Flagship 06.24.2021

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 1

IN THIS ISSUE Tiger Team

With readiness of our forces a top priority, NMCCL’s COVID-19 Vaccine Tiger Teams are transporting the Pfizer vaccine to Marine Corps units, schoolhouses, and commands. PAGE A5 VOL. XX, 27, NO. NO.25, 28, XX,Norfolk, Norfolk,VA VA| flagshipnews.com | flagshipnews.com

June 24-June 30, 2021

Hospital corpsmen make their 123rd solar revolution

By MCSA Dalton Lowing

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) completes the first scheduled explosive event of Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 18. (MCSN JACKSON ADKINS)

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) completes first Full Ship Shock Trial event From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN — On June 18, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully completed the first scheduled explosive event as part of Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST).

The first-in-class aircraft carrier was designed using advanced computer modeling methods, testing, and analysis to ensure the ship is hardened to withstand battle conditions, and these shock trials provide data used in validating the shock hardness of the ship.

The U.S. Navy has conducted FSSTs over several decades, most recently for the Littoral Combat Ships USS Jackson (LCS 6) and USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) in 2016; as well as for the San Antonio-class amphibious trans-

port dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in 2008, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in 1990, and the guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) in 1987.

The last aircraft carrier to execute FSST was USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in 1987.

The Navy is conducting the shock trial testing in accordance with Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 9072.2, and as mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016.

Ford’s shock trials are being conducted off the East Coast of the United States, within a narrow schedule that complies with environmental mitigation requirements, respecting known migration patterns of marine life in the test area. The Navy also has employed extensive protocols throughout FSST to ensure the safety of military and

civilian personnel participating in the testing evolution.

Ford is the newest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. The ship closed out a successful 18-month Post Delivery Test & Trials period in April, during which the crew completed all required testing, accomplished planned improvements and maintenance ahead of schedule, and learned valuable lessons to increase the reliability of Ford-Class systems. At the same time, the ship also served as the sole East Coast platform for conducting carrier qualifications.

Upon completion of FSST later this summer, Ford will enter a Planned Incremental Availability for six months of modernization, maintenance, and repairs prior to its operational employment.

ATLANTIC OCEAN — This year the Hospital Corpsman rate will celebrate 123 years of continued excellence in saving and maintaining Sailors’ lives throughout the entire fleet.

The history of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps officially started on June 17, 1898, when President William McKinley signed a bill into law creating the first enlisted U.S. Navy medical career field. At that time the Spanish American War was brewing on the horizon and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps needed well trained medical professionals. Since that day, hospital corpsmen have served on every continent, on every warship and submarine on every ocean alongside their fellow Sailors and Marines.

“The corpsman birthday is an important day to acknowledge the traditions and heritage of being a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Randy Cunningham, one of USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) independent duty corpsmen.

“The need for this is ever growing with respect to the newer generation of corpsmen.”

“There are corpsmen that do not have the experience of active deployments and the trials that come along with them,” stated Cunningham. “Recognition of corpsmen history and accomplishments offers the chance to see what perspectives Sailors should view in their line of work and hopefully add a bit of motivation to daily routines.”

In the past, many corpsmen learned their skills on the battlefield alongside U.S. Marines.

Today, most corpsman learn their skills from the experiences of these Sailors.

“Now there is a middle generation of Sailors, myself included, who have taken direct training from the Sailors who earned their knowledge the hard way,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Wellman, an aviation medical technician aboard Ford. “It is our job to pass down the lessons learned and uphold the spirit of dedication to service that has made us the most decorated rate in the Navy.”

Hospital Corpsman have served courageously on ships and valiantly on the battlefields of every conflict, caring for injured Sailors and Marines. To date, there have been 22 Medal of Honor recipients from the hospital corps; this is half of all the Medals of Honor received by members of the Department of Turn to Cropsmen, Page 7

June is PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month: Not all scars are visible

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, an observance intended to raise public awareness about issues related to the disorder, reduce ITS Turn to PTSD, Page 7

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, an observance intended to raise public awareness about issues related to the disorder, reduce ITS stigma, and help to ensure that those suffering from the disorder have access to proper care. (ALLISON CONTI)

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Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle recently hosted Vice Adm. Amaury Calheiros and Rear Adm. Rogerio Rodrigues, Brazilian naval attachés.

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Innovative vehicle maintenance

Marine Corps System Command’s Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell collaborated with 1st Supply Battalion and industry partners to develop a 3D-printed metal steering wheel removal device.

PAGE A4

NIWC Atlantic Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic recently supported a successful 5G demonstration outside the nation’s capital showcasing the underlying technology and key applications of the Marine Corps Logistics Command. PAGE A3

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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Norfolk Naval Shipyard participates in innovative HACKtheMACHINE challenge

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH — At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), the workforce looks to push the boundaries of technology and ensure a more efficient Navy. Recently, representatives from America’s Shipyard gathered virtually with hundreds of others to solve some of the Navy’s most high-tech challenges in a prize challenge hosted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) called “HACKtheMACHINE.” The competition, broken down into three tracks, asked participants across the Navy enterprise, as well as those in the public and private sectors, to tackle challenges in maritime cybersecurity, data science, and additive manufacturing (AM) over the course of four days. The challenges were set to promote technological advancement and foster teamwork, strengthening the Navy through contributions from all who participated.

“This is the Navy’s premier digital experience,” said Fathom5 CEO Zachary Staples, who partnered with NAVSEA on the event.

“The Navy maintains many digital threads interwoven to create national security for the nation and its allies. HACKtheMACHINE is an opportunity to take some of the problems the Navy is wrestling with and crowdsource solutions where it can benefit from a collective knowledge.”

This was the sixth iteration of HACKtheMACHINE with hundreds of participants joining from across the globe. NNSY was able to play a huge part in this year’s event thanks to the NAVSEA 04T sponsoring of Track 3, entitled “Heavy Metal.”

“We worked with NAVSEA 05T, NNSY, and Fathom5 to develop Track 3 to solve our maintenance challenges, seeking solutions head-on,” said NAVSEA04TI AM Program Lead Dalia McGlone.

“Heavy Metal is a hybrid virtual and physical challenge that allows the Navy to tap into a wider and more diverse base of advanced manufacturing in this country and beyond,” said Staples. “Teams are offered the opportunity to produce a metallic 3-D printed part, converting an existing 2-D drawing into a 3-D technical package.

The 3-D printed parts will be tested and evaluated to determine who the winner is.

This challenge is tied to a real supply shortfall our Navy currently faces in our shipyards and the winning print could result in a contract with the Navy to meet those

demands.”

“Over the last several months, we’ve worked with an amazing team of talented individuals, all looking to bring innovation to our shipyard and beyond,” said Jessica Roberts, NNSY Innovation Program AM Lead . “Several people have played an integral role in bringing this idea to life, from Code 950 Non-Nuclear Continuous Training and Development Leader (CTDL) Jon Simmons, who first submitted the metal part for consideration, to the engineering direction to Chief Engineer Mark Everett, to the engineering support of Steve Popelka in Code 270 (Non-nuclear Electrical Engineering) and Frank Fatico in Code 277 (Non-Nuclear Power and Control Systems).”

“Heavy Metal” was broken down into one main challenge and two bonus competitions to provide a variety of ways teams could contribute. The main challenge, entitled “Light It Up,” invited teams to recreate a bracket that connects a light fixture to a stanchion. The part was originally produced in 1974 from aluminum alloy and teams were provided 2-D drawings that they could use to help develop their 3-D technical design package (TDP). Once their packages were submitted, teams would take time after the initial four days of HACKtheMACHINE to metal print the aluminum parts and submit them to undergo vibration and shock testing.

“Our efforts with HACKtheMACHINE greatly aligns with the Navy Additive Manufacturing Part Identification Exercise (NAMPIE) where we identify components that could be printed and installed shipboard or to support availability maintenance,” said McGlone. “This initiative was developed by NAVSEA to find ways to 3-D print parts for shipboard use — greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to acquire obsolete or long-lead-time parts. We will expand this across the naval shipyards and look for ways to bring additive manufacturing directly into the shops servicing our Fleet.”

Track 3 recently finalized shock and vibration testing and the winners were announced June 2 during a livestream event. Elementum 3D took third place for an aluminum Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) design, DM3D Technology took second place for their Direct Energy Deposition (DED) stainless steel submission, and I24 Supply Company took first place for their Direct Metal Laser Melting

As part of HACKtheMACHINE’s Track 3 entitled,“Heavy Metal,” teams were challenged to recreate a bracket that connects a light fixture to a stanchion. (COURTESY PHOTO)

(DMLM) Titanium print. In addition, the Naval Post Graduate School and PrintParts were acknowledged as Design Inspiration Awardees for their exceptional documentation and novel designs.

“NAVSEA was impressed with the diversity of solutions received and the performance of all of the parts during testing.

Integrating this capability into our shipyards could help us exceed our commander’s objectives,” said McGlone. “We’ve been very excited to see all the designs that teams have come up with. This is definitely a huge win not only for the participants but for the NAVSEA AM group. At the Navy’s discretion, the winner(s) could be awarded a contract for the procurement of these parts. These parts could greatly benefit our naval team as a whole and keep us surging forward into an innovative future.”

Innovations created through HACKtheMACHINE could greatly benefit the future of the Navy and its goal to bring innovative processes and technologies directly those who need it. “At sea, if I have a part fail —

I need to be able to print as much of that part as I can while at sea,” said Rear Adm. Jason Lloyd, U.S. Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Chief Engineer and Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration and Naval Engineering. “If we are able to print the parts on the ship or submarine, we don’t need to store parts that we don’t normally use, freeing up space for other vital components. In addition, schedule-wise it’s a benefit to be able to print what I need when I need it — so we take care of what’s broken and get everything back in working order.”

“This is a pivotal time in history to take these technologies and move them faster from the idea and concept to an actual product in the hands of our people,” said Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research. “Agility and speed are critical because technology is racing at a feverish pace. Our ability to consume that technology has slowed down and that’s not the case in other parts of the world. We’ve got to reinvent, reimagine our processes and changes.”

NUWC Division Newport selects senior technologist for Acoustic Signal Processing

From Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. — David Pistacchio of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport Sensors and Sonar Systems Department and resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island, has been selected as senior technologist for Acoustic Signal Processing.

In this role, Pistacchio will be the primary Navy advisor and consultant in the discipline of active and passive acoustic signal processing applied to research and development programs nationally and internationally.

Pistacchio has been serving as the Undersea Sensors Technology senior scientist technical manager since 2017, where he has led acoustic superiority efforts for the Virginia and Columbia-class platforms and SSN(X).

He also focused on technical innovations associated with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Task Force Ocean project, and new processing algorithms related to acoustic transients, underwater communication, and active sonar waveform design.

Over his 39-year career, Pistacchio has served in a variety of key leadership positions within the undersea domain, including distinguished scientist/engineer, deputy technical director for Technical Excellence, and director of Engineering for the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department. He also served as the NAVSEA technical warrant holder for Submarine Sonar Systems, and has provided systems engineering support to NAVSEA, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, ONR, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Office of Naval Intelligence.

He has earned numerous awards and accolades, including the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Vice Adm. Charles B. Martell-David Bushnell Award, the NDIA Undersea Warfare Bronze Medal, the NUWC Technical Director’s Award for Technical Excellence, and a Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Pistacchio earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, and a master’s degree

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in engineering acoustics from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869.

Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.

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David Pistacchio of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport’s Sensors and Sonar Systems Department was recently selected as senior technologist for acoustic signal processing. (DAVID STOEHR)

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 3

New Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) team members pose for a photo with Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson following New Employee Orientation. (ALDO ANDERSON)

NNSY’s People Development Pillar Team moves the needle while strengthening the workforce

By Allison Conti

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

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

Under Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson’s leadership, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) has embraced the motto “One Mission — One Team.” The People Development Pillar Team is working to strengthen the NNSY team to allow the shipyard to meet its mission today and in the future.

To achieve this, the People Development Team has implemented four focus initiatives.

