Flagship 06.27.2024

Tri-Service Optician School aboard

ByMaxLonzanida Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

YORKTOWN, Va Fifteen graduates of the Tri-Service Optician School’s (TOPS) Class24-005joinedtheClassof2024andset theirsightsonjoiningthefleetandrespective field activities near and far as trained optical laboratoryspecialistsonThursday,June20th Theirrigorous24-weektrainingcourseatthe school, co-located at the Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA) onboard Naval WeaponsStation(NWS)Yorktownconcluded withacommencementceremonyattendedby familyandservicemembersalike makingthis milestoneachievementafocalpointformany onthefirstofficialdayofsummer CommanderChristopherDeAngelis,MSC, Director of the Tri-Service Optician School provided official remarks during the ceremony. He remarked that “I’m continually impressed by the work of our Tri-Service OpticianSchoolstudents,makingthisschool oneofthebestopticiantrainingcoursesinthe Department of Defense He also noted that theirtrainingtookplaceattheNORAfacility whichisthelargestandfinestOpticalFabricationEnterprise(OFE)withintheDepartment of Defense In addition to classroom instruc-

CourtesyStory

NORFOLK, Va On Monday, Commander Navy Region Mid Atlantic (CNRMA) will introduce its first-ever mobile application, aimed at enhancing communication and support services for personnel across the region. The launch of the CNRMA app marks a significant milestone for CNRMA and represents a commitment to leveraging technology to improve efficiency and accessibility

ThenewCNRMAappwillprovideusers withaconvenientplatformtoaccessawide rangeofresourcesandinformationrelevant to their needs From important announcements and updates to local events and supportservices,theappaimstostreamline communicationandensurethatpersonnel have easy access to the information they require.

tion,practicaltrainingforthecohortofSailors and Soldiers occurred onboard Fort Eustis, LangleyAirForceBaseandatSewellsPointin Norfolk among other locations Instruction was provided by the dedicated staff of Civilians, Drill Sergeants, other Sailors, Hospital Corpsman and other specialistsinthefield to graduate students that will allow warfighters near and far the sight to fight and wininanydomain.

“As new opticians youarenowthemost highly trained opticiansthatourmilitary has to offer You have the most up to date trainingavailableand the curriculum that you received in the past six months should serve as a baseline from here, concluded Commander DeAngelis It was also noted that their rigorous curriculum consisted

Yorktown,Va (June 20 2024) HATanner Steward is presentedwith the Navyand Marine CorpsAchievement Medal as the Navyhonorgraduate oftheTri-Service Optician School’s (TOPS) class 24-005 commencement ceremonybyCommander ChristopherDeAngelis,DirectoroftheTriService Optician School.

of instruction on ophthalmic dispensing, fabrication and clinical optics among other subjects that equipped the graduates with the required skillsets to be successful at their respective dutystations Special awards were presented to several cohorts of the graduating class Hospital Corpsman Apprentice TannerStewardwas awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as the cohort’s Navy Honor Graduate Sergeant Eric Johnsonwasawardedthe Army Achievement Medalasthecohort’s ArmyHonorGraduate Several Soldiers in the cohort graduated with honors among themPrivateSecondClassStephanieAguayo, Private Second Class Terrance Daniels, and Private First Class Jennifer Ramos-Lopez.

Additionally, several Sailors also graduated withhonors,amongthemHospitalCorpsman SecondClassLindsayBlythe,HospitalCorpsman Apprentice Anthony Carreto-Cardona, HospitalCorpsmanThirdClassJoshuaForte andHospitalCorpsmanThirdClassVincent Stanley Additionally, U.S. Army Medical Department Certificates were presented to the Soldier graduates by TOPS instructors Sergeant First Class Darwin Prudencio and Staff Sergeant Rebecca Worthy. Thereafter, Class 24-005 comprised of the newest Navy Hospital Corpsman (NEC L19A) and Army Optical Laboratory Specialists (MOS 68H) tooktothestageandreceivedtheirrespective graduationcertificates About the Tri-Service Optician School: The mission of TOPS is to provide formal optical training to Army Optical Laboratory Specialist MOS (68H) and Navy Hospital Corpsman(NECL19A)studentswithquality trainingthrougha24-week,DoD,uniformed services school on the subjects of ophthalmic dispensing ophthalmic fabrication and clinicaloptics Uponcompletingtherequired curriculum, graduates are immediately able tofunctionasanindependentopticianinany militaryenvironment.

Region. I am excited to say the rollout of the app is happening Monday, said Rear Admiral Wes McCall, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “The new capability will be available to everyone with a smart phone,andwithatouchofafinger,youcan learn more about our Navy installations

A key feature of the app will be its abilitytodelivertimelynotificationsandalerts directly to users’ mobile devices with push notifications Whether it’s information about upcoming training exercises or emergency notifications, the app will help ensure that personnel stay informed and prepared.

The introduction of the mobile app reflects CNRMA’s ongoing commitment to the quality of life of the sailors and their families By embracing technology and exploring new ways to enhance communication and support services CNRMA aimstobetterservetheneedsofpersonnel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic at

“One of my projects when I arrived to CNRMA was to get an app established for ease of communication throughout the

SCSTC delivers Warship Theater AntiSubmarine Warfare training to the fleet

BySCSTCPublicAffairs

Surface Combat Systems Training Command

NORFOLK Va Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) recently conducted a pilot of the newly developed Warship Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare (TASW) course of instruction toUSSTruxtun(DDG103)withUSSJames E. Williams (DDG 95) supporting with an Anti-SubmarineWarfare(ASW)team.

“Our warship crews continue to learn at speed,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill, commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) “This course is another example of how the Surface Community is rapidly incorporating rehearsals in a threat based,riskinformed,dataenabledconstruct I’m excited to scale this important combat readinessenabler.”

In September 2021, SURFLANT recommended additional TASW training at the ship level and tasked SCSTC to identify traininggapsandtoprovideasolution.

“We addressed deficiencies identified throughout the training pipeline starting at “A”Schoolthroughthecommandingofficer course,” said one of the pilot leads, Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) John Fletcher,fromBastrop,Louisiana,whowas SCSTC’s STG rating lead and is currently assigned to Truxtun. “We wanted to focus more on the offensive than defensive and increase both STG system intimacy and TASWknowledge.”

This led to the development of a fiveday TASW course designed to enhance the skillset for cruiser-destroyer platforms

that will report to Commander Task Force 24 to conduct TASW with Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft and MH-60R Seahawk platforms The curriculum consists of knowledge-based instructor-led training, Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment-Combat Systems applications, and scenario-basedtrainingaboardship

“The course was developed to provide excellent training to both shipboard tactical leadership and sonar technicians in theater ASW,” said Capt. Matt Rick, former commanding officer of SCSTC Hampton Roads “IndiscussionswithTruxtun’sleadership, they stated the training was superb andfocusedtheirsonarteam.”

Truxtun’sOperationsOfficer,Lt Meghan Brooks,fromPepperell,Massachusetts,says the pilot course was beneficial for the ship, especiallysincetheyaregoingthroughtheir pre-deploymentphase

“Ifeelthecrewismorereadyfortaskings goingintothetheater,”shesaid

Truxtun’s Combat Systems Officer, Lt TrentonLayne,fromDallas,Texas,saysthis trainingwasneeded.

“This level of training often emphasizes on aircraft carriers but the training we received shifted the focus from air warfare tosubsurface,”hesaid.“Alllevels executive and sonar learned warfighting capabilities notpreviouslytaught.

Truxtun’sSonarDivisionLeadPettyOfficer, Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class

Blaise Desaubies, from Boulder, Colorado, wishes he had access to training like this earlierinhisnavalcareer

“I’ve been in the Navy for 22 years, and as a former frigate Sailor I’ve had to learn new things based off of what I knew from oldersystems,”hesaid.“Today,Sailorshave accesstomoreresourcesandadvancetools, and this course will help make them better Sailorsandbettersonartechnicians.”

Truxtun’s Sonar Supervisor, Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Kamari Eason, from Linden, New Jersey, says the multiple training commands and organizations participatinginthepilotcreatedasuccessful learningenvironment.

“All of us coming together to discuss what’s going on in the world, and recognizing strengths and weaknesses within the ASW capabilities, was a great experience,” he said. “We were able to utilize more tools thannormalandimplementthefulleffectof thesonarsuite.”

The commands and organizations that were involved in this effort with SCSTC Truxtun and James E. Williams include Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 5.0 Undersea Systems; OfficeofNavalIntelligence;UnderseaWarfighting Development Center; Submarine GroupTwo;DestroyerSquadronTwo;Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center; Afloat Training Group Atlantic;Commander PatrolandReconnaissance Group;HelicopterMaritimeStrikeWeapon SchoolAtlantic;andourindustrypartners

“Thecollectiveeffortthatwentintocreating this course is truly commendable and it’s going to have a positive impact on our Sailors’TASWproficiencymovingforward,” saidSeniorChiefSonarTechnician(Surface)

Curtis Macner, assistance force STG for SURFLANT SCSTC developed TASW focused on the speed of delivery to the Fleet. The course will transition to a formal course and be available in every fleet concentration in the future. “The threats to our nation continue to increase and our strategic environment has altered requiring a shift in focus,” said SCSTC’s Commodore, Capt. George A. Kessler Jr “How we train our Surface Force directly impacts combat readiness The TASW course will provide the highend tactical training needed to guarantee our ASW teams are ready to execute the mission whenever,andwherevercalled.” Surface Combat Systems Training Command(SCSTC),headquarteredinDahlgren, Virginia, falls under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), led by Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko. SCSTC is a training organization that consists of 15 global learning sites and detachments Its mission is to provide the U.S. Navy and our allies with highly trained warfighters to maintain, operate, and tactically employ surface combat systems across the spectrumofoperations Annually,SCSTCdelivers training to over 37,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 27 partnernations

For information about Surface Combat SystemsTrainingCommand,visit: „ https://www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC

NAVFAC Atlantic honors top employees and teams

ByMichaelMorris Naval

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic announced its annual awards recognizing exceptional contributions by employees and teams in variouscategories Thisyear’shonoreeshave demonstratedoutstandingdedication,leadership, and innovation in their respective fields NAVFAC Atlantic congratulates all awardees for their exceptional contributions and dedication to excellence Their achievements reflect the highest standards ofprofessionalismandservice

Employee of the Year

Ms.BrookBrandon-Weems,Public WorksFacilitiesSustainment(PW52)

Brook Brandon-Weems, NAVFAC Atlantic’s Conditions-Based Maintenance/ Infrastructure Condition Assessment Program (CBM/ICAP) Program Manager has been named Employee of the Year Brandon-Weems played a crucial role in developing the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations’ (OPNAV) Targeted Facility Investment Strategy and the Secretary of Defense’sEnterpriseSustainmentManagementSystem.ShealsocreatedanewCBM/ ICAP SharePoint webpage and conducted the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg Naval Inspector General (NAVIG)

inspection in early 2023 Additionally, Brandon-Weems volunteered for a 60-day temporaryassignmentastheHeadquarters (HQ) CBM program manager. Her selection for the 2024 Leadership Development Program (LDP) and her feature in the 2023 NAVFAC Atlantic National Public Works Week further highlight her contributions Congratulations, Brook, on this well-deservedhonor!

Supervisor of the Year

Mr JonathanSiegel,Planning,Design andConstructionProjectPlanning (PDC40)

Jonathan Siegel has been recognized as Supervisor of the Year for his leadership of the Asset Management Asset Utilization (AM3/4) team Following the recent reorganization,Siegelprovidedcriticalleadership for the Project Planning (PDC40) team He effectively managed timekeeping, performance reviews, and training ensuring a smoothtransitionduringthereorganization process Siegel’sdedication,devotiontoduty andleadershipstylehavemadeasignificant impactontheAtlanticAreaofResponsibility (AOR). Congratulations, Jonathan, on your outstandingleadershipandcommitment.

