Flagship 08.17.2023

Capt. Franca Jones Assumes Command of Naval Medical Research Command NMRC held a change ofcommand ceremonyon 11 Aug.where Capt.William Denistonwas relieved as commander,NMRC,byCapt.FrancaJones in an official ceremonyin front ofdistinguished guests PageA4

Fleet replenishment oiler returns to Norfolk from 4-month deployment in Sixth Fleet

ByUSNMilitarySealiftCommand

Norfolk (NNS) Military Sealift Command’sfleetreplenishmentoilerUSNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188) returns to Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 10 following a four-monthdeploymenttoU.S.SixthFleet’s areaofresponsibility(AOR).

Supporting the Sixth Fleet’s full range of maritime operations and theater security missions, Joshua Humphreys had several noteworthy accomplishments, beginning with its participation in Gerald R. Ford (GRF) Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG-4) composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in April. During this four-week evolution, Joshua Humphreys provided five at-sea replenishments to three Navy ships Likewise, Joshua Humphreys provided underway replenishmentservicestoUSSMcFaul(DDG74), located off the coast of Portugal, during McFaul’s participation in Exercise Formidable Shield 2023 A biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise in May, that allowed McFaul to remain on station, projecting power, throughout the entireexercise Duringtheexercise,Joshua Humphreys also conducted a “Proof-ofConcept” CONSOL (consolidated cargo replenishment at sea) with the American Flag Commercial Style Tanker Stena Polaris This is a new water-space battle plan, within the MSC enterprise which is to have a United States Naval Combat Logistics Force ship receive fuel offshore for transfer to customers at sea.

In June, Joshua Humphreys, once again,

ByUnitedStatesFleetForcesCommand Commander,U.S.FleetForcesCommand

successfully executed the safe transfer of 538,334 gallons of jet fuel, 427,029 gallons ofdieselfuel,and16palletsofgeneralstores toGRFCSG Thisevolutionoccurredwithin a 24-hour time span during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, which provided a unique training opportunity for the fleet to strengthen its combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. InadditiontosupportingGRFCSG,Joshua Humphreys was also instrumental in providing on-time replenishment services to the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), RFA MountsBay(L3008),andUSSPaulIgnatius (DDG 117).

Whiledeployed,theJoshuaHumphreys’

NORFOLK, Va More than 25,000 Sailors and Marines across 22 times zones are now participating in Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2023 as the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps officially kick off one of the maritime service’s largest exercises,Aug.9.

LSE 2023, integrating six Navy and Marine Corps component commands and seven U.S. numbered Fleets around the globe,mergesreal-worldoperationswithvirtuallyconstructed scenariostocreatearealistictrainingenvironmentthatallows Sailors and Marines to train the way they fight, regardless of geographic boundaries. The exercise reflects hypothetical scenariosandisdesignedtorefinehowtheNavyworksasone teamonaglobalscale

“Our maritime operations have never been more global,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command.“WehavetomaintaintheNation’sabilitytoproject power globally for our country and to command and control thateffectivelyrequiresustodoexerciseslikeLSE2023.”

LSE 2023 was designed to reinforce the Chief of Naval

crew had the distinct pleasure of working with the crew of Frankfurt am Main (A1412),thesecondshipoftheBerlin-class replenishment ships of the German Navy Together, the two ship crews worked sideby-sidetostrengthentheirinteroperability

Joshua Humphreys’ Ship Master Capt. David K. Murrin said he could not be prouder of his crew’s accomplishments “I am incredibly proud of my crew and the excellence they achieved while conducting high risk, high visibility mission sets during this deployment. Our officers and crew advanced maritime services at sea, served as ambassadors ashore, and seamlessly integrated with our NATO allies and partners They embraced our mantra of

“Complete Service to the U.S. and Allied Navy”andreflectedsuperblyontheUnited States and the Military Sealift Command. Murrin relieved Capt. Patrick T. Christian as the ship’s master during a mid-deploymentchangeofcommandinTallinn,Estonia, June 6.

Although the Joshua Humphreys crew had a busy logistical schedule throughout the 120-day deployment, they did have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the countries of Scotland, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, and Denmark. While in Stockholm, Naval Attaché Officer Capt. J.P. “Skull” Greene invited Capt. Murrin, Chief Mate Thomas C. Pace Cargo Mate John T. Fitzgerald, and Public Affairs Officer Larry J. Gonzales to the Royal Palace for a meet and greet. Fitzgerald said he felt honored when he received his invitation and was in awe of the size and grandeur of the Stockholm Palace, which is one of the oldest castles still serving as an official royal residence with more than 600 rooms spread across 11 floors “Being a part of an internationalmomentousdaywasanexperience of a lifetime one that I will never forget.”Whileatthepalace,membersofthe Swedish Armed Forces and Stockholm’s city government presented the crew with aplaquetodemonstratetheirappreciation of USNS Joshua Humphreys For more information about Joshua Humphreys visitMilitarySealiftCommand at https://www.msc.usff.navy.mil/ships/ ship-inventory/.

Large Scale Exercise 2023

Operations efforttosetthestageforadvancingnavaldoctrine andtacticsbygloballyintegratingfleetoperationswithemergingtechnologiestorefineandvalidateDistributedMaritime Operationscapabilities.

“During LSE we are stressing our forces and learning to enhance our ability to sustain warfighting momentum in a navalcampaign,”saidLt Gen.BrianCavanaugh,commander, MarineForcesCommand.“There’snogreaterpoweronthis earthtodaythantheNavy-MarineCorpsteamthatyouhave.”

ScheduledtorunthroughAugust18 LSE2023willinclude liveunitsunderway,rangingfromaircraftcarrierstosubmarines;shorelogisticssupportunits;morethan30virtualunits (i.e.,participatingpiersideorfromtrainingfacilities,andstaff headquarters around the world); and an unlimited array of constructive(computer-generated)units

In preparation for the exercise, Caudle and Cavanaugh spokewithretiredAdm.JamesFoggo,DeanoftheCenterfor MaritimeStrategy duringaMaritimeNationPodcast.

To listen to the podcast visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RLufQNDU4NQ.

For more information, go to: https://www.dvidshub.net/ feature/LSE23

DOD mobilizes support in response to Hawaii wildfire

The National Guard has activated 134 troops including 99ArmyNational Guard personnel and 35AirNational Guard personnel to assist in the in the ongoing local and federalwildfire response efforts Two CH-47 Chinookhelicopters have also been assigned to supportwildfire response and search and recoveryefforts PageA6

Virginia Tech professor received “real world knowledge” at

NSWC Dahlgren Division this summer

TaftCoghill

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

As Virginia Tech professor Dr Justin Kauffman reflected on the 10 weeks he spentatNavalSurfaceWarfareCenterDahlgren Division (NSWCDD) for the Office of Naval Research Summer Faculty Research Program(SFRP),therewereseveralenlighteningmoments

The one that stood out above others, however,cameduringtheNSWCDDModelingandSimulationSummit

There were several presentations about mission-based modeling that demonstratedtoKauffmanthedistinctdifferences betweenacademiaandbeingattheforefront ofimpactingthewarfighteronadailybasis.

“It was about looking at the entire problemend-to-endandhowithastoberelevant for the warfighter,” Kauffman said. “That is somethingthattheacademicsidedoesn’tget exposed to regularly unless you’re involved in something like this. That was the most eye-opening experience and really drove homethelargerbenefitsofthisprogram.”

The SFRP involves professors from several different universities conducting researchatNSWCDD

This year the program more than tripled its participation with 10 professors joining theprogram.

In addition to Virginia Tech’s Kauffman, threeprofessorshailedfromOldDominion University and one each from North CarolinaStateUniversity,UniversityofTexas-Arlington,NorfolkStateUniversity,University of Mary Washington Virginia CommonwealthUniversityandVirginiaStateUniversity

“I think the summer program is great for facultytogetsomeofthatrealworldknowledge,”Kauffmansaid

Kauffman,whoworkedintheIntegrated Engagement Systems Department during hisstintatNSWCDD,isaresearchassistant professor in the Intelligent Systems Division at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute(NSI)

Before Kauffman arrived at the NSI in Arlington, Virginia, he was a mathematician in the High Performance Computing

andVisualizationGroupundertheApplied and Computational Mathematics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology

He earned a doctorate in engineering science and mechanics from Penn State University, which is also where he earned a master’sandtwobachelors.

Kauffman spent his time at NSWCDD in the Hypersonics Design Integration and SystemsAnalysisBranch.HestartedMay25 andworkedmostlyonhypersoniceffectson hydrometeorsandhowthosehydrometeors affecthypersonicprojectiles.

“Sincemybackgroundisinmodelingand simulation,Iwasmorefocusedontryingto developmodels,”Kauffmansaid.

The relationships Kauffman developed were equally as important as his hands-on activities JoelMejeur,ascientistintheHypersonic Design Integration and Systems Analysis Branch,workedcloselywithKauffman.

“The SFRP provides an opportunity to establish continuing research relationships with the research and development

personnel of the host laboratories,” Mejeur said. “Dr Kauffman supported the branch throughanalysisofmethodsusedforhypersonic weather interactions and also leveragedhistimemakingconnectionswithother groups at NSWCDD to further develop its relationshipwiththeVirginiaTechNational SecurityInstitute.”

Kauffman said he’s hopeful the connectionshemadeatNSWCDDwillbemutually beneficial.HesaidthereareongoingdiscussionscenteredonNSWCDDandtheuniversityestablishingastrongerrelationship Kauffman’s position at Virginia Tech doesn’t require him to teach. However, there are other ways to use the knowledge hegainedthissummer.

“I think there will be opportunities to write proposals to the Office of Naval Researchorotherentitiesandpartnerwith Dahlgren,” Kauffman said. “I now have a muchbroadernetwork.Icansendresumes ofgoodstudentstomorepeopleatDahlgren. Hopefullywecanestablishapipeline.”

Global Exercise tests 25,000 Sailors and Marines in a live, virtual, and constructive training environment

ByIanDelossantos

Navy Warfare Development Center

The Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2023 is underway LSE 2023 is a massive exercise conducted by U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), and U.S.NavalForcesEurope-Africa(NAVEUR/ NAVAF),integratedwithrespectiveMarine, numbered fleet forces and staffs, and supported by available joint and combined enablers The exercise is designed to stimulate global operations at the operational-to-tactical levels of war and to refine how the Navy and Marine Corps synchronizes maritime operations across multiple fleetsinsupportofthejointforce LSE2023 will simulate a massive global conflict that combines both live and virtual training to

test key warfighting concepts across U.S. navalforces LSE 2023 bolsters the combined firepowerof25,000SailorsandMarinesacross 22 time zones seven fleets and six U.S. combatantcommands LSE was first started in 2021 by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Michael Gilday to evaluate the preparedness of the Navy’s globally dispersed commands in the event of a global conflict. During a 24 July USFF media event, Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command announced that he and Lt Gen Brian Cavanaugh, Commander Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) will lead the exercise

The primary objectives of LSE 2023 are to assess Distributed Maritime Operations

(DMO)capabilitiesandsupportingconcepts of Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), synchronize global U.S. naval operations and improve warfighting effectiveness against strategic competitors in support of Geographic Combatant Commands These combined efforts are designed to support the CNO’s initiative by integrating fleet operations with emerging technologies andimproveandvalidateDMOcapabilities whileadvancingnavaldoctrineandtactics

“What you have to do is you have to fight with the force you have and then adjust its ability and its capabilities and its training and how you posture it and how you train to it and teach the Sailors and Marines to fightintheenvironment,”Caudlesaid “Our

abilitytodistributeourmaritimeforces,and abilitytocommandandcontrolthat,because distributing that allows us to actually do morewiththatforce Sothatpunchesabove its weight.But also I’ve got aMarineCorps thatIcanbringtobear.”

