlight: Capt Tatana Olson Capt.Tatana M.Olson,executive officerof Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL),is a proud memberoftheAsianAmerican communitywho isvocal about the importance of innovative change throughout the Navy PageB6

NAS Pensacola Security Forces dog and handler win K-9 competition

ByGarrettDipuma

PENSACOLA, Fla. U.S. Navy

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Katzumy Rodriguez, a military working dog (MWD) handler and her dog, Ttyke, assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Security Forces, won top honors at the U.S. Air Force 96th Security Forces Squadron’s K-9 skills competitionatEglinAirForceBasein Florida,May16

Twenty-three Air Force, Army, Navyandlocallawenforcementteams participated in this year’s competition, which was a part of the 96th Security Forces Squadron’s Police Week activities The dogs and their handlers competed in several events throughoutthecompetiton,including bitework,explosivedetection,buildingsearchesandanagilitycourse

“I put my blood, sweat and tears intoworkingwithanydogthatIget,” Rodriguez said. “I love this job, and I love to be the best. Ttyke was bred to be a working dog at Lackland [Air Force Base San Antonio] and he is a

very intelligent dog We both put in a lotofworkandI’mgladthatitshows.”

Rodriguez, originally from Winston-Salem,NorthCarolina,said thatshewantedtobeaMWDhandler whenshejoinedtheNavyin2019and was lucky enough to start working with dogs as soon as she completed A-School.

“When I joined the Navy I wanted to do something that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do on the outside,”shesaid.“I’vejustloveddogs for my whole life, so I thought this careerwouldbeperfectforme.”

NAS Pensacola, referred to as the “CradleofNavalAviation,”isdesigned to support operational and training missions of tenant commands including the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC); Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC); the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT); Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21and23andservesastheheadquartersforNavalEducationandTraining Command(NETC).

PENSACOLA,Fla. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class KatzumyRodriguez,a U.S.Navymilitaryworking dog handlerassigned to NavalAirStation (NAS) Pensacola,poseswith herdog Ttyke,at the installation May29 RodriguezandTtykewon top honors overUnited StatesAirForce,Army Navyand local lawenforcement teams at the U.S.AirForce 96th SecurityForce Squadron K-9 Skills Competition May 16 at EglinAirForce Base.(OFFICIALU.S.NAVYPHOTOS BYGARRETTDIPUMA)

CourtesyStory

Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command

InMay,18militarypersonnelfromGhana Honduras Jamaica,Nigeria,andtheUnited States gathered at the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE) for a fivedayeventaimedatcombatingvector-borne diseases, a significant threat on the battlefield.

Known as Gator Dawn, this annual field exchange, organized by NECE’s Global Health Operations (GHO) department focuses on enhancing professional military support, strengthening multinational relationships,andbuildinginteroperability.

“When you’re dealing with the health threats confronting our deployed forces, it iscriticaltobringtogetherseasonedinternationalmilitaryprofessionalssowecanlearn from one another’s knowledge and adaptationstoacommonfoe.”saidNECE’sOfficer inCharge Cmdr IanSutherland

“Iknowtherelationshipsandteamswe’re fostering today will make a positive impact onourreadinesschallengestomorrow.”

The event featured opening remarks provided by Dr Roxanne Connelly, the CDC’sEntomologyTeamLead,whoempha-

sizedtheglobalscaleimpactofvector-borne disease The major vector-borne diseases, from insects like mosquitos and ticks, accountforapproximately17percentofthe estimated global burden of communicable diseasesandclaimmorethansevenhundred thousand lives every year The burden is highestintropicalandsubtropicalareas

Gator Dawn occurs at two locations In the initial phase, military members spend time touring the laboratories at NECE’s main facility on Naval Air Station Jacksonville,Florida.There,theyspendtimegetting to know one another and exchanging local experiences. The second phase occurs at NECE’sfieldfacilityatCampBlandingJoint TrainingCenter(CBJTC)inStarke,Florida. Spanning seventy-three thousand acres of forested and marshland, CBJTC serves as a premier training center for federal, state, and local personnel as well as spanning the Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational spectrum in providing a diverse environment for hands-on training andsimulations In addition to participating in exchanges facilitated by Navy Entomologists and Hospital Corpsmen, NECE’s Enginemen

JOINTBASE SANANTONIO-FORTSAM HOUSTON – (May30,2024) – Dr Dao Ho,ofDallas,a research immunologist,assigned to the Combat

CasualtyCare and Operational Medicine Directorate Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) SanAntonio speakswith Dr Hakim Bouamar(left), seniorscientist ofU.S.AirForce 59th MedicalWing’s (MDW) CenterforAdvance MolecularDetection,and Dr Darrin Frye NAMRU SanAntonio’s

NAMRU San Antonio participates in inaugural Promote Professional Engagement amongst Military Laboratories (ProPEL)

ByBurrellParmer Naval Medical Research Unit

San Antonio

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT

Science Symposium

SAMHOUSTON Researchscientistsfrom NavalMedicalResearchUnit(NAMRU)San Antonio, joined by other research scientists and clinicians from the U.S. Air Force 59th Medical Wing (MDW), U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (ISR), Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), and others, participatedintheinauguralPromoteProfessional Engagement amongst Military Laboratories (ProPEL) Science Symposium held at the CenteroftheIntrepid.

Gator Dawn 24 from Page 1

led hands-on field demonstrations of various equipmentusedtocontrolnuisanceandpathogen-carrying pests such as mosquitoes and ticks ThesedemonstrationstookplaceatCamp Blanding where participants learned how to apply what they learned to real-world situations Participants were especially interested inuniformtreatmentdemonstrationsfromthe OperationalForcesSupportdepartment.

Cutting-edge technology was a key focus of the event. NECE’s state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics facility features both lab-based and portable equipment for detecting pathogens and conducting unique molecular tests, such as the Insecticide Resistance Response System (IRRS). This system uses advanced DNA sequencing to identify genetic mutations,whichhelpsdesignteststhatcanbe used in the field to quickly adjust pest control strategies Participants toured the facility learnedaboutthesetechnologies andsawthem inactionduringfieldexercises DeborahLoomis,SeniorAdvisorforClimate Change to the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, delivered closing remarks highlighting the importance of building climate resilience and partneringwithothernations

Major Petrona Campbell of the Jamaican Army expressed gratitude on behalf of all participants,notingthatGatorDawnprovided valuable hands-on field exercises and shared theoretical knowledge She emphasized that continuedcollaborationwithNECEandother countriesiscrucialforimprovingthehealthand effectivenessofmilitaryforcesglobally

“Overall, a continued collaboration with NECE and other countries must not cease to exist as this shared interaction can only make our military’ thrive to enhance the health and wellbeingofourrespectivecountry’smilitary,” saidCampbell.