Team of the Year

Gold, Product and Service: Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNS) Shipyard Infra-

structure Optimization Program (SIOP)

Area Development Plan (ADP) Cost AnalysisTeam

„ CharlesHerr,GeneralEngineer,PDC4

„ Derek Bowers, Supervisory General Engineer PDCP3

„ Andres Carbacho-Burgos Regional Economist,PDCP3

„ Ashley Kennedy, General Engineer, PDCP3

„ Jamee Martocci, Community Planner, PDC40B

ThePHNSSIOPADPCostAnalysisTeam hasbeenawardedtheTeamoftheYearGold award.Theireffortsindevelopingacomprehensiveanddefendablecostproductforthe AssistantSecretaryoftheNavyforResearch Development, and Acquisition (ASN RDA) wereinstrumental.

The team’s work has set a strong foundationforfutureprojectsandprovidedcritical information for senior Navy leaders’ decisions Congratulationstotheentireteamfor theirexceptionalteamworkandprofessionalism!

Honorable mentions include theTransient Lease Lodging Team, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Compliance Testing Centrally Managed Program (CMP) Team, andtheREC’ingCrewTeam.

Silver, Process Improvement Award: Navy Utility Infrastructure Condition AssessmentProgram(U-ICAP)Team(UtilitiesRiskTool[URT]MigrationtoMaximo)

| MCC Amanda Kitchner 757-262-2852 | amanda.s.kitchner.mil@us.navy.mil MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm 757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil AssistantEditor | MC2 Jordan Grimes

757-322-2853

„ ChristopherMay,ProgramManagement Analyst, Headquarters Public Works (HQ PW5)

„ Devin Melvin, Supervisory Electrical Engineer, LANT Public Works (LANT PW62)

„ Richard Clark Civil Engineer LANT PW6

„ Kevin Magnone, Senior Engineer, U-ICAP,LANTPW6

„ Robert Johnson, Mechanical Engineer, LANTPW6

„ PaulKoike,MechanicalEngineer,Pacific PublicWorks(PACPW62)

„ Tim Rugani, PW6 U-ICAP Program Manager Headquarters The Navy U-ICAP Team received the Silver Process Improvement Award for their successful migration of the URT to Maximo The transition, completed before the Authority to Operate (ATO) expiration, overcame several technological obstacles and improved data quality and risk assessment processes The team also developed a training program for the enterprise now beingexecutedinFY24 Congratulationsto the U-ICAP Team for their innovative and impactfulwork!

About NAVFAC Atlantic: NAVFAC Atlantic provides engineering support to the U.S. Navy, facilitating the planning, design, construction,andmaintenanceofnavalfacilities. The command’s mission is to deliver sustainable innovativesolutionstomeetthe Navy’sglobalmissionrequirements

An undersea medical officer’s tale from the silent service

ByAndréB.Sobocinski,Historian U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Beneath the waves, where steel behemothspatrolinnear-totalisolation,submarinemedicinewalksatightrope Thehealth of the crew is paramount, but unlike a surfaceship evenminoremergenciescannot lead to medical evacuation. The submarine medical provider, therefore, shoulders a unique burden: keeping the crew healthy and mission-ready while anticipating and preventing any medical crisis that could forceacriticalsurfacingduringapatrol.

Since1924,whenChiefPharmacist’sMate John Harrison Davis reported aboard the diesel-poweredUSSV-1,hospitalcorpsmen have been mainstays aboard submarines, providing the essential medical services neededtokeepthesubmarinershealthyand the boat operational. However, there was a period from 1959 to the 1970s when medical officers joined independent duty corpsmen (IDCs) aboard nuclear-powered fleet ballisticmissilesubmarines(SSBNs).Among thesepioneeringsubmarinephysicianswas retiredCapt.Henry“Hank”Schwartz.

Dr Schwartz is a 27-year veteran of Navy Medicine whose career included tours as directorofUnderseaMedicineattheBureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), force medical officer for the Pacific Submarine Force, and research medical officer at the Naval Experimental Diving Unit. Schwartz started his naval journey in 1966 aboard the Polaris missile submarines USS James Monroe(SSBN622)andUSSDanielBoone (SSBN629)

IntheColdWar,SSBNsweretheultimate deterrentagainsttheSovietUnion,carrying intercontinental ballistic missiles ready for launch on presidential orders in the event of a catastrophic conflict During the rapid expansion of the submarine service in the 1950s a particular need arose for expertise aboardthesesubmarinesthatwouldhandle anymedicalemergencies AsNavySurgeon General Vice Adm. Robert Brown outlined inaJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)articleinJanuary1966,“By serving as a ship’s medical officer on board aPolarissubmarine,thesubmarinemedical officer not only takes care of usual health problems of the submarine personnel, but he also develops an awareness of potential healthandsafetyhazards.”

The SSBNs carried two crews—Blue and Gold—eachrequiringadedicatedphysician and an IDC Fresh out of internship and a newly direct commissioned lieutenant in the Navy Medical Corps, Schwartz found himself assigned to the Monroe and thrust into the world of submarines Before joining the crew, he attended a 5-day expedited undersea medical training course to equiphimwiththerudimentaryknowledge and skills necessary to navigate the unique medical challenges of sub-life. While IDCs provided the mainstay of medical care aboard, medical officers like Schwartz

helped conduct comprehensive physical examinations, monitored crew health for exposuretohazardsliketritium(apotential byproduct of nuclear weapons), conducted sanitarychecksingalleys,andtreatedmore seriousmedicalcases,shouldtheyoccur

“The idea was that Polaris [SSBNs] boats were strategic forces and it was very important to keep them on patrol, related Schwartz. “They had physicians onboard in case of medical emergencies or if there was a need for a medical decision to avoid surfacing.”

Capt.Schwartzrecountstreatingabroken legandacaseofhepatitis,highlightingsitu-

patrol,therewasevenaslotmachineaboard.

“This was an actual nickel slot machine, and it was set up next to the galley,” said Schwartz. “At that time, you had to pay five cents for a Coke, which was right next to the galley And any money went to the REC [recreational] fund. Even the skipper had come down once in a while and you’d give a dollar to the cooks and they’d give you a dollar’sworthofnickels,andthenyou’dput yournickelsintheslotmachine.”

On long patrols, cut off from the familiar sights and sounds of the surface world, aprofoundsenseofisolationcouldsetin.In thesestretchesofsolitude,Schwartzrecalls

ationswhereaphysician’spresenceproved crucial “Inthecaseofthebrokenleg westillhad about two or three weeks before the end of the patrol, recounted Schwartz. “We put thelegbackinposition,whichhadbeenata 45-degreeangle,reducedit,putaplastercast onit,andremainedonpatrol.”

Even with physicians aboard, Schwartz relates that IDCs handled most of the daily medical care. Often, the worst medical complaint among crews was heartburn, whichwastreatedwithantacids sometimes referredtoas“Polariscandy.”

Schwartz recalls smoking, reading, and playing dice for cigars as popular recreationalactivitiesaboardtheMonroe Onone

that the crew relied on the submarine’s radioman as their lifeline to culture and a conduittotheworldtheyweretemporarily leavingbehind.

“The [boat’s] radio received official messages, but since they only required part of the broadcast time, the rest of the radio time was filled by every type of information from public news sources,” explained Schwartz.“Sportsnews,fashionnews,headlines of all kinds, anything from the United PressInternationalwasfilteredbytheradiomen,anditemsofinterestwereclippedout and added to the ship’s newspaper by pastingitontoasheetofpaper Thatsheetwent tothemimeomachineforpublication.”

During the Cold War’s tense peak, the

ever-presentthreatofwarfareloomedlarge as the U.S. and Soviet Union dueled in a cloak-and-dagger duel for global influence Onepatrol,particularlyetchedinSchwartz’s memory,involvedasuspiciousfishingvessel attempting to tail them near Holy Loch, Scotland, then home to Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 14 Submarine Forces U.S. AtlanticFleet.

“On that patrol, going out of Holy Loch, you had quite a long distance before the water was deep enough to submerge, and therewasalwaysaSoviettrawlerthereplaying ‘rules of their road’ games with you,” recountedSchwartz.“Theywouldtrytoget in front of you. It was a pretty good-sized trawler for a fishing boat. You wouldn’t see anynets butyou’dseealotofantennas.”

After his initial patrol aboard Monroe Schwartz completed the formal Undersea MedicalOfficerscourseatSchoolofSubmarine Medicine (later the Navy Undersea Medical Institute), in Groton, Connecticut, solidifying his qualifications before serving aboard USS Daniel Boone Following three deterrent patrols aboard Boone he was assignedtotheSubmarineBaseDispensary at Pearl Harbor where he volunteered to treattheinjuredcrewoftheUSSEnterprise (CVAN65)afteradevastatingfireonJan.14, 1969 He would never again serve aboard a submarine

The end of the doctor’s draft and the Vietnam War resulted in a natural drawdown of personnel serving in Navy Medicine Theshrinkingpoolofmedicalofficers coupled with a BUMED-sponsored report that found IDCs could handle a majority of medical services aboard submarines, led to the removal of dedicated undersea medical officerpositionsaboardSSBNs.

Nonetheless, though it was short-lived, the presence of medical officers like Capt. Schwartz only helped ensure the health andwell-beingofsubmarinersonextended, high-pressuremissionsfarfromtraditional medicalsupport.Thelegacyofthesesubmarine physicians serves as a reminder of the role medical professionals play, sometimes in even the most unconventional environments

Today, as he looks back over his Navy career, Schwartz remains proud to have served as an undersea medical officer and relishes the opportunity to have served aboardsubmarines

“The Navy helped gave me purpose as I wasstartingmycareerinmedicine,”related Schwartz. “Those years on the subs during the Cold War lit a fire under me Serving alongside those incredible crews, knowing the stakes of every patrol, that’s what made me truly understand the meaning of being operational.”

Source: Schwartz, Henry “Hank, Capt. Oral History (Conducted by A.B. Sobocinski). Sessions conducted on Dec. 16, 2022 and Jan.13,2023

Forging futures: Strategic partnerships enhance healthcare and military readiness

ByGloriaKwizera

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Navy Medicine solidified its commitment to advancing healthcare education through a series of key events in Raleigh andDurham,NorthCarolina,June6.These strategic partnerships benefit both military servicemembersandthebroaderhealthcare community

NavyMedicinerepresentativeRearAdm. Rick Freedman, Navy Deputy Surgeon GeneralstartedthetripataHospitalCorpsmanTraumaTraining(HMTT)Graduation CeremonyattheWakeMedTraumaCenter inRaleigh,NorthCarolina.

“Today you leave here as the tip of the spear the first line of defense the difference between life and death, said Freedman. “You embody Navy Medicine’s firm commitmenttoourfellowwarfighters.”

HMTTgraduatestrainalongsideexperiencedWakeMedtraumaprofessionals,gaining invaluable hands-on experience This not only prepares them for military emergencies,butalsoequipsthemforfuturecivilianhealthcarecareers.Freedmanexpressed his sincere appreciation for WakeMed’s dedication and expertise in fostering the mutuallybeneficialpartnership.

“The skills you are teaching here, and all the knowledge gained by our corpsmen within the four walls of this worldclass hospital and its first-class facilities will very likely be used aboard some future ship,likeanaircraftcarrier,adestroyer,ora submarine, or on some foreign land where itcouldbedeserthotorarcticcold,”continued Freedman. “And the skills learned at HMTT will be used to help save the lives of America’s sons and daughters who have gone forward to protect our national interestsandourwayoflife.”