LSE 2023 is the second iteration of this exercise building upon and informed by lessons learned from LSE 2021 and warfightingconceptsrefinedthroughfleetbattle problems with the goal to drive toward an all-domainnavalforce

Participating units will include: USFFC USPACFLT, NAVEUR NAVAF, MARFORCOM, U.S. Marine Corps Forces EuropeandAfrica,U.S.MarineCorpsForces Pacific,sevenU.S.numberedfleets:Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth

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Dr Justin Kauffman,a research assistant professorin the Intelligent Systems Division at theVirginiaTech National SecurityInstitute,is one of10 professors from eight different universitieswho spent 10weeks at Naval SurfaceWarfare CenterDahlgren as part ofthe Office ofNaval Research SummerFacultyResearch Program.(PHOTOBYDIANASTEFKO)

NSWCDD works to close modeling and simulation capability gaps

ByTaftCoghill

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

Astacticalsystemsevolve,keepingmodels up to date is one of the greatest challenges facing the Modeling and Simulations Tools Branch at Naval Surface Warfare Center DahlgrenDivision(NSWCDD).

Thisisparticularlytruewhenitcomesto newweaponcoordinationandcontrolalgorithms

TheWarfareAnalysisandDigitalModeling Department at NSWCDD is constantly workingtoshrinkmodelingandsimulation (M&S)capabilitygaps.

“Combat is getting more complex and to figure out exactly what would happen in any given scenario is getting more difficult todo,”M&SToolsBranchportfoliomanager Garrett Wilson said “With newer technologies someone could be a subject matter expertbuttheydon’tnecessarilyknowhow it interacts with other things When you put it all together, how do the probabilities change?Thatisachallenge.”

TheWarfareAnalysisandDigitalModeling Department workforce noticed a gap in M&S capability for the surface domain and put together proposals to close the cracks Multipleproposalsgainedtractionandwill soonprovideamuch-neededcapability

TheDigitalModelingSolutionsToolSuite consists of three main components the Parametric Model Broker (PMB), the Blue Force Technical Baseline (BFTB) and the InfrastructureforRapidlyUpdatingMission Models (IRUMM), said Corey Gates, engineer in the Warfare Analysis and Digital ModelingDepartment “Wehavedifferentmodelingandsimulation tools to perform analysis,” Gates said. “Eachtoolhasitsownsetofcapabilities.

The PMB tool is anticipated to span all U.S. Navy mission areas and domains It is a Warfare Analysis and Digital Modeling Department Naval Innovative Science and Engineeringefforttoprovideacommonset of authoritative engineering data for Navy surfaceplatformsinsupportofM&Sefforts via a software interface that connects to multipledatasources

Data sources for PMB currently include ElementComponentCharacterizationAnalysis (E/CCA), and BFTB, which is in development PMB will provide easy access to verifieddatafrommultiplesourcestoaidstudy development stemming from a web application hosted through Naval Systems EngineeringResourceCenter.

Users can get verified aggregated data from the PMB graphical user interface directly Thebenefitsofthisarethatitisuser

friendlyforthosewhoaren’tknowledgeable of System Modeling Language (SYSML), it willbeeasytoaccessandeverythingisinone location,makingthisaone-stopshop GatesistheprojectleadforBFTB,which develops a repository for U.S. Navy platforms for use in M&S systems. The success of BFTB is tied to three important pillars data that is authoritative, accessible and current.

A configuration management plan will be developed to determine how software versioning will be maintained It will also describe the infrastructure that it will be hostedonanddefineanupdateonguidance and cadence The BFTB team will work on sustainmentplansforfuturefiscalyears.

BFTB is currently being developed on NavalPortalLogisticsIntegratedFleetTool/ Integrated Modeling Environment (Naval LIFT/IME) to make data easily accessible totheNavy’sM&Scommunity

The intent is to provide data for surface representations in M&S to support specific intended uses such as platform predictive analysis, platform test and evaluation,

platform training System of Systems (SoS)

development and integration, Live Virtual Constructive (LVC), support platform modelingandSoSpredictiveanalysis

“Our purpose and intent for M&S is multi-fold, including predictive analysis,” ModelingandSimulationToolsandCombat System Simulation Branch Head, Aaron Anderson, said. “Five, 15, 20 years from now, what should be the projected capability of our warfighter against threats? So if we’re looking at our adversaries what type of capabilities do they have now, what are we projecting them to have and what will we need to defend ourselves against said capability?”

AndersonsaidM&Stoolsarealsousedto demonstrate current combat systems The purpose is to simulate today’s capabilities includingconceptualdesign.

“Right now we’re looking at LVC, with morefocusontheconstructiveside.Understandingthatyoucannotgetaroundlivefire tests and live events where you are actually sendingshipsoutandthey’refiringmissiles and testing,” Anderson said. “The purpose

of using M&S tools is to offset some of the costsofusingactualliveequipment Wetry to model and simulate those things as close as possible and the reuse of live data from those live events help us do that. There is also an emphasis on verification, validation and accreditation to ensure that there is confidencethattheM&Scapabilitiessatisfy thespecificintendeduse.”

AndersonandWilsonsaidcapabilitygaps mostlystemfromthefactwhenoneisusing M&S itcanneverbeperfect.Wilsoncitedan exampleofsimulatingweatherconditions “Modelingtherealworldisverydifficult,” Wilson said “The closer and closer you get to the real world, the amount of computationneededtodothatgetshigherandhigher in which case it’s going to take your system forever to get an output Just wind in itself is very difficult to capture because it blows in all different directions and at different speeds Water is the same way. It flows in differentdirectionsanditgoesupanddown All of that takes an incredible amount of physicscalculationstomodel.”

The third component of the Digital ModelingSolutionsToolSuiteisIRUMM. IRUMM will supply behavior representationswithtraceabilitybacktoengineering specificationsandwithdatadeemedauthoritative by program offices via a partnership withBFTB.

ThegoalofIRUMMistospeedupmission model development by providing pseudocodetemplatesthroughthereportfeatureor cameo tool. It also aims to improve specific problems in the current M&S development process Some of the issues include code reuse requirementtraceabilityandthedurationofalgorithmimplementation.

IRUMM will be used to give a common starting point for algorithm implementations and will allow verified algorithm SYSML models to be exported to mission models IRUMM consists of activity diagrams and block definitions diagrams. Both of the elements are used to provide structural and behavioral information regardinganalgorithm

Algorithms modeled using IRUMM’s methodologycanbeusedtogeneratesource code implementation templates for modeling tools such as Advanced Framework for SimulationIntegrationandModeling,Next Generation Threat System and Modeling andSimulationToolbox.

“The main concept is that IRUMM will hold more than one algorithm package using SYSML blocks and also have activity diagrams for the behavioral piece, Gates said. “IRUMM’s goal is to make mission modelingdevelopmentfaster.”

Mid-Atlantic Region Calibration Center completes turnaround time by four days early

ByTroyMiller

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

The U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is currently on its maidenvoyage conductingascheduleddeployment in U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. SixthFleetareaofoperations,demonstratingthe commitmentandpoweroftheNavy’sglobally deployedforce.AswithanydeploymentforU.S. Navyvessels,ittakesamagnitudeofteamwork spreading across multiple entities within the Navy to make sure that ships and submarines areattheirfullpotentialtocarryoutthemission.

“Gerald R. Ford and Virginia class submarines represent significant technological improvements over previous classes of ships, said Mid-Atlantic Region Calibration Center (MARCC) Director Mark Brown. “This increases the complexity of the calibration requirements performed. It requires us to do newworkwithnewermethodsandprocedures on new test equipment, all of which were first inclass.”

When Ford returned from its final workups before deployment, the synergy between MARCC’s 108 Sailors and 48 civilians made it one solid and well performing unit, according toBrown.

“It is a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)goaltohavea14businessdayturnaround time,” said Brown. “MARCC not only

BySidneyHinds Naval Medical Research Command

SILVER SPRING, Md Naval Medical ResearchCommand(NMRC)heldachange of command ceremony in the Daniel K. Inouye building on the Forest Glen Annex on11Aug.

Capt. William Deniston was relieved as commander,NMRC,byCapt.FrancaJones in an official ceremony in front of distinguished guests family friends and shipmates Special guests included Rear Adm. GuidoF.Valdes,commander,NavalMedical Forces Pacific, who presided over the ceremony.

“Leadingaresearchcommandsuchasthis onedemandsexceptionalcommitmentanda deepunderstandingofourmilitary’sunique challenges,” Valdes remarked, “Medical researchiscriticaltothesuccessofthefleet and marine force enhances the ability to meet operational readiness requirements, andfostersnewopportunitiestosucceedas bothhealthcareprovidersandwarfighters.”

DenistonwelcomedJones,whohadpreviouslyservedasexecutiveofficerforNMRC, backtothecommandandexpressedenthusiasmforhertenureascommander Healso remarkeduponthemanychallengesNMRC hasovercome andthecommand’ssuccessin morecloselyaligningtotheline.

“Therehavebeensomemajorshiftsinthe past two years, but we in the Naval Medical ResearchandDevelopmententerprisehave maintainedtheabilitytosupportourselves,” Denistonsaid.

Deniston’s tenure as NMRC commander saw an increase in headquarters support fortheenterprisecommands anexpansion of the enterprise presence in media and at internationalconferences,andanalignment to the Naval warfighter through operationally oriented research and medical surveillance

“We have an incredibly important mission,”Jonesadded,inherownremarks, “to field medical solutions to the fleet and MarineCorpsforexpeditionaryoperations in all domains undersea, on land in the air, and in space As an enterprise we can accomplishthismissionbetterthananyone command.”

Jones previously served as commanding officer for U.S. Naval Medical Research

met that goal, but surpassed it by having all of the Ford’s high priority jobs completed in approximatelytendays,fourdaysearly.Weare the largest calibration center in the U.S. Navy and yet feedback has been that NNSY has the overallfastestturnaroundtimebetweenallfour

shipyards.

MARCC’s General Purpose Electronic Test EquipmentShop,(Shop256)ElectronicsTechnician Second Class Evan Hurley added, “We all have our own specialty that we are good at We use each other’s talents and gifts to work

togethertoknockoutthejobsontimeandright thefirsttime sonotimeiswastedonrework.”

MARCC has a first time rate of 96 percent. In October 2022 the first time rate was at 92 percent.Withavolumeofapproximately40,000 individualcalibrationsMARCCworksoneach year,fourpercentissignificant Whatdidittake toimprovethefirsttimerate?

“MARCC’sDeputyDirector,Lt Cmdr Julian Wilson, MARCC’s Senior Enlisted Advisor, Senior Chief Electronics Technician Francis Medina and myself know we do not have all theanswers,”saidBrown.“Ourgoalistomake well thought, data driven directions. To help achievethis wewenttoourteamfromthemost seniorciviliantothelowestrankingSailorand we listened to what they had to say on how to increaseourefficiency,qualityandturnaround time Wetookthosesuggestionsforactionand theresultswerephenomenal.”

Brown continued, “We ensured that every civilianandSailorhasabuyin.Wehandedthem ownership and they took it for action at full speed Wetakerisksasateam wefailasateam welearnfromourfailuresasateam andbecause ofthis,weaccomplishgreatthingsasateam.”

Mid-Atlantic Region Calibration Center is currentlyhiring.Ifthissoundslikeateamyou wanttobeapartof,gotohttps://www.navsea. navy.mil/Home/Shipyards/Norfolk/Careers aspxformoreinformation.