Thescientistsandtechnicalprofessionalsat NECE will use the lessons learned from Gator Dawn 24 to better prepare warfighters for the globalthreatofvectorbornediseases.Theyaim torefineappliedtechnologiestoenhancesafety under challenging conditions Additionally, thegrowinginternationalnetworkofpartners willcontributetomakingthenextGatorDawn eventmoresuccessful.

According to Dr W. Lee Childers senior scientist, Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), Military Performance Laboratory, Center for the Intrepid, the goal of the event was to get everyone talking about the types of research being conducted at the various laboratories and for researchers within Joint Base San Antoniotobetterunderstandthetypeofwork they are conducting to further collaborative opportunities

NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the Department of Defense(DoD)andisoneofeightsubordinate researchcommandsintheglobalnetworkof laboratoriesoperatingundertheNavalMedicalResearchCommandinSilverSpring,Md Itsmissionistoconductgapdrivencombat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operationalreadiness,andsafetyofDoDpersonnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations

From left to right Maj.Petrona Campbell and,Lt Trecia Brown oftheJamaicanArmy Surg Cmdr JonathanTimothyDuniya ofthe Nigerian Navy and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Mauro Ortizofthe NavyEntomologyCenterofExcellence (NECE),collaborativelyidentifyfieldcollected mosquito specimens during a GatorDawn 24 exercise May1,2024 at Camp Blanding JointTraining Center Starke,FL GatorDawn is a five-daylong Preventive Medicine Field Exchange organized bythe NECE’s Global Health Operations department The purpose ofthe event is to augment professional militarysupport practices,strengthen

relationships,and build interoperabilityin operational settings,and aimed at combatingvectorborne diseases.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYLT J.G.JOHNSO)

2nd Lt DeniaJaneth Miranda Lopez, HonduranAirForce,examines a mosquito as a part ofthevector identification session held during Gator Dawn 24 exercise conductedApril 30 2024 at the NavyEntomologyCenter ofExcellence (NECE),Jacksonville, Florida.GatorDawn is a five-daylong Preventive Medicine Field Exchange organized bythe NECE’s Global Health Operations department The purpose ofthe event is to augment professional militarysupport practices strengthen enduring multinational relationships, and build interoperabilityin operational settings,and aimed at combating vector-borne diseases.(U.S.NAVY PHOTOBYMC2MATTRIGGS)

NMRC Heritage Month Highlight: Ning Yang

BySidneyHinds Naval Medical Research Command

The scientific efforts of Naval Medical ResearchCommand(NMRC)aresupported bydedicatedteamsofstaffwhooverseethe logistical,financialandlegalrequirementsof the command’s operations As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Draws to a close, NMRC takes a moment to recognize a key member of the command’s Research Support Directorate,NingYang

As an Intellectual Property (IP) attorneyandcounselforthecommand,Yangisa keypartofthecommand’sactivities ensuring the protection of intellectual property that allows scientists to do work on behalf of Service member health, and helping the enterprise transfer technology for medical research. She is a first-generation immigrant from China, the world’s second-most populous country, following India, and the third-largest country in the world by land area. Yang comes from a family of scientists Both of her parents are physicists and her brother,aPhDinbiology,wenttoamedical schoolwhilehelivedinChina

“My family makes full use of having a lawyer in the family,” Yang joked. “My parents will hold on to all their legal paperworkandmailforwhenIvisit,andhaveme look at it. They’ll label it ‘Ning’s pile’ My brother has his own business and while I don’trepresenthim,orgivehimlegaladvice I help him understand things he might not knowhimself.”

Yang initially followed this family path into STEM, graduating in 1999 from the University of Maryland with bachelor’s degrees in biological science, with a physiology/ neurobiology concentration and in bioresearchengineering

Whileapplyingforgraduateschool,Yang was offered a research assistantship by one ofherprofessors

“I worked with him for two years,” Yang recalled. “During that time, I encountered a neighbor who was a graduate in chemical engineering from Yale, and had become a patentattorney.”

In2001,Yangbeganherlegalstudiesatthe American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), in Washington, D.C. She chose AUWCL for its International Law program, but quickly decided the political aspectsofthelawdidn’tinteresther.

“It wasn’t in my blood,” Yang said. “I’m a scientist, and I always wanted to make use ofmysciencedegree Forpatentlaw,it’snot enoughtojusthavealawdegree Itrequires an additional qualification. The attorney must pass the patent bar, which makes it unique among legal practices similar to maritimelaw.

Yang completed and successfully defended her master’s thesis in Biological

Resource Engineering during her first year asafull-timelawstudent.

“I was ready to throw away my thesis at one point,” Yang recalls “But my mom told me,‘youcan’twastetwoyearsofyourlife.’”

Coming from a STEM background, Yang described undergoing a culture shock with herlawclassesatAUWCL,whereshestudied under a number of professors including current Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin, then a Constitutional Law instructoratAUWCL.Raskincurrentlyrepresents Maryland’s8thdistrict,whichencompasses the current location of NMRC’s headquarters,inSilverSpring

“It was a completely different way of thinking,” Yang explained. “People would come to class ready to do all their arguing on their feet, without having done any of theassignedreadings Inengineering ifyou raisedyourhandtosayyouhadn’tdonethe reading,theprofessorwouldsay‘wellmaybe you should step outside and analyze it, and

thencomeback.

“But they all write beautifully,” Ning added. “That was another transition I neededtomakecomingfromasciencebackground, where you write in passive tense But in law, everything must be strong, and active.”

At the time, Yang noted a disparity in the racialmakeupofthelawclassesatAUWCL.

“There were a lot of female students but there were not many Asian students,” Yang said. “In the legal field then, Asians were only about 2% of the attorney population. I remember working with immigration lawyers, and it was entirely white men in the field, with native-speaking Chinese assistants.Youwouldjusthavetotrustthem, eventhoughtheymightnotspeakthesame language as the people they are working with.

Aftergraduation,Yangworkedforasmall law firm in Virginia, working on food and drug law. In October of 2006, Yang joined

NMRC.

ForYang,NMRChasbeenagoodfit,suited to her science and patent legal education, andlocatedclosetohome.Sheexpressedan enthusiasm for building an expertise in the Navy Medicine Research & Development enterprise’s body of work, from undersea medicine and infectious disease to medical technologydevelopmentandsurveillance

“The research here is so unique,” Yang explained. “When you hear Naval medical research, you think of ONR, and the hospitalships,likeMercyandComfort.You think treatment facilities, not research. But you need people who study all the health concernsthatmaketheNavydifferentfrom theArmyortheAirForce.”

Protecting Navy IP is a significant part of Yang’s job and one mandated by law. ProtectionofNavyMedicine’sIPisnotonly important to develop the technologies that

Navy announces commissioning date for the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36)

ByKarliYeager

Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

TheU.S.Navywillcommissionthefuture USS Kingsville (LCS 36), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, August 24inCorpusChristi,Texas.

