Nine Navy Exchanges named “Best of the Best”
The NavyExchange Service Command named nine ofits NEXlocations as Bingham Awardwinners.Established in 1979,the BinghamAward recognizes outstanding performance in operations,customerservice and communitysupport. PageA2
VIRGINIABEACH,Va (July 11,2023) –
Washington Commanders linebacker
JaminDavisvisitedNavalAirStationOceana to host an NFL ProCamps event, July 11-12. The Navy Exchange and the Defense Commissary Agency partnered to host the sports camp on the installation for military children
NFLProCampsgivesmilitary-connected children the unforgettable opportunity to practicefootballskillsandreceivehands-on instruction from professional athletes The camps are open to first through eighth grade family members of active-duty military, reservists, retirees, and DOD civilian employees Davis,whowasborninHonolulu,Hawaii toanArmyfamily,isnostrangertothemilitary lifestyle He has lived through the unique challenges that military children face, from family separation due to deployments tomovingtoanewdutystationevery fewyears
“A lot of people might not understand whatthesekidsgothroughonadailybasis,” Davissaid.“Iwasintheirshoesonce,soany chanceIgettogivebackandsay‘thankyou,’
Itakeit.”
Davisalsocreditshismilitaryupbringing forhelpinghimsucceedasanathlete
“A lot of my core values came from the military,especiallydiscipline,”saidDavis.“I justwanttoshowthemthatifyouworkhard andstaygrounded,anythingispossible.”
Thesportscampshaveallowedhundreds of kids to come together to share a positive andmemorableexperience
“This is a terrific way to say ‘thank you’ to our service members and their families,” saidNASOceanaCommandingOfficerCapt. SteveDjunaedi.“Asadadofthreeboys Ican tell you with absolute conviction that our military children are resilient. We ask a lot of them. That’s why events like this are so important,togivebacktoourkidswhogive ussomuchloveandsupport.”
Although it is a football camp, it is also a place for military children to connect with others who share and face the same hardshipsasthem.
“My favorite part about today was meeting new people and making new friends,” said Hayden Smith, a student at Butts Road IntermediateSchool.
NORFOLK,Va ArleighBurke-classguided-missiledestroyer
USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returned to Naval Station Norfolkfromaseven-monthNATOdeployment,July14
James E. Williams served as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta.
James E. Williams deployed in December 2022 and relieved Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) as SNMG 2 flagship As the flagship, James E. Williams led a multinational maritime group in joint operations through the Mediterranean Sea, providing forward presence, ensuring stability in the region, and supporting deterrence and defenseofNATOterritory.
TheJamesE.Williamscrewtraveledmorethan36,000nautical miles conducted more than 45 sea and anchor evolutions, transited20straight,loggedmorethan600hoursofflightoperations, andconducted22replenishments-at-sea
NORFOLK,Va -TheArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer
USSJames E.Williams (DDG 95) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month NATO deployment July14 2023 James E.Williams served as the flagship forStanding NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALIST1STCLASSJACOBT.WALDROP)
Four-legged heroes at NAS Oceana
Militaryworking dogs,like Pprudence, are an essential part ofthe military’s securityforces The dogs undergo rigorous training to learn howto perform specific duties such as patrolling identifying explosives,detecting drugs, and attackingwhen necessary PageA3
ByMC2MaxwellHiggins
Subase New London Public Affairs
GROTON Conn. Naval Submarine
Base New London marked the completionamuchanticipated,pedestriantunnel restoration project with a ribbon cutting, Monday, July 10
SUBASE Commanding Officer Capt.
Kenneth M. Curtin Jr joined Finance Officer Tracey Malenfant and Program Manager Kimberly Bona, of the Capitol RegionCouncilofGovernments(CRCOG), and representatives from the base Public WorksDepartmenttocelebratethesuccess of this first SUBASE completed project resulting from a new Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA)
SUBASE signed three IGSAs in April 2022 establishing new partnerships with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, Groton Utilities and the CRCOG to enhance operational efficiencies and economies of scale in areas beneficial to base infrastructure support.
The realized cost savings of the pedestriantunnel restorationprojectisaperfect example of the benefits of IGSAs noted Curtin at the event.
“Each year approximately 26,000 people pass through this tunnel connecting upper basetothehighersecurityzoneoflowerbase,” said Curtin. “When I took command of the base, I noted the poor condition of this vital access way and challenged our Public Works teamtoseewhattheycoulddoaboutit.”
A key obstacle in restoration of the tunnel was the lead paint common in many pre-WWII era facilities on the base While a small project in the scope of the many Public Works efforts significant to base operations, initial estimates to abate and repaint the tunnel were upward of $250,000 Through the IGSA, SUBASE Public Works was able to take advantage of existing CRCOG contracting to pursue and reimbursetheCouncilforworkperformed by State of Connecticut approved, vetted vendors.Thesignificantsavingsincontract overheadandworkallowedSUBASEPublic Works and HAZ-PROS Inc., of West Hartford, Conn., to complete the restoration at a reduced cost of only $133,596
Moreover, SUBASE Public Works, in collaboration with the SUBASE Safety Office, was able to get the project selected to receive funding from the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command’s MishapPreventionandHazardAbatement Program (MPHA).
“SUBASEhasalongtraditionofbeingthe ‘FirstandFinest,’soit’strulyfittingthatthis project was not only the first IGSA project completed on SUBASE, but also the first SUBASE MPHA funded project,” highlighted Curtin Malenfant and Bona relayed CRCOG’s pleasure in being able to support SUBASE through the IGSA.
“We are all excited to see what’s next, said Bona.
ByNEXCOMPublicAffairs
The Navy Exchange Service Command named nine of its NEX locations as Bingham Award winners. Established in 1979, theBinghamAwardrecognizesoutstanding performanceinoperations customerservice andcommunitysupport.
“Our Bingham Award recognizes the ‘best of the best’ Navy Exchanges around the world and is the highest honor a store can achieve,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer of NEXCOM “I’m incredibly proud of our worldwide NEX team - navigating challengesandleadingthechargetosustainand support our Navy Warfighters and military families Wearecommittedtostrengthening theNavy’squalityofmissionandremaining anintegralpartofourSailors’lives,24/7,all aroundtheglobe!”
NEXCOM’s 2022 Bingham Award
winnersandrunnersupare:
Salesover$45million(Category1)
Winner:NavalSupportActivityBahrain
RunnerUp:NavalAirStationOceana, VirginiaBeach,Virginia
Sales$24-$45million(Category2)
Winner:NavalSupportActivityNaples, Italy
RunnerUp:JointBasePearlHarbor -Hickam
Sales$16-$24million(Category3)
Winner:CampLemonnierDjibouti
RunnerUp:NavalBaseKitsap Bremerton,Washington
Sales$8-$16million(Category4)
Winner:NavalAirStationKeyWest, Florida
RunnerUp:NavalBaseGuam
Sales$3.5-$8million(Category5)
Winner:NavalBaseVenturaCountyPointMugu,California
RunnerUp:SingaporeAreaCoordinator
Sales$2-$3.5million(Category6)
Winner:NavalSupportActivity WashingtonNavyYard,Districtof Columbia
RunnerUp:NavalAirWeaponsStation ChinaLake,California
Sales$1.3-$2million(Category7)
Winner:U.S.MerchantMarine Academy,KingsPoint,NewYork
RunnerUp:NavalSupportActivity HamptonRoads-IowaEstates,Norfolk, Virginia
Sales$700,000-$1.3million(Category8)
Winner:U.S.NavalJointServices Activity,TheNewSanno,Japan
RunnerUp:ArlingtonUniformCenter, Virginia
Salesunder$700,000(Category9)
Winner:NavalSupportFacility Redzikowo Poland
RunnerUp:NavalWeaponsStationSeal Beach,California
The award is named in honor of the late Capt. W.H. Bingham, SC, USNR, who was the Chief Executive Officer of R.H. Macy’s Company.In1946,Binghamwasappointed bytheSecretaryoftheNavytoleadanadvisoryboardfortheestablishmentoftheNavy Ship’s Store Office which was officially renamedasNEXCOM
Editorial Staff MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm
757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil
AssistantEditor | MC2 Jordan Grimes
757-322-2853 | news@flagshipnews.com
VIRGINIABEACH, Va
(June 15,2023)
– Master-at-Arms
2nd Class Marina Samaro completes an obstacle
ByMC2MeganWollam
NAS Oceana
It’s a sunny day in Virginia Beach while military working dog (MWD) Pprudence deftlymaneuversthroughanobstaclecourse, climbingupramps,crawlingthroughtunnels, andjumpingoverhurdles,ledbyherhandler Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Marina Samaro. The obstacle course is one of the training evolutions required to ensure the MWDs housed in Dam Neck Annex maintain their specializedskills.
MWDsareanessentialpartofthemilitary’s security forces The dogs undergo rigorous training to learn how to perform specific duties such as patrolling, identifying explosives, detecting drugs, and attacking when necessary
“Luckily I was a pipeliner right out of ‘A’ school, said Samaro. “It was a competitive selection process involving a PRT (physical readinesstest)andaninterview.”
In order to become a qualified MWD handler,Samaroattendedathree-monthclass onJointBaseSanAntonio-Lackland,hometo the341stTrainingSquadron,whichisresponsiblefortrainingtheDepartmentofDefense’s militaryworkingdogsandtheirhandlers.
“The first block of school entailed patrol and basic obedience, then we learned detection and how to search with a dog, Samaro said.“Weweretaughttobeverythoroughto prepareusforanythingthatcouldhappenin
reallifesituations.”
SamarohasbeenworkingwithMWDsfor the past three years, and has been working with Pprudence since she checked into NAS Oceanalastyear
AtypicaldayforPprudenceonboardNaval
Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex involves vehicle checks, building sweeps, hours of training in obedience advanced maneuvering,andavarietyofotherskills and ofcoursegettingsomelovefromherhandler
If you are wondering why Pprudence’s name begins with a double letter, working dogs that were born and bred in DoD MWD BreedingProgramarenamedinthisfashion. It is an easy way to distinguish them from otherworkingdogsthatwereprocuredfrom otherbreedersallovertheworld.
A handler builds a close bond with their dog through training and looking after their wellbeing.Itcanmakeitadifficulttasktopart wayswhenahandlermusttransfertoadifferentdutystation
“It’schallengingwhenyouhavetoleavethe kennelandthedogyou’veworkedwithforso long,” Samaro said “When you get to a new kennel, you have to adjust to a new environmentandrestartwithanotherdog.”
However,Samaroenjoysbeingpartofsuch atight-knitcommunity
“Thebestpartaboutthisjobisrapportyou buildwiththeworkingdogsandthefamilywe makealongtheway,”Samarosaid
KimberlyKoonce
Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION
CHERRY POINT, N.C. Since its establishment in 1943, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has grown and adapted to meetever-changingnationaldefenseneeds
Today, teams of expert artisans engineers and logisticians support state-of-the-art maintenance repair and overhaul of the military’s most advanced aircraft platforms, often in buildings that date back to thedepot’sWorldWarIIbeginnings
Keeping FRCE’s spaces as current as the work that’s being done in them requires a talentedteamofcarpenters,electriciansand otherskilledcraftspeople andthat’swhere the depot’s Facilities Modernization Shop comes in. Organized in 2014 as a means to makesmallbuildingrepairsormodifications thatwouldbetooexpensiveortimeconsuming to contract out to an external company, over the years its scope has grown as the teamhasproveditsvalue
The team started small, with 11 people doing small repairs like painting walls or changinglightfixturesorceilingtiles Now, the 30-person shop is made up of carpenters painters electricians, pipefitters and riggers weighthandlerswhomoveheavy equipmentandotheritems andiscapable oftacklingmuchlargerprojects.
“TheFacilitiesModernizationteamhelps usdomorethanimprovetheworkenvironment at FRC East,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt James M. Belmont. “The improvementstheymaketoourinfrastructure certainly help boost employee morale but it’s more than that. Improved morale helpsimproveproductivityandthat,inturn, helps the team provide more effective, efficientservicetoournation’swarfighters.”
Buddy Davis, FRCE Facilities and Infrastructure Management Department Head, said the greatest advantage the modification team provides to FRCE is that they are ready to work when a project needs to be done on a short deadline, without the time and expense involved in contracting that workout.
“For cost reasons and also to be able to support our customers, we decided that we need an in-house team of government employees doing this work,” Davis said. “Using the mod team allows us to support the mission much more efficiently It also saves the command a lot of money to be able to complete these tasks with in-house resources.”
The team has evolved from its humble beginnings of making do with equipment borrowed from aircraft production lines and component shops, said Mike Cundiff, General Facilities Branch head. Modernizing aircraft, not infrastructure, was the depot’sfocus
“We were getting into a new line of work forFRCEast,”heexplained.“Wehadplenty ofcapablepeopletodotheprojects,andwe justneededtherighttoolsforthejob.”
Now, with sufficient resources available, theteamisabletotacklemorecomplexprojectswithease.
“Whenwefirststarted,wewouldn’tthink totouchsomeofthejobsthatwedonowon aroutinebasis,”saidWillBradley Modernization Shop supervisor “Just look at some oftheheavyequipmentmovesthatweused todowithforkliftsandmuscle.Nowwehave hydraulicrollersthatwecanputamachine onanddriveitaroundwithajoystick.”
Withexperience theshopalsohasdevelopedamoreefficientsystemtoorderbuilding supplies that has cut costs and delays in acquiringmaterials,whilealsoprovidingan accurate representation of a project’s true cost.