SILVERSPRING,Md.(Aug 11,2023) Capt.FrancaJones speaks at Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC)’s change ofcommand ceremony.The ceremony,presided overbyRear Adm.GuidoValdes,commander,Naval Medical Forces Pacific,sawCapt.William Deniston relieved as commander, NMRC byJones.NMRC leads the Naval Medical Research and Design enterprise,eight commands throughout the globewhich focus on readiness through research and development in support ofthe Navy Marine Corps and joint U.S.warfighters.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYTOMMYLAMKIN/RELEASED)

Unit(NAMRU)SOUTH,anothercommand withtheenterprise Underherdirection,the command continued surveillance activities and outbreak support for diseases such as avianinfluenza,H1N1influenzaanddengue fever. Additionally, NAMRU SOUTH experts assisted Peruvian and other partner region militaries through educational sessions during Continuing Promise 2022 activitiesinHondurasandtheDefenseInstitute for Medical Operations course held in Limain2023

“Capt. Deniston has established a great foundationforourfuture,”Jonessaid.“Iask

allofyoutojoinmeinbuildingonthatfoundation to guarantee the success of NMRC and the enterprise in supporting the Navy andNavyMedicine.”

Formerly known as Naval Medical Research Center, NMRC supports the Navy,MarineCorpsandjointU.S.warfighters through research of infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense combatcasualtycare environmentalhealth concerns,aerospaceandunderseamedicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioralsciences

Theenterprise,ledbyNMRC,isengaged in a broad spectrum of activity from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigationsinoperationalenvironments In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectiousdiseases,biologicalwarfaredetectionanddefense combatcasualtycare,environmental health concerns aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology,andbehavioralsciences

Mid-Atlantic Region Calibration Center’s Instrument MechanicVickyMain is calibrating a pressure indicatorthat is used to support field calibration activities at the intermediate calibration level.

Capt. Franca Jones assumes command of Naval Medical Research Command

Mid-Atlantic Region Calibration Center’s Instrument MechanicJesse Beardworks on a critical airinstrumentation to ensure it meets all requirements foruse.(PHOTOBYTROYMILLER, NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)

Prevention Assistance and Response program advances with recent training

ByC.ToddLopez

DOD News

This week more than two dozen prevention assistance and response professionals participated in training at Quantico, Virginia to enhance their ability to prevent workplace violenceat17militaryinstallations

The2009activeshootereventatFortHood, Texas nowknownasFortCavazos resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals. It was a devastating blow to the military community and it raised questions about how better to prevent workplaceviolenceandidentifyinsiderthreats tomilitaryandnationalsecurity

Prompted in part by that event and others theDefenseDepartmentlastyearstoodupthe PreventionAssistanceandResponseprogram, which falls under the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency headquartered at Quantico

ThePARprogramputstrainedprofessionals onmilitaryinstallationstoassistcommandersin preventingandaddressingworkplaceviolence andothertypesofinsiderthreatconcerns

“On the prevention side, this ranges from military community briefings and outreach, education and training on reporting and indicatorsofviolencetohelpindividualsunderstand whenproblemsmaybearising, saidDaveParavecchia,chiefoftheDODPARdivision

Paravecchia said PAR professionals are expected to work closely with prevention and humanresourcesexpertstoensuremilitaryand civilian leaders are aware of various services, suchasfinancialplanning,marriagecounseling, andotheremployeeassistanceprograms.These programsaddresssomeoftheissuesthat,ifleft unaddressed,mightleadsomeemployeestoact outwithviolence hesaid

“With response if the PAR coordinators learn that an individual is beginning to escalatefurtherdownthepathofviolence theywill workcloselywithlawenforcement,security and leadershiptobetterunderstandtheriskandhelp develop potential mitigation measures to stop thethreat,”Paravecchiasaid

AtthemilitaryinstallationswhereDODhas placed a PAR professional, Paravecchia said commanders can expect those individuals to beattunedtoworkplaceviolenceissueswithin theirorganizationsandcommunities.

“The PAR professional will also gather information, work with other stakeholders and members of the staff to develop a holistic assessment of what they know and make recommendationstoraiseawareness,assistwith leader decision making, and help prevent and reducerisk,”hesaid Theendgoalishelpstop people from making career-ending decisions from hurting their fellow military community members,maintainunitreadinessandenhance

unitcohesion.”

The DOD currently has 29 PAR personnel hired who are now assigned to 12 joint military installations along with five service-specificinstallations Paravecchiasaidtheprogram expectstohire13morePARprofessionalsthis fiscalyearandanadditional10nextfiscalyear

The current PAR professionals Paravecchia said were hired from within the federal governmentbothinsideandoutsideDOD,state lawenforcement,andtheprivatesector Many he said, come from counterintelligence, law enforcementandsecuritycommunities.

“Peoplegravitatetothesepositionsbecausein manywaysitnaturallylinesupwiththeirpreviouscareersofaddressingriskandexpandstheir experiences,”Paravecchiasaid “Thetransition many will make in this position is to understand their greater role in the prevention and

assistance portion of their mission versus just respondingtodanger.”

DuringtherecenttrainingatQuantico,Paravecchiasaid,thePARprofessionalsgatheredto learn about various prevention, assistance and responseprogramsandaboutpartnerrequirements so they can be better equipped to work collaborativelyattheinstallationlevel

“Specific to workplace violence the PAR cadrearetrainedonindicatorsofviolentbehaviors,frictionpointsinanindividual’slifewhich maybeinfluencingtheirbehaviorsandactions, data aggregation, threat and risk assessment, subject professional judgement tools, coping mechanisms,availableservicesandothermitigation measures that can be implemented by militaryandcivilianleaderstohelpmovesomeoneoffthepathofviolence,”Paravecchiasaid ThePARprogramisrelativelynew,andPara-

vecchiasaiditwillgothroughayearlongassessment as it moves through the three phases of initial operating capability, implementing the tasks associated with each phase until it meets fulloperationalcapabilityinthefirstquarterof fiscalyear2025.

From there, we will continue to look to maturethePARprogramincollaborationwith our stakeholders in prevention, law enforcement security and insider threat to decrease prevalenceonthedifferentinstallations,”Paravecchiasaid “Overtime,wewillalsoshapevariousmetricsthatwillnotonlyhelphighlightthe returnoninvestmentforthisprogram,butalso improveawarenessforleaderswhereworkplace violenceissuesmayexistwithindifferentsubordinatecommandsandorganizations.”

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DOD mobilizes support in response to Hawaii wildfire

ByJosephClark

DOD News

The National Guard has activated 134 troops including 99 Army National Guard personnel and 35 Air National Guard personnel to assist in the in the ongoing local and federal wildfire responseefforts

National Guard personnel have been assignedtoprovideliaisonsupporttothe HawaiiEmergencyManagementAgency andsupporttolocallawenforcement.

Two Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters have also been assigned to support wildfire response andsearchandrecoveryefforts.

OnWednesday,Guardsmencompleted 58 aerial water drops of more than 100,000 gallons of water in a matter of fivehours

Thefast-movingblaze,whichhasbeen fueled by strong winds from a nearby hurricane began on Tuesday, leaving more than 30 people dead and destroyinghundredsofstructures

Some residents were forced to seek shelter by diving into the ocean after being caught off guard by the fire’s rapid spread.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui at this time and the department will continue to work closely with the state of Hawaii and officialsthereasweworktogethertoprotect lives and battle these terrible wildfires,” Ryder said during a press briefing at the

Pentagon.

In addition to activating National Guard personnel, DOD has also mobilized resources from throughout activeduty components to assist in response efforts

The Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade has deployed two UH-60 Black HawkhelicoptersandonCH-47Chinook toassistinfirefightingoperations

U.S. Coast Guardsmen from Station Maui have also been actively assisting in searchandrescueefforts

ThecrewaboardaCoastGuard45-foot responseboatbasedinMauihasassisted state and local partners in rescuing 14 individuals from the waters off the island’scoastasofearlyThursday.

A Navy maritime strike squadron has deployed two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to the region to assist with the U.S. Coast Guard’s search and recovery efforts

PresidentJoeBidenapprovedadisaster declaration on Thursday in response tothewildfiresandorderedfederalaidto supportstateandlocalrecoveryefforts

“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui, and ourprayersarewiththosewhohaveseen theirhomes businessesandcommunities destroyed,” Biden said in a statement on Wednesday.“Wearegratefultothebrave firefighters and first responders who continue to run toward danger, putting themselvesinharm’swaytosavelives.”

New Navy, Edison Electric Institute collaboration for resilience

ByNavy.mil

WASHINGTON The United States Department of the Navy (DON) and the EdisonElectricInstitute(EEI)announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 19, 2023.

The MOU, signed by Assistant SecretaryoftheNavy(Energy,Installations,and Environment) Meredith Berger, and EEI PresidentandCEOTomKuhn,establishes a framework for the two organizations to identifyopportunitiestoalignthecommon energygoalsoftheDON itsservicingelectric companies, and nearby communities Relationships between America’s investor-owned electric companies and the

Department of the Navy (DON) have been instrumental in increasing energy resilience reliability, and efficiency as well as reducing energy consumption at Navy and Marine Corps installations The MOU will empower these relationships to identify bestpracticesthatsupporttheenergygrid, local communities, and national security interests

“EEI and our member companies are excited to continue our partnership with theDONandtopursueadditionalopportunitiestostrengthenenergygridresilience,” said Kuhn. “The signing of this MOU will allow the industry to play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing America’s energysecuritybylayingthefoundationto

enhance joint energy resilience planning.”

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy Installations and Environment ensuresmissionreadinessthroughresilient installations personnel ranges and capabilities. As the DON’s Chief Sustainability Officer,SecretaryBergerisalsoresponsible for establishing and overseeing execution of sustainability goals and implementing Climate Action 2030 “The ability of the DON’s installations to plan, prepare, adapt and recover from a range of natural or manmade threats is essentialtomissionreadiness,”saidBerger “Energy security is critical to mission success, and working with organizations thatshareourgoalsiscriticaltoourefforts.”

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About Edison Electric Institute: EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies Our members provide electricity for nearly 250 million Americans and operate in all 50statesandtheDistrictofColumbia.Asa whole,theelectricpowerindustrysupports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 65 international electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members

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USSMobileBaydecommissions, honors36yearsofservice

USS Mobile Bay(CG 53) honored more than three decades ofnaval service during a decommissioning ceremonyat Naval Base San Diego,Aug.10 PageB6

ofthe Equal Employment OpportunityOffice (PHOTOBYDAVIDSTOEHR,NAVALUNDERSEAWARFARECENTERDIVISIONNEWPORT)

The first female commanding officer of the USS Constitution shares career path with NUWC Division Newport workforce

ByPublicAffairsOffice

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport NEWPORT, R.I

Dressed in a full chronistic USS Constitution uniform, Cmdr Billie June “BJ” Farrell visited the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport on Aug. 1 to discuss the journey of her 19-year U.S. Navy career and her current position as the first female commanding officer of the historic frigate that is homeported in Boston National Historical Park in Charlestown, Massachusetts

The presentation was hosted by the Federal Women’s Program and Division Newport’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office as part of a celebration for Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26 Farrellsaidshewashonoredandhumbled that her assignment as the first female commanderontheConstitutionmadenews acrosstheworld.

“In the sense of being the first woman, I really was notpreparedfor that Iapplied for the job because I felt really passionately about it and I really wanted it,” Farrell said “Ithoughtitwouldbeaquicktouchpointfor thenews butit’satestamenttotheshipand whatsherepresentstotheAmericanpeople. The story of change of command was esti-

matedtoreach2.7billionpeopleworldwide It’sbeenreallyniceformetoreflectonthat anditsimpact.”

Farrell sees the assignment as an opportunity to educate others about the role of womenintheNavy “A lot of people don’t realize that women command ships so what I get to do, is represent the over 30 women that we have in command of ships today and the over 70,000 women we have serving on active duty service,” she said “That’s been the reallynicepart,toeducatepeopleaboutthe biggersenseoftheoptionsthattheNavyhas andoffers.It’sveryhumblingandeveryday that I get to walk on that ship, it truly is a privilegeandanhonor.”

Farrellleadsacrewof80activedutySailors,40%ofwhicharewomen.Theirmission is to preserve, promote and protect the legacy of the world’s oldest commissioned shipafloat.TheUSSConstitutiongets3,000 to 5,000 visitors a day, and about 600,000 visitors per year, and crew members share storiesofitsremarkablehistory.

