Flagship 06.29.2023

USS Iwo Jima Sailor lifts up shipmates

ByMC2JordanGrimes

NORFOLK,Va

Sweatdripsdownherbrowasshegetsreadytoliftthe weightsinfrontofher Over150poundsrestonthebar Afewdeepbreaths; afewsecondstopreparehermind,thenthree,two,one,lift.

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Adasha Hendrix is the Assistant Command Fitness Leader (ACFL) for USS Iwo Jima, and she holds Nationalpowerliftingrecordsindeadlift,benchpressandsquat.

SheusestheskillsandmindsetshehasacquiredinherpowerliftingjourneytomotivateherfellowSailorstoconsistentlyreachtheirfitnessgoals.

Hendrixsaidthemainchallengeshefacesinhelpingothersisremembering each person responds best to a different motivation and training styles.

“ThewaythatIamwithmyself-IgetangrywhenIdon’tmeetmygoal at the time that I said I was going to meet it,” said Hendrix. “Having that mindsetasanACFListoughbecauseyou’resupposedtohelp[Sailors]get theirfitnessgoals soIcanbealittleharshsometimes.

OneSailorHendrixhasbeenabletohelpisBoatswain’sMate2ndClass CourtneyPoole.

Poole said she started her fitness journey with Hendrix after the birth of her son, and she said she has learned the importance of staying active duringtheirtimetogether.

“[Hendrix]isabeast,”saidPoole.“Sheisprobablyoneofthemostdetermined people I have ever met It’s hard not to feed off of that, and that makesitaloteasiertofindyourownmotivation.”

Hendrixcontinuestotrainforpowerliftingbyworkingouttwiceaday, proving to herself and her shipmates that hard work and dedication can getanyoneaboveandbeyondtheirgoals

NSA Hampton Roads Unaccompanied Housing facilities recognized as Platinum A-List Award winners

ByKatishaDraughn-Fraguada Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Public Affairs

Unaccompanied Housing (UH) facilities at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads-Portsmouth and Northwest Annex were recently recognized for their results from the Commander, Navy Installations CommandTenantSatisfactionSurvey Both UHs were recognized as the Platinum A-List Award Winner for Excellence inCustomerService “I am very proud of both teams at the UH facilities at Portsmouth and Northwest Annex,” said Capt. Matt Frauenzimmer CommandingOfficerofNSAHampton Roads “They work hard each day and do an amazing job taking care of the military memberswhocalltheseplaceshome.They

are truly dedicated to getting to know each of the residents and ensuring that they are meeting their needs That is exceptional customer service and I am happy that they arereceivingthisspecialrecognition.”

The surveys are conducted by CEL & Associates Inc. worldwide for all Navy UH facilities Residents are encouraged to rate their facility and management team on a variety of facility and customer service

measures

“It feels amazing to know that we received this award,” said Denise Burke, UH Installation Program Director at Portsmouth Annex “Our UH team works hard to ensure that we maintain our culture of outstanding customer service every day and we are all proud to do so This is a team effort and it takes each one of us doing our

USS Gerald R. Ford’s Women in Engineering: We Can Do It!

ByMassCommunicationSpecialist

1stClassBrianT.Glunt

USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs

ADRIATICSEA It’sthecredothatreinforcestheiconicimageof‘RosietheRiveter’ bearing her arm, asserting the notion that womenarejustascapabletoperforminjob fields predominantly filled by men. This image has inspired generations of women to pursue careers in professions specificallyengineering,thathavebeenhistorically reservedformen.

Approximately 30 women, assigned to the 180-person engineering department aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), continue to makestridesforfuturegenerationsoffemale Sailorsintheengineeringfield.

AsGeraldR.Ford’sdamagecontrolassistant (DCA), Cmdr Amanda Miller, from Willis, Texas, is responsible for overseeing damage control efforts in the event of a casualty, as well as making preparations for and maintaining the damage control readinessthroughouttheship Servingmorethan 10 years of her 25-year Navy career in the engineering field, she now supervises five work centers consisting of repair lockers all self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs)onboard,damagecontrolsuppressionsystems,chemical,biological,andradiologicaldefense(CBRD),listcontrolsystems, anddamagecontrolpettyofficers(DCPOs), amongmanyadditionalresponsibilities

“The accomplishments I am most proud ofwithintheengineeringfieldhavebeenon this tour,” said Miller. “On previous tours you go in, learn the systems maintain and operate Day-in and day-out. The unique thingaboutthistouristhat[GeraldR.Ford] isnew,sowehavehadtomakesurethatour damagecontrolintegrity,theintegrityofthe damage control program and its systems, stay intact as the modernization efforts are made.”

MillerfurtherexplainsherbiggestaccomplishmentasDCAhasbeenthemodernization and implementation of the digitized AdvancedDamageControlSystem(ADCS) intothenewestaircraftcarrier’sinfrastructure. As the Navy’s newest class of aircraft carrier, the Ford-class reduced the amount of legacy communication tools needed duringdamagecontroleffortsinfavorofthe ADCS Furthermore, CVN 78 has the same amount of real estate to maintain and the same amount of fire protection needed, all whileoperatingwith20percentlesspersonnelthanaNimitz-classcarrier

“To go computerized with plotting has beenaneffortformorethanadecadewithin the Navy When I got here a year and a half ago,[theADCS]didn’tworkandpeoplewere trying to do legacy damage control plotting and phone talking and trying to make it work. So in the last year we’ve had four software updates and multiple visits all the wayuptotheprogramoffice,gettingADCS uptopartomeetourdamagecontrolneeds.

It was super vital that this system worked and it’s working wonderfully This system isnowbeingimplementedandisgoingtobe usedinthefuturebecausewemadeitwork.”

Along with the employment of the ADCS, Miller also noted the Joint Qualification Requirement (JQR) for the system, anextensivetrainingandqualificationstandard prepared by CVN 78’s damage control division, to be utilized throughout the rest oftheNavy

With Gerald R. Ford’s crew of approximately2,400Sailors(sansairwing),women make up roughly 21 percent, or approximately500ofCVN78’spersonnel

Another woman setting the bar in engineering while assigned aboard Gerald R. FordisChiefWarrantOfficer2AngelaCruz, from Santa Maria, California. Cruz serves as the auxiliary technical assistant, or Aux Tech, and is responsible for the mechanicaloperabilityofequipmentfromtheship’s anchor to the rudder that supplies potable water, air conditioning and hydraulics.

Beginning her 17-year naval career as an electrician’s mate fireman recruit (E-1), she knew she wanted to be a chief warrant officer (CWO) early on because she wanted to beas“salty”andas“gritty”astheonesather first command. She eventually worked up theenlistedrankstochiefpettyofficerwhen she made the decision to continue working with her hands as a chief warrant officer, ratherthancontinueonamoreadministrativepathasaseniorenlistedleader “I would have kind of been going away from the engineering aspect and more so toward the management and leadership of Sailors, which I do like,” said Cruz. “But, troubleshooting has always been my heart.

Cmdr Amanda Miller center from Conroe,Texas,ChiefWarrant Officer2Angela Cruz left from Santa Maria,California,and Hull Maintenance

Technician 2nd ClassJondanae Garza from LasVegas,pose fora group photo highlightingwomen in engineering aboard theworld’s largest aircraft carrierUSS Gerald R.Ford (CVN 78),June 23,2023.Gerald R.Ford is the U.S.Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier representing a generational leap in the U.S.Navy’s capacityto project poweron a global scale.The Gerald R.Ford CarrierStrike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S.Naval Forces Europe area ofoperations,employed byU.S.Sixth Fleet to defend U.S.,allied,and partner interests (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST1STCLASSBRIANT.GLUNT)

Engineering, working with equipment, working with my hands, I’ve always loved that, so the warrant officer route was best forme.”

For some small accomplishments have huge impacts on how they view their careers.ForCruz,oneofhermostmemorableaccomplishmentswasassimpleasfixing alightasayoungSailor.

“I was a fireman recruit and knew nothingofelectricity.Iknewnothingofnothing,” said Cruz “I had never even changed a car battery before. So when I tested the lights andtheycameon,Iwassoproud Butother than that, the accomplishment I’m most proudofwasrecoveringmy[previous]ship from a main space fire, which allowed us to make it home from deployment after we werestuckoverseas.”

Engineering isn’t always as innovative as implementing groundbreaking damage control systems or as heroic as mending a ship in order to return home after major casualty. Often times, engineers go unnoticed and without thanks for the modern conveniencestheymaintain,likethevacuum collectionholdingtransfer(VCHT)onboard maintained by Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Jondanae Garza, from Las Vegas. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to takecareoftheVCHT,orinlayman’sterms, the ship’s sewage system But hull maintenance technicians (HTs) aren’t always fixing the plumbing These engineers are alsoresponsibleforfabricatinganythingthe shipneedsforrepairs.Theyarethewelders, braziersandmanufacturersofpartsneeded tomaintaintheship’shullintegrity.

“I really like working with my hands HT-wise, the engineering field interested me because of the welding. I didn’t know I wasgoingtobedealingwithsewagewhenI firststarted.Butthemajorityofthefirsthalf of my career,allI did was welding,butthen I got stationed aboard [Gerald R. Ford] and wastaughtthesewagepart,whichwasfun.”

Before her six years in the Navy, Garza

Editorial Staff MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm 757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil

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started her mechanical career by learning tofixcarswithherdad.

“I’ve always been interested in this stuff since I was little,” said Garza. “I would go with my dad whenever he was going to fix cars or doing stuff around the house and I would just watch him I always thought it wascool.”

Afterbeingsenttoanadvancedhullmaintenancetechniciantrainingschoolinwelding, Garza is now one of the most qualified advancedweldersonboard.

“Being able to learn something I’d never thought I’d be able to be good at, which is welding,hasbeenoneofmybiggestaccomplishments, said Garza. “Never in my life would I have thought that I’d be welding Mebeingabletograduatethatschool,which is one of the hardest schools in our trade, is probably one of the biggest accomplishmentsI’veevermade.”

The accomplishments of these three women could not have happened without the years of hard work, inspirational guidanceanddedicationtheyhaveputforthinto theircareerfield Soifthereareanywomen outtherereadingthiswhoareinterestedin anengineeringcareer,paycloseattentionto theseengineers’wordsofwisdom:

“Sometimes a girl isn’t going to have the physical strength that a guy would use to move something so they’re going to perhaps, use other ways to accomplish tasks,” said Miller. “So I think we can capitalize on different experiences and different backgrounds to come up with more solutionsthanjusttheeasyones Don’tgive up It’s not always easy. Things get better Believeinyourselfandrememberwhyitis whatitis you’redoing,yourdrivingforce or motivation So when things get difficult, gobacktothat.”

“Honestly it’s physically and mentally challenging,” says Cruz “Just because you come in already doubted. You come in underestimated Soifyouhavetoworktwice ashardtoproveyourself,thengoforit.Butif

youarecominginexpectingnottogetdirty, thendon’tcomeintoengineering.”

“My [job] is not female dominate whatsoever butalotofthefemaleengineersI’ve met are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Garza. “It just shows that women can do this too I’ve known a ton of female welders who never thought they could do it and yet here they are in the Navy proving people wrong and thatwecandoit.”

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is conducting a scheduled deployment in support of interoperability and maritime security The GRFCSG provides and inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies andpartners,enhancesecurityandguaranteethefreeflowofglobalcommerce Intotal, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 6,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking.

Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier As the first-in-classshipofFord-classaircraftcarriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including EMALS AAG and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The new systems incorporated ontoFord-classshipsaredesignedtodeliver greater lethality, survivability and joint interoperability with a 20% smaller crew than a Nimitz-class carrier, paving the way forwardfornavalaviation

For more information about the USS GeraldR.Ford(CVN78),visithttps://www. airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @ Warship_78, DVIDS www.dvids.net/ CVN78andLinkedInatUSSGeraldR.Ford (CVN 78).

SECNAV urges leaders to continue efforts to foster culture of belonging at DEI Summit

FromOfficeoftheSecretaryoftheNavy

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro hosted a Department of the Navy (DON) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit, June 22, with senior DON, Navy,andMarineCorpsleaders

The goal of the summit was to discuss opportunities and identify action items to promote DEI initiatives and establish a renewed focus on data and evidence-based decision-making

“In order to maintain our strategic edge, theNavyandMarineCorpsteammustoperationalize innovative and cohesive initiatives, rooted in DEI’s goals,” said Secretary Del Toro “We, as a Department, must be deliberateandcontinuetocreateacultureof inclusivity,whereeveryperson,regardlessof theirbackground,feelswelcomeandvalued with an opportunity to succeed. If not, we willfailtoseethepotentialofourpeople.”

Throughout the day, the DON DEI Program Office facilitated discussions about DEI initiatives and progress within theDepartment.Presentersfocusedonhow DEIinfluencescohesionwithintheDepart-

ment and the role leaders play in those efforts Attendeesalsodiscussedhowinnovation is enhanced by diversity, emphasizingdiversity’sconnectiontoamissionready force Additionally, leaders discussed how diversity enhances innovation and creativity is highest during collaboration. Frans Johansson, American entrepreneur and authorwasthekeynotespeaker.

During thesummit,SECNAVchallenged allleaders,ateverylevel,toassesswherethe DON theNavy andtheMarineCorpsarein achieving a more welcoming and inclusive environment, as well as identifying areas wherewecancontinuetoimprove

“This was a valuable opportunity for our Department of the Navy senior leaders to haveadatadrivendiscussionofDEImatters from a readiness and innovation perspective,” said Franklin Parker, Assistant SecretaryoftheNavyforManpowerandReserve Affairs.

Off-site attendees included the Assistant SecretariesoftheNavy,Commandantofthe MarineCorps,theMasterChiefPettyOfficer of the Navy, and the Sergeant Major of the MarineCorps

Up From the Ranks: Navy Medicine’s Mustangs

StoryByAndréSobocinski

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Lt Robert Coleman is a 20-year veteran of the Navy who serves as branch head of medical evaluation board at the Bureau of MedicineandSurgery(BUMED).Heisalso aproud“mustang. For three-quarters of his career, Coleman served in Hospital Corps where he rose to the grade of Chief Petty Officer He servedonmultipledeploymentstoIraqand Afghanistan;asanX-RaytechnicianatNaval HospitalBremerton;andasLeadPettyOfficer(LPO)aboardUSSGeraldFordbeforeto transitioningintotheMedicalServiceCorps throughtheMedicalEnlistedCommissioningProgram(MECP).

“I think making chief is what pushed me over the edge to wanting to go officer,” said Coleman. Coleman saw becoming an officer as not only a path to a better retirement, but also the chance to make positive impact on his shipmates.

“I wanted to be the guy who could help makeSailor’slivesbetter,”relatedColeman.

“Because too many times, especially in a position that you don’t understand where everyone’s coming from—you didn’t start from the bottom; you don’t really understandhowyourdecision-makingaffectsthe personatthelowestendofthetotempole.”

Lt ColemanisfarfromaloneamongofficersservinginNavyMedicine

It has been estimated that nearly a third of all active-duty officers in Navy Medicine today once served in the enlisted ranks. Of course,intheU.S.militarytodaytheseindividuals are better known as “mustangs” or “mustang officers.” Like their namesake— the free-roaming horse of the American West—mustangofficersoftentreadadifferentpath.

“We’re different,” said Capt. Ronald Fancher, a 36-year veteran and proud mustang, who serves as Navy Medicine’s Executive Liaison to the Defense Health Agency (DHA). “We’re a little rougher aroundtheedges,andnotafraidtogetdirty We’llworkhardtogetsomethingdone.”

Today,ifyouaremustang,youareingood company. Audie Murphy, Chuck Yeager, ChestyPuller DanielInouye Jeremy“Mike” BoordaandJamesMattiswereallmustangs who rose through the ranks and made importantcontributionstotheirservices

“The idea of the mustang is that you still have the streak of a wild mustang, but yet you’re integrated with these stallions, and pure-breds,” said Coleman. “If you want the honest truth, you’re going to go to a mustang.”