Discussions centered on the future of healthcare education, highlighting the criticalroleofprogramslikeHMTTindeveloping highly skilled healthcare professionals The meeting also underscored the invaluable contributions of hospital corpsmen to both national security and civilian healthcarepost-service

“Wecannotemphasizeenoughtheimportance of hospital corpsmen to the readinessoftheNavyforce,”statedMasterChief Hospital Corpsman Hansen Lafoucade, the deputy director of the Hospital Corps “Thank you for all you do to help us ensure we continue to build the castle that is going to fortify our next fort to support the next mission, and next fight that we are going to

begoinginto.” Further solidifying the importance of these educational initiatives, a leadership meeting convened with Freedman, retired Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, the 37th Navy Surgeon General, and retired Rear Adm. Donald Gintzig, WakeMed’s CEO and Rear Adm. Charles Harr WakeMed chief medicalofficer

“We’re extremely excited for the opportunitytoengageandtoseewhatatruepartnership looks like,” expressed Dr Gintzig “It does take a team and we’re honored to take what we have at WakeMed, which is a veryspecialenvironment,anincredibleand talentedteam,andsharewhatweknow.”

The trip included a visit to Duke University an institution with a longstanding collaboration with Navy Medicine The visit focused on Duke’s role in advancing healthcareeducationfortransitioningNavy hospitalcorpsmenthroughprogramsincritical fields like internal medicine, nursing, surgery, and physician assistance These programs are rigorously designed to meet the demanding standards of both military andciviliansettings,ensuringgraduatesare well-equippedforsuccess

Navy Medicine’s engagement with Duke and other universities signifies a steadfast

commitment to student success Extensive scholarshipprogramsofferedbyNavyMedicinealleviatefinancialburdensandpavethe wayforrewardinghealthcarecareers.

“The education and support you provide makes our servicemen and women stronger. It is a powerful symbol of our mutual commitment to serving others.” concluded Freedman.“Throughthesecrucialpartnershipsandongoingdialogue,NavyMedicine not only bolsters the readiness of its forces butalsostrengthensthehealthcarecommunity.”

Navy Medicine represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilianhealthcareprofessionals provides enduring expeditionary medical support to thewarfighteron,below,andabovethesea, andashore.

For more information on Navy Medicine careers and to explore the unique scholarships and educational benefits available, including full tuition and specialized trainingopportunities,pleasevisithttps://www navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/medical. To learn more about the Hospital CorpsmanTraumaTrainingprogram,visithttps:// www.med.navy.mil/Navy-Medicine-Operational-Training-Command/Hospital-Corpsman-Trauma-Training

NORFOLK Va NavalAirForceAtlantic (AIRLANT) dedicated a conference room in honor of Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the first African American Naval Aviator in the UnitedStatesNavy,June21.

Brown’s life and legacy are a testament to courage and determination. The conference room dedication provided AIRLANT theopportunitytoremindemployees,military and civilian alike, what Brown’s selfless service means to the command and to theNavy Brown was born in 1926 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and grew up in a time of segregation and racial discrimination. Despite thesechallenges,Brownpursuedhisdream of becoming a pilot. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 and completed flight training, earninghiswingsin1948

Brown participated in 20 strike missions

overNorthKoreafrommid-Octobertoearly December of 1950 His final mission was on Dec. 4, 1950 While piloting his F4U-4 Corsair aircraft near the Chosin Reservoir Brown’s plane took small arms damage to the oil system which in turn disabled his aircraftfromfurtherflightandheendedup crashinginthemountainousregionofNorth Korea.

This conference room dedication was inspired by another conference room that was unveiled in August 2023 at AIRLANT, which commemorated Brown’s wingman andMedalofHonorrecipient,Capt.Thomas Hudner

“When Rear Adm. John ‘Oscar Meier [former commander for Naval Air Force Atlantic]firstcheckedonboard,hewasreally keenonchangingthenameoftheCommand Conference Room (CCR) to the Thomas Hudner Conference Room,” said Richard “Spike”Pittman,director,visualinformation services “We wanted to emulate the King

Conference Room at U.S. Fleet Forces Command and, while doing my research about Hudner, I was truly inspired by the story of Hudner and his wingman, Ensign JesseL.Brown. During the two years it took to dedicate theThomasHudnerConferenceRoom,Pittman took the liberty to create a conference roomforBrowninacomplimentarydesign. “They are opposite in the layout as well asthefeelofthespaces WheretheHudner RoomisdesignedtopayhomagetoaMedal ofHonorrecipient,theJesseL.BrownRoom pays tribute to a fallen Airman who had the courageandfortitudetonotonlybecomethe first African American naval pilot, but also give his life in a heroic act of valor, successfully destroying a vital supply line in the KoreanWar,”saidPittman.

TheconferenceroomdedicatedtoBrown serves not only as a physical space, but also asasymbolofhisenduringlegacy Adorned withphotographsandmemorabiliafromhis

life, the room is designed to inspire future generations It is a place where stories of bravery and determination can be shared, where the next pioneers can draw strength fromBrown’sexample

“It was my honor to design these rooms and I hope they both bring inspiration to those who pass through them,” said Pittman.“InBrown’sownpropheticwordsthat cannot ring truer both then and now: ‘If I becomeapilot,everyblackmancanbecome anythinghewantstobeintheNavy I’mthe beginningofthingstocome.’”

Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible forsixnuclear-poweredaircraftcarriers 55 aircraftsquadrons,1,200aircraftand43,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel basedontheEastCoastoftheUnitedStates It provides combat ready, sustainable naval airforceswiththerightpersonnel,properly trainedandequipped,withafocusonreadiness, operational excellence, interoperability safetyandefficientresourcing

Aquatic Robotics: ROVs

at International SeaPerch Challenge

ByWarrenDuffie Office of Naval Research

Eight years ago as a high school student Bryson Potts competed in a SeaPerch competition, helping to design an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). He enjoyed the experience so much that he pursued a career in science, becoming a mechanical engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division in Florida.

Today, Potts gives back by volunteering as a mentor at SeaPerch events: “SeaPerch wasmyintroductionintoSTEMandpushed metoengineering,soIreallyappreciatethe Navy allowing me to volunteer and help grow SeaPerch to give more students that same opportunity A highlight each year is working [ROV] triage and seeing the ingenuity and creativity of the students fixing problems that arise This reinforces that programs such as SeaPerch help foster the futureofSTEM.

Potts was one of many people involved withthe2024InternationalSeaPerchChallenge, held May 31-June 1 at the University ofMarylandinCollegePark,Maryland.The event featured more than 170 competing teamsofelementary,middleandhighschool studentsfromaroundtheworld.

TheOfficeofNavalResearch(ONR)-sponsoredprogrambroughttogetherstudentsto showcase the ROVs they built as part of a curriculumdesignedtoboosttheirskillsand interest in science, technology, engineering andmathematics(STEM).

The SeaPerch program is an initiative withintheNavalSTEMCoordinationOffice, which is located at ONR and coordinates investments in STEM education, outreach andworkforceinitiativesacrosstheDepartment of the Navy (DoN). STEM is a critical naval focus area outlined in the Naval S&T StrategyreleasedinAprilbySecretaryofthe NavyCarlosDelToro

“ONR’s involvement with SeaPerch truly is a valuable investment in the future of our nation,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus “Our Navy faces an ever-growing variety of complex challenges To meet those challenges we need to develop future generations of Sailors, Marines, scientists, technical trades and engineers, so we can harness their ideas, creativity, ingenuity and passion for our nation’sservice.”

RoboNation’s SeaPerch program gives teachers and students the resources they need to build ROVs from kits made up of low-cost, easily accessible parts and follow

acurriculumthatteachesbasicengineering and science concepts with a marine engineeringtheme

During this year’s International SeaPerch Challenge, participants showed off their engineering prowess through technicalpapersandpresentations Thentheyran their ROVs through an underwater obstacle course in which the vehicles navigated through24-inchrings orientedinmultiple directions before surfacing, re-submergingandreturningthroughthecourse

Afterward, competitors operated their ROVs through an underwater mission course with a deep-sea exploration theme Thecoursesimulatedthetasksandenvironment that an ROV might encounter while exploring the harsh environments that surround hydrothermal vents, which are geysers orhotsprings ontheoceanfloor.

This year also marked the first time the

Naval STEM Coordination Office had an exhibitor booth at the International SeaPerch Challenge Representatives engaged withstudents,parentsandeducatorsabout navalSTEMcareersandeducationalopportunities

“NavalSTEM’sparticipationintheSeaPerchChallengeunderscoresitscommitment toinspirecuriosityandshapeagenerationof talentpreparedforfutureglobalchallenges,” saidSandyLandsberg,whoisboththeNaval STEM Coordination Office executive and a division director in ONR’s Command, Control, Computing, Communications, Cyber,Intelligence,Surveillance,ReconnaissanceandTargeting(C5ISRT)Department.

“Engaging in outreach at events like SeaPerch is crucial for increasing awareness of the real-world problems faced by the Department of the Navy and for showcasing the diverse, rewarding science and

technologycareerswithintheorganization.” RoboNation estimates that over 250,000 students engage in the program annually throughgrassrootsprograms,competitions andtrainingactivities.Since2011,SeaPerch has expanded to reach students in over 35 countries and all 50 U.S. states Additionally, the number of locally hosted regional competitions has grown to approximately 100qualifiereventswhereteamsearnaspot attheInternationalSeaPerchChallenge Learnmoreaboutthisyear’sInternational SeaPerchChallenge,andtheteamresults,at https://seaperch.org/programs/2024-chal-

Corpsman, the cutting edge of Navy Medicine, celebrate 126 years

ByChiefPettyOfficerJohnGrandin

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

FALLSCHURCH,Va Today,the126th birthday of the Hospital Corps was celebrated with great pride and tradition at the Defense Health Headquarters The ceremony,attendedbydistinguishedguestsand personnel,honoredhospitalcorpsman’srich legacy and invaluable contributions to the UnitedStatesNavyandbeyond.

Rear Adm. Darin Via, Navy Surgeon General, who was a prior hospital corpsman, delivered remarks highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of hospital corpsmenthroughouthistory

“You are the reason Sailors and Marines are willing to go into harm’s way,” said Via. “It is the corpsmen at the front line that is goingtobesavinglivesanddeterminingwho getstocomebacktotheirlovedones Truly a salute to every corpsman who has served, whoisserving,andwhowillserve.

Theceremonyfeaturedasolemnflagfolding ceremony, symbolizing the honor and respect accorded to those who have served andcontinuetoserveintheHospitalCorps Thiswasfollowedbyaceremonialcake-cutting a time-honored tradition signifying unity and camaraderie among all members oftheNavycommunity

In anticipation of this milestone, on June 14,RearAdm.RickFreedman,NavyDeputy Surgeon General, and Force Master Chief PatrickPaul Mangaran led a commemorative command run. Sailors participated in the run, pausing at planned stops where they were educated on significant historical milestones of the Hospital Corps This educationaljourneyunderscoredtheCorps’ pivotal role in shaping the Navy’s current landscape

“126 years of the Hospital Corps legacy continues to live strong because of each andeveryoneofyou,”remarkedMangaran “Thank you for continuing to build on the foundationthatwassetbeforeus.”

The 126th Hospital Corpsman birthday ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the unwavering dedication and professionalism of hospital corpsmen worldwide As they continue to keep the warfighter in the fight,theirlegacyremainsanintegralpartof Navytraditionandservice

Navy Medicine represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilianhealthcareprofessionals provides enduringexpeditionarymedicalsupportto thewarfighteron,below,andabovethesea, andashore.

MSCHQ Morale Welfare and Recreation team gearing up for upcoming events

ByHendrickDickson

USN Military Sealift Command

The Military Sealift Command (Headquarters) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee is planning several exciting events throughout 2024 to promote teamwork and togetherness whilecelebratingMSC’s75thAnniversary

“Our goal is to build camaraderie between our civilian staff and military members here at MSC,” said Lt Hanna Lee MWR team member “We have several events coming up throughout the year to give our people the opportunity to gettoknoweachotheroutsideofworkand celebrate our 75th Anniversary.”

