Flagship12.03.2020

IN THIS THIS ISSUE IN

NAVY COLLEGE COLLEGE NAVY IN THIS ISSUE PROGRAM SURVEY: PROGRAM SURVEY: The Navy College College Program Program THE The YARDBIRD Navy (NCP) announced a new, more more announced a new, HAS(NCP) LANDED efficient customer service

Vol. 26, No. 30 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com Vol. 26, No. 30 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

efficient customer service In September 1980, the “Yardbird” opinion survey July 24, as as part part survey July 24, won theopinion open vote for becoming of the continuing improvement the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’simprovement new of the continuing process for Voluntary mascot,process easily defeating its oppofor Voluntary nents ofEducation. tiger, eagle, and sea-» See A6

Education. horse. » See A6 ❯❯ See A6

07.26.18–08.01.18 07.26.18–08.01.18

TRUMAN STRIKE GROUP RETURNS TO NORFOLK, REMAINS READY

VOL. 26, No. 46, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

12.03.2020_12.09.2020

F/A-18 Super Hornets perform a fly over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman F/A-18 Super Super Hornets Hornets perform perform aa fly fly over over the the Nimitz-class Nimitz-class aircraft aircraft carrier carrier USS USS Harry Harry S. S.Truman Truman F/A-18 (CVN 75) during a change of command ceremony for the “Fighting Checkmates” of Strike (CVN 75) 75) during during aa change change of of command command ceremony ceremony for for the the “Fighting “Fighting Checkmates” Checkmates” of of Strike Strike (CVN Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211.

Fighter Squadron Squadron (VFA) (VFA) 211.

211.

Fighter

MC2 Scott T Swofford MC2 Scott Scott TT Swofford Swofford MC2 MC3 Louis Staats Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) participate in a multi-branch Thanksgiving video teleconference with President of the United States Donald J. Trump in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 26.

Winston S. Churchill deployedready to U.S. Fleet area of or operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central groupisremains to5th surge forward reFrom Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group From Harry Harry S. S. Truman Truman Carrier Carrier Strike Strike Group Group group remains ready to surge forward or reFrom Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through Western Public Affairs deploy the when calledIndian upon.Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

Public Affairs Affairs Public

deploy when called upon.

“Our strike group’s missions have dem“Our strike group’s missions have demonstrated we are inherently maneuverable onstrated we are inherently maneuverable and flexible while remaining operational unand flexible while remaining operational unpredictable to any potential adversary,” said predictable to any potential adversary,” said Black. “This epitomizes the Navy’s dynamic Black. “This epitomizes the Navy’s dynamic force employment concept and shows this force employment concept and shows this strike group is ready and capable of accomstrike group is ready and capable of accomplishing any mission, at any time, as our naplishing any mission, at any time, as our nation directs.” tion directs.”

While in Norfolk, the strike group will not While in Norfolk, the strike group will not only conduct routine maintenance on ships, only conduct routine maintenance on ships, aircraft and equipment, but Sailors will also aircraft and equipment, but Sailors will also be able to continue advanced training, mainbe able to continue advanced training, maintain warfighting certifications, as well as tain warfighting certifications, as well as spend time with family and friends. spend time with family and friends.

“I’m incredibly proud of the grit, determi“I’m incredibly proud of the grit, determination and phenomenal effort Truman’s Sailnation and phenomenal effort Truman’s Sailors have shown over the last three months ors have shown over the last three months operating at sea,” said Harry S. Truman’s operating at sea,” said Harry S. Truman’s Commanding Officer Capt. Nick Dienna.

Commanding Officer Capt. Nick Dienna.

“While we plan to enjoy our time in port, “While we plan to enjoy our time in port, including reconnecting with those who supincluding reconnecting with those who supported us from afar, we’re continuing to stay ported us from afar, we’re continuing to stay

Churchill Sailors receive presidential Thanksgiving video call NORFOLK NORFOLK NORFOLK

Nearly 6,500 Sailors of the Harry S. TruNearly 6,500 Sailors of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) arrived man Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) arrived in Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Virginia, July in Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Virginia, July 21.

21.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and strike group ships USS Nor(CVN 75) and strike group ships USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG mandy (CG 60), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) arrived after operating for more than three arrived after operating for more than three months in the U.S. 5th and 6th fleets areas of months in the U.S. 5th and 6th fleets areas of responsibility. responsibility.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this strike “I couldn’t be more proud of this strike group team’s performance over more than group team’s performance over more than three months of operating in a highly-dythree months of operating in a highly-dynamic environment across two theaters,” namic environment across two theaters,” said HSTCSG Commander Rear Adm. Gene said HSTCSG Commander Rear Adm. Gene Black. “We carried out the full spectrum of Black. “We carried out the full spectrum of missions from sustained combat flight opermissions from sustained combat flight operations to training and integration with NATO ations to training and integration with NATO allies and regional partners.” allies and regional partners.”

Black also emphasized that the strike Black also emphasized that the strike

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

GULF OF ADEN

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) participated in a holiday video teleconference call (VTC) with President Donald Trump and other deployed units, Nov. 23, 2020.

MC2 Thomas Gooley President Trump wished a happy Thanksgiving the Gooley MC2 to Thomas Gooley MC2 Thomas A Sailor embraces his loved on after USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived at Naval Station asUSS theyHarry operate in the (CVN Gulf 75) of Aden.

A Sailor Sailor embraces embraces his his loved loved crew on after after USS Harry S.Truman Truman (CVN 75) arrived at at Naval Naval Station Station A on S. arrived Norfolk.

Norfolk.

Norfolk.

focused and ready for whatever lies ahead.” focused and ready for whatever lies ahead.”