Navy Medicine’s First Mustangs:

Whetheryoubleed“blueandgold,”“scarlet and gold,” “black and gold” or “blue and silver,” a mustang represents that special order of officer who had previously served in the enlisted ranks. The term is believed to have originated in the U.S. Army among volunteer soldiers who achieved “brevet promotions during the Mexican War. In theNavy,amustangcanrefertoanyformer enlistedpersonnelservingascommissioned, limiteddutyand/oraswarrantofficers

Navy Medicine’s first mustangs were the 25 pharmacist-warrant officers who were admitted to the newly established Hospital Corps in September 1898 Each were veteranswhosecareersextendedbackdecadesas enlistedsailors AmongthemwasCornelius O’Leary, the so-called “dean of [the] Navy pharmacists.” Prior to entering obtaining a warrant in the Hospital Corps, O’Leary servedasanenlistedsailorfor37years Serving alongside warrant officers like O’Leary,werethreeranksofenlistedgrades of sailors—Hospital Stewards Hospital Apprentice First Class and Hospital Apprentices. In those first years of the new corps, the enlisted ranks included Hospital Steward Edward Ewel Harris and Hospital ApprenticeFirstClassHarryHarvey While Harris was already a trained dentist before enteringtheNavy,Harveystudieddentistry while serving as a hospital corpsman. After graduatingfromGeorgetownDentalCollege in 1912, Harvey obtained his commission in thenewlyestablishedNavyDentalCorps In addition to being the first candidate to pass the Dental Corps entrance examination, he is the Navy’s first dentist mustang Fellow mustang Harris would follow Harvey into theDentalCorpsinAugust1914.

Beginningin1916,enlistedhospitalcorpsmen who had reached the grade of Chief Pharmacist’s Mate (E-7) and had a minimum of 10 years of service were eligible for promotion to pharmacy- warrant officer And in World War II, additional opportunities to become mustangs expanded when the Navy granted select pharmacy warrant officers and senior enlisted sailors temporaryappointmentsascommissionedHospitalCorpsofficers

By July 1945 there were 1,381 temporary Hospital Corps officers Nearly a quarter of these officers (345) eventually joined the Medical Service Corps (MSC) and several wereamongthe251plankownerswhowere accepted into the Medical Service Corps in 1947 ItcanbenotedthatamongtheseMSC plankowners, 71 percent had previously served as enlisted hospital corpsmen. And 100percentoftheplankownerscomprising theadministrationandsupplysection(140) weremustangs SoonaftertheMedicalServiceCorpswas founded,thefirstwomenmustangsentered Navy Medicine. Among the first was Ens. Kay Keating, an enlisted radioman-turned hospital corpsman, who in 1950 was

commissionedintheMedicalServiceCorps. Whensheretiredin1972,Keatingearnedthe distinctionasthefirstwomanintheNavyto have served in the grade of seaman and the rankofCaptain. Enlisted sailors have long been the foundation of the Medical Service Corps; and it is no understatement to say that the MedicalServiceCorpswasestablishedunderthe leadership of mustangs Between 1954 when Capt. Willard Calkins became the first MSC Chief—to 2006 when Rear Adm. BrianBrannmanwasendinghistourasMSC Director, over half (57 percent) of the MSC chiefs/directors were mustangs And of the 20individualswhohaveservedat thehelm of the MSC from 1954 to 2023 45 percent (9)weremustangs ThisincludesRearAdm. Lewis “Red” Angelo, the first flag officer in the Medical Service Corps, who served 10 yearsintheHospitalCorpsbeforeobtaining hiscommission.

Since 1991, three MSC reserve leaders have been mustangs These include retired RearAdm.MarcMoritz,apodiatrist,whoto date,isstilltheonlyofficerinNavyMedicine torisefromgradeofE-1toE-7intheHospitalCorpsbeforeadvancingtoflagrank.

Of the 31 specialties and subspecialties that comprise the Medical Service Corps today, the administrative and physician assistant communities have the strongest ties to the enlisted Hospital Corps community. From 1974 until 1989, physician assistants (PA) served as warrant officers in the HospitalCorpsandmostoftheseclinicians came from the enlisted Hospital Corps community Today, 60 percent of Navy PAs come from the Hospital Corps through the Medical Service Corps Inter-service ProcurementProgram(MSC-IPP).

Mustang Nurses:

On August 25 1965 George Silver a former hospital corpsman, obtained a commissioned in the Nurse Corps becomingtheNavy’sfirstmalenurseaswellasone ofthefirstdocumentedmustangnurses.

OutsideoftheMedicalServiceCorps,the Navy Nurse Corps has the greatest number of mustangs in its ranks with just over 30 percentofactive-dutynurseshavingenlisted backgrounds Among them are the Navy’s top nurse leaders—Rear Adm. (sel.) Robert HawkinsandRearAdm.EricPeterson

When Hawkins took the helm of the NurseCorpsonMay13,2023,heearnedthe distinction as the first active-duty mustang to lead the corps Hawkins obtained his commission in 1993 after a 10-year career as an enlisted sailor in the Navy’s nuclear powerprogram.

ReserveNurseCorpsDirectorRearAdm.

Eric Peterson is also a mustang having servedasacombatmedicinthe815thMedical Clearing Company in the North Dakota ArmyNationalGuardpriortoobtaininghis commissionintheNurseCorpsin1993

Hawkins and Peterson are far from the exceptions Althoughformerhospitalcorpsmen are well-represented among nurses there are many mustang nurses serving today with non-tradition enlisted roots among them Capt Fredora “Toni McRae andCapt RonaldFancher

McRae is a 38-year veteran of the Navy who originally served as a cryptologic technician (CTT) before becoming a Navy nurse While serving in Misawa, San Diego and at the National Security Agency (NSA), McRae moved up the enlisted ranks “I lovedmyjobs,themissionandworkedwith some wonderful, wonderful people,” said McRae.DuringhertimeasCTT1atNSA,she received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) RoyWilkinsRenownServiceAward,which recognizes members of the Armed Forces who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and embodied the spirit of equality and human rights from Adm. Jeremy Boorda, Chief of Naval Operations and the only enlisted sailor to become CNO. “At the awardsceremony“Hewasthefirstpersonto Congratulate,meonmakingChief,”related McRae.

NotlongafterpickingupE-7,McRaewas selected for the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP). The program allows all individuals serving in enlisted ratingsachancetoearnanentry-levelnursing degree and an appointment as Ensign. McRaewascommissionedinMay1997

Throughout her career as an officer, McRae was able to use those formative experiencesasanenlistedsailortowhatshe termsa“non-traditionalcareer”intheNurse Corps Whether serving in a clinical setting orontheadministrativesidetheexperiences provedfoundational.

“All of those things that I learned as an enlisted sailor—how to take care of people how to listen and understand that there is, truly three sides to a story and everything that seems one way may not always be that way,”saidMcRae

Before entering the Nurse Corps, Capt. Fancher served as a nuclear engineering laboratory technician/machinist’s mate

After completing the Navy’s nuclear power training pipeline in Orlando Florida and Ballston Spa, New York, Fancher served aboard USS Bergall (SSN 667) as lead engineering laboratory technician. One day whileonpatrolthesubmarine’sXOcomesto Fancherandaskedpointblank,“Whyaren’t you an officer?” Fancher had applied for an ROTC Scholarship out of high school but wasnotaccepted.

“I was impressed by the fact that he was lookingforopportunitiesforyoung,enlisted guystobetterthemselves, saidFancher

Through the support of this officer, Fancher submitted an application to the Navy’s Reserve Officer Training Corps

CAPTFredora“Toni”McRae,NC USN,is a 38-yearNavyveteranwho originallyserved as a CryptologicTechnician (CTT) before obtaining hercommission in the Nurse Corps. Photographs courtesyofCAPTMcRae.(PHOTOBYANDRÉSOBOCINSKI,U.S.NAVYBUREAUOF MEDICINEANDSURGERY)

CAPTRonald Fancher NC USN,is a 36-yearNavyveteranwho served as a nuclearengineering laboratorytechnician/machinist’s mate before being commissioned in the NavyNurse Corps. Photographs courtesyofCAPTFancher (PHOTOBYANDRÉSOBOCINSKI,U.S.NAVYBUREAUOF MEDICINEANDSURGERY)

LTRobert Coleman,MSC,USN,spent 15years as a hospital corpsman before obtaining his commission in the Medical Service Corps.Photographs courtesyofLTColeman.(PHOTOBY ANDRÉSOBOCINSKI,U.S.NAVYBUREAUOFMEDICINEANDSURGERY)

Scholarship Program. Although originally considering using the program to become a “nuke officer” he was dissuaded after his freshman year while studying chemical engineering “You have to ask permission of the Navy to change majors so I asked permission, recalled Fancher “They gave me three options: I could go to pharmacy school,nursing school,or beasupplycorps officer I had no interest in supply corps, so it was immediately off the list. And pharmacy,atthetime,wasafive-yearbachelor’s program,soalsonotrealistic.”Fancherultimatelydecidedonnursing Fancherwentontoserveasafamilynurse practitioner and a certified nurse midwife, always guided by the same principles and serviceinstilledinhimduringhisdaysasan enlistedsailoraboardsubmarines.

“I think being able to see that side of the fence, lived on that side of the fence absolutely plays into both my leadership style and just my outlook,” said Fancher “I have a tremendous amount of respect for our chief’s mess and latching onto a senior enlisted leader everywhere I’ve been and thenlookingoutforthosejuniorsailors.

Today, mustangs continue to make an impact on Navy Medicine, and this will not changeanytimesoon Rear Admiral Darin Via, Acting Surgeon

General,isonlythesecondheadoftheNavy MedicalDepartmentwithenlistedrootsand the first who formerly served as a hospital corpsman. And at the Navy Medicine 101 class held in June 2023, more than half of the 69 newly commissioned MSC officers nurses dentists and physicians attending weremustangswhohadformerlyservedin a spectrum of enlisted ratings in the Navy, ArmyandAirForce.

But perhaps the greatest legacy of mustangs today is the tight bond with the enlistedforce

“It’s recognizing and capitalizing on the strengths and the opportunities that you gainedandgleanedbeinganenlistedservice member butneverlosingfocusofthatwhen you transition over to the officer community, and always, always making sure that you extend that arm to bring someone else upwithyou,”saidCapt McRae “I’mproud to be a mustang. I love to tell people that I started my military career as an enlisted servicememberbecauseIthinkitmakesme a better officer. I think it makes me a better leaderandmanagerandIthinkitmakesme respected more by my enlisted colleagues thatI’mhonoredtoservewith.

For mustangs and non-mustangs alike, it ishardtodisagreewiththat!

SECNAV outlines naval education strategy, prepares DON to meet evolving warfighting challenges

FromOfficeoftheSecretaryoftheNavy

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro releasedhisNavalEducationStrategy(NES) today whichprovidesguidancetomodernize naval education to meet our Nation’s securityneeds

The strategy provides the framework for the Department of the Navy (DON) to deliver more effective, efficient, and integrated naval education to the total force in support of President Biden’s national security priorities and the National Defense Strategy(NDS).

“Education is a critical warfighting enabler,” said Secretary Del Toro “We will continue to strengthen our Department’s culture, policies, processes, talent management,andinvestmentstoreflecteducation’s

keyroleinforcedevelopment.”

Secretary Del Toro outlined the NES during remarks at the Naval War College changeofcommandceremony whereRear Adm. Peter A. Garvin relieved Rear Adm. ShoshanaChatfieldasPresident.

“Shoshana, I cannot thank you, and your husband, David, enough for your tireless effortsthesepastfouryearsasyoubothdedicated your time and energy to supporting ourWarCollegefamily TheWarCollegeisa keycomponenttodevelopingourwarfighters’intellectualedgetoachievewarfighting advantage,”saidSecretaryDelToro

TheNavalWarCollegeispartoftheNaval University System (NUS), which is the primary way that the DON delivers educationtoitsforce OtherDONacademicdegree granting institutions include the United

States Naval Academy (USNA), Marine CorpsUniversity,NavalPostgraduateSchool (NPS) andtheUnitedStatesNavalCommunityCollege(USNCC).

The Naval Education Enterprise (NEE) consistsoftheNUS,NavalReserveOfficers Training Corps, Junior Reserve Officers’ TrainingCorps;FlagOfficer,GeneralOfficer, and executive education programs; Voluntary Education/Tuition Assistance (TA) programs, and other DON-funded scholarship, fellowship, and graduate education programs

The DON uses a combination of these programsandeducationdeliverymethodsto formacontinuumoflearningthataddresses the Service’s unique requirements, and addresses the dynamic security environment’scomplexissueswithincurricula.

The NES provides a framework to prioritizeandinvestintheseprogramsandinstitutions

“Our naval education institutions are the primary way that we develop our warfighters intellectualedgetoachievewarfighting advantage We must increase investments in our education institutions and training programs to ensure they fulfill that responsibility,”saidSecretaryDelToro

Sailors, Marines, and DON civilians at all levels are expected to contribute to the Department’s culture of continuous learning embrace opportunities to develop professionally, and seek opportunities to improve our combat readiness, Secretary DelToroadded.

NEWPORT,RI – Secretaryofthe NavyCarlos DelToro released the Naval Education Strategy(NES) during remarks at the U.S.NavalWarCollege change ofcommand ceremony,where RearAdm. Pete Garvin relieved RearAdm.Shoshana Chatfield as President The NES provides guidance to the Department ofthe Navyto modernize naval education to meet ourNation’s securityneeds.

U.S. Naval War College holds change of command ceremony

ByLt.Cmdr.PeterPagano

U.S. Naval War College

NEWPORT,R.I. RearAdm.PeteGarvin relieved Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield as president of the U.S. Naval War College (NWC)duringachangeofcommandceremonyheldonboardNavalStationNewport, Rhode Island, June 23 SecretaryoftheNavyCarlosDelToro,an alumnusofNWC,presidedoverthechange ofcommandceremonyandservedasguest speaker “I couldn’t be more pleased that Rear Adm. Chatfield has been nominated to represent our Nation with honor and distinction as the U.S. Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationMilitaryCommittee,”saidSecretary DelToro “Andwhiletodayisabittersweet dayforRearAdm.Chatfieldandherfamily, they can rest assured that their beloved schoolisingreathandswithherrelief Rear Adm. Garvin, we are excited to have you onboard,andIhavenodoubtyouareeager

to get to work as the 58th President of the Naval War College.”

Inherremarks Chatfieldhighlightedthe integral role an NWC education plays in thedevelopmentofstrong capableleaders

“Education isn’t something that you do during a gap year between sea duty,” remarkedChatfield.“Foralargeenterprise like ours, education is an essential part of human capital development.”

NWC provides professional military education programs as a graduate-level institution,meanttodevelopstudents’ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage

Thecollegealsoconductsresearch,analysisandwargamingtosupporttherequirementsoftheNavy,combatantcommanders, the U.S. intelligence community and other departments and agencies of the U.S. Government.

Chatfield also recalled the resiliency of the college through the COVID-19

pandemic as a significant source of pride during her tenure as president.

“Ourconnectiontothiscollegedeepened throughourcollectiveresponsetoCOVID,” said Chatfield. “Every person assigned contributed to this success and you should be rightfully proud of this accomplishment.”

Duringthepandemic,Chatfieldoversaw the successful transition of the college’s educationandresearchprogramstovirtual andhybridformats Fortheseefforts,NWC wasawardedtheMeritoriousUnitCitation

At the close of her remarks Chatfield announced the creation of the Daniel J. CurranAwardforOutstandingProfessional in Physical Security, to honor the service, dedication and legacy of its namesake, a U.S.ArmyveteranandmemberoftheNWC security team who passed away in April 2021 The annual award will be presented to a security professional who exemplifies outstandingdedication,service andprofessional excellence

During the ceremony, Chatfield also

presented Del Toro with the NWC Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award, whichrecognizesthecollege’smostdistinguishedgraduateswhohaveattainedpositions of leadership and prominence in the field of national security

Garvin thanked Chatfield and outlined hisprioritiesaspresidentmovingforward: maintaininganadaptivecurriculum,fostering intellectual curiosity, supporting partnersandallies,andcultivatingadiverseand inclusive environment.

“Together wewillbuilduponthestrong foundationoftheNavalWarCollege innovatingandadaptingtomeetthechallenges ahead, said Garvin. “I am deeply honored to serve as president and look forward to working alongside every one of you in pursuit of excellence, knowledge, and a more secure future.”

Garvin is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. NavalAcademyandmostrecentlyservedas commanderofNavalEducationandTraining Command in Pensacola, Florida.