ThenamingofLCS36honorsthetownof Kingsville,Texas,aswellastheKingRanch

Katherine Kline, the ship’s sponsor, is a member of the sixth generation of the King Ranch family descendants of steamboat Capt Richard King who founded the King Ranch located in Kingsville in 1853 Naval Air Station Kingsville, located three miles from the city’s center, was founded in 1942 and continues a special relationship with theKingRanch.

As the sponsor of LCS 36, Kline will lead the time-honored Navy tradition of giving theorderduringtheceremonyto“manour ship and bring her to life!” At that moment, the commissioning pennant is hoisted and Kingsvillebecomesaproudshipofthefleet.

LCS 36 will be the 18th Independence-variantlittoralcombatship.

Kingsville is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-centurycoastalthreats LCSlikeKingsvillewill integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence,maritimesecurity,seacontrol,and deterrencemissionsaroundtheglobe

NIOC Texas holds frocking promotion ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

ByPettyOfficer1stClass MichaelLehman

Navy Information Operations Command Texas

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas Navy Information OperationsCommandTexasconductedafrocking promotionceremony,authorizingmorethan 80 Sailors to wear the uniform and assume the responsibilities of the next highest pay gradeMay30

The ceremony was held on Joint Base SanAntonio-Lacklandandmarkedasignificant milestone in the careers of the newly promotedpersonnel.

CyberWarfareTechnician1stClassDante Martelli, a native of Millington, Tennessee was among those promoted. Reflecting on his achievement, Martelli said, “I feel awesome to have made rank today.” He continued “I am proud to have made 1st class in 3 1/2 years. When I enlisted, I set a goaltoachievefirstclasspettyofficerinless than four years and I knocked it out of the park. I hope I can keep up the momentum andachievetherankofchiefpettyofficerby myseventoeight-yearmark.”

Martelli, who was pinned by his spouse, Mackenzie Martelli, also expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided by the command “NIOC Texas has given me a great opportunity I have met a lot of goodfriendsanddonesomeprettyfulfilling work,”hesaid.

Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Kennedy Haynes, hailing from Indianapolis,wasalsopromotedduringtheceremony. Haynes shared her thoughts on the significance of the day, saying “NIOC has given me opportunities such as working with other agencies and networking I am excitedfortheopportunitytodeploy.”

She added, “The people are definitely my favorite part of my job I work with a lot of intelligent, knowledgeable people, both military and civilian, that have led the way, teachingmethingseveryday.” Haynesemphasizedtheimportanceofher new rank, stating “Putting on rank means to me stepping into a leadership role and takingresponsibilityformentoring training,

safeguard service member health, but also ensures the enterprise is able to conduct research using the processes its scientists havedeveloped.

“Understanding the science has helped a lot. At other places your co-workers might just see you as legal as an obstacle or a bottleneck. Here, I really feel like everyone sees me as a colleague Not a law firm workingwithaclient,butin-housecounsel peoplecantrustandcometowhentheyhave aproblemthatneedstobeworkedout.

Sincegraduating,Yangexpressedthatshe has seen great strides for representation of

andleadingmypeoplejustasmycoworkers haveledandmentoredme.”Shewaspinned byCyberWarfareTechnician2ndClassPaul Gilliam, a close coworker who attended initialskillstrainingwithher Command Master Chief Joe Hernandez, NIOC Texas’ senior enlisted leader, expressed his pride in the Sailors’ accom-

AsianAmericansinthelegalfield.

“NowIhavefriendswhofacelegalissues, and can find attorneys who can speak to them, or to their parents directly because theyareChinesethemselves It’sveryuseful forcaseswherespecificculturalvaluesapply The representation in the field is up too six or seven percent of practicing attorneys are Asian, matching the U.S. demographic TherearestillnotalotofAsianAmericansin managementpositions,butIthinkthatwill comeintime,asjuniorpeoplegetintosenior positions,andyoubuildabase.”

“That’s how you break ground,” Yang added. “And people recognize you not for your skin or race or gender but for you, becausetheyseeyourcompetence Youcan fight back against prejudice, not just with

plishments “Days like today are the absolutebestdaystobeaCMC,”Hernandezsaid. “There are fewer things in the Navy or life thataremorerewardingthanseeingSailors advanceinpaygrade.Thisbeginstheirjourneytobecomingaseniorleaderandsubject matterexpert. The ceremony underscored the commit-

yourwords,butbydemonstratingyourcapabilities.”

Yang also expressed appreciation for the perspectives she has gained from her dual education and career in STEM and the humanities

“The legal profession changes your personality,” Yang said. “Sometimes I feel likethestereotypicalAsian tooshytochallenge, being of an ‘oh, just let it go’ mindset. After you got to law school, there’s a mentality you gain about right and wrong, and makes you more inclined to speak up when you see something that doesn’t seem right.AtthestartoftheCOVIDpandemic,I would be yelled at for my race Before I got intolaw,Iwouldprobablyhaverolledupmy windowandstayedquiet.Now,I’minclined

mentanddedicationofNIOCTexas’personnel,highlightingtheirachievementsandthe promising future that lies ahead for these newlypromotedsailors

NIOC Texas is responsible for executing information and cryptologic operations to helpprotectthenation,safeguardU.S.interestsandpreserveglobalinfluence

to roll down my window and speak up for myself, so the next person doesn’t have to gothroughit.”

“Youfeelasenseofduty withallyourlegal training,” She added. “If I don’t speak up how can I expect others who don’t understandthelawtoproperlyspeakupforthemselves?Howcanyouexpectpeoplewithno connections or knowledge to defend themselves?”

Throughout Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage monthNMRCaimstorecognizethecontributions of our sailors scientists and civilian personnel with roots in countries and cultureswithdiverseheritage

Ning Yang from Page 3

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AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Capt. Tatana Olson

ByEmilySwedlund Naval Medical Research Command

Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL)’s Sailors and staff come from a wide array backgrounds. For Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month,Capt TatanaOlson,thecommand’s executiveofficer,reflectsonherownbackground, and her Navy career

Olson’s Navy story started during her final year of graduate school at Purdue University, where she obtained a masters and PhD in Industrial and Organizational psychology She was commissioned as a Navalaerospaceexperimentalpsychologist (AEP)in2004uponcompletionofherPhD

“Given how much of their lives people spend in the workplace, I wanted to help make work and the workplace mutually beneficial for organizations and the peoplewhoworkinthem, Olsonrecalled “I’d always had a desire to serve, but didn’t know there was a place for my specific education and skills in the Navy, which is why I was so excited when I saw a job listing for the Naval AEP program. The position description—applying psychological principals to solving real word problems in Naval aviation—really appealed to me.”

Olson’s first tour was at the Naval AerospaceMedicalInstitute(NAMI)inPensacola, Fl as the Biostatistics Division Officer intheOperationalPsychologyDepartment from 2005 to 2008 Olson would return to NAMI as the Operational Psychology Department Head in 2014 after completing a post-doctoral program in cognitive neuroscience at George Mason University in 2011, and working as a scientific advisor and Navy and Marine Corps liaison at the Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency in Arlington, Virginia.