“Oneofthethingsthathasdefinitelybeen a turning point is creating a storage system that’s set on automatic reorder based on high-lowlimits,”saidBradley “Nowwecan stock building materials ahead of time and thenchargethemoutonthejobaswego.”
Themodernizationteamrecentlytookon a project that put its skills, teamwork and technicalimprovementstothetest FRCE’s main conference room was sorely in need of a makeover, with dark paneled walls and outdatedtechnology InNovember,theteam wasaskedtocreateabrightnewconference room, with stadium seating state-of-thearttechnologyandanewbiggerconference table and it had to be completed in less thanthreemonths,tobereadyforaconference of Navy leaders that FRCE was due to host.
Teammemberssaidthisprojectrequired anall-hands-on-deckmentalitytoplanand construct the renovated conference room Some of these plans ran into roadblocks, suchaswhenfireinspectorstoldthemthey could not use combustibles, such as wood, in the construction, and they had to find an alternativesolution.
“When we built the platforms, we had to use metal studs because we couldn’t use timbers to build the platforms,” Cundiff recalled.“Wehadtodotheresearch,andwe found metal outside decking which looks justlikewoodbutisactuallymetaltubes For thefloor,weusedfireretardantplywood.
Bradley said the process of coming up with creative solutions to get the project doneisoneofhisfavoriteaspectsofhisjob
“Ilovethechallengeoffiguringoutaway around obstacles to complete the project,” Bradleysaid.“Ithinkthat’soneofthethings we do very well, because every job has an element that we haven’t dealt with before. Everyjobisalwaysbrandnew andyouhave to plan, reevaluate your capabilities, and bring the team together to create a finished productthatmakesthecustomerhappy.”
The team managed to complete the conference room project within the threemonth deadline The bright white walls and spacious stadium seating are in stark contrast to the dark, outdated room they have replaced The carpenters created special design elements for the room, such as a polished inlaid conference table, laser cutwallartandacustompodium.
Belmont said he is proud of the talented, dedicated craftspeople who created the showcaseconferenceroom.
“FRC East’s newly renovated conference room is a credit to the talent and creativity of the craftspeople who made it happen,” Belmontsaid.“It’sclearthattheytookpride in their workmanship, and the result is a brighter, more inviting space that is a pleasure to work in They were handed a challenging projectonatightdeadlineandthey knockeditoutofthepark.”
FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annualrevenueexceeds$1billion.Thedepot providesservicetothefleetwhilefunctioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy;
Office of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, Va
The Office of Naval Research(ONR)Global,ONR’sinternational arm, welcomed new leadership today, as Capt. Andy “Big Tuna” Berner was sworn inasthenewONRGlobalcommandingofficer during a ceremony at Naval Air Station PatuxentRiver,Maryland.Bernertakesover forCapt.MatthewFarr
Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus served as presiding officer of the change-of-command ceremony, as well aspresenterofawards
“Learning from our partners and allies aroundtheglobeiscriticaltoourmissionof innovating for the Sailors and Marines we have the privilege of serving, said Rothenhaus “Thanks to the partnerships initiated by ONR Global, our Sailors and Marines have access to the latest naval research and developmentfromaroundtheworld.”
“ThepasttwoandahalfyearsunderCapt. Farr’s watch have been truly exceptional,” hecontinued.“Heledthechargetoexpand partner experimentation and start new collaborations.”
The mission of ONR Global is to strengthen the Department of the Navy’s partnerships with strategic allies around
the world The command’s origins began 80 years ago in London, England, its currentheadquarters Througheducational outreach,researchsponsorshipsandcollaboration with allied fleets/force commands, ONR Global is addressing the current and futureneedsofSailorsandMarinesbycultivating, sponsoring and discovering innovationathomeandabroad.
ONR Global reaches across five continents with its headquarters in London and offices in six other naval hubs Singapore; Tokyo,Japan;Santiago,Chile;Prague,Czech Republic;SãoPaulo,Brazil;andMelbourne, Australia. The executive officer and other partsofthecommandarelocatedwithinthe ONRheadquartersinArlington Virginia.
While serving as chief of naval research from 2020-2023 Rear Adm. (retired) Lorin SelbyworkedwithbothBernerandFarr,and wastheguestspeakerattoday’sONRGlobal change-of-commandceremony.
“Inthepastfewyears,I’veseenfirsthand theimpactONRGlobalhasmadewithinthe Department of the Navy,” said Selby. “We partner with our global allies to push naval innovation forward, discover new technologiesandimprovewarfightercapabilities.
“Because of Capt. Farr’s, and now Capt. Berner’s, leadership, we are working with thebestmindsintheworldtokeepourSail-
orsandMarinesatatechnologicaladvantage over our adversaries, and to find solutions tothemostdifficultchallengestheyfaceon, aboveandbelowthewater.”
Berner is in familiar territory as ONR Global’s new commanding officer He served as the command’s executive officer sinceMay2021andsaidhelooksforwardto continuingitsdistinguishedlegacy.
“I want to thank Capt. Farr for his outstanding leadership over the past two-plus years,” said Berner. “ONR Global is recognized as a world leader not only in naval research but advancing capabilities that impact all of us, and I look forward to advancingthatcriticalmission.”
Prior to joining ONR Global, Berner was commanding officer of the Naval InformationWarfareSystemsCommandSpaceField Activity, where he led the Navy Element at theNationalReconnaissanceOffice(NRO), served as co-chair of the Naval NRO CoordinationGroupandreceivedtheNROGold Medal.
He graduated in 1996 from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Scienceinsystemsengineeringandaminor in Spanish,and was a member of the Pikers rowing crew Berner also holds a Master of Science in operations research and in defense technology and systems. He is a
VS-8spaceoperationsofficerandamember oftheinformationwarfarecommunity
Berner succeeds Farr, who had a memorable tenure as ONR Global commanding officer FarroversawtheGlobal-XChallenge, an initiative that encourages multi-disciplinaryscienceandtechnologypartnership in naval-relevant topics and has awarded over$2millioninprizestosixinternational winnerstodate FarralsohelpedlaunchtheLondonTech Bridge, a collaboration between the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy to sponsor dialogue, joint investment and cooperative developmentbetweenthetwonavies
“It has been an honor to serve the Navy, Marine Corps and nation as the leader of ONR Global,” said Farr “I know the command will continue to explore and discover new capabilities for our Sailors and Marines, and I look forward to followingtheiralways-greatwork.”
Farr is detaching from ONR Global to becomethemilitarydirectoroftheWebster OutlyingFieldinMaryland,partoftheNaval AirWarfareCenterAircraftDivision
Rebecca Ward is a contractor for ONR CorporateStrategicCommunications.
CourtesyStory
TheHamptonRoadsRegionalResilience
Workshop, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment (EI&E), convened more than 60 stakeholders from Navy and Marine Corps installations the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation,theU.S.DepartmentofEnergy,state andlocalgovernment,utilities,andfederally funded research and development centers Old Dominion University’s Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, hosted the Department of Navy’s (DON) second regional resilience workshop from 28 - 29 June2023
The workshop convened a large number of attendees from a diverse group of organizations to develop infrastructure project concepts to strengthen resilience in the Hampton Roads region. Workshop participants were challenged to identify regional infrastructure interdependencies and develop solutions that would enhance energy resilience, reliability, and efficiency for Navy installations and surrounding communities
The objectives of the Hampton Roads RegionalResilienceWorkshopwereto:
Objective 1. Identify regional infrastructure vulnerabilities that could impact DoD installationmissioncontinuity
Objective 2. Address critical infrastructureinterdependenciesandidentifyfunding strategiesforpotentialsolutions.
Objective 3. Develop holistic project concepts that enhance energy resilience, reliability, and efficiency for Navy and Marine Corps installations and surroundingcommunities
“In the United States, Norfolk is second onlytoNewOrleanswhenitcomestoflood risk, rising sea levels, increased flooding and precipitation, more frequent and more intensestorms,”saidMeredithBerger,AssistantSecretaryoftheNavy(EI&E).“Weknow what’satstake,andifthereisasolution we are innovative enough to find it when we collaborate with this group of stakeholders and partners to identify the good ideas and determinehowtotakeaction.”
Workshop facilitators from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Converge Strategies, LLC (CSL) presented regional infrastructure modeling using INL’s All Hazards Analysis (AHA) framework INL analysts presented two infrastructure disruptionscenarios.
The first scenario focused on the immediatedownstreameffectsonthenaturalgas sectorandotherinfrastructuresystemsafter apolarvortex Thesecondwasalonger-term notional scenario that demonstrated how a confluenceofsealevelriseandstormsurge flooding in Hampton Roads could severely impactregionalaccesstoinfrastructureand multiplesystemsatthesametime
The INL AHA tool analysis provided workshop participants with tangible, realistic, and immersive infrastructure disruption scenarios solidifying the urgent need fortransformationalinvestments.
Workshop participants engaged with presentations by critical infrastructure owners Dominion Energy, Southern
Company Gas Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) who discussed their ongoing collaboration efforts with the communityandtheNavy,currentresilience posture, and ongoing and planned infrastructureprojects The AHA framework, disruption scenarios and critical infrastructure presentations provided workshop participants with asharedunderstandingoflikelyinfrastructure impacts on the region and DON installations in the near future. Participants then divided into several teams and developed project concepts to strengthen the resiliencepostureintheHamptonRoadsregion to anticipated impacts and disruptions, as well as supportive funding and implementationplans.
Workshops teams developed five project concepts, including regional transmission projects, advanced energy and water demonstration projects, and transformative infrastructure investments to meet the uniqueneedsofthecoastalcommunitiesand
DONintheHamptonRoadsregion.
Workshops participants were able to include in their project concepts ideas for funding pathways after receiving presentations from federal program managers from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and the U.S. Department of Energy, who are responsible for executing billions of dollars focused on issue sets directly relevant to the objectives of the workshop Programhighlightsincludedthe GridResilienceandInnovationPartnerships (GRIP) Program and the Defense Critical InfrastructureProgram(DCIP).
Workshopteamspresentedtheirconcepts to other workshop participants, ensuring participants were aware of all the ideas developedandabletoprovidefeedbackand offers of support. Workshop teams will be reconvenedfollowingtheworkshoptomake further progress on their projects, culminating in funding requests from state and federalpartners
uct possible.
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) ForgeShop(Shop11F)isasix-personteam oftalentedindividualswhoareabletomold metal with the help of scorching furnaces, power presses, and other tools to generate high quality products that benefit the customer Whenauniquejobcametothem from Fire Rescue Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, the team jumped at the chance to assist.
The job was to develop custom tools featuring giant claw hammers, pry bar features, and New York hooks to be able to traverseandprovideassistanceonlocation during emergency situations
“We’ve made pry bars in the past but never to this degree,” said Work Leader Eric Slate “So our team began looking at utilizing different tactics to develop these tools to the specifications needed. Under extreme heat and taking on some complex forgingmethods,thisteamrosetotheoccasionandwasabletoworkouttestingprototypesallthewaytoafinalproducteveryone was proud of.”
Shop 11F team members all worked together where needed to complete the job each taking on different tasks to reach the goal including working power presses working the metal in the furnaces, and using power hammers to work the metal into the shape and structure needed to fit the need for the emergency response team. Passionate about their trade, the team continuously works under extreme conditions to make works of art that benefit the workforce serving the fleet. What’s more, they are able to craft specifically to the needs of the customer experimenting with techniques to develop the best prod-
“We’re able to create something lasting and build in our skillsets so that we’re able to tackle more and more jobs going forward,”saidMetalForgerMechanicJesse Dalton. “Everything we create represents our team and our trade talents What’s more, everything we create is signed off by us with a blacksmith seal to show what we’ve done and continue to do as forgers For me I use a seal that was designed by my late brother and holds a very personal meaning for me to see completed works carrying the legacy of my brother and myselfasthecreationsgoforthtomeetthe mission.”
Firefighter Stephen Tate noted, “We came to see what this team could put together for us and they went above and beyond to meet our needs What they createdforuswasallwecouldhavewanted and more.”
Shop11Fhassincedevelopedthesetools to directly benefit their team as well as the shipyard as large providing more tools toenterthearsenaloftheshipyardworker And with each job, they continue to grow their talents to meet whatever need comes their way.
“Throughextremeconditionsandasolid team at our side we (the metal forgers of NNSY)wanttokeepourtradealiveanddo our part to provide the best service to our Navy,” said Metal Forger Mechanic Christopher“Toad”Kanash.“We’reafamilywho love being able to make the tools our shipyard needs to succeed.”
Interested in requesting a forging job with the team? Contact Metal Forger SupervisorJohnSalesatjohn.d.sales2.civ@ us.navy.milandMetalForgerWorkLeader
Eric Slate eric.c.slate.civ@us.navy.mil for more information.
ABOVE LEFT: Metal ForgerMechanic Christopher“Toad”Kanash uses a press to forge a tool at NorfolkNaval Shipyard ABOVE RIGHT: Metal ForgerMechanic Ian McHorneyand Metal Forger MechanicAlejandro Beason use a press to forge a tool.RIGHT: Metal ForgerMechanicJesse Dalton forges a tool.(PHOTOSBYDANIELDEANGELIS,NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
NavyCyberDefenseOperationsCommand (NCDOC) held a Change of Command ceremonyatNCDOCintheHallofHeroesJune30.
Capt SharonPinderrelievedCapt Christina HicksascommandingofficerofNCDOC.Hicks will report to the operational headquarters of U.S.FleetCyberCommand/U.S.10thFleetas ChiefofStaffforherfollow-ontour
Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, commander Naval Information Forces, served as presidingofficer Inheropeningremarks,Aeschbach highlightedmanyofHicks’andthecommand’s accomplishments.