These initiatives are comprised of short-tomedium range goals that include: selecting the best candidates who align with NNSY’s mission, ensuring a smooth onboarding and indoctrination for new employees, implementing defined developmental pathways to ensure the workforce reaches full performance, and

improving leadership development.

For the first initiative of selecting the best candidates who align with NNSY’s mission, the team examined how the shipyard currently recruits and hires employees and compared hiring practices to those both inside the NAVSEA enterprise and at private shipyards. In addition, the shipyard has partnered with a contracting partner to bolster recruitment efforts in Virginia and North Carolina.

The pillar team is working to ensure a smoother onboarding and indoctrination process for new employees. To achieve this goal, the team introduced and trained NNSY’s Administrative Services department

(Code 1102) on a Pre-Recruitment Management tool in Total Workforce Management Services (TWMS).

The team is also looking to implement defined developmental pathways to ensure the NNSY workforce reaches full performance. To do this, the team is hoping to establish a career development center of excellence that manages Individual Development Plans (IDPs), career paths, and counseling. The team finalized and published a NNSY Workforce Development Strategy mid-May and began defining career counseling roles and responsibilities towards the end of the month.

Finally, the People Development team is improving leadership development for employees by making it easier to know what leadership training they should take at different points in their careers. To accomplish this goal, the team has compiled and reviewed a list of existing NNSY leadership development trainings.

Each step the People Development Pillar Team makes helps to move the needle towards a fully developed workforce capable of meeting NNSY’s mission today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

and secure connectivity with other networks.

Once completed, it will deploy to MCLBA as a private 5G network used by Marine Force Storage Command (MFSC) facilities.

“Through host testing and experimentation of 5G technologies, this Smart Warehouse project will enable MARCORLOGCOM the ability to enhance operations and maximize inventory management,” said Harry Bailey, director of Logistics and Modernization at MFSC. “Ultimately, that means more accuracy, automation, asset visibility and workforce development.”

The DOD announced last October $600 million for 5G experimentation and testing at five military installations, which represented the world’s largest full-scale 5G testing for dual-use applications. While MARCORLOGCOM and NIWC Atlantic are involved in testing smart warehousing, other sites across the nation have been running 5G-enabled pilots for things

like operational mixed reality, distributed command and control systems, and dynamic spectrum sharing via radar.

DOD has partnered with local industry and academia at all five military bases, which were selected based on their ability to support mature fiber, wireless infrastructure and dynamic spectrum sharing. Efforts focus on large-scale experimentation and prototyping of dual-use 5G technology that will provide high speeds and quicker response times, connect many more wireless devices than current wireless technology, and enable leap-ahead capabilities for the U.S. military.

Last October’s announcement builds on the DOD’s previously announced 5G prototyping efforts and is part of a 5G development roadmap representing the first tranche of awards on 5G experimentation and testing, with additional sites to be announced in the future.

NIWC Atlantic’s work in 5G leads to successful DOD demonstration

By Steve Ghiringhelli

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Public Affairs

ARLINGTON — Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic recently supported a successful 5G demonstration outside the nation’s capital showcasing the underlying technology and key applications of the Marine Corps Logistics Command (MARCORLOGCOM)’s 5G-enabled “Smart Warehouse” testbed located at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLBA).

The goal of the event was to validate three differentiating pillars of 5G being used at MARCORLOGCOM in Albany, Georgia — high-speed/high-performance; ultra-low latency; and machine-to-machine/Internet of Things enablement.

“We are attempting to do nothing short of revolutionizing how logistics is accomplished within Marine Corps warehouse operations,” said Scott Brinson, NIWC Atlantic’s principal investigator for the MCLBA 5G Smart Warehouse experiment.

“We believe a key enabler will be in establishing a 5G communications fabric.”

During the staged May 25-26 test event, the prototype demonstrated very high download speeds and ultra-low latencies capable of enhancing future Marine Corps warehouse operations in autonomous vehicles and machine learning for inventory tracking and augmented/virtual reality applications for improved workforce efficiency.

“It was a rewarding experience to be able to show our progress to stakeholders on a 5G prototype that’s designed to handle the extreme bandwidth demands of today’s and tomorrow’s smart systems,” said John Larson, the NIWC Atlantic program manager for the MCLBA 5G Smart Warehouse experiment who led a team of 5G experts from multiple federal agencies.

“Thanks to a vast team that includes many federal and industry partners and involved over a year’s worth of work, this

(COURTESY GRAPHIC)

demonstration offered a glimpse into cutting-edge 5G infrastructure that could exponentially improve operations with automated warehousing, zero-trust architectures and advanced multiple-in-multiple-out antenna systems,” Larson said.

It was the first progress demonstration of the Department of Defense’s “5G to NextG Initiative” (5GI), which is overseen by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (OUSD) for Research and Engineering (R&E) and is intended to ensure U.S. leadership in 5G and beyond, according to Dr. Joe Evans, OUSD R&E principal director of 5G at the Pentagon.

“Advanced telecommunications is critical to the U.S. economy and our way of networked warfighting,” Evans said during the demonstration.

The $90 million MCLBA Smart Warehouse prototype was designed to comply with DOD specifications for native security

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Staff Sgt. Kyle Owens, a motor transportation chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, shows the wire housing found inside that steering wheel column of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR). (USMC GUNNERY SGT MICHELE HUNT)

Marines create innovative vehicle maintenance tool using additive manufacturing

By Morgan Blackstock

Marine Corps Systems Command Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO — Marine Corps System Command’s Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell collaborated with 1st Supply Battalion and industry partners to develop a 3D-printed metal steering wheel removal device. This innovative solutions helps solve a common problem among vehicle maintenance Marines.

“We’re always talking about how Marines move toward the sound of gunfire,” said Capt. Matthew Audette, AMOC project officer at MCSC. “If we open up that aperture a little bit, we can say Marines move toward the sound of problems, and they solve those problems. Additive manufacturing lowers the barrier to entry for physically making that solution.”

Marines need to remove the steering wheel columns for the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement and Logistics Vehicle System Replacement when conducting vehicle maintenance. The removal tool that comes with their maintenance kit, a 10-way slide hammer, requires users to exert a great deal of pressure on the steering wheel column. This often leads to the steering wheel being broken or damaged.

“There are tools that already remove the steering wheel,” said Audette. “But they have a high percentage of breaking the steering wheel in the process.”

Once a steering wheel is damaged, Marines must order a replacement part.

Typically, the lead-time for a replacement part is 25 days, taking the vehicle out of

service. With additive manufacturing, Marines can create solutions in a fraction of the time. Tools produced through additive manufacturing, like the steering wheel removal device, help decrease maintenance time and increase readiness.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Owens, a motor transportation chief with 1st Marine Logistics Group, designed and developed the first steering wheel removal device due to sheer frustration. The innovative solution won him an Operational Agility Team award for the Innovation Challenge.

“I was a young corporal working on trucks, and I was tired of getting chewed out for breaking the wheel,” said Owens. “I was bored at lunch with my buddy one day and we just started brainstorming a better way we could get the steering wheel off without breaking it every time.”

Owens developed his initial prototype in 2012 using scrap metal and washers he found at his motor pool. Last year, he had the opportunity to collaborate with his unit’s innovation officer to create a prototype of his device using additive manufacturing.

“My biggest [concern] was figuring out if there was a way to make more, so that the lance corporals and corporals under me wouldn’t have to deal with some of the same challenges I did,” said Owens. “If I can help make their life easier, that’s all the matters, because I know what it’s like to be that young Marine getting in trouble for breaking something.”

Owens collaborated with Cpl. Aiden Bemis, a digital manufacturing engineer with 1st Supply Battalion, and engineers with AMOC to design and print the tool.

They developed multiple iterations of the prototype in polymer before transitioning to metal.

“We began developing the prototypes in polymer because those are the typical 3D printers across the Marine Corps enterprise,” said Kristin Holzworth, AMOC’s chief scientist at MCSC. “It’s an economical and affordable approach to prototyping while you are refining the design.”

After Bemis completed a form, fit and function check of the polymer tool, the team proceeded to the metal component development. The Marine Corps worked with industry partners specializing in additive manufacturing metal to create the final prototype. The metal printer takes about a day to print each batch of steering wheel removal devices and yields 36 devices per batch.

AMOC facilitated the arrangement between 1st Supply Battalion, MCSC and two industry partners for final approval of the tool. After the prototype was refined and ready to print, Marines sent the design to AMOC for approval and inclusion in MCSC’s additive manufacturing digital repository.

“We have an [Additive Manufacturing] Part Approval form we request Marines complete,” said Holzworth. “We ask them to complete a risk assessment and identify which of the four color-coded bins, detailed in Marine Corps Order 4700.4, the [additive manufacturing] part best aligns with. The steering wheel removal device was submitted as a green bin component, meaning it is approved for use and production, which we verified.”

AMOC approved the steering wheel removal device as an enterprise-wide Marine Corps solution. Marines interested in printing and using their own can find the tool’s blueprints in MCSC’s digital repository.

The repository is a secure website where Marines can upload their part designs for approval and share with their fellow Marines across the globe. It has approximately 500 replacement parts designed by Marines, said Audette.

Advanced manufacturing provides the Marine Corps with additional flexibility.

This manufacturing method encompasses additive manufacturing, welding, laser-cutting, drone-building and other services that meet the warfighter’s needs in a timely fashion.

Traditionally, Marines were confined to the equipment and resources on hand.

Advanced Manufacturing allows units to print items as needed. “[Advanced manufacturing] supports Force Design 2030 as it lightens the load logistically,” said Audette. “As we put additive manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing capabilities into the maintenance battalions, we can go through and design one-off parts based on a hyper-specific need that we only need one or two of.”

The Marine Corps established AMOC in 2019. AMOC provides 24/7 3D printing help desk support for the fleet and program offices. They also manage the part approval pipeline for ground equipment replacement parts created by Marines.

AMOC conducts thorough testing, experimentation and analyses to find new ways to leverage advanced manufacturing technology. Fleet Marines can reach AMOC at Parts_Helpdesk@usmc.mil or by calling (703) 432-3966. If Marines want to share an idea or view the digital repository, visit http://mm.md5.net/.

“AMOC is essentially the Corps’ on-call nerds,” said Capt. Audette. “There is not a lot of expertise throughout the Marine Corps in advanced manufacturing because it is a newer technology. As people are becoming more familiar with it, we are the on-call experts for anybody in the Marine Corps to reach out and tap into.”

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 5

HN Denisse Estrada-Suarez administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during a Tiger Team visit to Marine Forces Special Operations Command. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Where there’s a Tiger Team there’s a COVID vaccine

By Riley Eversull

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — With readiness of our forces a top priority, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune is making every effort to vaccinate Sailors and Marines. NMCCL’s COVID-19 Vaccine Tiger Teams are transporting the Pfizer vaccine to Marine Corps units, schoolhouses, and commands.

“We are making the vaccine accessible to distant parts of base,” said Tiger Team lead Hospital Corpsman Third Class Kimberly Glanville. “This is efficient for units that may be deploying frequently. Also, when people see their leaders or coworkers getting shots, it encourages others to go ahead and get their shot right now.”

Glanville, who has been a part of vaccine detail since January 2021, explains that the

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Tiger Teams carefully transport the vaccine in cold storage to various sites about three times a week. The teams consist of eight to 12 people including corpsmen, nurses, and an attending physician provided by the selected site.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there about the vaccine, and having this responsibility has provided me the knowledge and experience to help those who have questions,”

explained Glanville. ”As a health care professional throughout this pandemic, I have seen that what we are doing here on Camp Lejeune has an impact everywhere, even beyond base.”

Approximately 50-150 vaccines are administered at each Tiger Team visit. Recently, the team set up clinic at Marine Forces Special Operation Command, vaccinating more than 130 people with either their first or second dose.

NMCCL continues to offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the COVID-19 Vaccine Site at Wallace Creek Fitness Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Active duty can get their shots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Department of Defense employees and TRICARE beneficiaries ages 12 and older can get vaccinated Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Submarine Forces (SUBFOR), left, and Vice Adm. Amaury Calheiros, Brazilian naval attaché, participate in an award ceremony at SUBFOR Headquarters.