Recently, during an event to honor the 75th Anniversary, MWR hosted a free screening of the 2020 film “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks at Gator Theater on Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek. This event gave staff and active-duty members the opportunity to reflect on the history and vital mission of MSC and the Navy

Based on the 1955 novel “The Good Shepherd,” “Greyhound” follows a U.S. Navy commander on his first assignment commanding a multi-national escort destroyer group of four defending an Allied convoy consisting of 37 merchant and troop ships from German U-boats duringtheBattleoftheAtlantic.Merchant Mariners in World War II depended on armed Allied naval forces to protect them.

“It really shows how the Navy fleet and merchant marine fleet were able to come together fight adversaries and accomplish their mission. It’s about the tireless efforts by the men who came before us,” said Lee Prior to the screening, MSC Command Master Chief, Force Master Chief Steven W. Bosco talked with those in attendance and emphasized the importance of building a strong community at the command. He commended the MWR team for their work planning events that focuses on that goal.

On July 3, the command will celebrate the nation’s independence with a picnic at headquarters that will be free for the MSC Sailors and civilians and feature the tradi-

tional Fourth of July festivities

“We’re going to have it at the picnic area at SP-64, said Lee “No one has to take off work or drop leave. They can just come, grab a burger, or a hotdog and just enjoy the day. We’re going to have a bounce house for anyone who wants to bring their kids We’re going have outdoor games like corn hole and horseshoes All people have to do is show up.”

MWR will also host the first of two events to honor MSC’s 75 years of maritime history on July 25 with MSC Day at the Ball Park to watch the Minor League BaseballteamsNorfolkTidesandJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp square off at Harbor Park. Tickets for this event is $31.50 for adults and $29.50 for kids ages 2-12 Kids under 2 years old get in free The ticket includes lunch during the game from a menu that features hamburgers, hotdogs potato salad and more.

In December, MSC’s annual holiday party returns, but this year the command will also cap off its yearlong 75th Anniversary Celebration at the gala event More details for this extravagant event will be announced this fall.

The MWR committee routinely holds fundraisers such as food and memorabilia sales at the command to help make all of these events memorable This year features sales of commemorative 75th Anniversary items such as polo shirts, coffee mugs and patches

“We’rereallytryingtohavefuneventsto celebrate the 75th anniversary of an institution that has accomplished so much and we should all be proud of that,” she said “To do that we need support from the command. We have some awesome merchandise the MWR team has worked really hard to order At the end of the year when its time to shrug off the uniform and put on our dancing shoes we really want to have an excellence event for the Sailors and civilians can come out, enjoy each other’s company, win some cool prizes.”

If you’d like to become more involved with the MWR, become a member purchase memorabilia or tickets for the MSC Day in the Park, you can do so by emailing msc_mwr@us.navy.mil.

FRCE teammates receive Navy Financial Management Awards

BySamanthaFehr Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION

CHERRY POINT N.C. Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently received numerous accolades from the Department of the Navy for its financial management achievements during the 2023 Navy Financial Management Awards ceremony, held May 29 at the American Society of Military Comptrollers Professional Development InstituteinPhoenix,Arizona. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Financial Management Awards Program recognizes and encourages outstanding performance of individuals andteamswithinthefinancialmanagement community who exemplify the Navy’s core valuesandwhoseperformance,actionsand contributions have had significant impact to the Navy and financialmanagementfield.

“The exemplary service provided by our financial management team serves as a testament to FRC East’s hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence,” said FRCE Executive Officer Capt. Randy J. Berti. “Effective financial management practices are vital for identifying and mitigating risk, enabling the command to carry out its mission efficiently, safeguarding national security and remaining accountable to thewarfighter.”

Of the individuals and teams recognizedduringtheceremony, fivemembersoftheFRCEComptroller Department, Hunter Gillikin,ToryLittrell,LoriMills Adam Radel and Stacy Ferrari received recognition and were presented with plaques for their financialmanagementefforts Gillikin and Littrell received individual recognition, while thecollaborativeeffortsofMills, Radel and Ferrari were recognizedwithagroupaward.FRCE

Comptroller Tammy Amos said the actions of these five individuals have allowed for significant improvement of processes and usability within the depot’s financialmanagementsystems

FRC East briefly lost all internal and external reporting capability When the system came back online, even experienced users found it extremely difficult to retrieve and understand the data,” said Frossard, who supervises Gillikin in his role as a financial management analyst. “Hunter leveraged his own knowledge of financial reporting and began working with various raw data reports to gain an understanding of the information, layout and meaning of financial data within the new system. Within a few months, Hunter was able to regain the reportingabilitiesdesperatelyneededbythe commandtomakebetterinformeddecisions onindirectfundingresources

“As a result of this effort, he was hand selectedtoserveontheComptrollerDepartment’s Budget Formulation and Reporting Team,wherehedevelopedandimplemented

familiarandunderstandableformat.”

Littrell,whoservesasafinancialmanagement analyst, was recognized by the Navy with the Outstanding Trainee Award. As Littrell’s supervisor at the time Ryan Jones said he nominated Littrell for the award becauseofhercommitmenttoprofessional developmentandworkplaceoptimization.

“Toryhasattainedavastamountoftraining experience and financial management skills, and she provides us with invaluable insights she learned from the many trainingdevelopmentprograms,careerrotations and information gathering sessions she has attended, said Jones “During an external rotation of the Naval Acquisition Development Program Internship, Tory sought out andfoundadocumentacceptancetoolthat would lead to labor cost savings, automationoftasksand,mostimportantly,increase

quated and somewhat burdensome budget process that, historically, requires a minimum of two to three weeks of continuous work and many overtime hours,” said Frossard. “In two short months the team developed new processes that effectively reduced the turnaround time from three weeks to one week per budget submitted. Their efforts have maximized efficiencies andenabledFRCEasttheabilitytoprovide fast and accurate narratives during budget submissions.”

Mills was honored to be included in the award,butastheteamlead,saidherrolewas more supervisory and less-hands on than thatofStacyandAdam.

“I am grateful to have such remarkable individuals within the depot’s financial managementcommunity,”saidAmos “Each member has consistently demonstrated a strongcommitmenttocontinuousimprovement. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts acknowledged by the Navy Their efforts and influence go way beyond our team, setting a standard of excellence that will hopefully motivate others to reach for theirhighestpotential.”

FRCE Budget Officer Andrew Frossard said he nominated Gillikin for the ContributiontoLeverageDataAnalyticsAwardas a result of Gillikin’s strategic use of data to improve the depot’s financial management operations

“During the initial conversion to the NavyEnterpriseResourcePlanningsystem,

standardized reporting process for use across all FRC East departments,” Frossard continued.“Thisachievementsavedapproximately1,000laborhours,withanestimated value of about $50,000 annually within the department’sindirectbudget.”

While committed to improving the depot’s reporting capabilities, Gillikin said he began researching the benefits of incorporatingautomationintooperations

“Overtime,Iwasabletoincorporatedata intoanewsoftwarethatfocusesonautomation, saving a significant amount of time,” saidGillikin.“Withthissystem wenolonger have to go in and pull reports that would normally take hours; it’s all automated, which was the whole intent. It eliminates therepetitivetasks,takesoutalltheconfusing language and puts the data into a more

missionreadiness

“Despite her loaded work schedule, she made time to learn, speak with the developers of the tool and become exceptionally knowledgeableonthematter,”Jonescontinued.“Herwillingnesstolearnandapplyefficiency tools led to the entire Comptroller Department and Business Office to adopt andutilizethetoolpermanently.”

The Navy recognized the hard work and dedication of Mills, Radel and Ferrari, a team of individuals within the depot’s BudgetFormulationBranch,withtheOptimizing Stewardship in the Budget Process Award. Frossard who supervises the team andnominatedthemfortheaward,saidthe teamiswell-deservingofthehonor

“This team took the initiative and sprang into action to review and validate an anti-

“Over the years, we had developed a few new processes, but Stacy and Adam took it to the next step,” said Mills “I was selected to receive this award as the team lead, and thatisagreathonor Butforthe mostpart,theworkthatearned this recognition was done by Stacy and Adam. They were instrumental in this whole process.”

Millsemphasizedtheimportance of remaining diligent within the financial managementcommunity

“It is very important that we make every dollar count and that we are being fiscally responsible not only within thedepot,butinthelongterm, because we’re fiscally responsible to the taxpayers,” said Mills “Because when it comes downtoit,taxdollarsarewhat payforallofthis,soweneedto makesureweremainresponsibleandmindfulofthatalways.” Amos said in addition to the depot’s obligation to maintain fiscal accountability to taxpayers,responsiblefinancialstewardshipplaysanimportantrole inwarfighterreadiness “EffectivefinancialstewardshipatFRCEastplaysacrucial role in the support we provide to our nation’s warfighter,” saidAmos “Therearecompeting demands for every dollar within the federal budget, and our customers want predictability, not surprises Offering stable rates to our customers makes it easier for them to anticipate expenses and allocate the resources necessary for proper maintenance schedules This directly impacts mission readiness as the aircraft maintenance schedules are whatkeeptheaircraftusedbythefleetoperationalandsafe.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers Its annualrevenueexceeds$1billion.Thedepot providesservicetothefleetwhilefunctioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander,FleetReadinessCenters

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United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates Class 164

ByNAWCADVisualInformation

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) held a graduation ceremony for Class 164 on June 14 Thirty-four students successfullycompletedtheintense11-month courseofinstructionandearnedtheirdesignations as Engineering Test Pilots, Engineering Test Flight Officers, or Test Project Engineer Naval aviator and NASA astronaut Capt. Victor Glover Jr delivered the keynote address Glover was the Navy’s exchange pilot selected to attend the Air Force Test Pilot School where he graduated in 2007 He is an Artemis II pilot and spent 168 days in space in 2018 Glover will be one of four astronauts on the first mission to the moon

inmorethan50years

“I would trade places with any of you today,” Glover told the graduating class. “BeingatestpilotwasthebestjobIeverhad.”

Glover charged the class to protect their passionswhiledevelopinghealthyones

“I love that [you] show up and still want to be public servants, he said. “You are not like anybody else—use that power to help uscreatethenextgenerationofresponsible people.”

The graduation ceremony happened at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department in Hollywood, Maryland. Graduates includedmembersoftheGermanAirForce, Italian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, United Kingdom Royal Air Force, Swiss Confederation, as well as U.S. Army, MarineCorps,Navy,andAirForce.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic Commodore Capt Elizabeth Somerville, USNTPS Commanding Officer Lt Col. Aaron Kia and USNTPS Chief of Academics Dr John Tritschler presented diplomas and offered congratulationstothenewtesters ArmyCapt.ChristopherSmithearnedthe Capt. Willie McCool Outstanding Student Awardforthetopperformingstudentinthe categoriesofacademics,flightperformance, and technical report writing He was also recognized with the Developmental TestingThesisAwardforthebestfinalcapstone report.

Maj. Philip Wheat earned the Capt. Syd Sherby Leadership Award named after the founder of the test pilot training division, now USNTPS The Capt. Sydney Sherby Awardrecognizesthestudentwhodisplays

exemplaryleadershipintheclass Twenty-two students completed the requirements for the engineering test pilot course,sixstudentscompletedtheengineeringtestflightofficercourse,andsixstudents fulfilledtherequirementsforthetestproject engineercourse USNTPS trains pilots and engineers for development test and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems USNTPS is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic under Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAWCAD advances capability and operationalreadinessfornavalaviation. For more information about NAWCAD please go to www.navair.navy.mil or follow onFacebookathttps://www.facebook.com/ MyNAWCAD/.

Naval Postgraduate Dental School class of 2024 graduation

ByPettyOfficer1stClassHeathZeigler

Naval Medical Leader & Professional Development Command

The Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS), a directorate of the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command(NMLPDC),heldits101stgraduationceremonyonJune7th,2024 atWalter Reed National Military Medical Center’s MemorialAuditorium.