Guest Speaker Ms. Sandy Radesky Associate Director for Vulnerability Management for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, thanked Hicks for her leadership and dedication during her tenure at NCDOC for thepasttwoyears.
“Hicks has led you all with full trust and empowerment. Her foundation on the people has enabled this team as she has thoughtfully leveraged every talent, and creatively implemented the use of every available technology. She tirelessly dedicated her time to establish partnerships, and ambitiously advocated for more to better enable the people and mission ofthecommand, saidRadesky.
During the ceremony Hicks was presented farewell gifts from the Wardroom and Chief’s Mess Hicks spoke to the audience of more than 300 NCDOC personnel family and friends and thanked her team of their achievements atNCDOC Thank you for trusting me to lead you, to havefaithinthevisionevenwhenthingswere changingatarapidpace andforgivingyourall whenweaskedyoutodotheseeminglyimpossible, to modernize the Navy and bring defensivecyberoperationsintothe21stcentury,”said Hicks.
Hicks gave a special shout out to the only oneChiefintheroomwhocantellhertogoto herroom,oratleasttryto-herfather,Mr Jeff Watson,aveteranandretiredNavyChief.
In her closing remarks, Hicks said “I truly believethatleadershipisloveandloveisservice Walk through these doors everyday with the knowledge that you are here to serve others not only those withing these walls, but those outforward.IhavenodoubtCapt Pinderwill continue in that aim and use her tremendous
Left to right
areViceAdm.KellyAeschbach,commander,Naval Information Forces,Capt.Pinder,and Capt.Hicks cut the cake during the Change ofCommand reception following the ceremonyonJune 30 (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYALEXISSMITH,PAO,NCDOC/RELEASED)
talent, expertise, and experience to lead this commandteamandmissiontoheightsofreadinessandsuccessunseenbefore.”
HicksandPindereachthenreadtheirorders toofficiallyconcludethetime-honoredchange ofcommandceremony ThenPinderaddressed NCDOCforthefirsttime,servingasthetenth commandingofficer.
Pinder spoke very highly of Hicks’ leadershipandsaid,“Itisaprivilegetotakethebaton fromsuchanesteemedandaccomplishedofficer and member of the Information Warfare Community.”
Pinder is excited to continue to move NCDOCintherightdirection
The time will soon come for me to clearly articulate my vision and goals going forward
forthecommand.Iwillcontinuetobuildfrom Capt Hicks’legacy, saidCapt Pinder Pinder graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Engineering and an academic minor in LeadershipthroughherserviceintheVirginiaTech CorpsofCadets.ShewascommissionedinMay 1999asaSurfaceWarfareOfficer(SWO).Since then,PinderoperationalassignmentsasaSWO includeassignmentstoUSSPeterson(DD969). She was deployed in supports of Operational IraqiandEnduringFreedomwithCarrierStrike Group EIGHT on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and Carrier Strike Group TEN on boardUSSHarryS.Truman(CVN75) Pinder was later assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven on board USS Essex (LHD 2) as the
CryptologicResourceCoordinatorandDeputy Information Warfare Commander deploying with the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Sasebo Japan,aswellasmanyotherleadership assignments NCDOC’s mission is to coordinate, monitor,andoverseethedefenseofNavycomputer networksandsystems ProvideCyberSecurity Service Provider (CSSP) services and execute Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) in ordertoenableglobalpowerprojection FormoreinformationonNCDOC visitthe commandFacebookpageathttps://www.facebook.com/NavyCyberWarriors or the public webpageathttps://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil/ ncdoc/
StoryByKristiRBritt Norfolk Naval Shipyard“As our deployment ends, I could not be more proud of the hard work, true dedication,prideandprofessionalismthatourSailorshavedemonstratedonthisdeployment,” said Cmdr. Robert Ireland, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “James E Williams got real, got better and provided Commander NATO Allied Maritime CommandandU.S.6thFleetwithatactically proficient,operationallyready,andstrategicallyfocusedassettoprojectNATO’sunited resolve to deter and defeat our nation’s and Alliance’sadversaries.”
While working with 12 countries on joint operations, the crew visited 12 different cities in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Spain and Türkiye. While in port,Sailorsstrengthenedrelationshipswith our critical Allies, participating in social events with Sailors from other navies and touringlocalregions.
Through this wide range of exercises, operationsandportvisits,thecrewdemonstratedtheirunrelentingcommitmenttothe mission and to the region. They spent 225 daysawayfromhomeport trulydemonstrat-
ingthefulfillmentoftheirship’smotto:Lead fromtheFront. HMSDuncan(D37) aRoyalNavyDaringclassair-defensedestroyer properlyrelieved James E. Williams as SNMG 2 flagship during a ceremony in Taranto, Italy, June 30 With the completion of the hand-over turn-over,theUnitedKingdomcommenced aone-yearrotationincommandofSNMG2 undertheleadershipofCdre.PaulStroude
As a NATO task group SNMG 2 prioritizes its mandate to enhance the collective readiness responsiveness deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces Its focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protectingthemainlinesofcommunication.
SNMG2isamultinationalintegratedtask group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operationsinperiodsofcrisisandconflict SNMG 2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, UnitedKingdom
LEFT: NORFOLK,VaElectronicsTechnician
3rd Class Nicholas Engstrom meets his child
CHESAPEAKE 1800GreenbrierParkway•Chesapeake 757.213.5000•prioritytoyotachesapeake.com PRIORITYTOYOTAHAMPTON 2301W.MercuryBlvd.•Hampton 757.838.5000•prioritytoyotahampton.com
1$750REBATEOFFEREDBYTOYOTAMOTORNORTHAMERICA,INC.ANDMAYBEAPPLIEDTOWARDFINANCEORLEASECONTRACTSONNEWTOYOTAVEHICLESTHROUGHPARTICIPATINGTOYOTADEALERSANDTOYOTA FINANCIALSERVICES,DATEDFROMJULY5,2023THROUGHAUGUST1,2023.TOQUALIFYFORTHEREBATE,ATTHETIMEOFPURCHASEORLEASEYOUMUSTBE(1)INCURRENTACTIVEDUTYSTATUSINTHEU.S.MILITARY (NAVY,ARMY,AIRFORCE,MARINES,NATIONALGUARD,COASTGUARDANDACTIVERESERVE)ORAU.S.MILITARYINACTIVERESERVE(I.E.,READYRESERVE)THATISPARTOFTHEINDIVIDUALREADYRESERVE,SELECTED RESERVEANDINACTIVENATIONALGUARD;ORARETIREEOFTHEU.S.MILITARY,ORAMILITARYVETERANWITHINTWOYEARSOFTHEIRDISCHARGEDATE;ORAHOUSEHOLDMEMBEROFANELIGIBLEU.S.MILITARY PERSONNEL,INCLUDINGGOLDSTARFAMILYMEMBERS;AND(2)PROVIDEVERIFIABLEPROOFOFMILITARYSTATUSORACTIVESERVICE;(3)RECEIVEASALARYSUFFICIENTTOCOVERORDINARYLIVINGEXPENSESAND PAYMENTFORYOURNEWVEHICLE;AND(4)RECEIVECREDITAPPROVALFROMANDEXECUTEAFINANCEORLEASECONTRACTTHROUGHAPARTICIPATINGTOYOTADEALERANDTOYOTAFINANCIALSERVICES NOTALL APPLICANTSWILLQUALIFYONLEASECONTRACTS,REBATEMUSTBEAPPLIEDTOWARDTHEAMOUNTDUEATLEASESIGNINGORTOWARDTHECAPITALIZEDCOSTREDUCTION.ONFINANCECONTRACTS,REBATEMUST BEAPPLIEDTOWARDTHEDOWNPAYMENT.LIMITONEREBATEPERFINANCEORLEASETRANSACTIONPERELIGIBLEU.S.MILITARYPERSONNELORELIGIBLEHOUSEHOLDMEMBER.OFFERNOTCOMBINABLEWITHTHE COLLEGEGRADUATEREBATEPROGRAM,ANDTHELEASE-ENDREFIPROGRAM.VEHICLEMUSTBETAKENOUTOFDEALERSTOCK.TERMS,CONDITIONSANDRESTRICTIONSAPPLY.PROGRAMISNOTAVAILABLEINAL,FL, GA,HI,NC,ANDSC.REBATETERMSMAYBEMOREGENEROUSINYOURLOCALAREA.ASKYOURPARTICIPATINGDEALERABOUTTHEMILITARYREBATETERMSINYOURAREA.MUSTPAYSALESTAX.VOIDWHEREPROHIBITEDBYLAW.NOTREDEEMABLEFORCASH.©2023TOYOTAFINANCIALSERVICES.ALLRIGHTSRESERVED.TOYOTAFINANCIALSERVICESISASERVICEMARKUSEDBYTOYOTAMOTORCREDITCORPORATION(TMCC).RETAIL INSTALLMENTACCOUNTSMAYBEOWNEDBYTMCCORITSSECURITIZATIONAFFILIATESANDLEASEACCOUNTSMAYBEOWNEDBYTOYOTALEASETRUST(TLT)ORITSSECURITIZATIONAFFILIATES.TMCCISTHESERVICER FORACCOUNTSOWNEDBYTMCC,TLT,ANDTHEIRSECURITIZATIONAFFILIATES.YOUMUSTMEETALLOFTHESECONDITIONS:BEINCURRENTACTIVEDUTYSTATUSINTHEU.S.MILITARY(NAVY,ARMY,AIRFORCE,MARINES,NATIONALGUARD,COASTGUARDANDACTIVERESERVE)ORAU.S.MILITARYINACTIVERESERVES(I.E.,READYRESERVES)THATAREPARTOFTHEINDIVIDUALREADYRESERVE,SELECTEDRESERVEANDINACTIVE NATIONALGUARD;ORAMILITARYRETIREEWITHINTWOYEARSOFRETIREMENTORHONORABLYDISCHARGEDVETERANOFTHEU.S.MILITARYWITHINTWOYEAROFTHEIRHONORABLEDISCHARGEDATE;ORAHOUSEHOLDMEMBER*OFANELIGIBLEU.S.MILITARYPERSONNEL;ANDPROVIDEVERIFIABLEPROOFOFMILITARYSTATUSORACTIVESERVICEATTHETIMEOFPURCHASEINTHEFORMOFONEOFTHEFOLLOWINGDOCUMENTATIONS:LEAVEANDEARNINGSTATEMENTMILITARYIDENTIFICATIONCARDVETERANS/RETIREESDDFORM-214RECEIVEASALARYSUFFICIENTTOCOVERORDINARYLIVINGEXPENSESANDPAYMENTSFORYOURTOYOTA BECREDITAPPROVEDBYTFS.*HOUSEHOLDMEMBER(S):-HOUSEHOLDAND/ORFAMILYMEMBEROFTHEQUALIFIEDMILITARYPERSONNELLIVINGATTHESAMEADDRESSASTHEQUALIFIEDMILITARYPERSONNEL.AN ELIGIBLESERVICEMEMBERANDHISORHERHOUSEHOLDMAYRESIDEINPERMANENTORTEMPORARYHOUSING.-GOLDSTARFAMILYMEMBERSAREFAMILYMEMBERSOFAFALLENHERO(S)ANDAREALSOCONSIDERED ASHOUSEHOLDAND/ORFAMILYMEMBERANDAREELIGIBLEFORTHISPROGRAM.MUSTPROVIDEVERIFIABLEPROOFOFMILITARYSTATUSORACTIVESERVICE;ORRETIREDVIAANID.MEACCOUNTANDCOMPLETETHE VERIFICATIONPROCESSATAPARTICIPATINGTOYOTADEALER SPECIALAPRFINANCINGEXCLUDESHYBRIDS 3.99%APRFINANCINGUPTO48MONTHSON2023CAMRY,2023COROLLA(EXCLUDESCOROLLACROSS), 2023HIGHLANDER,2023RAV4AND2023TACOMAAVAILABLETOQUALIFIEDBUYERSTHRUTOYOTAFINANCIALSERVICES.TOTALFINANCEDCANNOTEXCEEDMSRPPLUSOPTIONS,TAX,TITLE,LICENSEANDDEALERFEES 48MONTHLYPAYMENTSOF$22.57FOREACH$1000BORROWED NOTALLBUYERSWILLQUALIFY.OFFERSMAYNOTBECOMBINEDWITHOTHEROFFERSUNLESSSPECIFIEDOTHERWISE.DEALERFEESAREEXTRA.VEHICLE SHOWNMAYBEPROTOTYPEAND/ORSHOWNWITHOPTIONS.ACTUALMODELMAYVARY.DELIVERYMUSTBETAKENFROMDEALERSTOCKBY8/1/23ANDISSUBJECTTOAVAILABILITY.SEEPARTICIPATINGCENTRALATLANTICTOYOTADEALERFORDETAILS OFFERSEND8/1/23 3TOYOTACARECOVERSNORMALFACTORYSCHEDULEDMAINTENANCEFORTWOYEARSOR25,000MILES,WHICHEVERCOMESFIRST.CERTAINMODELSREQUIRE ADIFFERENTMAINTENANCESCHEDULEASDESCRIBEDINTHEIRMAINTENANCEGUIDE.24-HOURROADSIDEASSISTANCEISALSOINCLUDEDFORTWOYEARS,UNLIMITEDMILEAGE.ROADSIDEASSISTANCEDOESNOT
ByLt.j.g KellieKolnes
Chief of Naval Air Training
The “Wise Owls”, of Training squadron (VT)31,invitedeight-year-oldJulianGalloway and his family to the Naval Air Station CorpusChristiflightlinetoexperienceaday inthelifeofaNavalAviator,June22.