For imagery of the ceremony and other informationaboutNWC,visitthecollege’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/gp/ usnavalwarcollegeri/XEq8206yN4 and follow its social media accounts:

Facebookathttp://facebook.com/NavalWarCollege and Twitter at http://twitter com/NavalWarCollege

NEWPORT,RI

RearAdmiral Pete Garvin relieves RearAdm.Shoshana Chatfield as President ofthe U.S.NavalWarCollege (NWC) during a change ofcommand ceremonyheld onboard Naval Station Newport,Rhode Island,June 23,2023.Secretaryofthe NavyCarlos DelToro presided overthe ceremonyand served as guest speaker.RearAdm.Garvin becomes the 58th President of NWC,following in the footsteps ofNWC founderand first president RearAdm.Steven B.Luce.Established in 1884 NWC informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop theirabilityto anticipate and prepare strategicallyforthe future,strengthen the foundations ofpeace,and create a decisivewarfighting advantage.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOSBYKRISTOPHERBURRIS/RELEASED)

NEWPORT,RI – RearAdmiral Pete Garvin relieves RearAdm.Shoshana Chatfield as President ofthe U.S.NavalWarCollege (NWC) during a change ofcommand ceremonyheld onboard Naval Station Newport,Rhode Island,June 23,2023.Secretaryofthe NavyCarlos DelToro presided overthe ceremonyand served as guest speaker.RearAdm.Garvin becomes the 58th President of NWC,following in the footsteps ofNWC founderand first president RearAdm.Steven B.Luce.

NAVSAFECOM addresses RMI concerns during review

ByRebeccaColeman

Naval Safety Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va More than 70 Navy,MarineCorpsandcivilianrepresentatives from across the naval enterprise gatheredhereatNavalAirStationOceana,June 14-15, to address feedback on the DepartmentoftheNavy’sRiskManagementInformation(RMI)system.

The Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM), which oversees RMI, hosted the first RMI External Standards Reviewtodiscussnearly325commentsthe commandreceivedinresponsetoarequest forfeedback.

Since the Navy’s RMI launch in August 2020 NAVSAFECOM has rolled out a series of modules to expand and improve the safety reporting system which consists of four capability areas: Streamlined Incident Reporting (SIR), analysis and dissemination, safety program management and singlepointofentry RMIpromotesasaferenvironmentforthe navalenterprisebycapturingandanalyzing safety incident reporting data and streamlining the reporting process RMI, which replaced the Web-Enabled Safety System (WESS), was built for the Navy and Marine Corps and expands and adds new capabilities onto the Air Force Safety Automated System(AFSAS) Fourofthefiveservices,as wellasotherDefenseDepartmentagencies, usetheAFSASplatform.

Chris Tarsa, NAVSAFECOM executive director opened the meeting with an RMI overview noting the 137 minimum data elementsrequiredinRMIthataremandated by the Department of Defense (DoD), and the continuous improvement cycle with the phased releaseof RMI’ssafetyprogram managementmodulesorcapabilities.

“Wecontinuallysolicitfeedbackfromour customers to make this program better, to hear what our RMI customers are saying and to be responsive and transparent,” said Tarsa Forexample oneareaofimprovement addressedthequalityofinternetbandwidth

Following testing, the Navy implemented enterprise-wide changes making at-sea bandwidth speeds comparable to shorebased speeds, increasing RMI consistency andbehaviorforusersatsea.

During the conference, a robust discus-

The RiskManagement Information (RMI) system promotes a saferenvironment forthe naval enterprise bycapturing and analyzing safetyincident reporting data and streamlining the reporting process.RMI,which replaced theWeb-Enabled SafetySystem (WESS) was built for the Navyand Marine Corps and expands and adds newcapabilities onto theAirForce Safety Automated System (AFSAS) Fourofthe five services aswell as otherDefense Department agencies,use theAFSAS platform.(PHOTOBYMELISSAWENGER)

sion took place on a number of issues that RMI stakeholders had submitted to NAVSAFECOM before the meeting Comments addressed a wide range of RMI categories including hazard abatement, analytics,inspectionsandtraining;however, the majority of feedback received centered ontheinvestigationsportionofRMI.

Each comment was discussed with proposed resolutions provided or tabled for further action and follow up either by NAVSAFECOM or by an integrated projectteam.

Examples of comments ranged from RMI being too cumbersome, the need for additional drop-down fields while inputting data or duplicative drop-down fields and lack of clarity in some sections A few comments conflicted with the DoD-man-

dated elements which were quickly acknowledged

For the attendees the meeting was an opportunitytohearwhatissuesotherusers hadencountered,howtheyaddressedproblems,andthatNAVSAFECOMwaslistening andreceptivetotheirconcerns

“With any type of system, you’re going to havedifferentperspectives,differentintentions,” said Kimberly Cannon, director, safety engineering Naval Surface Warfare Centerheadquarters

Communication is very important to ensure stakeholders know what to expect, shesaid.Forexample,ifamoduleisn’tready bythescheduleddeliverydate,communicatinganydelaysaheadoftimewillhelpalleviatestakeholders’frustration

One frustration expressed by several

stakeholders was a request for additional, oralackof,training,whichNAVSAFECOM Commander Rear Adm. Christopher Engdahlnoted.

“RMI training is one of the most critical itemsNAVSAFECOMisworkingthrough,” saidEngdahl “We’reworkinghardtofigureouttheright deliverymethodtoSailorsandgovernment employees Thetraininghastobereadyand relevant to the individual. Wemay leverage train-the-trainer models, regional SMEs or include online training NAVSAFECOM is receptivetoallsuggestions,”hesaid.

WESSwasthefirstoffivesafetyreporting systems that RMI will replace or consolidate The other four systems are the Enterprise Safety Application Management System, the Injury/Illness Tracker the Medical Mishap and Compensation and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Occupational AccidentandInjuryReportSystems.

Todate,thefollowingRMISafetyProgram modulesarecomplete:Inspections,Hazard Abatement, Training and Confined Space

The remaining modules are scheduled for delivery through fiscal 2027: Job Hazard Analysis MedicalSurveillance Self-Assessment, Respiratory Protection Fall Protection, Operational Risk Management and SafetyCommittee.Oncefullyimplemented, themoduleswillhelpensureallsafetyinformation is captured to help support mitigation and that the functions will perform sufficientlyregardlessoflocation.

“The real goal of this program is mishap prevention,” said Tarsa “Learning is lost whenwedon’treallylookatthefactorsthat leaduptoanevent.

At the end of the second day, the commander thanked attendees for their participation and candor and encouraged themtokeepthefeedbackcoming.

“The goal is to make RMI better,” said Engdahl. “It’s the program we have, and feedback from the fleet ensures it is getting bettereveryday.”

Headdedsubsequentmeetingswilloccur at least once a year with next year’s agenda buildinguponthisfirstone.

“You are all part of a growing RMI communityofinterest,andwemustcollectivelyworktomakemishapreporting,analysisandinvestigationbetter,”saidEngdahl.

Welcome aboard, Rear Adm. Rothenhaus New CNR takes helm at Office of Naval Research

ByWarrenDuffie

Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON,Va

TheOfficeofNavalResearch (ONR)usheredinaneweraofleadershiponFriday, June16,asRearAdm.KurtRothenhauswassworn inasthenewChiefofNavalResearch(CNR).

Thechange-of-commandceremonytookplace at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Remarks were given by the Hon. Frederick Stefany, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research,DevelopmentandAcquisition,aswellas Adm.DarylCaudle,commander,U.S.FleetForces Command.

ONRsupportsscienceeffortsaroundtheworld, from basic and conceptual research to applied research and quick-turnaround technologies requested by Sailors and Marines Established in 1946bypubliclaw,ONR’smissionisto“plan,foster andencouragescientificresearchinrecognitionof itsparamountimportanceasrelatedtothemaintenance of future naval power, and the preservation ofnationalsecurity.

“I’mexcitedbytheopportunitytoservetheNavy andnationaschiefofnavalresearch,”saidRothenhaus “ONR is a vital organization ensuring the Sailors and Marines we have the privilege of serving have the weaponry and technology needed to prevail, now and in years to come I feel a sense of urgency as we face increasingly capable potential adversaries.”

ConcurrentwiththedutiesofCNR,Rothenhaus willalsoserveastheNavalSTEM(science,technology,engineering,mathematics)Executive.

HetakesONR’shelmafterservingastheprogram executive officer, Command, Control, Communications,ComputersandIntelligence(PEOC4I).

Rothenhaus succeeds Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, himself a decorated submarine commander naval engineer and acquisition officer who is retiring afteradistinguishednavalcareer “ONR has an inspiring history of groundbreakingscientificachievements,”saidRothenhaus “I’m honored to join the team its sense of mission and passion for innovation are exceptional. I look forwardtocontinuingtheterrificworkandstrategicagilitythatRearAdm.SelbyandtheONRteam haveaccomplishedduringhistimeasCNR.”

Selby had a remarkable tenure as CNR. He assumed his role in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemicandheimplementedavisionforreimagining naval power “the small, the agile and the many,” which involves small, unmanned, autonomousplatformsthatcanbeconstructed,testedand adaptedquickly;canbebuiltinlargenumbers;and arelessexpensivethanlargerplatforms Tospurfaster morecollaborativeandmoreeffective testing and experimentation Selby promoted the ONR-sponsored SCOUT initiative, a multiagencycampaigntoidentifynewwaystobringnovel capabilities to warfighter challenges, experiment with them in realistic operating conditions, and operationalize them in partnership with the fleet andforce.

Selby also helped lead efforts to revitalize the Department of the Navy’s Naval STEM Coordination Office and he emphasized greater virtual and remote-learning activities in order to remove geographic barriers, increase the number of students reached, and bolster its commitment to diversity WarrenDuffieJr isacontractorforONRCorporateStrategicCommunications.

ABOVE: From left: FormerChiefofNaval Research (CNR) RearAdm.Lorin Selbyand current CNRRearAdm.Kurt Rothenhaus salute during a change-of-command ceremonyforthe Office ofNaval Research onJune 16 2023.Held at the Naval Research LaboratoryinWashington, D.C the event sawRothenhaus succeed Selby,who retired aftera distinguished naval career as CNR BELOW: ChiefofNaval Research (CNR) RearAdm.Kurt Rothenhaus addresses the audience during the ceremony. (U.S.NAVYPHOTOSBYMICHAELWALLS)

USS Carl M. Levin commissions in Baltimore

ByJulieAnnRipley

Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet BALTIMORE, Md

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Carl M. Levin(DDG120),June24inBaltimore

The HonorableCarlos Del Toro,the 78th Secretary of the Navy, was the principal speaker “Itisimperativethatwe theUnitedStates of America, stand ready to support our international partners and our allies as we confrontcommonchallenges,:saidDelToro “Inordertodoso,ournationneedstomaintainastrongjointforce.Ournationneedsto maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps as the foundation upon which the success of that joint force exists This ship before you and our entire naval fleet supports not justthestrikeforce butourentirenationby guaranteeingourunencumberedaccesstoa freeandopenmaritimecommonsandserves asthelifebloodofoureconomy.”

Guestspeakersfortheeventalsoincluded Adm.MichaelM.Gilday,32ndChiefofNaval Operations;theHonorableJustinWilliams, DeputyMayor,CityofBaltimore,Maryland;

Rear Adm. Thomas J. Anderson Program Executive Officer Ships; Mr Charles F. Krugh, President, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works; and the ship’s sponsors, Sen. Levin’sdaughters,KateLevinMarkel,Erica LevinandLauraLevin

“Senator Levin lived a life of service with integrity, and his example inspires us as we commissionthisshipwiththiscrewtoday,” Gilday said. “The men and the women of the USS Carl Levin represent some of the

bestandthebrightestinourNavy Theyare ready! They are prepared to go into harm’s way if required and they will carry out the ordersofournation.

Laura, Kate and Erica all participated in thekeellaying,maststepping,andchristeningceremonies Gildaycontinued,“Totheship’ssponsors, Senator Levin’s daughters Kate, Laura, and Erica,thankyouforyourfamily’ssupportto our Navy and to our Sailors It is not lost on usthatthemanthatwecallprofessor,AssistantAttorneyGeneral,andSenator,youcall Dad. Thank you for sharing his legacy with us and we hope that you feel welcome as extendedmembersofourbigNavyfamily.”

Laura Levin recalled their father’s life of service

“Dad noted that for more than 50 years Senate Armed Services Committee members had managed to work through their disagreements to pass the Defense Authorization bill with bipartisan support forasinglereason.AsDadputit,thosewho servedinthemilitary‘haveinspiredus,year after year, to come together across lines of party and ideology to support them,” Laura reflected. “They not only protect us, they unite us.’ So as we gather to send off this greatship thethreeofusrememberourDad by thanking and congratulating the entire crew of the USS Carl M. Levin who protect usandalsouniteus.”

Duringtheceremony,USSCarlM.Levin’s commanding officer Cmdr Kelly Craft, reportedtheshipready.Sen.Levin’sdaughters, Kate Levin Markel, Erica Levin and Laura Levin, gave the traditional order to “Manourshipandbringhertolife!”

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served as the Commanding Officer of a Pre-Commissioning Unit It was amazing beingabletosaildowntheKennebecandout toseaforthefirsttime,”Craftsaid.“There’s nothing like being able to bring the crew togetherandaccomplishthemission.We’ve still got thousands of miles to travel before we make it to our home port of Hawaii, but Iknowthiscrewistherightcrewforthejob Theywillremaintenaciousinthefight,and theywillleadthis‘greyhound’tobethemost fearedwarshipintheworld.

Deputy Mayor Justin Williams’ pride in Baltimore’s Navy connection was evident. “From the days of clipper ships traversing thehighseasduringtherevolutionarywar. our city’s legacy has been long intertwined with the Navy’s legacy.” He continued, “as we commissionthe USS CarlLevin we pay homage to the generations of sailors and shipbuilderswhocallBaltimorehome This mighty vessel will carry the torch of Baltimore’snavallegacy.”

The USS Carl M Levin is the first naval ship named in honor of Michigan’s longest serving Senator, the late Carl M. Levin for his years of service as a longtime member andchairmanoftheSenateArmedServices Committee(SASC).

Levin began his career as an attorney professor, and assistant attorney general in Michigan and was elected to the Senate in 1979 HewasMichigan’sfirstJewishsenator andthestate’slongest-servingsenator,servingfor36yearsbeforeretiringin2015 Inthe Senate, his top priority was the economic well-being of Michigan families. He was a consistent voice for support of American

manufacturing and was one of the Senate’s strongest advocates for policies that would help American manufacturers compete globally

As chairman of SASC, Levin focused on taking care of the men and women of the military and their families, supporting pay raises and improvements in treatment and otherpoliciesforwoundedwarriors Heled oversight efforts to improve efficiency and reduce cost overruns in expensive weapons programs Levin also supported militaryactiontoeliminatetheal-Qaidathreatin Afghanistan, investigated Pentagon spending practices, and played a key role in overturning the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule that prohibited gay service members from openlyacknowledgingtheirsexualorientationbefore2011.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surfaceandsubsurface

The mission of CNSP is to man, train, andequiptheSurfaceForcetoprovidefleet commanders with credible naval power to controltheseaandprojectpowerashore.

The ship will transit to her homeport at JointBasePearlHarbor-Hickam,Hawaii

FormorenewsfromNavalSurfaceForces, visit DVIDS - Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Commander, NavalSurfaceForce,U.S.PacificFleet.

ABOVE: FormerSecretaryofthe NavyRayMavis and Barbara Levin,wife ofthe late Sen.Carl M. Levin,applaud during the USS Carl M.Levin commissioning ceremony.

ABOVE RIGHT:The daughters ofthe late Sen.Carl M.Levin,Kate Levin Markel,Laura Levin and Erica Levin,speakduring the ceremony.

RIGHT:An honorguard arrives forthe USS Carl M.Levin commissioning ceremonyin Baltimore, Md.June 24,2023.

BELOW:The official partystandswhile sailors man the ship during the USS Carl M.Levin commissioning ceremonyin Baltimore,Md.June 24 2023.(DODPHOTOSBYEJHERSOM)

Sailors salutewhile manning the ship during the USS Carl M.Levin commissioning ceremonyin Baltimore,Md.June 24 2023.(DODPHOTOBYEJHERSOM)

ByPublicAffairsOffice

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport NEWPORT, R.I. Dr Thomas Gieseke has a different way of looking at things His curiosity and unconventional approach to problems has made him the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s leading patent holder among current employees, with 40 patents issued duringhis29-yearcareer

“Tomhasaninquisitivemindandpositive attitude,”ChiefTechnologyOfficerDr Jason Gomezsaidabouthisaccomplishment “He seessolutionswhereothersseeproblemsor roadblocks.”