(MC2 CAMERON STONER)

Commander, Submarine Forces hosts Brazilian delegation From Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK — Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle recently hosted Vice Adm. Amaury Calheiros and Rear Adm. Rogerio Rodrigues, Brazilian naval attachés.

The engagement provided the structure and goals for steady mutual collaboration, as well as, an understanding of submarine operations, training and safety. While in Hampton Roads, the delegation met with Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, Fleet Forces Command and toured USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and the Submarine Learning Facility.

During the visit, the Brazilian delegation presented Caudle with the Naval Merit Medal in the degree of Grand Officer. The Naval Merit Order Merit award was created in 1934 and is the highest honor granted by the Brazilian Navy. The award recognizes Navy military personnel who have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties and occasionally, military and civilian corporations and individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the Brazilian Navy. The President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as the grandmaster of the order of Naval Merit, decided to admit Caudle to the order of grand officer.

“United States is our strongest democratic partner in the hemisphere. We value our long-

standing partnership, and we look forward to taking new and important steps to expand our military cooperation,” said Calheiros.

“Our Navies enjoy longstanding ties, and defense cooperation between them includes a wide range of partnership activities, such as exercises, training, counter-proliferation and counter-narcotics cooperation, humanitarian assistance, reciprocal visits, personnel exchanges, and the sharing of information and expertise. The relationship between the U.S. and Brazilian Navies has never been stronger or more important, and the Brazilian Navy recognizes the importance of Vice Adm. Caudle on the leadership of the U.S. Submarine Forces during his command, in which the engagement between our Forces

got even stronger, professional, and reliable.

I look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the months and years to come.”

Caudle expressed gratitude to Brazil for their continued partnership and was honored to receive the award.

“Brazil is an important partner for the U.S. Submarine Force, and we cherish our lasting partnership,” said Caudle. “Our forces have trained together and worked side-byside to develop the cooperative relationships necessary to advance both countries’ interests. Together, we will continue to take on challenges as we work toward achieving our shared objectives to improve our combined undersea force effectiveness. I am humbled by this recognition as it continues to illustrate and enhance the ties of friendship and interoperability between both countries.”

The U.S. Submarine Force provides the training, logistical plans, manpower and operational support to maintain the ability of the Force to respond to both peacetime and wartime demands while ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains undersea superiority into the future.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 7

Cropsmen from Page 1

the Navy. There have been 174 Navy Crosses, 31 Distinguished Service Medals, 946 Silver Stars and 1582 Bronze stars awarded to Hospital Corpsman since the establishment of the hospital corps. Additionally, there have been 14 naval vessels that have been named for hospital corpsman, and several hospitals and clinics also bear the names of courageous individuals that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.

Wellman said the corpsman birthday means a lot to him because being a corpsman is what he loves to do. For him, being able to take care of patients from shore to sea, Marines, Army or Air Force, anyone really, fulfills his purpose.

“There is no other rate in the Navy that can afford you that kind of opportunity to positively influence Sailors’ lives,” declared Wellman. “I absolutely love being a corpsman and would not trade it for the world. This is what I’m good at and I work hard to live up to the expectations of the Sailors under my care.”

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Phillip Jean-Gilles, Ford’s medical department leading chief petty officer said that after 21 years in the Navy the COVID-19 pandemic has presented the most difficult challenges he has faced in his career and that this year’s corpsman birthday has ushered in a time of great celebration for him and his crew.

“I’ve served in the most extreme of circumstances and I’ve seen death in the field of battle, but COVID-19 was not an enemy with a face.

None of us could see what was coming our way,” said Jean-Gilles. “The pandemic put an extraordinary strain on all of us and to be able to celebrate the anniversary our rate after such a time of struggle is truly amazing.”

Jean-Gilles explained how this year’s corpsman birthday is a special time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past and the contribution to future greatness, as the present is a distinctive time in the corpsman rate.

“We are making history right now with all the hard work we’ve done through this past year,” said Jean-Gilles. “We are a rate built on heritage, and now it’s time to continue carrying on that legacy.”

PTSD from Page 1

stigma, and help to ensure that those suffering from the disorder have access to proper care.

PTSD can occur after an individual has been through a traumatic experience. The event made the individual feel unsafe to potentially being life-threatening, or that the life and well-being of others was being threatened. Some examples of traumatic experiences include being in a combat zone, sexual trauma, terrorist attacks, physical violence, natural disasters, life-threatening illnesses, and serious accidents. According to the National Center for PTSD, six out of every 10 men and five out of every 10 women will experience at least one trauma in their life and seven or eight out of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their life. About 8 million adults experience PTSD during a given year.

According to the Department of the Navy’s Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DONCEAP), symptoms of PTSD include: having nightmares, vivid memories of flashback of the traumatic experience, feeling endangered, experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, feeling disconnected or numb, and having trouble sleeping.

PTSD awareness is important for Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) community as the shipyard workforce includes a number of veterans, a population that has an increased chance of experiencing PTSD, especially if they have served in combat areas. According to the National Center for PTSD, 11-20 percent of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, 12 percent of veterans who served in the Gulf War, and 15 percent of those who served in the Vietnam War experience PTSD. “PTSD in veterans often leads to suicide where the suicide rate is 50 percent higher than those who did not serve in the military,” said Veterans Employee Readiness Group (VET-ERG) President Nicholas Boyle. “The challenges of adjustment and transition, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Janae Smart, from East Patchogue, New York, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) medical department, serves cake during a ceremony honoring the hospital corpsman birthday. (MC2 KALLYSTA M CASTILLO)

and physical disabilities all need to be addressed, especially as these things result in barriers to education, employment, health care, and overall individual well-being. Many of these needs are being met by a combination of different veteran-serving nonprofits and Veteran Affairs (VA) support. If you suffer from, or think you may suffer from, PTSD, seek help from the command, DONCEAP, the VA, or friends and family before you let your battle become collateral.”

However, PTSD is not a disorder that is exclusive to veterans and those who have served in the military. NNSY’s Individuals with disABILITIES Employee Resource Group (IWD-ERG) Chairperson Daniel Freeh said, “trauma has happened and can happen right here at home and at NNSY. Keep that in mind as you go through your day and interact with so many people; anyone of them could be suffering and you would not even know it.”

Sexual trauma and violence often cause PTSD in victims. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), 94 percent of women who are sexually assaulted experience PTSD during the two weeks following and 30 percent of women report symptoms of PTSD nine months later. NNSY’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Shalise Bates-Pratt said, “It is normal for survivors of sexual violence to have feelings of fear, stress or anxiety. Often times, how long a victim might experience this has to do with factors like how sensitively their report is handled by those they tell initially, the strength of their support system, age, previous trauma experiences, and severity of assault. However, if these feelings of anxiety stretch longer than a few weeks, and is severe enough to affect every day work, family and social life, we always have our victim advocates recommend that survivors seek out professional medical and mental health services, as their post-trauma anxiety may have morphed into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at that point.

Seeking help is a sign of strength. It shows resilience to know when you need extra help and to ask for it. Being sexually assaulted is

not your fault, but much like a physical injury from an accident, it is still your responsibility to seek help if you need it.”

There are a number of resources available to those who may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD. The primary treatment for the disorder is counseling. According to DONCEAP, “counseling can help you understand your thoughts and learn ways to cope with your feelings. This can help you feel more in control and get you back to the activities of your life.” DONCEAP offers free, confidential counseling and can refer employees to therapists in their area.

If an employee has thoughts about hurting themselves or someone else, he or she should call 911, 1-800-273-TALK, or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

PTSD is not a life sentence. There are treatments for the disorder that allow the symptoms to become less intense or stop them from coming back. Treatment can help someone experiencing PTSD reconnect with their family, friends, and community.

NNSY employees are encouraged to seek treatment if needed and to familiarize themselves with PTSD. Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson’s Command Philosophy encourages all employees to “demonstrate humility and respect to our teammates,” and the shipyard’s C.O.R.E. values call on its employees to Care for and Respect one another. By being informed about PTSD, NNSY team members can look out for each other making us a stronger team driving one mission.

“It’s important to remember when one of us is hurt through harmful words or behaviors, the team is weakened, and when the team is weakened, our ability to serve our Navy and nation is compromised,” said Wolfson. “Building One Team starts with us as caring and committed individuals invested in our team’s success. For us to be successful, it must be a way of life in all aspects of our work.” ***** Resources Available to NNSY Sailors and Civilian Employees Struggling with PTSD: Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline: All Safe Helpline services are anonymous, confi-

dential, 24/7 and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault. To reach the Safe Helpline, call 1-877-995-5247 or visit safehelpline.org. Resources include online confidential helpline and chat rooms, a free self-care app, information, resources and referrals to local programs.

Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program: Confidential free services including counseling, online programs, worklife services, and more can be found on the DONCEAP website magellanascend.com or by calling 1-844-DONCEAP (366-2327).

DONCEAP can also refer employees to local therapists.

Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC): Available for active duty Sailors, Reservists, and dependents. The local FFSC has a Counseling and Advocacy Program, which provides confidential, short-term individual, marital, couples, and child counseling, group counseling and workshops. NNSY’s local FFSC is Navy Medical Center Portsmouth which can be reached at 757-953-7801.

Military Crisis Line: The Military Crisis Line connects a person in need to a trained counselor with a single phone call or click of a mouse. It is confidential and immediate help is available 24/7 at no cost to active duty, National Guard, and reserve members along with their families and friends. In the United States, call 1-800-2738255 then press 1 or access the online chat by texting 838255.

National Center for PTSD: The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research and educational center on PTSD and traumatic stress. Learn more by visiting https://www.ptsd. va.gov/index.asp.

YWCA of South Hampton Roads 24/7 Hotline: Many local sexual assault and domestic crisis centers offer free or low-cost counseling options for survivors. The local crisis center in Hampton Roads is YWCA. To reach them 24/7, call 757-251-0144 to schedule crisis short-term and long-term adult or children’s counseling for victims, significant others, and friends and family affected by sexual assault.

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 1

The best decision of my life Damage Controlman 1st Class Casey Dean was born and raised in Salt Lake City. It was there that he and his two best friends decided to embark on a life-changing journey into the U.S. Navy. PAGE 6

Recruits perform the forearm planks portion of their final physical fitness assessment inside Freedom Hall at Recruit Training Command. (MC1 SPENCER FLING)

Navy’s 2021 PFA cycle window starts July 1 – Updates you need to know

By MC1 Mark D. Faram

Chief Of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — The Navy’s single 2021 Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) Cycle starts July 1 and will continue until the end of the calendar year.

Navy personnel officials confirmed the resumption of testing while releasing additional guidance and program updates June 16 in NAVADMIN 129⁄21. The service has not conducted an official PFA cycle since 2019, excusing both 2020 cycles to mitigate Sailor exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

As previously announced, this year’s single cycle will see the plank exercise replace curl ups as an exercise. For this initial cycle, plank scores will not count towards individual scores, however officials will use the results further validate the scoring tables.

A 2000-meter row will also premier as one of the cardio options.

This latest update announces new rules for pregnant and postpartum Sailors by giving them extra time to recover from childbirth without having to take the Navy’s PFA for the record.

Mask guidance has been updated to reflect the Department of Defense and Centers for Disease Control’s recent updates for vaccinated personnel. Also, the message announced that the Navy’s revamped Physical Readiness Information Management database, known as PRIMS 2, will go live at the beginning of September.

Sailors are reminded that everyone deemed qualified to test, must do so on the

upcoming cycle. This means that no exemptions will be allowed for those who scored excellent or above from the previous 2019 cycle.

The reason is that DoD has long-mandated all services conduct fitness testing at least annually. Since there has been no on-the-record PFA’s since 2019 the Navy is unable to honor those exemptions because of this time limit.

However, going forward, those who score high enough on the upcoming 2021 PFA will be exempt from calendar year 2022’s first cycle.

Failure rules are altered for this cycle, too.

Because both 2020 cycles were excused, the normal consecutive failure rules will not apply for Sailors who fail 2021’s PFA the message says.