JulianisparticipatinginthePilotforaDay program Pilot for a Day is supported by a local partnership between the “Stingrays” of VT-35 and Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. The goal of the programistoenablechildrensufferingfrom chronicorlife-threateningillnessestoexperienceadayinthelifeofaNavalAviator This program has been in operation for the past 20 years and over 100 children have participated. Typically, VT-35 hosts the children, but in this case, the “Wise Owls” of VT-31 volunteeredtosupportJulian’svisit.
Thedaystartedataparachuteloftwhere Julianwasoutfittedwithacustomizedflight suitcompletewithsquadronpatchesandan embroidered flight bag filled with aviation supplies.
With his flight suit on, Julian greeted everyone in the room with a high five and a huge smile He tried on helmets, favoring one decorated with his favorite cartoon characters Later,hepersonallyinspectedan un-packedparachuteandthencontinuedon totheVT-31squadronspaces,wherehemet VT-31’s Commanding Officer (CO), Cmdr RobertStochel. SeatedintheCO’schair,Julianmadesure everyone understood who was in charge,
declaring, “I’m the boss,” and “Now, I’m official. Julian and Stochel exchanged challenge coins in the spirit of military tradition. The coin Julian presented to Stochel is now proudlydisplayedontheCO’sdesk Thetwo bonded as they discussed mutual interests suchasdinosaursandLegos “HostingPilot for a Day was an easy decision and we’re honored to support Julian’s day, Stochel said “Everyone gets involved and it’s uplift-
ingforeveryonewhoisabletoparticipate.”
The honorary pilot was also treated to a visit with two U.S. Air Force pilots, Capt. Paul Aanestad and Maj. Matthew Goering from87thFlyingTrainingSquadronlocated onboardLaughlinAirForceBaseinDelRio, Texas.AanestadandGoeringflewinontwo T-38Talonstosupporttheevent Theygave Julian and his family a close look at the jets and presented Julian with his own pair of AirForcewings
Afterwards, Julian went next door for a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol tour that included a close look at a P-3 Orion Julian sat in the pilot’s seat and was introduced to the technology onboard the aircraft. His favorite part of the P-3 Orion tour was exploring the bunk beds in the sleeping quartersoftheaircraftandtakingsometime to look through all the patches, shirts, toys, and stickers he had been given throughout theday.
Continuing on his busy schedule for the day, Julian and his family visited the NAS Corpus Christi fire department. They rode onto the flight line in a fire truck and got a firsthandlookatthecapabilitiesofthetruckmountedhoses
At each place Julian went, lots of smiles wereshared.
“It’s an awesome experience It’s really important for us, and for myself personally, to be able to do it [Pilot for a Day] because it puts a smile on their face and lights them up especially when they’re going through theirsickness,”saidLt RhenNathe,instructor pilot. “It’s also important from a Navy perspective that we can reach out to the community and give back as much as this communityhasgivenus.”
Attheendoftheday,Julianwaspresented with a certificate recognizing him as an honorary Naval Aviator. VT-31’s executive officer, Cmdr Michael Strittmatter led the presentationandnotedthatJulian’stenacity strength,andself-confidenceareexactlythe
ByKristiRBritt
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and its tenantlocationsrecentlysawtheselectionof sevenindividualsfortheNavalSeaSystems Command (NAVSEA) Next Generation of Leadership (NEXTGEN) Program, which offersparticipantsthechancetolearnabout leadership throughout several different initiativesforthenextyear Thisenterprise-wideinitiativetakescivilian employees at a GS 7-11 level through a self-pacedblendedcourseapproachthrough classroom and online studies to build up their skills through assessment, experimental learning and individual development opportunities At the completion of the program, the participants will have the skills to prepare them for future managementrolesthroughoutNAVSEA
Congratulations to Inventory Management Specialist Colt Brinkman, Contract SpecialistBrittanyTavassoli,NuclearEngineering Technician Venita Scott, Quality Assurance Specialist David Leon II, ReactorServicesSupervisoryOperationsProject Zone Manager LaShonda Dunston, Naval Architect Technician Stacia Spath from NNSY, and Radioactive Material Controller Doug Mandell from Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) Kings
Bay. For the next few months, we will be highlighting these individuals in a NEXTGENseries,celebratingtheirachievements astheyworkthroughtheprogram.
Interested in becoming a future participant of the NEXTGEN program? ApplicationswillbeaccepteduntilJune26at12p.m.
For more information and to download an application, visit https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NAVSEA_10D5
*** ShipbuildingQualityAssuranceSpecialist David Leon II first heard about the NEXTGEN in 2020 after reading an article in Service to the Fleet highlighting selectees participating in the program. Inspired to take that next step in his career, he went to theCommandUniversitytabonWebCentral tolearnmoreandapply
“Theideaofdoingsomethingnew,something different and something outside of my daily job interested me in applying for NEXTGEN,” said Leon. “I liked the idea of travelingtoadifferentcommandandworking with fellow NAVSEA employees who may not work at a shipyard I also wanted to challenge myself and start building my foundationofleadershipskills.”
When asked about what he hopes to accomplishwithintheprogram,Leonnoted thathedidn’thaveanexactendgoalinmind. Instead, he wanted to diversify his portfolio and gain whatever experience he could from the program. “I hope to accomplish learning more about the inner workings of NAVSEA, build personal relationships, and addtomyprofessionalnetwork,”hesaid.“I
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Do you think your business company, corporation or academic institution can develop a more streamlined interface to enhanceintegrationofradarsystemsonNavy ships? If so, it may be the perfect candidate for Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) Adaptable Interface - Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren and the chancetowin$250,000
NSWCDD is extremely excited to host its third type of innovation challenge Over the past year innovation challenges have been embeddedinthecultureofDahlgren.Having avarietyofchallenges,focusedonavarietyof audiences,haveprovedtobeextremelybeneficial.Thefirstchallengewasaregionalhigh school robotics competition in April 2022 and again in March 2023 The second challenge was focused on colleges and universities nationwide where they competed in the ArtificialIntelligenceandMachineLearning Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren in March 2023. Finally, the late breaking opportunity, NSWCDD designed the Automated Interface - Innovation Challenge focused on businesses, companies, corporations and
academicinstitutionsnationwidetodevelop an adaptable interface to support rapid integrationofsystemsonNavyships
“As a hands-on research, development, test and evaluation lab we are always working to identify innovative ways to accelerate capability development and deployment to the Fleet. In this challenge, we are looking for an adaptable radar interface that we can consider using in future Fleet operations,” saidChiefTechnologyOfficerJenniferClift
The challenge will be executed in three phases: 1) white paper, 2) solution development and demonstration, and 3) new interfacesolutiondevelopment
The objective of the white paper is for the team to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to rapidly transform interfaces in a system of systems environment and their strategy and plans to approach Phases 2 and 3. The deadline for the paper is Aug. 18 NSWCDD anticipates notifying the winners ofthisphasebySept 1.
Phases 2 and 3 will be held in-person Nov.
1-3 at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus The objective of Phase 2 istoassesstheabilitytodevelopaninterface/ adaptive layer between multiple navigation radar interfaces and a combat system inter-
face Participants will present their results in a presentation on Nov. 1 and move on to Phase3. In the final phase, NSWCDD will provide participants a new interface specification foradifferentnavigationradarthatwillhave similardatatothegovernmentprovideddata on the interface in Phase 2. The division will give no more than 24 hours to develop an application that translates the data stream from the new radar as well as the previously providedradarinterfaces.NSWCDDexpects toannouncethewinnerNov.3.
“Past innovation challenges have been extremely exciting and rewarding to watch and observe all participants really test their limits,”Cliftsaid.“Ilookforwardtowhatlies ahead with the Adaptable Interface Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren. It’s going to begreat!”
NSWCDD will hold a Challenge Talk July 19 via Zoom to answer any questions The Zoom link will be posted on challenge.gov viaanupdatetotheprizechallenge
To apply and for more information, visit https://www.challenge.gov/?challenge=adaptable-interface——innovation-challenge-at-dahlgren
FromNavalFacilitiesEngineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded Enfield EnterpriseLLC Springfield,Massachusetts, a $24,146,635 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantitycontractforroofingrepairand/ orreplacementatvarioussitesonboardNaval StationNewport,Newport,RhodeIsland
The maximum dollar value, including the base period and all option periods, is $24,146,635 Work will be performed in Newport, Rhode Island, and is expected to
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traitsthatmakethebestNavalAviators
becompletebyJuly2028.
FiscalYear(FY)2023OperationandMaintenance, Navy (O&M, N) contract funds in the amount of $5,000 are obligated on this award to fulfill the minimum guarantee, and willexpireattheendofthecurrentFY Future taskorderswillbeprimarilyfundedbyO&M Nfunds Thiscontractwascompetitivelyprocured via the sam.gov website with four proposals received. NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-23-D-0050).
NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering, public works and environmen-
“Ithasbeenareallygreatdaysofar Everybodyhasmade everythingspecial,”SaidMónicaGalloway,Julian’smother. “Itisoverwhelming anditreallyisunbelievablehowmuch supportwehavereceived.Ijustcan’tputitintowords.
Julian wrapped the day up with some simulated flight time in both the T-6B Texan II and T-44C Pegasus simulators. In the simulators, Julian got to put his new Naval Aviatorwingstothetestandtryhishandatflyingaerobatic maneuvers
“It’s awesome It’s a really great feeling to be able to give him something he’ll remember,” said Lt Nate Shepherd, instructorpilot.
Julian’s family has received incredible support from the localcommunityandhascoinedtheslogan,“JulianStrong.”
ThoseinVT-31whohadtheprivilegeofmeetingJulianand his family will be cheering on Team Julian as he continues histreatmentatDriscoll.
VT-31 and VT-35 are two of the Navy’s premier joint multi-engine training squadrons and is responsible for the advanced training of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard maritime/turboprop aircraft communities Additionally the command trains Foreign Military students fromItaly theNetherlands,France Norway Denmark and Sweden Students go on to fly platforms such as the P-8A “Poseidon, C-130J“SuperHercules,”E-6B“Mercury,”and E-2D “Hawkeye.”
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hope to bring back a positive experience to shareandpossiblyinfluencethenextperson toapplyforNEXTGEN.AndasIcontinuemy journey, I would like to pursue other leadership programs and continue diversifying my professionalportfolio.Seewhereitleadsme.”
Whenaskedwhatadvicehecouldprovide his fellow shipyarders, he said, “I would advise my fellow shipyarders to take advantage of every opportunity the shipyard offers. The shipyard is going to utilize you to completetheirmission,soutilizetheshipyard to develop yourself to complete the mission, whatever internal mission you have Even if youhavenointerestinbeingasupervisor,the development programs offered by tNNSY have helped me with my daily interactions whether it be my personal relationships, professional relationships, or communicatingbetterwithmyteenageson.”
Leon closed with a familiar quote from
Theodore Roosevelt encapsulating his journeyandhis efforts toexpandhisknowledge.
“Theonlymanwhonevermakesamistakeis
*** ContractSpecialistBrittanyTavassolifirst learned about the NEXTGEN program in an all hands to the workforce, which shared details on leadership opportunities offered byNAVSEA
While the subject line sparked my interests, I researched the program a bit further andattendedtheinformationalsessions, said Tavassoli “I discovered that the NEXTGEN program aligns directly with the NAVSEA mission I support in my day-to-day operationsatNNSY Instillingthemoralsandethics of the NAVSEA organization is important whileempoweringemployeestosupportthe mission. This program captured my attentionthroughitsinitiativetoretainentry-level employeesthroughleadershipdevelopment toincludementoring,training,andinfluencingindividualsacrosstheorganization.”
Since orientation in October 2022, Tavas-
tal 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 organization to ensure the region’s facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently andeffectively ForadditionalinformationaboutNAVFAC MIDLANTonsocialmedia,followouractivities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.
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
solinotedshehasalreadygainedanextended network of like-minded people across the enterprise,eachindividualempoweringone another in their personal and professional journeys “I look forward to suggesting and implementingadditionalavenuestosupport developing employees as subject matter experts in their current and future roles,” she said. “Once the program is complete I look forward to mentoring my peers and empowering them to step forward and lead from their current position while striving to impactchangeandreachtheirgoals.”
Tavassoli hopes that others are inspired to join this and other leadership programs as she was. “My advice is to step out of your comfort zone and apply! This is a wonderfulopportunitytoadvocateforyourpersonal development and future,” Tavassoli said. “If you’re on the fence about applying for these programs interestedindividualsarewelcome tocontactmeandIcansharemyexperiences withthem.We’repartofONETEAMandI’m happy to help others wherever I can, just as othershavedoneformeandmycareer.”
themanwhoneverdoesanything.”CORPUS CHRISTI,Texas -Julian Gallowayis fitted forhis flight suit in the Paraloft aboard NAS Corpus Christi as part ofthe Pilot fora Day(PFAD) program.