While at NAMI, Olson was responsible for managing the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB), the primary tool used to assess aviation candidates for the Navy, MarineCorps andCoastGuard TheASTB hadhistoricallybeenatestofcognitiveabil-

ities,thoughresearchindicatedthattheuse ofcognitiveabilitytestscoulddisadvantage candidatesfromsomeminoritygroupswho would otherwise successfully complete flight training

“Given the Navy’s commitment to diversity, an important part of my job was to expand our assessment battery to include non-cognitive measures, such as personality and job motivation,” Olson explained, “to provide a more holistic evaluation of each candidate because we know success in aviation is about more than technical knowledge and skills.”

Olson reported to Naval Medical ResearchUnitDaytoninJuly2017asdeputy director for the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory In 2020, prior to her current assignment, Olson joined the Defense Health Agency’s Research and Engineering directorate first as the acting chiefofstaff thenasactingdeputydirector andbranchchiefforScience&Technology Portfolio Management.

In June of 2023 Olson reported to NSMRL as the Executive Officer, making history as the first woman of Asian American heritage to serve in that role Only a short month later, she made history again as the first woman in the AEP community to attain the rank of captain.

“I’m very proud to come from a group thatistypicallyunderrepresentednotonly in the military, but in leadership positions, and even more so as a female,” Olson said “There is immense pride, but definitely alsopressure.Whenyou’refromaminority group,yoursuccessesandfailuresaremore heavily scrutinized, and you want to make sureyou’reservingasarolemodeltoothers who might be searching for someone in leadershippositionswho‘looklikethem.

OlsonexpressedanadmirationforAAPI service members who have come before her,includingDanielInouye,along-serving AmericansenatorfromHawaiiofJapanese heritage InouyeservedinWWIIaspartof a Japanese-American regiment, losing an arm in combat and went on to serve as a senator of Hawaii for 49 years

“He was a strong advocate for the rights ofNativeAmericans NativeHawaiians and Alaskan Natives and I appreciate that he didn’tadvocateforthemfromtheperspective that they inherently deserved special treatment,butbecausehefeltverystrongly thattheyhadbeendisadvantaged,andthat fundamentallyallpeopledeservethesame rights.”

“He was also a strong friend of psychology,” Olson added, “and he understood that addressing the plights of marginalizedgroupswasnecessaryfortheiroverall health and well-being.”

Equal access to basic rights is a fundamental belief for Olson. She was part of Secretary Robert Gates’ Comprehensive ReviewWorkingGrouptaskedwithassessing the potential impacts of repealing the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Ultimately theirrecommendationsresultedin repeal of the law, enabling gay and lesbian service members to openly serve with the same rights and privileges as their heterosexual colleagues

“I truly believe that diversity is a strength,” Olson said, “particularly in our businessofresearchandinnovation Idon’t believe that we can push the boundaries of what we know without having diverse perspectives I believe the diversity of our country is a big reason why we continue to be so technically innovative.

Olson’s mother comes from Thailand, a nation on the Indochinese Peninsula with apopulationof66million.ShemetOlson’s father while he was working in Thailand withthePeaceCorps.ThailandistheU.S.’s only treaty partner in mainland southeast Asia and one of the U.S.’s non-NATO allies Cobra Gold, a multi-national Indo-Pacific military exercise held in Thailand, is one of the largest annual exercises of its kind.

“Given the historical relationship between Thailand and the U.S., joining theNavyseemedlikeasmallwayformeto continuetosupportthatspiritofcollaboration and cooperation,” Olson said.

Olson also remarked on progress that the Navy has made to move beyond repre-

sentation and towards inclusion, such as ensuring minority groups are integrated into discussions and decision-making and investing in STEM and other outreach activitiesinunderrepresentedpopulations

“I think continuing to target areas of the country where we don’t traditionally recruit, such as more urban areas, expanding awareness about opportunities within the Navy, and sharing individual experiences to create that personal connection and relatability is so important, Olson remarked. “As the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, recently stated, ‘every Sailor is a recruiter.’ ”

“AANHPI Heritage month provides us with the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions Asian Americans have made to our country” Olson added.” Like other immigrants who have helped shape America, they are integral to the fabric of our society Oftentimes Asian Americanscomefromchallengingcircumstancesorwar-torncountries,wherethere isn’tfreedomofexpressionorreligion,and that makes them particularly motivated to bepartofademocraticsocietythatrespects thosefreedoms Itisimportanttoacknowledge the challenges the AANHPI community has faced, and continues to face and pay tribute to generations of AANHPIs who have enriched America’s society and culture.

NSMRL, part of Navy Medicine’s Research & Development enterprise, and based out of Groton, Connecticut, sustains the readiness and superiority of undersea warfightersthroughinnovativehealthand performance research. Throughout Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage month, NSMRL aims to recognize the contributions of our sailors, scientists,andcivilianpersonnelwithroots incountriesandcultureswithdiverseheritage

ROICC Andrews and NAVFAC Washington leadership unite to drive success

TheNavalFacilitiesEngineeringSystems Command (NAVFAC) Washington leadership recently visited the Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) office at JointBaseAndrewsforadayofdiscussions andprojectupdates

Capt. Atiim Senthill, the operations officeratNAVFACWashingtonacknowledged that ROICC Andrews Day, like PWD Days, is aimed at fostering a stronger connection between the Facilities Engineering Command (FEC) and the field office to ensure the continued success of ongoing projects ROICC Andrews oversees a substantial workload, with more than $830 million worth of active projects across Joint Base AndrewsandJointBaseAnacostia-Bolling Notableprojectsincludetheconstructionof thepresidentialhangar,whichisinthefinal stages of close out. Another critical project under construction is the $67 million Consolidated Communications Center (CCC). The NAVFAC Washington team, which included Brian Ciaravino, the businessdirector,PaulHahn,safetydirector,Bob

Williams, the environmental director and Senthill,visitedtheCCCsite

“You guys have a tough job You have a very tough supported command,” Senthill said.“So,lotsoflearningwiththeAirForce. Butitisalsorewardingwhenyougettobring thingstofruition.

Lt Cmdr Cory Devonis, the ROICC, expressed his appreciation for the FEC’s leadershipcadrevisittodiscussmajorprojectsandthesupportneededtoensuretheir successfulcompletion.Thissupportranges from adequate facilities to personnel staffing

“IntermsoftherelationshipwiththeFEC and making sure that we have that connection,we’regettingthatsupport Ithinktoday isagoodexampleofthat.Ourhopeistojust keep doing what we do to try to close out these projects and continue forward,” said Devonis

The ROICC Andrews Day event serves as a testament to the commitment of both teams toward collaboration, communicationandmissionsuccess.Itispartofalarger effortbyNAVFACWashingtontostrengthen connectionswithitssupportedcommanders and ensure the continued success of their respectivemission.