“USS Constitution is the one ship that remains of the original six frigates, named for the document that governs our country and to the oath that we all take to support and defend, which is really humbling,” Farrellsaid

Fulfilling a lifelong dream

Originally from Paducah, Kentucky, FarrellhadastrongdesiretoattendtheU.S. NavalAcademyatayoungage

“I was 10 years old when I was channel surfing one day and I saw a Naval Academy graduation on TV,” she said. “I stopped and watched the whole ceremony When it was done I went up to my parents and said ‘I knowwhereIwanttogotoschool.’

Asaresidentofalandlockedstate,Farrell didn’t have much exposure to the Navy, so herparentssteppedintohelp findmentors and those who had served to make her dreamareality.Farrellevenpitchedherself to a local congressman for a nomination to get into the Naval Academy. The pitch paid off as she was appointed to the Class of 2004 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. After graduation, Farrell wascommissionedasasurfacewarfareofficer and embarked on her first tour aboard the USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), as an electrical officer She then extended her tour aboard asthenavigator

After the two tours, Farrell reported to Commander Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee and became an action officer in PERS-833 (Post Selection BoardMatters)andassumeddutiesasdelay

sectionheadandassistantboardscreenerin theOfficerMisconductBranch.In2012,she wentbacktoseaaboardtheUSSSanJacinto (CG-56) as the weapons officer and later becametheship’scombatsystemsofficer

Her next tour was as deputy director for professional development at the U.S. Naval Academy.LatershereportedtoCommander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic as deputy N3 Shethenservedasexecutiveofficeronboard USS Vicksburg (CG-69) On Jan. 21, 2022, she as appointed as the 77th commander andfirstfemaletoassumecommandofUSS Constitution and she has 10 months left on thisassignment.

During a Q&A session, Farrell was asked about her greatest challenge during her service.

“I was the weapons officer and standing tactical action officer on USS San Jacinto when a submarine named Montpelier surfacedrightinfrontofus, shesaid “There was a collision, and I learned a lot about myself within a two-minute period. Everything happened so fast that there wasn’t reallyachancetoprepareforit.Iremember standingup,tryingtofigureoutwhereIwas supposed to be and then snapped out of it andtoldmyselftostaycalmandgeteveryone

TurntoCommander Page 4

Department of the Navy two-year review

OfficeoftheSecretaryoftheNavy

Statement from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro:

Today marks my second anniversary as your Secretary of theNavy,anditcontinuestobeanhonortoservebyyourside Inthattime,ourNavyandMarineCorpsteamhasmademuch progressadvancingourthreeenduringpriorities:Strengthening Maritime Dominance Building a Culture of Warfighting Excellence and Enhancing Strategic Partnerships Together we are improving readiness and modernization in order to ensure we can always fulfill our mission to be combat-ready; our future depends on the work we do today to create a more ready,modern,andcapableNavyandMarineCorpsteam. Visitingyouatnavalbases,shipyards,depots,trainingranges, tarmacs,and runwaysworld-wide, I have witnessed firsthand the progress you have made towards improving the training, readiness and modernization of our fleet and force Along with your senior leaders throughout the Department I strive to ensureyouhavetheresourcesyouneedtoday andwellinto the future. Thanks to your collective efforts, we have worked effectively with Congress via the President’s Budget Requests forFiscalYears(FY)2022-24toincreasetheDepartmentofthe Navy’stoplinebudgetbymorethan$47billion,a23%increase from FY 2021. There is still much work to be done, and this increased investment in our fleet and force by the American people is a sacred trust that reflects the centrality of the Navy and Marine Corps to our national security strategy in this era ofcompetition Readthefullmemoonline:https://media.defense.gov/2023/

Strategic Systems Programs celebrates workforce at command picnic

ByShelbyThompson

Strategic Systems Programs

WASHINGTON The Strategic Systems Programs(SSP)familycametogetheratJoint

Base Anacostia-Bolling to celebrate the SSP CommandPicnicheldforthefirsttimesince theonsetofCOVID-19in2020 Intheweeksleadinguptothepicnic organizers enthusiastically promoted the event within the command, resulting in over 330 tickets being sold to military, civilian and contractor personnel who were also able to purchase tickets for family members to participate “Itwasagreatopportunityforourteamto make connections with one another and to meet each other’s families some for the first time,”saidDavidMacht,anSSPsupervisor.

The SSP Command Picnic was organized by SSP’s Activity and Recreations Committee (SPARC), an all-volunteer team made up of military and civilians who fundraise and plan MWR events throughout the year SPARCconductedseveralfundraiserstoraise money for the picnic, and their hard-work came to life through the enjoyment of their colleaguesandfamilies includingmanynew employees who were participating in their first SPARC- coordinated command-event. SPARC’s efforts showcased one of the many positives that come with being a part of the SSPfamily.

“Holding Morale events are important parts of this organization to build a cohesive unit inside and outside the work place,” said LTJGMichaelAmatangelo oneofthepicnic organizers “It’s how we embrace the family motothatViceAdmiralWolfespeaksabout.

As the picnic kicked off, Vice Adm. Wolfe took a moment to talk to the workforce and their families and thank them for their service.

“Whatyoudoeverydayiskeepingusfrom majorpowerconflict,”saidViceAdm.Wolfe.

“For the families here, I want you to appreciate that as well. Whether it’s your spouse yourchild,yourparent yourauntoruncle whattheyaredoingismonumental.

In addition to thanking the workforce for their hard work, this year’s picnic served as areunionofcolleaguesandtheirfamilies In

theyearssincethelastcommandpicnic,families have expanded and babies have grown into rambunctious children. For many, this was an opportunity to finally meet their colleague’s families and learn more about themawayfromtheoffice

Thisyear’scommandpicnicboastedactivities for the whole family, including outdoor games, a waterslide, bounce house, andarguably pièce de résistance of the day a dunktank.Thekidslostnotimegettinginon theactionoffered.

“Mykidshadagreattime,andmanagedto getinacouplegooddunksatthedunktank!” accordingtoMacht

“My son loved the bounce house so much that he refused to do anything else at the picnic,” said Dr Vanessa Gentzen, an SSP employee.“Hemadelotsoffriends “Thismaybethebestcommandpicnicwe haveeverhad!”saidDr StevenVanDyk,Chief

Engineer at SSP as he joined a crowd cheeringondunk-tankparticipants

One SPARC volunteer provided a special recognitionofthecommand’schiefs

“Thisyearthechiefsreallysteppedup,and volunteered to cook the food for the picnic,” said Jose Balderrama. “All their hard work madethiseventasuccess.”

The effort was clearly appreciated with people eagerly lining up to indulge in hot dogs,hamburgers,andatastylineupofsides anddesserts

As the afternoon drew to a close people were already looking forward to next year’s commandpicnicandmakingplanstoperfect theirdunktankaim.

“Hopefully, being a part of this event showed our command all the great thing that SPARC does,” said NCC Troy Stocking, aSPARCvolunteer.“We’realwayslookingfor morevolunteers!” SPARCisaffiliatedwiththewiderumbrella of Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs Navy MWR provides fundingandresourcesforeventsthatsupport militaryandcivilianmorale MilitaryMorale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs datebacktothe1800s,andcontinuetobean important building block of military morale

The mission of Navy MWR is to serve the needs, interests, and responsibilities of all peopleinthemilitarycommunity-sailorsand marines, their families, civilian employees, military retirees, and other eligible participants-for as long as they are associated with theNavy,nomatterwheretheyarelocated

SSP is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilitiesandpersonnelresponsibleforensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) strategic weapon system. SLBMs make up the majority approximately70percent oftheU.S.’s deployed strategic nuclear deterrent Triad. The SLBM is the most survivable provides persistent presence, and allows flexible conceptofoperations

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

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Noise Advisory NAS Pax River conducting nighttime flights over communities in Pennsylvania, West Virginia

ByChiefPettyOfficerPatrickGordon

Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Residents of The Woods community of West Virginia, and the surrounding areas of Letterkenny, Pennsylvania and Berkley Springs,WestVirginiaareadvisedthatnighttimeflightsarescheduledtotakeplaceinthat vicinity Aug. 15 through Sept 29, 2023 from

7p.m.to4a.m.

In an effort to lessen the disturbance of thesemissions,pilotshavebeeninstructedto fly the lowest altitude portion of their flights priortomidnight whenpossible

Residents are advised that a multitude of factors that could shift the scheduling and execution of these flights, which are always conducted in accordance with Federal Avia-

tionAdministrationandNavyregulations

NAS Patuxent River appreciates the patience of residents in these communities and will continue to take precautions to lessen the impact of flight operations on the community Formoreinformationcall1-866819-9028 ToviewallcurrentNASPAXnoise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise

Recently appointed NAVSEA WarfareCenters ExecutiveDirector tours NUWCDivision Newport

By Public Affairs Office

NavalUndersea WarfareCenter Division Newport NEWPORT,R.I.—Dr. Martin Irvine Jr amember of the Senior ExecutiveService whowas appointed in June as the ExecutiveDirectorfortheNavalSurfaceWarfare Center (NSWC) and the NavalUndersea Warfare Center (NUWC),bothEchelon III commands within NavalSea Systems Command(NAVSEA),visitedNUWCDivisionNewportonAug.3todiscussemerging technologiesandconceptsintheundersea domain.

AcivilservantwiththeNavyfor25years Irvine mostrecently wasthe executive director for Submarine Forces,wherehe wastheprincipaladvisortotheSubmarine Forcecommanderonallmattersrelatingto strategicdeterrenceandunderseawarfare programs and requirements

“During Dr.Irvine’stime at Division Newport,hediscussed his thoughts on the undersea domain and stressed to us that our emphasishas got tobelaser-focused on the warfighter,our true customer,” said acting Technical Director Marie Bussiere. “Wemustnotonlybefocusedondelivering outcomes,but outcomes withimpact!We needtobalancesustainingthefleetoftoday and designingthe fleet of tomorrow.”

Irvine opened the dayatDivision Newportwith abriefing from Hector Lopez, who heads the Undersea Warfare Weapons,Vehicles and Defense Systems Department,anddiscussionswithBussiere, Commanding Officer Capt. Chad F. Henningsand Vicki Comeau, head of the Corporate Operations Department ThetourstartedattheUnderseaWarfare PlatformsandPayloadIntegrationDepartment’sUnmannedUnderseaVehicle(UUV) Laboratory,whereRichardBashour,senior scientific technical manager (SSTM) and director of Undersea WarfareUnmanned SystemsandAutonomousBehavior,ledthe presentation.IrvineobservedseveralUUV systems,includingtwo Large Displacement UUVsthatsupportthe Navy’s UUVs, and wasbriefed on UUV softwareand autonomyarchitectures, capabilities and Concepts of Operations

Later,Dr. Andy Greene,the senior technologistfor Tactical Oceanographyand Operational Environmental Effects,Division NewportDeputy Technical Director John Babb and Michael Slater,technical director at NUWCDivision Keyport in Washington, discussed environmental undersea superiority and howitcan be

usedtosignificantlyincreaseperformance margins in undersea warfare.

Much likeland-based forces use the terrain to createatactical advantage beyond what technology can affordalone, undersea forces can gain an additional edge through competentuse of the ocean environment, Greene explained. To do so requires acombination of new environmental sensors,operator training and doctrine updates,aswell as the evolution of existing tactical decision aids

Division Newport, Greene said, is in a unique positiontolead these efforts,given itscurrentroleinunderseawarfaresensor

researchand development.

“ItwasapleasurehavingDr.Irvineweigh inonourendeavor,andwelookforwardto showing him our progress during his next visittoDivision Newport,”Greene said.