While deployed, the strike group particiWhile deployed, the strike group participated in a variety of partnership and interoppated in a variety of partnership and interoperability exercises, as well as maritime and erability exercises, as well as maritime and theater security operations. Strike group theater security operations. Strike group units participated in Exercise Baltic Operaunits participated in Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) from the Adriatic Sea and tions (BALTOPS) from the Adriatic Sea and Exercise Lightning Handshake with the MoExercise Lightning Handshake with the Moroccan Navy and Air Force. roccan Navy and Air Force.

❯❯ See CHURCHILL | A7 Additionally, the HSTCSG conducted Additionally, the HSTCSG conducted bilateral operations with allies and partners bilateral operations with allies and partners in both U.S. 5th and 6th fleets, to include in both U.S. 5th and 6th fleets, to include Egypt, Morocco, Italy, France, Germany and Egypt, Morocco, Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Also, aircraft from emthe United Kingdom. Also, aircraft from embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 supported barked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 supported Operation Inherent Resolve during May and Operation Inherent Resolve during May and

Aircraft Carrier Truman achieves series of See HOME | A6 historic milestones»»»»See HOME | A6 From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH

CNRMA HOLDS HOLDS CNRMA CHANGE OF OF COMMAND, COMMAND, CHANGE RETIREMENT CEREMONY CEREMONY RETIREMENT MC1 Alfred Coffield

By MC3 Caledon fast-attack Rabbipal submarine USS John was Warner the guest speaker.

The Virginia-class (SSN 785) returns to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk followBy MC3 MC3 Caledon Caledon Rabbipal Rabbipal By was the guest speaker. ing successful completion of their deployment, Nov. 25, 2020. While deployed, supported Navythe Public Affairs Support Element – East Scorby, a native of Manlius, N.Y., as- national security interests and Navy Public Public Affairs Affairs Support Support Element Element –– East East Navy Scorby, a native of Manlius, N.Y., asmaritime security operations at sea. sumed command of CNRMA on March

sumed command of CNRMA on March 10, 2016 and demonstrated innovative 10, 2016 and demonstrated innovative Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock relieved leadership in guiding 14 installations Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock relieved leadership in guiding 14 installations Rear Adm. John C. Scorby Jr. as Com- across a 20-state region.

Rear Adm. John C. Scorby Jr. as Com- across a 20-state region. mander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic While under Scorby’s command, mander, Navy Force Region Mid-Atlantic While under national Scorby’ssecurity command, From Submarine Atlantic AffairsCNRMA interests and maritime security opera(CNRMA), during a change of Public command encouraged energy conserva(CNRMA), during a change of command CNRMA encouraged energy tions. such conservaceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, tion through initiatives as Battle ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, tion through initiatives such Navy as Battle NORFOLK “The U.S. andinSubmarine Force will always remain July 20.

“E” for energy program, resulting July 20.

“E” for energy program, resulting innation’s call regardless of what is The attack submarine John Warner ready answer of thethe The Virginia-class change of command ceremonyUSSthe region garnering 27 to Secretary The change of command ceremony the region garnering 27 Secretary of the (SSN 785) returnedfollowed to its homeport at NavalNavy Station Nor- and occurring the world or at home,” Wiley said. “Durwas immediately by a retireenergy water around management was from immediately followed by just a retireNavy energy and management folk deployment, Nov. 25, in time for Thanksgivingwater the pandemic, I’m sure our competitors ment ceremony for Scorby. awards during 2016 and COVID-19 2017. Scorby ment ceremony for Scorby. awards during 2016 and 2017.

Scorby ing. to see the challenges affected our local and Vice Adm. Mary M. Jackson, com- also championedwatched the Fleet and ifFamVice Mary M. of Jackson, comchampioned the Fleet and operations.

FamUnderAdm. the command Williamalso John deployed Conducting the mander, Navy InstallationsCmdr.

Command ilyWiley, Support Program, collaborating with mander, Navy Installations Command ily Support Program, collaborating with Warner returns from a deployment where it executed the NORFOLK NORFOLK NORFOLK

USS John Warner returns home for Thanksgiving

chief of naval operations’maritime strategy by supporting »»See CEREMONY | A8 ❯❯ See THANKSGIVING | A7 »»See CEREMONY | A8

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AFATHER final salute & SON FATHER & SON INVENTORS Navy military funerals are INVENTORS RECOGNIZED: conducted to recognize RECOGNIZED: A fatherAmerican and son team the tradiAproud father and son team were among 32 inventors tion of honorable were among 32service, inventors honored at the Naval which Navyat men honored theand Naval Surface Warfare Center women have givenCenter to their Surface Warfare Dahlgren Division country.

Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Patent Awards (NSWCDD) Patent Awards ceremony, July 19. ceremony, July 19.

See » See See A7 A4A7 ❯❯»

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) recently reached the midpoint of the first Extended Carrier Incremental Availability (ECIA) conducted at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

This milestone was accompanied by a successful startup of Truman’s propulsion plant, the first time a crew has performed this evolution at the midpoint of a maintenance availability. The pioneering maintenance period began with Truman’s arrival to NNSY on July 7.

"What we are accomplishing here is truly historic,” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, Truman’s commanding officer.

“A Nimitz-class carrier availability with a midpoint propulsion plant startup has never been attempted before. Our close partnership with the NNSY Truman project team has been the key to our success so far.”