Iasked what kind of family Amina wanted.She said, ‘A family like yours.’ That’s when Iknew Ihad to adopt her.

Denise, adopted17-year-old Amina

On iberty

NorfolkHarborfestreturnstoDowntown

Norfolk Waterfront this weekend!

PressRelease

NORFOLK, Va The 48th Annual Norfolk Harborfest: Music, Food & Maritime Festival returns to Town Point Park Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, 2024, bringing a symphonyofmaritimewondertotheDowntownNorfolkWaterfront.

Adventure, entertainment, and maritime magicuniteforaonce-in-a-lifetimeexperience during America’s largest, longest-running free maritime festival. Take in the annual Parade of Sail, which features militaryandcharactervesselsamongotherships from around the world, and then watch as one of the biggest fireworks displays on the East Coast and a captivating drone show light up the night sky, creating a rainbow of colors across the Elizabeth River During theday,immerseyourselfinnavalandcoast guard history with interactive exhibits and thrilling demonstrations Incredible live performances from both national headlinersandlocaltalentstakecenterstage,while anarrayofculinarydelightskeepyoufueled throughoutthisiconicthree-dayfestival.

ThefestivalisFREE&opentothepublic Formoreinformationincludingafullscheduleofeventsandlistoffoodvendors visitbit. ly/Harborfest2024

Festival Hours

„ Friday,June7:Noon-11pm Parade of Sail atNoon Drone Show at9:30pm „ Saturday,June8: Noon-11pm Fireworks at9:30pm „ Sunday,June9:10am-6pm Music Lineup

FRIDAY,JUNE7

Main Stage „ 3:15pm PressingStrings(Traditional Folk/StringFusion)

„ 6:00pm YamYam(Funk/Soul/Jazz)

„ 8:00pm RobertRandolphBand (Funk/Soul) Boathouse Stage „ 2:45pm Joslyn&TheSweet Compression(Funk/Soul) „ 4:45pm JacobVankoBand (Americana)

„ 7:00pm AllenHudson&The Halfmoons(AlternativeRock) „ 9:45pm LittKeys(LiveDJ)

SATURDAY,JUNE8

Main Stage „ 3:15pm EmpireStrikesBrass(Brass/ Funk/Rock)

„ 6:00pm VirginiaCoalition(Rock)

„ 8:00pm SimplyTina:TheUltimate TinaTurnerTributeShow(Soul/Rock) inPartnershipwithJuneteenthFestival inthePark(June15,2024)

Boathouse Stage „ 1:00pm PCDuo(GuitarDuo)

„ 2:45pm 2IslandsBand(Classical Rock/Pop/R&B/Reggae)

„ 4:45pm Woodwork(JamBand/Rock)

„ 7:00pm AnthonyRosano&The Conqueroos(BluesRock)

„ 10:00pm DJCanRock(LiveDJ)

SUNDAY,JUNE9

Main Stage

„ 2:00pm Palmyra(FolkFusion)

„ 4:30pm EastonCorbin(Country)

Boathouse Stage

„ 12:45pm Forte(Jazz)

„ 3:15pm Nature’sChild(Reggae)

Tall Ships & Parade Of Sail

The awe-inspiring Norfolk Harborfest Parade of Sail, presented by WVEC 13 News Now and under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will grace the DowntownNorfolkHarboronFriday,June 7 at approximately noon. In keeping with tradition, this remarkable fleet will feature

tall ships Navy ships Public Safety vessels charactervessels sleekpowercruisers sailing craft, antique and classic wooden boats, militaryvessels,tugs,andmore!Thousands of onlookers positioned at vantage points along the Elizabeth River will witness this expansive fleet as it gracefully maneuvers downtherivertowardTownPointPark. Thefollowingisalistofvisitingships: „ A.J.Meerwald,Bivalve,NewJersey, LOA:115’,Draft:6’,Beam22 „ USACESurveyVesselEWELL,Norfolk, Virginia,LOA:61’4”,Draft:3’4 „ ImpossibleDream,LOA:58’,Draft:3.7’, Beam:27’ „ KalmarNyckel,Wilmington,Delaware, LOA:93’,Draft:12’5”,Beam:12’11”,Rig Height:105’ „ AmericanRover,Norfolk,Virginia,LOA: 135’,Draft:9’,Beam:24 „ SchoonerVirginia,Norfolk,Virginia, LOA:121’10”,Draft:12’3”,Beam:24’,Rig Height:112’ „ USSWisconsin,Norfolk,Virginia,LOA: 887’3”,Draft:37’9”,Beam:108’2” „ USSGonzalez,Norfolk,Virginia,LOA: 504’7”,Draft:30’5”,Beam:59’

TurntoHarborfest, Page 3

PressRelease

NORFOLK, Va Nauticus is headed to “Margaritaville” this summer with their newevent,FinsontheFantail.Parrotheads are invited to board the historic Battleship Wisconsin to honor Jimmy Buffett, with live music by the Tiki Bar. This 21 and up Buffett-themed event will occur on Saturday, June 15th from 5PM -8:30PM where guestscanenjoythelivemusicwiththemed drinks,foodvendors,gamesandmoreallon the fantail of the largest and last Battleship builtbytheU.S.Navy

Purchase this perfect Father’s Day gift today before it sells out! Tickets are $20 per person and increase by $10 on the day of the event. As always, Nauticus members receiveadiscountontickets.Ticketscanbe purchased online at https://nauticus.org/ events/fins-on-the-fantail/.

Event Details:

„ Location:BattleshipWisconsinat Nauticus

„ Doorsopenat5:00PM

„ Musicstartsat5:30PM

„ Eventendsat8:30PM

„ Parking is available in all downtown Norfolk garages We recommend either West Plume or West Main Street garages for a quick stroll to Nauticus No parking is availableonsiteatNauticus Uber/Lyftdrop offisavailableinfrontloop

Know before you go:

„ Mustbeages21+toattend,IDwillbeverifieduponarrival.

„ ClearBagPolicy:Approvedbagsinclude bagsthatareclearplastic,vinyl,orPVCthat donotexceed16x16x8inches MedicalBags arepermitted,subjecttosearchbysecurity. Smallnon-clearclutchbagsmeasuring5”x 7”x3/4 orsmaller,withorwithoutahandle orstrapcanbetakenintotheevent.

„ Alcoholic beverages will be available for saletopatronswithIDproofofageof21and older Sales will end at 8pm. Staff reserves therighttodenythesaleofalcoholicbeveragestoanypatron. „ Show is Rain or Shine, more details to followincaseofinclementweather

Prohibited Items

„ Containers larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches mustbeadheretotheaboveclearbagpolicy

„ Beach chairs / lawn chairs / personal chairs

„ Illegalweapons

„ Outsidefood,beveragesandcoolers(one sealedwaterbottleperpersonispermitted)

„ Glass or metal bottles, cans or thermoses (refillableplasticbottlespermitted)

„ Animals (service animals allowed on site under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) that comply with additional

identificationrequirementsofVirginiaLaw)

„ Laserpointers/pens

„ Beachballs

„ Smoking is prohibited at Nauticus, this includes but is not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes,vapes,etc.

