Flagship 11.23.2023 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

With continuing resolution, service members to get paid through holidays The U.S. Senate sent forward a bill that funds the government through early 2024, ensuring that the Defense Department can continue operating, and that service members will get paid through the holiday season. PAGE A6 VOL. 31, NO. 41, Norfolk, VA | ﬂagshipnews.com

November 23-November 29, 2023

NORFOLK, Va. - Chef Robert Irvine, alongside First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and President Joseph R. Biden Jr., serve food to families at a Friendsgiving dinner at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 19, 2023. The celebrity chef and members of the Robert Irvine Foundation prepared the meal for family members of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Sailors, as well as single Sailors assigned to units on Naval Station Norfolk, in recognition of the sacriﬁces they make while serving the nation, especially during the holidays. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

President Biden, First Lady host ‘Friendsgiving’ for Gerald R. Ford, Dwight D. Eisenhower families By Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, alongside renowned Chef Robert Irvine, hosted a Friendsgiving meal in the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 hangar on Naval Station Norfolk for roughly 400 family members of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Sailors, as well as single Sailors assigned to units on the naval station, Nov. 19, 2023. The event was part of the ongoing White House initiative Joining Forces, to support military families, according to the first lady. The Robert J. Irvine Foundation has been a close ally, as the event marked the third time the two have teamed up to honor and support military families. Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group deployed on May 2, 2023 and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deployed on Oct. 14, 2023. Both carrier strike groups are deployed to the U.S. 6th and U.S. 5th Fleets during the Thanksgiving holiday. Irvine said the mission of the Robert J. Irvine Foundation is not only to offer support to veterans, but to raise public awareness of all the array of efforts and sacrifices made in defense of freedom. “This Friendsgiving, I want to express my gratitude for all of you, especially those aboard the Eisenhower and the Ford forward deployed,” said Irvine. “For our military volunteer chefs who have helped my team prepare today’s meal, for the hospitality of the United States President Biden and the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and for the privilege to call myself a citizen of this great nation. Thank you and God bless you all.” A Dwight D. Eisenhower military spouse Sibrena Sears, wife of Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Recovery) Shannon Sears, and mother of five, spoke about the importance of having a military community

before introducing President Biden. “I am one of the many people whose spouse deployed on the Eisenhower,” said Sears. “Before becoming a military spouse, I was active duty and before then I was a Navy ‘brat.’ I can say that I have experienced this life from every perspective … being away from family is not easy, but one thing that I can say that makes it easier is this military community and events like these that help bring us to together, and let us know that we are not forgotten, and we are still important.” The commander in chief expressed immense gratitude to the service members

and their families and heaped much praise on the U.S. Navy. “We only have one truly sacred obligation, and that’s to prepare those who we send into harm’s way, care for them and their families when they come home, and to make sure they are never forgotten,” he said. “Everywhere I go in my career no one misunderstands that we have the finest military in the world. It’s not just because of our fighting ability, but the way you dedicate your lives … Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The commander in chief and first lady served guests, then put their focus on engag-

ing with service members and families tableside before departing for the evening. The meal was provided by the Robert Irvine Foundation and was prepared by its staff alongside active-duty Sailors at the naval station. “It was truly an honor to host Friendsgiving at Naval Station Norfolk,” said Capt. Janet Days, commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk. “This was an amazing opportunity for all the Sailors and family members throughout Hampton Roads who participated! What a great way to kick off the holiday season!” The transformation of the HM-15 hangar into an upscale dining facility in only a matter of days required many hands of volunteers, especially those assigned to the HM-15 squadron. “What an absolute privilege and honor it was to host the president and ﬁrst lady and their team,” said Cmdr. Andrew Countiss, HM-15 Commanding Officer. “The MH-53E ‘Sea Dragon’ helicopter was center stage today. HM-15 really stepped up and was able to showcase the great talents and many contributions of everybody in the squadron. This was a very humbling experience.” Yeoman 3rd Class Reyna Bautista-Martinez and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jazmin Gabilanes, both assigned to HM-15, volunteered to help set up for Friendsgiving and expressed genuine excitement to be a part of the memorable event. “I never thought I would be able to meet the president,” said Gabilanes. “When I heard he was coming here, I was waiting for someone to ask for volunteers. I really wanted to meet him.” Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, who represents all of east coast aircraft carriers and squadrons, emphasized that special events like Friendsgiving focus on not just our Sailors deployed overseas, but the families sustaining the Turn to Friendsgiving, Page 4

Cheatham Annex NEX to go cashless in December www.ﬂagshipnews.com

www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

www.twitter.com/ the_ﬂagship

The familiar jingle of coins being counted at the cash register as customers pay for their purchases will be a sound of the past at the Navy Exchange Mini-Mart onboard Cheatham Annex. The mini mart will transition to a cashless environment starting December 1st in a concerted effort to speed up checkout times and increase efficiency. PAGE A2

THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered to your door for free!

CALL TODAY! 757.446.9000

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Williamsburg, Va. (November 9, 2023) Customers at the Navy Exchange (NEX) Mini-Mart onboard Cheatham Annex (CAX) utilize the Point of Sale terminal to pay for their purchases. This particular NEX mini-mart is scheduled to transition to a cashless environment on 1 December 2023 in an effort to speed up customer checkout times and streamline the store’s operations. The CAX mini-mart originally opened more than forty years ago in what was previously an MWR Bowling Alley and before that, a horse stable during WWII. The mini-mart completed a signiﬁcant renovation in 2014 which nearly doubled the size of the store. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MAX LONZANIDA/RELEASED)

Cheatham Annex NEX to go cashless in December By Max Lonzanida

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The familiar jingle of coins being counted at the cash register as customers pay for their purchases will be a sight and sound of the past at the Navy Exchange Mini-Mart onboard Cheatham Annex. The small mini mart will transition to a cashless environment starting on 1 December 2023 in a concerted effort to speed up checkout times and increase efficiency. The transition to a cashless environment follows a growing national trend among retailers since COVID-19. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Navy Exchange Manager, Jai Snipes shed some light on the decision to go cashless during a brief interview earlier this month. Jai manages the NEX locations at Huntington Hall, NWS Yorktown, and this one onboard Cheatham Annex. “We did the research to see what cash transactions were like here, and they were less than five percent of our overall transactions. In fact, two of the three stores that are cashless in this region are my stores; the NEX at Huntington Hall and now here at Cheatham. There is also one at Wallops Island that is also within our region,” said Snipes, as he watched a store employee complete transactions with shoppers during the busy afternoon rush. “Over 95 percent of our shoppers here are already paying with a credit card, debit card, Military Star card, and even Apple Pay and Google Pay. We even take checks, but that is few and far between, so after we close on November 30th, there won’t be a single coin or any money in this store,” he said. “All the employee needs to do is come in and push a series of buttons on the register and they can start ringing shoppers up. Its going to make the checkout process a whole lot faster, and that helps especially if you are in a rush. It’s our goal to get shoppers in and out, and the last thing they want to do is stand in a line waiting for someone to count out exact change for their purchase or wait for the cashier to do the same,” he said. Snipes pointed out a variety of signs throughout the mini mart advising shoppers of the change to a cashless environment. “Honestly, I think customers won’t even notice the difference because most of our transactions are done without cash,” he said.

Williamsburg, Va. (November 9, 2023) Signs placed at the cash register at the Navy Exchange (NEX) Mini-Mart onboard Cheatham Annex (CAX) alert customers of the transition to a cashless environment. This particular NEX mini-mart is scheduled to transition to a cashless environment on 1 December 2023 in an effort to speed up customer checkout times and streamline the store’s operations.

A cashless store was a far cry when the ﬁrst Navy exchange mini mart opened onboard Cheatham Annex during WWII. At the time, the mini mart was located in a former bowling alley, which was previously a horse stable long before the era of electronic payments. This particular storefront has been around in this most recent conﬁguration since 2014, when the store completed an expansion which doubled its size and product offerings. “This store is a breakfast and lunch store, and most of those times the line here can be three maybe six deep. If it takes maybe three

to four minutes to checkout, if I can speed up that checkout time by going cashless that’s a win for everyone,” he said. Snipes noted that a growing trend of retailers nationwide have been transitioned to being cashless. He also noted some efficiencies with employees who won’t have to worry about spending time at the start or end of their shifts to countdown the funds in their cash drawers. Additionally, it alleviates a member of his staff having to travel nearly 20 minutes each way from the main Navy Exchange Mini-Mart onboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown to pick up

YOUR PERFECT

a cash bag daily. “When we did the conversion at Huntington Hall’s Navy Exchange to cashless in February of this year, we have not received a single complaint. And that was ten months ago; in-fact, we got accolades because shoppers get in and get out with a quickness. I’m conﬁdent the same will happen here when we transition to a cashless environment on December 1st, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Search jobs. Post your resume. Stand out from the crowd.

JOB IS WAITING

careers.tribpub.com Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Wesley McCall

Editorial Staff

Contributing Staff

Ninoshka Basantes, Kaitlyn Hewett, Elizabeth Reisen 757-322-2853 | news@ﬂagshipnews.com

Flagship, Inc.

MNV Military Manager | Ski Miller ski.miller@virginiamedia.com

Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offices are located at P.O. Box 2820, Norfolk, Va. 23510. © 2021 Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved

Free Classiﬁed Advertising 757-622-1455 | Distribution & Home Delivery 757-446-9000 • distribution@pilotonline.com

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 16, 2023)- The official party stands for the parading of colors at the opening of the Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 26 change of command ceremony, Nov. 16. Cmdr. Matthew Mravlja was relieved by Cmdr. Scott F. Chirgwin. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS AIMEE FORD)

HSC-26 conducts change of command ceremony By Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic NORFOLK, Va. — The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 “Chargers”, stationed aboard Naval Station Norfolk held a change of command ceremony, Nov. 16 to mark a transition of command leadership. During the change of command ceremony, Cmdr. Scott Chirgwin, of Portland, Oregon, assumed all duties and responsibilities as the HSC-26 commanding officer from Cmdr. Matthew Mravlja, of Westford, New York. While in command of HSC-26, Mravlja led an operational squadron of 439 Sailors,

molding a cohesive combat unit ready that deployed to U.S. Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR). This included operations deployed aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), the dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepherd (T-AKE 3), the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), and the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) while simultaneously maintaining a land-based detachment in Manama, Bahrain. These detachments provided critical helicopter aviation support for Operation Continuing Promise 2022, Special Boat Team 20, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Secu-

rity Response Teams, USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, and SEAL Teams Three, Five and Seven. “During my time at HSC-26, due to the hard work of the ‘Charger’ team we have accomplished tremendous feats and made real and significant impacts in multiple AORs,” said Mravlja, who addressed the new commanding officer. “The passion and professionalism of Chirgwin as the new Skipper will ensure this success continues.” Chirgwin discussed the passion the ‘Chargers’ bring to their assigned missions. “Every person here is critically important, this machine doesn’t move without your

hard work and sacrifice” Chirgwin said. “Every person is a critical piece to a greater goal.” HSC-26 trains pilots and aircrewmen to employ the MH-60S helicopter worldwide in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, search and rescue, medical evacuation, special warfare support, anti-surface warfare and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief. The squadron fulfills secondary missions of theater security cooperation and U.S. 2nd Fleet operational support.

GET YOUR PROJECT DONE NOW WITH OUR

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

OVER 156,166+ BATH REMODELING JOBS COMPLETED IN 1 DAY

25% OFF

shower & bath projects

BATH REMODELING DONE RIGHT Employee Installers 1

SPECIAL FINANCING OPTIONS 2

Offer valid until 12/03/23

Free Consultation Hassle Free Experience

Evening Appointments One Day Installation Flexible Payment Plans Subject to credit approval.

4.8/5

4.9/5

4.7/5

Based on 21,704 reviews

Based on 13,409 reviews

Based on 9,801 reviews

(Company reviews across all branches as of 11/01/2023)

757-280-2257 25% off is equal to 25% off the total project price. 2Subject to credit approval. Minimum purchase $9,999 required. See design consultant for details. Other restrictions may apply. New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 12/03/23.