This means if a Sailor failed Cycle 2 in 2019 and fails the upcoming 2021 PFA, it will not count as two consecutive PFA failures. Going forward, though, any Sailor who fails their 2021 PFA and the first cycle in 2022, will be subject to adverse administrative action.

The postpartum policy update, effective July 1, increases to a full year the allowed healing after the birth of a child. This is a three-month increase over the previously allotted nine months. The exemption applies the body composition assessment (BCA) as well as the physical readiness test (PRT).

“This change will allow postpartum Sailors time to fully recover in a healthy manner before being required to adhere to fitness and body composition standards,”

Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr., the chief of naval personnel, wrote in the message.

PFA exemption for pregnant Sailors starts once a healthcare provider confirms their status. After that, Sailors are excused from the PFA until 12 months after giving birth.

Still, the Navy wants to make sure these Sailors get back in shape safely.

That is why at the six-to-nine month point in their postpartum exemption, all Sailors will take an unofficial “Wellness PFA” to gauge their fitness level. Assessments will be scheduled by command fitness leaders once a Sailor has obtained medical clearance from their healthcare provider.

Those not cleared for the Wellness PFA will be re-evaluated until fit enough to participate.

“The intent of this new policy is to assist postpartum Sailors return to PFA standards and provide [commanding officers] visibility on the health and fitness level.,” Nowell wrote in the message.

Those who pass their Wellness PFA can return to participating in command or unit physical training. At this point, they are still exempt from the PFA until the end of their 12-month recovery period.

Failing the wellness assessment will not count against the Sailor but will trigger additional postpartum nutrition and fitness resources to assist their postpartum recovery.

The rollout of the new Physical Readiness Information System — known as PRIMS-2 will be available by September.

Though starting the fitness cycle without the new database fully online isn’t optimal,

USS Laboon conducts PASSEX with British Royal Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy

Carrier Strike Group ONE arrives in Hawaiian Islands operating area

By MC1 Felicito Rustique CSG-1 Public Affairs

British Royal Navy Cmdr. Vincent Owen, Defender’s commanding officer. “All three of these major combatants showing how effective they are when working together is another strong display of the combined strength of our close partnerships.”

Laboon’s time in the Black Sea marks the fifth U.S. Navy ship visit to the Black Sea in 2021. While in the region, Laboon is focused on enhancing regional maritime stability, combined readiness, and naval capability.

PACIFIC OCEAN — U.S. Navy units assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 are operating in the Hawaiian Islands Operating Area and continue to integrate operations with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

“Operating in Hawaii provides unique opportunities for Vinson to train jointly while positioned to respond if called,” said Vice Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “They train to a variety of missions, from long range strikes to anti-submarine warfare, and can move anywhere on the globe on short notice.”

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the flagship of CSG-1, operates alongside Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron 1, the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

Turn to USS Laboon, Page 7

Turn to CSG-1, Page 7

From U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs BLACK SEA — The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) completed a series of passing and communication exercises (PASSEX) with the British Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy, June 17.

Laboon conducted a passing exercise with the British Royal Navy’s Daring-class air-defense destroyer HMS Defender (D 36) and the Royal Netherlands Navy’s De Zeven Provinciën-classfrigate HNLMS Evertsen (FF 805). These maneuvers enhanced the tactical proficiency of both ships through precision ship handling and communication.

“Today’s PASSEX with the HMS Defender and HNLMS Evertsen went terrific,” said Cmdr. Chuck Spivey, Laboon’s commanding officer. “This demonstration showed just

moving ahead is necessary, he wrote, because “it is important that we return to a normal routine for our physical readiness program.”.

Also, the wearing of masks during the PFA will not be required for fully vaccinated Sailors, those who are at least two weeks beyond their final dose. Those not yet fully vaccinated must continue to follow the applicable DoD mask guidance. However, the message says Sailors may unmask when performing PRT events.

Those seeking more guidance on conducting the PFA should refer to NAVADMIN 129⁄21. Those seeking more guidance on the new events should also consult NAVADMIN 304⁄20 and the Navy’s library of physical fitness program guides.

For the upcoming 2021 cycle, an all-new Physical Readiness Program Guide 10 entitled “How to Conduct CY2021 PFA” is now available.

This new guide along with Guide 3, the PFA Checklist direct commands in conducting the upcoming fitness cycle.

In addition, Guides 4 (Body Composition Assessment), 5 (Physical Readiness Test), and 15 (Conduct of the PFA in COVID-19 Conditions), should also be consulted, the message said.

These can all be downloaded at https:// www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/21st-Century-Sailor/Physical-Readiness/.

The Navy’s Physical Fitness Program has also been updated with the new events an information and is available for download in the Navy App Locker or from any of the commercial app stores at no cost.

(Left to right) HMS Defender, USS Laboon and HMNLS Evertsen take station for close proximity sailing, as a Russian warship watches from afar whilst, on maritime operations in the Black Sea. (DAN ROSENBAUM)

a glimpse of the unit cohesion between our navies.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea to work with NATO Allies and partners.

“This opportunity for ourselves and the HNLMS Evertsen to operate with the USS Laboon in the Black Sea has again demonstrated the agility and flexibility that exists between NATO allies to be able to work seamlessly together on Maritime Security operations in order to defend international order and promote global peace and stability,” said

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Heroes at Home

Q: How can I accept or decline Navy Housing (government owned or managed) and privatized/PPVhousing while I’m deployed?

A: There are two ways to accept or decline housing offers: • Give your spouse or a friend Power of Attorney before deploying and make sure the Housing Service Center (HSC) has the designated person’s phone number, and they know the unit of your choice.

• Ask the HSC to send a message to you if your spouse is not here.

You will have 24 working hours to respond to this message

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

The Unknown: A military spouse’s greatest worry

By Lisa Smith Molinari “What’s next? When will we move? Where will we live? Will I find a job? Where will the kids go to school? Will we make good friends?

Will we be happy there?”

These are the questions that bombard even the most level-headed, military spouse’s mind, especially during the summer months when about sixty percent of the 430,000 annual Permanent Change of Station, or “PCS moves”, take place. Since military orders are issued only three to six months before report dates, military families are given very little time to make a long list of life-altering decisions about unknowns — housing choices, school placement, neighborhood demographics, local economy, employment options, etc.

Unlike most level-headed military spouses, I’m one of those people who never dealt well with unknowns during the 28 years when my Navy husband was active duty.

You know the type. The spouses who incessantly scribble lists entitled “Stuff I Gotta Do,” “Movies I Wanna Watch on Netflix,” “Household Projects I Never Quite Finished,” “Weight Loss Goals I’ve Been Working on Since Ninth Grade,” “Meals That the Kids Won’t Hate,” and “Embarrassing Questions to Ask the Doctor.”

Yep, that’s me.

Needless to say, military moves really stressed me out because I didn’t deal well with unknowns. I needed something solid, an anchor of information to plan our family’s life around. “I don’t care if we live in a cardboard box under an overpass, just tell me where we’ll live, and I’ll plan where to hang the pictures,” I’ve said often over the years.

All joking aside, there are legitimate unknowns that military families face every time they move. If we decide to “geobach” so the kids can finish school, how will that affect our marriage? Will I be able to find work in my field? If the kids change schools, will they struggle with a new curriculum, or will they have to sit through material they’ve already learned? Will they fit in? How can I make sure they won’t experience social isolation?

During the many PCS moves our family endured, I often worked myself into a tizzy over the unknowns about our family’s next duty station and our next home. To make matters worse, the anxiety over moving would make me mentally fragile, prone to completely unrelated and illogical apprehensions about our kids, the dog, our health, our parents, taxes, fruit flies, sugar substitutes, world peace, whatever.

During one move when two of our three kids were enrolled in college, my moving-stressbattered mind went to irrational extremes.

“What if Anna’s roommate has green hair and bolts in her face? Could someone’s hot pot set the dorm on fire and ruin Anna’s entire freshman experience? Will Hayden get snapped up by some tech firm after he graduates, and move halfway around the world to California?

Will he learn how to iron shirts all by himself?

Who is going to pair up all his mismatched socks? Will I have to fly all the way out there to disinfect his bathroom and make sure he’s eating enough fruit? Will our youngest, Lilly, be forced to forgo college altogether because we will be flat broke by the time we pay tuition for Hayden and Anna? Could we all fit into a cardboard box under an overpass if we had to?”

It’s not easy being a nut job.

I’d much rather drift contentedly through life like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream, banishing worry and embracing spontaneity while belting out Doris Day’s best “Que, Sera Sera!” Do I have deep seeded “control issues” that might one day spiral into a psychotic episode and leave me wandering in front of the courthouse in a dusty wool coat and a tin foil turban, muttering something about campaign finance reform, and pushing a shopping cart full of empty tuna cans?

There I go again.

My rational side knows that all the worries in the world won’t change two simple truths of military life: We’ll never know what will happen until it happens. And, just like Doris said, whatever will be will be.

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

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

Child Care Options For Military Families With Special Needs

Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support SuicidePrevention SAPR Support

From Military Onesource Finding the right care for your child with special needs starts with asking the right questions. The military services offer quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and in the civilian community. Finding the best fit for your child is not impossible. Here are some questions to ask as you search for the best child care decision for your child with special needs.

What are my child’s rights?

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects children from discriminatory practices in child care programs, unless the child’s presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or require a fundamental alteration of the program.

You should also know: • Military and civilian child care programs must make reasonable accommodations to integrate children with disabilities.

• Programs cannot assume that a child’s disability is too severe for successful integration.

• There must be an individualized assessment based on professional observations, past history and standard assessment criteria.

What types of installation child care settings are out there?

There may be several child care options on your installation: • Child development centers — On your installation, you’ll usually find a child development center offering care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Hours may vary but are typically 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays with extended hours at some locations, year-round. Some centers offer parttime and hourly care, too. Your child would be placed with other children in the same age group, who may or may not have disabilities.

• Family child care homes — Family child care homes may be a good choice for your child. In their own home, providers care for a small group of children of all abilities, up to age 12. The home may be on or off the installation and may offer additional hours, such as before and after school, nights and weekends.

• School-age care programs — These programs for children ages 6 to 12 are usually open before and after school, on holidays and for summer day camp. These care programs may use space

(COURTESY PHOTO)

in a child development center but are more often located in youth centers or schools. The children receive a planned curriculum and the ability to interact with their peers, who may or may not have disabilities.

• Installation programs for youth and teens — For children ages 12 to 18, many military installations offer activities and classes at youth or community centers. These programs are open to children with and without special needs.

What is the best setting for my child with special needs?

If your child has special needs, your military service will work closely with you to find the best placement for your child. You can contact your installation child development center to learn more about child care options for your family. Each installation works with a multidisciplinary inclusion action team, or IAT, that includes the parent in the discussion of how to best meet the individual needs of the child.

How do I find child care in the civilian community?

If you don’t have access to installation child development programs or you prefer to have your child cared for off the installation, you still have options.

Installation resource and referral programs Most installation child development services programs have a resource and referral office to help you find the right care for your child with disabilities. Keep in mind: This office will be the first contact when you are looking for child care resources.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS is the place to find contact information for military child development resource and referral offices.

Reach out to the enhanced EFMP Resources, Options Consultations, or ROC, for easy access to the information and resources you need.

Other options Child Care Aware of America manages the fee assistance program, known as Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, for each service branch. The fee assistance program offsets the cost of child care, making community based child care options more affordable and accessible to eligible military families.

Some children may require more than routine or basic care, such as children at risk of, or who have disabilities, chronic illnesses or physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions. MilitaryChildCare. com is a Department of Defense website that helps families in any service branch find and request military operated or military subsidized child care anywhere in the world. The website assists families in their search for care for their child with special needs through a process that includes an IAT and military service-specific IAT protocols. The IAT process supports reasonable accommodation by considering the needs of the child, the child care environment, staffing and training requirements, and the resources of the program. Programs welcome the opportunity to discuss each family’s needs throughout their search process. More information is available by contacting the local program.

You may also contact the Exceptional Family Member Program to explore child care resources for families with special needs.