From there, thetourtransitionedto the Undersea WarfareCombat Systems Department, whereIrvine wasbriefed by AimeeRacine,head of the Deployed Systems Division, and AnthonyStradone, Division Newport’s quality director/technical program manager The visit ended with aleadershiplunch beforeIrvine,who also wasatDivision Newport for the two-dayNaval Research

and Development Establishment summit, returned to Washington, D.C. AsexecutivedirectorforNSWC/NUWC IrvinesucceedsDr.BrettA.Seidle,nowthe Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test and Engineering

While Irvine is new to this role,he’sno strangertoNAVSEAwarfarecenters.From 2019-21, he wasthe technical director of NUWCDivision Keyport. Priortothat, IrvineheldthepositionsofaSSTMandthe headoftheReadinessandTrainingSystems Department fortheNSWCDahlgrenDivision DamNeck in Virginia. Irvine started his career in 1997atthe NSWCCarderock Division in Maryland.

Heholdsadoctorateinmechanicalengineering from the University of Iowa and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in ocean engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a graduate of the HarvardKennedySchool of Government Senior ExecutiveFellows Program,holdsDefenseAcquisitionWorkforce Improvement Actcertificationsin four career fields and is amemberofthe Defense Acquisition Corps Moreinformationonhiscareerisposted here:https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/ About/Senior-Executives/Biographies/ Irvine,%20M.pdf

NUWCNewport is the oldestwarfare center in the country,tracing its heritage tothe NavalTorpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869

Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWCNewport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach,Florida,and Andros Island in the Bahamas,aswell as test facilities atSeneca Lakeand Fisher’s Island, NewYork,Leesburg, Florida, and DodgePond, Connecticut.

Joinourteam!NUWCDivisionNewport, one of the 20 largestemployers in Rhode Island, employs adiverse,highlytrained, educated, and skilled workforce.Weare continuously looking for engineers,scientists,and other STEM professionals,as well as talented business,finance,logistics and other support experts who wish to be at the forefront of undersea research and development. Please connect with NUWCDivisionNewport Recruiting at this site-https://www.navsea.navy.mil/ Home/Warfare-Centers/NUWC-Newport/Career-Opportunities/ and followus on LinkedIn @NUWC-Newport and on Facebook @NUWCNewport.

Great Navy Campout celebrates June and July events with outdoor fun and connection with nature

ByCommander,NavyInstallations

Command

WASHINGTON —The GreatNavy Campoutisback with its 8th annual celebration of outdoor recreation and camping Hosted by the Commander,NavyInstallations Command (CNIC) HQ Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)Community Recreation and Liberty-Single Sailor programs,this year’s Great Navy Campout runs fromJune throughOctober andaims to connect military personneland eligible MWR patrons with natureand wildlife, promoting thejoy of campingand outdoor adventure.

Throughout June and July,Great Navy Campout hosted 17eventsinvarious Commander,NavyRegions,including Hawaii,Mid-Atlantic,NavalDistrictWashington, Northwest,Southeastand South-

west.One ofthe standout events washeld atNavalWeaponsStation(NWS)Yorktown, Va.Theinstallation’sMWRprogramhosted acaptivating two-dayevent from June 24-25, 2023. The attendeesparticipated in canoeing,archery,crafts,feedingbutterflies and yard games.Asthe evening settledin, everyone gatheredaroundthe campfireto enjoymoviesands’mores

Great Navy Campoutextended its magic toCliffsideRVPark,nestledalongtheshoreline of NavalAir Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Wash., hosting athree-day event fromJune23-25,2023.Theeventwelcomed over400attendeeswhoenjoyedamemorable campingexperience,including98firsttime campers.Adding to the excitement, NASWhidbeyIslandMWRhostedtheir3rd annualFamilyOlympicsignitingthespiritof friendlycompetitionamongfamilies.Participantsengagedinthreeexcitingchallenges,

includingarelayracetosetupcamp,watermelon eating contestand aphysicalfitness challenge.

Innovating this year’s Great Navy Campoutprogram, Navy MWR Community Recreation and Liberty launched the “Pledge to Camp” giveaway. Each month, participants can register their camping experience for thechance to wingiftcards

Duringthemonthlygiveaways,NavyMWR CommunityRecreation and Liberty will selecttwo winners for $500 gift cards to an adventurestore —one fora familyand another for ajunior Sailor.The excitement doesn’t stop there as twogrand prize winnerswillbeselectedattheconclusionof theprograminOctober

As Great Navy Campout extends this summer,theNavyMWRCommunityRecreation and Liberty programs invite Sailors familymembers andall eligible patronsto

participate in one of the upcoming events at their local installation.Whether youare aseasoned outdoor enthusiastoranovice camper,this extraordinary program promisessomethingspecialforeveryone.Tostay updatedonfutureeventsandthe“Pledgeto Camp” giveaway, visit www.navymwr.org/ great-navy-campout.

Navy MWRCommunity Recreation offers recreational programs and services includingoutdoorrecreation,specialevents, leisureclasses,trips, discountedattraction tickets,parksand picnicspaces and more.

Navy MWR Libertyoffers singleand unaccompanied junior Sailors (E1-E6) recreational and leisureprograms,trips and outings,outdooradventureactivities,entertainmentand cultural experiences,volunteer and outreach experiencesand social activities

Dr.Martin IrvineJr amemberofthe SeniorExecutiveService,whowasappointed as the executivedirectorforthe NavalUnderseaWarfareCenter(NUWC) and NavalSurface WarfareCenterinJune,toured NUWCDivision NewportonAug.3,2023,to discuss emerging technologiesand concepts in the undersearealm (PHOTOBYPUBLICAFFAIRSOFFICE)

where theyneed tobetofigure outwhat’s going on.Wetalk alot aboutresiliency and toughness, and Ithink alot of the training I hadpreparedmefor that insteadofpanicking.Mymostrewardingjobs have been my most challenging and Iwas definitely groundedalotinthatexperience.”

The USSConstitution, athree-masted, wooden-hulled frigatelaunched inBoston Harborin1797

Thoughmadefromliveoakandwhiteoak, she earned the nickname,“OldIronsides,” after theWar of 1812whenBritish cannonballs were seenbouncing off the side of the hull.TheUSSConstitutionwasundefeated inbattle,witha33-0recordofdestroyingor capturingopponents.

“Ten to 15 percent of the ship todayis

stilloriginal,” Farrell said. “Mostlythe keel and some of the pieces off of it which is actuallya great testament to aguy youmay have heardof, named Paul Revere.Ontop of being asilversmith and writing to alert that‘theBritishwerecoming,’hewasalsoa coppersmith,soheprovidedcoppertohelp makethepinsoftheshipandcoverthehull in asheet of copper to help preserveitand preventitfromdeteriorating.”

After the Warof1812,USS Constitution wasrepurposed, sailedonanaround-theworld cruise, went to the U.S. NavalAcademyasatrading ship duringthe Civil War, then sailed up to Newport,RhodeIsland, to re-establish the NavalAcademy. Once the Civil Warwas over, theshipsailed back downtoAnnapolis,Maryland USSConstitution later went to ashipyard in Kittery, Maine,and fell into astate of dis-repair.The Navy had planstouse it fortargetpractice,buttheAmericanpeople

foughtagainstthisdecision,andthehistoric ship wassaved thanks to acampaign called the “Pennies Campaign.”School children fromalloverthecountrysentinchange,raising $154,000 to restoreher.Once restored, the USSConstitutionembarked on an around-the-countrytour,andthenreturned backtoBostonwhereit’sbeeneversince

The USSConstitution still sets sail for veteran commemorations,Independence Day,andontheship’sbirthday,Oct.21.USS Constitutionisopenfortoursandevents.To find out moreabout the ship’s history visit https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/.

NUWCNewport is the oldestwarfare center in the country,tracing its heritage tothe NavalTorpedoStation established on GoatIslandinNewportHarbor in 1869 Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWCNewport maintains majordetachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and AndrosIslandintheBahamas,aswellastest

facilitiesatSenecaLakeandFisher’sIsland, NewYork, Leesburg, Florida,and Dodge Pond,Connecticut. Joinourteam!NUWCDivisionNewport, one of the 20 largestemployers in Rhode Island,employs adiverse,highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce.Weare continuously lookingfor engineers,scientists,andotherSTEMprofessionals,aswell as talented business,finance,logistics and othersupportexpertswhowishtobeatthe forefront of undersearesearch anddevelopment.Please connect with NUWCDivisionNewportRecruitingatthissite-https:// www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NUWC-Newport/Career-Opportunities/ and followusonLinkedIn @ NUWC-Newport and on Facebook@ NUWCNewport

NAVFAC Southeasthosts STEM

Open House for local students

ByJeffreyHamlin

NavalFacilities Engineering Systems

Command Southeast

NavalFacilities Engineering Systems

CommandSoutheast(NAVFACSE)opened its doors,August3,towelcome 20 high school students from across three local counties,including several home school students,for aday of exploration, learning,and hands-onexperience in the fields of Science,Technology,Engineering,and Mathematics(STEM)

The event aimed to foster interestin STEM disciplines among young minds inspirefutureleaders,and showcase the excitingcareeropportunitiesthatareavailable in the worldofscience and technology withintheDepartmentofDefense(DoD).

NAVFAC SE CommandingOfficerCapt MiguelDieguez welcomed the studentsto thecommand.Duringhisopeningremarks, he underscored the significanceofSTEM education and its pivotal contribution to shapingthefutureofournation.

“Wehaveanobligation to inspireand preparethe next generation of leaders for the ever-changing landscape of challenges that our nation mayface,” said Dieguez. “A STEM education will enable youtosolve the complexproblems of tomorrow,and possiblychange the course of history.Our missionheretodayistoigniteyourcuriosity and enthusiasm for the remarkable world ofSTEM.”

Themainobjectiveofthisfirst-timeoccasionwastocreateaplatformwhereexperts from NAVFAC SE specializing in engineering and architecturecould exchangetheir insightsrelatedtothefieldsofSTEM.

“This marked apioneering initiative whereweconsciously reached out to students who aren’tdirectlyaffiliated with NAVFAC,”saidNAVFACSEDesignDirector BubLeNoir. “Our aimwas to connect with students who might not have immediate

accesstoSTEMprofessionals.”

Anadditionalobjectivewastoigniteinterestinthe SMARTScholarship Program (Science,Mathematics,And Researchfor Transformation).

NAVFAC SE has been grantedauthorizationbythe DoD to operate as aSponsoringFacility(SF)fortheSMARTScholarship Program. This initiativeaims to promote andnurtureenthusiasmforSTEMsubjects throughoutstudents’educationalpursuits

NAVFAC SE Director of Human ResourcesTerryWilliamshighlighted,“This presents an immense opportunity forour command,theNavy,andtheaspiringSTEM scholars.We’repoisedtoshowcaseouridentityasanemployerofchoice foremerging

STEMprofessionals,infusingourworkforce withfreshvigorandnovelperspectives.”

The SMARTScholarship offers extensiveperks,coveringtuition,stipends,books, healthcare,discipline-specific summer internships,mentors,andpost-degreepositions.NAVFACSEiscurrently finalizing scholarshipnumbersandfieldsforitsinauguralparticipationyear

ParticipantsintheSMARTprogramwho completetheirstudieswillseamlesslytransitionintotheworkforce,armedwithafoundational comprehension of thecommand’s procedures,acquired through valuable insightsand hands-on experiencegained duringtheirsummerinternships

“Today’sevent allows us to engage with

ayoungeraudienceand could significantly enhanceourcommand’svisibilityandreputation,”said Williams. “This pavesthe way fora robust pipeline of STEM talent to fuel ourfutureworkforce.”

The daywas filled withengaging STEM activities,includingatourofaTargetingand Surveillancebuildingproject.Studentssaw firsthandhowSTEMprinciplesareapplied inreal-worldnavalinfrastructuredesignand constructionprojects.