Naval Education and Training Command
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT Fla. A
Naval Leadership and Ethics Command (NLEC) Dam Neck mobile training team
(MTT) completed a Chief Petty Officer-Command Navy Leader Development Facilitator Certification Course at Naval StationMayport,Florida,July14
Master-NavyLeaderDevelopmentFacilitators Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Enrique Castro and Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Matthew Noto from NLEC Dam Neck, certified 12 master chief and senior chief petty officers to facilitate the Chief Petty Officer Leader Development Course (CPOLDC)attheirrespectiveunits
“Duringthisclass,wetaughtmasterchiefs andseniorchiefswhowerealreadyqualified commandNavyleaderdevelopmentfacilitatorsthematerialfortheCPOLDC including responsibility authority and accountability; ethics foundation; leadership philosophies; and much more, said Castro. “This will enable these fleet facilitators to lead CPOLDCclassesfortheirSailors.”
NLEC Dam Neck and NLEC San Diego offer local Enlisted Leader Development (ELD)courses40weeksperyear;however, theyonlyconductMTTsforELDtrain-thetrainerevents.OtherELDcoursesarefacilitatedbyNLEC-certifiedfacilitators
“Mobiletrainingteamswere,andstillare, the most efficient and effective way to get fleet facilitators qualified throughout the United States and overseas,” said Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Robert Bergmann, enlisted leader development lead (East Coast), NLEC Dam Neck. “NLEC only has two locations Dam Neck and San Diego so the only way we can spread the word and qualify fleet facilitators is to go to them andtrainthem WithoutMTTs,commands would have to send their senior enlisted leaders to us to get certified. It is more cost effectiveforNLECtosendtwomasterfacilitatorstoa locationthanitisforcommands tosend12chiefstoVirginiaorCalifornia.”
An MTT consists of two NLEC master facilitatorswhotraveltorequestedlocations to teach courses to potential fleet facilitators.AccordingtoBergmann,MTTvisitsare NLEC’s most important function to getting theNavytrainedandready
“MTTshavetwojobswhentheygoouton theroad teachseniorenlistedleadersthe coursematerialandteachthemhowtofacilitate the courses,” said Bergmann. “Beyond being taught thematerial the mostimportant task is teaching future fleet facilitators howtodeliverthetopics,Socraticquestioning and the art of facilitation These are not PowerPointclasses;thesearegroupdiscussions that are driven by the class and led by thefacilitators.”
NLEC and MTTs play an integral role in the Navy Enlisted Leader Development Continuum which provides development opportunities at regular intervals throughout a Sailor’s career supporting leadership growthandreflection.
“This course provided me with additional ways of understanding my own leadership style and how to become a better overall leader,” said Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Michael Kirkpatrick, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike(HSM) Squadron40 atNavalStation Mayport “I am also happy that the Navy is focusingonprovidingleadershiptrainingat alllevelsoftheenlistedranks.”
NLEC is responsible for facilitating ELD
courses to 25% of the fleet. NLEC also has the sole responsibility to certify fleet facilitatorstobeabletofacilitateELDcoursesto theother75%.
“One of the most difficult things for an operational command to do is find the time and resources to send groups of people on travel for training,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Joyce Silkworth-Mallory,assignedtoHSMSquadron 50 at Naval Station Mayport. “Having a mobiletrainingteamavailabletofulfillthese requirements takes a load off of essential training.”
NLEC Dam Neck, located at Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, Virginia, is a subordinate command of the Naval LeadershipandEthicsCenter,andprovides trainingandeducationforofficersnotyetin command and courses designed as part of theELDframework.
To learn more about ELD, courses and enrollment and to request an MTT visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/ELD/
For additional information on NLEC DamNeck,visithttps://www.netc.navy.mil/ NLECDamNeck/.
HunterHarwell
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet CARTAGENA, Colombia Secretary of theNavyCarlosDelToroattendedtheopeningceremonyforUNITASLXIV,amulti-nationalmaritimeexercisethatbringstogether 20 nations from all over the world to train forces in joint maritime operations that enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability. Participating nations includeBelize,Brazil,Canada,Chile,Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany Honduras Jamaica Mexico Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Spain South Korea,UnitedKingdom,UnitedStates,and Uruguay.
The Colombian Navy hosts this year’s UNITAS, which will feature 26 warships/ vessels, three submarines, 25 aircraft (fixed wing/helicopter),andapproximately7,000 peoplefrom20 partner nations Forces will conduct operations off the coast of Cartagena,Colombia,andashoreinCovenasand Barranquilla,Colombia,throughJuly21.
“I am honored to help kick off UNITAS LXIV,” said Del Toro “This is the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world. The partnerships we share among the 20 nations participating in this exercise are critical to realizing the peaceandsecuritywedesireintheWestern Hemisphere.”
Following the UNITAS LXIV Opening CeremonyonJuly12 theinportphaseofthe exercise will feature subject matter expert exchanges,professionalsymposia,shiprider exchanges,andoperationsmeetings.During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct expeditionarytrainingeventsinCovenasto include riverine operations and diving and salvageoperations.
“Economic security is national security,” said Del Toro.”We must continue to work together to counter the common maritime challengesthatthreatenourwayoflife,and that run contrary to the rules-based internationalorder.”
During the UNITAS LXIV Underway Phase, forces will participate in events testingallwarfareoperations,toincludelive-fire exercisessuchasaSINKEXandanamphibiousship-to-shorelandingandforceretraction.
As part of the U.S. Navy’s future hybrid fleet, the Chief of Naval Operations has tasked U.S. 4th Fleet to scale unmanned platforms to the fleet level. An addition to
CARTAGENA,COLOMBIA(July12 2023) - Secretaryofthe NavyCarlos DelToro delivers remarks at the opening ceremonyofUNITAS LXIV(64).
The Colombian navyhosts thisyear’s multinational maritime,annual exercise,which features 26warships/vessels,three submarines,25 aircraft (fixedwing/helicopter) and approximately7,000 people from 20 partnernations.Forceswill conduct operations offthe coast ofCartagena, Colombia,and ashore in Covenas and Barranquilla,Colombia,throughJuly21 (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST1STCLASS MITCHMEPPELINK)
this year’s UNITAS will include the integratedoperationsofunmannedair,surface, and subsurface systems into the exercise.
UNITAS’ challenging training address key aspectsofmultinationalandcombinedoperations such as technology standardization andcommonoperatingprocedures
U.S.ForcescontributingtoUNITASLXIV include USS New York (LPD 21), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Little Rock (LCS 9), USS Pasadena (SSN 752), and USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), Patrol Squadron Five (VP 5), Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU)
2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD) 612, Mine Countermeasures Group 3, (MCMGRU 3), Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures EOD Company 61 (EODMU61),East-coastbasedNavalSpecial
Warfare units, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron22(HSC22),HelicopterMaritime Strike Squadron 70 Detachment 2 (HSM 70 Det 2) Joint Communications Support Element(JCSE),FleetSurgicalTeam(FST) Eight,MeteorologicalEnvironmentalTeam (MET),3rdBattalion,23rdMarineRegiment (3⁄23),4thAmphibiousAssaultBattalion(4th AABn),8thCombatLogisticBattalion(CLB 8), 4th Combat Engineer Battalion (4th CEB), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 774 (VMM 774), Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron 775 (HMLA 775), MarineAerialRefuelerTransportSquadron 234 (VMGR-234), Marine Aircraft Control Group 48 (MACG-48), and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40,
(COMDESRON40),Commander,Amphibious Squadron Four (COMPHIBRON FOUR), U.S Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT, and U.S. Southern Command(USSOUTHCOM).
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operationsbyemployingmaritimeforcesin cooperativemaritimesecurityoperationsto maintain access enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean,CentralandSouthAmericanregion.
GriffinKersting
Naval District Washington
ANNAPOLIS,Md Capt.ChrisSchwarz, relievedCapt.HomerDeniusascommanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis during a change of command ceremonyatMahanHall,July14 2023. “Homer, you’ve had an incredible tour hereinAnnapolisthesepastfiveyears,”said presiding officer Vice Admiral Sean Buck, superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy. “And
while your active service as a naval officer may soon be ending, your contributions to our Naval Academy, our Navy and Marine Corps,andournationwillbefeltforyearsto comethroughthepeopleyouhavementored andledthroughoutyourcareer.”
Under Denius’ leadership NSA Annapolis supported the Naval Academy’s more than 4,400 Midshipmen, more than 6,000 employees, and more than two million visitors a year Additionally, NSA Annapolis maintainedallfacilitieswhichincludedover 120 aging historic buildings and associated
infrastructure that must be maintained to NationalHistoricRegistrysitestandards.
“This ceremony is about paying due respect for those that got me here,” said Denius “Those in attendance today that developed me to succeed and more importantlyhelpedmethroughmyfailures.Those whocareaboutmyfamily,thosewhoaremy role models and those that I spent so much timewithawayfromhome.
Prior to reporting to Annapolis, Schwarz servedastheCommandingOfficerofNaval Leadership and Ethics Command Dam
Neck.
“I’m extremely excited and humbled for the opportunity to lead an amazing and dedicated team of professionals here at NSA Annapolis,” said Schwarz “And to continuetobuildonalloftheamazingwork Captain Denius has accomplished over the last five years in support of both USNA and ourpartnershipswiththeCityofAnnapolis andAnneArundelCounty.”
FormoreinformationaboutNSAAnnapolis,visitoursocialsathttps://www.facebook. com/NSAAnnapolis/.
Center for Information Warfare Training
PENSACOLA,Fla. Thefirstthreeofficers in the Navy’s newest officer designation 1880, Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer (MCWO), started training in Computer Network Operator Qualification Course (CNOQC), which is being taught for the first time at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station, on July 10 2023.
ThenewMCWOswilljoinwithenlisted Sailors in CNOQC to receive basic level training for offensive cyber operations provided to Interactive On-Net (ION) operators, as the first step toward creating Maritime Cyber Warfare Officers with on-keyboard skills
“We have offensive and defensive sides of cyber,” said Cmdr Gil Baughn, cyber program manager for the Center for InformationWarfareTraining(CIWT).“Forme and for and lot of other folks, you want an officer to be able to be able to go to either side and be able to manage teams on the offensive or defensive cyber mission.”
“Having folks that are extremely skilled in cyber is more critical now than ever before,”saidBaughn.“Thecontrolofinformationhasalwaysplayedaroleinwar.But withthespeedthateverythingtravelsnow,
thecomplexityofnetworks;andhowinfrastructure operates, and how critical infrastructure is; everything depends on that interconnectivity across the internet.
“Our defensive side protects our infrastructure and denies the enemy access to it,”saidBaughn.“However,toouradversariesthatsameinfrastructureisimportantfor themtoprotect,andweneedtohavepeople onouroffensiveteamsthatcangoin,target, andexploitvulnerabilitiesintheirsystems.”
As the Navy’s cyber training provider CIWT’s goal is the create Sailors and joint servicemembersintheofficerandenlisted ranks who excel in providing those cyber capabilities
“The Navy is committed to meeting currentandfuturecybercapabilityrequirements Naval Information Forces and key leaders in IW domain closely examined the IW construct and determined it did not adequately support multiple tours in the cyber mission area, said Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, commander of Naval Information Forces “Creation of the MCWO designatorcreatesacareerpathforthoseofficers tospecializeinthecybermissionanddevelop theiruniqueandcriticalskillset.”
The three newest MCWOs attending CNOQC Ens Trady Chouaib from Union City Calif.; Ens Kevin Bae from Gaithers-
burg, Md.; and Ens Hans Cabrera, from Elkridge Md.; are all excited about the opportunitytheyreceivedinbeingselected forthe1880designatortoworkinthecyber career field.
Chouaib, whose degree is in computer networks and cybersecurity, came into the coursewithsomeNavyexperienceaswell.
Prior to commissioning through Officer Candidate School, he served for six years in the cryptology technician networks rating whichrecentlytransitionedtocyber warfare technician, and did a tour at Navy InformationOperationsCommand(NIOC) Hawaii, where he was on the 26th Cyber Protection Team.
“It’s an amazing opportunity,” said Chouaib “It’s surreal being back here (at Corry Station, where he attended his enlisted cryptology technician networks training) and being offered the chance to be one of the first MCWOs.”
Bae went to the Naval Academy with the goal of working in the cyber field. He received his commission after graduating withadegreeincyberoperationsandmath. He said being selected for the maritime cyber warfare officer designation was the reason he joined the Navy and was exactly what he had hoped for Cabrerawasalsocommissionedthrough
the Naval Academy, and graduated with a degree in computer science and information technology He was originally interested in becoming a cryptologic warfare officer, but is looking forward to the challenge of becoming a MCWO.
“I think cyber is going to be a really big part of whatever conflict we’re going to be innext,”saidCabrera.“It’sveryessentialto the mission that the Navy has.”
The MCWOs attending CNOQC are anticipated to graduate from the course in Jan. 2024 New officer accessions into the MCWO designator will also be filled through a re-designation opportunity, which will likely be offered at first only to Information Warfare officers in all paygrades, with thefirstselectionpaneltoheldinlate2023.
With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments andtrainingsitesthroughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains more than 26,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionalstotheNavyandjointservices CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, cyber warfare technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians,andofficersintheinformation warfare community
ByPettyOfficer3rdClass
MaxwellHiggins
Submarine Learning Center
GROTON Conn. Lt Cmdr BryanChapman relieved Lt Cmdr. Derek Sutton as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Historic Ship Nautilus (HSN) and Submarine Force Museum (SFM) during a change of charge ceremony on the Museum’s Nautilus Pier, Wednesday,July12.Specialguestsincluded
Captain Kenneth M. Curtin Jr., Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE)
Commanding Officer; Captain Matthew Tharp Chief of Staff at Naval History and HeritageCommand;CaptainDanielRossler RegionalSupportGroupGrotonCommanding Officer; and retired Rear Adm. John Padgett, President of the Submarine Force LibraryandMuseumAssociation.