„ Any item deemed dangerous or inappropriatebyvenuepersonnel.

All Fins on the Fantail proceeds directly support transformational youth sailing programs for Title I students in Norfolk publicschools LearnmoreaboutSailNauticusanditslifechangingprogramsonlineat https://nauticus.org/give/support-sail-nauticus/. Fins on the Fantail would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors: Virginia Maritime Association, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, and Surfside

About Nauticus: Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry,andthemilitary NauticusFoundationisthenonprofit,501©3thatsupportsthe missionandactivitiesofNauticus Nauticus’ missionistobenefitthecommunitythrough education,impactfulexperiences,andsharing access to maritime resources For more information,visitwww.nauticus.org

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

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

InterviewByYiorgo

Yiorgo: AHEPA’s Big Fat Greek Car Show is back bigger and better than the yearbefore.Heretotellusallaboutitisavid carcollectorracerenthusiast,MikeZarpas TellusMike,whyshouldpeoplecometothe AHEPA’sBigFatGreekCarShow?Whatwill theyseeandexperience?

MikeZarpas:ThinkGreekfestivalmeets carshow.GreatGreekfood,music,andparea (good company) while viewing beautiful machines of all shapes and sizes from hot rods classics,imports racecars exotics,full custom, and even a motorcycle trick show Your eyes will be blown away by the beauty of the paint, wheels and blinding chrome of the many vehicles on display vying for trophies in the ten show classes Your ears will be dazzled by the sounds of precision machinery running at full tilt, from American V8s to European 12 cylinders to Japanese 4 bangers and everything in between. Then your taste buds will be Greek dancingtoafullGreeklunchtoincludesouvlaki, Greek salad, Greek potatoes, a drink and baklava while listening to classic Greek Island music. There will be raffles and trophiesforthewinners.

Y:Whereandwhenwillthecarshowtake place?

MZ:Theshowwillbeheldintheparking lot behind Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia at the corner of Granby andFifeStreetsfrom9:00am 1:00pmon Saturday June 15th the day before Father’s Day.

Y: What types of cars are already scheduledtobethereandwhichonesareyouvery excitedforpeopleandyoutosee?

MZ: There will be late model domestics and imports, classic imports and American muscle cars, custom painted cars and high horsepowercars Therewillberacecarsand streetcars Iespeciallylovetheonesthatare hand built pieces of art. I love the “Dare To Be Different” ones the best. Beauty is in the eyeofthebeholder

Y: This is the second time that AHEPA is hosting a car show. Why did they decide to host one again this year and what are they hopingtoaccomplishanddo?

MZ: As AHEPANs we strive for the betterment of education and learning This year we are raising money for a vocational scholarship to promote working with your handsasanoption.

Y:Cancarcollectorsstillparticipate,bring theirprizedpossessionstotheshowandifso whatarethecriteriaandhowdotheyregister,contactinfo,etc.?

MZ: Yes indeed, anyone can sign up to bring their pride and joy to the show. The cost is $25 for show entry and $50 if you wantlunchandat-shirt.Spectatorsarefree but can have lunch for $15. Anyone interested can call 757-286-1783 or email me at mzarpas@globalreinc.com Youcansignup whenyoupulluptoo!Can’twaittoseeallof thesmilingfaces

Y:Thiscarshowisyourbaby.Whatmade youdecidetodoit?

MZ:Iamanavidcarcollectorandracer I havebeenpassionateaboutcarssinceIwas atwo-year-oldplayingwithHotWheelsand Matchbox cars in the bathtub My passion grew as I got older and grew into a fabric of my being I always wanted to do my own showbutthoughtitwouldbegreattobring myhobbytomyfriendsatAHEPAandraise moneythroughourlocalChapterofAHEPA whereIhavebeenamemberformanyyears.

AHEPA stands for American Hellenic EducationalProgressiveAssociation.Weare aphilanthropicorganizationandourchapter has given hundreds of college scholarships over the years since our formation in 1926 Thisshowwillraisemoneyforavocational scholarship to be given. Originally I wanted to be a mechanic and drag racer I was living my dream after high school when I was injured putting an engine in a Pinto That sidelined me and changed my trajectory towards commercial real estate. Ineverlostmypassionforautomobilesand anythingwithamotor,soIthoughtitwould be fitting to offer a vocational scholarship from funds raised through the car show MaybewewillspurthenextJohnForce,Pat Musi,orMarioAndretti.

Y: You have been to some amazing car showsyourself.Whathavebeensomeofthe coolestcarsyouhaveseenatothercarshows thatblewyouaway?

MZ: At the Coastal Virginia Auto Show last November there was a Nova Funny Car that was street driven. It was owned by my friend Bradley Gray of The Blown Mafia. Thatcarisnextlevelforsure.Whenmywife Marie and I were on The Hot Rod Power Tour, Scott Sullivan was driving this amazing 1954 Chevrolet and his buddy had an injected Oldsmobile that was way over the top I love cars of all shapes and sizes. The faster,thebetter! Y: Let’s learn a little bit more about you. Where were you born and what or who made you fall in love with cars and car collecting?

MZ: I was born in Washington, D.C. My mom was the original hot rodder in my family She had the first custom Buick in

Washington after the war with no running boards She tells stories of passing a banana at 100 mph to another car both going 100 mphwhilecruisingtoOceanCity,Maryland with her cousin as a Washington youth. I startedplayingwithHotWheelsandMatchbox cars at eighteen months old. My mom would have to refill the bathtub as I was shivering, still driving my cars around the bathtub race track I created in my mind. I built models had go karts mini bikes when I finally got my dream car as a senior in highschool.ItwasaLeMansblue1969Z28 CamarothatIstillhavetothisday.Onceyou feeltheadrenalinerushofbangshiftingthat fourspeed,youcannevergoback.

Y: As a kid, did you collect toy cars or car modelkitsthatyouputtogether?

MZ: I did big time. I had a huge Hot Wheels collection Moved into AF/X slot carsthatmyfriendsandIwouldsoupupto race each other My cousin Jerry taught me howtobuildmodels Revellhadthebest.My cousin could build a full model and custom airbrushpaintitbeforeIwasfinishedbuildingmymotor Itwasamazingtowatch.

Y: As a car collector yourself, what was yourfirstcarthatyoucollectedandwhythat one?

MZ:Myfirstcarwasa1964PontiacGran PrixthatIboughtatauctionfor$135 Ithink my father was so worried about me driving that jalopy that he sprung for the 1969 Z28 that the manager of the Texaco station I worked at was selling It was voted the best carinmyhighschool Istilllovedrivingthat car Iwilldriveittotheshowandmaybewill bring a few others for kicks My brother Stephenhada1969Camarotoo Mycousins and I have rare Berger Camaros that we all bought together You could say that Camaros run in the family My cousin Jerry had a gold with black stripe RS Z28 that would pullthefrontslottedwheelsofftheground. Itwasarunner

Y: I’m sure you have had some amazing experiences and moments collecting cars Can you share a few wow, pinch me moments that you can’t believe you got to doorbeapartofandexperience?