The ceremony commemorated the successfulcompletionofone-to-three-year dental residency programs for 17 dental officers from both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, Chief, Navy Dental Corps and Commander Naval Medical Forces Development Command andDr RodneyD.Phoenix AssociateDean for Dental Research, Uniformed Services UniversityoftheHealthSciences(USUHS),, Capt. Katharine Shobe, NMLPDC Commanding Officer, and Capt. Steven Stokes,NPDSDean,deliveredinspirational remarks, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements throughout challenging clinical and academic specialty programs

Thisyear’sgraduatesshowcasedadiverse range of accomplishments Four officers concluded three-year programs in Periodontics and Prosthodontics, 12 officers completed two-year programs in Comprehensive Dentistry and Endodontics, and onecompletedtheMaxillofacialProsthetics Fellowship Program. Notably 16 residents earned a master of science in Oral Biology from the Uniformed Services University of theHealthSciences(USUHS).

The following graduates successfully completedNPDSresidencies:

Three-Year Residency in Periodontics:

„ Cmdr TylerJohansen

„ Lt EmmaWood

Three-Year Residency in Prosthodontics:

„ Lt TimothyDaudelin

„ Lt WonYu

Two-Year Residency in Comprehensive Dentistry:

„ Cmdr TaylorLandon

„ Lt Cmdr OpeyemiFadoju

„ Lt Cmdr JesseFroehner

„ U.S.ArmyMaj.AlysonLasater

„ Lt Cmdr KennyTran

„ Lt Cmdr YuningWeber

„ Lt Cmdr ScottWestra

„ Lt Cmdr ChristopherWilde

Two-Year Residency in Endodontics:

„ Lt Cmdr TaeKim

„ Lt Cmdr JabrentaHubbardReese

„ Lt Cmdr RicardoWassmer

„ Lt BrianNadeau

One-Year Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics: „ Lt RenzAnthonyAntonio

During the ceremony, residents were presented awards for research by Dr Ira Titunik, President, USA Section, InternationalCollegeofDentists

First Place:

„ Cmdr TylerJohansen

Second Place:

„ U.S.ArmyCpt.ReedMcKinney Third Place:

„ Lt Cmdr EuniceLee

„ Cmdr Jared Beck, associate dean for NPDS, presented the Award for Civism to Dr John Schmidt, who contributed

significantlytotheprogramsofNPDS

„ Beck also presented the Deans Award for Teaching Excellence to Cmdr Laleh Abdolazadeh, Prosthodontics department headatNPDS

„ Shobe also presented also presented the Dean’s Award for Excellence to Lt Julia Collazo,whowasselectedbythefacultyand her peers for her outstanding performance inandoutoftheclassroom.

„ Brafford and Shobe presented the Chief oftheDentalCorpsawardtoLt Timothy Daudelin, for his excellent performance as a military officer and dental health care professional during his years of residency training

NPDSequipsitsrecentgraduateswiththe essentialskillstoexcelascliniciansandleaders within their specialized fields, perfectly aligning with the Navy Surgeon General’s campaignordermandatingthatNavymedical forces be fully trained, equipped, certified, maintained, and sustained to support Joint and Naval forces across all operational environments It emphasizes readiness to project medical power in complex, contested battlespaces, including distributedmaritimeoperationsandexpeditionary advancedbasing AsleadersoftheDentalCorps,thesegraduates will play a crucial role in this transformativeeffort,applyingtheirexpertisein education,research,andclinicalpracticeto ensurepeakoperationalreadiness

From here, the graduates are assigned to diverse global assignments, including deploymentsonships,MarinesCorpsunits, and roles in Medical Treatment Facilities These assignments are vital in honing their leadership and clinical capabilities, preparingthemtomeettheevolvingchallengesof navalhealthcare,shapingthefutureofnaval dentistry and upholding the highest standardsofcareinanydeploymentscenario

USS St. Louis departs for her maiden deployment

ByLt AyifaBrooks

Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two

NAVALSTATIONMAYPORT,Fla. The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS ST LOUIS (LCS 19), along with the “Rangers”ofHelicopterMaritimeStrikeSquadron (HSM) 50 Detachment 4 and embarked U.S. CoastGuardLawEnforcementDetachment, departedfromNavalStationMayportJune15, beginninghermaidendeploymenttosupport U.S.4thFleetareaofoperations

ST LOUIS’ primary mission will be to supportcounter-illicitdrugtraffickinginthe Caribbean.ST LOUISoperationswillinvolve practicalexercisesandexchangeswithpartnernations supportingU.S.4thFleetinteroperability, and reinforcing the U.S. position as theregionalpartnerofchoice

“I’ve seen this crew work through a challenging schedule in order to ensure we are ready for our maiden deployment to 4th Fleet. We’ve overcome every obstacle put in our way and we’ve proved we are ready to deploy and execute the mission,” said Cmdr. TJOrth CommandingOfficerofST LOUIS. “This will be ST LOUIS’s first deployment andthefirstdeploymentformanyofmycrew members,butweareeagertoaccomplishthe mission we have been training for I am very proud of this crew and I have no doubt they will continue to exceed my expectations on thisdeployment.”

Deploying an LCS to the region aims to demonstratetheU.S.commitmenttointernationalcooperationandregionalsecurity The ship’ssize,speed,andagilitymakeLCSideal for narcotics interdictions, partner engage-

mentsandportaccess

“I’ve been deployed to 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet several times on other platforms. This will be my first deployment on an LCS and I amexcitedforthenewchallenge,”saidChief QuarterMasterKyleStevens.“Thiscrewhas workedhardtogettowhereweareanditwill be a reward for us to see all that hard work payoff.”

USS ST LOUIS will operationally be assignedtoU.S.4thFleet Sheishomeported in Mayport, FL and assigned to Littoral CombatShipSquadron2. LCSareafast,agile,mission-focusedplatformdesignedtooperateinnear-shoreenvironmentsdefeat21st-centurycoastalthreats The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence,maritimesecurity,seacontrol,and deterrence

ByCmdr AmeliaUmayam

Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

The U.S. Navy held a change of command ceremony for Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Group (UUVGRU) 1 at Naval Base Kitsap-Keyport, Wash., June 14, 2024 The ceremony also marked the official name change for the command, which had been previously named UUV Squadron (UUVRON) 1.

“UUVGRU is forming the foundation of howwewillfightintheunderseadomainfor future generations,” said Rear Adm. NicholasTilbrook,commander,SubmarineGroup 9. “The tactics, techniques and procedures Jason and his team are developing are the basis for that future. The command’s new name does not just mean a new logo for the command, but its elevation from a squadron to a group indicates the increased importance associated with the integration of UUVs as a subset of undersea warfare. Unmanned platforms will provide increased combat capability in the future, and the increased responsibility and complexity of this mission set is why UUVGRU 1 has been elevated. The formerUUVflotillashavealsobeenelevated from flotillas to squadrons: UUVRON 1 in Keyport,Wash.,andUUVRON3inVentura County, Calif

In his farewell remarks to his command Capt JasonGeddesnoted,“Iwasveryfortunatetobeapartofsuchanoutstandingteam ofwarfighterswhilehereatUUVRON1.Led by their efforts and with the great support from a multitude of organizations, I am confident about the future use of UUVs and their capacity to enhance the effectiveness of our military forces.”

The U.S. Navy uses UUVs to enhance our understanding of the undersea domain through the information their sensors provide The UUVs operated by Sailors assigned to UUVGRU 1 and its squadrons are versatile tools which can be operated in challenging environments, and can be quicklyandefficientlymodifiedandadapted to fit the mission. “I am humbled and privileged to carry forward the remarkable achievements of Commodore Geddes and the UUVGRU 1 teams,” said Capt. Mike Dolbec the incoming commanding officer. “The evolution of UUVsandtheenterprise’sgrowth,including the change we are conducting here today, is atestamenttohisleadershipandtheteam’s dedication. I am confident that through collaborationwithourclosepartners,these innovativeteamsenabledwithcutting-edge technology will advance UUV capabilities supporting operational commanders in subseaandseabedwarfareacrosstheglobe. Originally established in 2017, UUVGRU 1 has expanded its initial footprint of 13 to a staff of over 100 Sailors operating rapidly deployable systems across the globe. Utiliz-

Future USS Iowa holds change-of-command ceremony

ByChiefPettyOfficerJoshuaKarsten Submarine Readiness Squadron 32

GROTON,Conn. Cmdr.MatthewPowell turned over command of the future nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797) to Cmdr Gregory Coy in a traditional change-of-command ceremony held Friday, June 21, at Fort Trumbull in New London,Connecticut.

Capt Jason Grizzle, commodore of the pre-commissioning unit’s (PCU) parent SubmarineSquadron(SUBRON)4,presided over the ceremony stating, “the task of turninga‘PCU’intoa‘USS’isnoeasyfeat.

“Cmdr Powell has kept construction on taskandinstilledthewarfightingknowledge requiredforhisrelieftotakethisfinewarship intothefight,”saidGrizzle.

“Cmdr. Coy is inheriting a fine ship, a fine crew and a fine state full of supportive Hawkeyes,”Grizzleadded.“AsCommodore, IamproudtohavewitnessedCmdr Powell’s leadership and I welcome Cmdr Coy to the team.” Powell, a Conyers, Georgia native and

2003 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology took command of Iowa in February 2022.PowellpraisedthecrewfortransitioningIowafromtheshipyardintothewaterfor seatrials,callinghistour“thehighlightofmy careerleadingthefinemenandwomenofthe futureUSSIowa.”

“The past few years have been ones of incredible transformation,” Powell said “Throughtheteamworkofthesesailorsand the talented shipbuilders at Electric Boat wetransformedamillionindividualcomponents and dozens of individual sailors into an exquisite submarine manned by a battlereadycrew Iowaisatestamenttotheirhard work, their determination, and to the proud citizens of Iowa, who have entrusted us to representthemforthenextfewdecades.”

“It’sabittersweetmomentforme,”Powell added. “But I know this crew’s accomplishmentsandprofessionalismhavesetupCmdr Coy for success as they prepare to take Iowa fromtheshipyardtotheFleet.

Powell’s next tour will be at the Office of LegislativeAffairsinWashingtonD.Ctoserve asalegislativefellow.Hisprevioussubmarine

toursincludeUSSRhodeIsland(SSBN740), USS Norfolk (SSN 714) and USS Virginia (SSN774)

Coy briefly spoke during the ceremony, praisingPowellfor“takingthisamazingcrew fromworkinginabuildingwithonlypiecesof a submarine to being an in-service warship, readytogotosea.”

“I am honored and humbled to be your commanding officer,” Coy said to his new crew “Words cannot express how excited I amtotakeourshiptoseaforthefirsttime Coy, a Walnutport Pennsylvania native and2006graduateoftheU.S.NavalAcademy, previouslyservedaboardthesubmarinesUSS Bremerton(SSN698),USSNewHampshire (SSN778),USSHartford(SSN768),andUSS SanJuan(SSN751).

Capt.MatthewStafford,SubmarineForce chief of staff and guest speaker, praised Powell,Coy,andcrewstating“whenCO’sand crews wonder and talk about a ship’s beginning thatisrighthere thatisrightnow.

“This ship and crew represent our best in training and technology and the sailors who breathelifeintothishullhavedonetheirduty

to ensure she is one of the most formidable warships on any waterfront,” Stafford said. “Iowa is the next generation of apex predators.” Iowa will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship named for the state of Iowa with the most recent BB-61 (1943-1990) seeing action in WorldWarII,KoreanWar,andGulfWar.The submarinewillhaveacrewofmorethan130 personnel,andwillbemorethan377feetlong andcandisplacenearly7,900tons

The Virginia-class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities sea control, power projection, forward presence,maritimesecurityanddeterrence Theyaredesignedtoexcelinanti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, specialoperations intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and minewarfare.Fast-attacksubmarinesproject powerashorewithspecialoperationsforces andTomahawkcruise

Nimitz celebrates Juneteenth

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassCaylenMccutcheon, PettyOfficer3rdClassPeterMchaddadand PettyOfficer3rdClassTimothyMeyer

USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

BREMERTON, Wash The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated June-

teenth in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard June 19, 2024 A ceremony was held with crew in attendance to commemorate our nation’s second Independence Day. JuneteenthcelebratesthedaythatthelaststateinAmericafinallyrecognizedtheabolitionofslavery,onJune19,1865;itwasinstitutedasafederalholidayonJune15,2021after the Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth Nation Independence Day Act.