USS Nautilus (SSN 571) was a marvel in 1954 when launched and commissioned as the world’s first nuclear powered ship or submarine Thesubmarineremainsamarvel todayastheonlynuclearpoweredU.S.naval vesselavailabletothepublicforgeneralvisitation AsOfficer-in-Charge,Suttonoversawthe first comprehensive preservation project since 2002 of the National Historic Landmark and Connecticut’s State Ship The extensive undertaking involved Nautilus being towed from its museum moorings to the nearby SUBASE for dry-docking and restoration from October 2021 August 2022.The$36millionNautiluspreservation project finished ahead of schedule, under budget, and has ensured the historic ship will be able to inform, educate, and engage thepublicforthenext30years.
Additionally, Sutton reinvigorated youth education programs and community engagementsaswellasledthecreationand deployment of the only augmented-reality experienceamongNavyMuseums.
Tharp said Sutton’s “extraordinary leadership during unprecedented times was invaluable as this tremendous ship is once again available to the public, and interest in
GROTON,Connecticut (July14 2023) - Lt Cmdr DerekSutton delivers remarks during a change ofcharge ceremonyon the pierofthe Submarine Force Museum.The change ofcharge ceremonyis a time-honored tradition,which formallyrestates the continuityofcommand. It is nearlyunique to theworld today,it is the transferoftotal responsibility,authorityand accountabilityfrom one individual to another conducted before the assembled companyofthe command.This ceremonyreflects the great heritage ofthe United States Navyand the honor courage and commitment offree men andwomen proudlyserving theirnation and the finest Navyin theworld.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS
COMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSMAXWELLHIGGINS)
themuseumandtheshiparesoaringtonew levels.”
Curtin highlighted that Nautilus and the Museum represent SUBASE’s “front door,” and“arenotonlythegatewaytotheboldand courageous legacy of our Submarine Force butalsotheferventheraldsofourfuture.”
“Whether it is the 100,000 visitors you
welcome every year; the dozens of retirement and change of command ceremonies; the many different education programs the museum provides to young students; the familydayeventsenhancingcultureandart; or, the many community ceremonies such as honoring the Battle of Midway and Gold Star Families, the Nautilus team engages,
impacts,andimpresses,”saidCurtin Sutton,anativeofupstateNewYork,will attend the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.afterdepartingfromHSN. Chapman, a native of Wadsworth, Ohio, assumes charge after most recently serving astheWeaponsOfficerattheNavalSubmarineSchool.
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va Nauticusannouncesthe return of SailFest to celebrate their signature program, Sail Nauticus. On September 24, 2022, the community is invited to raise fundsonandoffthewaterinsupportSTEM andleadershipdevelopmentforstudentsin HamptonRoads SailFest, a two-part event, will feature a uniqueregattatitledtheCoferCup,followed by a Pier Party celebration on Nauticus’ cruisepier
The Cofer Cup invites sailors of all skill levels to form or join a team to race along the Elizabeth River in Sail Nauticus’ fleet of Harbor 20 sailboats The winning team willhavetheirnamefeaturedontheofficial Cofer Cup trophy and will be displayed for publicviewinginsideNauticus exhibithalls
Following the race, the community is invited to Nauticus’ cruise pier for a “Pier Party” to enjoy an afternoon of games, live music, local food trucks, beer by Elation BrewingCo,sunsetviewsandmore.SailFest sponsorswillalsocompeteintheCorporate Challenge a fun and unique set of races led bySailNauticusinstructorswhilePierParty attendeescheeronthewinners
“Participating in this event is an incredible way to experience and support our
PressRelease
The Military Aviation Museum proudly announces the acquisition of the Curtiss C-46 Commando, known as “The Tinker Belle,” from its caretakers, the City of Monroe, NC, in partnership with the non-profit organization Warriors and Warbirds.
“TheTinkerBelle”haslongbeenacenterpiece of the Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, where it was based. It has captivatedaudiencesacrosstheUnitedStatesand Canada, becoming a symbol of the heroic effortsduringWorldWarII Officially designated as the Curtiss C-46 Commando, “The Whale,” as it was affectionatelyknown,playedacrucialroleinAir Transport Command operations over the Himalayan Mountains, famously referred to as “The Hump,” in the CBI (China-Burma-India)TheatreduringWWII Thecrews whoflewtheseC-46sandC-47sbecamethe backbone of history’s largest and longest airlift. Despite their tremendous achievements, this triumph came at a significant cost, with the loss of numerous aircraft, crew,andcargo. By the end of WWII, the Hump airlift operation was a staggering endeavor, with aircraft crossing every 1.3 minutes on average. This figure is astonishing and becomes even more so when compared with the one every 13 minutes that Air Transport CommandwasoperatingacrosstheAtlantic, andtheoneevery90minutesthattheywere dispatching across the Pacific Over 34,000 USAAFpersonneland47,000locallaborers from Burma, India, and China were instrumentalinmakingthisairliftoperationareality Iteveninvolvedutilizinglocalelephants toreplaceunserviceableforklifts!
transformational after-school program, all whilehavingfun!”saidSailNauticusDirector, Sarah Linden-Brooks “This event will provide a glimpse into how sailing empowers local youth by building leadership and communicationskills.Whetheryouchoose to participate on the water, or party on our pier, doing so will make a difference in the livesofHamptonRoadsstudents.
All event proceeds benefit Sail Nauticus’ programs, including the Sail Nauticus Academy. The flagship program for underserved youth in Hampton Roads provides the opportunity to develop leadership and academic success through the art and scienceofsailing
SailFestisafamilyfriendlyevent andwill be held rain or shine For more information andtopurchasetickets,visitwww.nauticus. org/sailfest.
Get your ticket:
$55 - Adult (includes 2 drink tickets for beer/wine21+only+foodticket);
$15 - Child 12 & under (includes food ticket)
TicketpricesincreaseonSeptember18
NEW THIS YEAR - VIP Package: $150includes TWO (2) VIP tickets with access VIP seating section on pier, food ticket + 6
drinktickets,*LimitedAvailability*
Sail Nauticus & Nauticus Members receive $10 off General Admission tickets
Not a member? Join today at https://nauticus.org/membership/
Event highlights:
WaterfrontViews&TastyBrews
Your only chance to experience unique views of the Elizabeth River on the cruise pier with tasty brews by Elation Brewing, wine,localfoodtrucksandmore.
DrivingRange+Games
Bring the family and enjoy fun games like ourdrivingrangeonthepierandotheractivities hosted by Nauticus’ education team. Win prizes and more! Special thanks to our Chip&Sipsponsor,XylemTreeExperts.
SailboatRaces Cheer on event sponsors in the Corporate challenge as they compete in fun challenges along the pier Interested in having your company compete? Email Rehn West, Development Director for details at rehn. west@norfolk.gov.
LiveMusic|SilentAuction Swaytothebeatof livemusic,enjoygames, silentandmore!
CoferCup-AwardsCeremony CelebratethewinnersoftheCoferCupand
Corporate Challenge Team registration is now open - sign up your team today online athttps://nauticus.org/sailfest/sailfest-registration/
AboutSailNauticus:SupportforSailNauticus directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation a 501(c)3 nonprofit Funding provides alife-changingexperienceforunderserved youth in our local community. Our mission is to inspire, instruct, and impact Hampton Roads kids through the use of sailing and maritimesciences Tolearnmorevisitwww. nauticus.org/sail-nauticus.
About Nauticus: Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus usesthemuseum,BattleshipWisconsin,sailingcenter,andSchoonerVirginiatotellthe story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military The Nauticus Foundationisthenonprofit,501©3thatsupportsthe missionandactivitiesofNauticus Nauticus missionistobenefitthecommunitythrough education,impactfulexperiences,andsharing access to maritime resources. For more information,visitwwwnauticus.org
Community
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWSAND PHOTOS
The Flagship welcomessubmissions from ourreadersonline.
Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/
Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/
PressRelease
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND,Va. —Pony
Penning meansdifferent thingstodifferent people.Forponylovers,itisatimetopossiblybuyanewponytolove.Forhistorylovers, it is atimetocelebrate a98year tradition whose roots areasdeep as the marsh mud. Forliteraturelovers,itisa timetohonor a belovedchildren’sauthor who wrote an awardwinningstoryaboutarealChincoteagueponynamed Misty.For allChincoteaguers,itisatimeofhomecoming.Whether youhavelivedonChincoteagueyourentire lifeoronlyforashortseason,thelastweekof Julyisapilgrimagehometorekindle,reconnect, and rechargewithfamily and friends duringthisexcitingweekofponyfever.Visitors from around the world experience an eventlikenoneother.
Thousands line the shoresofVeterans MemorialPark and Pony Swim Lane to watch the world-famous ChincoteaguePonies maketheir annual swimfrom Assateague Island, VA to Chincoteague Island.Charterboatsandkayaksfilledwith eageronlookersline the AssateagueChannelcreatingapathwayfortheponiesasthey maketheiryearlyswimfromshoretoshore. The Town of Chincoteague will provide enhanced viewing of the event on alarge Jumbotron locatedatVeterans Memorial Park and provide free shuttle bus serviceto the event beginning at 5a.m. on July 26th.
The shuttle operates on Wednesday only WhenshuttleserviceendsonSwimDay,the Pony ExpressTrolley willbeginrunning at 1p.m.toassist. Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com/ pony-penning and thechamber’s Facebook pageforanyupdates,shuttlemap,andinformationincluding wheretopark if youare a dayvisitor,helpful hintsand fullschedule ofevents
Festivities begin with the South Herd rounduponSaturday,July22ndatapproximately 7a.m. at theSouthcorralonBeach Road. The North Herd will be rounded up onSunday,July23rd.
The North Herd of wild Chincoteague PonieswilljointheSouthHerdtoawaitthe “big day” in the traditional BeachWalkon AssateagueIslandat6a.m.onMonday,July 24th.VetcheckswillbegivenonTuesday
The annual swim on Wednesday, July 26th is at the earliest morningslack tide— estimated swim windowwill be between 8:30-10:30a.m.
The auction of foals takes place on Thursdaymorning July 27th at 8a.m. at the CarnivalGrounds located at 3648Main Street.Theauctionwillalsofeatureavirtual component, so register beforehand if you plantobidonline
The week’sevents culminate with the returnswimoftheSouthHerdadultponies to Assateague Island on Fridaymorning July28th(timetobedeterminedafterswim onWednesday)
Foralmost100years,we have held ourPonyPenning and Carnival to the delight ofvisitors from around theworld.At“slacktide”on the last Wednesdaybeforethe lastThursdayofeveryJuly,Chincoteague’s“SaltwaterCowboys”herdthewild ChincoteagueponiesfromAssateague Island,across theAssateague Channel,to neighboring Chincoteague Island.Afterthe swim,the ponies“parade”tothe carnival groundswhere the foals areauctionedonthe lastThursdayofJuly.OnFriday,the adult ponieswillmakethe return swim toAssateague Islandwheretheywill liveinthewild foranotheryear (CHINCOTEAGUECHAMBEROFCOMMERCE/WWW.CHINCOTEAGUECHAMBER.COM)
TheChincoteagueVolunteerFireman’s CarnivalwillbeopenJuly21-22,24-29from 7-11p.m.featuring rides, games, raffles,and fabulous EasternShorefood including oysterandclamfritters!
Thelastnightofthecarnivalwillbecelebrated with ahuge Fireworksdisplay on July29th
Come early to enjoythe 35th Annual ChincoteagueIslandBlueberryFestival, Misty’sBirthdayParty,BuckarooBingo, freeshowingsofMistyofChincoteague, MusicattheDock,Storytelling,Farmers and Artisans Market,and so manymore funevents thattakeplaceduring July.Stop bytheChincoteagueChamberofCommerce andCertifiedVisitorCenterlocatedat6733 MaddoxBoulevard to learn more, visit the Events Page of the chamber’swebsite,or download the Chincoteagueapp (seeQR code below) for details on theseand many
other events and activities.Itistruly an awesome time on the island wherewild poniesroam.
Inrecognitionofthesebeautifulanimals, the Chincoteague Pony has been officially named the State Pony forthe CommonwealthofVirginia.Signedintolawjustafew weeksago by Governor Youngkin, the wild ChincoteaguePonieshaveattained celebrity status! “Virginia is ForPonyLovers” commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the Chamber Office the only outlet for this one-of-a-kind shirt honoringthe belovedponies. ThisistheyeartocheckPonyPenningoff your “bucket list”!It’snot too latetobook your vacation of alifetime.What areyou waitingfor?Visitwww.chincoteaguechamber.comtobegin. Planningisnow easierthan ever with the officialChincoteague App! With this
planner, the ChincoteagueChamber team can help youget organized and maximize your time,soyou spend more time making memoriesthatwilllastalifetime!Download the app todayfor your iPhone or Android andtakeyourplanwithyou!
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va.—Disney Theatrical Productions,under the direction of Thomas Schumacher,and Broadway in Norfolk announcedtodaythat tickets for the long-awaited engagement of Disney’s Aladdinwill go on sale to the public on Monday,July17.ThehitBroadwaymusical comedywillbeginperformancesinNorfolk at Chrysler Hall on Wednesday, October 25for alimited engagement of one week through Sunday, October 29.InNorfolk, Aladdin will play:
Wednesdayand Thursdayat7:30p.m
Fridayat8:00 p.m.
Saturdayat2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundayat1:00 p.m. and6:30 p.m.