Truman’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 ECIA, dubbed the “Truman Project” in industry terms, differs from both the longer, traditional Planned Incremental Availabilities (PIA), which a carrier would typically conduct at the end of a three-year readiness cycle, and the shorter Carrier Incremental Availabilities (CIA), which are smaller in scope. This availability ❯❯

See MILESTONE | A7

MCSN Caledon Rabbipal MCSN Caledon Caledon Rabbipal Rabbipal MCSN

Agents of Nuclear Engineering MINE EXERCISE VETERAN’S MINE EXERCISE VETERAN’S change BEGINS: KITCHEN HELPS BEGINS: KITCHEN HELPS The Nuclear and Norfolk Naval ShipU.S. NavyEngineering mine countermeasure HOMELESS U.S. Navy mine countermeasure HOMELESS Planning Department Recruityard holds one of the units, Japan Maritime Self VETS: units, Japan Maritime Self VETS: ing, Training, and Develimportant misDefense Force MCM units, and mostThe non-profit Defense Force looks MCMtoward units, and The non-profit opment Division sions: repairing andis Indian Navy Explosive Ordinance organization, Indian Navy Explosive Ordinance organization, is what can be done to develop modernizing the Disposal units commenced 2JA preparing tofleet place units commenced 2JA preparing to place itsDisposal people and have them our assets mine countermeasure exercise to ensure its 500th veteran into mine countermeasure exercise its 500th veteran into adapt the innovating peakhousing condition 2018tonear Ominato, world Japan, on are atnew within near Ominato, Japan, on new housing within of 2018 engineering. to service our nation.

July 18. the next week.

July 18. the next week. ❯❯See» A3 »

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Agents of change – Introducing the Culture Change Team at America’s Shipyard

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) holds one of the most important missions of America: repairing and modernizing the fleet to ensure our most valuable assets are at peak condition to service our nation. NNSY, also known as America’s Shipyard, is a workplace built on an expansive history and pride, with a community of more than 10,000 civilians, 700 Sailors, and 37 tenant commands working not only in Portsmouth, Virginia, but also across the world to ensure that mission is done to the fullest extent.

With more than 250 years under its belt, America’s Shipyard has seen its fair share of challenges, one of which originates in another valuable asset to our nation - its people. The world is built with various cultures, races, genders, beliefs, and more – the differences between one another sometimes causing a rift due to a lack of understanding or acceptance.

One may think that these differences could not possibly mesh together – leaving the puzzle an incomplete picture. However, the people are similar to puzzle pieces, all cut in different shapes and sizes. They may look completely different from the piece next to them, but when they come together, they link to form the final picture. Moreover, if one piece falls by the wayside, the puzzle will never be complete.

In the hopes of becoming a more inclusive and unified workforce, America’s Shipyard recently established the Culture Change Team, a group of individuals whose main goal is to help change the behaviors to eliminate discrimination and to influence the values of Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence (C.O.R.E.) through training, peer to peer accountability, and focus group feedback. The team aims to create a more inclusive workforce that inspires, equips, and empowers the workforce to achieve excellence while creating an atmosphere where employees thrive, learn, and develop continuously.

“NNSY, like with every organization, has pockets of good throughout it – good people that work hard every day to get the job done and look out for their fellow teammates,” said Culture Change Team Lead Antonne Smalls.

“However, it only takes a few bad apples or situations to shed light on something bigger beneath the surface – a problem that leaves others feeling as if they do not matter. We’re here to help correct those problems and shift

Aldo Anderson From Left to Right: Culture Change Team Co-Lead Jason Braun, Co-Lead Carlynn Lucas, and Lead Antonne Smalls.

the culture at America’s Shipyard to be more accepting of those who make up our team – our shipyard family.”

Culture is defined as the set of shared behaviors and norms found as well as the knowledge, beliefs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in the shipyard. Culture in some cases can be defined as “how we do it here."

The Culture Change Team was developed to help influence changing the culture of the shipyard and works alongside other platforms, including the Diversity and Inclusion Group and the Employee Resource Groups. In addition, the team is divided into its three focus areas - education, engagement and small group discussions, and accountability – to influence change.

“We operate in these focus areas and provide our workforce with avenues for them to succeed,” said Culture Change Team CoLead Carlynn Lucas. “Under the training umbrella, we have Force Multiplier Training which explains the importance of NNSY and the people who work here and the role they play in national security. The workforce learns in this course how to use the values of C.O.R.E. and how their influence can impact positive change in the shipyard. Once they go through the course, they are then known as ‘Force Multipliers’ – an emissary for positivity and growth at America’s Shipyard.”

In addition, the Culture Change Team also reaches out to new employee onboarding (NEO), 1LS (First Level Supervisor Training), 2LS (Second Level Supervisor Training, 3LM (Third Level Supervisor Training), and the Team of Winners series – aiming to spread the idea of changing the culture at the shipyard.

“For Engagement, we reach out and work

with our fellow shipyarders to have conversations on how to impact change at the shipyard,” said Lucas. “In addition, we also seek to highlight those pockets of goodness Mr. Smalls mentioned, identifying those areas and sharing the news with the shipyard at large. When others see those who are making a significant impact in the shipyard, they may be inspired to also take that next step into what they can do to also make a difference for the culture of America’s Shipyard.”

Culture Change Team Co-Lead Jason Braun said, “for the accountability piece, we’re actually starting a new initiative at the shipyard – a collaborator program with the supervisors across our installation so they can each help enhance those pockets of goodness and help build each other up to create a more accepting workplace. In this program, two supervisors are paired together and can interact with one another and share ideas or information for how they can help their team succeed and grow together as a unit.”

Another initiative the Culture Change Team is working in regards to accountability is working with direct reports about what they think are the shipyard’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).

The team will use the responses gathered to identify the alignment across the board and what areas need to be a focus.

With the team in place and taking action to make changes happen, the next step is YOU, the shipyard worker. How can you get involved with changing the culture at America’s Shipyard?