Additionally,they visited Helicopter Maritime StrikeSquadron SevenTwo (HSM-72), where they were able to climb intoanMH-60RSeahawk helicopter and tourthesquadronspaces.Thisprovidedthe studentswithadirectglimpseintotherecipientsofNAVFACSE’ssupport,namely,the Warfighter

As the event came to an end, numerous students expressed their gratitudefor the opportunitytovisitNAVFACSEandwitness tangible real-world implementations of STEMconcepts. “Thestudents’feedbackwasoverwhelminglypositive,confirmingthatweexceeded our objectives,” said LeNoir.“We also sparkedtheirenthusiasmfortheforthcoming STEM Camp,scheduled for the next summer at NavalAir Station (NAS) Jacksonville,incollaboration with the Society ofAmericanMilitaryEngineers(SAME).”

LeNoir closedwith,“STEM fields hold paramount importancefor both NAVFAC and the nation at large.The demand in STEMfarsurpassesthenumberofstudents entering these fields,and we arecommitted to encouraging thebright young minds of this region to explore, or at the very least consider,STEMasaviablecareerpath.”

By providingimmersiveexperiences of thisnatureand nurturing the next generationofscientists,engineers,and innovators, NAVFAC SE is sowing the seeds for a brighter,technologically advanced future fortheentirenation.

Commanding OfficerCapt.Miguel Dieguezwelcomesstudentstothe command’s firstScience,Technology Engineering,and Mathematics(STEM)OpenHouse onboardNavalAirStation (NAS) Jacksonville.

USSMobileBaydecommissions, honors 36 years of service

ByJulieAnnRipley

Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet SAN DIEGO USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) honored more than three decades of naval serviceduringadecommissioningceremony atNavalBaseSanDiego,Aug.10

Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, NavalSurfaceForcesservedastheceremony’s guest speaker and wished the current crew fair winds and following seas as they bidfarewelltotheirship.

“The Sailors of USS Mobile Bay demonstrated time and time again the resolve and readiness the Surface Force provides around the clock in support of our nation’s interests,”saidKitchener “Everywherethis shipandcrewdeployed,MobileBaySailors served their nation well and lived up to the valorenshrinedintheBattleofMobileBay.

CommandedbyCapt.BrandonJ.Burkett, MobileBaymaintainedacrewof30officers and300enlistedmembers.

“It’s been an honor to be Mobile Bay’s last commanding officer,” said Burkett “It has been a distinct privilege to work alongsidesomeofthefinestSailorsourNavyand our nation have to offer Their persistence through adversity is commendable and truly represents the spirit of Mobile Bay’s motto,‘Fullspeedahead. Theytrulyembody what it means to be a ‘MOBster.’ It is now my solemn responsibility as the ships final captaintoorderhaulingdownthecolorsand disembarking the crew Though to many of us ‘MOBsters’ past and present, the feeling is deeper than that. Those who’ve gone to seaknowthatashipismorethanamachine that floats When you are away from home for months on end your ship becomes your home and your protection We take care of herandshetakescareofus Simplyput,she

becomesfamily Ithasbeenanhonortoserve withmycrewonthisexemplarywarship.”

MobileBaywasbuiltbyIngallsShipbuildinginPascagoula,MississippiandcommissionedFeb.21,1987,AlabamaStateDocksin Mobile,Alabama.

The ship’s operational history includes the 1989 evacuation of U.S. Embassy in Beirut Lebanon; launching 22 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) in support ofOperationDesertStormandevacuationof thousandsofpeopledisplacedbythevolcanic eruption of Mt Pinatubo in the vicin-

ityofSubicBay,RepublicofthePhilippines during Operation Fiery Vigil in 1991; U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment(CGLED)seizureof10.5metrictonsof cocaineapproximately800milessouthwest of Acapulco, Mexico, and launching Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) in supportofOperationIraqiFreedomin2003.

The ship’s sponsor Kathryn Jane Maury helped organize the National League of FamiliesofAmericanPrisonersandMissing inSoutheastAsiainthe1960safterherNavy pilot husband was shot down and captured

in 1965. She was married to U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton, a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism while a prisoner of war. USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), a Flight III ArleighBurkeclassdestroyerisnamedforhim Mrs DentonpassedawayonNov.22,2007,atthe ageof81

The ship was the first named after and in honor of the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 DuringthefamousAmericanCivilWar naval battle between Union forces under the command of Adm. David Farragut and Confederate forces under Adm. Franklin Buchanan

The ship’s motto, “Full speed ahead,” is basedonAdm.Farragut’sfamouscommand issued during the battle and typifies the Admiral’s key to success in war, straight thinkinganddeterminedaction.MobileBay proudlycarriedonthetraditionofpatriotism andcouragedisplayedbytheshipsandSailors in the historic battle which concluded when Farragut’s Union ships converged upontheConfederateironcladCSSTennessee firing broadsides and ramming it at full speed with their prows. After two hours, Tennessee was dead in the water, it’s steeringgoneandstackshotaway fillingthegun deckwithsuffocatingheatandflames Only then did the wounded Buchanan give the ordertosurrender Tennessee’scolorscame down,concludingoneofthemostimportant battlesintheCivilWar.

MobileBaywillbeinactivatedandtowed to the Navy’s Inactive Ship’s facility in Bremerton,Washingtonwheretheywillbe inaLogisticSupportAsset(LSA)status FormorenewsfromNavalSurfaceForces visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnsp/,www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMNAVSURFPAC, and www.public.navy.mil/surfor/.

USNS Burlington arrives in Almirante, Panama

ByLt.j.g NickolasWest

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet ALMIRANTE, Panama

During Burlington’s time in Panama, U.S. Navy and partner nation medical personnel will work together to provide care in community clinics The vessel recently returnedfromparticipatinginUNITAS,the world’slongest-runningmultinationalmaritimeexerciseintheworld.

“The Continuing Promise mission provides a great opportunity for us to join forcestoprovideaidtothecitizensofAlmirante, Panama, said Lt Cmdr Michael Fleck, officer in charge aboard Burlington. “We are eager to work hand in hand to provide medical support to the local communityandcontinuetofosterourstrong relationshipwiththecountryofPanama.”

The Burlington will be in Almirante Panama for seven days During the ship’s time in port, U.S. Navy medical personnel willconductmedicalengagements,support reconstruction projects within the city, and host several live performances by the U.S. FleetForcesBand.

“Our Sailors are jumping at the opportunity to take part in this mission,” stated Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Anthony Davis senior enlisted leader aboard Burlington. “Being able to provide meaningful medical support to those who need it is not something that you get to do every day, and the Burlington crew is ready tohelphowevertheycan.”

Burlington is an efficient, lightweight

and versatile asset that is able to support Soldiers Sailors and Marines in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility The ship has the capability to transport a battalion-sized element, up to 1,000 personnel, or 600 tons of cargo athighspeeds.

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. Learn more about USNAVSO/4th Fleet at https://www.facebook.com/

guided-missile cruiserUSS Mobile Bay(CG 53) sits pierside during a decommissioning ceremony.The Mobile Baywas decommissioned after

supported Operation Desert Storm.(U.S.NAVY

On iberty

Meal-prep tips for an easy back-to-school menu

The hustle and bustle of back-to-school season can cause chaos in households. One easy way to save time is simplifying family recipes and prioritizing meal-planning

PageC4

Surfers Healing returns to Virginia Beach this weekend at the oceanfront, founder Izzy Paskowitz talks about the power of surfing for autistic children

InterviewByYiorgo

Surfers Healing Virginia Beach is proud againtoputonthisincredible,magicalsurfingeventforchildrenwithautismandtheir families, allowing them a hands on, riding the waves experience like no other It all takesplacethisweekend August18th-19th, between4th-5thstreets.

“It’s heartwarming, every year to see the looks on the parents’ faces and the excitement on the athletes faces, every time they walktothewater,getonthatsurfboardwith our amazing surfer volunteers and ride the waves together.” said Director of Surfers Healing Virginia Beach Scott Cohen. “We wantasmanypeopleaspossibletobeaware ofwhatweoffer TheTidewatercommunity isextremelygivingwiththeirresourcesand thevolunteersthathelptomakeourannual event successful every year For that, we’re all very grateful. I also want everyone to know that all are welcome to our free event this weekend. Come on out and cheer our athletesastheyridethewaves.”

We are fortunate here in the Hampton Roads Area that Surfers Healing Virginia Beach was founded 18 years ago and this weekend promises to be an exciting weekendofsurfingfortheautisticchildren,with food, fun, vendors and a 5K run. You can getmoreinfoat:https://www.surfershealingvb.org/

Yiorgo: With us on the phone is founder of Surfers Healing Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz. Thank you Izzy for all these years of giving autistic children an opportunity of a lifetime to ride the waves and be one with the ocean CanyoutellusaboutSurfersHealing happeninginVirginiaBeachthisweekend?

Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz: It’s my pleasure.It’swhyI’monthisplanet OurVirginia Beach camp is a two day event, averaging about 220 children per day, per camp It’s a funeventwithmanyactivitiesandresource booths.It’sabeautifulbeach,Ilovethelocation with the small, fun waves that we can maximize our efforts in the water with the children. It’s an interesting dynamic, with anamazingsurfcommunitythatlovestheir wavesandthesurfcontestthatgoeswithit It’s a great location for surfing and it’s like Las Vegas on the beach for all the tourism thatgoeson

Y:HowdidtheSurfersHealingcampstart inVirginiaBeach?

IP: We have the camp in Virginia Beach because the wife of Paul Vaugh, one of the local surfers that taught a lot of people to surf had passed away years ago, and his wife wanted to donate some money in his memory.Iaskedher,wellcanwecomeoutto VirginiaBeachandspendthemoneylocally? And that’s how autism surfing started in Virginia Beach When you walk up to the camp, there is a billboard with a collage of picturesofPaulridingthewaves.

Y: How can people make contributions, becomevolunteers,etc.?

IP: I would like for people to watch the videos and pictures at https://www.surfershealing.org/Wearealwayslookingforpart-

nerships and donations and after all these years, to maintain what we do and take us intothenext25years.

Y:Tellusaboutyourearlylifegrowingup

IP: I had a very unique experience. My father was a WWII Navy veteran, Stanford educated doctor, and we lived in a camper that sleeps six. We were poor as church micebecausemyfatherjustwantedtotravel aroundtheUnitedStates,MexicoandIsrael to surf There were 11 of us and when you stuff 11 people in a camper that sleeps 6, we were very close to each other. I loved it. We are half Mexican, half Jewish and when I was 13 we traveled to New York City in our camper for my Bar mitzvah and celebrated our Jewish traditions on the beach

and wherever we were. We didn’t know any different We could see people living in houses, driving fancy cars and we wanted that but everyday was so unique to us We would surf, surf, surf but then explore and meetpeople

Y:Youwentontobecomeaprosurfer.

IP: I was a really good surfer And really, reallyhandsome IwasaprosurferandIhad endorsements AtthetopofmycareerIhad a great relationship with Nike I was in ads with BoJackson, Agassi, Michael Jordan,it wasincredible,butIhadIsaiah.

Y: Because you had gotten married and startedafamily

IP: I got married very young to the prettiest girl in town and I just wanted to be

normal like everyone else. We had our first child,abeautifuldaughterIsreaella,andour second child Isaiah was autistic. That was thewrenchinthegearsforme Ididn’tknow howtodealwithautismatallasayoungman and providing for my family was very, very difficultbecauseIhadnoeducation

Y: Why did you and your wife start SurfersHealing?

IP: It was a dark place in my mind and a hole in my heart I had really thin skin and everything really bothered me and it hurt. One day I took Isaiah in the water with me and everything changed. I wish I had taken him in the water sooner The parents these

NASA Langley Research Center’s invites the public to its Open House on October 21st

PressRelease

NASA Langley Research Center cordially invites the publictoseewhereaerospacehistorywasmadeandwhere thetriumphsoftomorrowaretakingshapenow.