Gieseke, a resident of Dighton, Massachusetts, also takes the lead among current employees, a record held for many years by Dr Anthony Ruffa, who had 79 patents beforeretiringinDecember2022.

Gieseke who manages advanced technologydevelopmentprojectsintheSensors andSonarSystemsDepartment,hasworked as a first- and second-line supervisor and as a lead scientist, covering a wide range of technical subjects, such as hydrodynamics, ballistics,controlsystems,andsonar.

“Areaswheretherearedifficultunsolved problemsaregoodplacestogerminateideas forinvention,”Giesekesaid

GiesekewashiredbyDivisionNewportin 1994tostudytransientflowsanddevelop,or advise in the development of new launcher systems At the time, there was considerable effort to develop a high efficiency inlet for a torpedo system. Essentially, designers wantedtousetheenergyofamovingsubmarine to force water through the torpedo launch system to give the launch pump a helpinghand.

“Welookedatabunchofdesignstoscoop moving water from the ocean and direct it to the back end of a torpedo waiting in the launch tube,” Gieseke said. “Many of the ideaswelookedatwereveryconventional.It occurredtomethatweweresolvingaproblemthatdidn’tneedtobesolved,andmoreover,theentiredesignconceptwasnotideal TheInletFreeTorpedoLaunchSystemwas conceivedtoeliminatetheneedforinletsall together.”

Not only did Gieseke’s idea save a lot of moneybyeliminatingtheneedtobuildgiant hydraulic doorways, it also could launch weaponsmoreefficientlyandquietly

However,noteveryonewasexcitedabout

Gieseke’sunconventionalsolution

“I had been working at NUWC for only a few years so I had no influence and had no

credibility,” Gieseke said “There really was noplaceinthecultureforradicalideas,especiallyfromyoung inexperiencedengineers. However,therewasanavenuetodocument my idea, which was the patent process I wrote up the idea and published it, making it easily accessible at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office if a question ever came up or if someone wanted to do research on torpedolaunchsystems.”

The patent Gieseke is most proud of is a high velocity underwater jet weapon, awardedin2005 “Idevelopedaconcepttoproduceatransientimpulsejetthatworksmoreeffectively than a steady jet for underwater water-jet cutting applications,” Gieseke explained. “Itwasbasedonanobservationmadewhile working on a hydro-ballistics project, but enabledanewlineofconceptdevelopment.”

Like Gieseke’s torpedo launch system, the underwater jet weapon concept wasn’t immediatelyembracedbyhispeers.

“Itwasmetwithconsiderableskepticism by scientists in the field and most thought the idea wouldn’t work,” Gieseke said. “In time,itwasdemonstratedinanexperiment and the underlying physics were proven to besound.Thereissatisfactionincomingup with an idea that not only was a new innovation butwasbasedonavisionthatothers could not see without having it shown to them.

Fortunately,Giesekeisnoteasilydeterred ordiscouragedbyothers skepticism.

“Ifyouremainopentosolutionsthatdon’t align with conventional wisdom and you are willing to shed the shackles of practical application,unusualideascanevolveandin unexpectedways,”Giesekesaid OneofGieseke’sinventionscounteredhis ownfather’sconventionalwisdom.

“When I was starting my career in engineering, my father, who was also an engineer,toldmeoneoftheuniversaltruthswas that‘youcan’tpusharope,’”Giesekesaid “I designedtheElastomericSurfaceActuation Systemtodojustthat.Sorrydad.”

Embedded in the design are tubes that when pressurized elongate They become ropesthatpushandwhendistributedproperly can be used to control the shape of a surface

“Iamnotsureiftheideaisusedanywhere else, but I found another use for it when a large Rhode Island-based toy company came to us fishing for ideas,” Gieseke said. “Inresponse,Iappliedtheideastoatoyfish OscillatingAppendageForFinPropulsion.”

WhenGiesekecomesupwithanewidea

heneverknowsifitwillendupbeingimplemented in the future, but regardless of the end result, he views the patent process as important and well worth the time and effort.

“I’mnotsureifanyoftheideasIpumped through the patenting process will amount to anything, but maybe the next patent will be ‘the one,’ ” said Gieseke. “The only way to find out is to write it up and see what happens The surest way for an idea to die isfornooneelsetoseeit.”

JimKasischke,supervisorypatentcounsel inDivisionNewport’sOfficeofCounsel,said that it’s wise for employees to try to patent theirideasbecause90percentoftheirideas canbepatented To start the process, inventors should gather enough information to submit an inventiondisclosure

The invention disclosure should include adescriptionoftheinventionbystatingthe problem that needs solving what the Division is currently doing, and how the inventionproposestosolvetheprobleminanew way. The description also highlights the advantages of the invention, has a photo, or preferably a drawing, and states how the inventionisenabledtosolvetheproblem.

“The more the invention disclosure is developed,theeasieritistoprepareapatent application,”Kasischkesaid.

The invention disclosure requires the signature of two people with associated technical knowledge and the signature of thedepartmentsecurityofficial

After receipt, Office of Counsel staff assessesthecompletenessofthedisclosure

Once accepted, the disclosure is forwarded to the NUWC Invention Evaluation Board (IEB)foranevaluationof the noveltyofthe invention and value to the Division and the U.S. Navy If approved by the IEB, a patent application is written internally or with the assistance of a contract patent attorney. Theinventorisencouragedtoprovideinput during the writing process and will have a finalreviewofadraftpatentapplication.

Once an internal public release review is complete, staff will file the official patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A patent examiner evaluates the draft application for novelty and conformance with U.S. law. Typically, the Division Newport patent attorney will havetoprosecutetheapplicationandnegotiate with the patent examiner to allow a patent to issue on the invention This is not asurethingbutthepatentattorneyshavean almostperfectprosecutionrecord.

The process from submission of an invention disclosure to possible issuance of a patent from the USPTO can take two to threeyears.

Michael Stanley, patent counsel in Division Newport’s Office of Counsel, added that continuing to patent ideas after the first patent can be beneficial to Division Newport, as well as to the inventors Stanley, who has processed many of Gieseke’s patents, said that a family of patents (especially in the same technology) can be solicited to industry to enhance the value of a licensepackage.

PatentlicensingprovidesroyaltiestoDivision Newport, as well as to the inventor of the patented technology Recently retired Division Newport inventors Ruffa and Paul Cavallaro, as well as Gieseke, have patents thatcontinuetobesolicitedforlicensingby the Division Newport Technology PartnershipOffice Gieseke encourages other scientists who have new ideas to an existing problem to pursuethepatentprocess

“Patentingisagreatwaytodocumentthe process and mark the path along the way,” Giesekesaid.“Togetapatent,youdon’thave toconvinceanyonethattheideaistheright solutionfortheparticularproblemathand. It just needs to be novel and sufficiently developedtoshowthatitcouldwork.”

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869 Commanded by Capt Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and AndrosIslandintheBahamas,aswellastest facilitiesatSenecaLakeandFisher’sIsland, New York, Leesburg, Florida and Dodge Pond,Connecticut

Joinourteam!NUWCDivisionNewport, one of the 20 largest employers in Rhode Island, employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists,andotherSTEMprofessionals,aswell as talented business finance logistics and othersupportexpertswhowishtobeatthe forefront of undersea research and development Please connect with NUWC DivisionNewportRecruitingatthissite-https:// www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NUWC-Newport/Career-Oppor-

Camp Lejeune opens new Outdoor Infantry Immersion Trainer

ByLanceCpl JorgeBorjas

Marine Corps Installations East

On a hot and bright afternoon, U.S. Marines and NATO allies move quietly throughanoccupiedtown Thistownisfull of small shops with people walking in and out.AstheMarinesandtheiralliestraverse slowly through the city center, the townspeopleconverseandlaughwitheachother, most of them paying no mind to the armed men in uniform. A shop owner dumps a pot of coffee out of her back window while watchingaMarineslowlypeekbetweentwo buildings The smell of old coffee diffuses through the wind as gunfire suddenly erupts from the rifles of the Marines and their allies, aimed toward armed hostiles stepping out from behind closed doors and vehicles Shouting comes from both sides, and the sounds of panicked screams from the townspeople and thudding footsteps of people running away are drowned out by the gunfire. Gunpowder fills the air while the Marines and friendly forces engage the armed combatants But this scenario isn’t real; it’s just a simulated training exercise at Camp Lejeune’s new Outdoor Infantry Immersion Trainer, or O-IIT, which is now openfortrainingoperations

This facility is the first O-IIT on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune and the only O-IIT on the East Coast. On May 18 2023, MCB Camp Lejeune’s O-IIT

conducted its first training exercise, a joint-training event conducted by U.S. MarinesandNATOallies.

“I’dsayitgivesauniqueexperience especially with MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) training Yes, we have the indoorfacilityaswell,butthisoutdoorfacility is a lot larger in scale,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael McLaughlin, a firepowerpatrolteamleaderwith2ndAirNaval GunfireLiaisonCompany(ANGLICO)after conductingatrainingexerciseontheO-IIT “Ithinkthismaybetheclosestthingyoucan tosimulatetheactualfogofwar.”

The first phase of the training scenario started with role-players working in shops, speaking to each other and laughing togetheruntiltheyheardasimulatedexplosion through the facility’s speakers The role-players then went into a dramatized panic,withscreamsandcrieseruptingfrom inside the shops On one side, a role-player withamaskandbandanastartedfiringatthe Marines and foreign allies who were trying tocommunicatewiththepopulaceamidall thechaos.

“The role-players they bring in are actually from other countries and they may not even speak English, so you actually have to have an interpreter with you,” said McLaughlin Role-players are commonly used in the IndoorInfantryImmersionTrainer butnot at the same scale as now achievable by the

O-IIT

While the O-IIT shares similarities with theIndoorInfantryImmersionTrainer,one of the things that sets the O-IIT apart is its size which allows it to be used by platoonsizedelementsincomparisontotheindoor facility which can only hold squad-sized elements This also allows for units to conduct multiple training scenarios at one time, which diversifies the training and pushes it closer to the chaotic nature of a realcombatenvironment TheoutdoorfacilityisalsolocatednexttotheMOUTcomplex area on MCB Camp Lejeune, allowing it to be used as even larger MOUT operational scenariosbycompaniesandbattalions

Tim Seamon, operations officer, Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp LejeuneRangeandTrainingAreaManagement, explained that the O-IIT is a 13-acre site consisting of 80 buildings divided between three roads This training area includes an embassy area, mid-town area andalowerincome,‘slum’area.

ThedesignoftheO-IITrequiredthefacility designers to construct structures that could withstand coastal environments and endure the rigors of Marine training while also maintaining the ability to be reconfiguredandmodifiedinthefuture.Thedesigners used precast concrete, formed using a reusable mold, and cured in a controlled environment,toachievethisgoal.

The Precast/Prestressed Institute the

technicalinstituteandtradeassociationfor theprecast,prestressedconcretestructures industry, awarded Camp Lejeune’s new O-IIT with the 2023 Best Military Buildingaward.

“We chose this project as the winner because we found it incredibly fascinating in the use of precast” said Vanessa Schutte, K-12 Central Region Section Leader, DLR Group “The training that happens by the Marines can be customized time and time againandmovedtodifferentfacilities.”

Units can customize the award-training compound to fulfill the needs of different training exercises By utilizing pyrotechnics, sound systems and scent systems, unitsenhancethetraining’simmersiveness, providingtheirMarineswithmorerealistic training.

TheOutdoorInfantryImmersionTrainer provides Marines with a unique training experience and the opportunity to conduct various specialized large-scale scenarios The facility’s immersive nature, customizability, and personnel support gives unit leaders more versatility on the exercises they can perform on MCB Camp Lejeune. It solidifies the base’s reputation as worldclass training facility and increases MCB Camp Lejeune’s Marines’ readiness to face ournation’sadversaries

NAVFAC MIDLANT Environmental recognized as part of 2023 EPA Federal Facilities Excellence in Partnering Team of the Year award

FromNavalFacilitiesEngineering SystemsCommandMid-Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Partnering Team was recently announced asrecipientsofthe2023EPANationalNotable Achievement Award: Federal Facilities Excellence in Partnering Team of the Year for their exemplary partnership and for effectivelyimplementinginnovative,timely, and sustainable remedial actions onboard the 156,000-acre military base Teams from all 10 EPA Regions submitted packages and competedforthisyear’shonors

The MCB Camp Lejeune Partnering Team included: Dave Cleland and Lindsey Mills from Naval Facilities Engineering SystemsCommandMid-Atlantic(NAVFAC MIDLANT)Environmental;JenniferTufts, from EPA Region 4; Thomas Richard and Laura Spung, from MCB Camp Lejeune; RandyMcElveen,BethHartzell,andAngela Moore,fromNorthCarolinaDepartmentof Environmental Quality; Matt Louth, Kim Henderson and Monica Fulkerson, from Jacobs; and Dylan Elks and Shaun Whitworth fromMeadowsCMPG Inc

“I’m extremely proud of this team but also proud of their ability to assess tough environmental issues by incorporating innovative thinking and reasoning, positive communication, and efficient manage-

Unaccompanied Housing

partforustobesuccessful.”

Working hard for their customers is also somethingthatTroyWager,theInstallation Program Director for the UH at Northwest Annex,prideshimselfandhisstaffon.

“It is very satisfying to know that we are doing our job the right way and doing the best we can for our Single Sailors and Marines,”hesaid.

The criteria for the award is a customer servicescoreof91.4%orgreaterandhaveat least 20% of the residents participate in the survey. Both UHs received an outstanding servicescorefromtheresidents. “Theseawardshavebecomethestandard forhousingexcellence,”saidBurke.

Both the Portsmouth and Northwest AnnexUHsreceivedthisawardin2021and 2022,makingthisthethirdconsecutiveyear fortherecognition

At the Portsmouth UH facility, there are seven civilians and four military members

mentpractices,”saidKellyKnight,NAVFAC MIDLANTEnvironmentalDirector.“Their efforts also helped to support beneficial goalsoftheDepartmentofDefenseandour partneringagencies.”

Workperformedwasmanagedunderthe Navy’sEnvironmentalRestorationProgram (ERP),whichutilizesapartneringconceptto facilitatecleanupactionsrequiredunderthe Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation,andLiabilityAct.

Theteamwaswidelyrecognizedfortheir functionality and for the performance of their duties During the submission period, the team’s combined efforts included: the treatment of more than 6 million gallons of groundwater, injection of more than 3,000 gallonsofemulsifiedvegetableoilsubstrate as part of a bio barrier replenishment and recirculationsystem,andtheoperationofair sparge systems for more than 9,000 hours Additionally, the team saved more than $40,000byreusingremediationequipment from a decommissioned site, and increased efficiency through the installation of a new solarpoweredtreatmentsystemthatreused 70cubicyardsofsoil,recycled7,530pounds of metal, reduced remediation-derived wasteandpaperwaste,andsavedmorethan 52metrictonsofcarbondioxideemissions amongotherbenefits.

Their dynamic structure allowed them to establish and maintain effective working

whoworkhardeachdaytoprovidesupport totheresidents

“I can honestly say I have never met barracks staff who cared so much. They go out of their way to ensure the Sailors living intheirbuildinghaveallconcernsaddressed andkeepthefacilitiesingoodconditionand working order,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rdClassMaryJackson.“Theirattentionto safetyandcomfortareparamountandtheir effortstomaintainlivingconditionsdoesnot gounnoticed.”

Jackson specifically recognized two UH staff members who have been there for her during her time at UH Robert Langlais andDeniseBurke.

“Theybothassistedme,actingwayabove and beyond their expected roles, taking the place of mentors and friends They supportedmethroughoneofthemostdifficult personal trials I have ever faced, she said.“Throughthattime,theytookpersonal time to ensure all of my needs were met, helping me to feel comfortable, cared for, and supported. They are genuine people whocareabouttheirfacilityandtheSailors who live there. They make it feel like more

relationships with external organizational units, including the Restoration Advisory Board, a stakeholder organization that provides input on MCB Camp Lejeune’s cleanup program. The team’s partnership involved frequent engagement and collaboration with stakeholders to execute the Navy’s ERP in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner It also focused on strengtheningrelationships improvingopen communication and meeting stakeholder objectivessositescanberemediatedquickly andreturnedformissionusage

“Congratulations to each of the team recipients, and the entire MIDLANT Environmental Restoration Team, on this great achievement,” said Capt. Matt Riethmiller, NAVFAC MIDLANT Commanding Officer “This a testament to the hard work and tremendous effort done by the Navy and Marine Corps team to not only protect, but alsorestoretheenvironment Italsodemonstratestheimpactenvironmentalrestoration hasonthemission,andwherewelive,work andtrain.”