“We encourage everyone to attend Force Multiplier Training if they haven’t already and become Force Multipliers within the shipyard,” said Lucas. “It’s also important for oth-

ers to understand what culture is and why it’s necessary to change the culture here at the shipyard. Once our workforce has that education and understanding, they can become an agent of change – one person can’t change the entire culture of the shipyard; however, change begins with each individual person and spreads throughout.”

Smalls added, “One of the things all shipyard employees should realize is that they are already agents of change. It’s up to their personal influence whether they foster a desirable environment or a toxic one. I personally believe that appreciating your ability to influence is one of the biggest things I think every shipyarder must embody. I may not have the biggest voice but my actions speak louder than words. From even the simplest actions as being kind to your fellow shipyarders can make a lasting impact on your team.”

So what’s the end goal for the Culture Change Team? Smalls hopes it will foster an organic, evolving culture that will last within NNSY. “Our team is not a permanent fixture and there is always that chance that our long range goal may not come fully to light in our time here; however, we want to make our efforts organic to the shipyard as a whole,” said Smalls. “We want the culture to continue to change along with the rest of the world – a place that accepts others for their differences and finds commonality within one another. In the long run, we may have different skin color, different genders, different nationalities – however, we are all here to serve our country.

To do that, we need to work together, and we need to respect each other to the fullest ability.

Everyone should be appreciated and valued at NNSY and we want to instill that mentality in our workforce.”

Gate 1 on JEB Little Creek-Fort Story will be open for vehicle traffic from 6-9 a.m. only through Jan. 13, 2021. Normal operating hours will resume Jan. 14, 2021.

ENFN Zachary Teslovich

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A3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Nuclear Engineering, Planning Department engineers look to adapt training efforts for the future in rotational experience

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH

As Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) continues to modernize and improve itself for the future, the Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department (NEPD) Recruiting, Training, and Development Division (Code 2300T) looks toward what can be done to develop its people and have them adapt to the innovating world of engineering. Their answer: build an evolving training support system for the team to support the Navy’s mission.

“As soon as our engineers enter the shipyard, they are thrust into a world of rigorous and continuous training and qualifications,” said Richard Schindler, Code 2300T Nuclear Engineering Training Branch Head. “Radiological controls are changing at a rapid pace and we need our team to be able to adapt and be more agile to keep balance with the concept of operations. In addition, we noted that some shortfalls we had in the NEPD was that we relied too heavily on the training branch itself to maintain proficiency in radiological controls. We needed to bridge gaps between the various codes in NEPD to building better training avenues from within. So we looked at ways to get the other codes more involved.”

The NEPD developed a rotational program that invited volunteers from across the different codes within the department to step into the trainer seat and help improve training across the platform as well as develop training specific to their specific codes. The rotators would be involved in a six-month to oneyear designation to fill a long-standing need for personnel with cognizant engineering experience to aid in the efforts of Code 2300T. “These rotators will also bridge the gap from the divisions in NEPD that write the Technical Work Documents (TWDs) and handle the waterfront work to Code 2300T that trains the engineers on Radiological Controls,” said Schindler. “Divisions in NEPD are now leaning in to improve employee development by participating in this rotational program. In an effort to become a more principle-based workforce we need to inject training with these rotators to assist our high performing team to meet the new standards in proficiency. It’s a wonderful experience to help the shipyard better itself, but also provide a unique opportunity for those in rotation to take a step out of their comfort zone and develop new skills. I’m excited to see what they do with their time here.”

For this rotation, Rebeka “Beka” Adams from the Temporary Shielding Branch (Code 2310.7), Meagan Goodwin from the Procedures Branch (Code 2370), and Leslie Mok from the

Shelby West From left to right: Code 2320.7 Leslie Mok, Code 2310.7 Beka Adams, and Code 2370 Meagan Goodwin.

Rotating Machinery Branch (Code 2320.7) were chosen for the task.

“Our branch heads shared this opportunity with us and I personally jumped at the chance to gain some knowledge and do something different. I did a lot of tutoring while I was growing up and I worked as a teacher’s assistant in college – so I wanted to incorporate those skills into this new initiative,” said Adams. “We’ve been developing training; the shipyard is creating a divisional training so every month the divisions that have people qualified in Article 112 will have a discussion to keep their knowledge up to date. They have to have the discussions and keep that knowledge in mind so they have it ready to go.”

“This program is about getting more adept knowledge and learning about the training within the shipyard and what it takes to develop and deliver that training,” said Goodwin. “Training is very important and a lot of times it gets put on the backburner as we focus our efforts on the job at hand. But it’s important to keep yourself up-to-date with your skills and proficiencies.

And I want to help that in any way I can.”

Mok added, “It also provides us an opportunity to take back what we’ve learned to our own codes. Forward progression is key and I think we can really make an impact.” Adams and Goodwin echoed this effort, Adams even noting that she hopes to create a training branch within Code 2370.

“In my opinion, becoming an instructor is one of NNSY’s best kept secrets when it comes to professional leadership development,” said Senior Instructor and Rotator Program Coach Theresa Parker. “It is one of the few jobs where you can truly develop your leadership skills at your own pace. Being an instructor requires good communication skills, the ability to handle challenges, strategic planning and preparation, coaching and mentoring, just to name a few. I would encourage any engineer that is looking to gain hands on experience in preparation for a leadership position to consider participating in a rotational program such as this one.”

Parker added, “I am super excited about our 2300T rotational program because it will provide more engineers the opportunity to experience this level of professional growth without hav-

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ing to leave their home code permanently. Our team’s plan is to, not only, build on the rotators’ technical knowledge of radiological controls, but to also help them incorporate adult learning techniques through areas like Instructional System Design, Training Delivery and Facilitation, and Training Assessment and Evaluations.”

“These rotational positions are what our training program should have always had,” said Lead Article 112 Training Instructor Damien Civiello. “Diversity of experience and expertise is vital to providing training that is inclusive of all the work we do as well as all the people that do it. That helps to make sure our training resonates with everyone we teach. Personally, I am very excited to have all this new experience in our group as ultimately we will end up learning as much from them as they will from us.”

Code 2300T Engineering of Radiological Work-Assessment and Improvement Coordinator (AIC) David Hebert recently joined the branch as part of another program to rotate engineers. He is a big advocate for these programs and what they open up for he and his fellow engineers. “This is a big opportunity to step outside my norm and comfort zone,” he said. “I feel the program has helped me improve my communication skills through classroom training and writing assessments. I have also learned effective methods to present information and get interaction from the personnel. I have also had the opportunity to learn more about other divisions day to day tasks.”

“The rotational positions provide engineers with developmental opportunities to acquire new experiences and perspective, while building their network across the shipyard,” said Code 2300T Division Head Matt Tasker. “I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas that Leslie, Meagan, and Rebeka bring to our program. More importantly, I’m excited to help them grow and develop into well-rounded engineers. As the saying goes, “if you want to master something, teach it.”

Upon completion of their rotations, our new teammates will each carry forward an even higher degree of communication skills and expertise in the radiological controls program—providing tremendous benefit to the organization as a whole.”

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A4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

MC2 Anthony Flynn Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity Philadelphia's funeral honors division provide military honors for a veteran at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Nov. 6, 2020. Navy military funerals are conducted to recognize the proud American tradition of honorable service, which Navy men and women have given to their country.

A final salute

By MC2 Anthony Flynn

Naval Support Activity Philadelphia Public Affairs

NEWTON, Pa.

A detail of three Sailors in winter dress blues stand at attention facing a long, winding road that divides large grass areas perfectly lined with identically shaped white headstones at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In the distance stands a bugler with his back to the colorful, early November trees. A hearse slowly approaches the detail when Cmdr. Ryan McGeehan calls the command for a hand salute – the vehicle comes to a halt and the salutes are lowered.

The duties of Naval Support Activity

Philadelphia’s Funeral Honors division frequently bring them to this cemetery where they provide honors for veterans such as Lt. Frederick L. Porter, a decorated U.S. Navy pilot who flew two tours in the Vietnam War. “Growing up my father often talked about the friends and family he gained from his time as a Navy officer,” said Carita Geib, Porter’s daughter. “He knew when he was away that his family back home was always taken care of. I think it’s amazing that after dad’s passing, what still remains from the Navy is that sense of family.”

Navy military funerals are conducted to recognize the proud American tradition of honorable service, which Navy

men and women have given to their country. Our nation regards the memorializing of its military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

“The veterans we provide these final honors for are often from a different generation, they fought in different wars and they came from all different walks of life,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Kathiana Possible. “Even though we may not have known them personally – there’s still a deep connection felt at each and every service for someone who once wore the cloth of our nation’s Navy.”

NSA Philadelphia’s Funeral Honors division attended services for nearly 800 veterans in 2020, making them the fifth busiest in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Navy – a region that stretches over 19 states.

“Our mission is the flawless execu-

tion of rendering proper military honors to the deceased and their families,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jacob Ridley. “It’s not uncommon for us to attend multiple funerals in a single day. While the procedures for a service has become second nature to us, our shipmates only get one send-off and it’s our duty to make that moment special for their loved ones in attendance.”

Following the playing of “Taps,” the detail begins to fold an ensign amid the lingering smell of gunpowder from rifle fire. The folded flag is then passed from Sailor to Sailor before being presented to Porter’s daughter. The Sailors slowly raise their right hands as the military funeral honors conclude the same way they started – with a final salute.

For more information on NSA Philadelphia visit, https://www.facebook.com/nsaphil/.

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A5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Following the North Star Concept: Norfolk Naval Shipyard hosts first Navy Additive Manufacturing Part Identification Exercise for the public shipyards

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH

The North Star Concept for any business represents the unwavering definition of its purpose, its products, and its customers. It clearly outlines the goals for that business – the North Star leading all involved on the path towards success. For the U.S. Navy and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the North Star Concept for additive manufacturing (AM) technologies is to design, print, approve, and install critical, obsolete, or Level One components – establishing a process and exercising component development on vessels even after undocking.

To jumpstart this effort, a NAVSEA team led by Engineering Duty Officers Lieutenant Commander David P. Johnsen and Lieutenant Commander Jake Lunday reached out to workers and Sailors across the globe and developed the Navy Additive Manufacturing Part Identification Exercise (NAMPIE) to identify what parts could be printed and installed shipboard or for use by waterfront workers. Efforts reached San Diego Naval Base in Ca.; Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) in Norfolk, VA; Naval Station Rota in Spain; and Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL. Now, it has made it to the four public shipyards – with Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) leading the charge.

“This whole initiative started with a group of people who wanted to find ways to 3-D print parts onboard a ship – greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to make repairs while underway,” said NAVSEA04TI AM Program Lead Dalia McGlone. “While touring these other locations, the NAMPIE team started with identifying and producing smaller parts such as hooks and plugs with lower entry requirements, such as form and fit. And they had a lot of success with what they were doing, so we saw the value of the exercise for the shipyards.”

Together, McGlone and NNSY Innova-

tion Program AM Lead Jessica Roberts went to the NAMPIE at MARMC to see the initiative in action firsthand. It was clear to them this was something that could see a lot of success at the public shipyards.