Tickets areavailable for purchaseat the Scope Arena BoxOffice,and online at Ticketmaster.com. Orders for groups of ten or moremay be placed by calling (757)
664-6418
The Scope Arena boxoffice andTicketmaster.comaretheonlyofficialretailticket
outlets forall performances at Chrysler Hall. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from aticket broker orany thirdparty should be awarethat Chrysler Hall is unable to reprint or replace lostorstolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinentupdatesregarding the performance Aladdin, the hit musicalbased on the AcademyAward®-winning animated film, openedonBroadway at the NewAmsterdam Theatretocritical acclaim on March 20,2014and quickly established itself as one of the biggestnew blockbusters, breaking 16 NewAmsterdam Theatre house records and spawning nine productionsonfour continents.Worldwide it has welcomed morethan 16 million people and can be seen currently on Broadway and on tour across North America, as well as in Tokyoand Madrid, with aUKtour slated to open later this year.The Broadwayproductionrecentlyplayedits3,000th performance and joined the listofTop 20
longestBroadway runs
About Aladdin: Produced by Disney
Theatrical Productions,Aladdin features musicbyTonyAwardandeight-timeOscar® winnerAlanMenken(BeautyandtheBeast, Newsies,Sister Act),lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), threetimeTonyAward andthree-time Oscar winnerTimRice(Evita,Aida)andsix-time Tony AwardnomineeChad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with abook by Beguelin, and isdirectedand choreographed by Tony Awardwinner Casey Nicholaw(The Book of Mormon).
Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including“OneThousandandOneNights,” isbroughttofreshtheatricallifeinthisbold new musical. Aladdin’sjourney sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.This new production features afull score,including the fivecherished songs from the AcademyAward-winning
soundtrackandmorewrittenespeciallyfor the stage TheanimatedfilmAladdinwasreleased byDisneyin1992andwasacriticalandbox office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year
ThefilmwontheOscarforBestOriginal Scoreandintroducedthehitsong“AWhole NewWorld,”whichwon the secondofthe film’s twoAcademyAwardsasBestOriginal Song.The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the BillboardHot 100 chart.
Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winningscenicdesignerBobCrowley, seven-timeTony-winninglightingdesigner Natasha Katz, two-timeTony-winning costumedesignerGreggBarnesandsound designer KenTravis Formoreinformation, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour,InstagramandFacebook. Patrons can also visit SevenVenues com for parkingand venue information
Virginia Championship Wrestling presentsthesixteenthannualLibertyLotteryat the Salvation Army Kroc Center of HamptonRoadsonSaturdaynightJuly29thwith special guests Matt Cardona & Steph De Lander!TheKrocCenterofHamptonRoads islocatedat1401BallentineBlvdinNorfolk. Doorsopenat6:30PM Belltimeis7:30PM. The Front Row is completely SOLD OUT! GeneralAdmission/Ringsideisstillavailable for $25. Concessions will also be available Ticketsmaybepurchasedinadvanceonline atvcwprowrestling.com.TheVCWLiberty Lottery has been the biggest independent professional wrestling event in Virginia for overfifteenyears!Youwon’twanttomissit!
Matt Cardona (who WWE fans will remember as Zack Ryder) has created a second life for himself on the independent scene using his legal name Since leaving WWE, Cardona has captured championships at organizations across the country Hiscollectionofsimultaneouslyheldtitlesis quiteasighttobehold.Althoughhewon’tbe competing for gold in VCW, Matt Cardona will be stepping into the ring with a former three-time Virginia Heavyweight Champion,“Mr.Xcellence”BrandonScott.These twohavecrossedpathsbeforedespitenever competingone-on-one.VCWmanagement must certainly be thrilled to bring this bout to the great fans of Virginia at the biggest eventoftheyear!Itwillbeinterestingtosee if Cardona will continue his winning ways orif“Mr.Xcellence”canfindapathtowhat wouldundoubtedlybeahugevictory
Steph De Lander, who is known for both her professional wrestling skills and managerialservicesforMattCardona,willalsobe inactionattheLibertyLottery She’sgoingto haveherworkcutoutforherthough,asDe LanderlocksupwithEricaLeigh Leighhas picked up an impressive string of victories over the last year in VCW with her acumen in the ring. She’s competed against some incredibly talented athletes but De Lander is a different type of challenger. Known for her colorful persona and ruthless style, the Australiannativehassaidsheplanstocome toNorfolkreadytofight.Thisboutiscertain toleavealastingimpressiononVCWfans!
Virginia Heavyweight Champion The Boar puts his title on the line at the Kroc Center against the number one contender Joe Keys Keys ended the months long win streakof“MushMaster TimSpriggsduring VCW’s last event at Old Dominion University Later that same evening, he attacked The Boar after a successful title defense, renderinghimunconsciousviaabrutalshot with the Virginia Heavyweight Championship itself In the main event of last year’s Liberty Lottery, Joe Keys was involved in a controversialdouble-pinthatleftnowinner declared. That bout was for the Virginia Heavyweight Championship, which Keys believes has been his undeclared property eversince TheBoarisgoingtobelookingfor a measure of revenge in this one, but could hebesoenragedthathelosesfocus?Perhaps that’sbeenJoeKey’splanallalong Anything canhappeninthisone!
The Reason and “The Director” Jerry Stephanitsis have been thorns in the side of VCW Tag Team Champions the Golden PinkySocietyeversincetheywonthetitles.
“The Director claims that his hatred for the duo goes back roughly six years, when BenjaminBanksdroppedhimasamanager That’s a long time to hold a grudge, but knowing the VCW Director of Operations, it’snotthatsurprising.Inadditiontomultiple unprovoked attacks, trash talking, and just being general pests The Reason and “The Director” perpetrated their greatest miscarriage of justice last month After successfullydefendingtheirVCWTagTeam Titles earlier in the day, Benjamin Banks was finally granted a one-on-one bout with Stephanitsis As Banks made his entrance forthematch,hispartner“Diamond”Victor Griff was conspicuously absent Banks was then attacked from behind by The Reason beaten mercilessly and rolled into the ring for Stephanitsis “The Director forced
the referee to ring the bell, signifying the start of the contest. To add insult to injury, Stephanitsis would do Bank’s own signature dance the Money Shuffle before dropping an elbow on his unconscious foe and pinninghimwithonepinky VCWCommissionerGeorgePantaswassodisgustedwith theseantics,hesignedthematchforLiberty Lottery, hoping to finally put an end to this The Golden Pinky Society can’t wait to get theirhandsonTheReasonand“TheDirector”onJuly29thinNorfolk.It’shighlylikely they will be giving out some receipts for all thetroublethey’vebeencaused
The Liberty Lottery match is a twenty entrant, delayed entry battle royal in which
VCW fans will determine the order of the competitors via a random draw It’s without question the most unpredictable out of the year The winner of this high-stake affair earns a guaranteed VCW Championship opportunity of their choosing meaning they can challenge for ANY VCW title We’ve seen every championship selected at one time or another in the match’s illustrious history Entrants confirmed so far include:VCWLibertyChampionDevantes, RexLawless,PhilBrown,DirtyMoney,Saul Esparza,DezmonKing,“MushMaster”Tim Spriggs Big AC and Irvin Legend. One of these individuals could win or any one of theunannouncedparticipantscouldaswell!
The only certainty in this match is that the VCWfansareinforagreattime!
VCW’s sixteenth annual Liberty Lottery takes place on Saturday night July 29th at the Salvation Army Kroc Center of Hampton Roads Tickets may be purchased in advance online at vcwprowrestling.com or at the door the night of the event Fans also havetheoptiontopurchaseautographand/ orphotoopswithMattCardonaonline It’s going to be an incredible night of professional wrestling action! I’ll see you at the matches!
As people look to change what’s on their plates,itcanbetoughtoknowwheretobegin. Fromsocialmedia-inspiredrecipestotrendy menuofferings,therearemanyoptions
That’s why restaurant owners Katie and Thom Werner are recommending a staple that’s sustainable fresh and versatile: Lobster The Werners own the popular Island Lobster Co restaurant in Peaks Island, Maine where Thom works as a commercial fisherman and supplies most ofthelobsterserved
The Werner family is well versed in the iconic Maine Lobster fishery, coming from a long line of generational fishing families, with Thom having fished since he was 6 years old. They know lobster can be intimidatingforhomecooks,butaspeoplefamiliar withtheproduct,theyemphasizelobsteris easytoprep,deliciousandsupportscommunitiesupanddownthecoast.
“Lobsters are always sustainably harvestedandhandledwithcarebythefishery,” Katie said. “It’s so important to know whereyourfoodcomesfromandwithlocal lobster it’s something you can feel great aboutenjoyingthatalsodirectlybenefitsso manyfamilieslikeours.
4th-generation lobsterfamilyand restaurant owners Katie andThomWerner (FAMILY FEATURE/MAINELOBSTERMARKETING COLLABORATIVES)
For those looking to enjoy a simple and classic version of lobster the Werners recommendatriedandtruemethod.
“Steamed with some melted butter is always perfect, Thom said. “You can’t beat
the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh lobster withthatpunchofsaltybutter.”
For those looking for a fresh twist, Katie suggests trying her favorite recipe at Island LobsterCo.:theBLTLobsterRoll.
“It’s a savory and sweet combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes and tender lobster meat, all served on a buttery roll,” shesaid.“It’sagreatwaytoenjoysustainable trap-to-tablefare.”
Nomatterwhatrecipepeoplegowith,the Werner family hopes everyone can partake inenjoyingastapleoftheirheritage
“Tome,MaineLobsterisatasteofhome,”
Thom said. “I’ve always enjoyed it with friends and family. Now I get to share that legacywithmyownkidsandourcommunity attherestaurant.Ifeelincrediblylucky,and I hope everyone - whether you’re a Mainer or on the opposite side of the country - can enjoy it as a celebration of such an iconic industry.”
To learn more about the Werners’ story, findrecipesandlookforwaystosupportthe industry,visitlobsterfrommaine.com.
BLT Lobster Roll
Recipe courtesy of the Werner family of Island Lobster Co on behalf of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Yield: 1 roll 3slicesbacon ¼poundfreshlobstermeat(ormeat from1-poundlobster)
1tablespoonbutter
1briochebun,halved
1tablespoonmayonnaise
3tomatoslices
1largeleafromainelettuceor butterlettuce
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon slices on top Cook 10-15 minutes, or until desiredcrispiness.
Prepare large pot with 2 inches of salted water and bring to rolling boil. Add lobster andsteam12minutes Halfwaythrough,lift lidcarefullyandshiftlobstertocookevenly. Break down lobster and remove meat fromshell,yieldingabout4ouncesofcooked meat.Chopmeatintobite-sizepieces
In large skillet or griddle over medium heat,warmbuttertocoatpan.
Placebothpiecesofbuncutsidesdownon panandcookabout30secondsuntilgolden. Removebunsfrompanandsetaside
In bowl, toss chopped lobster meat with mayonnaiseandsetaside Assemble cooked bacon tomato lettuce andlobstermixontoastedbun.
Summer celebrations come in many forms - backyard games, fun at the pool, time with family - but perhaps a favorite is enjoyingfresh,deliciousfoodsthatareeasy to prepare. Put a twist on the classic Caesar salad this summer with crunchy textures and energizing flavors to keep the excitementrollingallseasonlong
Capitalize on a food trend that’s all the rage with this easy-to-assemble Chicken CaesarSaladCharcuterieBoardforaunique waytoshareameal.Slicedchickenprovides that familiar taste of grilled summer fare combined with hard-cooked eggs, fruits, veggies,cheeseandcrostini.
At the heart of the dish is the Fresh Express Twisted Lemon Caesar Chopped Salad Kit, which provides a spin on traditionalCaesarflavorbyaddinginbrightnotes of lemon. The kit features crisp iceberg lettuce, colorful and sweet dried cherries, crunchyParmesancheesecrispsandlemon white wine Caesar dressing to bring a little sunshinetoeachbite.
Aconvenient,idealbedforthissaladcharcuterieboard thekitscanalsobeenjoyedas an easy summer salad on their own and are availableintherefrigeratedproducedepartmentatgrocerystores VisitFreshExpress.comformoremealtime inspirationandtofindsaladkitsnearyou.
Chicken Caesar Salad Charcuterie Board
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
3packages(9.1ounceseach)Fresh ExpressTwistedLemonCaesar ChoppedSaladKits
2poundsslicedgrilledchicken
16slicescrostini
1cupchoppedhard-cookedeggs
1cupchoppedcelery
1cupdicedcucumber
1cupchoppedredonion
1cupchoppedapple
1cupchoppedtomato
1cupshavedRomanocheese
1cupchoppedpecans
1cupgoldenraisins
1lemon,sliced
Placelettucefromsaladkitsinlargebowl; placeincenter of large roundcuttingboard orplatter Arrange sliced chicken and crostini
aroundbowloflettuce.
Place salad dressings and toppings from salad kits in individual small bowls Place eggs celery cucumber red onion, apple tomato,Romanocheese,pecans,raisinsand lemonslicesinindividualsmallbowls
Arrange bowls in circle around lettuce, chickenandcrostini.
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLS CHURCH, Va If you’re a man, it’s a good time to take stock of your overall health. According to the Centers for DiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC),the life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly sixyearslessthanthatforwomen.Andthat gapisgettingwider However,mencanstill live long, healthy lives by eating right, exercising,andgettingpreventivehealthcare.