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Cmdr. Brandon J. Cornes, left, Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa’s (LCS 16) commanding officer, explains the ship’s maneuvering capabilities to the triad of the 12th Marine Regiment during a tour aboard the ship. (MC2 COLBY MOTHERSHEAD)

LCS, Marines enhance naval integration while in Okinawa

By Lt. Lauren Chatmas

Commander Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan — Rotationally-deployed littoral combat ships (LCS) in the Indo-Pacific continue to integrate with forces across the region as a part of the Naval Expeditionary Force (NEF) and in support of theater littoral warfare.

Independence-variant LCS USS Tulsa (LCS 16) hosted Navy staff from Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, and U.S. Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and subordinate commands while in port Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, for familiarization of the platform, and to explore integration methods for future operability.

“Events like these are beneficial for both the Navy and Marine Corps to maximize the potential for Naval integration and conducting maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region,” said LtCol Mike Chankij, ESG 7, force Marine officer.

Tulsa provided tours to 104 Marines and two civilians from commands across Okinawa, to include III MEF Informa-

tion group (MIG), 12th Marine Regiment, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander, ESG 7, visited Tulsa upon arrival and expressed his satisfaction with how the ship has operated thus far.

“This was an ideal time to have an LCS visit Okinawa. Navy and Marine Corps integration, especially in regards to the development of theater amphibious warfighting concepts, is moving so rapidly that Tulsa enabled planning teams to go from white paper to mission bay in moments. This ship and the teams enabling her missions continue to perform exceptionally” said Engdahl.

Integration between the Blue and Green teams at the ship level, while exploring interoperability between Sailors and Marines aboard LCS, show the immense value and versatility that LCS brings the NEF and expeditionary strike group.

Improving mutual capability, capacity, and lethality is what LCS has quickly done while also forging new ways to operate in support of the vision for a shared commitment of a

free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Hosting Rear Adm. Engdahl, his staff, and Marines aboard Tulsa gave us the opportunity to talk through our various mission sets, like surface warfare, mine countermeasure, and anti-submarine warfare,” said Cmdr. Brandon Cornes, commanding officer, Tulsa Blue Crew. “As we improve our understanding of each other, we learn how we can operate for and with each other, to best enhance Blue-Green interoperability.”

Assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, rotationally-deployed LCS are prepared to serve as a ready-response force. From carrying Marines, serving as advanced staging platforms, and conducting independent ops, the integration among the Blue-Green teams at the tactical level increases shared mission understanding.

DESRON 7 continues to explore and implement ways for LCS to integrate across the joint force and in support of the theater littoral warfare commander. In early June near Guam, Sailors assigned to Task Group 75.1/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 integrated with

the crews and MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, embarked on Tulsa and USS Charleston (LCS 18). Events focused on expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) integration and training, to include Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) launch and retrieval, rescue hoists, repels, and fast roping.

Tulsa and Charleston are on their maiden deployments to the Indo-Pacific region. LCS rotational deployments to U.S. 7th Fleet provide operational commanders great adaptability to support allies and partners across the region; offer persistent presence; and contribute to our shared commitment to maritime security, all in support of commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

As the U.S. Navy’s destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, ESG 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

ESG 7, comprised of Amphibious Squadron 11, DESRON 7, HSC-25, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, Naval Beach Unit 7, and USS Blue Ridge (LLC 19), is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force, and is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and is responsible for the full range of expeditionary operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group exercises with Republic of Singapore Navy

By MC3 Askia Collins CTF70/CSG5 Public Affairs

The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Singapore navy stealth frigate RSS Intrepid (FFS 69), and guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) steam in formation in the South China Sea. (MC2 JASON TARLETON)

SOUTH CHINA SEA — Ships and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG 5) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted integrated bilateral training, June 17.

CSG 5 sailed in international waters with RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Intrepid (69) and the Victory-class corvette RSS Vigilance (90). While training together, the strike group and the RSN ships conducted maritime security drills, flag hoist and communication drills as well as formation sailing, and a publication exercise (PUBEX), during which the watchstanders of each ship quizzed each other on tactical and technical literature.

“Any opportunity to train and exercise with our Singaporean partners, especially in the South China Sea, is essential in demon-

strating our commitment to freedom of navigation and peace in the region,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). “As America’s flagship, Ronald Reagan maintains a forward presence here, or anywhere else where our mission may take us. Our crew always remains focused, flexible and ready.”

The strike group is committed to upholding U.S. security agreements with regional allies and partners, demonstrating the capability of forward-deployed naval forces to quickly respond across the region.

“We are always pleased with the opportunity to operate with and improve our cohesiveness with our partners, and this was no exception” said Capt. Sharif Calfee, USS Shiloh Commanding Officer, “The Shiloh

Hornets were proud to exhibit our shared commitment to maritime security and freedom of the seas with the RSN.” This exercise accomplished the mission of strengthening the U.S. Navy’s bilateral relationship and cooperation with RSN by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate maritime operations.

The U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies work together on a number of initiatives at sea such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX), Exercise Pacific Griffin, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), as well as combined operations such as multi-national counter-piracy.

The strike group consists of the Navy’s

only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, the embarked staffs of Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97).

CSG 5, is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet. The U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific for more than 70 years, through 7th Fleet, helping allies and partners from 35 other maritime-nations by providing credible, ready forces to develop interoperability that fosters maritime security, promotes stability, and prevents conflict all in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Peter Matheos, NAVFAC EURAFCENT environmental engineer, inspects a portion of a Roman era aqueduct repaired during a recent construction project for a three-mile long fuel pipeline at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. (LISA WOODBURY RAMA)

Mission: Construct fuel pipeline.

Objective #1: Protect the past

By Lisa Woodbury Rama

NAVFAC Europe Africa Central Public Affairs

CRETE, Greece — Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is located on the Island of Crete in Greece - a nation revered for its history, culture and natural beauty. The U.S. Navy assets located there are committed to protecting them by avoiding, or minimizing, any adverse impacts caused by Navy operations and activities.

One tool used to insure the past is protected is the use of site surveys prior to proposed work or new operations. The surveys identify any natural or cultural resources that must be considered during the planning and design process. It is commonplace for Souda Bay site surveys to come upon artifacts and structures dating back as far as 3,000 B.C. This was the case during a recent survey conducted prior to constructing a three-

mile-long aircraft fuel pipeline running from the Hellenic (Greek) Navy and NATO fuel depot to the installation. The proposed route for the new fuel line ran near the Marathiospilio Cave, a documented and protected archeological site, and a Roman era aqueduct.

“These thorough surveys are very important because they give the host nation agencies responsible for caring and maintaining ancient artifacts the peace of mind that the U.S. Navy is a good steward of their cultural resources. Having the confidence of the Greek Ministry of Culture allows us to proceed with surveys quickly and efficiently,” said Peter Matheos, Environmental Engineer, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Souda Bay. Scatters of ceramics dating back to 2,200 B.C. were found around the installation prior to the survey so it was not a surprise when more Bronze-aged (3,000 B.C. to 500 A.D.)

ceramics with quartz temper were found on the protected archeological site.

The pipeline path runs alongside a roughly three-kilometer-long Roman era (700 B.C. to 400 A.D.) aqueduct. A section of this aqueduct spans a nearly 98-foot ravine and includes two standing walls approximately 13 feet high and up to 13 feet in length.

Much of the aqueduct has been lost to time and the elements but further along the path is another section that is approximately 213 feet long with terra cotta piping grooves still clearly visible. The archeologists speculate the aqueduct was used to transport water from a spring in the hills above Marathi down towards the bay to what may have been a swimming (or storage) pool adjacent to a “Roman Villa” or perhaps a military ship resupply facility. It is difficult for historians to tell because all that is remaining is what looks like a swimming pool and ruins of a small building.

The Hellenic (Greek) Ministry of Culture archeological office was especially concerned that exposed portions of the aqueduct would sustain damage due to vibrations or falling rocks during the construction phase of the project. The Navy proposed protection measures including putting up barriers around the aqueduct and performing joint work on two of its rock walls in order to reinforce them.

Matheos, an environmental engineer, was impressed by the quality of the design and construction methods used by the early engineers for the aqueduct. “The high wall portions that were repaired during our project were part of a ravine crossing intended to maintain the constant mild slope of the aqueduct. Surviving remnants indicate that it was very precisely engineered so that the water would flow at a constant rate towards the bay, Matheos said, “The engineering parameters used are not too different from the parameters used to design the fuel pipeline approximately 2,000 years later.”

Mitigation measures were used to protect these natural and engineering marvels and the project proceeded. Fuel for U.S. and NATO aircraft currently runs through the pipeline positioned alongside the antiquities which were reinforced or protected so to stand ready to be enjoyed by generations to come.

and care for our fellow Sailors. For others, it was an opportunity to be heard by their shipmates and explain the many burdens they’ve endured throughout their lives.

This internal work is critical to the future success of our Navy. We are a volunteer service that represents a diverse nation. Without the diverse, brave few who answer our nation’s call, we would have no Navy. All Sailors are equally valuable members of our team — period.

We must also recognize that differing perspectives bring unique insight to innovate and problem solve in a complex and rapidly-changing world. With the global power competition looming, we will need to put these problem-solving strengths to work with a powerful, intelligent and cohesive force as we move forward. Mentorship and coaching down and in, as well as leading up, need

to once again become the norm and not the exception.

This focus is not unique to our active duty counterparts. The Navy Reserve is designed to mirror and supplement the capabilities and core competencies of the Navy. In the context of cohesion, this is an opportunity for Reserve and active leaders to work together as we face these new challenges at home and around the globe.

To this end, I cannot overstate my faith and trust in the strength and resilience of our Navy team and Sailors’ ability to grow and adapt to keep our institution at the forefront as a professional fighting force. I have witnessed firsthand the amazing things we are capable of. Looking back on how far we have come as an organization, it is exciting to imagine how much we can achieve in the next 39 years.

A 39-year perspective: Navy Reserve Air Boss reflects on the past, future of the Navy From Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON — Often, I will hear someone harken to times past when the Navy was so much better than it is today. It is my opinion that this look into our past is viewed primarily through the lens of nostalgia without a clear-eyed remembrance of the full story about who we were only four decades ago. When I enlisted in the Navy as a seaman recruit in June of 1982, the nation’s wounds from the Vietnam War were still fresh. The Navy I knew then as an organization was almost unrecognizable in comparison to the professional institution that we know the Navy to be today.

Hazing and drug use were rampant and an accepted part of our organizational culture.

There was no mechanism to ensure Sailors treated each other with dignity and respect.

There was not yet a Command Equal Opportunity (CMEO) program, or a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, the urinalysis program was present but not yet enforceable, and the list goes on. Needless to say, we had a lot of growing up to do as an organization.

Over the past 39 years, I have seen our Navy evolve into the highly capable and lethal force that is today’s standard. With each passing year, leaders have taken deliberate steps to align the efforts of our naval forces in pursuit of our nation’s strategic

(MC3 CRAIG RODARTE)

goals, and Sailors have risen to the challenge every time.

Looking at the landscape of today’s Navy, it is evident that we are once again faced with an opportunity for growth in our professionalism and strength as an organization.

With a rise in extremism and division in our country, along with the current global landscape, it is more important than ever that we continue to focus on cohesion and look for ways to strengthen our Navy as a team.

Last year, the Chief of Naval Operations encouraged us to have more open and honest conversations between shipmates with diverse backgrounds to help us better understand the unique challenges we each have faced throughout our careers.

For many of us, these conversations have been an eye opening first step into rarely traveled territory that helps us better relate to,

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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett, outgoing commander, from Columbia, Tennessee, and Rear Adm. Brad Collins, new commander, Navy Region Northwest, cut a ceremonial cake after a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor June 18. (MC2 VICTORIA FOLEY)

Navy Region Northwest gets new region commander

By Liane Nakahara

Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. — Rear Adm. Brad Collins relieved Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett as Commander, Navy Region Northwest in a change of command ceremony Friday, June 18.

The small ceremony occurred on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor with just some family and staff in attendance.