JoinNASALangleyResearchCenterandtheVirginiaAir and Space Science Center on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from9am-4pmtogainaglimpseoftheuniqueandexciting worktakingplace!

Whilethiseventisfreeandopentothepublic,registration

isrequiredathttps://openhouse.larc.nasa.gov.

„ Embarkonajourneythroughhistoricbuildingsandbrand newlaboratories.

„ Visitincrediblestateoftheartfacilitiesdesignedtogetus tothemoonandbeyond

„ Discoverthefutureofflightwithouraviationexperts.

„ HearaboutwhatNASAisdoingtounderstandmoreabout ourplanetinthefaceofclimatechange.

„ Experiencehandsonactivitiesforkidsandfamilies

„ Staytunedforsomeoutofthisworldsurprises!

Follow us on social media or visit our website for details related to entry process, transportation, parking, activities and more!

„ Website-https://openhouse.larc.nasa.gov

„ Twitter-https://twitter.com/NASA_Langley

„ Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/nasalarc

„ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/nasa_langley/

„ LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/ nasa-langley-research-center

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

Surfers Healing founderIsrael“Izzy Paskowitzwith one ofthe program’syoung participants.(PHOTOCOURTESYOFSURFERSHEALING)

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online.

Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/

Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party returns to the oceanfront Friday August 25 - 26

PressRelease

For 13 years the Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party has brought the “funk to the oceanfront for two days of electrifying music, great food, and unique vendors Music is the heart and soul of the festival, to be held on the beach at 24th Street Friday- Saturday, August 25-26. This festival is rain or shine

This popular music genre draws influence from R&B jazz, gospel, and blues Funk artists like James Brown and George Clinton(theleaderofParliament-Funkadelic) inspired many musicians and helped spawn other genres like disco and hip hop

GeneraladmissiontotheVirginiaBeach

Funk Fest Beach Party is free but capacity is limited.

For our guests desiring a closer, more comfortable viewing experience, we offer a ticketed Preferred Viewing section.

The Preferred Viewing ticket is a two-day pass providing a closer viewing area(patronsbringtheirownbeachchairs), dedicated portable restrooms and a cash bar Preferred Viewing admission is guaranteed, while general admission is limited and strictly first-come, first-served.

Everypatronmusthaveaticket.Alltickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Thisyear’sfestivalwillbeheldonadiffer-

ent site on the beach at 24th Street. New Virginia Beach event guidelines designed to provide a safe festival-going experience include limited entry gates, a clear boardwalk and adjacent areas for use as emergency exits, and limited crowd capacity.

Friday,August25|6:30pm ConFunkShun withEvelyn“Champagne”KingandThe ChampagneBand

Saturday,August26|6pm TheBar-Kays withVivianGreenand5Starr

What to know before you go:

ALLOWED:

„ Beachchairsofanykind

„ BeachBlanket/Towel

„ SmallCooler

„ FoodandDrink

NOTALLOWED:

„ Alcohol

„ GlassContainers

„ Bicycles

„ Pets(exceptcertifiedserviceanimals)

„ ProfessionalCamera/VideoEquipment

„ Umbrellasandtentsduringtheshow

Formoreinformationvisit:

BeachEventsVB.com

Jamestown Settlement to honor legacy of first Africans to Virginia in 1619 with engaging conversation, exhibits & films during special program

Aug.

19

PressRelease

WILLIAMSBURG,Va.,August11,2023–

JamestownSettlementwillhonorthelegacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 with special programming that reflects on history through an African American lens on Saturday, August 19, featuring a moderated conversation on the roleoflandandplaceincreatingcommunity andestablishingfreedomfrom1619forward

The First Africans Commemoration program will feature dialogue between historian Tony Cohen and anthropologist Chadra Pittman moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee, executive producerand host of “AnotherView”radiotalkshow.

The 90-minute program begins at 2 p.m. in the Robins Foundation Theater and is included with museum admission. The conversationwillincludetimeforquestions frommembersoftheaudience

Barbara Hamm Lee is executive producer and host of “Another View,” a weekly radio talk show on 89.5 WHRV-FM thatexaminestoday’sissuesfromanAfrican Americanperspective Shealsoistheowner of Sharing Info LLC a media communications consulting company in Norfolk, Virginia.

Chadra Pittman is an anthropologist, author, activist and the founder and executive director of The Sankofa (San-KoyFuh) Projects, an educational, cultural and social justice organization focused on African Diaspora. She leads the International Day of Remembrance at Buckroe Beach in Hampton now in its 13th year and the only ceremonyinCoastalVirginiathathonorsthe millionsofAfricanswhoperishedalongthe MiddlePassage.

Tony Cohen is a historian, author and the founder and president of the Menare Foundation, Inc., a national non-profit organization “preserving the legacy of the UndergroundRailroad.”TheMenareFoun-

dation,Inc.operatestheButtonFarmLiving History Center a 40-acre farm depicting 1850splantationlifeinMaryland.

Gallery Exhibits Share

Historical Accounts of the West Central African Culture

Accompanying the program, guests can learn about African and African American experiences in 17th-century Virginia in JamestownSettlement’spermanentgallery exhibits,dramaticfilmsandengaginginteractives that share the story of Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures

Exhibits, featuring period artifacts and innovative technology, share histori-

cal accounts of the first documented Africans taken from their homeland in Ndongo (Angola)in1619tolifeintheVirginiacolony, establishment of slave laws and the evolutionofanewAfricanAmericanculture The “FromAfricatoVirginia”multimediatheater chroniclesAfricanencounterswithEuropeans,impactonAfricancultureandthedevelopmentofthetransatlanticslavetrade

The “1607: A Nation Takes Root” docudrama traces the evolution of the Virginia Company that sponsored the Jamestown colony, examines the relationship between the English colonists and Powhatan Indians and chronicles the arrival of the first recorded Africans in 1619 – including the story of Angelo, one of the first African women named in Jamestown’s historical record.

How to Attend the Event

The First Africans Commemoration special event is included with museum admission:$18.00foradults,$9.00forages 6-12andfreeforchildrenages5andunder Parking is free Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, includingWilliam&Marystudents,receive free admission with proof of residency Jamestown Settlement, open daily 9 a.m.to5p.m.exceptThanksgiving,Christmas and New Year’s Day, is located at 2110 Jamestown Road near Williamsburg For more information, call (757) 253-4838 or visitjyfmuseums.org Followthemuseums on social media @jyfmuseums.org

LEGO Store coming to Virginia Beach Town Center in November

ByTheVirginian-PilotStaff

AnewLegoStoreiscomingtoTownCenterofVirginiaBeachthisfall,the companyannouncedWednesday.

OpeninginNovember,the3,170-square-footretailspacewillbelocatedat 172 Central Park Ave. and will feature in-store play experiences free build challenges and monthly events, according toa newsrelease Thecompany said members of the Lego VIP loyalty program can receive benefits at the newlocation,includinggiftsandpoints

Thestorewillalsohaveexclusiveproductsandmerchandiseonlyavailable fromLegostores TheLegoGroupcurrentlyhas112Legostoresthroughout NorthAmerica.

“We are proud to have one of the most iconic toy brands in history open at Town Center of Virginia Beach,” said Lindsay Bangel, who focuses on specialtyretailatDivarisRealEstate “TheLegobrandhasatimelessappeal andfosterscreativityandlearningforchildrenandadults Weareconfident that this store will quickly become a beloved destination for families and Legoenthusiaststhroughouttheregion.”

(PHOTOCOURTESYSHUTTERSTOCK/AGSAZ)

FirstAfricans Commemoration panel guest TonyCohen,historian and president ofthe Menare Foundation,Inc.(PHOTOCOURTESY OFTONYCOHEN)

FirstAfricans Commemoration panel guest Chadra Pitman,anthropologist and executive directorofThe Sankofa Projects.(PHOTOBY TEREZDEAN)

FirstAfricans Commemoration panel guest Barbara Hamm Lee,executive producer and host of“AnotherView”radio talkshow. (PHOTOCOURTESYOFBARBARAHAMMLEE)

Chris Tucker announces his first major tour in over a decade, catch The Legend Tour 2023 at Chrysler Hall September 10

PressRelease

Award-winning actor, producer and comedian Chris Tucker announces his first major tour in North America since 2011. ProducedbyLiveNation,thehistoric30-city fall 2023 run The Legend Tour 2023 kicks off on September 8 at North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston South Carolina, making stops across North America in Toronto, Nashville, Philadelphia,Phoenix,andmoreincludingNorfolk’s ChryslerHallonSeptember10beforewrapping up in Detroit, MI at Fox Theatre on January12

“I started my career doing stand-up in comedyclubsandit’sstand-upcomedythat prepared me for all of my movie roles I’m lookingforwardtogettingbacktomyroots I love performing live, there’s nothing like theenergyofalivecrowdandmakingpeople laugh. I’m excited to be back out on tour.” saidChrisTucker

TicketsfortheChrisTuckerTheLegend Tour at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10 at Chrysler Hall are on sale now and can be purchased at the Scope Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. The Scope Arena box office is located in the Scope parking garage at 201 E. Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA23510 Formoreinformationvisitsevenvenues.com/eventsorcall757.664.6464.

About Chris Tucker: Chris Tucker is an internationallyrecognized,award-winning actor producer and comedian. He is best knownforhisroleofDetectiveJamesCarter in the blockbuster Rush Hour action-comedy film franchise, starring opposite Jackie Chan under the direction of Brett Ratner Most recently, Chris was seen on the big screen staring opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis in the Amazon StudiohitAIR

Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He then rose to prominence with his first starring role, in the 1995 cult classic Friday, alongside Ice Cube In 1997, Tucker executive producedandco-starredwithCharlieSheen in the hit movie Money Talks, directed by Ratner, and also appeared in Luc Besson’s globallysuccessfulsci-fiadventureTheFifth

Element. His other film credits include the Hughesbrothers’DeadPresidents Quentin Tarantino’sJackieBrown DavidO’Russell’s award-winninghitSilverLiningsPlaybook, and Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.

In 2015, Tucker released Chris Tucker LiveexclusivelyonNetflix,markingthefirst projecthestarredinandproducedthrough his own company, Chris Tucker Entertain-

ment. He currently tours around the world performinglivecomedyshows whichhave received rave reviews globally In addition toentertainingmillionsoffansonstageand screen,Tuckerisadedicatedhumanitarian, spending much of his spare time traveling the world, doing charitable work through The Chris Tucker Foundation. By making a difference, he truly believes we are blessed tobeablessing

NASA seeks student ideas for 2024 Human Exploration Rover Challenge

PressRelease

Students interested in designing, developing,building,andtestingroversforMoon and Mars exploration are invited to submit their proposals to NASA through Monday Sept.21.

The complete details on how to participate in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge are available online To learn more, challenge experts are hosting two webinarsat10a.m.EDT,andagainat6p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 24 The virtual sessions will outline the proposal processes and requirespre-registration.

“OurHumanExplorationRoverChallenge will focus on an immersive story based on proposed NASA-use cases for crewed and uncrewed rovers during upcoming Artemis missions, including exploring permanently shadowed regions, positioning to recharge batteries, power and data exchange with other surface assets, and storing collected samples,”saidVemitraAlexander challenge activity lead for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement.“Studentsmustdeterminewhy an autonomous rover exploring the shadowed regions has gone out of contact and, if possible,attempttorepairtheroboticrover.”