“ThisisaveryimportantdayforourcountryandourSailors,”saidCapt DouglasGraber USS Nimitz commanding officer. “By championing justice and human rights our country grew a Navy that leverages our Nation’s best talent, wherever talent resides Neither our nation nor our great Navy would be what it is today without the passionate contributions, hard work, and dedication of our African American citizens and shipmates We are proud to be a country that recognizes the deep meaning of such a significant event in American history.” For more information please contact the USS Nimitz Public Affairs Officer at pao@ cvn68.navy.mil.

ByPublicAffairsOffice Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport

In a bold move to reassess and reinforce its commitment to scientific and technologicalexcellence,NavalUnderseaWarfare CenterDivision,Keyportrecentlyconvened itsChiefTechnologyOfficer(CTO)pyramid at Zelatched Point Range operations facility This off-site strategic planning meeting was designed to ensure that NUWC Division, Keyport remains at the forefront of naval dominance well into the next decade andbeyond. Thesummit’sprimarygoalwastoreassess Keyport’s current science and technology (S&T)focusareasandensurethecommand’s contributionswillsupportmaintainingnaval superiority in decades to come The role of aCTOatanavalwarfarecenterlikeNUWC Division, Keyport is multifaceted, encompassingtheidentificationofemergingtechnologies, ensuring successful technology insertion,andaligningtheseadvancements withtheNavy’sstrategicgoals

“As a warfare center, our job is to bring

together the three pillars of innovation in time and space: the Fleet need, the technical solution and the resources stated Dr Aaron Darnton, chief technology officer, NUWCDivision,Keyport.“Thisoff-sitewas all about thinking about these pillars five to ten years down the road and what investments do we need to make now to prepare forthem.”

During the summit, various scenarios in environmentalandtechnologicallandscapes were examined. This included the rapid advancements in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and energy-efficient technologies The discussions underscoredtheimportanceofarobustS&T workforce adept at navigating these evolvingdomainstoensureseamlesstechnology insertionintonavaloperations

The gathering also focused on refining Keyport’s role in maintaining naval dominance By leveraging its expertise in undersea warfare systems and its innovative approachtoproblem-solving,NUWCDivision, Keyport is poised to continue deliveringcutting-edgesolutionsthatenhancethe

Navy’scapabilities

The selection of Zelatched Point as the venueforthissignificantgatheringenabled attendeestofocusonS&Tpriorities,engage in uninterrupted brainstorming sessions, and foster a collaborative environment essential for visionary planning Attendees wereabletoengageinuninterruptedbrainstormingsessionsandfosteracollaborative environment essential for visionary planning

“The off-site meeting at Zelatched Point provided numerous benefits, including enhanced team cohesion and a fresh perspective on long-standing challenges,” statedAngieMeier,departmenttechnology officer,NUWCDivision,KeyportUndersea Weapons Department “These advantages underscore the value of off-site strategic planning meetings in fostering innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.” Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize warfare in unforeseen ways, but what’s next? We must be prepared to seize the next game-changing innovation that trans-

forms our world. That’s the mission within the CTO pyramid: to anticipate adapt, and harness the power of emerging tech to secureourfuture As the summit concluded, the attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and goals for the future. The outcomes of this strategic meeting reaffirm the command’s commitment to innovation and excellence Bycontinuallyreassessingandrealigningits S&Tfocusareas NUWCDivision,Keyportis notonlysafeguardingitslegacyofundersea warfare expertise, but also paving the way for future technological triumphs that will securenavaldominanceforyearstocome NUWC Division, Keyport provides advanced technical capabilities for test and evaluation, in-service engineering, maintenance and industrial base support, fleet material readiness and obsolescence management for undersea warfare to expandAmerica’sunderseadominance Editor’s note: story contributed by Angie Meier, department technology officer, Undersea Weapons Department

Capt.Douglas Graber commanding officerofthe aircraft carrierUSS Nimitz(CVN 68), from speaks at theJuneteenth event on the mess

19 2024.Nimitzis underway

NMRC wraps up attendance at Fleet Week Baltimore 2024

BySidneyHinds Naval Medical Research Command

BALTIMORE NavalMedicalResearch Command (NMRC) Sailors and staff took partinMarylandFleetWeek&FlyoverBaltimore 2024, discussing research efforts and command activities with attendees from June14-16.

TheNMRCexhibit,locatedinBaltimore’s inner harbor featured several activities for attendees including demonstrations of an electric microscope and a portable bio containment unit. Kids and parents alike lined up for an up-close look at bacteria samples though the microscope and were abletoputtheirhandsintothebiocontainmentunitandinteractwithbuildingblocks to simulate how a scientist might handle medicalsamplesinthefield.

The exhibit, just steps away from Fleet Week’sbiggestdraw,thelittoralcombatship USSMarinette(LCS25),wasflankedbytwo banners;onethatshowcasedthefourdirectoratesthatcompriseNMRC,andoneillustratingthemissionsoftheeightcommands, ledbyNMRC,thatmakeuptheNavyMedicineResearch&Developmententerprise 15 staff from NMRC, including 13 activedutySailorsintheirsummerwhites,volunteered throughout Fleet Week’s Inner Harbor Festival to engage with the public oncommandactivities Capt FrancaJones, commander of NMRC, took part in the exhibitonFriday,June14

“It is so exciting that we were able to participate,” Jones said “So little is known aroundtheFleetandlocalcommunityabout whattheNavyMedicineResearch&Developmententerprisedoestoensurethehealth and readiness of our service members, and how our medical products and knowledge canbenefitthegeneralpublic Participating in this event and others like it enables us to getthewordoutaboutwhatwedo,educate thecommunityandrecruitotherstojoinus inthefuture.”

FleetWeekdrawsattendeesfromallover Maryland to engage with ships, Sailors and representatives across multiple services NMRC staff had the chance to speak with awiderangeofindividualsbothfromother Navy organizations, but also the general Maryland public. The diversity of NMRC’s on-site Sailors resonated with the attendee audience, and is representative of Maryland itself, which is the most diverse state ontheEastCoastasofthe2020census and thefourthmostdiversestateinthecountry overall.

“Engaging with the awesome people of Baltimore was a rewarding experience,” explained Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class

Alejandra Ramirez Alarcon. “I spoke with people from Ecuador, Colombia Peru and other parts of Latin America; they were excited to see how diverse our Navy is and thanked me for serving my country and embracingmyLatinroots.”

NMRC Sailors spoke about the various intern programs and pathways to service through research offered by the command. TheNMRCexhibitalsoprovidedpamphlets and contact information for individuals interested in becoming donors for the command’s DoD Bone Marrow Program, orvolunteeringtotakepartinmedicaltrials runbyNMRC’sClinicalTrialsCenter

“We built positive connections with the public and fostered a greater awareness of the enterprise,” added Lt Cmdr. Danett Bishop,amicrobiologistwithNMRC,“from the excited seven-year-old budding plant scientistwhopromisedtocomebacktosee usnextyear,toadeaffamilywhoengagedvia sign language with one of our public affairs staff,MikeWilson.”

Headquartered in Silver Spring, with locations in Frederick, Bethesda and Rockville, NMRC has increased outreach to local Maryland communities, to include awards ceremonies civic projects such as road clean-ups clothing drives visits to local schools for STEM activity and career days This year marks NMRC’s second appearance at Maryland Fleet Week, as the commanddisplayedamobileexpeditionary laboratoryin2022.

“This was a huge success,” said Tommy Lamkin, NMRC public affairs officer and exhibitcoordinator.“OurSailorsshowedthe fleet and the Maryland public our research capabilities and our demonstrations were a huge hit, especially with the kids I loved seeing the long lines to look in the microscope or use our bio containment tent, and I’mreallylookingforwardtothenextMarylandFleetWeek.”

MarylandFleetWeekisabiannualpublic event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps andU.S.CoastGuard.Throughouttheweek participantscantourships,experiencemilitarystaticdisplaysandseedrillandmusical performances that showcase the expertise, excellenceandpatriotismofAmerica’smaritimeservices

InsupportoftheNavy,MarineCorps,and joint U.S. warfighters, NMRC researchers studyinfectiousdiseases biologicalwarfare detectionanddefense combatcasualtycare, environmental health concerns aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiologyandbehavioralsciences

ByOscarGarcia

Naval Construction Group One

GALLUP NM NavalMobileConstruction Battalion 25 (NMCB 25), in collaborationwiththeSouthwestIndianFoundation and the 567th Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer (RED HORSE), has successfully completed “Operation Footprint,” an InnovativeReadinessTraining(IRT)projectthat built an ADA-compliant home for Alvin Malone aNavajomilitarydescendant This initiative enhanced military readiness and improved the quality of life for the Malone family Lt j.g. Crider, the project’s officer in charge (OIC), emphasized the humanitar-

ian impact of the project, and said, “Workingwiththelocalcommunityandproviding homes for Veterans in the Navajo Nation has been really rewarding The humanitarian aspects of what the Seabees do are very important to me and should be publicized more.” This project is part of a broader effort by theSouthwestIndianFoundationtoaddress housing shortages on the Navajo Reservation. It also served as a meaningful tribute to Alvin Malone’s father Richard Malone a WWII Army veteran who served under LieutenantGeneralGeorgeS.Patton.

Capt. Douglas Whimpey, commodore, First Naval Construction Regiment (1st NCR), emphasized the importance of this collaboration, and said ,“Interoperabil-

ity is becoming more important every day in combat and in jobs like these When we have a chance to apply it on an exercise it’s absolutelycrucial.Havingdifferentservices workingtogetherallowsustolearn,tospeak thesamelanguage,coordinate,andcollaborateeffectively.”

Looking ahead, the IRT program will continue to foster civil-military partnershipsandaddressdiversecommunityneeds across the United States and its territories Enhanced collaboration with local governments and organizations will ensure that IRT missions deliver critical services while providing robust training opportunities for militarypersonnel.

Naval Construction Group One (NCG 1) is homeported in Pt. Hueneme, California,

and leads and manages the overall capability and readiness of its Naval Construction Regiments(NCR’s),NavalMobileConstruction Battalions (NMCB’s), Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU), and Underwater Construction Team (UCT). NCG1 provides the required engineering support that the Navy and Nation needs to constructandmaintainbasefacilities,repair battledamagedfacilities,conductdefensive operationsasrequired,andtomeetdisaster preparednessandrecoverymissions For more information on the Naval Construction Force, please visit: https:// www.necc.usff.navy.mil/ncg-1/ or contact NCG-1 public affairs at (805) 276-3546 or comnecc_ltlc_pao@navy.mil.

On iberty

SBA invests over $1 million to expand support for Veteran entrepreneurs Organization to

and counseling forstartups and existingVeteran

Get ready for a fabulous Fourth of July weekend in Norfolk!

PressRelease

NORFOLK,Va HamptonRoadsresidentsandvisitors

are in for a treat with not one, but two incredible fireworks displays The Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks kicks off the festivities on Friday June 28th, at OceanViewBeachPark followedbyThe41stAnnualFourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks scheduled for Thursday July4th,atTownPointPark Botheventsarefree andopentothepublic.

Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration

„ Friday,June28,2024,6pm-9:30pm „ Fireworksat9:30pm „ OceanViewBeachPark,Norfolk,VA

Kick off the Ocean View Beach Park Friday after-work familyeventserieswithTheShoreThingIndependence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show. The Celebration & Fireworks Show is on Friday, June 28, at Ocean View Beach Park and begins at 6pm. The Event features live musicfromWonderland,aswellasfoodtrucks Thefireworks display in Ocean View is set for 9:30pm. For more information visit: https://oceanviewbeachpark.org/ events/past-events/20221/tgov-summer-concert-series/ shore-thing/

Fourth of July: Great American Picnic „ Thursday,July4,2024,5pm-10pm „ Fireworksat9:30pm „ TownPointPark,DowntownNorfolkWaterfront,VA WitnessoneofHamptonRoads’mostspectacularFourth of July fireworks displays at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront! Relax on the lawn and enjoyaneveningofAll-Americanfare,includinghotdogs, hamburgers, barbecue, and much more, along with live musical entertainment from the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces BandandU.S.NavyFourStarEdition!Thenightiscapped offbythesensationalfireworksshowhighabovetheElizabethRiver beginningat9:30pm.Formoreinformation, visit:https://festevents.org/events/2024/july4th/

Uruguayan tall ship Capitan Miranda returns to Downtown Norfolk Waterfront for 4th of July festivities

NORFOLK,Va TheUruguayanNavy’s sailtrainingtallshipCAPITANMIRANDA returnstoNorfolk,Virginia,Tuesday,July2 - Friday, July 5, 2024 Norfolk was selected as one of two East Coast ports (Miami and Norfolk) for the ship’s 2024 sail training schedule and is one of the Uruguayan Navy’s favorite ports when visiting the US Theship’svisitwillcorrespondwiththe4th ofJulyGreatAmericanPicnic&Fireworks, taking place in Town Point Park from 5-10 pmonThursday,July4,2024 Arrivingat11amonTuesday,July2,2024 the 205’ schooner-style ship will dock at Otter Berth next to the Waterside District at 333 Waterside Drive, on the Downtown

Norfolk Waterfront. With its distinctive colorful sunburst sails and lively Comparsa musicians, the CAPITAN MIRANDA has wonthe“MostSpirit”awardatmanyprevioustallshipfestivalsaroundtheworld.

The CAPITAN MIRANDA will be open to the public for free tours: „ Wednesday,July3,2024,3pm—7pm „ Thursday,July4,2024,10am 7pm

The ship will depart Norfolk at 10 am Friday,July5,2024. The CAPITAN MIRANDA originally servedasasurveyshipbutisnowtheofficial

trainingshipfortheUruguayanNavalAcademy at Montevideo Built in Cadiz, Spain, in 1930, the ship was refitted and rerigged in1978andlogs10,000seamilesannually

The ship sails with a total crew of 77 including Officers Midshipmen and Crew and measures 198’ in length, 26’ beam and draws13’.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the CAPITAN MIRANDA tall ship visit, as well as additional events throughout the year, including hours, park regulations and parking, please visit Festevents.org or call 757-441-2345

The Capitan Miranda Tall Ship Visit is sponsored by Norfolk Festevents Ltd. and the City of Norfolk, with support from the US Navy, USCG, Virginia Pilot Association,

RobinsMarineLLC,WatersideMarina,and CityCruisesNorfolk NorfolkFestevents,Ltd.,basedinNorfolk, Virginia,isaprivate,not-for-profitorganizationdedicatedtocreatingthemostdynamic urban waterfront community in America throughinnovativeprogrammingandimaginativeusesofitshistoricwaterfrontspaces Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its advocacy for public access to waterfronts, outstanding quality programming and development of public spaces, transforming Norfolk into one of themostprogressive,fun,andlivablewaterfrontcommunitiesinthecountry Residents workers and visitors to Norfolk and The 757areinvitedtoexperienceallthefunand excitementofthe2024season.

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

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

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

La Fiesta Virginia Beach, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, returns to the oceanfront June 28-29

PressRelease

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Virginia Beach, Beach Events, and IMGoing today announced the return of La Fiesta Virginia Beach presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, a two-day event celebrating the sights and sounds of the Latin Experience at 24th Street Park from June 28-29, 2024 Kicking off Friday with dance performances and festivities that are free and open to the public, the event continues Saturdaywithliveperformancesstartingat 3p.m.ET TicketsforSaturdayareavailable nowatwww.beacheventsvb.com.

Featuring the key ingredients of authentic food, colorful cultural costumes and high-energynationalLatinMusic,LaFiesta Virginia Beach, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia is headlined on Saturday evening by Puerto Rico’s most successfulmusicalgroup,ElGranCombode PuertoRicowithspecialguestsBachateame TourfeaturingKarlosRose,JayHeightz,El Sultan & Monchy. Special performances and concerts will take place throughout the weekend at 24th Street Park, including BalletFolkloricoMexicanTraditionofJulio Ruiz,PanamanianFolkloricGroupofHampton Roads, Dance lessons by Vida Bachata Dance Company, Grupo Ritmo Son, Grupo Kazzabe, Max Rosado & 7th St Band, and more.

Authentic Latino and Hispanic food vendors as well as retail vendors round out the festival experience For more information, visit beacheventsvb.com/event/la-fiesta-virginia-beach-2024/ Know Before You Go:

Allowed: „ Beach blanket, towel, or beach chair (withoutafootrestorcanopy)

„ Smallcooler

„ Outsidefoodanddrink(noalcohol)

„ Re-entrywithwristband

„ Strollers Prohibited:

„ Alcohol

„ Opencontainersofanykind

Free 757 Sober Rides for July 4th holiday

HAMPTON ROADS Va Planning

to celebrate America’s birthday? Most Americans love to celebrate the 4th of July holiday with family, friends, food, and fireworks, celebrating liberty and freedom. Tragically, not everyone lives to see the next holiday. In just five days of Independence Day celebrations last year, there were 122 alcohol-related crashes, 80 injuries and 7 deaths, with 4 of those who died being young adults between the ages of 21 25 These 7 deaths represent 28% of the fatalities in July Remember that a sober driver is one who hasn’t ingested any alcohol or substances If you plan to use, never drive while impaired -and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment. It’s essential to arrange a sober ride home Use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride poweredbyLyft.https://www.drivesafehr org/757soberride

Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring the 757 Sober Ride campaign for the July 4th holiday weekend: 10 pm, Wednesday, July 3 through to 3 am, Friday, July 5

Duringthiscampaign,arearesidentsage 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones then enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option) to receive their no-cost (up to$15)safetransportationhome Thecode will only work if used during the abovestated timeframes for rides originating fromorhavingadestinationwithinHamptonRoads DSHR’sJuly4thIndependence Holiday Weekend 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 10 pm Wednesday at www.DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride. Valid while supplies last Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.

“Impaired Driving can take away your freedom or someone else’s freedom to celebrate Independence day with family and friends. Celebrate Responsively by choosing 757 Sober Ride or allow a designated sober driver to get you home safely without any incidences.” said Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson. In Hampton

„ Glasscontainers „ Bicycles „ Pets(exceptcertifiedserviceanimals) „ ProfessionalCamera/VideoEquipment „ Umbrellas

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024 FREE AND OPENTOTHEPUBLIC

24th Street Park

„ 5:30 p.m: Ballet Folklorico Mexican TraditionofJulioRuiz

„ 6p.m:LosdelAlto „ 6:45 p.m: Ballet Folklorico Mexican TraditionofJulioRuiz

„ 7 p.m: Panamanian Folkloric Group of HamptonRoads „ 7:15p.m:RossiLopez „ 7:45 p.m: Dance lessons by Vida Bachata

DanceCompany „ 8p.m:AnthonyBachat „ 8:55p.m:VidaBachataDanceCompany „ 9:30p.m:GrupoRitmoSon

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024 TICK-

ETEDCONCERT

24th Street Park - Begins at 3 p.m.

„ El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico with special guests Bachateame Tour featuring Karlos Rose, Jay Heightz, El Sultan & Monchy

„ GrupoKazzabe

„ MaxRosado&7thSt Band

About Beach Events: Beach Events is the entertainment program presented by the City of Virginia Beach, featuring concerts, festivals, and family activities held at the oceanfrontresortarea.Afullarrayofevents,

ranging from the Monsters on the Beach monster truck races to a whole festival withtributebandsinJunetoaholidaylight display along the boardwalk means there’s truly“somethingforeveryone!”

Beginning in May, through Labor Day Weekend. the wildly popular Live! On Atlantic program thrills audiences right on the sidewalks of Atlantic Avenue with magicians, jugglers, musicians, costumed characters, and more! When it comes to entertainment,“alltheworld’sastage”most nightsattheVirginiaBeachoceanfront,and mostofitisFREE!

About the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia: Celebrating over 20 years of service The Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of Commerce began operations onMay31st,2003asthePeninsulaTidewater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce On May 20, 2005, the organization emerged as the Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of CommercetobetterservetheHispanicbusinesscommunityinHamptonRoads During the fall of 2002 a coalition of Hispanicwomenenvisionedanorganization that would connect Hispanic-owned businesses to the growing business community The Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of Commerce began operations on May 31st, 2003 as the Peninsula Tidewater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce On May 20, 2005, the organization emerged as the Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ThegoalwastoprovideHispanicbusinesses the opportunity to enter the non-Hispanic consumer base and educate non-Hispanic business owners, of the great economic impact the fastest-growing population will haveinthenearfuture.Aftermuchresearch and deliberation, it was decided that a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would be the best avenue to accomplish these goals and it has provided a large impact to the regionandthecommonwealth.In2023the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce became theHispanicChamberofCoastalVirginiato expandourImpactacrossallCoastalVirginia’sLatinocommunityanditsbusinesses.

Healer Athena Harrell discusses Intuitive Health, an alternative therapy for approaching wellness

InterviewByYiorgo

“Theprimedirectiveofhealersistomitigate suffering for the individual, the collectiveandtheplanet.Thehealeristheconduit throughwhichhealingenergyischanneled through the divine to provide a path and environmentfortheindividualtohealthemselves For healers, this is the definition of joy.”—HealerAthenaHarrell

Yiorgo: With us today is the healer and teacher of that very profound statement, Athena Harrell, the owner of Intuitive Health. Tell us Athena, what is Intuitive Health?

Athena Harrell: Intuitive Health is a different way of approaching wellness Allopathic medicine is necessary and it provides healthcare. Intuitive Health is not toreplaceallopathicmedicinebuttobeused in conjunction with it, like one would use a chiropractororgetacupunctureorcupping Allofthosebeganasalternativetherapies

Y: What are the services or alternative therapiesthatyouprovide?

AH: The Alternative therapies that I do are: Healing Touch Energy Work, that is moving the energy from the body to release stagnant energy which causes pain or discomfort. It is also working with the mind through Clinical Hypnotherapy to release trauma and that’s what we work a lotwiththemilitarypastandpresent.They utilize hypnotherapy to release Post TraumaticStressDisorder(PTSD).Wealsowork withSoundTherapytobringrelieftoPTSD clients also using the Vagus Nerve. Every singlemodalitythatIuseinsomeway,shape or form, releases negative energy or builds up stagnant energy in the body, to allow the bodytohealitself Living in a military town, there are so manyyoungpeoplethatIhavemetthrough the years that have suffered from PTSD. ThereisofcoursesomehelpatWalterReed HospitalandPortsmouthNavalHospitalbut manyyearscangoby Thetraumaissodeep thatit’shardforthemtounderstandwhatis causing the illness in their body, be it physical or mental, especially if they have experienced or witnessed domestic or personal emotional or sexual trauma Most people haveexperiencedoneofthosethingsevenif they have not been active duty military like policeofficers,firefightersandfirstrespondents Watching anyone die is very traumatic. For every person on the planet, we can probably say that they had some short oftraumathattheywillexperienceatrigger later in life that is not healthy to the body, lifeandspirit.

Y:Youactuallyofferdiscountsformilitary first respondents, teachers and healthcare workers Whydidyoudecidetodothat?

AH: Because honestly, those are the people on the front line in the moment that someone experiences a trauma. All

SBA

PressRelease

WASHINGTON OnJune20,2024,the

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced over $1 million in new funding to provide critical training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small businessownersasaVeteransBusinessOutreach Center(VBOC). The new funding opportunity will make awardsofupto$400,000touptothreeentities Eligibleawardeesincludeprivateorganizations, colleges and universities, private sector firms, nonprofit organizations, and state,local,ortribalgovernmentalagencies.