“Preventivehealthcareisn’tjustforolder men,” said Jeannine Pickrell, RN, nurse consultantforDiseaseManagement&PopulationHealthattheDefenseHealthAgency “Seeingahealthcareproviderforpreventive servicescanhelpmenofallagesbydetecting health problems early, before they become life-threatening.”
Many preventive services are available when you visit your provider for other routine care. Annual Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HP&DP) exams are also available to any TRICARE enrollee overage6.Thisletsyougetmultiplepreventive services during one visit You’ll pay no out-of-pocket costs for getting preventive care when you follow your plan’s rules, as outlined in the TRICARE Costs and Fees FactSheet.Ifyou’reage65orolderandyou have TRICARE For Life, follow Medicare’s rulesforgettingpreventivecare
Which preventive services are right for you? That depends on several factors includingyour:
Age Race
Familyhistory
Overalllifeexpectancy
These and other risk factors determine which services are medically necessary for youandcoveredbyTRICARE.
Below you’ll find a list of preventive care servicesrecommendedformen Keepthem inmindthenexttimeyoutalktoyourhealth careprovider
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is more common in men than in women. If you’re age 45 or older with average risk for colon cancer, TRICARE covers several types of screeningsforcolorectalcancer.Someriskfactors forcolorectalcancerinclude:
Historyofinflammatoryboweldisease
Familyhistoryofcolorectalcancer
Lifestylefactorssuchasdiet,alcohol,and tobaccouse
Talktoyourproviderifyouthinkyoumay beatincreasedorhighrisk.
Prostate cancer
TRICARE covers annual prostate cancer exams for men age 50 or older with at least a10-yearlifeexpectancy However,youmay beeligibleforprostatecancerexamsstarting at age 40 or age 45 if you have certain risk factors Talk to your provider if you have a family history of prostate cancer; you may be eligible for early testing African American men are eligible for prostate exams at age45regardlessoffamilyhistory.
Testicular cancer
Not all cancer screenings are for older men. According to the CDC, testicular cancer is most common in men ages 20 to
39 TRICAREcoverstesticularcancerexams annually for males ages 13 to 39 who have a history of cryptorchidism, orchiopexy, or testicularatrophy.
Lung cancer
Men use tobacco products more often than women. They also have higher rates of getting and dying from lung cancer than women. TRICARE covers lung cancer screeningifyou:
Are50to80yearsold
Have a 20 pack per year or more history ofsmoking
Currently smoke or have quit smoking withinthepast15years
Heart disease
Heartdiseaseistheleadingcauseofdeath
formenintheU.S.AsnotedbytheCDC,half of the men who die suddenly of coronary heartdiseasehadnoprevioussymptoms It’s importanttogetpreventivecheckupsevenif youdon’tdisplayanysymptoms
Cardiovascular disease screenings are a covered benefit. This includes cholesterol andbloodpressurechecks.
Of course, there’s more to preventive healththancheckupsandscreenings Keepingahealthylifestyleisaneverydayjob Talk to your provider about things like healthy eating,gettingmoreexercise,mentalhealth, and more. And be sure to check out Men’s Health(https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/ HealthyLiving/Mens-Health)formoretips onstayinghealthythroughouttheyear
InterviewByYiorgo
This Thursday through Sunday, July 20th-July23rd,the2023GeorgeTragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (TNTHOF) will take place at the National Hall of FameDanGable MuseuminWaterloo, Iowa It is named after Lou Thesz who in the world of professional wrestling is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and his trainer George Tragos. The TNTHOF proudly honors wrestlers that have a very strong amateur background in the fundamentals of wrestling while at the same time have made a profound impact in theworldofprofessionalwrestling
For tickets and more info go to https:// nwhof.org/events/2023-george-tragoslouthesz-professional-wrestling-hall-of-fame Yiorgo: With us today to tell us all about thisyear’sTNTHOFandhisandJBL’svery successful “Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw podcast,istheWWElegendaryHall ofFamerGeraldBrisco
Gerald Brisco: We are so excited about this year’s event and can’t wait to share it with everyone A who’s who of pro wrestling legends will be there such as: JJ Dillon, Tommy Rich, Baron Von Raschke, JBL, D-Von Dudley Les Thatcher Haku, JimmyValiant,KenPatera thePodfatherof podcasts Conrad Thompson and so many more.
Y:Whataresomeofthehighlightsofthis hugeevent?
GB:Wehavesomethingforeveryone We have a silent auction, round table discussions, a fanfest with many vendors, meets and greets with the legends in attendance a great wrestling card put on by Impact Pro Wrestling, an incredible banquet, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony itself and so muchmore.
Y:Whoisbeinghonoredthisyear?
GB: The Class of 2023 is Gary Albright (Posthumous Inductee), Bill DeMott (Lou Thesz World Heavyweight Championship Award),LesThatcher(JackBriscoSpotlight Award), Haku (Frank Gotch Award), Tom Burke(JimMelbyAward),ConradThompson (Gordon Solie Award), Sara McMann (George Tragos Award), Professor Boris Malenko (Posthumous inductee, Trainer Award),andRockRiddle(ImpactAward.)
Y: I reached out to several of this year’s honorees Here is what Les Thatcher said. “I am so honored, proud and humbled to receivetheJackBriscoAwardbecauseJack was not only a great Champion wrestler but a dear friend. Also along with brother Gerald, we put out the first ever pro wrestling T-shirt in 1972 So this award is like getting it from family, which makes it even more special I’m sure Brother Jack will be smilingdownonWaterlooSaturdaynight.”
The great Haku, upon learning that he willbegettingtheFrankGotchAwardsaid, “Thisawardisquiteanhonor Mr Gotchwas the first American professional wrestler to win the World Heavyweight Championship Heavyweight Freestyle and I am very humbledtoreceivetheFrankGotchAward.
PodcasterextraordinaireConradThompson,forthefirsttimeinalongwhile,wasleft speechless when you called to tell him the news He said, “It’s really a very humbling experience You have all these incredible athletes who sacrifice their bodies all these yearsandIsomehowgetthesameopportunity. Mr Brisco called to tell me that I was going into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame, getting the Gordon Solie Award and that it was a unanimous decision. I told him that I appreciate that very much but don’t know what to say, and he said,“Yousayyes,d***it.” SoIsaidyesd*** it I am very excited to be there and I hope everyonecomesandjoinusthere I’mgoing todoeverythingthereistodothereandsoak itallup
You and JBL also have an amazing podcast, “Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw”thatIamahugefanofandnevermiss.
I really enjoy the love and respect you both show for your guests/friends that you have onyourpodcastandofcourseforeachother The chemistry and comradery between Johnandyouisjustajoytowatchandhear. Solet’stalkaboutyourpodcast.
GB:Youknow,Iamandhavebeenaneternalribbermyentirelife Ipridemyselfonmy senseofhumorandpositivethoughts It’sso strange,JBLandIhavethatsamechemistry
We grew up in the same area, even though Oklahomaisamuchbetterareathenwhere he grew up in. We have that natural rivery wherehelikestotelljokesaboutOklahoma and I tell jokes about Texas but we respect each other John watched that old school wrestling and that was my era. Guys that were heroes to him, I had competed with in the ring so we get to talk about that. We crackafewjokesoneachotherbutwedon’t maketheshowaboutus,it’saboutourguests andtheyenjoyittoo Wekeepitforaboutan hour to an hour and a half and our goal is to putsmilesonpeoplesfaces.
Y:WhatpromptedyouandJohntodothe podcast?
GB:Duringthepandemicacoupleofyears back,JBLandI,wewereboredsinceeverybody had to stay home and we have always beengreatfriends,eventhoughheisaTexan andI’manOkieandIammoresuperiorthan he is, so we just started making goofy posts ontheinternet.Wecalledeachotheroneday saying how we enjoyed each other’s posts anddecidedtostartpostingtogether
Y: Why should people listen to your podcast,whatwilltheygetoutofitthatthey willnotgetanywhereelse?
GB:JBLandIarebothverypositiveguys and we came up with the formula of only being positive and started telling some of these historic stories and started to book talentthatwouldreflectthat Wehavebeen fortunateenoughtotravelupanddownthe roadwithsomeprettyfamousguysandgals andinourwrestlingbusiness,therearealot ofgreatroadstoriesoutthere Ofcourse,you never know if they are exaggerated or not
because some of them are going to be hearsay stories told by others who either heard aboutthemorwitnessedthem.
So we get those true stories from the legends themselves who made the stories. We don’t look for dirt. We leave that to the dirt sheets We look for funny road stories and let me tell you, the girls have some greatfunnystoriesaswell Wehadthegreat Gail Kim, Princess Victoria, Missy Hyatt, Mike McGuirk, the first female WWF ring announcerandmore.Thegreatthingabout John and I is that we are still fans and are very thrilled to hear these stories just like thefansouttherelistening.
Y: What guests surprised you the most withhowopentheywereorcommentsthey made?
GB:That’sanotherthingthat’sgreatabout our show. We are always surprised by how much our guests open up to us I believe theydothatbecausetheywereeitherinthe dressing room or in the car or in the ring with us and they trust us. To me, all of our guests have opened up and are honest with us because of our relationships with them. We have experienced happiness and hardships together and we have that friendship thatbondsusforever
StanHensenclarifiedthestoryofreturningtheAWAbeltafterhedroveoveritwith a truck. Well he didn’t drive over it with a truck, he ran over it with a John Deere tractor Another one that comes to mind is “Cowboy” Scott Casey who was over big in Texasanddidnotneedtotravelalot.There are a lot of guys like that out there and we want to provide the platform so the rest of theworldwillknowaboutthem.
I expected Bob Roop to open up and he did John did not know Bob at all and after the podcast was over John was like, “Holy cow, some of the stuff that Bob told us was really,really,reallygreat.”AndWWF/WWE ringannouncerTonyChimeltoldsomegreat backstagestoriesthatarereallynotoutthere andwasabletobringthemouttothepublic.
From the referees we had Mike Chioda, JimmyKorderastellingsomerefereestories, wetriedtocoverallaspectsofourbusiness
Y: Where were you born and can you tell
usalittleaboutyourearlylifegrowingup?
GB: I was born in Seminole, Oklahoma and went to school at a little bitty town of Bowlegs, Oklahoma. A lot of people don’t know this part of my story but we moved to California for about a month, things escalatedbetweenhimandmymomandheput my mother and us four kids on the bus and sent us back. So he deserted our mom and ourfamilyandwedidn’thavemuchcontact withhimatallduringmygrowingupyears
So I grew up in those Oklahoma hardship days that everybody grew up in. We did not have a lot but my mother worked very hard tomakesurewehadagoodupbringing
I was fortunate to where I excelled in sports and got a scholarship to Oklahoma State University I went there and I was not as good as I thought I was. And I certainly wasnotasgoodasmybrotherJackwaswho won the NCAA Championship and was an All-American during his time there. I did learnhowtoexcelwhenIwastherebecause Iwasintheroomwithnationalchampions, olympic champions, world champions so I gottoseethathardworkanddedicationthat madetheseguyssuccessfulincollegeandin internationalwrestling
Y:Whydidyoudecidetobecomeaprofessionalwrestler?
GB: My brother Jack meant so much to me He was more than a brother, he was alsoafatherfigure,hedidagreatjobandwe miss him everyday So what made us both wanttogetintowrestlingwasthelate,great DannyHodgewholivednottoofarfromus in Perry Oklahoma. We idolized him with him being a college wrestler then turning pro. We decided, wow, that was something we could do We got no money, this is our way up and out. Coach Rodrick, the wrestling coach at OSU knew Jack wanted to be a pro wrestler so he called Leroy McGurk whowasthelocalwrestlingpromoteranda national wrestling champion at Oklahoma StatetooandLeroywhenhefoundoutthat Jack had won a national championship offeredJackacontract.
I was in high school then watching all of this and I knew that I also wanted to be a prowrestlerandIfollowedinhisfootsteps
ABOVE: Gerald andJackBrisco
LEFT: Haku,JBL Gerald Brisco (PHOTOSCOURTESYOFGERALDBRISCO)
Because of my injuries I was not progressing as I should have, so I left college a year early,wentoutforprowrestlingandtherest ishistory
Y:HowdidyouwindupinFlorida?
GB:IcameoutofschoolinJanuary1959
I came down to Florida and my deal was I wouldworksixweeksdownhereandEddie Graham was sending me to Japan. We did an angle where Dale Lewis was running downmybrotherJack,callinghimallkinds ofnamesfornotshowingup,hisplanewas delayed.SoIcouldn’ttakeitanymore,Iran down to defend Jack’s honor, eventually Dale got the best of me, put me in his Dale Lockandwouldnotletgo That’swherethe awardwinningGordonSoliedescribingthe action was so important. Gordon is saying things like, “Look at that Jerry Brisco, he’s right out of college and is taking up for his brother because Jack is delayed at the airport.HehasthatNativeAmericanblood, he’ll never give up.” When I’m just about to pass out, my brother shows up, drops his bags, beats Dale up and saves his little brother. We were very proud of our Native American heritage We never worked as Native Americans but we made sure the announcer knew that we had that Native American blood in us and they can make referencetoitbecausepeopleknewNative Americans had a fighting spirit and thanks to Gordon Solie’s comments, we didn’t have to come out in war paint. Gordon was the best in the world in anything that he covered. If you had a match called by Gordon Solie you had a match called by the greatest.
To the fans’ eyes I was hurt, my arm was inasling,therewasnointernetbackthen,so I went to Japan, then to Australia for a year then I came back and came into the CarolinasfortheJimCrockettPromotions
Next week Part II of our great interview withGeraldBrisco
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist