www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, October 12, 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE Preventing pollution from car, lawn and pool maintenance Part two in a four article-series on everyday habits that residents can adopt to prevent pollution from stormwater runoff and to protect our local waterways. PAGE A2 VOL. 31, NO. 36, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
October 12-October 18, 2023
NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 19, 2019) Guests pass a C-2A Greyhound on display at Naval Station Norfolk’s Fleet Fest. This year’s Fleet Fest is scheduled for Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in which the base will be open to the general public. The event will feature ship tours, the World’s Largest Bounce House, numerous exhibits, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili cook-off, food trucks, kid’s area, live demonstrations and much more that highlight the mission of Naval Station Norfolk and our local military units. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS KODY A. PHILLIPS/RELEASED)
Fleet Fest returning to Naval Station Norfolk By Kelly Wirfel
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer
NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk is proud to announce the return of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Day on Oct. 20 and Fleet Fest on Oct. 21. This is the first time the events have taken place since 2019. Throughout STEM Day nearly 3,000 local students will have the opportunity to tour various Navy warships, aircraft static displays, United States Marine Corps static displays and also participate in more than 45 STEM exhibits. The following day for Fleet Fest, the base will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Fleet Fest is a wonderful opportunity for us to open the gates to the Hampton Roads community, guests from throughout the United States and really all over the globe to see the world’s largest and most operational naval station,” said Capt. Janet Days,
NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. “Our Sailors and civilians work hard every single day and take a great deal of pride in what they do. This event also gives them the opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication. We are thrilled to bring this huge community outreach event back this year.” Two U.S. Navy ships will participate in Fleet Fest and will be providing tours throughout the day. Participating ships include USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95). In addition to the Navy ships, United States Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC 906) and Rapid Response Cutter Rollin Fritch (WPC 119). In addition to public visitation of participating ships, there will be the World’s Largest Bounce House, numerous exhibits, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili Turn to Fleet Fest, Page 6
NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 19, 2019) Guests wait in line to tour an aircraft carrier at Naval Station Norfolk’s Fleet Fest in . This year’s Fleet Fest is scheduled for Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in which the base will be open to the general public. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST MIKE DIMESTICO/RELEASED)
JEBLCFS celebrates 27 years as a “Tree City” By April Phillips
JEBLCFS Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS) is a little greener after Arbor Day celebrations on both installations. While Arbor Day is officially in the month of April, there was a good reason to mark the occasion Oct. 3. Trees do better when planted in the fall rather than the spring. Commanding Officer Capt. David Gray and Deputy Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Pierre Han helped plant a pair of Kwanzan cherry trees at the Little Creek and Fort Story Child Development Centers. They also spoke to the children about how trees impact everything from paper and pencils to the air we breathe. The event marked the installation’s 27th year earning the Tree City designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. “I’m proud that our installation has been named a Tree City for the 27th year, and I think it’s wonderful that we have these tree plantings at our Child Development Centers. It’s great that our children are learning about the many ways trees enhance our environment so they become good stewards in the future,” said Gray.
Robbie Lewis, from the Virginia Department of Forestry, congratulated both Little Creek and Fort Story on their 27-year achievement and also brought along a friend for the kids — Smokey the Bear. Smokey helped the kids plant the trees and reminded them of the dangers unintended fires can pose to people and forests. “It’s always a lot of fun to spend time with the kids and Smokey the Bear, teaching them the importance of trees in our environment and everyday lives,” said Han. “When they’re able to get involved, they get excited about it, and that’s a lesson they’ll remember when they’re older.” Lewis said JEBLCFS has maintained its Tree City status by upholding four overarching standards. The first requirement is to have a tree board or department. At JEBLCFS, that department is led by the installation’s environmental manager, Sharon Waligora. The second requirement is to have a public tree care ordinance that provides clear guidance for planting and caring for trees. There must also be a budget for this maintenance of at least $2 per person. Finally, there must be an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. This final requirement is fulfilled by the annual tree planting celebration and proc-
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Deputy Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Pierre Han (right) and children and staff from the Fort Story Child Development Center plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day. JEBLCFS just completed 26 years as a“Tree City”and has now completed designation requirements for a 27th straight year. (PHOTO BY APRIL PHILLIPS)
lamation signing by the commanding officer. This year’s proclamation ends with Gray urging “all personnel to participate
in various endeavors that add to the beauty and quality of life at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.”
Opportunity Outreach: Naval workshop celebrates talent at HBCU/MIs www.flagshipnews.com
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The Department of the Navy’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions Program sponsored its annual Naval Opportunity Awareness Workshop at Florida International University in Miami. PAGE A4
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