“In my role at Navy Installations Command, I’ve watch the Navy Region Northwest team in action from afar and have always been impressed by their dedication and efficiency,” said Collins. “I am proud to follow in Steve’s footsteps from CNIC to the Northwest and I look forward to working more closely with this team and supporting them in any way I can.”

Collins hails from Lake Forest, Califor-

nia, and following his officer commissioning in 1992, he completed primary fixed wing training and then advanced helicopter training. He completed a number deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and Caribbean. He also served in shore installation leadership positions as aide to Commander, Navy Region Southeast and as Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. Prior to his selection as commander, Navy Region Northwest Collins served as Chief of Staff for Commander, Navy Installations Command.

“I appreciate the warm welcome I’ve received from everyone so far and I’m excited to finally be stationed here in the beautiful Northwest,” said Collins, who visited Puget Sound-area Navy installations the past two weeks in preparation for assuming command. ”I’m a firm believer that this Region’s location, installations, and deploy-

able platforms are more vital than ever in elevating our Nation’s competitive edge over our adversaries.”

Barnett, who has served as Region Commander since March 13, 2020, was awarded the Legion of Merit gold star during the ceremony for all he accomplished during his time in command, which included overseeing the Navy’s regional efforts in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.

“It’s been a true honor to serve as Region Commander in such a beautiful place with a unique, diverse blend of people, natural resources and industries,” said Barnett. “I was impressed before I took command here and continue to be impressed by the highly skilled people and the highly capable aircraft, ships and submarines that carry out some of the country’s most critical missions. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from visiting with more of our Northwest Navy

personnel and our community leaders in person but I am grateful to have been able to engage with many people through virtual means.”

Reflecting on the partnerships the Navy continues to share with the northwest communities, Barnett said, “We are blessed to have the kind of support we do from our communities because we can’t do our jobs as well as we do without that support.”

Barnett will soon assume command of Navy Region Southwest, which is headquartered in San Diego, California. He will relieve Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, who previously served as Commander, Navy Region Northwest in 2013-2014.

“I know many people have heard me say multiple times now ‘Go Navy, Fly Navy’ and that is for good reason,” said Barnett.

“I am a proud Naval Flight Officer and am proud of what I do. Team Northwest should be proud of all that they do too and know that I am their biggest cheer-leader, their biggest supporter, and I know the Northwest Navy family is in good hands with Brad at the helm.”

NRNW encompasses the eleven-state area of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa.

The best decision of my life

By Daniel Puleio

Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

DENVER — Damage Controlman 1st Class Casey Dean was born and raised in Salt Lake City. It was there that he and his two best friends decided to embark on a life-changing journey into the U.S. Navy.

“My friends and I made a pact to join the Navy,” said Dean. “It sure made my recruiter happy as all three of us qualified!

As it turned out, that was the best decision of my life.”

Upon completion of his damage control training, Dean was assigned to USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) where he was immediately called to action when the ship was assigned a search-and-rescue mission titled “Rebel Heart.” He and the crew ultimately saved a family on a foundering sailboat hundreds of miles off the coast of Mexico.

“This was an incredible experience for my first week at sea,” said Dean. “It certainly drove home the fact that I had made the right career decision”.

Afterward, Dean spent a short time in the ship’s homeport of San Diego before leaving on an eight month deployment to South America. This deployment included assignment as part of “Operation Martillo,” which targeted and combatted drug trafficking in South America. Dean was part of the team that intercepted nearly 9,000 kilograms of cocaine. During this deployment, he had the opportunity to spend time with children in the Aid for AIDS community. After completing the final deployment of the ship, he helped decommission USS Vandegrift in February of 2015.

Dean then received orders aboard USS Gridley (DDG 101), where he met the ship in Perth, Australia, to complete her 10-month deployment. While serving onboard, Dean advanced to 3rd class

Damage Controlman 1st Class Casey Dean, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain, poses for a photo. (COURTESY PHOTO)

petty officer followed shortly thereafter to 2nd class petty officer. He quickly assumed supervisor roles for junior Sailors and maintained hundreds of pieces of equipment while training the crew on basic fire-fighting, flooding and CBR-N. He also led the way through various inspection cycles until his six years at sea came to an end. During his time, Dean’s superior performance earned three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a surface warfare pin and Good Conduct Medal.

Dean then opted to return to his home-

town of Salt Lake City by accepting a Navy recruiting assignment. Upon completion of the Enlisted Recruiting Orientation School in Pensacola, Florida, he began a shore tour in his hometown. For the last two years, Dean has shown his ability to share the Navy’s opportunities and advantages to countless individuals throughout this landlocked region. He participated in the Sandy, Utah 9/11 Memorial and represented the Navy in multiple county fairs as well.

Dean is currently studying Applied Management at Grand Canyon University

with plans to graduate in the coming year.

He continuously strives to live by the Navy ethos of Honor, Courage, and Commitment while assisting others to maximize their potential.

Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, 26 NTAGS and 64 Talent Acquisition Onboarding Centers (TAOCS) that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

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STARBASE is a DoD STEM program for students from Title 1 schools in the local communities and focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related topics. (JASON BORTZ)

STARBASE returning to NAS Pensacola

By Jason Bortz

Naval Air Station Pensacola Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Department of Defense STARBASE program is returning to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola after an eight year absence. STARBASE Pensacola will be located at the National Flight Academy onboard the installation.

Currently, there are approximately 70 STARBASE programs nationally and Pensacola will be the fourth program in Florida. The launch of the program at “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” will allow 5th grade students from Title 1 schools in the local communities to have a place to learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and

CSG-1 from Page 1

“Training in the HIOA is an exciting opportunity to integrate with the other services in order to promote peace and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, CSG-1. “We look forward to enhancing partnerships within the joint force as well as strengthening relationships with our allies and partners in the region.”

High level, joint and combined training among U.S. Navy forces ensures the U.S. military remains the preeminent military power in the region, capable of honoring its security commitments to allies, partners, and friends.

Subsequently, Vinson will be conducting Combat Efficiency Operations to include integrated flight operations between CVW-2’s carrier-based aircraft and land-based Marine Corps and Air Force fighter squadrons, as well as U.S. Coast Guard C-130s.

In August 2020, Vinson completed a 17-month maintenance availability to receive major upgrades in order to support 5th generation aircraft, making Vinson the first aircraft carrier equipped to support both the F-35C Lightning II and CMV-22B Osprey. Upgrades include enhanced jet blast deflectors able to take the increased heat generated by the F-35C and the addition of the Autonomic Logistics Information System, which is the new

Math) related topics starting in January 2022.

Title 1 is the largest federally funded educational program. The program provides supplemental funds to school districts to assist schools with large concentrations of low income students to help meet their educational goals.

Working closely with Escambia County School District, students from Title 1 public schools will expend 25 hours of STEM education, broken into five full days, at STARBASE Pensacola. The program will engage students with “hands-on, minds-on” experiential activities. The STARBASE Pensacola Director and Instructors will work with the local school districts to develop a customized curriculum from a large offering of peer-reviewed learn-

computer network that supports the unique maintenance and tactical operations functions of the advanced aircraft.

With its recent modifications, no other weapons platform has the responsiveness, endurance, multi-dimensional capacity, inherent battlespace awareness or command and control capabilities of CSG-1.

Other components of the air wing include three U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadrons that fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet, one Electronic Attack Squadron that operates the EA-18G Growler, one Airborne Command & Control Squadron that operates the E-2D Hawkeye, one Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron and one Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron.

Through multiplatform integration, CVW-2 will provide fleet commanders the ability to achieve the advantage across multiple domains.

In addition to joint flight operations, U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are conducting joint operations with U.S. Coast Guard cutters USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) and USCGC Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) expanding interoperability between AEGIS weapons systems and unmanned systems.

“Our strike group is prepared to carry out the full spectrum of missions, from humanitarian relief to combat operations,” said Martin. “When a carrier strike group gets underway, we have to be ready for any contingency.”

As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet,

ing opportunities in each STEM area, such as Newton’s Laws and Bernoulli’s principle, robotics, coding, rocketry and 3D printing. Students will also be introduced to Computer Aided Design (CAD) to design space stations, all-terrain vehicles, and submersibles.

Math will be embedded throughout the curriculum and students will use metric measurement, estimation, calculation geometry, and data analysis to solve questions.

Teamwork will be stressed as students work together to explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate concepts. Since NAS Pensacola is known as “The Cradle of Naval Aviation,” the STARBASE Pensacola curriculum will include aviation-themed learning to include

flight simulation.

“STARBASE Pensacola is about showing children the art of the possible,” said Capt.

Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola. “Students will get to spend five days learning in a state-of-the-art facility and will get the opportunity to see a future in a STEM related career. It is my hope that STARBASE Pensacola will inspire students to unlock their potential, and see that they can be more than they thought possible. This is a wonderful opportunity for NAS Pensacola to give back to the communities that have supported us for so many years.”

Additional programs will also be available at STARBASE Pensacola for students not at Title 1 schools outside of the traditional school schedule. This will include programs throughout the summer.

Additional information will be available as the program develops throughout this year.

The first students are expected to arrive at STARBASE Pensacola in 2022.

The DoD’s STARBASE is an educational program sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

Visit www.dodstarbase.org for more information.

USS Laboon from Page 1

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean. (MC3 OLYMPIA MCCOY)

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

Laboon is deployed as part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), supporting national security interests in Europe and increasing theater cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 5,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe. The Navy provides a ready, flexible force capable of responding to a broad range of contingencies.

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

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

8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 1

Summer Plant-Based Sides Those savory whiffs of barbecuing might call to mind burgers and drumsticks, but don’t forget the sweet smell of fresh vegetables to make those colorful, flavorful side dishes too. PAGE C4

April Bey, You About to Lose Yo Job ‘Cause You Are Detaining Me, for Nothing, 2020. Watercolor drawing on wood panel in archival epoxy resin. Hand-drilled holes and hand-sewn“African”wax fabric with oil paint impasto, 30”x 24”. (ESCALETTE PERMANENT COLLECTION OF ART AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY.)

SUMMER OF

• Monday through Wednesday the museum is closed to the general public and hosts school tours as well as private tours for groups and patrons.

“If you work during the day and have athletic, religious, or volunteer commitments on the weekends, you might not be able to enjoy the museum during traditional visiting hours,” said Director of Audience Development, Brad Tuggle. “Providing broader access is a mission-based priority, and the addition of evening hours joins free admission and bilingual audio tours as

another means by which we are accomplishing this goal.”

“Free admission will continue through the Summer of 2022, thanks to the generosity and shared vision of the Goode Family Foundation,” said Virginia MOCA Director & CEO, Gary Ryan, “Our goal is to provide free admission in perpetuity through endowment.”

Ready to get out and have some fun?

Virginia MOCA members are invited to attend an in-person celebration for the opening of the new exhibitions on July 16 at 7pm. This members-only event will feature music and a cash bar. Keep an eye on your email for an invitation in the coming weeks.

Sign up for a membership today online or at the event check-in.

We continue to request that visitors reserve free tickets in advance. The tickets are available by day and valid for entry at any time on that day up to 45 minutes before closing.

practice in the Commonwealth, students must also pass the state funeral laws exam and the state board exam.

Upon graduation, students will be certified crematory operators and ready for work in funeral homes across Virginia.

TCC also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Services for students interested in obtaining licenses for both directing and embalming. The extensive

curriculum covers everything from chemistry and restorative art to funeral service law.

The program also gives students hands-on training in the embalming lab on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Fall classes begin Aug. 23.

For more information on TCC’s programs and services, email info@tcc.edu or call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-8221111.

WOMEN OPENS IN JULY

From Virginia MOCA

We are pleased to announce the opening of the Summer of Women suite of exhibitions on July 17. As a benefit of membership, Virginia MOCA supporters will have special, early access on July 15 and 16. The exhibitions will feature the work of distinguished women-identifying artists from Hampton Roads as well as the broader southeastern region and from across the country. In addition, we will mount a juried exhibition of artwork created by area teens.

Featured exhibitions include: • She Says: Women, Words, and Power • Amplify • Lauren Keim: Everyday Magic • Emergence: Teen Juried Exhibition (opening August 14) As part of an ongoing commitment to expand access, we will launch Thursday evening hours with the opening of the Summer of Women exhibition suite. As of July 17 museum hours will be as follows: • Thursday: 10am — 8pm • Friday — Sunday: 10am — 4pm

TCC to offer first funeral directing degree in Virginia

From Tidewater Community College

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Tidewater Community College introduces a new funeral directing degree this fall.

The 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Directing prepares students to provide compassionate care for families and individuals after the loss of a loved one. The program also focuses on the management skills necessary for the daily operations of a funeral home.

The first and only funeral directing degree to be offered in Virginia, the program was developed by TCC after the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill to approve separate licenses for funeral director and embalmer.

“This program creates a path to licensure for people who don’t want to be in the preparation room,” said Frank Walton, TCC’s Funeral Services program head and owner of Walton Funeral Home.

“Students will gain insights into funeral home operations and management while learning to provide care for grieving fami-

(COURTESY PHOTO)

lies,” Walton added.

TCC’s funeral director program will be offered 100% online.

Courses include psychology of death and dying; introduction to business; principles of public speaking; business law; and principles of funeral management.

State licensure requires a 2000-hour externship at a local funeral home, giving students important hands-on training. To

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

2

The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Community Submit YOUR events, news and photos

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Artillery firing (COURTESY PHOTO)

‘Liberty Celebration’ salutes July 4 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

From Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

YORKTOWN, Va., June 21, 2021 – This Fourth of July, salute the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence during Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4, visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Whether exploring the indoor galleries or outdoor living history, appreciate the liberties of these historical experiences: • See a rare July 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence duplicated in mass to spread the word of liberty from town to town, currently showcased in an immersive gallery exhibit surrounded by signatures of this historic document’s signers.

• Catch “Liberty Fever” – the museum’s introductory film, shown throughout the day in the main theater.

• Take part in patriotic programming in outdoor re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.

• Enjoy patriotic performances by the Fifes & Drums of York Town at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Join in the “Great American 4th of July Sing-along” led by the Cigar Box String Band, playing songs from American history that everyone knows by heart at 12, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

• Share your thoughts on liberty by adding them to the “Liberty Tree,” an interactive feature on a 17-foot sculptural tree, rooted in the museum galleries.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor living-history experiences from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to discover daily life for 18th-century soldiers and citizens in life-size re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.

At the Continental Army encampment,

historical interpreters describe and depict daily routines of American soldiers, with demonstrations of musket and artillery firing, 18th-century surgical and medical practices, and the role of the quartermaster in managing troop supplies. In the artillery amphitheater, feel the thunder of a cannon blast as historical interpreters fire a salute to our nation’s founders. Artillery and flintlock musket demonstrations will be presented throughout the day, with the final artillery firing at 4:15 p.m.

Throughout the day on the re-created Revolution-era farm, visitors can learn how farmers during the Revolution became more self-sufficient by growing and processing flax, cotton and wool for homespun cloth.

Visitors can see what is cooking in the farm kitchen as historical interpreters prepare a variety of 18th-century dishes on the hearth, using historical recipes from Virginia’s earliest cookbooks, as well as foods of enslaved people and the evolution of period dishes through cultural influences. Food preparation is for demonstration

Hampton Roads Economy Emerging from COVID-19 Shadow, Along with Its Citizens From Old Dominion University Hampton Roads is gradually emerging from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The region’s economy shows strong signs of improvement for the rest of 2021, and area residents could gather in person to hear the good news from Old Dominion University economists.

“Last year was an interesting year, which I’m sure many of us will never forget,” Vinod Agarwal, director of ODU’s Economic Forecasting Project, said Thursday at the Marriott City Center in Newport News. “It is good to be able to share news of our recovery in person for the first time since last March.”

The optimistic mood in the room was tempered by Agarwal’s remarks that significant challenges remain from the pandemic - including labor markets not fully recovered, inflation and an “unsustainable” level of federal deficit spending.

“Even through these challenges, we are forecasting a very good year for the U.S. and Virginia economies,” Agarwal said.

ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy forecasts real GDP growth of 4.8% in 2021, which would more than make up the region’s 2.5% real GDP reduction in 2020. But, pointing to a significant lag from the pre-pandemic high in the number of jobs being filled, as well as a year over year increase in consumer prices of nearly 5% in May, Agarwal noted, “we still have a long way to go for a full recovery.”

There are bright spots in the local and regional economy, the ODU economist said, starting with the largest pillar of the Hampton Roads economy - national defense. “If there is a pivot in national security strategy towards a ‘Great Power’ competition, Hampton Roads is well

positioned given its role in building and maintaining ships, training personnel, and providing services to each of the military services,” Agarwal said.

The local real estate industry adjusted rapidly to the disruption of COVID-19, and local real estate prices have climbed past their 2006 peak in every Hampton Roads community.

The Port of Virginia’s share of tonnage shipped in and out of East Coast ports has risen sharply in the past two years, a payoff for investments the Port has made in its infrastructure, Agarwal said.

The local hotel industry, understandably devastated by the complete halt in travel in the early days of COVID-19, has recovered better than every one of the top 25 markets in the United States. The ODU economists forecast growth in hotel revenues of 43.6% in 2021.

The Chesapeake and Virginia Beach markets are projected to climb past their pre-pandemic levels later this year.

And even the tight labor market, seen as a significant drag on the national economic recovery, has seen an unexpected beneficiary, Agarwal said: “Teenagers have never had it better when looking for summer jobs.”

ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy has for more than 20 years been an independent explainer and forecaster of economic data in Hampton Roads, the state and nationally. Researchers at the Dragas Center produce the influential State of the Region and State of the Commonwealth reports, which chronicle life in Hampton Roads and Virginia across a range of economic and quality-of-life factors.

For more information about the Midyear Economic Forecast, or other Dragas Center initiatives, see the Dragas Center Website.

Vinod Agarwal (COURTESY PHOTO)

purposes only.

Admission “Liberty Celebration,” funded in part by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. Annual Fund, is included with museum admission: $16.00 for adults, $8.00 for youth ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. A value-priced combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement, a living-history museum of 17th-century Virginia, is $28.90 for adults and $14.45 for ages 6-12. Residents of York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission with proof of residency. Tickets are available online at eStore or in person at both museums.

About the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, located on Route 1020 near the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown, tells the story of the nation’s founding, capturing the transformational nature and epic scale of the Revolution and its relevance today.

Indoor gallery exhibits and films are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with living-history areas open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gift shop and café are open during museum hours.

Parking at the museum is free for museum visitors. On July 4, the Yorktown Trolley will offer free shuttle service to Historic Yorktown from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information about “Liberty Celebration,” visit jyfmuseums.org/libertycelebration.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 3

(COURTESY PHOTO)

Arrival of the Clean Dream Team Means Sparkling Garages From The City of Norfolk NORFOLK, VA – New staff and new machines will provide extra elbow grease to wash and scrub city parking facilities until they gleam.

Four heavy-duty cleaning machines have already been added to the Parking Division’s scrubbing squad. An additional night

crew will join the division following the July 1 start of the new fiscal year, expanding and strengthening the division’s existing team that patrols parking decks with brooms, dustbins and trash cans.

With new crews and equipment, the division will tackle an aggressive schedule of power-washing and deck scrubbing in support of its mission to provide clean, safe,

and customer-focused parking services.

Check out their work already in progress in the Waterside Garage.

Assistant Parking Director Ray Stoner said he’s excited to see the before and after pictures from City of Norfolk garages.

“These crews and machines will greatly enhance the efficiency of our ability to clean debris and dust from our structured park-

ing facilities,” Stoner said.

Thanks to all who participated in the department’s equipment naming contest for these superstar sultans of squeakyclean facilities. Introducing: The Twins - Buster Grimes and Grime Buster. Two ride-on cleaning machines, comparable to street sweepers but smaller in scale, use hot water and powerful scrubbers to lift brake dust and dingy exhaust from garage floors. They are also equipped with squeegees and disposal bins to sweep away gravel and debris.

The Parking Division also welcomes Scrubber Duckie and the Lean Mean Scrubbing Machine. These smaller scrubbers, one ride-on, one walk behind, will help cleaning crews reach all the corners.

4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

Page topper

Grilled Corn with Garlic and Herbs (COURTESY PHOTO)

Get Grilling This Summer with Plant-Based Sides From Family Features

Grilling gives summertime a special meaning for many people — especially when it comes to food. Those savory whiffs of barbecuing might call to mind burgers and drumsticks, but don’t forget the sweet smell of seared, steamed or skewered garden-fresh vegetables to make those colorful, flavorful side dishes too.

This summer consider adding a vegan twist to those classic veggie sides like grilled corn on the cob or crunchy coleslaw with the help of Violife 100% Vegan Cheese. By adding a vegan cheese to these recipes, you can spice them up or make them sweet and colorful — and plant-based. They’re sure to go hand-in-hand with your summer menus and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

The corn on the cob in this creamy Grilled Corn with Garlic and Herbs recipe can be grilled alongside your main protein and is an easy way to add healthy veggies without the dairy. Or try this Sweet and Spicy Vegan Coleslaw recipe that puts a plant-based spin on a classic and asks for just 10 minutes of prep time in the kitchen.

By using Violife 100% Vegan Cheeses in your favorite summer recipes, you won’t be sacrificing taste or texture with your meal. Each option is non-GMO and free from dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, preservatives and lactose. Made from the goodness of plants and available in shreds, slices, wedges, blocks or as a cream cheese alternative, these vegan cheeses melt, stretch and are perfect for including as part of any plant-forward summer menu.

To find more summer recipe ideas, visit violifefoods.com.

Grilled Corn with Garlic and Herbs Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 pack Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon oregano, chopped salt, to taste freshly ground pepper, to taste 6 corn cobs pink pepper, to taste lime

Sweet and Spicy Vegan Coleslaw (COURTESY PHOTO)

Preheat oven to 350 F or heat grill to medium.

Mix cream cheese substitute, chopped garlic, parsley and oregano. Season with salt

and pepper, to taste, and place on baking sheet. Twist sides and refrigerate 1 hour.

Grill corn or bake 30-35 minutes, or until tender.

Remove cream cheese mixture from baking sheet and cut into slices. Place on top of each corn cob. Sprinkle with pink pepper, to taste, and serve with lime.

Sweet and Spicy Vegan Coleslaw Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 1 carrot, grated 10 Brussels sprouts, finely sliced 1 small red cabbage, grated 1 cup peas 3 spring onions, sliced diagonally 1 cup coriander, chopped Dressing: 1 pack Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original 1 garlic clove, finely minced 3 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup wine vinegar 3 tablespoons agave 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped ½ teaspoon chili flakes or chili paste (optional) toasted sesame seeds (optional) In large bowl, toss carrot, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, peas, onions and coriander; mix thoroughly.

In small bowl, whisk cream cheese substitute, garlic, olive oil, wine vinegar, agave, ginger and chili flakes, if desired.

Pour dressing into salad and toss well.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

The Perfect Summertime Pie From Culinary.net Summer is the time to relax, refresh and indulge in sweet and heavenly treats. While you’re lounging poolside and watching the kids play, enjoy a cool, creamy and absolutely divine dessert that’s perfect on a hot day.

This luscious Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie has a smooth texture with toasted shredded coconut on top. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and will leave your taste buds wanting more as soon as you take your first bite.

Fresh out of the refrigerator, it’s ideal for everyone to share on those days when it’s just too warm outside to not have a chilled snack.

Also topped with lime zest and maraschino cherries, visually this pie is a winner with fun pops of color that will leave your mouth watering.

To make this cool, creamy creation, add vanilla wafers to a blender to make crumbs.

Add melted butter and blend. Add crumb mixture to the bottom of a pie pan and press against the sides. Refrigerate to make crust.

In another large bowl, beat cream cheese, condensed milk and coconut extract.

In a different large bowl, beat whipping cream until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and lime juice. Reserve 1 cup of the whipped topping.

Add lime juice, coconut flakes and the reserved whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture then stir to combine.

Add cream cheese mixture to the pie crust and smooth it out. Top with whipped topping then garnish with toasted coconut,

lime zest and maraschino cherries.

It’s the perfect pie to enjoy whether you’re outside enjoying some sunshine or inside, taking a break from the summer fun. After being chilled, all of the flavors combine to leave you with a delicious, one of a kind treat.

Find more summer recipes at Culinary. net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie Servings: 6-8 1 package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers ⅓ cup butter, melted 2 cups heavy whipping cream ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar ½ cup Key lime juice, divided 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon coconut extract 1 cup shredded coconut ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut lime zest maraschino cherries In blender, pulse vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press crumbs into bottom and up sides of greased 9 ½-inch deep-dish pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

In large bowl, beat whipping cream until it thickens. Add confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice; beat until stiff peaks form. Remove 1 cup; set aside.

Coconut Key Lime Cream Pie (COURTESY PHOTO)

In separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and coconut extract; beat until blended. Add remaining lime juice and shredded coconut; stir until combined.

Add reserved whipped cream. Stir until combined. Pour into crust.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Before serving, garnish with toasted coconut, lime zest and maraschino cherries.

www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 5

Health

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Chester Barton, 374th Ear Nose and Throat Clinic otolaryngologist, administers Botox shots to Master Sgt. Danira Estrada, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron section chief at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Botox shots treat migraines by relaxing muscles that cause pain (Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Baker).

Migraine Facts and Helpful Treatments

By Janet A. Aker

MHS Communications

Migraine headaches feel like an attack on your brain and body that can send you to lie in a dark room in total stillness to ward off symptoms.

What are migraines? “Migraine is a disabling neurological disease in which headaches are associated with neurological symptoms that may differ from individual to individual,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. (Dr.) Cristina Cruzcrespo, chief of Neurology at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. “The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that genetics and environment play a role. Migraine may also run in families,” she explained.

If you’ve ever had a migraine, you may describe it as a heavy, throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain that prohibits your usual activities, Cruzcrespo said. The migraine may start on one side of your head and move to the front or the back, she explained.

Some people experience prodrome symptoms that “occur before the migraine by several hours or days,” Cruzcrespo said. “Typical symptoms are extreme tiredness, yawning, irritability, mood changes, neck discomfort, difficulty concentrating, and food cravings.”

“Some people experience aura, which are warning signs occurring minutes before a headache,” she said. “Typical aura includes vision changes - such as blurry vision, seeing flashes of light, blind spots, shapes or bright spots tingling, numbness in the extremities, or difficulty speaking.”

During a migraine, the headache, which can be moderate or severe, can worsen with physical activities, Cruzcrespo said. “You may feel nausea and/or experience vomiting, and you may experience sensitivity to light, noise and/or smells.”

Migraine sufferers also can experience a “migraine hangover,” she said. “The symp-

toms include fatigue, body aches, trouble concentrating, or dizziness.”

Migraines can last from four hours to several days. Yet all migraines include all the phases. The symptoms vary from person to person, Cruzcrespo noted.

Some people just experience aura but not headache, or nausea and vomiting without headache, said Ann Scher, who holds a doctorate in epidemiology and serves as the director of Epidemiology and Statistics at the Uniformed Services University’s Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Who Gets Migraines?

Scher said migraine starts about equally in prevalence in boys and girls, but by adulthood, about 18 percent of women get migraines versus 6 percent of men. That is a ratio of threeto-one. “There are theories as to why women continue to get more migraines than men, but no definitive answer,” Scher said.

Twenty-five to 30 percent of migraine sufferers get aura, she noted.

There are 39 million American men, women, and children with migraines, which means 17 percent of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with migraines at some point during their lives. However, that number is an underestimate, Scher said, because not everyone gets a diagnosis of migraine.

Migraine ranks second among the world’s causes of disability-adjusted life years (behind back pain) due to the number of migraines experienced over a lifetime and is the firstranked disability among young women, according to a recently published 2019 “Global Burden of Disease” study from the World Health Organization.

Treatment & Triggers Communication is key to helping to control migraines, said Michael Oshin-

sky, who holds a doctorate of neuroscience and serves as the program director for pain and migraine at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Make sure you communicate with your physician that you have migraines. Migraine is very manageable if you build a plan that works for the individual.”

That plan may indicate the use of overthe-counter medications, prescription oral drugs, monthly infusions, or neuromodulation through devices aimed at nerves that trigger migraine symptoms. Field kits for active-duty service members should be tailored to the regimen of treatment and prevention of migraines that works for every individual. “It’s got to be the right plan for the individual and should be figured out before they are deployed,” Oshinsky said.

The number one trigger for migraine is stress, Oshinsky said, adding, another trigger is strong emotional experiences - be they happy or sad - because of the significant changes in neurotransmitters within the brain.

Oshinsky also said that certain behaviors trigger migraines but noted that some of these factors cannot be controlled during a deployment. All migraine patients should: Keep well hydrated Go to bed and rise at the same hours each day Don’t skip meals Watch out for hormonal changes Bright lights (sunlight, computer screens, or fluorescent lamps) also can be a trigger, Cruzcrespo said.

There are many oral drugs to prevent migraines that need to be taken daily. They include three different drug classes: anti-seizure medications, beta-blockers (blood pres-

sure medications), and antidepressants (depression and/or anxiety medications), Cruzcrespo said.

“Abortive medications are prescribed to be taken at the onset of headaches or aura,” she said. These agents include an ergotamine derivative, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, “triptans,” calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors called “gepants,” and the immunologics, which are administered subcutaneously once a month or quarterly via an infusion in the provider’s office.

Said Cruzcrespo: “Some procedures can be performed at the physician’s office to prevent headaches or as adjunctive treatment.” Botox injections for headache are performed quarterly for prevention. “Other procedures are performed more frequently, including peripheral nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPG block),” she said.

There are also rescue medications (tranquilizers and sedatives) for a breakthrough migraine while on medication. Breakthrough migraines should be factored into your treatment plan, Oshinsky said.

Additionally, there are new treatments that use neuromodulation of various nerves to treat migraine, he said. These devices include single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, external non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator, external trigeminal nerve stimulation, and an electrical stimulation arm patch that stimulates another nerve that can create migraine.

Other, nonmedical treatments may include yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, Scher said.

“It’s important for anybody who’s having headaches that interfere with their lives to see a doctor, preferably a neurologist or headache disorder specialist, because there are treatments for migraine that might be effective for that individual,” she advised.

NMRTU Everett pediatrician continues to provide patient-centered care By: Douglas H. Stutz

NHB/NMRTC Bremerton Public Affairs Officer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child vaccinations across the United States decreased by more than 21% between January and April of last year. With public health response measures to mitigate the ongoing pandemic centered on social distancing and quarantine policies, including shelter-inplace and stay-at-home orders, many parents simply did not take their children in for their vaccinations.

Dr. Renata Lukezic is not only concerned about this trend, she’s also doing something about it.

Lukezic, a board certified pediatrician assigned to Navy Medical Readiness and Training Unit Everett in Washington, voluntarily took over as the immunization provider for the clinic due to her clinical expertise, vested interest in providing safe services and to continue her patient advocacy efforts.

“Immunizations are a cornerstone of pediatrics. We want to prevent disease, so it was a natural transition for me to assume this role,” explained Lukezic. “In my career, I have thankfully seen several diseases go away because of the implementation of vaccines. That is really satisfying to know that such a big impact can be made in such a short period of time. Vaccines do work and are very effective.”

According to Navy Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Rutledge, NMRTU Everett officer in charge, Lukesic is frequently sought out for guidance in immunizations scheduling. Perhaps more importantly, she has strived to provide working solutions in multiple patient safety reports to improve immunizations protocol. First, she was instrumental in reviewing and improving the provider vaccine ordering form which helped to reduce any potential administrative glitch related to improper vaccine ordering. She then helped to provide training and process solutions for increased staff awareness to ensure vaccines were given in the appropriate time frames.

Providing immunizations is but one example of Lukezic extending her patient-centered care beyond just giving a shot. She takes the time during the vaccination process to address the

reasons why it’s important for the child, explaining not just to the parent, but also to the youngster.

Lukezic strongly encourages that children are in need of health literacy skills early in life.

Helping, educating and encouraging them can help build their understanding and knowledge of their health and wellness.

“I like to spend my patient encounters speaking directly to the patient as much as possible.

Most school age children can provide an excellent medical history,” Lukezic said. “A lot of parents are a little taken aback by this, especially when meeting me for the first time. But I want the child to be engaged and to feel like they have a lot of control. Adolescent patients should be able to provide the entire history.”

The ongoing pandemic has also meant not only finding new ways to reach patients - both parent and child - but also expand the clinic capabilities in doing so. Lukezic has done just that.

“At NMRTU Everett, we were able to add telehealth in two ways. First we were able to engage several unique subspecialists through Madigan Army Medical Center directly to our patients without needing to have the patient travel,” she continued. “And then we also started using telehealth to address some chronic medical needs especially for our adolescent patients. COVID19 certainly has increased the need for telehealth even further.”

“Parents are very pleased with telehealth services,” continued Lukezic. “They can stay in the comfort of their own home. They do not have to worry about child care for siblings.

They can even get medication delivered to their front door, if needed. Safety needs to always be the first priority and not all patient concerns can be addressed with telehealth but for many concerns, this is a great option.”

Lukezic also coordinated expansion of telehealth services for pediatric psychiatry to support developmentally delayed youth in the clinic’s area - serving a catchment area approximately 30 miles north of Seattle, by partnering with Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.

“At my previous duty location, I was actively involved in implementing primary and subspecialty telehealth services in a remote rural loca-

Dr. Renata Lukezic, a board certified pediatrician assigned to Navy Medical Readiness and Training Unit Everett, provides a thorough head-to-toe exam as part of her overall nurturing and attentive treatment for her new born patient (DOUGLAS H STUTZ).

tion. I was able to see firsthand that in the right circumstances, it was a very convenient and safe way to deliver medical care,” related Lukezic.

Recognizing a growing tendency of obesity and increased comorbidities among children and adolescents also prompted Lukezic to head a project to evaluate effectiveness of interventions to determine the best courses of treatment to ensure a healthy and ready family population.

She’s held classes for youth in her support of Naval Station Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center’s Child and Youth Program (CYP) Inclusion Action Team (IAT). She addressed such topics as obesity, provided pregnancy information, and focused on increasing the health literacy for parents on common childhood illnesses, diet and nutritional needs, as well as normal child development.

As part of the CYP IAT, Lukezic regularly met with Naval Station Everett Child Development Center and Child Development Home leadership to assess the needs of high risk children assigned to the local area to ensure necessities were being met.

“Families really appreciate having access to a pediatrician, as pediatricians are specifically trained to take care of children from the newborn period through young adulthood. It is my opinion that we really need

to empower the entire family to meet their health goals. I know there are multiple definitions of health but the one that speaks the most to me is, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” stated Lukezic.

“There are two aspects of my job that I just love,” explained Lukezic. “The first is seeing my families succeed in their health goals.

Whether it is a mother successfully breastfeeding after a challenging neonatal intensive care unit stay or a school age child controlling their asthma and now exercising without limits. I really enjoy the personal connections with my families as we work together to meet their needs.”

There might be just one drawback to her lengthy work schedule for the dedicated doctor; not enough hours in the day.

“Having enough time to spend with patients is always a challenge. This challenge calls on me to stay creative and think of other ways to meet this need. Telehealth services was one answer to this challenge but I know there are other courses of action to consider as well. I know I have to stay creative and I know I have to do this with true purpose and presence,” Lukezic stressed.

6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021

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VA Beach VA 23462 June 26th 2021 - 11am to 7pm. The mall is having a event “Salute to Local Hero’s” in the Hampton Roads area . There will be resources, Raffle, free items and refreshments. This is excellent and exciting event for everyone please come support your local heroes!

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Good news.

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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021 7 Dogs, Cats, Other Pets WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER PUPPIES

Autos for Sale

CHRYSLER 2015 TOWN & COUNTRY

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Last week’s CryptoQuip answer

Busy hub in th Big Apple where folk trade footwear all day: New York Sock Exchange.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, June 24, 2021