NAVFAC’s Environmental Program provides high quality, timely, cost-effective,andefficientenvironmentalsupportto the Navy Marine Corps and other clients Environmental management is the means of conserving, protecting and restoring the environment, and natural and cultural resources, for future generations NAVFAC

than just a temporary place to live. Their embodiment of kindness and values make itfeellikeahome.

In addition to the helpful and engaged staff, the facility also has various amenities andfeaturestoaccommodatetheirresidents andhelpthemfeelascomfortableaspossible to include snack, beverage and cold sandwich machines, two gazebos and barbecue areas with lounge chairs that can be used aroundthegroundsofthebuildingoronthe waterfront.

This place is a hidden gem for our residentstoenjoythegreatviewsandtherelaxingenvironmentthatthepropertyhas,”said Burke.

Soon, residents and staff will have a new facility to experience as the renovations on the additional UH at Portsmouth Annex is scheduledtobecompleteinthenextcouple ofmonths

“Weareexcitedtobeabletosupportthat populationaswereopenanewlyrevamped andmodernizedfacilitythatwillhouseSailorsacrossourinstallation,aswellasNorfolk NavalShipyard,”saidFrauenzimmer

About45minutesawayattheNorthwest

offers sound environmental management and technical support necessary for Navy andMarineCorpscompliancewithfederal, state, local and host nation regulations We strive to continually improve our relationships with our clients, regulators and other stakeholders through focus on common operational goals, sharing of information regarding our products and services and availability of a highly skilled environmentalworkforce.

NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering,publicworksandenvironmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine, and as far west as Michigan, anddowntoIndiana.Asanintegralmember of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organizationtoensuretheregion’sfacilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently andeffectively

Visit NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic online at www.navfac.navy.mil/navfac_worldwide/ atlantic/fecs/mid-atlantic.html.Also“like,” ‘follow” and share and visit the official NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/navfacmidatlantic.

Annex,thereisastaffoffivepersonnelwho operate the UH which has 78 rooms, three freelaundryrooms,aloungewithtwotelevisions,apooltable,andapavilionwithcharcoalgrills

Although Northwest Annex is a smaller installation situated away from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring installations in the Hampton Roads area, it has many programsandservicesformilitarymembers andfamilies.

“WealwaystrytoworkcloselywithMWR toinformtheresidentsofeventshappening on base that they may want to participate in,”saidWagers.

All of the military housing locations that were surveyed are eligible to participate in the CEL National Award Program for Service Excellence which recognizes those UH buildings and/or installations that provide an excellent level of service to tenants.

“Ideeplyappreciateeverymemberofmy entire staff for their relentless hard work,” saidBurke.“Itgivesmegreatpridetobethe leaderofthisteam.Theirhardworkcontinuestoinspireme.”

onlyforward-deployed carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76),carrierstrike group (CSG) in Da Nang

VietnamJune 25,2023.This marks Ronald Reagan’s firstvisit to the countrysince diplomatic relationswere re-established.Ronald Reagan CSG is forward-deployed to the 7th Fleet area ofoperation in support ofa free and open IndoPacific.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSASKIACOLLINS)

USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group visits Vietnam

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassAskiaCollins

Commander Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5

DA NANG, Vietnam The U.S. Navy’s onlyforward-deployedaircraftcarrierUSS RonaldReagan(CVN76)arrivedinDaNang, Vietnam, for a scheduled port call June 25, markingthethirdtimeaU.S.aircraftcarrier hasvisitedthecountrysince2018.

Ronald Reagan arrived with two escort ships,theguided-missilecruisersUSSAntietam(CG54)andUSSRobertSmalls(CG62)

“We’re excited to come to Vietnam and appreciate the welcome our strike group hasreceived,”saidRearAdm.PatHannifin, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70/Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “Visits like this reinforce our partnership and commitment to confronting shared challenges in the maritime domain. They also provide a great opportunity for our Sailors to engage with theVietnamesepeopleandculture.”

ThelastvisitfromaU.S.aircraftcarrierto VietnamwasUSSTheodoreRoosevelt(CVN 71)in2020 ThismarksRonaldReagan’sfirst visit to the country since diplomatic rela-

tionswerere-established.

“More than 5,000 Sailors aboard USS Ronald Reagan are eager to visit Da Nang and experience Vietnamese culture,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “A few Reagan Sailors call Vietnam home But for most, it will be theirfirsttimevisiting Inaddition,someof the crew will volunteer at several community relations events play sports with local athletes,andparticipateinauniqueculinary exchange.

In addition to the cultural and professionalexchangessuchascommunityservice projects,sportscompetitions,andreceptions planned for the port call, Navy musicians from the U.S. 7th Fleet Band will perform freeconcertsforthepublic

The Ronald Reagan CSG is forward-deployedtotheU.S.7thFleetareaofoperations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacificregion

Navy Seabees build home for Native Americans in need

ByChiefPettyOfficerChristopherOkula

Navy Reserve - Navy Public Affairs Support

Element West GALLUP,N.M. Thepaintisstilldrying onabrandnewhousecompletedbyagroup ofReserve-dutySeabees,whoputthefinishing touches today on a dwelling built for a family in need as part of a partnership with the Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF), headquarteredhere.

The project was the latest success in an ongoing effort dubbed Operation Footprint by the Department of Defense’s Innovative ReadinessTraining(IRT)program,oneof12 ongoing construction-related IRT projects acrosstheglobe.

Various construction disciplines were exercised, from concrete to framing to plumbing and electrical all skills with which military construction teams need real-world experience to succeed in their brandofwarfighting saidCmdr LeiaGuccione commanding officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18 whose troops provided the bulk of the muscle needed to realize this latest accomplishment.

“There’s no substitute for experience in our line of work,” said Guccione. “You can’t learn how to build a house from a PowerPoint. You can’t learn how to build a bridge or a road or pour a pad from a PowerPoint. You’ve really gotta get out here, get your handsdirty,anddoit.

The IRT program was conceived in the early nineties to deliver unique training

Capt.Daryle Cardone,commanding officerofthe USS Ronald Reagan greets sailors from the Vietnam People’s Navy,during awelcome ceremonyin Da Nang,Vietnam,June 25,2023.

ITOMAN,Japan (June 22 2023) U.S.NavySailors from Commander FleetActivities Okinawa (CFAO) and tenant command personnel,posewith Japanesevolunteers fora group photograph before setting up candles at the Peace Memorial Parkin Itoman,Okinawa Japan,June 22 2023.The candle lightingwas held on the eve ofOkinawa Memorial Day a prefectural holidayhonoring thosewho died during the 1945 Battle ofOkinawa Peace Memorial Parkis built on Mabuni Hill,the location ofthe end ofthe battle and the current site ofmemorialwalls naming the more than 200,000 dead from all involved nations.CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S.Navy’s naval and aviation assets in the IndoPacific region.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOSBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST1STCLASSDAVIDR.KRIGBAUM)

A BEACON OF SERVICE:

U.S. Navy Sailors help illuminate Okinawa’s Peace Memorial Park

ByCandiceBarber

Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa

ITOMAN, Japan In a poignant display ofunityandremembrance,over30U.S.Navy Sailors teamed up with local volunteers to arrangethousandsofcandlesattheOkinawa Peace Memorial Park on the eve of Okinawa Memorial Day. This symbolic act commemorates the hundreds of thousands of Japanese and American lives lost in the Battle of Okinawa,recognizedasthedeadliestbattlein thePacificWar.PeaceMemorialParkisbuilt onMabuniHill,thelocationoftheendofthe battle and the current site of memorial walls namingthemorethan200,000deadfromall involvednations.

Now in its twelfth year, the “Light the Lights for Peace” initiative, led by the non-profit organization Bankoku ShinryoNo-Kai,aimstofilltheparkwiththeglowof candlelight Atitscore,theorganizationaims to share an international appeal for peace,

emphasizing the importance of sharing this critical message with the world’s younger generations Each year, in line with this mission, the U.S. Navy is extended an exclusiveinvitationtoparticipate,reflectingapartnershipofmanyyears.

U.S. Navy Sailors from Fleet Activities

Okinawa, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, PatrolSquadronSixteen,TacticalOperations Center NavalMobileConstructionBattalion, and Commander Navy Region Japan White Beach Fire and Emergency Services volunteeredinthetypicalOkinawansummerheat and humidity. American servicemembers, alongside Japanese college students, also exchanged language and culture. In a key moment,AmericanandJapanesevolunteers worked together to spell out peace in Japanese (pronouncedhei-wa),inameters-long candledisplay.

“It’s a profound honor for the U.S. Navy to be invited from year to year,” said Capt. PatrickDziekan,Commander,FleetActivities

Okinawa(CFAO).“ThedeeprespecttheNavy has for Okinawa is reflected here today. It’s remarkabletoseeournationscometogether and work towards the common goal of sharingpeace.”

For many of the participating Sailors, the event held significant personal meaning CFAO Staff Judge Advocate Lt Terence Grado shared, “Volunteering today to honor those who fought and died in the Battle of Okinawa put my own military service in perspective. It helped me better connect with Okinawa and its people, and served as asomberreminderontheseverityofwar.”

AccordingtoDziekan,“Thiscollaboration signifies more than a single act of remembrance; it embodies the joint commitment to fostering peace throughout the Indo-Pacific. Each candle in the Peace Memorial Park stands as a testament that unity and understanding are the cornerstones of lastingpeace.

Q: Whattypesoffamily housingareavailable?

A: There are three types of housing available to families:

Public/PrivateVenture(PPV)

Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy

The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible forthe construction, renovation,maintenance and day-to-day management ofthe housing PPVhousing may be located on oroffgovernment property and in most cases will be formermilitary housing GovernmentOwned (also known as Military Housing orNavy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing While only available in limited quantities CONUS,Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS.

CommunityHousing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPVor government operated This is housing outside ofthe base that is privately owned and operated

NAVY HOUSING Norfolk: 757.445.2832 JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792

Oceana/DamNeck: 757.433.3268

Yorktown: 757.847.7806

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

FUNCTIONSAND/OR SERVICESFFSCPROVIDES:

ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couplesand ChildCounseling

Personal Financial Management

Information & Referral

Family EmploymentAssistance

TransitionAssistance

FamilyAdvocacy Program

Deployment and Mobilization Support

Ombudsman Support

RelocationAssistance

Parenting Programs

Stress andAngerManagement

Command Support

Crisis Support

Suicide Prevention

SAPR Support

ITOMAN, Japan (June 22 2023)

U.S.Navy Sailors from Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) and tenant commands set up candles fora candle lighting at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Japan,June 22 2023.

ITOMAN, Japan (June 22 2023) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Cidney Johnson and NavyCareer Councilor1st ClassTihtina Habtemariam, both assigned to U.S.Naval Hospital Okinawa lights candles at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Japan,June 22,2023.

LeoTancreti,a construction engineertechnician in the Facilities Engineering andAcquisition Division (FEAD) Project Management and Engineering (PM&E) Branch at Public Works Department,Rota,Spain,poses foran environmental photoJune 6,2023 Tancreti is thewinnerofthe 2022 Hard HatAwards - Construction EngineeringTechnician category which recognizes construction field office technical staff including construction engineers,construction managers,and construction-engineering technicians,who make day-to-day construction management decisions and exercise technical authorityon construction projects.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBY NAVFACEURACENTPUBLICAFFAIRS.)

Nikolaos Kokonas,a construction engineerin the Facilities Engineering andAcquisition Division (FEAD) Project Management and Engineering (PM&E) Branch at Public Works Department,Souda Bay,Greece,poses foran environmental photoJune 7,2023 Kokonas

NAVFAC EURAFCENT announces the 2022 Hard Hat Award winners

ByNavalFacilitiesEngineering Systems Command Europe Africa Central NAPLES, Italy Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) announced the winners of the 2022 Hard Hat Awards June2.NikolaosKokonasfromPublicWorks Department(PWD)SoudaBay,Greecewon in the Construction Engineer category and LeoTancretifromPWDRota,Spainwonin the Construction Engineering Technician category TheHardHatoftheYearprogramrecognizes construction field office technical staff, including Construction Engineers, Construction Managers, and Construction EngineeringTechnicians,whomakeday-todayconstructionmanagementdecisionsand exercisetechnicalauthorityonconstruction projects “NikolaosandLeodeliverinnovativeand pragmatic solutions to complex problems, Capt. Joe Harder III, NAVFAC EURAF-

CENT commanding officer said. “Both of thesegentlemenhaveexcelledandprotected thebestinterestsoftheNavyandsupported commands in one of the most challenging areasofresponsibilitywithinNAVFAC.”

Kokonas, a construction engineer in the Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) Project Management and Engineering(PM&E)BranchatPWDSouda Bay, manages 16 projects valued at over $21 millionandwasanearlyadopterofutilizing theelectronicmanagementsystems(eCMS) andhasbeenactiveinprovidingfeedbackto improvetheproduct.

“It feels great to realize that my efforts havebeenacknowledged,andIamgrateful formycolleague’ssupportandassistancein performingmyduties,”Kokonassaid.

NavalSupportActivity SoudaBay,Public Works Officer (PWO), Lt Cmdr Matthew Reige said, Kokonas’ attention to detail and efforts in analyzing contractor baseline schedules, monthly updates, and time impactanalysesissecondtonone

“Nikos was nominated due to his highlevel performance managing one of the largest construction portfolios for a single construction manager in the region,” said Reige “His winning is a reflection of the commitment to the mission and high level ofperformanceofalltheemployeesatPWD Souda Bay, and is constantly recognized fromsupportedcommandsandvisitorsfrom theFEC[FacilityEngineeringCommand].”

Tancreti, a construction engineer technician in the FEAD PM&E Branch at PWD Rota, manages 11 projects valued at $17 million. He successfully provided quality assurance on completing five job-order contract actions, four indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity roofing projects, and the closeout and turnover of the Minnow Ground Terminal Project in support of the SpaceForce.

“I’mveryexcitedaboutwinningandbeing recognized.However,itwouldn’thavebeen possible without my colleagues and supervisors,” Tancreti said. “Leadership recog-

nizes the work we all put in as a group The supervisorshereareverywell-awareofeach constructionmanagerandengineeringtechnician, and I am humbled that they nominatedme.

Naval Station Rota, Spain PWO, Cmdr. Joseph Dunaway said he has a team of outstanding professionals, and Tancreti’s awardisanexampleofthis

“Hewasnominatedduetothehigh-quality work he performs across his portfolio of high-profile projects, Dunaway said “Leo sets the standard in diligence and attention-to-detail,aswellaskeepingthecontractorsaccountableatalltimes.”

Harder said Leo and Nikos embody the spirit driven by a shared objective of outstanding support to the fleet and warfighters “Wehaveabiastowardsforminghigh-performing teams,” Harder said. “Taking the time to recognize their hard work will pay dividendsinthefuture.”

NAVSUPFLCSDleadershipoffsitestrengthens commitment to professional development

ByTristanPavlik

NAVSUP FLC San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Calif Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center SanDiegorecentlyhelditsbiannualleadership offsite, convening department heads, deputies,andsupervisorsfrombothmetropolitanSanDiegoanditsOver-the-Horizon sites in California and Nevada for training and a series of discussions focused on enhancing organizational effectiveness on May31andJune1,2023.

“The leadership offsite provides a platform for our supervisors to exchange ideas and deepen their understanding of our organization’s core values,” said Capt. Cory Schemm, commanding officer, NAVSUP FLCSD,duringhisopeningremarks

Along with opening the event, Capt. Schemmprovidedanoverviewofthetransformational Get Real Get Better initiative andhowitwillimprovehowwesupportour missionpartnersandcareforourpeople

Approximately 100 military and civilian attendees spent two days reflecting on several important concerns, including the organization’s plans to roll out Get Real, Get Better training and improvements, and best business practices in recruitment and personnel management. A vital componentoftheeventwasCivilTreatmenttraining, conducted by the NAVSUP HQ Equal EmploymentOpportunity(EEO)team,and, inkeepingwiththecriticalityofthissubject, a full day was accorded for what proved to be excellent scenario-based training and discussion.