“We’re looking to identify parts that support our capabilities of the Center of Excellence and identify future capability requirements - anything to benefit the Navy and the workforce of America’s Shipyard that work hard to maintain the fleet,” said Roberts. “In addition, with the NAMPIE and the efforts of the AM Program in connecting with those within the shipyard, we’re able to develop the technical data packages (TDP) for the parts to be routed, reviewed, and tested to establish it as a lasting component for the system.”

As of Oct. 2020, NAVSEA has a total of 182 approved 3-D printable parts in the JTDI database and more than 600 parts undergoing NAVSEA engineering review.

With the NAMPIE, they hope to expand these numbers significantly, continuing to build the database of parts accessible to anyone across the enterprise.

NNSY held its NAMPIE in late Oct., providing shops and code representatives an opportunity to share their ideas with the NAMPIE team. Though in previous NAMPIE events there was a large group of team members involved spanning multiple commands, McGlone and Roberts were the leads running the event alongside Lieutenant Commander Lunday, who participated virtually due to the safety procedures in place with the ongoing pandemic.

One individual who met with the team was Non-Nuclear Surface Ships Propulsion Piping Division (Code 268) Mechanical Engineer Michael Nourse.

“During the NAMPIE, I was able to provide recent scenarios where we had to manufacture or procure a part in a short amount of time,” said Nourse. “I sent the team the part descriptions and drawings that we discussed so that they could have examples of what we worked on. I explained that for one part we had to machine bar stock in order to make a fitting to be

Daniel DeAngelis Pictured are some of the parts that were identified as a possible candidate for additive manufacturing during the Navy Additive Manufacturing Part Identification Exercise (NAMPIE) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

installed on the ship. For another fitting, we had to order a new flange that came in after we needed it. With the AM Program, it could allow us to fabricate these parts on these short notice scenarios so we have what we need when we need it.”

Nourse continued, “This program could allow rapid development of ready-to-use parts. One of my main questions I asked the team was what materials could be used with these printers – depending on what’s available could greatly expand the capabilities of the shipyard and what could be developed.”

At this time, there are polymer printers throughout the shipyard available for use.

In addition, there are four metal printers en route to the shipyard that could be used to develop prints from stainless steel, tool steel, Inconel, aluminum, and more.

“I’m looking forward to the success of this program as it would greatly benefit our mission at the shipyard and the Navy,” said Nourse. “There is a high level of excitement for this program and I hope to help out however I can.”

With the NAMPIE completed, Roberts and McGlone are already looking towards the future for not only NNSY but the enterprise as a whole.

“This is a shared initiative and we want to expand our reach as far as we can and

get as many involved as possible,” said McGlone. “The goal is we can take parts from concept to creation, those that are obsolete, those with complex geometries and 3-D print them to speed up the process for getting parts installed or replaced.

What’s more, we can even reverse engineer existing parts or develop parts that don’t exist yet but could help the mission.”

The desire is to have NAMPIE events at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediately Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY&IMF), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), and the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center in Yokosuka (SRF-Yokosuka). In addition, NNSY and NAVSEA will continue to work with others to develop those ideas brought to the table.

“We want to encourage folks to come to us and share their ideas at any time; even if we don’t currently have the technology in place to make it happen right away, we want to know what the need is and look for ways on how we can help,” said Roberts.

“Without the input from the workforce, we won’t truly know what the needs are. We want to build that connection and make innovation happen.”

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A6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Daniel DeAngelis Yardbird Sam bumps knuckles with NNSY employees during the arrival of the USS Pasadena (SSN 752).

The Yardbird has landed

By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH

Yardbird is a term that was derived sometime during World War II. Although the origin is unclear and the definition has changed over the decades, the one thing that more or less remained the same is that a yardbird has worked at a shipyard.

In September 1980, the “Yardbird” won the open vote for becoming the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s new mascot, easily defeating its opponents of tiger, eagle, and seahorse. Service to the Fleet also re-

ported, “A write-in campaign promoting a sandcrab netted a dozen votes. One yarder suggested an octopus.”

Forty years later the newest yardbird has arrived. With his mighty sledgehammer in hand and his tool belt secured around his waist, he is ready to join a workforce that takes pride in their jobs.

“Yardbird Sam is the new mascot for NNSY,” said Congressional and Public Affairs Officer Terri Davis. “He is another tool that we can use to spread the shipyard’s message to the workforce as well as to the community.”

Yardbird Sam made his first appearance

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to join NNSY’s Shipyard Commander, Rear Adm. Howard Markle, NNSY’s Executive Officer, Capt. Daniel Rossler, and NNSY’s Command Master Chief CMDMC Gene Garland to welcome the USS Pasadena (SSN 752) to NNSY for its Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) Sept. 28.

“Yardbird Sam is a symbol of all the people who have worked at the yard, the important work that has been accomplished, and what the future holds,” said Capt. Rossler.

“Yardbird Sam will attend shipyard events,” said Davis. “We’re hoping that

his crazy antics, his fun nature, and his quirky personality will bring a smile to the face of employees and spread positivity.”

Although Yardbird Sam’s first appearance in the community has been delayed due to COVID-19, he is looking into the possibility of participating in some holiday parades in the local area that have not yet been canceled.

“We’re excited to introduce Yardbird Sam to the public,” said NNSY’s Outreach and Special Emphasis Program Manager Valerie Fulwood. “He will attend various outreach events like S.T.E.M., Read Across America, and career fairs to name a few.”

Next time you see Yardbird Sam, stop and say hi to him. He would love to bump elbows or fist bump with you.

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A7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Aerial building surveys take flight with new UAV pilot program From NAVFAC Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK A Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic pilot program has, for the first time, used Unmanned Aerial Surveying (UAS) to assess structures at two Virginia locations.