“Through this initiative, the SBA’s Office ofVeteransBusinessDevelopment(OVBD) is investing in military-connected entrepreneursthatwillgrowtheVBOCprogram from 28 to 31 locations nationwide,” said Robert Yannuzzi, Assistant Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development “Thisexpansionwillenhance the entrepreneurship experience across all U.S.statesandterritories.”

With this SBA funding recipients will offer training to transitioning service membersandmilitaryspousesviatheBoots toBusinessentrepreneurshipprogram,akey component of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program, as well as Boots to Business Reboot and the Military Spouse Pathway to Business program Applicants will deliver counseling, techni-

those individuals are holding space or are people who are experiencing and witnessing trauma themselves so how can they assist the public at large as they are trying to do with their vocations, not occupations SoIwanttogiveeveryopportunitytothose working with the sick, the elderly, to those in pain, I want them to get some relief from their own suffering so they can be better providers

Y:Whatisatypicalhealingsessionlike?

AH: A typical healing session involves two parts The first part always involves God. None of the healing work can happen without some short of belief in a higher power, something greater than yourself by the healer me The client who will receive healing, it helps but it doesn’t preclude the healing Soifsomeonecomestomeanddoes not have any kind of belief system, that’s perfectlyfine

As the healer, you have to trust that you are following intuitive guidance from God toassisttheclientforthegreatestandhighest good for all concerned. That is the edict ofmosthealers,tomitigatesufferingforthe clientandaskthedivinewhatisbestforthe client. So when the client comes to see me for a session the first time I sit with them, I pray, I ask for guidance, I get to know them by having a discussion about the various things they would like to work on and we ask for guidance in relation to that. At that point the three of us, God, myself and the personseekinghealingwillmakeadecision which modality we will choose For example if the client was in a car accident and hasaninjury Imaychoosetousethehealing modality of heal and touch. If the client has no more physical pain but is terrified every timetheygetinthecaranditcreatesincredibleanxiety,thenthat’sanindicationthatwe wouldneedtodosomehypnotherapy.

Y:Youprovideotherservicesaswell.

AH: Yes, I also do a modality called Ro-Hun Spiritual Psychotherapy that combineshypnotherapyalongwithphysical energywork,pullingtheenergyandreleasing the faulty or intrusive thought that is plaguingtheclient.That’sonesetofmodalities Thenwehavethephysicalmodalities: Heal Touch, Vagus Nerve treatment, and Craniosacral Therapy that are continued education courses for nursing and massage therapyaswell.

Y: You are offering a new course in July called Spiritual Development Level I-Beginner’sMind,Beginner’sHeart.Whoisthat course geared for and what will they gain fromtakingit?

AH:Ihavealotofclientsthatcometome andwanttogetintuitiveguidancefromGod about their life The truth of it is that all 8.5 billion people on the planet have the ability to talk to and receive answers from God, whatever that belief system is for them and allthe8.5billionpeoplehavetheabilitytodo healing Iamnotspecial,Ihavedonealotof training and I have practiced and practiced and practiced. I tell people you too can do this,sothiscourseisdesignedtobeabeginner level to really help them understand howasahealeryouwoulduseyourbodyas a channel and assist people for the greater goodofallconcerned

So the course is a beginning level of your spiritual development in the connection to thedivine Onedoesnothavetobeapracticing anything to experience this To borrow fromanEpiscopalBishopontheWestCoast, he said, “Prayer is talking to God, meditationislistening.”InthisclassIwillteachthe studentshowtolisten,howtoaskthequestion and then how to hear the answer. How to quiet their spirit, how to push their ego aside so they can receive answers directly fromthedivine Iwillalsotalkaboutwhatit means to be a healing channel if they want todophysicalhealingworkaswell.

Y: If someone has one of these needs and is seeking alternative relief from everyday medicineorwantstotakeyournewcourse, whatdotheyneedtodo?

AH: Go to my website https://athenaharrell.com/ choose a date and time that theywouldliketocomeandoncetheybook the appointment and arrive, we three will decidewhatthebestavenueisfortheirhealing

Y: Let’s learn about your journey Where wereyoubornandhowdidyoudiscoverthe worldofintuitiveHealth?

AH: I was born and grew up in Newport News Virginia and I really had no context for any of this that I shared with you. In my 30’smycollegeroommatewhobythenwas achargenurseatSentaraworkingintrauma wouldvisitawomanwhowoulddohealand touch and I would make fun of my friend that it was the most ridiculous thing I ever

cal support, financial skills development, comprehensive business evaluations, and mentorshiptoveterans,transitioningservice members, Reserve and National Guard members and military spouses aiming to launchorexpandtheirsmallbusinesses

The locations for new VBOCs are as follows: Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Florida, and Puerto Rico, and organizations anywhere may apply for a portion of the total $1.1 millioninfundingavailableforthisprogram inFiscalYear2024

Each award is made for a base project period of 8 months with four 12-month option periods starting Sept. 1, 2024 Additionalinformationaboutthefundingopportunity, including specific coverage areas and instructions on how to apply, can be found at www.grants.gov and by searching “SB-OVVB-24-001.” Applications submitted via other media,

includingSBA’swebsite,willberejectedand will not be evaluated Applications must be submitted via grants.gov no later than 11:50 p.m.ESTonFriday,July19,2024

The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development will host information sessions on the funding opportunity via this Microsoft Teams link or this call-in number (202-765-1264; access code: 265 542 768#, phone conference ID: 736 752 338#)onMonday,July15:2-3p.m.ET

PleasedirectallquestionsabouttheVBOC funding opportunity to Tangela Liddell at tangela.liddell@sba.gov. For issues with grants.gov, please call the support line at 1-800-518-4726oremail. About the SBA’s Office of Veterans BusinessDevelopment

The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through the

heard. But when she came back from her visit,eventhoughsheworkedatthetrauma center constantly being bombarded with trauma,shelookedlikeamillionbucks SoI decidedtocheckitoutformyselfandwhen I did, it was life changing I felt lighter and freer and more whole than I had been for a verylongtime

Y: What made you fall in love with it enough to leave a corporate executive positionandbecomeafulltimehealer?

AH:ThewomanwhoIvisitedbecamemy mentorandshesuggestedItakethehealand touch class at the hospital. Once I did and I realized that she really could do it and that therewasaprogramtaughttophysicaltherapistsandnursesanddoctorstoteachthem howtofeeltheenergymovementinthebody and it was a real thing, it was so powerful that I got hooked and began taking more classes There is no greater reward than to haveresultsthathavenosideeffects it’snot evasive,noscaryneedlesandtheresultsare positiveones Iknewthat’swhatIwantedto dofortherestofmylife Thereisnocomparisoninthecorporateworldwheresomeone can leave my massage table and not be in pain.Exceptforthebirthofmychild,that’s thegreatestfeeling,togivepeoplerelieffrom theirpain.

Y: What was that learning process like? Howdidyougoaboutbecomingahealer?

AH:Forabout15yearsIhavebeenstudyingandgettingcertifiedinAlternativeTherapy. My first modality was a healing touch program taught at a Sentara hospital as a continuing education course for nurses I have added 8 modalities since then, all focusedonhealingthemind,bodyandspirit of individuals Back in January of this year after being in corporate America for a very long time and after discussing it with my husbandJonathan,Idecidedtodothehealingfulltimewhichhasalwaysbeenthegoal.

Y:Whatareyougratefulfor?

AH: I am grateful for my handsome, understanding husband Jonathan who has supportedmethrougheverythingandespecially this journey with my decision to do it fulltime

Y:Whatisyourultimategoal?

AH:Iwanttoservetheeverydayaverage citizen, who do not have a belief system in this,whoaresufferingandtheydon’tknow wheretogo Theytriedthepainpillsandthe chiropractic and the physical therapy and it’snotgettingthejobdone Iwanttobethat person, that healer to get the job done for them and heal them so they can be productivecitizensagain.

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

SBA’s extensive resource partner network, which includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers,and28VBOCslocatedthroughout thenation.VBOCsarealsotheleadingpartner in hosting the “Boots to Business” and “BootstoBusinessReboot”programs which offer courses on entrepreneurship on military installations and in local communities Sincetheprogram’sinceptionin2013,Boots toBusinesshastrainedandgraduatedmore than 200,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses For more information on theresourcesavailableforveteranentrepreneurs,visitsba.gov/veterans About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership As the only go-to resource andvoiceforsmallbusinessesbackedbythe strengthofthefederalgovernment,theSBA empowersentrepreneursandsmallbusiness ownerswiththeresourcesandsupportthey needtostart grow expandtheirbusinesses orrecoverfromadeclareddisaster.Itdelivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more,visitwww.sba.gov.

Athena Harrell.(COURTESYPHOTO)

New Patient Resources Section on TRICARE Website

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va Are you looking for information and tools to help manage your health care and TRICARE benefit? CheckoutthenewPatientResourcessection on tricare.mil. This section makes it easy to find forms track your health records learn aboutdisasteralerts andmore.

“We understand that you need quick and easyaccesstoessentialhealthcareinformation,” said Robert Agnello, deputy director of digital communications at the Defense HealthAgency “ThenewPatientResources section has tools and resources you need to stay engaged with and manage your health careinoneconvenientlocation.”

Here’s an overview of what you can find inthePatientResourcessection.

Claims

IntheFilingClaimssection,youcanlearn when and how to file medical, pharmacy, anddentalclaims AsnotedintheTRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook (online at https://www.tricare.mil/Publications/Handbooks/united_states),youmay needtofileyourownclaimtobereimbursed ifyougetcarefromanon-networkprovider TRICARE will reimburse you for covered servicesattheTRICAREallowableamount. Thisamountwon’tincludeanycopayments, cost-shares,ordeductibles

Forms Need to find a form? The Download a Form section has many commonly used forms,includingformsfor:

„ EnrollinganddisenrollinginaTRICARE healthordentalplan

„ Requestingpre-authorizationormedical necessity

„ Requesting reimbursement through the PrimeTravelBenefit

„ Filinggrievancesandsubmittingappeals Contact us

Doyouneedhelporhavequestionsabout your TRICARE benefits? Go to the Contact Us section You can click “Call Us,” to find the right phone number for what you need You can also find information on where to log in to secure services and addresses for sendingclaims Thismakesiteasyforyouto getintouchwiththerightpeopletoanswer yourquestionsorrespondtoyourconcerns

MHS Customer Service Community Directory

Are you looking for contact information for your military hospital or clinic? Check out the Military Health System Customer Service Community Directory You can use this directory to find patient advocates, beneficiarycounselingandassistancecoordinators,anddebtcollectionassistanceofficers

Health records

Looking for information on your health records? Check out the My Military Health Records section, which includes a gateway to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. MHS GENESIS is the Military Health System’s

electronichealthrecord.

The Patient Resources section also has informationon: „ Disaster Resources: Get health alerts andlearnhowtomanageyourhealthbenefitsbefore,during andafteradisaster.

„ TRICARE Multimedia Center: Check out TRICARE news videos webinars and podcasts „ Patient Rights and Responsibilities: Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a TRICARE beneficiary and patient intheMilitaryHealthSystem. How to find the Patient Resources section It’s easy to get to the Patient Resources sectioninjustafewclicksortaps

Onacomputer,click“PatientResources” on the blue navigation bar This navigation bar is located across the top of most tricare. milpages

Onasmartphone,tapthethreehorizontal lines located in the top left corner of most tricare.milpages Thisopensthenavigation menu.Thentap“PatientResources.” TRICAREisdedicatedtomakingsurethe information you need is easy to find. If you have feedback about the Patient Resources sectionorotherpartsoftricare.mil,youcan clicktheorange“GiveFeedback”buttonon therightsideofmosttricare.milpages.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, andmore.