The goal was to cultivate a culture of diversity equity and inclusion within the organization, emphasizing the importance of promoting respectful interactions and maintaining a discrimination-free workplace.Engagingactivitiesandthought-provoking discussions equipped leaders with thenecessarytoolstofosterasupportiveand harmoniousworkenvironment SuchinitiativesexemplifyNAVSUPFLCSD’scommitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalismandensuringthewell-being ofitsworkforce

By providing them with the information and knowledge sharing afforded by this event,wehopetheyleavewiththetoolsand information they need to lead their teams

Capt.CorySchemm,commanding officer,NAVSUPFLC San Diego,addresses supervisors during opening remarks at command offsite,May31, at Naval Base San Diego.(PHOTOBYTRISTANPAVLIK)

more effectively,” said Andrew Benson, NAVSUPFLCSDExecutiveDirector

During the offsite, staffing, policy, and organizational processes were also key focusareas Participantsengagedincomprehensive, lively dialog, exploring the many complex processes supervisors are responsible for These proactive discussions highlighted how NAVSUP FLCSD ensures its leadership team prepares to navigate dynamicandcomplexenvironments

“Our overarching goal is to continue to provideworld-classlogisticssupporttothe

fleet and regional mission partners while nurturingaharmoniousworkenvironment for all of our employees,” noted Schemm. “Byinvestingintheirprofessionaldevelopment,weareinvestinginthefuturesuccess of our entire organization and, ultimately, ourmissionpartners.”

This offsite was an ongoing journey to help shape our leaders into proactive and skilledprofessionals

Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center San Diego is one of eight FLCs under Commander NAVSUP Head-

quartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania,NAVSUPemploysadiverse,worldwide workforceofmorethan25,000militaryand civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupandhttps://twitter.com/ navsupsyscom

SOUTH CHINASEA(June 23,2023) RearAdm.Pat Hannifin salutes sideboys priorto a change ofcommand ceremonyin

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the South China Sea,June 23.RearAdm.Pat Hannifin relieved RearAdm.BuzzDonnellyas

5.CTF70/CSG 5 is

ASKIACOLLINS)

Task Force 70 conducts change of command aboard USS Ronald Reagan in the South China Sea

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassAskiaCollins

Commander Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5

SOUTHCHINASEA Commander, Task Force 70 held a change of command ceremony while underway aboardtheU.S.Navy’sonlyforward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the South China Sea, June 23

RearAdm.PatHannifinrelievedRear

Adm. Buzz Donnelly as Commander Task Force (CTF) 70/Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. Hannifin becomes the 78th commander of Task Force 70, after serving as Joint Staff J5 Deputy Director for Political-Military Affairs Asia.

As CTF70/CSG5 Donnelly led the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRNCSG) through two patrols in U.S. 7th Fleet, conducting numerous joint/ multilateral exercises and operations with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

“I am proud of the work we accomplished as a staff and strike group team, effectively demonstrating the flexibility and capability of our force while integrating closely with a wide-range of allies and partners in pursuit of the same goals in this dynamic region,” said Donnelly “Your professionalism

NAVCENT completes latest Central Partnership Station event in Bahrain

ByNAVCENTPublicAffairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.SS 5th Fleet MANAMA, Bahrain U.S. Naval Forces CentralCommand(NAVCENT)completed thethirditerationofatrainingandcollaborationeventJune22attheU.S.Navybasein Bahrainthatincludedrepresentativesfrom sevenregionalnations

The three-day event, dubbed “Central Partnership Station 3.0,” included lectures, expert exchanges and an interactive trainingscenariofocusedonmultinationaldisaster response, medical planning, logistics support and civil-military relations Representatives from Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesandtheUnitedStatesparticipated.

“We learn from collectively sharing our experiences,” said Lt Christen Carpenter NAVCENT’s lead planner for the event. “Central Partnership Station 3.0 acknowledgesthecomplexityofmultinationaldisaster response and demonstrates our strong commitmenttoregionalcollaboration.”

In January, NAVCENT completed

as a combined and joint force team are acriticalpieceofthoseefforts andseta legacy I am extremely honored to have been a part of.”

Both Donnelly and Hannifin previously served as commanding officer of RonaldReagan,withHannifinrelieving Donnelly in 2018

“It is a privilege to return to this critical theater with a familiar team,” said Hannifin. “I look forward to strengthening relationships with our allies and partners,protectinginternationalrules andourcommoninterestsinaFreeand Open Indo-Pacific.”

Hannifin is a San Diego native, and commissioned in 1991 after earning degrees in Engineering and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and University of San Diego.

Donnelly’s next assignment is Director,AirWarfareDivision,N98inWashington, D.C. TaskForce70isforward-deployedto the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operateswithalliesandpartnersinpreservingafreeandopenIndo-Pacificregion.

SOUTH CHINASEA(June 23,2023) RearAdm.BuzzDonnellyreads his neworders and addresses the crowd priorto being relieved ofcommand during a change ofcommand ceremonyin the forecastle ofthe U.S.Navy’s onlyforward-deployed aircraft carrierUSS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the South China Sea,June 23.RearAdm.Pat Hannifin relieved RearAdm.BuzzDonnellyas Commander Task Force (CTF) 70/Commander CarrierStrike Group (CSG) 5.CTF70/CSG 5 is forward-deployed to the U.S.7th Fleet area ofoperation in support ofa free and open Indo-Pacific.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS COMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSASKIACOLLINS)

MANAMA,Bahrain (June 22,2023) Personnel from partnernations participate in Central Partnership Station 3.0 in Manama,Bahrain,June 22, 2023.(U.S.ARMYPHOTOBYCPL JENSENGUILLORY)

a Central Partnership Station mission in Mombasa, Kenya. Medical-related topics were a major focus as U.S. personnel conducted relationship-building and community engagement activities with the KenyaNavyandotherregionalpartners.

NAVCENT conducted the first-ever

CentralPartnershipStationmissioninLebanonin2021. Headquartered in Bahrain, NAVCENT’s area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The

region is comprised of 21 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab-al-Mandeb at the southern tip ofYemen.

What is Pride?

ByPearlHarborNavalShipyardand IntermediateMaintenanceFacility

In honor of Pride Month our Pearl Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) shared commonlyaskedQ&A’s:

WhatisPride?Pridemonthisobservedin June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, when the residents of Greenwich Village in New York City fought back in response to a violent police raid on a gay and lesbian bar called the Stonewall Inn Bar patrons were strip-searched and beaten as officers attempted to arrest them; at the time, being identifiablyhomosexualwasacrimepunishable by anything from prison time to forcible institutionalization, which could entail shock therapy, castration, and lobotomization.Theensuingriotsandprotestsledtothe formation of an organized political movement to end the criminalization of homosexuality and eventually gain equal rights andprotectionsunderthelaw,astrugglethat continuestothisday.

The word “Pride” can have a negative connotationwhenassociatedwiththemeaning “exaggerated self-esteem, but Pride can also mean “consciousness of one’s own dignity” or “a feeling of satisfaction from a relationship, association, achievement, or possession that can be seen as a source of honor or respect.” When the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride, we recognize the dignity courage, and resilience of our communityinthefaceofshame oppression, andviolence

Themonth-longobservationofPridetypically honors LGBTQ+ history and culture with commemorations of the dead, educationalworkshops,filmfestivals,andartexhibitions;andincludesaparadeandpartiesto buildcommunityinjoyfulcelebration.Allies are always welcome to join their LGBTQ+ friendsatPride.

HowcanIbeanally?Whatdoesitmean tobeanally? An ally is a person who has a genuine concern for the well-being, equal rights,andfairtreatmentforaspecificgroup

of people without belonging to that group themself,andchoosestoactonthatconcern byprovidingsupportandadvocacy.

Ways to be an effective ally include:

„ Learning ask questions read up on news and issues and have the courage to say “I don’t know.” Reputable sources like The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD are great places to getstarted

„ Connecting get to know us. Generally speaking, we’re the same as you in every other part of our lives except for being LGBTQ+. The things we have in common outnumberthewayswearedifferent

„ Listening there are measurable ways we are sometimes treated differently than otherpeople TrustthatanLGBTQ+person knowstheirownexperienceandwhattheir communityhasexperienced,andthatsomething that might seem harmless from an outside perspective could be harmful due tohistoricalcontextorotherhiddenfactors thatmightnotseemobvious

„ Standing up —Be open about your support. If you see or hear about an unfair ruleorpolicy,orseesomeonebeingtreated in an offensive or discriminatory manner, say something As an ally, your voice often carries more weight than those of the people you support, or it may be safer for you to speak out. Your advocacy could have apowerfuleffectonthesituation.

„ Forgiving we are all human, and there maybetimeswhenamistakeismadeorfeelings are hurt Be open to having the hard conversations, and forgive yourself and moveforwardwhenthingsdon’tgoaccordingtoplan

Why does the Pride flag have so many colors and what do they all represent?

Prideflagmadeofsixstripeseachrepresenting a different word: red for life orange for healing,yellowforsunlight,greenfornature, blueforserenityandpurpleforspirit

The Pride flag as we know it today was designedbyartistGilbertBakerin1979 The sixcolors(red,orange,yellow,green,indigo,

Pearl Pride Employee Resource Group logo Pearl Pride is an ERG focused on LGBTQ+ employees and advocates forLGBTQ+ employees rights,provides resources,and advises command on recruitment and retention ofLGBTQ+ employees to create a communityof inclusion,allyship and respect Membership is open to all shipyard employees interested in supporting

and violet) represent life, healing, sunlight, nature,serenity,andspirit.

Additionalprideflagshavebeendesigned since then, building on the meaning of Baker’s 6-stripe rainbow flag A popular one you may see is known as the Progress Flag or the Quasar flag it has white pink, blue,brown,andblackchevronsrepresenting transgender people, LGBTQ+ people of color, and those living with or who have died of HIV/AIDS to show that within the LGBTQ+ community there is still a lot of progress to be made There are also flags for specific identities such as the Lesbian, Bisexual andTransgenderprideflags WhatisPearlPrideERGandwhoisitfor?

Employee Resource Groups are employee-led groups that aim to build work environments where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and usually focus

on employees who share a characteristic that may present unique challenges in the workplace Pearl Pride is an ERG focused on LGBTQ+ employees and advocates for LGBTQ+ employees’ rights provides resources andadvisescommandonrecruitment and retention of LGBTQ+ employees tocreateacommunityofinclusion,allyship, andrespect.Membershipisopentoallshipyardemployeesinterestedinsupportingthis goal, regardless of gender, orientation, or military/civilianstatus

WherecanIgoifIhavequestionsorwant to seek support? Pearl Pride ERG has a page on the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Sharepoint which has a “Helpful Information tab with links to resources and references,aswellasmeetingdatesandlocations

Navy MWR launches program to upgrade wi-fi at select liberty centers

ByCommander,NavyInstallations Command

The Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program has taken a major step forward in enhancing the quality of life for Sailors by piloting a program aimed at upgrading Wi-Fi services at select Navy MWR Liberty Centers Recognizing the importance of reliable and highspeed internet connectivity for military personnel, this initiative aims to provide anenhanceddigitalexperienceforSailors

The Wi-Fi upgrade program is set to revolutionizethewaySailorsconnect,communicate and enjoy recreational activities at Liberty Centers MWR’s decision to launch the pilot program is in response to the growing demand for reliable internet connectivity amongSailors Priortotheupgrade,Liberty Centers’ Wi-Fi speeds averaged 3Mbps up and 5Mbps down. A new service delivery model was created that analyzed specific siteWi-Fiutilization Oncethisnewmodel was implemented, Wi-Fi speeds were able to be upgraded to 3Mbps up and 25Mbps down.

The pilot started in 2022 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Station Norfolk, and Naval Air Station Lemoore. To date, 50 CONUS Liberty Centers have been upgraded. The upgraded Wi-Fi will cater to Sailors’ personal communication needs andfacilitatevariousonlineactivitiessuch asstreamingmusicandvideos gamingand accessing educational resources The pilot program’ssuccesswillserveasafoundation for potential future expansions, allowing more Liberty Centers across the world to benefitfromupgradedWi-Fiservices The goalistoestablishastandardofconnectivity that meets the evolving needs of Sailors and aligns with the digital era.

“Providing quality internet services is vital to our Junior Sailors so that they may stay connected with family and friends or fully enjoy programs that Liberty and MWR offer, such as gaming, free movies and music downloads from the digital library without delays,” said Gerry Morris,

WASHINGTON,D.C (March 4,2016)AMorale,Welfare and Readiness mobile application userupdates herphonewith the most current information as the application refreshes in real time.Fleet and FamilyReadiness underNavyInstallations Command has developedversions ofseveral regional and installation mobile applications that are available fordownload on iTunes orGoogle Playforfree NavyInstallations Command is comprised ofapproximately52,000 militaryand civilian personnelworldwide responsible forthe operations,maintenance and qualityoflife programs to support the Navy’s fleet,Sailors and theirfamilies.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST1STCLASS JOHNBELANGER/RELEASED)

Liberty Program Analyst at Commander, Navy Installations Command’s Fleet and Family Readiness Headquarters

Navy MWR Liberty Centers allow for the development of personal leisure skills

which leads to interest in activities associatedwithanalcoholandtobacco-freeenvironment. Liberty trips and tours include sporting events, shopping excursions, deep-sea fishing, seasonal programs, and

local community events

For more information about Navy MWRLibertyCenters,visitnavymwr.org/ programs/liberty

ing opportunities in support of military readiness while simultaneously serving a community benefit This three month-long construction effort did exactly that, said Guccione.

“Currently the NMCB 18 team has 135 folks who are downrange,” Guccione said. “Oneofthethingstheysharedwithusisthat, for several of them, having worked on the [SouthwestIndianFoundation]projectwas some of the best training to get them ready for the mission they had It actually pays dividends.”

While its contemporary design wouldn’t lookoutofplaceinmostneighborhoods this particular light tan single-family unit was erected on a small hill overlooking the rolling desert landscape 15 miles east of Gallup on off-reservation land held in trust for the

NavajoNation. The four-bed, two bath, rambler-style residence,calledahoganbysomelocals,was built to help alleviate the housing situation that was once described by former President Kelsey Begay of the Navajo Nation as 20,000toofew

“The hard work the Reservists do is critical to meet our goal of building homes for homeless Navajo families,” said Jeremy Boucher, Southwest Indian Foundation’s directorofoperations “TheReservists’presenceinGalluphashadapositiveeffectonthe whole community, and we are immensely gratefultobeanIRTpartner.”

The Seabees of NMCB 18 were joined during the final weeks of construction by 30soldiersfromtheNevadaArmyNational Guard’s 240th Engineering Company out of Las Vegas, Nevada, who worked arm-inarmwiththeSeabeestofinishthefour-bedroomhousewhileconstructinganadditional homeforlaterdeliveryinsideSWIF’sGallup

Manufacturing Facility Technicians and volunteers with the Southwest Indian Foundation provided additional assistance asneeded.

“Tocomeouthereanddothisprojectwith SWIF and the Navy Seabees, it’s been an outstanding operation,” said 1st Lt Gabriel Brillanates,the240thEngineeringCompany’splatoonleader

“It’s been a great opportunity for us to bothshowcaseourstrengthsandrecognize areasforimprovement,”hesaid

Navy Capt. Marc F. Williams, CommodoreofFIRSTNavalConstructionRegiment basedonNavalBaseVenturaCountyinPort Hueneme, California, visited the construction site on June 15 to assess the quality of training obtained and explore avenues to refine future in-field training opportunities tomaximizetheirefficacy.

“From a real-world standpoint, you can go to every class in the world But until you’re on a job site where you can learn

how to adapt and overcome while exercising your skills in a joint environment with actual stakes on the line, no classroom can compare,”saidWilliams

“FortheSeabees,fortheArmy,andforour communitypartners,thisistrulyawin-winwin,”hesaid.