MZ: As a kid I would ride my bike up to Burger King to see the hot rods Later they would hold me a front spot to park my Z28 every Friday night. My buddy Curtis and I would go to the frozen Dairy Bar on Saturdaynightslookingforlatenightstreetraces During the pandemic my beautiful wife Marie and I did the Long Haul on The Hot Rod Power Tour We bought helmets and dragracedour2010BergerCamaroatIndy and other venues along the route and even gottolivemyalltimedreamofhavingafull spreadinHotRodMagazine Wetoppedoff that trip with a cruise up to Grand Rapids, Michigan to attend Berger’s Car Show where John Force signed my car I bought fromBergerin2010

Y: What do you do for a living and what servicesdoyouprovide?

MZ: I own a company I formed in 1999 called Global Real Estate Investment, Inc. It is a full service commercial real estate company with a focus on retail, industrial, and office property sales, leasing, and development. My company partners with investors on multiple real estate projects

throughoutVirginiaandNorthCarolina We are based in Virginia Beach and have been blessed with the best clients and partners ever! Y: What are you most grateful for? My faith and my family I put God first and my familyrightafter Weareallputonthisearth for a reason. We do not know what that reasonmaybebutifyouhavefaith,yourpath

„ Luna,Deltaville,Virginia,LOA:77.5’

Shipswillbeopenforpublictoursfromapproximately3pmto6pmonFriday, June 7th, and from noon to 6pm on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th. Shiptoursarefree&opentothepublic.Visitorsshouldwearflatshoesandbe able to navigate ramps and ladders Strollers are not permitted onboard the ships and must be left on the dock Entry and exit ramps are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs walkers or other mobility aids that require a flat surfaceorhandrails(excludingtheImpossibleDream) Forboaters,alldockingontheDowntownNorfolkWaterfrontisbyreservationonly.DockingintheHospitalPointAnchorageintheElizabethRiveracross fromTownPointParkwillbefreeofchargeandavailableonafirst-come,firstservedbasis PersonalwatercraftsarepermittedtofollowtheParadeofSailinto theDowntownNorfolkHarborunderthedirectionoftheU.S.CoastGuard. Water Events

Friday,June7

„ 12pm ParadeofSail

„ 1:30pm EmergencyResponseVesselBoatDemo

„ 2:45pm SearchandRescueDemo UnitedStatesCoastGuard

„ 3pm-6pm PublicVisitationaboardTallShips&CharacterVessels

„ 3:pm-8pm SplashCityGolfinpartnershipwithDick’sHouseofSports

„ 9:30pm DroneShow

Saturday,June8

„ 12pm-6pm PublicVisitationaboardTallShips&CharacterVessels

„ 12pm-8pm SplashCityGolfinpartnershipwithDick’sHouseofSports

„ 1:30pm SearchandRescueDemo UnitedStatesCoastGuard

„ 4:30pm TugMuster

„ 9:30pm Fireworks

Sunday,June9

„ 12pm-6pm PublicVisitationaboardTallShips&CharacterVessels

„ 12pm-6pm SplashCityGolfinpartnershipwithDick’sHouseofSports

„ 2:30pm UltimateBuild-A-BoatRace(FreemasonHarbor)

Norfolk Harborfest Choreographed Drone Show

The Harborfest Drone Show produced by Image Engineering from Baltimore, Maryland, is the highest-quality drone show in the region Prepare to be captivated as the sky becomes a canvas for high-quality imagery, data, and cutting-edge UAV technology, all harmonized to a nautical musical playlist. The show is scheduled for Friday at 9:30 pm and will be performed over the ElizabethRiver

Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular

The Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular presented by WAVY TV 10 and produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, is a breathtaking display of light synchronized to a booming musical score, filling the sky with an explosive celebration. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience as one of the largest waterfrontpyrotechnicsshowsontheEastCoastlightsuptheElizabethRiver at9:30pmonSaturday.

Ultimate Build-A-Boat Contest & Race

LocatedinFreemasonHarbor thethrillingUltimateBuild-A-BoatChallenge commencesonSaturday,June8th,asteamssetouttoconstructboatswithinnovative engineering and creative designs The ultimate test awaits on Sunday, June9that2:30pm,asteamsshowcasetheirboatingskillsinaheart-pounding racetothefinishline Thisisaneventthatpromisesexcitementandunforgettablemoments!

Splash City Golf with Dick’s House of Sports Makeasplashatthisuniquepop-updrivingrangeinTownPointPark!ParticipantswilltakeaimatafloatinggreenintheElizabethRiverwithgolfballsmade fromrecycledoystershells

For More Information

„ Harborfestwebsite:bit.ly/Harborfest2024

„ Call757-441-2345

IKEA Norfolk announces Military Discount this Summer

PressRelease

IKEA Norfolk is proud to announce a special military discount through July 31, 2024 This exclusive offer is available to all active duty, veterans, and their spouses in recognition of their dedication and service toourcountry ThroughJuly31,2024 militarypersonnel and their spouses can enjoy a 10% discount on all in-store purchases at IKEA Norfolk. This discount applies to IKEA’s wide range ofhigh-quality,affordableproducts,includingfurniture,homedécor,kitchenware,and more.

“At IKEA Norfolk, we deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by military members in our community,” Laurens Luiten, IKEA Norfolk Market Manager said. “This discountisourwayofsayingthankyouand supportingthemastheycreatecomfortable

andbeautifulhomesinHamptonRoads.”

Toredeemthediscount,militarymembers willbeaskedtopresentavalidmilitaryIDor proofofserviceatcheckout.

IKEA is committed to supporting those who serve and have served in the military Thissummer weinviteallmilitaryfamilies totakeadvantageofthisspecialdiscountand experiencethequalityandvaluethatIKEA isknownfor

For more information about the military discount and other IKEA initiatives, visit https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/ events/ikea-norfolk-va/ or speak with an IKEAco-workerin-store.

About IKEA: At IKEA, the vision is to create a better everyday life for the many peoplebyofferingwell-designed,functional and affordable high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment.

Create afamily-friendly charcuterie board

ByFamilyFeatures

Abeautifully designed charcuterie boardmay feel more like agrown-up treat,but with therightingredients,deliciousgrazingboardscanprovidefunandnutritionforthewholefamily

No matter what youcallit, charcuterieboards, grazingboardsand snack platters areall basically thesame thing.The boardsmakea trendy addition to anentertaining menu, but aplatter or kid-friendly boardcan be equallypleasing

What youserve on agrazingboard is entirely up to you. Most include aselection of meats and cheeses,and manyincorporate nuts,crackers,dips andjams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating yourownboardmeanstherereallyarenorules;youcan addjustaboutanythingyouwant.