The UAS Pilot Program took flight at the command’s NSA Hampton Roads Lafayette River Annex (LRA) location, where the used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to assess the roofs of historic buildings, as well as facilities at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is a primary developer of UAV technology and its uses but has rarely used it for facilities and installation-level work, making NAVFAC Atlantic’s pilot program a pioneering effort.

Looking like something out of a spy movie, where the good guys use a drone for reconnaissance to track the enemy during their mission, the UAVs instead buzzed rooflines to review ongoing sustainment activities, determining if maintenance and repairs are warranted, as in the movies without the operator leaving the ground.

Using this technology, inspectors need only conduct detailed physical inspections if the imagery produced by the UAV survey shows signs of moisture-compromised areas. It takes just 15 minutes to conduct a UAV roof inspection, a mere third of the time it takes to do a manual inspection.

| Aircraft Carrier Truman achieves series of historic milestones MILESTONE

Continued from A1 is tailored to ensure Truman’s material readiness for its next deployment. Some of the Truman Project maintenance includes repairs and inspections of aircraft support systems; upgrades and maintenance for various combat systems; work on various types of liquid storage tanks; engineering support equipment maintenance; as well as nuclear propulsion plant maintenance. According to Lt. Cmdr. Mike Dahlgren, Truman’s ship maintenance manager, the Truman Project includes approximately 306,000 man-days of maintenance over the course of about seven months, an enormous undertaking.

“The concept of an ECIA and half time propulsion plant start up is an innovative idea and involves lots of learning,” said Lt. Ryan Phinny, Truman’s assistant ship maintenance manager. “We understand there are going to be some lessons learned and some hiccups here and there, however, we are exceeding expectations in terms of actual shipyard performance and maintenance execution.”

Markedly, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Honorable Ellen M. Lord and accompanying Department of Defense officials visited Truman Oct. 2 during an installation visit of

Courtesy graphic

Patrick Mccormack, NAVFAC Atlantic’s Public Works business line leader, challenged the Roof Asset Management Program to develop a way to conduct roof inspections faster than traditional methods. The solution they landed upon is rooted in the successes of NAVFAC’s industry partners.

“Although it took considerable time to break the code and orchestrate the approvals to use UAV technology, this pilot program will pave the way for wide spread use of this technology across the Department of Navy,” says Mccormack. “The result is safer, more affordable, and more extensive assessments of critical roof assets.”

The prospect of trying something new was exciting for team members. In all, the initial field tests reviewed the roof structures of 28 buildings the Navy owns and operates.

“Implementing new technology into the NAVFAC Roof Management Program was never a challenge, it was an opportunity. An opportunity to be more efficient, to support the Navy mission and achieve a fiduciary responsibility with our budget,” said Ahmed H. Hassan, AIA, NAVFAC Atlantic Roof Program Manager. “The UAS Pilot Program is giving NAVFAC these opportunities. Moving forward we will have a more efficient and safer alternative to assess our building assets.”

Due to cyber-vulnerability threats, the team had to overcome many hurdles in order to gain the necessary approvals needed to launch the program. NAVFAC Atlantic’s Roof Management Program team coordinated with a community of partners that included Commander, Navy Installations Command, Naval Air Systems Command, and NAVFAC Expeditionary Warfare Center, as

NNSY. Lord’s objectives for the visit included gaining an enhanced familiarization with Navy maintenance projects, including the Truman project.

On Aug. 29, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) departed a NNSY dry dock and joined Truman on pier 5A. This event marked the first time that two Nimitz-class ships have shared the same pier while conducting maintenance at NNSY. “Two Nimitz-class carriers on one pier presents unique logistical challenges," said Dahlgren. “There is a lot of material moving on the pier daily, which requires a tremendous amount of coordination. We developed a solid plan that is succeeding thus far.”

In another first, on Sept. 30, Truman and Bush conducted the first aircraft carrier combined fire drill at NNSY, in which Truman provided Bush with firefighting teams in a mutual effort to increase firefighting readiness and casualty response beyond the capabilities of each individual ship. This was in accordance with a fleet-wide initiative called for by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, the Honorable James F. Geurts.

On Nov. 18, Bush returned the favor, providing assistance teams to Truman in another combined drill.

“Drills such as these allow us to utilize our most valuable asset, our people,” Truman’s Damage Control Assistant, Lt. Cmdr.

Joseph Sims, said after the first drill. “Having the knowledge and familiarity of a similar ship layout allows our team to be extremely effective in providing assistance to

well as installation commanders and their public works personnel to develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for each installation.

In addition, NAVFAC Atlantic coordinated Navy waiver board approvals, and the consent of the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure a seamless process. In the course of developing the program over the past year, roof inspectors meticulously documented the entire process to provide a standard roadmap for future use of UAV’s in facility assessments.

The goal of the pilot program was to gain the knowledge needed to develop and execute a process using this technology that was deployable, repeatable and dependable. This effort is streamlining roof and envelope assessment efforts for installations, minimizing the risk inherent to physical roof assessments, and reducing the time and cost to assess the DON portfolio.

“I am always impressed by the ingenuity and initiative of our NAVFAC Team,” said Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, Commander, NAVFAC Atlantic in recognition of the team’s accomplishments. “Efforts like this are typical of the work our people do every day, driving for Quality, Speed and Agility.”

NAVFAC is the Systems Command that delivers and maintains quality, sustainable facilities, acquires and manages capabilities for the Navy’s expeditionary combat forces, provides contingency engineering response, and enables energy security and environmental stewardship. NAVFAC Atlantic includes four Facilities Engineering Commands that are the single provider of all NAVFAC products and services for Navy and Marine Corps clients in their regions.