The inter-service IRT program is a charitable effort and training opportunity that since1998hashelpedtheSouthwestIndian Foundation build and deliver more than 200 homes to disadvantaged families, all in support of the Southwest Indian Foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of people representingtheNavajo,Zuni,Hopi,Laguna, Acoma,andApachetribes

TheDepartmentofDefense’sIRTwebsite acceptsapplicationsfrompotentialcommunity partners for training opportunities in support of military training goals that align with various medical, civil engineering, cyber security, transportation, and aerial spraymissions

this goal,regardless ofgender orientation,ormilitary/civilian status.(PHOTOBY LAURENPADDEN)

FRIENDLY FACES: Two Rota Sailors volunteer at weekly sports class

ByCourtneyPollock

Naval Station Rota, Spain

To the sound of screeching tennis shoes, cheers and laughter a young boy weaves between players during a game of dodge ball at an indoor field near the Rota feria grounds.AmongstthegroupofSpanishchildren,thereareafewAmericansstationedat NavalStation(NAVSTA)Rotawhovolunteer eachweektohelp

Rota Sailors have been attending this NAVSTA Rota community relations (COMREL)eventsinceJanuary2023when AlejandraTirapuLucero,COMRELspecialist,originallyputouttherequest.

“I contacted the association (Asociación de familias con hijos con Trastornos Generales del Desarrolo y Necesidades Educatívas Especíales) because I knew about their mission and the services they provide to children with special needs and I wanted to know if there was any way we could support them,” said Tirapu Lucero. “They told me about this sports program and I immediately knew that it was going

to be a great volunteer experience for our service members, because it was a fun way to stay physically active while giving back to the community.”

Over the months NAVSTA Rota volunteers have assisted in 29 events totaling over200hours Ofthethree-to-fourSailors whoattendeachweek,twohavebeenregulars Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Michelle Mayorca, assigned to NAVSTA Rota Port Operations, and Yeoman 1st Class Reuben Adams, assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUPFLCSI)SiteRota,werebothlookingforauniquevolunteeropportunity

“I initially joined this COMREL because Ifelttheneedtobeinvolvedinthecommunity, not just be a resident, said Adams “Thereisnobetterwaytobecomeinvolved thantogivebackwithyourtime.”

Tirapu Lucero’s goal was not to only donatetheirtimebutfindopportunitiesfor servicememberstoformrelationshipswith locals

“COMRELs are always a great opportunitytomeetSpanishpeopleandgetinvolved

in the community while gaining volunteer hours,”saidTirapuLucero “ThisCOMREL was especially important because it was a small, weekly event providing a perfect opportunityforthechildrenandthevolunteers.”

Each week, the volunteers showed up to assistthecoordinators,PaulaandPatricia,in groupactivities “Westartoffbystretchingandwarmups,” said Mayorca. “Then we try to get them to participate in various sports whether it be playingsoccer,freezetag,etc.”

Overseveralmonths MayorcaandAdams developedfriendshipwithmanyofthechildren. By being present at each class they were able to provide consistency for the youth.

“IkeepgoingbackbecauseIfeelasthough meeting someone new constantly may be difficult[forthem],”saidMayorca.“Ifeltthat over time I can build that relationship with eachandeveryoneofthem.”

Theirweeklycommitmenttothechildren is visibly seen in the excited greetings from eachofthechildrenastheyarrive.

“I have been able to cultivate a solid relationship with the participants by being committed and dependable,” said Adams “Nothing brightens up the children more than seeing a familiar smiling face each week.”

Astheclasscomestoanendfortheschool year, Mayorca and Adams reflect on how they’veenjoyedtheirtimevolunteeringwith thisprogram.

“ThebestpartofthisCOMRELiswatching the children develop and become more activeeachweek,”saidAdams

For Mayorca, it was experiencing firsthand their focus while trying to learn new things For her it was a perspective change thatmadehergratefulforthetime

“Itwasthelittlethingsthatmadeitworthwhile,”shesaid

Thisvolunteeropportunitywillresumein thefall.Ifyouareinterestedinvolunteering in this program or other COMRELs in the local area,

contact NAVSTA Rota community relations specialist by emailing coastline@eu.navy.mil or calling DSN 727-3786 orcommercial,+34956-82-3786.

NAVALSTATION ROTA Spain (May31,2023) Machinist Mate 1st Class Michelle Mayorca (left),assigned to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota Port Operations,andYeoman 1st Class RebelAdams (right),assigned to Naval SupplySystems Command Fleet Logistics CenterSigonella (NAVSUPFLCSI) Site Rota pose fora photo in front ofthe sports centerin Rota May31,2023.As the “Gatewayto the Mediterranean, NAVSTARota provides U.S,NATO and allied forces a strategic hub foroperations in Europe,Africa and the Middle East NAVSTARota is a force multiplier capable ofpromptlydeploying and supporting combat-readyforces through land,airand sea,enablingwarfighters and theirfamilies,sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S.and Spanish partnership (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYCOURTNEYPOLLOCK)

On

Busch Gardens celebrates Military Appreciation Week July 1-8

FromBuschgardens.com

BuschGardens®Williamsburgisproudto honor the individuals and families of those who serve, and have served, in the United States Armed Forces Join us for Busch Gardens’ Military Appreciation Week from July 1 - 8, as we share our appreciation for the dedication courage and sacrifice given toourbelovedcountry.

Watch the nightly fireworks display, capping off a day of fun with a burst of red, white and blue paired with a patriotic

soundtrack. (Weather permitting Showtimessubjecttochange.) Enjoyalineupofmilitarybandsonthe Oktoberfest stage, filling hearts with spiritedsoundsduringthisspecialevent Be sure to catch a performance and let the infectiousbeatsbringyoutoyourfeet.Visitingspecialguestsinclude:

„ FullSpectrumUSAFHeritageofAmerica

Band-Sunday July2

„ RADOC Brass Band: 7 Cities BandMonday,July3andTuesday,July4

„ TRADOC Rock Band: Low Tide

- Wednesday July5

„ United States Fleet Forces Band - Friday, Jul7

Then rock out to award-winning Collective Soul on Saturday, July 1, and Kari Jobe onJuly8,intheRoyalPalaceTheatre.

The family-friendly fun continues with up-close views of military vehicles, and specialtyshopping Fly,soaranddiveonour world-class lineup of attractions including the ALL-NEW DarKoaster™,North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. Celebrate quality time with family and friends

at The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park adornedinred,whiteandblueduringMilitaryAppreciationWeek.

Complimentary and discounted admission is available for Active-Duty Military, and discounted admission for Veterans Ticketsmustbepurchasedinadvanceonline athttps://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/ tickets/military/ Plus ServiceMembersand their families can show a valid Military ID for an additional 10% off in-park shopping anddining

PressRelease NORFOLK Va Hampton Roads residents & guests will have the opportunity to witness a pair of spectacular fireworks displays in the City of Norfolk for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. The 40th Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, at Town Point Park along theDowntownNorfolkWaterfrontandthe Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration&FireworksisFriday,June30 atOcean

ViewBeachParkalongtheChesapeakeBay.

The 40th Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, at Town Point Park begins at 5pm with live patriotic music, food, family-friendly activities, followed by one of HamptonRoads’mostspectacularfireworks displaysat9:30pmhighabovetheElizabeth River MusicalperformersincludeU.S.Fleet ForcesBand(8pm)andU.S.NavyRockBand (6:30pm). A wide variety of All-American fare,includinghotdogs hamburgers barbecue,seafood,cottoncandy andmuchmore.

Visitbit.ly/Norfolk4thformoreinformation.

TheShoreThingIndependenceDayCelebration & Fireworks on Friday, June 30 at Ocean View Beach Park begins at 6pm and featureslivemusicfromWonderland,aswell asfoodtrucksandfamily-friendlygamesand activities The fireworks display in Ocean View is also set for 9:30pm For more information,visitOceanViewBeachPark.org.

The 40th Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic

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/

Among the LibertyCelebration activities onJuly4 at theAmerican Revolution Museum atYorktown are artillery demonstrations and living-historyexperiences in the re-created ContinentalArmyencampment (IMAGES COURTESYOFTHEJAMESTOWN-YORKTOWNFOUNDATION)

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

PressRelease

YORKTOWN, Va

This Fourth of July holiday, salute the 247th anniversary of the DeclarationofIndependenceduringLiberty Celebration at the American Revolution MuseumatYorktown.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4, visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom andlibertydidnotyetapply

Whether exploring the indoor galleries or outdoor living history appreciate these FourthofJulyexperiences:

Catch “Liberty Fever” the museum’s award-winning introductory film, shown throughoutthedayinthemaintheater

Discover the powerful stories behind the Declaration of Independence in an immersivegalleryexhibitsurroundedbysignatures ofthishistoricdocument’ssigners.

Join in the “Great American 4th of July

Sing-along led by the Cigar Box String Band,playingsongsfromAmericanhistory that everyone knows by heart at 12:30, 2:15 and4p.m.Enjoysongsplayedonthefiddle, banjoandbones

From artillery firings to cloth-dyeing demonstrations, take part in patriotic programmingwithhistoricalinterpretersin outdoorre-creationsofaContinentalArmy encampmentandRevolution-erafarm.

Experience “Virginia, 1776!” through special gallery tours at 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and education programs on America’s roadtoindependenceat10a.m.and1:30p.m.

Enjoy a performance by The Fifes and DrumsofYorkTownat11:30a.m.

Delve into the stories of 18th-century residentJohnRollisonandhis21st-century

descendant during a first-person portrayal by actor James Cameron with descendant HelenCasey-Rutlandat12p.m.

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

A full schedule of events is available at jyfmuseums.org/libertycelebration.

„ Living-History Experiences: Visitors can discover daily life for 18th-century soldiers and citizens caught up in the American Revolution in life-size re-creations of a Continental Army encampment andRevolution-erafarm

At the Continental Army encampment, historical interpreters describe and depict daily routines and diverse roles of Ameri-

Maggie Rose and Duane Betts co-headlining tour stops in Virginia Beach at Elevation 27 on June 29

PressRelease

Acclaimed singer-songwriterMaggieRosewillkicked offherco-headliningtourwith DuaneBetts(thesonofAllman Brothersfoundingmemberand guitarist Dickey Betts) on June 22ndinColumbia,withstopsin Missouri,Arkansas,Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C. and wrapsuponJuly1inMaryland. Their Virginia Beach show will be Thursday June 29th at Elevation 27 at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online now atmaggierosemusic.com/shows

Maggie, a fixture at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, will return on July 26th alongwithDuanewhowillbemakinghisOprydebut MaggiehasperformedattheOpry overninetytimes,whereshehasdisplayedherexceptionaltalentandunleashedthefull scopeofherpowerfulartistrythatstraddlestheworldsofrock,soulandAmericana.

Lastyear,MaggieRoseandDuaneembarkedonanawe-inspiringtour,joiningforces with the renowned Allman Family Revival to honor the incomparable Gregg Allman Theirtourfeaturedaremarkablelineupof20headliningshows includingiconicvenues suchasTheBeaconTheatre RymanAuditorium,andmore

Since her breakout, Maggie has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists including Kelly Clarkson, Heart, Joan Jett, Marcus King, The Mavericks, Fitz & The Tantrums, Kingfish, and The Revivalists. Her presence at esteemed festivals such as Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and Newport Folk Fest has solidified her reputation as anartistwhoconsistentlydeliversunforgettableliveexperiences.

Maggieispreppingananticipatednewstudioalbum,andalsohostsherownpodcast, SaluteTheSongbirdwhichisnowinitsfourthseasonandhasfeaturedcandidconversations with her female musical heroes covering an array of topics with musical icons like Heart’s Nancy Wilson Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale Martina McBride, Yola Ashley McBrydeandmore FormoreinformationonMaggieRose,visitheronwww.maggierosemusic.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iammaggierose/?hl=en Twitter:https://twitter.com/iammaggierose?lang=en Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/IAmMaggieRose/

can soldiers with demonstrations of flintlockmusketandartilleryfiring,18th-century surgical and medical practices, and the role of the quartermaster in managing troop supplies Visitors can join an 18th-century artillery crew and then feel the thunder of a cannon blast as historical interpreters fire a salute to our nation’s founders during demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.,weatherpermitting.

At the re-created Revolution-era farm from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., visitors can learn howfarmersduringtheRevolutionbecame moreself-sufficientbygrowingandprocessing flax, cotton and wool for homespun cloth,andhownaturaldyeswereproduced from available materials Historical interpreterswillprepareavarietyof18th-century

dishes,usinghistoricalrecipesfromVirginia’s earliest cookbooks, as well as foods of enslaved people and cultural influences on perioddishes,from9a.m to3p.m.

„ CivicSeasonActivities:AspartofCivic Season, a national community engagement initiative through July 4, a variety of family friendly activities will be held at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. to explore the founding documents,takepartinart-makingsessions and share perspectives on the meaning of individualliberty.

Admission to Liberty Celebration: “Liberty Celebration,” funded in part by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. Annual Fund, is included with museum admission: $18.00 for adults $9.00 for youth ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under A value-priced combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia, is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12 Residents of York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students receivecomplimentaryadmission withproofofresidency.Ticketsareavailable onlineorinpersonatbothmuseums.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and located on 200 Water Street near the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown, tells the story of the nation’s founding, capturing the transformational nature and epic scale of the Revolution and its relevance today. The museum shop and café are open during museumhours

Parkingatthemuseumisfreeformuseum visitors.OnJuly4,theYorktownTrolleywill offer free shuttle service to Historic YorktownforitsFourthofJulyCelebrationsfrom 10a.m.to5p.m. For more information about “Liberty Celebration,” visit jyfmuseums.org/libertycelebration.

Singer-songwriterMaggie Rose(PHOTOBYJACKGUY)

The Declaration ofIndependence exhibition galleryat theAmerican Revolution Museum at Yorktown.(IMAGECOURTESYOFTHEJAMESTOWN-YORKTOWNFOUNDATION)

Travel back to the 1940’s at The South Pacific

Luau and Hangar Dance on Saturday, July 22

PressRelease

Takeastepbackintimeatour2ndAnnual

South Pacific-themed Luau and Hangar Dance!PutonyourbestHawaiianshirtand jointhefunastheMuseum’sHangars,ramp andaircraftcollectionareusedtotransport you to an island base in the 1940s Grace Street Seven, our Big Band for the evening willbeplayingintheshadeofthePBYCatalinawing Thedancefloor?Ourhangarfloor!

Completewithtikibars palmtreesandcold adultbeveragestobeattheheat!

Dinner ticket holders will be welcomed to the Luau with a Lei Greeting and entertained with authentic Hula and Tahitian dances from Hālau Kahealani O Tulipa. Sit with your friends at our communal style tables, or reserve your own table for the VIP experience The band leader is ready toswingandswaythenightawaywithyour favorite 40’s tunes along with others that

willkeepyourtoestapping!

Our island air strip will of course feature the Museum’s incredible collection of WWII-era aircraft, some of which will be prepared for photo opportunities with guests, and others which will participate in the evening’s entertainment, weather permitting! This fundraising event for the Military Aviation Museum supports our education programs and in honor of our WWII PBY Catalina which is celebrating

its80thBirthdaythisyear!

Doors open at 6pm. Parking is free and just like in the islands this is a rain or shine event! Advance tickets are now on saleandcanbepurchasedonlineathttps:// www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/event/ south-pacific-luau-hangar-dance-2/. The museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 For additionalinformationpleasecall757.721.7767

ONE NIGHT OF TINA: A Tina Turner tribute show comes to the Harrison Opera House Thursday, Dec. 14

PressRelease

Prepare to be transported into the electrifying world of one of music’s greatest legends as the highly anticipated tribute show, One Night of Tina, returns to the Harrison Opera House December 14th at 7:30pm. Celebrating the iconic career and indomitable spirit of the legendary Tina Turner, this unforgettable live performance will leave audiences awestruck and filled with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

One Night of Tina promises to deliver an unparalleled experience that honors the legacyoftheincomparableTinaTurner Thistributeshowcapturestheessenceofthe Queen of Rock and Roll, taking spectators on a journey through her remarkable life and showcasing her chart-topping hits that have defined generations.

From powerful anthems like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” to soulful ballads like “Private Dancer” and “Simply the Best,” the production brings togetheratalentedcastofperformerswhoembodytheenergy charisma,andunmistakablevoiceofTinaTurner Withstunningvocals mesmerizingdanceroutines anda bandthatflawlesslyrecreatestheiconicsoundofherliveconcerts,OneNightofTina promises an evening of pure entertainment and nostalgia.

13th

Swim on over for FantaSea Evenings at the Aquarium July 11th &

PressRelease

EnjoyaneveningofimaginationandexplorationforallagesattheVirginiaAquarium& Marine Science Center! Take an enchanting journey through our galleries to snap a photo with a fluttering fairy, meet a mermaid on dry land, and swap stories of adventure with a pirate Add your own bit of magic to the experience by dressing up in your favorite FantaSeacostume!