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

USNCC Spring I applications deadline extended By Senior Chief Petty Officer Alexander Gamble U.S. Naval Community College

QUANTICO, Va. — U.S. Naval Community College has extended the application deadline until December 1, 2023, for most of its Spring I term degree programs. Any active duty enlisted Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman wishing to start their journey of lifelong learning has until December 1 to apply for one of several USNCC degree programs. Those interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure enough time for application review and command approval. The degree programs that have been extended include the following: Aviation Aviation Maintenance Technology — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Uncrewed Systems — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cybersecurity Cybersecurity and Information Assurance — Western Governors University Cybersecurity - Northern Virginia Community College General Studies with Computer Studies Specialization — University of Maryland Global Campus Data Analytics — Western Governors University Logistics Logistics (Maritime) — Arizona State University Technical Studies — Tidewater Community College Military Studies — Arizona State University Organizational Leadership — Arizona State University Each of the degree programs has a guaranteed pathway to a four-year degree with little

U.S. Naval Community College has extended the application deadline until December 1, 2023, for most of its Spring I term degree programs. The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, visit www.usncc.edu. (U.S. NAVY GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SENIOR CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST XANDER GAMBLE)

to no loss of credit. In addition to the available degree program options, USNCC is also taking applications for the stand-alone Naval Studies Certiﬁcate. This certiﬁcate program is also open to those who have a degree and

are looking to enhance their professional development. The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC,

visit www.usncc.edu. Click on the student interest form link to learn how to be a part of the USNCC.

Dr. Gladys West honored with Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award By Jennifer Erickson

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

The National Museum of the Surface Navy has awarded Dr. Gladys West with the ﬁrst Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award, recognizing her for the spirit to propel society beyond its limits, pioneering research and developing technologies that impact the knowledge and capabilities of people around the world. West, a Fredericksburg resident, traces her roots back to Naval Proving Ground, now Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), where she was hired in 1956 and worked for 42 years. West contributed to mathematical modeling of the Earth’s shape as well as the development of satellite geodesy models, later incorporated into the GPS. The museum hosted a Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner in October at the Battle-

ship USS Iowa in Los Angeles to honor West and other award recipients. Although West was unable to attend, she tuned into the live event. In an interview after the event, West shared her feelings about the award. “I am elated — very happy to be recognized, pleased that others get to see the work that we did at Dahlgren. It is an honor to be the ﬁrst recipient of this award. I am sorry that I could not attend to accept it in person,” West said. “Thank you to all who had a part in my receiving this award.” Lt. Cmdr. Gareth Brown-Hebert, NSWCDD executive officer, accepted the award on West’s behalf. “As a Surface Warfare Officer with many hours of ocean transit, it is not hyperbolic to say that I personally owe my life and safety to her pioneering innovation in GPS technology,” Brown-Hebert said to an audience of about 250 active duty and retired military,

Friendsgiving from Page 1

household back on the home front. “It is humbling to play a part in thanking the brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform and uphold their commitment to the constitution, and their families who sacriﬁce so that their loved ones may serve,” said Verissimo. “It is an absolute honor to welcome the commander in chief, the ﬁrst lady and Chef Irvine here, and I know that the families of the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Groups appreciate this act of giving during the holiday.” Also in attendance was Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Fleet Master Chief John Perryman, Fleet Master Chief, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Rear Adm. David Patchell, Vice Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Canadian Navy; and Rear Adm. Michael Sciretta, Director Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

government and community leaders. “Dr. West’s mathematical prowess was critical in developing a model of the Earth’s surface that was integrated into the foundation of the World Geodetic System. Although this model has been reﬁned several times in the intervening years; current GPS modeling is rooted in her brilliant work,” Brown-Hebert said. West has strived to propel society beyond its limits by “being aware of the young people, mentoring, contributing to their development by sharing stories of my career,” she said. She’s pioneered research and developed technology that impacts the knowledge and capabilities of people around the world by “being a part of several museum exhibits where my story is shared to all people everywhere, hoping that this leaves encouragement to follow their dreams and work hard to be the best they can be,” West said.

During interviews, military leaders sang her praises. “I think that Dr. West is another one of those ‘hidden figures’ in our military that play a critical role in the advancements that not only affected our ability to fire missiles accurately but also enable everyday life when you pick up your Google phone and you’re trying to find something,” said retired Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, 2022 VADM Samuel Gravely, Jr. Award recipient. Retired Adm. Philip S. Davidson, former Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command and 2023 Freedom of the Seas Award recipient, said, “The Navy stands on the shoulders of the geniuses that have been advancing our technology in the Navy… We’re standing on Dr. West’s shoulders to execute the mission of the United States.”

LEFT: NORFOLK, Va. - President Joseph R. Biden Jr., addresses family members of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Sailors, as well as single Sailors assigned to units on Naval Station Norfolk, during a Friendsgiving event at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 19, 2023. Their visit was part of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support military families. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS PORSHA THOMPSON)

BELOW: NORFOLK, Va. - Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine and Chief Culinary Specialist Lester Overton, a Chicago, Ill. native, pose for a photo during a Friendsgiving event at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 19, 2023. The meal was prepared by celebrity Chef Robert Irvine and staff, and served by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as a way to thank service members and their families for their sacriﬁce and service to the nation, especially during the holidays. Their visit was part of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support military families. (U.S. NAVY VIDEO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

NORFOLK, Va. - Chef Robert Irvine, alongside First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and President Joseph R. Biden Jr., serve food to families at a Friendsgiving dinner at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 19, 2023. The celebrity chef and members of the Robert Irvine Foundation prepared the meal for family members of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Sailors, as well as single Sailors assigned to units on Naval Station Norfolk, in recognition of the sacriﬁces they make while serving the nation, especially during the holidays. (U.S. NAVY VIDEO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 15, 2023) Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) announced its 2024 Civilian and Military Engineers of the Year awardees, both working at Public Works Department (PWD) Portsmouth, onboard Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Nov. 14. (Left) Matthew Reeves, P.E., an electrical engineer, was selected as the Civilian Engineer of the Year; and (Right) Lt. Cmdr. Caroline Mastrangelo, CEC, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) Director, was selected as the Military Engineer of the Year. Reeves and Mastrangelo will go on to compete for NAVFAC Echelon II Engineer of the Year recognition, and potentially for higher honors in the 2024 National Society of Professional Engineer’s Federal Engineer of the Year award program. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/RELEASED)

NAVFAC MIDLANT announces its Civilian, Military Engineers of the Year for 2024 By Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) announced its 2024 Civilian and Military Engineers of the Year awardees, Nov. 14. “It brings great pleasure to announce our Civilian and Military Engineers of the Year for 2024, both working at Public Works Department Portsmouth (PWD), onboard Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) — Matthew Reeves, P.E., an electrical engineer, was selected as our Civilian Engineer of the Year; and Lt. Cmdr. Caroline Mastrangelo, CEC, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) Director, was selected as our Military Engineer of the Year,” said Commanding Officer for NAVFAC MIDLANT, Capt. Matt Riethmiller. “Nominees were evaluated in the areas of achievements in their ﬁeld, civic and humanitarian activities, professional registration, continuing education, awards/ honors, and professional/technical society involvement. Congratulations to each of these dedicated and talented professionals on their achievements, and prestigious recognition!” Reeves, a Portsmouth, Virginia native, is an electrical engineer who is frequently called upon and consulted by his command and colleagues. His various assigned projects onboard NNSY, totaling nearly $61 million, included upgrading all exterior lighting to LED lighting; assisting with numerous building electrical renovations; and the modernization of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), a computer-based system used for gathering and analyzing real-time data to monitor and control equipment.

In addition to providing exceptional electrical engineering design projects and designing accurate computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for more than 84 buildings on the installation, Reeves also provided exceptional support for the overhaul of NNSY’s fire alarm notification system; provided engineering expertise in determining root cause analysis for critical hoisting safety components and further designed a robust fail-safe solution that became a standardization for all Navy barge cranes; and provided a fully-automated, cost estimating tool for specialized bridge cranes that helped to reduce calculation time by nearly 90 percent; among other time and cost-saving measures. “As part of the team at PWD Portsmouth, I offer engineering design services that are needed to develop and execute facility and utility projects,” said Reeves, who started working at NAVFAC in 2002, and has worked at PWD Portsmouth since October 2014. “I’m surrounded by knowledgeable co-workers who readily provide guidance and fellowship to directly support these efforts. Additionally, my immediate supervisor encourages ingenuity in ﬁnding non-conventional solutions to engineering problems.” Reeves is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia), and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho). “It’s endearing NAVFAC recognized my commitment and dedication to a career I thoroughly enjoy, amongst a field of highly qualiﬁed candidates,” he continued. “Personally, I’m grateful to PWD Portsmouth for fostering a working atmosphere

that promotes education, teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie. I directly attribute my success to this environment.” Mastrangelo, a West Lafayette, Indiana native, joined the Navy in 2006, and became a Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officer in 2013. Since 2022, she has been assigned as the FEAD Director for PWD Portsmouth, overseeing an 80-person division that exceeded execution goals regarding design ($60 million), construction ($90 million), facilities services ($76 million), and swing projects ($8 million). These goals were exceeded despite organizational change, vacancies, and other requirements. Projects included dry dock certiﬁcation, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, utilities, and others in support of high visibility requirements for Chief of Naval Operations availability; the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP); Commander, Navy Installations Command; and NNSY and Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads customers. She was also critical in the support of, and execution of, various electrical projects at NNSY, and personally managed the design and acquisition of a $12 million emergent special electrical upgrade project; a $6.5 million sole source award in support of electrical conduit replacement; and more than 30 projects, estimated at $6 million, to replace more than 25 miles of electrical cable, to name a few. Mastrangelo is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arizona, and a member of the Society of American Military Engineers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland), and a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia). During her 17-year military career, which

included being a Midshipman at the Naval Academy from 2006 to 2010, and as a Marine Corps Officer from 2010 to 2013, Mastrangelo has been a front-running engineer who supported numerous engineering requirements for special operations, U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), civic action missions, Navy and Marine Corps facilities, and shipyards. “The last year has had many challenges for PWD Portsmouth, but these challenges have also provided many opportunities for me, and the talented team of professionals with whom I serve to succeed,” she said. “I have been impressed and inspired by the passion and dedication in the team here. Their devotion and expertise has driven and encouraged me in my role as the FEAD Director.” Reeves and Mastrangelo will go on to compete for NAVFAC Echelon II Engineer of the Year recognition, and potentially for higher honors in the 2024 National Society of Professional Engineer’s Federal Engineer of the Year award program. NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering, public works and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine, as far west as Illinois, and down to Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organization to ensure the region’s facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively. For additional information about NAVFAC MIDLANT on social media, follow our activities on Facebook at www.facebook. com/navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard dry dock contract awarded By Janice Hussey

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic (NAVFAC LANT) awarded MEB General Contractors, Inc. (MEB), of Chesapeake, Virginia, a $9,032,255, firm-fixed-price contract for the Dry Dock 8 Certiﬁcation Maintenance Repairs onboard Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Portsmouth, Virginia. The work is part of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) and is a continuation of the U.S. Navy’s commitment to invest in the nation’s critical naval

facilities. “Dry docks are foundational to the shipyard mission, and the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program ensures they are available and capable of supporting necessary maintenance. This project is a perfect example as it will deliver the capability to support FORD Class carriers and enable Norfolk Naval Shipyard to continue meeting Fleet readiness objectives,” said Capt. Luke Greene, the program manager for SIOP. SIOP is a holistic plan that integrates all infrastructure and industrial plant equipment investments at the Navy’s four public shipyards to meet nuclear ﬂeet maintenance requirements, as well as improve Navy main-

tenance capabilities by expanding shipyard capacity and optimizing shipyard configuration. SIOP projects are essential to the on-time completion of submarine availabilities at NNSY and critical to maintaining the Navy’s maritime superiority. The contract covers various modifications and repairs to the pump well. These include repairing floor spalls, installing pump well platforms, replacing the main dewatering pump and its supports, valves and flex joints, and replacing the pump well intermediate floor. Additionally, there will be repairs for spalls in the sump area wall and floor, demolition and replacement of pump well plugs,

and ﬁxes to the existing dry dock stairs. For more information about SIOP, visit https://www.navfac.navy.mil/PEO-Industrial-Infrastructure/PMO-555-SIOP/. The Navy is investing heavily in shipyard infrastructure. SIOP will construct and recapitalize dry docks, recapitalize and reconﬁgure infrastructure, and modernize industrial plant equipment. For additional information about NAVFAC LANT visit, https://www.atlantic. navfac.navy.mil/. And follow our activities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/navfacatlantic and on Instagram @navfacatlantic.

Future USS Thad Cochran marks start of fabrication By Team Ships Public Affairs PASCAGOULA, Miss. — The Navy and HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division marked the start of fabrication for the future USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135) with a ceremony at HII’s shipyard, Nov. 13. The ship is named for the late Thad Cochran, a United States senator who represented Mississippi from 1978 to 2018 and

served as chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee. DDG 135 will be a Flight III guided missile destroyer centered on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and will provide greatly enhanced warﬁghting capability to the ﬂeet. The Flight III baseline begins with DDGs 125-126 and continues with DDG 128 and follow-on ships. “The future USS Thad Cochran’s start of

fabrication is the ﬁrst major milestone in the construction of the ship. Flight III guided missile destroyers will deliver unparalleled warﬁghting capabilities to the Fleet, bringing nearly 10,000 tons of American maritime strength across the world’s oceans and seas,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. Ingalls Shipbuilding division is also in production on future destroyers Ted Stevens

(DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), and Sam Nunn (DDG 133). As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.

Listen to our top news stories for free. Start now at PlayOurNews.com

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

With continuing resolution, service members to get paid through holidays By C. Todd Lopez DoD News

The U.S. Senate today sent forward to the president a bill that funds the government — including the Defense Department — through early 2024. The bill will ensure that the department can continue operating, and that service members will continue to get paid through the holiday season, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary. “Congress [has] avoided a government shutdown by passing the bipartisan continuing resolution,” said Sabrina Singh, during a briefing this afternoon at the Pentagon. “This short-term CR will ensure that our troops and civilian workforce will be paid through the holidays.” While the additional funding is good news for service members in the short term, Singh said that what the department needs is the financial stability that comes with a full appropriation for fiscal year 2024. “The department continues to urge Congress to pass a full-year appropriations, which is the best thing that Congress can do for our national defense,” she said. “As we have long made clear, operating under a short-term continuing resolution hamstrings the department’s people and our programs and undermines both our national security and competitiveness.” The DOD’s budget request for fiscal year 2024 was sent by the president to Congress in March and has not yet been signed into law. Until a funding bill for FY 2024 is signed into law, the department is limited in how it operates. Singh also urged Congress to pass the department’s supplemental funding requests which she said allow it to continue supporting Ukraine and Israel, which also provide humanitarian assistance across

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh conducts a press brieﬁng at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16, 2023. (DOD PHOTO BY U.S. NAVY PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS ALEXANDER KUBITZA)

the globe, and which makes critical investments in the Indo-Paciﬁc. “The supplemental [funding request] doesn’t just meet today’s urgent challenges,

but also invests in our industrial base here at home,” Singh said. “As we send munitions from our stockpiles, the money to replenish our supplies invests in American industry

and American workers. These investments will mean greater prosperity at home and greater security abroad.”

DOD aims to ensure availability of spare parts to sustain Ukraine-bound F-16s By C. Todd Lopez DoD News

The Defense Department is already participating in providing training to help ready Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 aircraft. The U.S. also expects to be ready to make sure spare parts are available for those aircraft. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department indicated willingness to approve the thirdparty transfer of U.S.-made F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have all announced intentions to do just that, pulling aircraft from their own fleets. To ensure the Ukrainians are successful with those F-16s, Ukrainian pilots have been training in the U.S. and Europe on both flight operations and maintenance. Once those F-16s are in the hands of the Ukrainians, however, support will not stop. There will need to be spare parts to ensure they can be sustained and keep flying. The U.S. is prepared to do that as well, said William A. LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, during a discussion Tuesday with Washington, D.C. news organization Politico. LaPlante said that with whatever is sent to the Ukrainians — and the U.S. has committed $44.2 billion in hardware and ammunition since February 2022 — it’s important also that spare parts be made available to maintain that gear. “Whatever we all deliver to the Ukrainians, provide 90 days of spares, please, please, that’s the rule of thumb — 90 days of spares,” he said. LaPlante said the F-16 aircraft Ukraine will receive, worth nearly a billion dollars, are no exception to that policy. Those aircraft will need the right spare parts and

An F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts a bombing and straﬁng ﬂight mission. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY GERTRUD ZACH/RELEASED)

in the right numbers. “That’s what we’re going through right now ... to make sure it happens,” he said. “They’ll have enough when they get there. We want ... it to be sustained. And it’s oftentimes the thing that is forgotten.” Without spares, he said the F-16s the Ukrainians ﬂy could be grounded in just a few months. “We’re not going to let that happen,” he said. “And just because other countries provide their airplanes, we have to make

sure if they don’t provide the spares that we ﬁnd the spares and provide them.” The department isn’t alone in its efforts to ensure the Ukrainians will be able to keep their F-16s ﬂying after they take custody of them or in concerns about Ukraine’s longterm ability to defend itself. The U.S. and partners, especially though the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, are working together to ensure Ukraine has what it needs and is also able to provide for itself, over the long term.

“We’re working really hard with U.S. industry and actually with the Europeans and other countries around the world to begin to coordinate these industry days with the Ukrainians,” LaPlante said, referring to daylong meetings where industry and military representatives meet to discuss procurement issues. “I think what you’re going to see is this pivot for U.S. companies and companies around the world to help the Ukrainians build back what they have.”

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023 7

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAYS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 At Dillard’s, we recognize with continuing gratitude the sacriﬁces our military forces and their families make daily for our country. In appreciation, we are extending a

DISCOUNT

to military personnel** on purchases made at Dillard’s on Wednesday, November 29 & Thursday, November 30, 2023.

*10% discount on small electric appliances. DILLARD’S IS PLEASED TO EXTEND THESE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS TO:

ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERS and their immediate families

FULL-TIME ACTIVE GUARDSMEN and their immediate families

ACTIVATED GUARDSMEN OR RESERVISTS and their immediate families Enjoy extra savings as Dillard’s honors our military heroes and their families. Thank you for your service to our country! PROCESS FOR OBTAINING YOUR DISCOUNT: Please visit our Customer Service area and show your valid military ID. Our customer service associates will provide you with a bar-coded shopping pass to use throughout the day. Please retain this shopping pass and show it to our sales associates at the beginning of every transaction. Your appropriate discount will be applied to each transaction. This pass is valid for one day. Should you decide to shop both days, you will need to request a new shopping pass on day two. **These individuals and/or a representative from their immediate family are cordially invited to shop any area Dillard’s store on either or both days. IN STORE ONLY • Call 1-800-345-5273 to ﬁnd a Dillard’s store near you.

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

THANKS TO ALL THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

$750 REBATE

U.S.Military 1

AVAILABLE ON 2024: CAMRY, COROLLA, RAV4 & TUNDRA

Oﬀers end Dec 5

ELIGIBLE VEHICLES INCLUDE ALL TCUV MODELS LISTED THAT ARE CURRENT YEAR USED VEHICLES THROUGH 6 YEAR-OLD WITH 85,000 MILES OR LESS. MY17-MY24 TCUV MODELS (GAS AND HYBRID): CAMRY G/H , COROLLA FAMILY*, HIGHLANDER G/H**, RAV4 G/H/P, SIENNA G/H, AND TACOMA. *COROLLA FAMILY INCLUDES COROLLA GAS/HYBRID, CROSS, HATCHBACK, & IM. **EXCLUDES GRAND HIGHLANDER G/H.

CASEY TOYOTA

601 East Rochambeau Drive • Williamsburg 757.259.1000 • caseytoyota.com

CHECKERED FLAG TOYOTA

5301 Virginia Beach Blvd. • Virginia Beach 757.490.1111 • toyota.checkeredﬂag.com

FIRST TEAM TOYOTA

3400 Western Branch Blvd. • Chesapeake 833.628.1653 • ﬁrstteamtoyota.com

GLOUCESTER TOYOTA

6357 George Washington Memorial Hwy. Gloucester 804.693.2100 • gloucestertoyota.com

HALL TOYOTA VIRGINIA BEACH

PRIORITY TOYOTA CHESAPEAKE

1877 Laskin Road • Virginia Beach 757.437.4000 • halltoyotavirginiabeach.com

1800 Greenbrier Parkway • Chesapeake 757.213.5000 • prioritytoyotachesapeake.com

PEARSON TOYOTA

CLASSIC TOYOTA HAMPTON

12978 Jeﬀerson Ave. • Newport News 757.874.6000 • pearsontoyotascion.com

2301 W. Mercury Blvd. • Hampton 757.838.5000 • classictoyotahampton.com

4 $750 REBATE OFFERED BY TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. AND MAY BE APPLIED TOWARD FINANCE OR LEASE CONTRACTS ON NEW TOYOTA VEHICLES THROUGH PARTICIPATING TOYOTA DEALERS AND TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES, DATED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 5, 2023. TO QUALIFY FOR THE REBATE, AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR LEASE YOU MUST BE (1) IN CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY STATUS IN THE U.S. MILITARY (NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, NATIONAL GUARD, COAST GUARD AND ACTIVE RESERVE) OR A U.S. MILITARY INACTIVE RESERVE (I.E., READY RESERVE) THAT IS PART OF THE INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE, SELECTED RESERVE AND INACTIVE NATIONAL GUARD; OR A RETIREE OF THE U.S. MILITARY, OR A MILITARY VETERAN WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THEIR DISCHARGE DATE; OR A HOUSEHOLD MEMBER OF AN ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL, INCLUDING GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS; AND (2) PROVIDE VERIFIABLE PROOF OF MILITARY STATUS OR ACTIVE SERVICE; (3) RECEIVE A SALARY SUFFICIENT TO COVER ORDINARY LIVING EXPENSES AND PAYMENT FOR YOUR NEW VEHICLE; AND (4) RECEIVE CREDIT APPROVAL FROM AND EXECUTE A FINANCE OR LEASE CONTRACT THROUGH A PARTICIPATING TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. NOT ALL APPLICANTS WILL QUALIFY. ON LEASE CONTRACTS, REBATE MUST BE APPLIED TOWARD THE AMOUNT DUE AT LEASE SIGNING OR TOWARD THE CAPITALIZED COST REDUCTION. ON FINANCE CONTRACTS, REBATE MUST BE APPLIED TOWARD THE DOWN PAYMENT. LIMIT ONE REBATE PER FINANCE OR LEASE TRANSACTION PER ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL OR ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD MEMBER. OFFER NOT COMBINABLE WITH THE COLLEGE GRADUATE REBATE PROGRAM, AND THE LEASE-END REFI PROGRAM. VEHICLE MUST BE TAKEN OUT OF DEALER STOCK. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. PROGRAM IS NOT AVAILABLE IN AL, FL, GA, HI, NC, AND SC. REBATE TERMS MAY BE MORE GENEROUS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA. ASK YOUR PARTICIPATING DEALER ABOUT THE MILITARY REBATE TERMS IN YOUR AREA. MUST PAY SALES TAX. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. ©2023 TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES IS A SERVICE MARK USED BY TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORPORATION (TMCC). RETAIL INSTALLMENT ACCOUNTS MAY BE OWNED BY TMCC OR ITS SECURITIZATION AFFILIATES AND LEASE ACCOUNTS MAY BE OWNED BY TOYOTA LEASE TRUST (TLT) OR ITS SECURITIZATION AFFILIATES. TMCC IS THE SERVICER FOR ACCOUNTS OWNED BY TMCC, TLT, AND THEIR SECURITIZATION AFFILIATES. YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS: BE IN CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY STATUS IN THE U.S. MILITARY (NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, NATIONAL GUARD, COAST GUARD AND ACTIVE RESERVE) OR A U.S. MILITARY INACTIVE RESERVES (I.E., READY RESERVES) THAT ARE PART OF THE INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE, SELECTED RESERVE AND INACTIVE NATIONAL GUARD; OR A MILITARY RETIREE WITHIN TWO YEARS OF RETIREMENT OR HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN OF THE U.S. MILITARY WITHIN TWO YEAR OF THEIR HONORABLE DISCHARGE DATE; OR A HOUSEHOLD MEMBER* OF AN ELIGIBLE U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL; AND PROVIDE VERIFIABLE PROOF OF MILITARY STATUS OR ACTIVE SERVICE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IN THE FORM OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATIONS: LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENT MILITARY IDENTIFICATION CARD VETERANS/RETIREES DD FORM-214 RECEIVE A SALARY SUFFICIENT TO COVER ORDINARY LIVING EXPENSES AND PAYMENTS FOR YOUR TOYOTA BE CREDIT APPROVED BY TFS. *HOUSEHOLD MEMBER(S):- HOUSEHOLD AND/OR FAMILY MEMBER OF THE QUALIFIED MILITARY PERSONNEL LIVING AT THE SAME ADDRESS AS THE QUALIFIED MILITARY PERSONNEL. AN ELIGIBLE SERVICE MEMBER AND HIS OR HER HOUSEHOLD MAY RESIDE IN PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY HOUSING.- GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE FAMILY MEMBERS OF A FALLEN HERO(S) AND ARE ALSO CONSIDERED AS HOUSEHOLD AND/OR FAMILY MEMBER AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM. MUST PROVIDE VERIFIABLE PROOF OF MILITARY STATUS OR ACTIVE SERVICE; OR RETIRED VIA AN ID.ME ACCOUNT AND COMPLETE THE VERIFICATION PROCESS AT A PARTICIPATING TOYOTA DEALER. 22024 CAMRY (EXCLUDES HYBRIDS), 2024 COROLLA (EXCLUDES HYBRIDS & COROLLA CROSS), 2024 RAV4 (EXCLUDES HYBRIDS), 2024 TUNDRA (INCLUDES GAS SR, SR5 AND LIMITED ONLY) ON APPROVED CREDIT, QUALIFIED BUYERS CAN RECEIVE A $1,000 FINANCE INCENTIVE FROM TOYOTA IF VEHICLE IS PURCHASED AND FINANCED THROUGH TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. INCENTIVE WILL BE APPLIED FIRST TO THE DOWN PAYMENT. ONE INCENTIVE PER TRANSACTION. NOT ALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY. 36.29% APR FINANCING UP TO 72 MONTHS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYERS THRU TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. TOTAL FINANCED CANNOT EXCEED VEHICLE PURCHASE PRICE PLUS TAX, TITLE, LICENSE AND DEALER FEES. 72 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $16.71 FOR EACH $1000 BORROWED. NOT ALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY. TAKE RETAIL DELIVERY FROM NEW DEALER STOCK BY 12/5/23; SUBJECT TO VEHICLE AVAILABILITY. DEALER FEES ARE EXTRA AND VARY BY DEALER. DEALER SETS FINAL PRICE. OFFER MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE. VEHICLE SHOWN MAY BE PROTOTYPE AND/OR SHOWN WITH OPTIONS. SEE PARTICIPATING CENTRAL ATLANTIC TOYOTA DEALER FOR DETAILS. OFFERS END 12/5/23. 4TOYOTACARE COVERS NORMAL FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR TWO YEARS OR 25,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. 24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IS ALSO INCLUDED FOR TWO YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES. THE NEW VEHICLE CANNOT BE PART OF A RENTAL OR COMMERCIAL FLEET, OR A LIVERY/TAXI VEHICLE. SEE TOYOTA DEALER FOR DETAILS AND EXCLUSIONS. VALID ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. AND ALASKA. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTS AND FLUIDS, EXCEPT EMERGENCY FUEL DELIVERY. 1

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

uarterdeck

Combined Maritime Forces, U.S. Coast Guard make $21 million drug seizure This seizure illustrates that nations from all around the world are committed to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean alongside their regional partners. Page B2

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro today announced that the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer DDG-141 will be named USS Ernest E. Evans, for Medal of Honor recipient and Naval Academy graduate Ernest E. Evans. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement during National Native American History Month. Evans was the ﬁrst Native American in the Navy to earn the Medal of Honor and one of only two World War II destroyer captains to attain it. (PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS JARED MANCUSO, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY)

SECNAV names ship after World War II hero, Medal of Honor recipient Ernest E. Evans By Office of the Secretary of the Navy Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced, today, that a DDG 51 Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named after World War II hero Ernest E. Evans, the first Native American in the Navy to earn the Medal of Honor and one of only two World War II destroyer captains to attain it. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement during Native American Heritage month. Additionally, Secretary Del Toro announced that the ship’s sponsor will be U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. “Since our nation’s founding, Native Americans, such as Ernest Evans, have volunteered to serve in our armed services. From the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and II, to Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Native Americans have fought with honor and distinction to preserve our union and defend our ideals of freedom and democracy, even during periods where they were not recognized as citizens of our country,” said Secretary Del Toro.”

“Today, we honor Commander Ernest Evans for his courage and ultimate sacriﬁce,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “While this nation has not always welcomed them, Native Americans have consistently and honorably served in disproportionately high rates across the Armed Forces to keep us safe at home and abroad. As we honor Commander Evans with this stunning vessel, we also honor the service of Indigenous servicemembers nationwide, past and present. Native American history is American history, and today’s designation ensures that our story continues to be told.” Ernest Edwin Evans was born on Aug. 13, 1908, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He graduated from Central High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1926. After a years’ enlisted service, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, entered as a midshipman, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1931. Evans spent his ﬁrst decade of service in San Diego, Pensacola, and aboard seven ships. He was serving on his eighth in the East Indies when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, thrusting the U.S. into World War II.

In 1943, Cmdr. Evans assumed command of the USS Johnston, serving as its only commanding officer. During the commissioning ceremony, Cmdr. Evans reportedly told his crew and the audience assembled, “This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” Oct. 25, 1944, off the coast of the Philippines, Cmdr. Evans and the crew of the USS Johnston found themselves in harm’s way during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On that day, Cmdr. Evans and his fellow destroyer captains launched an offensive attack against overwhelming odds against a much larger Japanese naval force, with the USS Johnston in the lead. Not waiting for orders, Evans commanded the crew to begin a torpedo run, drawing fire away from the carriers, directly taking hits from three powerful 14-inch guns. Despite severe damage to his ship and his own wounds from Japanese fire, he repeatedly put the USS Johnston between the enemy and more vulnerable U.S. ships, saving the lives of thousands of his fellow Sailors. Ultimately, the USS Johnston was lost during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, with Cmdr. Evans going down with his ship. For his lead-

ership and selfless service in the face of a superior enemy force, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. “And I am honored to announce that, in recognition of his heroic actions, our Navy will once again welcome a USS Ernest E. Evans into our fleet once again, as his name will adorn our future Arleigh Burke Flight III class destroyer DDG-141,” said Secretary Del Toro. In addition to the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Cmdr. Evans had the China Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, and was entitled to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with six engagement stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons with the one star. A destroyer escort vessel, USS Evans (DE 1023), was named in honor of Cmdr. Evans. Mrs. Hugh Hendrickson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sister to Cmdr. Evans, sponsored the vessel at the launching at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company, Seattle, Washington, on Sept. 14, 1955.

USNS Mercy’s visit to Solomon Islands marks 2nd stop of Paciﬁc Partnership 24-1 By Grady Fontana

Commander, Logistics Group Western Paciﬁc

Pacific Partnership has returned to the Solomon Islands to continue the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region, Nov. 18. The arrival of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) to Honiara, Solomon Islands, marks the next phase of the Pacific Partnership 24-1 (PP 24-1) mission that will enable participants, including U.S. and Solomon islanders, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships. “The Pacific Partnership 24-1 mission in the Solomon Islands is crucial as it fosters regional collaboration, strengthens ties, and enhances disaster response capabilities between us while highlighting our mutual commitment toward peace, security and cooperation,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark A. Melson, Commander, Task Force 73 and executive a gent for this year’s mission. “It also provides a platform for shared knowledge and resources, between the U.S. Navy and our partners, while building resilience, capacity and interoperability in the event of an HA/DR scenario in the Indo-Pacific region. At the invitation of host nations, the Pacific Partnership’s mission partners conduct tailored humanitarian civic action prepared-

ness activities in areas such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and host nation outreach events. As part of the mission stop, Pacific Partnership will provide tailored medical care focusing on surgical care, training for first responders, clinical care, subject-matter exchanges, and community education at Honiara, Gizo and Auki. Medical personnel will also provide support for the 2023 Pacific Games, in Honiara. The PP-24-1 mission in the Pacific Games, namely, the USNS Mercy was invited by host-nation leadership as a result of the success of the previous Pacific Partnership 2022 mission stop in Honiara. Engineering projects will include renovations at National Referral Hospital (NRH), while experts in the field shared knowledge exchanges with exercises covering HA/DR topics this past September. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will perform alongside Australian military musicians in a variety of community engagements. “Pacific Partnership has an enduring relationship with the Solomon Islands that started in 2007, and being asked to come back and support the medical infrastructure of the Solomon Islands as they host the Pacific Games demonstrates that continued commitment on both sides,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Quin, mission commander, Pacific Partnership 24-1. “On behalf of my team, we look forward to deepening our Turn to USNS Mercy, Page 4

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives in Honiara, Solomon Islands, during Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Nov. 18, 2023. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN APPRENTICE GAVIN ARNOLDHENDERSHOT)

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Q: What types of family housing are available? A: There are three types of housing available to families:

Representatives from Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center, Navy Facilities Engineering Systems Command, NAS Pensacola Morale, Welfare and Recreation and RQ Construction turn over the ﬁrst shovels of dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new ﬁtness center at NAS Pensacola, Nov. 14, 2023. The roughly 44,900 square-foot gym is scheduled to be completed in December 2025 and will serve approximately 6,000 military personnel. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY GARRETT DIPUMA)

NAVFAC Southeast breaks ground on new ﬁtness facility at NAS Pensacola By Yan Kennon

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast, along with leadership from Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, RQ Construction, and Public Works Department Pensacola, held a groundbreaking ceremony November 14 for a new ﬁtness facility aboard NAS Pensacola. “We’re committed to supporting the missions of the tenant commands here at the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’,” said Capt. Terrence ‘Village’ Shashaty, NAS Pensacola commanding officer. “There are 16,000 service members here, and thanks to

NAVFAC Southeast, these men and women will have a state-of-the-art facility to maintain their physical readiness.” The groundbreaking marked the official beginning of the $31.3 million project, with preliminary construction beginning in August 2023. NAVFAC Southeast awarded the construction contract to RQ Construction LLC of Jacksonville, Florida on Sep. 6, 2022. “The new fitness center replaces and expands on a seventy year old gym that was severely damaged during Hurricane Sally in 2020,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Yeary, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction Hurricane Sally Relief Office. “Through a competitive process, RQ construction was selected and is clearly a world-class partner dedicated

to working with NAVFAC Southeast in the construction of a high-quality facility; a once-in-a-generation investment from the Navy in the health and fitness of its service members at NAS Pensacola.” The finished facility, approximately 45,000 square feet, is expected to serve about 6,000 personnel a year. The facility will include a basketball court, cardio and fitness areas with associated equipment, and various other exercise spaces and equipment. Work will be performed at Pensacola, Florida and is expected to be completed in December 2025.

Public/Private Venture (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 for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy 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. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

NAVY HOUSING

Norfolk: 757.445.2832 JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792 Oceana/Dam Neck: 757.433.3268 Yorktown: 757.847.7806

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost. FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couples and Child Counseling Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support Suicide Prevention SAPR Support

GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 14, 2023) Illegal narcotics seized from a stateless vessel are stacked on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) in the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 14. Emlen Tunnell was operating under Combined Task Force 150, one of ﬁve task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. (U.S. COAST GUARD COURTESY PHOTOS)

Combined Maritime Forces, U.S. Coast Guard make $21 million drug seizure in the Gulf of Oman By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S. Coast Guard cutter crew seized about $21 million worth of illegal drugs from a stateless vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 14. Coast Guardsmen from the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), working under the command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized 2,000 kilograms of hashish and 384 kilograms of methamphetamine from the vessel during an interdiction operation. “This new seizure shows once again the operational effectiveness of Combined Maritime Forces assets and nations,” said French navy Capt. Yannick Bossu, CTF 150 commander. “It illustrates that nations from all around the world are committed to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean alongside their regional partners.” This event marks the ﬁfth time in recent months the French-led CTF 150 has interdicted illicit narcotics at sea. In those previous operations, CTF ships seized more than 4,522 kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and hashish from stateless vessels during interdiction operations, with a street value of more than $94 million. CTF 150 is one of ﬁve task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces has seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East. The 38-nation naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 14, 2023) Coast Guardsmen from the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) seize illegal narcotics from a stateless vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 14.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 17, 2023) Vice Adm. FUKUDA Tatsuya, Commander, Fleet Escort Force, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force presents Capt. Walter C. Mainor a Defense Cooperation Medal during a change of command ceremony onboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). Capt. Justin Harts relieved Mainor as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 during a change of command ceremony while in port at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS DEVIN MONROE)

Destroyer Squadron 15 holds change of command ceremony By Lt.j.g. Ronan Williams

Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

YOKOSUKA, Japan — Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 held a change of command ceremony, Nov. 17, while in port at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Capt. Justin Harts relieved Capt. Walter C. Mainor as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. Mainor assumed command in August 2022, and will be reporting as the direct advisor for the Chief of Naval Operations N17 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office in Washington, D.C. “While our adversaries challenge freedom, stability, and international law, the ships of Destroyer Squadron 15 and Task Force 71 continue to safeguard the seas and our national interests,” said Mainor. “We’ve bolstered our alliances in the Indo-Paciﬁc region and enhanced our collective maritime readiness to maintain deterrence and

promote respect for sovereignty. The steadfast commitment of our Sailors guarantees the readiness of our ships to aid our nation, allies, and partners at a moment’s notice. It has been an honor and privilege to lead them as their commander.” During his tenure, Mainor led DESRON 15 through patrols on USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the theater surface warfare commander for U.S. 7th Fleet. Additionally, he was responsible for the surface ships operating independently across the ﬂeet. Mainor’s other major accomplishments include bilateral and multilateral exercises with partner and allied nations, freedom of navigation operations, and strait transits in support of a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc. Mainor received the “Legion of Merit” for his exemplary performance from August 2022 to November 2023. He was also presented the Defense Cooperation Medal by Vice Adm. FUKUDA Tatsuya, Commander, Fleet Escort Force, Japan

Maritime Self Defense Force, in honor and recognition of his contributions to sustained readiness, enhanced interoperability and overall strengthened resilience of the US-Japan alliance. DESRON 15 staff supports Carrier Strike Group 5 and CTF 70 embarked on Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which departed Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 18 with CTF 71 to support security and stability in the Indo-Paciﬁc region. Harts served as DESRON 15’s deputy commander prior to assuming command. “It has been absolute honor to help fulﬁll Capt. Mainor’s vision for CTF 71 over the last 18 months; I’ve been in awe of this staff’s ability to orchestrate the combined operations of our allied and partner surface navy operations,” said Harts. “On any given day, our destroyers and cutters are operating alongside ships from many nations, as well as a growing list of new partner navies who are eager to pitch in. These operations are, and will remain, the most tangible exam-

ple of the international community’s shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc. We have maintained a constant presence in the region and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue our support of these relationships into the future.” CTF 71/DESRON 15 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for nine forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS John Finn (DDG 113), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115). CTF 71/DESRON 15 the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc region.

Submarine Force icon changes command, retires in Groton after 41 years of service By Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten Submarine Readiness Squadron 32

GROTON, Connecticut — Capt. Daniel Rossler, the dual-hatted commodore of Regional Support Group (RSG) and Naval Submarine Support Facility (NSSF), turned over command to Capt. David Grogan in a traditional change of command ceremony followed by an emotional retirement ceremony held Friday, November 17 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. Rossler, the Navy’s former “Silver Eagle” for being the senior-most Limited Duty Officer (LDO) before being re-designated to take command of RSG/NSSF, called this culminating event “the best day ever” as he spoke of his 41 years of naval service. “I enlisted for six years as a nuclear electrician and it’s been a long, interesting ride since that day,” he said. “I never thought I’d still be in the Navy today — and honestly the whole journey has been constantly ﬁnding new and exciting paths that I had no idea existed until I stepped beyond those comfort zones and discovered those opportunities.” Rossler, a Connecticut native, was born in the city of Bridgeport and raised in the town of Monroe where he graduated from Masuk High School in 1980 before enlisting in the Navy in November 1982. Rossler’s enlisted and commissioned career has taken him all over the globe to include a tour as Naval Submarine Base New London’s 47th executive officer from 2008-2011. “My favorite command has always been the one I am currently at,” Rossler said. “Each transfer has brought on greater responsibilities and different roles. Fitting into a command and contributing to the completion of the overall task, needs, or mission is very rewarding. I am going to miss being able to walk around this command and meet those who get the job done.” U.S. Submarine Force commander Vice Adm. William Houston presided over the change of command and praised Rossler on an “incredible job at RSG.” “Phenomenal record with on-time accomplishment,” Houston said of Rossler’s accomplishments. “Just the strength of our maintenance activity and the Submarine Force - under his leadership.” After his retirement, Rossler will continue to serve the Submarine Force in Groton where he joins the Tactical Analysis Group at the Naval Undersea Warfare Development Center. Grogan, a Cincinnati, Ohio native and 1999

GROTON, Connecticut (November 17, 2023) – Capt. David Grogan, left, relieves Capt. Daniel Rossler during a change-of-command ceremony for Regional Support Group (RSG) and Naval Submarine Support Facility (NSSF) in Groton, Connecticut, November 17, 2023. Vice Adm. William Houston, center, commander of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, presided over the ceremony. RSG and NSSF serve as Submarine Force Atlantic’s direct waterfront representative tasked with directing. Assigning, and monitoring the maintenance of Groton-based submarines. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF PETTY OFFICER JOSHUA KARSTEN)

graduate of the University of New Orleans, arrived in Groton after completing a successful tour at Undersea Warﬁghting Development Center. Previous sea tours include a commanding officer tour aboard USS Indiana (SSN 789), USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), USS Virginia (SSN 774), and an executive officer tour aboard USS Missouri (SSN 780). Grogan praised Rossler during his remarks thanking him for his “years of effort continuously driving RSG to higher levels,” “Since we ﬁrst met 22 years ago on City of Corpus Christi, you impressed me as an officer focused on excellence and improvement in everything you do. It shows in every single corner of the enterprise,” Grogan said. “Hopefully I can follow that direction and

ﬁll the large shoes you are leaving behind. Thank you immensely for your service and mentoring.” Grogan also praised his new crew saying, “I am honored to be your new Commodore.” “I have long been a happy consumer of the outstanding work of this team and I look forward to continuing to provide the same level of excellent support that the Groton waterfront is used to receiving.” Grogan said. “You are committed to giving your best to the men and women who take our submarines to sea. You bring outstanding experience, unmatched skills and boundless heart and soul every day.” RSG and NSSF serve as Submarine Force Atlantic’s direct waterfront representative tasked with directing, assigning, and moni-

toring the maintenance of Groton-based submarines. This involves long-range planning, coordination of repair activities, and monitoring the execution of work in progress. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling ﬁve of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities — sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Republic of Korea and U.S. Navy conduct combined Maritime Counter-Special Operations Exercise By Lt.j.g. Ronan Williams

Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) conducted a series of exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy in order to strengthen interoperability and readiness between the two nations, Nov. 13-16. The exercises completed during Maritime Counter-Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) consist of routine bilateral training, subject matter expert exchanges,

anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, boarding drills, and combined live ﬁres, as well as formation sailing. “Exercises like MCSOFEX fortify the bonds between the US and our ROK allies,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. “We will always seek opportunities to demonstrate our combined force’s strength and resolve by conducting exercises together and enhancing our maritime readiness.” The U.S. regularly conducts exercises and operations with the ROK which strengthen

the alliance and improve regional security. “Through this exercise, we were able to further strengthen our ability to carry out combined-joint operations,” said Rear Admiral Lee Jong-I, commanding officer of Surface Combat Group 1. “We will arm ourselves with an offensive disposition through practical trainings, and in case we are provoked at sea, we will retaliate with determination without a moment of hesitation and lead the operation to victory.” Rafael Peralta operated alongside EA-18G Growlers attached to Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), A-10

Thunderbolt II “Warthogs” from the U.S. Air Force’s 25th Fighter Squadron, and several ROK ships. Rafael Peralta is forward-deployed and assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/ Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc region.

CENSECFOR training site obtains detachment status By Darryl Orrell

Center for Security Forces

Last month, the Center for Security Forces announced that its former Learning Site Gulfport, located in Gulfport, Mississippi, is now Detachment Gulfport. The transition results from several years of planning and coordination between key commands. Capt. Doug Pegher, the Center for Security Forces Commanding Officer, said, “This transition would not have been possible without the assistance and support of the Naval Construction Training Center. They have provided student control and management for Expeditionary Combat Skills students for years. We relied on their experience and expertise to ensure this transition happened in a controlled manner to avoid disruptions to training. I can’t fully express

USNS Mercy from Page 1

partnership and cooperation the people of the Solomon Islands.” USNS Mercy will serve as the mission platform and a combined team of civil service mariners and uniformed military members make up the crew of Mercy, which can staff up to 1,200 medical personnel. The hospital ship has all the capabilities found in modern hospitals, such as those in the NRH, and Gizo and Kilu’uﬁ hospitals, where many PP 24-1 activities will take

my gratitude for their patience throughout this process.” “The benefit of being a detachment enables the staff at Gulfport to conduct student control and management independently under the authority of an Officer in Charge,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Manaskie, the CENSECFOR director of manpower and administration. The CENSECFOR Detachment Gulfport is responsible for delivering the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Combat Skills course, a 26-day course of instruction that teaches individual skills necessary for naval personnel to execute high-risk expeditionary combat operations. In terms of annual throughput, Detachment Gulfport is CENSECFOR’s third-largest learning activity. In addition to the increased authority that

comes with being a detachment, the staff will also see an increase with the addition of about ten new members. “The primary driver was the disestablishment of Training Support Centers conducting that conducted student control functions. As a result, student management functions were reassigned to most learning activities,” said Manaskie. The CENSECFOR team worked closely with the Naval Education and Training Command, the Center for Seabees and Facility Engineering, and the Navy Construction Training Center Gulfport to ensure there were no seams in the transition process that would impact training at what is now Detachment Gulfport. “The goal of this command structure realignment was to achieve CENSECFOR unity of command between ECS staff and

students, said Naval Construction Training Center Gulfport Commanding Officer, Capt. Weurielus Johnson. “Shifting the ECS student management to CENSECFOR Detachment Gulfport allowed NCTC Gulfport to fully focus on their mission and CENSECFOR to fully implement ECS ‘Sailorization’ and readying their students for expeditionary environments. Manaskie also shared that the CENSECFOR team is reviewing the possibility of transitioning other learning sites within its domain to detachment status. The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 20,000 students annually. It has 14 training locations across the United States and worldwide, carrying the motto: “Where Training Breeds Conﬁdence.”

place. The ship has 12 fully equipped operating rooms, 1,000 hospital beds, radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, optometry facilities, a CT scanner and an oxygen-producing plant. Paciﬁc Partnership focuses on multiple lines of effort to help build resilience and host nation capacity to support essential humanitarian services. This year’s mission will also feature nearly 1,500 personnel from allies and partner nations including Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand.

Born out of the devastation brought by the December 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill of this operation the U.S. helped spearhead the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year the mission team works collectively with host and partner

nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. For more information about Pacific Partnership visit www.facebook.com/ pacificpartnership, www.instagram.com/ pacific_partnership/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership. Pacific Partnership public affairs can be reached via email at cherylcollins.pp24@gmail.com.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

SWFPAC wins CNO Shore Safety Award for second time By Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Galbraith

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. — Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs presented the fiscal year 2022 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Safety Award to Capt. Keith Fahlenkamp, commanding officer, Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, on Nov. 14, 2023 at a ceremony held at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor chapel. The annual CNO Shore Safety Awards provides recognition to the commands with the best overall command safety programs balancing safety, security and operations. “Safety is definitely the priority here,” said Aaron Ausbrooks, SWFPAC safety director. “We expect nothing less. I was surprised when we won the award in 2019, but to turn around and win it again three years later is a testament to our team and our day-to-day operations.” Team SWFPAC has now won the CNO Ashore Safety award twice. The first win occurred in 2019 while Marine Corps Security Force Bangor and SWFPAC were integrated. Their recent 2022 win highlighted SWFPAC operations as a small activity. “The winning of the CNO Safety Award is an external validation and recognition from the Navy on SWFPAC leadership and our work force’s stellar performance while completing assigned critical missions,” said Dr. Michael Curtis, former SWFPAC Safety Director. “The winning of this award multiple times for different categories highlights a consistent level of excellence and discipline to safeguard personnel and equipment during dynamic operations in the Pacific Northwest.” SWFPAC uses three mutually supporting philosophies to maintain its safety and operational core values: The six principle tenets of Strategic Weapons Facility culture, High Velocity Learning and Get Real, Get Better. The six principle tenets of SWF culture are procedural compliance, level of knowledge, questioning attitude, forceful backup, formality, and integrity. HVL, specifically the principles of SEE, SWARMING, SOLVE and SUSTAIN, advances a culture of continuous improvement. And finally, Get Real, Get Better provides timely communication to identify, know, and honestly see the risks they work with daily to take the time to do it safely and right the first time. “The past year has been exceptionally safe and productive for Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific,” said Capt. Keith Fahlenkamp, SWFPAC commanding officer. “We put people first and were rewarded with increased resiliency, innovation, safety and performance. I am very humbled and proud of our organization and all that we have accomplished for the nation.”

Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., left, director of U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs, presents the 2022 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Safety Award to Aaron Ausbrooks, Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific safety director, and Capt. Keith Fahlenkamp, SWFPAC commanding officer, at a ceremony held at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor chapel in Silverdale, Washington on Nov. 14, 2023. SWFPAC was selected for the award for its significant contribution to Navy safety and occupational health for small industrial activity. The factory in the field SWFPAC operates is devoted to serving our nation by providing safe, secure, credible, and affordable sea-based missile systems. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS VICTORIA GALBRAITH)

Passing the torch: Honoring a legacy of leadership and service By Sandy Owens

Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TEXAS — CAPT Mark McLean bid a farewell to Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth on Nov. 16, as he retired after 27 years of dedicated service. The retirement ceremony also marked a change in command, as CAPT Beau Hufstetler assumed the role of Commanding Officer of NAS JRB Fort Worth. The ceremony was held at the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 59 “Lone Star Express” hangar and was attended by military personnel, family members, friends, local dignitaries, and Congresswoman Kay Granger. The event commemorated McLean’s achievements and marked the beginning of Hufstetler’s tour as Commanding Officer. Commander Navy Reserve Forces Command, Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force, Rear Adm. Michael Steffen spoke as the ceremony’s guest speaker. Steffen applauded the accomplishments of McLean and his team during his tenure as Commanding Officer. Under McLean’s leadership, the installation successfully recovered from a devastating winter storm and he oversaw a $4.8 million emergent runway repair. Furthermore, he championed defense economic adjustment assistance grants, securing $3.7 million in state and municipality funding. In recognition of the importance of sailors’ well-being, support was also given to the installation for an artificial turf football field, enhancing the quality of life and fitness. Additionally, annual civic and media engagement days were implemented to promote the mission and impact of the installation. “Mark, I know you would be the first to attribute the success of this command to the sailors and civilians of NAS JRB Fort Worth. There are a lot of great accomplishments, and I can unequivocally attest that you and the staff have had a huge impact to the Navy and our joint force,” said Steffen. McLean,whohasservedastheCommanding Officer since 2020, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the support he received from elected officials, staff members, and his family, throughout his career and tenure at NAS JRB Fort Worth. “I am going to express a lot of thank you’s, because commanding this small military city for three and a half years and ensuring

Seven NAS JRB Fort Worth Commanding Officers past to present. (PHOTO BY SANDY OWENS, NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE)

the success of the base’s missions has never been about individual effort. It’s not even a team effort, that completely resides within the conﬁnes of the federal boundaries,” said McLean. “Our communities have made this naval air station a destination of choice for tens of thousands over the years.” Hufstetler, an experienced aviator and leader, expressed his excitement and dedication to continuing the legacy of excellence at the base. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with our headquarters staff, leaders of our Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force tenant commands, and a number of our city officials. All of

whom have shared their mission, challenges, and vision for this city and this base. These people are sharp and focused; it’s what makes this base and city unique,” said Hufstetler. “People want to work here, they want to be a part of this community, and they enthusiastically support our military. They will do whatever it takes to support our team.” “My charge is that we move forward with a bias for action, prioritizing our mission, pursuing excellence in every facet of our operations, and caring well for our shipmates and their families. We must continue to strengthen relationships with our local

communities, as they are foundational to our success,” said Hufstetler. With the conclusion of the change of command, World War II veteran, Don Graves performed ‘God Bless America.’ Followed by McLean being piped ashore by the side boys for the last time alongside his wife and children. NAS JRB Fort Worth is a key military installation in North Texas, providing support to warﬁghters in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army. The change in command signals a new chapter for the base, as it continues to play a vital role in national defense and military operations.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023 7

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

On iberty

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Thanksgiving leftovers — How to store for safe keeping and weekend grazing Tips from the USDA on proper leftover storage and a recipe for Turkey Soup to help you use up all those yummy leftovers! Page C4

(PHOTOS BY SALLIE PALMIERI REGO, FELD ENTERTAINMENT)

Jurassic World Live Tour - An unparalleled & thrilling live arena experience comes to the Hampton Coliseum in March Press Release HAMPTON, Va. — Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans, will be roaring into Hampton for the first time ever this Spring playing Hampton Coliseum for six action-packed performances from March 1-3, 2024. Friday, March 1: 7pm Saturday, March 2: 11am, 3pm & 7pm Sunday, March 3: 1pm & 5pm With unrivaled arena production quality, Jurassic World comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and the Tyrannosaurus rex take the stage. The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers. Fans of the popular Netflix animated series Juras-

sic World: Camp Cretaceous will also recognize Bumpy, the friendly and food motivated dinosaur, as she goes from baby to adult fairly quickly. Jurassic World’s unmistakable score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real Gyrospheres roll through the valley and scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save anew dinosaur from a terrible fate. With pulse-pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline, this show is guaranteed to make memories that will last another 65 million years. Check out the Jurassic World Live Tour sneak peek & extended look video online at https://www.jurassicworldlivetour.com/ gallery/. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the Hampton Coliseum box office during open hours on event days. The box office is located at 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666.

SIX - the exhilarating new musical phenomenon comes to Chrysler Hall in February Press Release NORFOLK, Va. — Broadway in Norfolk is delighted to announce that tickets for the Tony Award®-Winning electrifying new musical phenomenon SIX by Tony Award®-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss go on sale today, November 17 for eight performances from Tuesday, February 27 to Sunday, March 3. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix ﬁve hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! SIX has won 23 awards in the 202½022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!” The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 Million streams in its ﬁrst month. Individual tickets for SIX are on sale now and range in price from $40 - $80 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available for purchase at the Scope Arena box office and at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Group Services at (757) 664-6418 or emailing groupsales@sevenvenues.com. The Scope Arena box office is located in the Scope parking garage at 201 E. Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510. It is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit sevenvenues.com/ events or call 757.664.6464.

(PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS)

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

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Community SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online. Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-ﬂagship/submit_news/

2024 Elizabeth River Tunnels toll rates increase effective January 1, 2024 – Do you qualify for Toll Relief Program? Press Release PORTSMOUTH, Va. — New toll rates at the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels will take effect January 1, 2024. This toll rate change is in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement between Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo, LLC (ERC) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Elizabeth River Tunnels provide an efficient, connected transportation network for the Hampton Roads region. Tolls help pay for the continued ﬁnance, operations, and maintenance of the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels, the MLK Expressway, and approximately 51 lane miles of roadway. Toll revenues also help repay the debt from $2.1 billion of structural improvements and rehabilitation completed by ERC in 2017, including the construction of the new Midtown Tunnel westbound.

Enroll in the Toll Relief Program It was recently announced that Elizabeth River Crossings, in collaboration with VDOT, has expanded the eligibility requirements for the Toll Relief Program. Through the program, eligible residents can save 50% on up to 14 trips per week through the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels. The Toll Relief Program is funded by Elizabeth River Crossings. In 2023 ERC will contribute more than $3.3 million to the program and increase that amount by 3.5% each year through 2036. Eligibility Requirements: Must earn less than $65,000 per year. Must live in Hampton Roads* Must drive a passenger vehicle (vehicles over 2-axles are ineligible). Must have a Virginia E-ZPass transponder. *Participants must provide a street address for their residence in Chesapeake, Gloucester County, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, York County, Franklin, Surry County or Southampton. There is no deadline to enroll. Residents can enroll any time and will start receiving their discounts immediately. Participants must enroll in-person at the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth or Norfolk, or the DriveERT Customer Care Center on County St. in Portsmouth. Proof of residency and income is required. Learn more at www.VDOTTollRelief.com.

Attention podcast listeners: NASA is now available on Spotify Press Release NASA released its collection of original podcasts on Spotify Tuesday, giving more people access to in-depth conversations, stories, and Spanish-language content, as the agency works to explore the unknown in air and space. The agency’s podcasts are available ad-free, and without cost, to Spotify’s audience of 574 million users. “Telling the story of NASA’s goals and missions inspires the world to dream big and reach for the stars, especially members of the Artemis Generation. We’re excited to expand our reach, bringing NASA podcasts to Spotify for the first time,” said Marc Etkind, associate administrator, Office of Communications at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington.

NASA now offers ﬁve podcasts on Spotify: NASA’s Curious Universe Our universe is a wild and wonderful place. Join NASA astronauts, scientists, and engineers on a new adventure each episode — all you need is your curiosity! First time space explorers welcome. Houston We Have a Podcast From Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, explore the world of human spaceﬂight with NASA each week on the official podcast of the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

From interviews with astronauts and engineers to stories that take you on a tour of the galaxy, NASA’s podcasts let you experience the thrill of space exploration without ever leaving Earth. (PHOTO COURTESY NASA)

Moon, tire tracks on Mars, and the ﬁrst reusable spacecraft in orbit around the Earth. Learn what’s next as they build missions that redeﬁne the future with amazing discoveries and remarkable innovations.

On a Mission A journey to the stars doesn’t just begin at the launchpad. Discover new worlds through epic stories told by scientists on missions to outer space.

Universo Curioso de la NASA Bienvenidos a Universo curioso de la NASA, en donde te invitamos a explorar el cosmos en tu idioma. En este pódcast, ¡la NASA es tu guía turística a las estrellas!

Small Steps Giant Leaps NASA’s technical workforce put boots on the

In the coming months, NASA plans to offer more audio-ﬁrst products on Spotify,

FREE

PUZZLES & GAMES

including soniﬁcations that translate data into sound and recordings from our solar system and beyond. “Through our podcasts, we share science and space storytelling in a way that only NASA can, leveraging the agency’s unique access to expert interviewees, dynamic locations, and mind-blowing discoveries,” said Katie Konans, audio program lead, ADNET Systems’ SESDA contract with NASA. “We are thrilled to bring NASA’s slate to Spotify, and we’re looking forward to connecting with more listeners who are curious about the universe around them.”

In addition to Spotify, users may find NASA podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Soundcloud. From long-form interviews with NASA astronauts and engineers to stories that take audiences on a tour of the galaxy, NASA’s audio offerings let anyone experience the thrill of space exploration without leaving Earth. Discover all of NASA’s podcasts at: https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Virginia Championship Wrestling’s Tidings of Destruction, David Crockett appearance, and Commissioner Pantas wrestling retirement Dec. 2nd at the Norfolk Masonic Temple Interview By Yiorgo Editor’s Note: We all wear many hats in life and I am no exception. In these wonderful pages of our beloved Flagship Newspaper, I am “Yiorgo” meaning George in Greek and I am the writer for the entertainment and sports section of our paper. My full name is George Pantas and for well over 50 years, in one form or another, I have been involved in my beloved, wild and crazy world of professional wrestling. As we all do, I started first, foremost and always as a fan, eventually became confidant and friend to now legendary wrestlers, helped behind the scenes, promoted wrestling and for the last 14 years or so, except for about a year and eight months where I had lost my job, and had to wrestle for it to get it back, I have been the Commissioner for Virginia Championship Wrestling (VCW). On December 2nd at VCW’s annual Tidings of Destruction show at the Norfolk Masonic Temple, I will formally retire from active involvement in wrestling and as VCW Commissioner. My dear friend of over 40 years, the legendary David Crockett, son of Jim Crockett, Sr. of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling/Jim Crockett Promotions will be there to help me reminisce. The fans will also have the opportunity for an autograph and to take their picture with David by ringside, while David is holding the VCW microphone “interviewing” them. VCW will also present a spectacular card to end the 2023 year, featuring such matches as: the new Virginia Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Joseph Keys vs former VCW Heavyweight Champion, “Mr. Xcellence” Brandon Scott, The Boar will go one-on-one with the debuting Moses, VCW Liberty Champion “The Hoss of All Hosses” Devantes puts his belt up against his stablemate in The Sharkey Tank SaulEsparza, Rex Lawless vs Phil Brown, “The Greek God” Papadon vs Chris Slade and so much more. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM. For tickets and more info, go to vcwprowrestling.com I have interviewed David in the past on several occasions so included below is a partial combination of my interviews with David. Yiorgo: Where were you born and what are some of your early recollections working with your father in the family business? David Crockett: I was born here in Charlotte, and baptized by my grandfather. He and my grandmother were missionaries in Korea. My mother was born in Robins, North Carolina but grew up in Korea with them. Eventually they went to Bristol, Tennessee and that’s where my father was from and that’s how they met. What I remember is that my parents would run restaurants along with wrestling and other entertainment. When school was out, I would get to go with my father to the restaurant early in the morning and help buss tables. I remember the first time I was bussing and picked up this money that was on the table. He slapped my hand, oh my word. He said, “That’s not your money, that’s for the waitress.” I was five at the time and the highlight for me for wrestling was on Saturdays we would go to Lexington, South Carolina at the YMCA. I was a fan so I was yelling and screaming at the wrestlers in the ring. Coming back home, we would stop at a barbecue place, get some food, and I would be asleep before we got back to Charlotte, never able to stay awake. Y: You actually wrestled for a bit. How did your parents feel about it, who trained you, and what was that like? Did the boys take care of you or did you have to “pay your dues”? DC: I was trained by Gene Anderson, Ole some, Johnny Heidemann, and Rip Hawk did some, not a whole lot. People don’t realize how hard that ring is. Those ropes with the steel cables in them, wow. I was just a preliminary guy and the boys beat on me. Daddy said that nobody in our family was on the other side of this. I was an amateur wrestler, I was not married so I was around Thunderbolt Patterson, Jerry and Jack Brisco and that group. I wrestled Johnny Heidemann, Gene and Ole Anderson, Rip Hawk, Swede Hanson. Wrestling Swede was something. He would say, “slam me, slam me,” he tried to get me to slam him five or six times, I was blowing up. I was at High Point for TV, it was Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy and I was one of the job guys for their match and Brute Bernard said to me, “No one has ever done a better job for me.” I took that as a complement. Y: After your dad’s passing, how was it decided who would handle the many responsibilities of Jim Crockett Promotions and what were those responsibilities for each one? DC: Jimmy was the boss. He was the President of the company. You need a dictatorship. That’s the way dad had it. You can’t have many bosses. Sometimes in a family you don’t listen well to each other so there were times that you would go out to the back of the building and settle it. Y: You mean to tell me that you and Jimmy and Jackie would have some shoot matches? DC: I wouldn’t call them matches. Lol. Y: Did you always wanted to be an announcer? DC: Oh no, I didn’t start out to be an announcer. I wanted to be behind the camera. We were taping our shows at the WRAL TV studio in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jim Goodman, who at that time was Executive Vice President, came to us and said, “You guys need to start your own television production. You’re taking up a good 3 days of all of our tape machines, personnel, and so forth, and they could make a lot more money on having what they call one offs.” I took that as sort of marching orders and I started learning about behind the camera and the TV camera itself, audio, lighting and how to run the graphic machines. I learned from Wayne Daniel who was a master in the tape room, how to do replays on the tape machines. He would put up a dot and it would rewind back to that dot and that’s how he created the ins and outs of our program, going into commercial break, going into an end que. Eventually we found a truck in eastern North Carolina that was for sale. It belonged to an evangelist. We bought it, tore everything out, put tape machines, and then really one inch, half inch, 3 quarter inch Attachi, Panasonic and Sony. And then we had about five, two inch mpex machines back at our building, and several other three quarter machines. When we came back at night, we had like an umbilical cord from the truck that would go in. We hooked it up to all the machines and spent the night dubbing. We would then put interviews into the tapes for the different cities and send them out by 4 o’clock that afternoon. It was something. Y: What interested you the most about what you were doing? DC: I was more interested in the hands-on portion of it, then the theory behind it and learning what the machine can do, what the camera can do. I even started working with an Attachi handheld. And you’re expected to have your right hand up working on the lens. It was a job, And we started with four cameras and eventually we had five. At one point we just used light zones on Jenny Towers to light the ring and we were producing these shows in high school Gyms, Rec. Centers, small arenas to get our audience. We also wanted the fans to leave happy, so we had main events for them besides what we taped. We did our interviews down at ringside. Keeping an audience became a problem. I had a motive, because part of the company was mine, so I had to figure out the quickest and best way to do it, and it was baptism under fire. Y: As a fan, I enjoyed watching you David, because you

(COURTESY OF VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING)

were like one of us. You would get so excited talking about the matches. DC: Through it all, I am a fan. I cannot not be a fan. I didn’t want to know then and I don’t want to know the outcome now. Jim Ross is another one like me. Don’t tell me anything, I don’t want to know. We always had fun with the interviews that we did. Many times I felt like I was a human mic stand holding the mic there, and you know, especially the ones we taped at TBS Saturday morning and aired at 6:05PM, Oh, Lord, that was just out of this world, out of this world! You never knew what was gonna come out of the wrestler’s mouth. You just didn’t know. Like the time when the Mulkeys won, and they thought they screwed up, and they were afraid they were gonna get ﬁred. You had Abdulah the Butcher, eating raw liver. And of course Ric and Roddy Piper on the mike was pure gold. And the Four Horsemen were incredible. They would pick up on each other, and it was truly entertaining. They were not regurgitating words, they all had meaning. I could go back and watch and laugh and smile, and sometimes try to keep a straight face. With Ric, we were promoting for the girls where he’s going to be, and what hotel he is staying at, and when the party’s going to be, that’s Ric. The Four Horsemen, they didn’t have a time limit. Gene Anderson for the longest time was keeping time and it was like trying to pull the bike away from when they were clicking so to speak when they were on a roll, I could just just let them go, loved it. Y: One of my favorite Ric Flair lines was, “Don’t wrap me up, David.” (Laughter) DC: (Laughter) Yup, because he could see the stage manager you know given him the rap. Y: How about a favorite story or two about you and Ric? DC: We were in New York City, it was my birthday and Ric and Arn and Tully held me down at the Hard Rock Cafe and poured, it must have been a whole bottle of scotch into me because I was so drunk, the next day too. It was horrible, horrible. He did that to me. Also, with the plane crash in 1975, afterwards, Ric and I were in the same hospital room. With his back broken the way it was, he would ask my wife Valerie to move the sheet just to get to a different position. Y: Later on, during and after the sale of JCP to Turner, there was a period of time when you and Jimmy were not the best of terms. What brought the two of you back together again? DC: Life is just too short, that’s why. He is my brother and I love him. I don’t see how people can hold grudges the way they do. Everyone knows, I fought tooth and nail, not to sell to Turner and yes, I always had a bad taste in my mouth. I just didn’t like it, and it further split the family. That’s another conversation. Y: Would you mind expanding on that? DC: The family was split before that. Dusty Rhodes and my brother Jimmy went to Texas, when Jimmy bought the Mid-South territory from Bill Watts. That just opened a can of worms as far as the debt that Bill had. We didn’t do our good diligence and then people would start doing crazy things like at some of our events we would have David Allen Coe, Wayland Jennings and Hank Williams Junior. Why are you doing this? It’s a wrestling event and you’re paying them $100,000 more plus production, for just one or 2 songs. If that’s what you want, then do a concert and separate the two out.

Y: How did that concept even start? DC: It started with the Rock and Roll Express. We did the Rock and Roll Express Tour. They were on a bus, we went to high school stadiums and wrestled, we had the cheerleaders ride on the bus with chaperones and the radio station sponsor and it was a hit. So they said, why can’t we do this for our big event “The Great American Bash.” It was in the spring and the summer and it really was good. Of course we didn’t go national with it but in the Carolinas and Virginia, it really worked. But when you take it to high cost cities your cost triples. And outside is risky business, you know, in the spring and summer, because of the weather. And when Jimmy purchased the second plane, he named it Stardust and I think you could only seat six. So who’s gonna suck up to whom to get on the jet. Now, I’d rather ﬂy commercial unless I really had something to do. But yeah, that really started it and it split the family, it split the wrestlers. Who gets to ride and who doesn’t. It wasn’t right. You know that’s why I decided last year to do the Ric Flair Last Match event with Conrad, so we can go out in a ﬁtting way. Y: I’m gonna get a little bittersweet here. It’s sad that your brother Jim Crockett, God Rest his Soul, is not with us anymore. God bless you for convincing him to do Conrad Thompson’s Starrcast IV event a few years ago. How did he react when he saw all the love and support from the fans? DC: He was totally amazed and when the fans started asking him questions, talking to him asking for autographs and pictures, he said, “I don’t believe this. I always thought that we failed.” and I said, Well, in some ways we did, but treating the fans the right way, we did the very best job. The fans love us. They loved what we did. They wish that we had kept it up, but we did not, and he just couldn’t get over how the fans treated us in Baltimore. I said, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you for years. I miss him and wish that we’d work together instead against each other. Again, that’s in the past, I can’t live in the past. Y: And thanks to your and Conrad’s kindness, Jimmy’s willingness and Conrad bringing both of you in, you guys did have the happy ending there at the end. DC: Yes we did. And I pushed Jimmy because he didn’t want to do it. And he did that great interview with Conrad. I was with Jimmy his last day, up until they gave him the morphine, and he went to sleep and never woke up. Y: God bless you David and God bless all of the wrestling fans. DC: At the end of the day it’s all about our great, loyal fans and giving back to them. They supported us back then and now still. I love meeting, listening and answering their questions as they remember moments like Nikita giving me the Russian Sickle or Ric Flair’s incredible interviews, or the many interviews that Bob Caudle and I or Tony Schiavone and I did with so many of our great wrestlers. 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.

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Food

Handling thanksgiving leftovers safely can help protect you and your family from foodborne illness. (PHOTO COURTESY USDA.GOV)

Thanksgiving leftovers — How to store for safe keeping and weekend grazing From USDA.gov Thanksgiving Day is for family and friends. But Thanksgiving weekend is all about you and those amazing leftovers! Before you dig in, keep these tips handy so that leftovers can stay safely stored in the fridge or freezer. Handlingfoodsafely=safeandtastyleftovers Leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them in covered shallow containers so they cool quickly. A large container or whole turkey will take too long to cool down to a safe temperature, which gives bacteria a chance to multiply. The turkey should also be portioned to ensure quick cooling in the refrigerator. Seventy-six percent of respondents in a recent USDA study said they would refrigerate leftovers after letting them cool to room temperature ﬁrst. This is not necessary and could make your food unsafe. Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator or

freezer as soon as possible, even if they still have steam or heat coming off them. Howlongdotheturkeyandtrimmingsstay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months. Not enough consumers know that food can become unsafe in the refrigerator after four days. In fact, 31 percent of participants in our recent research indicated they would eat leftovers kept longer than four days in the refrigerator. After four days, spoilage bacteria can cause food to develop a bad smell or taste. For those who see themselves forgetting the Monday ‘use or freeze’ deadline, the USDA has a handy app, which triggers reminders to your smartphone or tablet; it’s called the FoodKeeper app. But FoodKeeper isn’t just a source of

helpful reminders. The app also includes storage guidelines for more than 600 food and drink items, tips for safe food preparation, and food product recalls, which were recently integrated into the app. With more than 150,000 downloads for Android and iOS devices, FoodKeeper has established itself as the quick go-to guide for safe food storage and food preparation. Now, on to the dishes — reheat leftovers safely It is safe to reheat frozen leftovers without thawing, either in a saucepan or microwave (in the case of a soup or stew) or in the oven or microwave (for example, casseroles and one-pot meals). Reheating will take longer than if the food is thawed ﬁrst, but it is safe to do when time is short. When reheating leftovers, be sure they reach 165°F, as measured with a food thermometer. Cover leftovers to reheat. This retains moisture and ensures that food will heat all the way through. Reheating tips: Reheat sauces, soups and gravies by

bringing them to a rolling boil. When reheating in the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating. Arrange food items evenly in a covered microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish and add some liquid if needed. Be sure the covering is microwave safe and vent the lid or wrap to let the steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and will ensure uniform cooking. Also, because microwaves have cold spots, check the temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer and allow a resting time before checking the internal temperature of the food with a food thermometer. If you have additional questions about using your leftovers safely, you can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren. gov available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, in English or Spanish.

Got Leftovers? Make this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe By Kellie Kelley ThePioneerWoman.com

Regardless of how many people you’re hosting for Thanksgiving dinner, there’s bound to be leftover turkey. Instead of the expected leftover sandwich, make something brand-new and super comforting that you can stretch over a few days. We’re talking soul-nourishing turkey soup! According to the USDA, cooked turkey should be eaten within three to four days, so it’s best to make your leftover turkey soup soon after the big day. If you have a surplus of turkey, though, you can freeze it for up to six months to enjoy at a later date.

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Without the orzo, the soup can be frozen up to three months. Stir cooked orzo into the rewarmed soup just before serving. Yields: 12 c. Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 40 mins Ingredients 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 carrots, thinly sliced 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced 1 small onion, chopped 1 c. green beans

3 garlic cloves, ﬁnely chopped 3 tbsp. all-purpose ﬂour 8 c. chicken stock 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste ½ tsp. dried thyme ½ tsp. dried oregano ½ tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste ¾ c. uncooked orzo pasta 3 c. chopped cooked turkey 2 c. packed baby spinach leaves ¼ c. fresh lemon juice, optional Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and green beans. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the ﬂour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the stock, rosemary, salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to medium so the soup gently boils and cook until the orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the turkey, spinach, and lemon juice, if using. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Season with more salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Health

Getting TRICARE prescriptions overseas By TRICARE Communications FALLS CHURCH, Va. — No matter where you live or travel, it’s important to have the prescription drugs you need. To help make this possible, your TRICARE pharmacy benefit is available worldwide. But overseas, your pharmacy options may vary. “In some areas, you may have access to military pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, and retail network pharmacies,” said Melanie Richardson, a pharmacist in the Pharmacy Operations Division at the Defense Health Agency. “But sometimes, non-network pharmacies will be your only option for getting prescriptions overseas.” Knowing pharmacy options can help you choose an option with lower out-of-pocket costs. As described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook, your costs are based on how you fill your prescription, your beneficiary status, and the prescription drug category. Whether you live overseas, or you’re planning to move or travel there, read on to learn more about using your pharmacy benefits.

1. Military pharmacies Where: U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico and some countries outside the United States. Use the Find a Military Hospital or Clinic tool to see if there’s a military pharmacy near you online at https://www.tricare. mil/GettingCare/FindDoctor/mtf. Quantities and costs: You can get up to a 90-day supply of most covered drugs. You’ll have no out-of-pocket costs. More information: Call the pharmacy to see if your prescription can be ﬁlled there. Some drugs aren’t available at military pharmacies. Your prescription must be from an authorized, licensed health care provider. Some military pharmacies only fill prescriptions from military providers.

2. TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery Where: U.S. territories, including APO and FPO addresses Overseas, if you have an APO, FPO, or DPO address Not available in Germany Quantities and costs: You can get up to a 90-day supply of covered drugs with free standard shipping. Active duty service members (ADSMs) have no costs. All other eligible beneficiaries pay home delivery copayments. More information: Prescriptions must be from a licensed U.S. health care provider. Prescriptions that need refrigeration typically can’t be shipped to the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands or to other locations overseas. You can manage your home delivery prescriptions online or with the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Connor Colassaco, 52nd Medical Group pharmacy vault custodian, reaches for medication at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN JESSICA SANCHEZ-CHEN)

3. Retail network pharmacies Where: All U.S. territories except American Samoa. Use the Find a Pharmacy tool to find a retail network pharmacy near you online at https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/ find-pharmacy. Quantities and costs: You can get up to a 30-day supply of a covered drug for one copayment or a 90-day supply for three copayments. ADSMs pay nothing. More information: If you aren’t an ADSM, you can’t refill certain maintenance drugs at retail network pharmacies after two refills. If you live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, you must refill them through home delivery or at a military pharmacy after two refills.

4. Non-network pharmacies Where: Available worldwide—all retail pharmacies in American Samoa and places outside the U.S. and other U.S. territories are non-network pharmacies.

Costs: You’ll pay full price for your prescription up front. Then you can ﬁle a claim with International SOS, the TRICARE overseas contractor, for reimbursement. Reimbursements are subject to cost-shares, copayments, deductibles, and other costs. More information: In the Philippines, you must fill your prescription at a certiﬁed pharmacy. For help with overseas pharmacies, call International SOS.

Over-the-counter drugs TRICARE doesn’t cover over-the-counter (OTC) drugs outside the U.S. and U.S. territories. This includes drugs that are OTC in the U.S. that require a prescription in another country.

Tips for travelers Plan ahead! Before you travel, be sure to do the following: Reﬁll any prescriptions you’ll need during your trip. Contact your doctor if you don’t have any reﬁlls left.

Make sure you’ll have enough of each medication for your whole trip. If you need extra medication, you can request an early refill. If you live in the U.S., call Express Scripts. If you live in a U.S. territory or overseas, call International SOS. And don’t forget—if you lose or forget your medication, you can call to get help. Call Express Scripts if you live in the U.S. Or call International SOS if you live in a U.S. territory or overseas. You may need to fill your prescription at a non-network pharmacy. Learn more about filling prescriptions when traveling online at https://tricare.mil/ CoveredServices/Pharmacy/FillPrescriptions/WhenTraveling Learn more about getting care when traveling online at https://tricare.mil/GettingCare/PatientResources/GettingCareWhen/ Traveling Need more information about the TRICARE Pharmacy Program? Check out the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook online at https://www.tricare.mil/ Publications/Handbooks/pharmacy.

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023

Renting or Selling Your Home?

Houses For Rent

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

ESTATE & MOVING SALES

WE ARE THE “STRESS RELIEVERS”

When We Handle Your Estate or Moving Sale. We Offer On-Site Tag Sales with a Knowledgeable & Courteous Sales Team. Over 45 yrs. Exp. in Antiques, Estates & Moving Sales. References.

Fully-furnished beach homes and condos avail thru April. $1,600-$3,000 includes phone & internet. 3 month min. lease. Online application/photos at siebert-realty.com or call 757-4266200 EXT. 701.

reach your buyers at

placeanad.pilotonline.com

Larry Zedd 422-4477 virginiabeachantique company.com

WANTED ANTIQUES & ESTATES 18th, 19th & 20th Century, Furniture, Artwork, China, Crystal & Collectibles. 1 Piece Or Entire Contents. We Come To You With & Courteous & Professional Service. No Obligation Offers. Please Get My Offer Before You Sell! Tag Sales & Estates Settled.

LARRY ZEDD

Autos for Sale

JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE

Sport. Virginia Valid Inspection. Clean. Great Condition. Mechanically Sound. $13,685. Call 757-949-1923.

Wanted Automotive ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!! FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035

Boats & Watercraft KAYAK FOR SALE Kayak for Sale Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 foot solo. Very Stable. Excellent for fishing, camping and hunting. With bed extender for pickup truck that fits in 2” receiver. $300 757-784-8677

The right place to advertise your Merchandise, Pets, Auto, Real Estate, Tag Sales & Flea Markets, Vacation Property, Wanted to Buy Items and more!

Pick a pet in the CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE.

Appraisal Service With 40 Years Experience

virginiabeachantiquecompany.com

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

These beautiful puppies are a mix of Havanese and King Charles Cavalier spaniel. They are friendly, social and adorable and will be ready for their new homes 12/16/2023. They will be dewormed, have shots and be vet checked. $950 Call afternoons 804 832-4738. LABADOODLES F1

SHOT/ WORM BELLA POODLE DAD TROUBLE CHOC. LAB HAD A 6 PACK READY CALL TX.252 333 7554 $500.00 LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Cockatoo,too.

CAVANESE PUPPIES

AKC 8 weeks Yellow Labrador Retrievers. M/F Our program focuses on: Family Companions, Working and Service Dogs. Parents on premises with Health Clearances. Shots UTD. $1500. Over 40 years of experience. (804)514-8838 c/(804)795-5933 MORKIEPOO PUPS

Shot/worm precious call or TX 252333-7554 $550.00

PilotOnline.com

422-4477

Virginia Beach Antique Co.

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today. Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

placeanad.pilotonline.com 757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com

Fencing ACTION ONE FENCE & DECK Custom wood, aluminum, chain link, vinyl. Quality work, great prices. Free Estimates. 40 Yrs. Exp. Call 757-438-7057.

Hauling / Moving

Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales DRIVEWAY & MASONRY WORK Landscaping, Grading, Top Soil, Yard Clean Up & Tree Removal. 757-714-4848

(A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414

Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today. Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

Home Improvements AIR DUCT CLEANING UNIVERSAL DUCT CLEANING FREE INSPECTIONS MEMBER BBB. 757-502-0200 BEST PRICE EXTERIORS Siding, Windows, Roofing, Soffit, Trim, Gutters. Licensed. & Insured. A+ BBB. Call 757-639-4692.

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

BULKHEAD & PIER REPAIR Grading, Excavation & Demolition Services, Free Est 757-262-6511 FENCES, DECKS & FOUNDATION REPAIR Moisture Control, 20+ Year’s Experience. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Office at (757) 995-5445. FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Lic/Ins. FREE ESTIMATES 757-227-8964 HOME INSULATION UNIVERSAL INSULATION DOCTOR Attic Insulation, Crawl Space Insulation FREE Inspections. 757-502-0200

Lawn and Tree Service

Painting/Paperhanging

★ 100% DRAINAGE & YARD CLEANUP ★ Shrub & Tree Removal, Pruning, Tractor Work & Grading, French Drains, Mulching, Fences. ★★757-282-3823★★

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING Wallpapering, Pressure Washing, Carpentry & Renov! Free est! Senior citz. discount! Paint & Wallpaper By Bob: 757-714-4573

★AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE★ Josh 757-998-5327 Theo 757-515-6933 Tree Trimming & Complete Tree Removal

Roofing

CLEANUP Leaf Raking, Trimming, Planting & Transplanting. 25yrs exp. 918-4152 LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST Fall Clean Ups. Renovations, monthly maintenance, mulching, shrub trimming seeding, aeration. Call Buddy 757-535-0928

A ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles 900 sq ft. $2000. Labor & material inclu. Repair leaks. Class A Lic & Ins’d. 757-880-5215.

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023 7

Creating your own ad in this publication is easy, affordable and will reach thousands in print and online.

Advertising categories include:

• Announcements & celebrations • Merchandise & cars for sale • Job recruitment • Honoring a life • Pets for adoption And more

Place your ad today!

PlaceAnAd.tribpub.com

Crossword

SHADES OF HISTORY

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

LAST WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIP ANSWER:

A bleary-eyed rancher walked up to his still-awake cow and proclaimed“It’s pasture bedtime.”

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Religious Serivices For your installation’s religious service times visit www.ﬂagshipnews.com⁄ base_information⁄ religious_services

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, November 23, 2023