By participating in this challenge, NASA hopesstudentswilldevelopadeeperunderstanding of content and enhance their communication, collaboration inquiry problem-solving and flexibility skills that willbenefitthemthroughouttheiracademic and professional lives Interested teams should review the handbook for proposal guidelinesandnewtaskchallenges

In October, NASA will announce which teamsareinvitedtotheU.S.Space&Rocket CenterinHuntsville,Alabama,nearNASA’s MarshallSpaceFlightCenter,inApril2024 toshowcasetheirsubmissions.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary the Human Exploration Rover Challenge tasks

highschool,college,anduniversitystudents fromaroundtheworldtodesign,build,and test lightweight, human-powered rovers on an obstacle course simulating lunar and Martian terrain, all while completing mission-focused science tasks Once selected, students are required to complete monthsofdesignandsafetyreviewsmirroring the engineering design process used by

NASAengineersandscientists Thischallengeprovidesstudentsachance to engage with NASA’s Artemis program, whichincludesputtingthefirstwomanand first person of color on the Moon. NASA and event sponsors continue to encourage studentstopushthelimitsofinnovation.

The challenge is managed by NASA’s SoutheastRegionalOfficeofSTEMEngage-

ment at Marshall and is one of eight Artemis Student Challenges NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement uses challenges and competitionstofurthertheagency’sgoalof encouragingstudentstopursuedegreesand careersinscience,technology,engineering, andmathematics

To learn more, visit https://www.nasa. gov/roverchallenge/home/index.html

Surfers Healing

from Page 1

days say, I don’t know if you can handlemychild.That’sexactlythe way I was. There’s no way my son cansurf that’soffthetablebecause heneededtobelikeme Butinreality it didn’t matter as long as he was in the water on a board surfing we were connecting, we were just like any other father and son. It was heartwarming andcreatedarelationship,webondedandwestartedSurfersHealingbytaking hisclassoutsurfing Itwasmaybesixkids,asaspecialdayprogram.Ienlisted six guys, my original six, then we took out another six kids, and that was over 26yearsagoinSanOnofre,California

Y: How did you put such an amazing, diverse team of volunteers, surfers, workers together to give up their time, money and everything else not just for VirginiaBeachbuttheotherlocationstoo?

IP:Youhitonthephrase “Nogooddeedgoesunpunished.”Theyaredoing somethingincrediblebutthebiggestendeavorwe’veeverhad doingfivestates andsevencamptours,greaterthananythingwe’veeverdoneandtheyaregoing home after being gone for 2 weeks and will struggle to pay rent. They don’t mindbecausetheyaresointothis Theyareverygratefultobeletintothelives ofparentswithautism.Itmeanssomuchtothesurferstobeapartofthatand youcanhearmyguysandgalssaytothefamilies,thankyouforlettingmebea partofthisandtakingyourchildouttothewatertoridethosewavestogether Andthat’stheworldtome itwarmsupmyheartandthat’swhatmakesmecry when I hear the love and passion that my guys have for what they do I don’t call them surfers anymore, they are healers It’s more than a service or a sport that can be misconstrued as trivial There’s so much magic that happens with acceptance and healing, an awakening that the family needs as they continue thislonglifewithautismthatwillbedifferent.

Y:HowdidSurfersHealinggrow?

IP:Wedid summerprograms, then we didNorthCarolina 19years ago and MalibuandSanDiegoanditjustgrewfromthere Ialwaysworryabouttaking childrenoutinasafewave Butconditionschangeinthewater.Alsoourgroup of volunteers got better and their length of time volunteering got longer We have surfers who have been volunteering for 15 16 and more years. My goal foreverychildistohaveonlyrealherosurferstakethemout likeIdidmyson. 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.

Students from theTecnológico de Monterrey Cuernavaca Mexico,cheerfortheirteammates during the 2023 competition.NASAis accepting proposals forthe 2024 season until Sept 21 2023.(PHOTOCOURTESYNASA)

Meal-prep tips for a manageable back-to-school menu

FromFamilyFeatures

The hustle and bustle of back-to-school season can cause chaos in households Class time, field trips and homework typically rule each day, which can make sitting down for a meal seem like a far-off dream One easy way to save time is simplifying family recipes and prioritizing meal-planning

Consider these meal-planning tips from the experts at HealthyFamilyProject,whosepartnersaredonating$16,000 to the Foundation for Fresh Produce to support children’s accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Choose the meals you plan to make for the week Cut downonpreptimebyplanningdisheswithoverlappingingredients then write out a grocery list to keep from overbuying Recipes like this Southwest Quiche Muffins Bento Box that include a brief list of widely used ingredients can help you avoid buying items you may only use once.

Stock the kitchen with ingredients your family often uses Ensure you have the spices, seasonings, condiments, sauces and canned foods to prepare favorite meals at a moment’s notice. Savetimebywashingandpreppingproduceonceeach week For example, if you’re using sweet peppers in these Mini Sweet Pepper Sheet Pan Nachos and again in another mealthatweek,prepallatoncesothey’rereadywhenit’stime to cook - just be sure to store in an airtight container

Serve quick snacks that won’t spoil dinner Kids often need a little fuel for homework, but complicated snacks can cut into already busy schedules Keep ingredients on hand for simple options like trail mix, fruit parfaits and meat and cheese wraps

Use kitchen tools that speed up the process Pressure cookers and air fryers can help you put nutritious meals on thetablefasterwhileslowcookersletyouprepinthemorning and come home to a hot, delicious dinner.

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more back-toschool recipes

SouthwestQuiche MuffinsBentoBox

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12

„ 8largeeggs

„

½cupmilk

„ nonstickcookingspray

„ ¾cupblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

„ ½cupchoppedNatureFreshFarmsTomz

tomatoes „ ⅓cupshreddedcheddarcheese

„ ¼smallRealSweetsweetonion chopped

„ ½cupvanillaGreekyogurt

„ ¼cupgranola

„ ½ZespriSunGoldkiwi,chopped

„ 1BeeSweetCitrusmandarin,peeledand segmented

Preheatovento325F.

Inlargebowl whiskeggsandmilk.

Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or use silicone muffin liners. Evenly divide beans, tomatoes, cheese and onion among cups Poureggsovertop Bake 20-25 minutes, or until eggs are set and lightlybrowned. Removefromovenandcoolinpan2-3minutes Useknifetoloosenedgesandremove Incuporbowl,mixyogurt,granolaandkiwi. Assemble bento box with two quiche muffins kiwiparfaitandmandarinslices

MiniSweetPepper SheetPanNachos

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

„ 8ouncesPeroFamilyFarmsMiniSweet

Peppers, cutintochipshapes

„ 7ouncestortillachips

„ ½cupsweetorredonion,diced.

„ ½cupcannedorfreshcorn

„ ½cupquesofrescocheese

„ ¼cupblackolives

„ ¼cupjalapenopeppers,freshsliced

„ ¼cupcilantroleaves,forgarnish

„ 1lime,cutintothinwedges,forgarnish

Preheatovento350F.

Place peppers and tortilla chips on sheet pan.

Layer onion, corn cheese, black olives and jalapenopeppers.Bake3-5minutes Garnishwithcilantroandlimewedges

Understanding Medicare Part D and TRICARE pharmacy coverage

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLSCHURCH,Va

YoumayalreadyhaveTRICARE ForLife(TFL).Orperhapsyou’reeligibletotransitiontothis coverage soon Either way, you may have questions about your TRICARE prescription drug coverage For instance, youmaywonderifyouneedtohaveMedicarePartD,Medicare’sprescriptioncoverage Youdon’tneedMedicarePartD tohaveTFL.That’sbecauseTFLhasthesameprescription drugcoverageasotherTRICAREhealthplans.(Thisdoesn’t includetheUSFamilyHealthPlan.)

“Whileyou’rerequiredtohaveMedicarePartAandPart B to have TRICARE For Life, as long as you have TFL, you haveTRICAREprescriptiondrugcoverage,”saidAnneBreslin,TRICAREForLifeprogrammanagerwiththeDefense Health Agency “If you have TFL, there’s almost no advantagetosigningupforMedicarePartD.”

Herearesomecommonquestionsaboutpharmacycoverage through TFL and Medicare. Use the answers to help guide you to the best decision for yourself or your family member.

Q: Do I have pharmacy coverage when I transition to MedicareandTFL?

A:Yes.AsoutlinedintheTRICAREandMedicareTurning Age 65 Brochure, if you’re eligible for TRICARE and have MedicarePartAandPartB,you’reautomaticallycoveredby TFL.AndifyouhaveTFL,theTRICAREPharmacyProgram providesyourprescriptiondrugcoverage Thisiscreditable drugcoveragethatpaysatleastasmuchasMedicare’sstandardprescriptiondrugcoverage

Your TRICARE pharmacy coverage will continue seamlessly when you transition to Medicare and TFL from a TRICAREhealthplan Thisisespeciallyhelpfulifyouhave maintenance drugs that you take regularly for a chronic condition.

Q: When should I consider getting Medicare Part D in additiontomyTRICAREpharmacybenefit?

A: Before you sign up for Medicare Part D, compare Medicare prescription drug plans and costs with the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. Keep in mind, the TRICARE Pharmacy Program has no monthly premium. Most people pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Part D plan. Also, take intoconsideration:

„ Deductibles

„ Copayments

„ Coverage and costs of drugs you already take (costs may varybasedonwhichmedicationsyoutake)

Q:WhatifIneedhelppayingforMedicarePartDcoverage?

A:Ifyouhavelimitedincomeandresources,youmaywant to consider Extra Help Extra Help is a Medicare program tohelppeoplepayMedicaredrugprogramcosts,likepremiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance Some peopleautomaticallyqualifyforExtraHelp Youmayautomaticallyqualifyif:

„ YouhavebothMedicareandMedicaid

„ You’reinaMedicareSavingsProgram

„ YougetSupplementalSecurityIncomebenefits

Ifyoudon’tautomaticallyqualifyforExtraHelp,youcan apply

Q: How do Medicare Part D and TRICARE Pharmacy Programcoverageworktogether?

A: If you have both Medicare Part D and TFL Medicare is theprimarypayer.TRICAREpayslast

Q:WherecanIfillmyprescriptions?

A: If you have Medicare Part D, follow your Medicare prescriptiondrugplan’srulesforgettingyourprescriptions IfyouhaveTFLanddon’thaveMedicarePartD,youhavethe following TRICARE pharmacy options to fill your covered prescriptions:

„ Militarypharmacies

„ TRICAREPharmacyHomeDelivery

„ TRICAREretailnetworkpharmacies

„ Non-networkpharmacies

Q:ArethereresourcestohelpmemanagemyTRICARE prescriptions?

A:Tohelpmanageyourprescriptiondrugcoverage,youcan:

„ Sign up for an Express Scripts online account at https:// www.express-scripts.com/login/tricare

„ DownloadthefreeExpressScriptsPharmacymobileapp „ UsetheTRICAREFormularySearchTool

„ Use the Express Scripts Price a Medication tool (https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/ Article/3397040/getting-a-new-prescription-check-tricareformulary-search-tool)

„ Find a pharmacy at https://militaryrx.express-scripts com/find-pharmacy

ExpressScriptsistheTRICAREpharmacycontractor If youneedhelporhavequestions call1-877-363-1303.

Q:IfIdecideto,whencanIenrollinMedicarePartD?

A: You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, the Medicare Part D Annual Open Enrollment (Oct 15—Dec. 7 every year), or duringaMedicarePartDSpecialEnrollmentPeriod.Having TRICARE pharmacy coverage makes you eligible for the special enrollment period. In this case, you won’t pay the lateenrollmentpremiumpenalty

For more information about Medicare Part D prescriptiondrugcoverage,gotoMedicare(https://www.medicare gov/drug-coverage-part-d)orcall1-888-633-4227 Tolearn more about Medicare and your TRICARE benefits, check out “Becoming Medicare-Eligible” at https://www.tricare. mil/medicare

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions and create your personalizedprofiletogetbenefitupdates,news andmore.

Jessica Carbajal,355th Healthcare Operations Squadron pharmacytechnician,fills a prescription in the Exchange Pharmacyat Davis-MonthanAirForce Base,Ariz.,May23,2023 Carbajal fills prescriptions,conducts prescription intake and conducts medical inventory (U.S.AIRFORCEPHOTOBYSTAFFSGT.ABBEYRIEVES)