TheeventwilltakeplaceonJuly11and13from6:30pm-9:30pm.Ticketscanbepurchased online at https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/plan-your-visit/events/fantasea-evenings

Adultticketscost$32.95,childrenages5+cost$27.95,childrenage4andunderarefreeand membersget50%offticketprice

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451. For more information call Guest Services at 757.385.3474.

ThiseventispresentedbyPRAGroup

“One Night Of Tina” is not just a show; it is a celebration of the unparalleled career andenduringlegacyofatruemusicallegend.TinaTurner’scontributionstotheworld ofmusicmadeanindelibleimpact,breakingbarriers,andinspiringcountlessartiststo this day. Her electrifying performances and empowering presence continue to resonate with audiences worldwide

One Night of Tina offers a chance for new and old fans to experience the magic of TinaTurner’smusicinalivesetting TheshowcomestoyoudirectlyfromLondonand has graced stages all over Europe and Brazil in unstoppable tours since 2019

Whetheryou’readie-hardfanorsimplyappreciatetheartistryandinfluenceofTina Turner,OneNightofTinapromisesanunforgettablenightofentertainmentthatwill haveyousinging,dancing,andcheeringinyourseat.Getreadytobetransportedback intimeasthisincredibletributeshowpayshomagetotheiconicperformerwhotruly deserves the title of a music legend.

OneNightofTinawillbelightingupstagesworldwide,bringingtheessenceofTina Turner’s legendary concerts to audiences everywhere. Don’t miss this chance to be partofamemorableeveningthatcelebratesthelife,music,andenduringspiritofthe one and only Tina Turner

Tickets are on sale now and start at $29.50 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Scope Arena Box Office The box office is located in the Scope parkinggarageat201E.BrambletonAve,Norfolk,VA23510 ItisopenMondaythrough Fridayfrom10a.m.to4p.m.Foradditionalquestions,pleasecontacttheboxofficeat 757.664.6464 or info@sevenvenues.com.

Festiverecipes Festiv foryour fo 4thofJuly 4thofJul celebration

Patriotic Punch

From NaturalBeachLiving.com

Thisnon-alcoholic Patriotic Punch is alwaysa hit! It’s creative, fun, and totallyeye-catching. Afew simple ingredientsfoundatanygrocerystoreandyoucanmake this patriotic mocktail recipe.It’sthe perfect drink for summer. It is alayered drink thatusesonly three ingredients.You canmakethem in individual glasses, or put theingredientsintoapitcherandleteveryonehelpthemselvestosomerefreshingcolddrinks on Independence Day! We liketouse thesered white andbluestrawsto giveourdrinksabitofextraflair.

Ingredients:

„ 32oz.MinuteMaidFruitPunch(red)

„ 32oz.bottleWhiteCherryPowerade(white/clear)

„ 32oz.bottleMixedBerryPoweradeZero(blue)

„ FunStraws „ Ice

Old Glory Dip

From Parade.com /Recipe by Community Table

Every heartwillbeat true for this red, white and blue seven-layerdip.It’seasytotransporttoapicnic,youcan makeitthedaybeforeanditfeedsacrowd.Trulyagrand oldflag

Ingredients

„ Refriedbeans

„ Guacamole

„ Salsa

„ Shreddedcheddarcheese

„ Sourcream

„ Slicedblackolives

„ Grapetomatoes

„ Tortillachips

Inan11x7-inchglassdish,layerrefriedbeans,guacamole,salsa,shreddedcheddarcheeseandsourcream.

Tocreatetheflag’sstarfield,useatableknifetooutline arectangularboxintheupperleftsideofthesourcream andfillwithslicedblackolives

Tocreatetheflag’sstripes,cutgrapetomatoesinhalf, lengthwise,and arrange theminstripes across thesour cream.Servewithtortillachips.

Red, White &BlueFruit Salad

First,Fill aglass to the top withice.You can use any sizeglass that youlike. We mixeditupand used mason jarsandglassmilkbottles

Thenslowlypourthefruitpunchintotheglassgoing about ⅓ of theway up.Pour to theside of theice so the icestaysfreeofcolor.

Next,veryslowlypourthewhitecherryPoweradeinto theglassgoingaboutanother⅓ofthewayup

Last,veryslowlypourthemixedberryPoweradeinto theglasstothetop Carefullyputastrawintoyourglassandserveimmediately.

Note: If youcannotfind the exact juices Iused,you can substitute otherkinds.However, the sugarcontent isveryimportantasithelpsthedifferentcolorsnotmix as easily.The redisthe highestsugarcontent of 38-40 grams sugar.The white is next at about 20-22 grams sugar.Theblueshouldbeonly0-8gramssugar.

From HappiHomemade.com with Sammi Ricke Youwilllove this beautiful Patriotic Red, White &Blue Fruit Saladfor your July 4thfestivities!You have two fabulous optionsinservingthis glutenfreesalad: on a largetrayresemblingtheAmericanflagorinadeepglass bowl displaying the beautiful colors. Honestly,either wayisabsolutelybeautifulandwillbeashowstopperat yourgettogether!

FortheRed:MyfamilyandIareobsessedwithwatermelonduringthesummermonthssothatismygo-tored fruit in this saladalong withred grapes.Cherries could alsobeused.

Forthe White: If youhavesmall fruit cutters use astar-shaped one to cut thinly sliced pieces of canary melon–It’stender likecantaloupe and supersweet!. Canary melons can be tricky to find, but honeydew melon,pears,apples,jicama,whitenectarines,orwhite peacheswillworktoo!

FortheBlue:Theblueisachievedwithfreshblueberriesandblackberries

Firecracker Red, White &Blue Cake

From BettyCrocker.combyArlene Cummings

Wondering howtomakea red, white andblue cake?

Wonder no more. Warm summer months callfor red, white and blue cakeideas,and have we got agood recipe for you! Celebrate Fourth of July in style with aFirecracker Red, White and BlueCakemade from Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ white cakemix,Betty Crocker™ Rich &Creamyvanilla frosting and redand bluefoodcolors.

Ingredients: „ 1boxBettyCrocker™SuperMoist™WhiteCake Mix (Note: Do NOTuse yellow cakemix as the blue portion of your cake mayturngreen.)

„ Water,vegetableoilandwholeeggscalledforon cakemixbox

„ 1¼teaspoonsBettyCrocker™redgelfoodcolor

„ 1¼teaspoonsBettyCrocker™bluegelfoodcolor

„ ½cupfrom1tub(16oz)BettyCrocker™Rich& CreamyVanillaFrosting(from16-ozcontainer)

„ 2teaspoonsBettyCrocker™red,whiteandblue candysprinkles,ifdesired

Heat ovento350°F.Generously spray 12-cup fluted tubecakepanwithbakingspraywithflour Inlargebowl,beatcakemix,water,oilandwholeeggs withelectricmixeronmediumspeed2minutes,scraping bowloccasionally.Insmallbowl,place1cupofthebatter; stir in 1teaspoon of the redfood color until blended. In another small bowl, place 1cup of the batter; stir in 1 teaspoonofthebluefoodcoloruntilblended. Pourredcakebatterintobottomofpan.Carefullypour remainingwhitebatteroverredbatterinpan.Carefully pourbluebatteroverwhitebatter.(Bluebatterdoesnot needtocoverwhite batter completely;itlooksbetterif itjustformsaringinthecenterofthewhitebatter.)Tip: Whenyouaddbattertopan,donotmixwithspoon.Just pour in so colorsdon’t mix but rather justrestontop of eachotherinpan. Bake 40 to45minutesoruntil toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove cakefromoven. Let stand10minutes,removefrompantocoolingrack.Cool completely,about1hour.

Placecakeoncoolingrackoverwaxedpaperorcookingparchmentpaper Insmallmicrowavablebowl,place¼cupofthefrosting.MicrowaveuncoveredonHigh10to15seconds or untilthinenoughtodrizzleovercake.Withspoon,drizzle warmed frosting backand forth overcakeinstripingpattern. Divide remaining frosting between2 small microwavable bowls.To1 bowl, stir in ¼ teaspoonred foodcoloruntilwellblended.Microwaveuncoveredon High5to10secondsoruntilthinenoughtodrizzle.Drizzleovercake.Repeatwithremainingbowloffrostingand ¼teaspoonbluefoodcolor.Sprinklecandysprinkleson top.Let stand about30minutes or until frosting is set. Storelooselycoveredatroomtemperature.

TRICARE tips to protect yourself from ticks

ByTRICARECommunications

Is your family planning to spend more timeoutdoorsthissummer?Astheweather getswarmer,keepticksinmind.Sinceticks are more active as temperatures rise the chancesoffindingatickonyou,yourfamily members or pets increase in the summer months Lyme disease is one of the most widely known illnesses associated with ticks Health care providers diagnose and treat an estimated 476,000 Americans for Lyme disease each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn simple steps you can take to protect yourselffromticks

Knowwhattickslooklike.Learnwhich tickspeciesliveinyourregionandinplaces where you travel. Blacklegged ticks and western blacklegged ticks spread Lyme disease According to the CDC, adult blackleggedticksaretypicallythesizeofasesame seed.

Know whereto expectticks Ticks live in grassy brushy, and wooded areas and on animals Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter If you’re in thewoods,walkinthecenteroftrails Activities like camping, hiking, and hunting can

bring you in close contact with ticks, but so canactivitieslikewalkingyourdog,gardening, and spending time in your own yard or neighborhood Protect your body before going outdoors Cover your skin and scalp by wearing a hat, long pants long-sleeved shirts,andsocks especiallyingrassy,brushy and wooded areas The Environmental ProtectionAgencyrecommendsusinginsect repellenttodiscourageticksfromlandingon you and biting you. Learn how to useinsect repellentsafelyandeffectivelybeforeapplyingittoyourselforfamilymembers.

Check your body for ticks after being outdoors After working or playing in the yard check your clothes and body for ticks

Keypartsofthebodytocheckinclude:

„ Underthearms

„ Inandaroundtheears

„ Insidethebellybutton

„ Backoftheknees

„ Inandaroundthehair

Showeringmayhelpwashoffunattached ticks and reduce your risk of getting tickborne diseases so shower soon after being outdoors. If you find a tick attached to your skin, the CDC recommends removing the tick with a pair of clean, fine-tipped tweezers After removing the tick, you should

thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands Nevercrushatickwithyourfingers. To dispose of a live tick, flush it down the toilet or place it in a secure container You canalsosubmittheticktoMilTICKforfree ticktestingandidentification. Your pets can also harbor ticks, so don’t forget to carefully examine your furry friendsafterthey’vebeenoutside Learn the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. Seek medical attention if you have any Lyme disease symptoms and have noticedatickbite,liveinanareaknownfor Lymedisease,orhaverecentlytraveledtoan area where the disease occurs Symptoms include:

„ Bullseye-shapedbitemark

„ Fever

„ Chills

„ Headache

„ Fatigue

„ Muscleorjointaches

„ Swollenlymphnodes

“In most cases, a tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme diseasebacteriumcanbetransmitted,”says the CDC If you remove the tick within 24 hours, you can greatly reduce your chances ofgettingLymedisease ALymediseasediagnosisrequiresaposi-

tivebloodtest.TRICAREcoversthesetests whenthey’reorderedbyaTRICARE-authorizedprovider IfLymediseaseisdiagnosed early,yourdoctormaytreatyouwithastandardroundofantibiotics.IfaLymeinfection is left untreated, you may need more intensivecoursesofmedication.

Lyme isn’t the only disease spread by ticks, so it’s good to know which diseases arespreadbytickswhereyouliveandtravel. AccordingtotheCDC,babesiosiscaseshave significantly increased in the northeastern United States As with Lyme, the best way to prevent babesiosis is to take simple steps toreduceyourexposuretoticks.

If you need medical advice or care, the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line is a 24/7 resource Also, understand your urgentcareandemergencycareoptions.

Takecareofyourselfandyourfamilythis summerbyavoidingbug-borneillnesses For moretipsonpreventingbugbitesandtreating bug-borne illnesses, visit Bug Week at https://www.health.mil/News/In-the-Spotlight/Bug-Week

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

ASK THE DOC: Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion — What’s the Difference?

ByClaudiaSanchez-Bustamante

MHS Communications

Dear Doc: During a recent run in the hot weather,Istartedtofeeldizzyandgotaheadache Could this be heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Can you please explain the difference between the twoso that my buddies and I can learn ways to prevent heat-related injuries in the hot weather?

Thank you, -Sgt Dizzy Run

Dear Sgt. Run: Whew! That sounds dangerous Withthosesymptoms,youprobably experienced some sort of heat illness

Fortunately, I found the perfect expert to talk to about this. Army Col. (Dr.) Anthony Noya is the chief of primary care at BayneJones Army Community Hospital, in Fort Polk South Louisiana. Here’s what he had tosay:

“Heat-relatedillnessesrefertoaspectrum of conditions that worsen as the body loses its ability to compensate for the increased coretemperatureduetoenvironmentalheat ormetabolicheat

There are warning signs to be aware of andmeasurestotaketopreventtheprogressionofheat-relatedillnesses.

Simply put, as with any illness the result isaninabilitytofunction,whichcanbemild, moderate,orsevere

Risk factors are numerous generally speaking, the main risk factors are: people who take certain medications that lead to fluid or electrolyte alterations, people at the extremes of age and insufficient cooling hydration, and fitness There are also geneticallypredisposingconditionsthatcan increasesomeone’sriskofheatillness

Heat exhaustion occurs earlier in the spectrum of heat-related illnesses If left unaddressed, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to the medical emergency we call heat stroke It can be difficult to differentiate the two without accurate diagnostic measurements.

The primary difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke has to do with core body temperature and persistent, severe neurologic manifestations Heat strokeinvolvesacoretemperatureabove104 F(40C),andpersistentneurologicdysfunc-

tion to include coma, seizure, and altered level of consciousness, confusion or headache. If heat stroke has set in and there is a delayincooling,thisconditioncanbefatal

Heat stroke’s primary symptoms include achangeinmentalstatus,suchasconfusion, delirium, combativeness, seizures, loss of consciousness,andacorebodytemperature above104F.

Heat exhaustion can present with dizziness headache,nausea weakness,unsteady gait, muscle cramps and fatigue The core body temperature is elevated but remains below104F.

Toavoidthese,particularlyduringfitness trainingorworkingoutdoorsinthesummer heat, I recommend people stay cool, stay hydrated with a balanced liquid that has glucose electrolytes and water (such as a sportsdrink).Ialsorecommendyouaddress theearlywarningsigns Thankfully, the majority of heat related illness is heat exhaustion or heat cramps However, if left unaddressed, heat exhaustioncanrapidlyprogresstoheatinjurieslike

non-cerebralendorgandysfunctionorheat stroke with severe elevations of core body temperatureandnervoussystem,brain,and otherorgandysfunction

To avoid heat-related illness, it’s important to remove the person from the heat, measure his or her core body temperature (rectalisthepreferredmethod)andinitiate rapidcooling Ifarectalthermometerisnot available onereasonableapproachistocool thepatientuntiltheybegintoshiver

Cooling them off through cold-water immersion or applying ice packs to their neck, underarms, and lower abdominal or groin area is highly effective if suitable equipmentisavailable

Incircumstanceswhenicewaterimmersionisnotfeasible,particularlyifthepatient has complications requiring aggressive medical intervention, such as a compromised airway or active seizures trained professionals should use alternative methods of cooling The goal is to lower the core temperaturetoabout101or102degrees Calling 911 will mobilize trained profes-

sionals to assist casualties of heat illness. They will determine if transporting the patienttoahospitalformoreintensiveinterventionandmanagementisnecessary

Peoplewhomustworkoutdoorscanstay aheadoftheharmfuleffectsofextremeheat by being aware of the conditions, wearing properclothing,hydrating,andhavingcoolingcapabilitiesavailable

Asalways,anounceofpreventionisworth apoundofcure.Knowingandaddressingthe warning signs of heat related illness along withbasicpreventionisourbestapproach.”

*** Sgt. Run, I hope this advice is helpful to you. For more information, check out the WetBulbGlobeTemperaturetogaugewhen it’s too hot to do certain activities outdoors as well as the Army Public Health Center’s information on heat illness prevention and sunsafety

These are great tips, especially for this time of year Good luck, my friend, and as always…takecareoutthere!