Tobuildasuccessfulboard,keepthesetipsinmind: Choose ingredients and elements that don’trequire temperaturecontrol. The idea of agrazing board is that itsitsoutforawhile.Avoidanythingthatneedsrefrigeration,heatorwillloseitsshapeorflavorifitrestsforan extendedamountoftime

Selectasurfacelargeenoughtoholdavarietyoffood. Itcanbeasimplecuttingboardoracuteplatter.There’s nospecificsizerequirementbuterronthesideofbigger; spacingoutyourgoodiescanbemoreattractiveandless messy Usehigh-quality ingredients to ensureevery biteis

delicious andnutritious.While shopping,remember to lookfortheProduceforKidsandHealthyFamilyProject logosnexttofavoriteitemsintheproducedepartment,as addingtheseflavorfulfruitsandveggiestoyourcartcan helpmakeadifferenceinyourcommunity.

Buildyour boardaround atheme to addanextra element of fun. Usemini cookie cutters to makefun, kid-friendlyshapesoutofcheeseandmeats.Bemindful ofcolors;arainbowplatterisvibrantandappealing,and colorfulfruitsandveggiesofferastrongmixofnutrients. Remember it doesn’thavetobeelaborate.Classic favoritesareallyouneed.Evenkidfavoriteslikesections of mandarin oranges,carrotsticksand chocolatechips arefairgameforafamily-friendlyboard

Find moreideasfor creatingfamily-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject.com.

Taco TuesdayBoard

Recipe courtesyofHealthy Family Project’s

“Come GrazeWith Us”e-cookbook

„ Guacamole

„ Salsa

„ Queso

„ Hardandsofttacoshells

„ Groundturkey,seasonedandbrowned

„ Lettuce

„ Dicedtomatoes

„ Shreddedcheese

„ Choppedonions

„ Choppedpeppers

„ Sourcream „ Cilantro

„ Limewedges

On grazing boardorplatter, arrangeguacamole,salsa, queso, taco shells,ground turkey, lettuce,tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions,peppers,sourcream, cilantro andlimewedges

Weekend BreakfastBoard

RecipecourtesyofHealthy Family Project’s

“Come GrazeWithUs” e-cookbook

„ Hard-boiledeggs

„ Cookedsausagelinks

„ Minifrozenwaffles,toasted

„ Minifrozenpancakes,toasted

„ Minimuffins

„ Yogurt

„ Freshfruit

„ Syrup

„ Jelly

Ongrazingboardorplatter,arrangeeggs,sausagelinks, toastedwaffles,toastedpancakes,muffins,yogurt,fruit, syrupandjelly

theycan choose a plan thatworks fortheirneeds.

Recent graduate? Learn how TRICARE covers young adults

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va Did your child recently graduate high school or college? Congratulations! While you help them get ready for their next steps, you may have questions about how their health coverage optionswillchange

“When your child graduates or celebratescertainmilestonesorbirthdays,their TRICAREhealthplanoptionsmaychange,” said Debra Fisher a health system specialist with the TRICARE Policy & Programs Branch at the Defense Health Agency “It’s importanttogetfamiliarwiththeseoptions so your adult child can make an informed decisionabouttheirhealthcoverage.”

Here’s some information about how youngadultsmaycontinueusingTRICARE, basedontheirageandstudentstatus

Before age 21 and during college

Adult children can keep their existing TRICARE coverage until at least age 21. College students may continue using their existingplanuntilgraduatingorturningage 23—whichever comes first To qualify, they must be a full-time student at an approved institution of higher learning and their TRICAREsponsormustprovidemorethan 50%oftheirfinancialsupport.

Is your child leaving home for college? Moving is a TRICARE Qualifying Life

Event. This means that the college student and their family members may be eligible to change TRICARE plans within 90 days ofthemove

If your child is a college student, make sure to update their student status and address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) This is especially important if they’re moving to a different TRICARE region or outside of a Prime Service Area If you have questions about your child’s eligibility, contact your localIDcardoffice Learn more about going to college with TRICARE.

TRICARE Young Adult

If your child recently lost eligibility for TRICARE due to their age or graduation, theymayqualifyforTRICAREYoungAdult (TYA).Theymustmeetthesecriteria:

„ Unmarried adult child of an eligible uniformedservicesponsor

„ Atleastage21butunderage26

„ Noteligibletoenrollintheirownemployer-sponsoredhealthplan

„ NoteligibleforotherTRICAREplans

„ Notamemberoftheuniformedservices TYAcoverageincludesmedicalandpharmacybenefits Itmayalsocoverroutineeye exams but it doesn’t include other vision benefits or dental benefits. If your child wouldlikedentalorvisioncoverage,they’ll needtobuyitseparately

How your child gets care with TYA

dependsonwhethertheyenrollintheTYA

Prime Option or TYA Select Option. Eligibility for these options is based on sponsor statusandwherethechildlives

TYA has a monthly premium. Additional costsarebasedonenrollmentinTYAPrime or TYA Select, sponsor’s status, and where your child gets care. To learn more about these costs, check out the Compare Costs tool.

You can purchase TYA coverage at any time once your child shows as eligible in DEERS.

AsdetailedintheTRICAREYoungAdult ProgramFactSheet(onlineathttps://www tricare.mil/Publications/Fact-Sheets/ young_adult), adult children can also end TYAcoverageatanytime Certainchangesin status,liketurningage26orgettingmarried, willalsocausetheirTYAcoveragetoend.If youendTYAcoverage,youcan’tpurchaseit again for the next 12 months (This lockout doesn’tapplyifyougainaccesstoanemployer-sponsoredhealthplanorotherTRICARE coverage.)

Continued Health Care Benefit Program

Is your child or sponsor no longer eligible for TRICARE? They may choose to buy coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), which provides the same health and prescription coverage as TRICARE Select. CHCBP

is a premium-based plan Check out the CompareCoststooltolearnmore. CHCBP acts as a “bridge” between TRICARE and your next civilian health planforupto36months Ifyouradultchild choosestobuyCHCBPcoverage,theymust enrollwithin60daysoflosingeligibilityfor TRICARE.

Other coverage options

Not eligible for TYA or CHCBP? Your adult child may still have other coverage options They may also qualify for cost savingsoncertaincommercialhealthplans. For example, losing TRICARE coverage qualifiesyourchildtoenrollinaplaninthe Health Insurance Marketplace They can search the marketplace to find options that meetyourfamily’sbudgetandneeds

Depending on your child’s income, student status and state of residence they mayalsoqualifyforMedicaidcoverageorfor cost savings on certain commercial health plans

Be sure to research and discuss health plan options with your child, so they can chooseaplanthatworksfortheirneeds.Do you have questions about your adult child’s TRICAREplanoptionsorcoverage?Contact yourTRICAREregionalcontractor Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, andmore.