MCSN Christopher Suarez Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transit the pier to assist with extinguishing a simulated fire during a firefighting drill aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Sept. 30, 2020. Truman is currently in Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its Extended Carrier Incremental Availability.

combat a fire onboard another aircraft carrier.”

In addition to these notable events, Commander, Naval Air Forces recently selected Truman’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department calibration laboratory as the Carrier Variant Nuclear Calibration Lab of the Quarter for the fourth consecutive quarter, which was subsequently selected as the CVN Calibration Lab of the Year.

“The Calibration Laboratory of the Year award is a great honor for our lab,” said Cmdr. Andres Pico, Truman’s maintenance officer. “The cal lab satisfies an indispens-

CHURCHILL |

Churchill Sailors receive presidential Thanksgiving video call

THANKSGIVING |

USS John Warner returns home for Thanksgiving

Continued from A1

Continued from A1

During the VTC, Cmdr. Timothy Shanley, commanding officer of Winston S. Churchill, introduced members of his crew to the President, including the ship’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team.

“It was an incredible experience to know that while we are away from home during the holidays the President is thinking of us,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Rory Larkin. “It helps to remind me of why we do what we do.

Why we serve.”

The President also asked Winston S. Churchill and other military units on the call about the missions they were supporting and topics affecting their branches of service.

“It was humbling to have the President of the United States address Winston S. Churchill directly,” said Command Master Chief Juan Navarro. “I believe it lifted the spirits of our Sailors during this holiday season while they are away from home.”

Shanley also wished the President a happy Thanksgiving on behalf of his crew.

“It was a tremendous honor to have been selected for a video teleconference with the President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief,” said Shanley. “It was awesome to be able to brief the President on some of the crew’s exploits and missions thus far on deployment. In addition, it was an opportunity to introduce him to some members of our great team.”

Winston S. Churchill is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to en-

deployment under these circumstances shows that Sailors will find a way to operate our great warships forward-deployed, around the world, wherever our nation’s leadership needs us.”

John Warner returns to Norfolk with a highly skilled crew, all of whom are qualified in Submarines.

“Nearly a fifth of the crew has run through the gauntlet of the Navy’s toughest qualifications to ensure that we’re able to combat the ship in the event any casualty occurs, regardless of the ship’s location or tactical posture,” said Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) First Class Flor Rodriguez. “I’m truly honored to be a part of each Sailor’s journey by being the Ship’s Qualification Coordinator in these efforts.”

Alyssa Rodriguez, the wife of Flor Rodriguez, is happy to have her husband home from his six-month deployment.

“The last six months have been filled with completely uncharted waters in the world, and in our family,” she said. “Knowing homecoming was always just beyond, and constantly a day closer than it was the day prior, is what kept me going in these very uncertain times. Having Flor home for the holidays, to be a part of the memories and photographs we will look back on, means 2020 will end on a high note for our family."

Flor Rodriguez was overjoyed to see his family waiting for him at the pier.

“I’m beyond words at how proud and fortunate I am to have my beautiful wife, Alyssa, for being the pillar

able requirement, ensuring all the gauges and equipment on the ship are performing within design tolerances. Our selection for this award represents great cooperation and communication throughout all departments on the ship. It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with such superb professionals."

The award is expected to be presented in a ceremony on the ship within the coming weeks.

For more news from Truman, visit www.navy.mil/local.cvn75/, www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

our family has depended on during this COVID-19 pandemic while I’ve been away,” he said. “I’m sure our two sons are ready for their dad to enter the fray just in time for Thanksgiving.”

During the deployment, John Warner steamed approximately 36,000 nautical miles and conducted port visits in Rota, Spain and Faslane, Scotland. The crew kept morale high with game tournaments, weekly movie nights and triathlons aboard the boat.

Twenty-one enlisted Sailors and eight officers earned their submarine warfare qualification, known as “dolphins,” while four officers promoted, 22 enlisted Sailors advanced to the next paygrade and 16 reenlisted.

“It is rewarding to see a crew rally around the common goal of having a successful deployment and watching them individually dedicate themselves to pursue excellence on a daily basis,” Wiley said.

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.

USS John Warner is the 12th Virginia-class attack submarine and the first ship to bear the name of Senator, John Warner. The submarine was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, Groton, Conn., and commissioned Aug. 1, 2015.

The 377-foot ship has a current crew complement of 15 officers and 117 enlisted Sailors and displaces more than 7,800 tons of water.

A8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

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USS Donald Cook celebrates Thanksgiving in Bulgaria The crew of the USS Donald Cook enjoyed a Thanksgiving celebration during a scheduled logistics stop in Varna, Bulgaria, Nov. 26. ❯❯See B6

SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 12.3.2020

MCSN Conner Foy The Tunisian Navy OPV Sophonisbe (P613) pulls alongside the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) during a replenishment at sea exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 23, 2020. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on its inaugural deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of responsibility in support of maritime missions and special operations.

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, Tunisian Navy exercise maritime security capabilities From U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs MEDITERRANEAN SEA

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) and Tunisian Navy partners conducted joint maritime operations to enhance maritime security, critical lifesaving capabilities, force readiness, and Tunisia’s ability to protect its maritime borders, November 23-24.

The Hershel “Woody” Williams participated in a simulation of suspicious merchant activity that enabled partners at the Tunisian Regional Operation Centers to exercise their radar capabilities. The navy

ship also participated in a naval exercise with the Tunisian Navy focused on developing both nations ability to conduct maritime security operations in the Mediterranean, as well as conduct joint search and rescue operations.

“We greatly value this opportunity to exercise these critical capabilities with our Tunisian partners,” said Donald Blome, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia.

“Working together with the Tunisian Navy offers both of our countries the opportunity to learn from one another, advancing our shared security goals in the southern Mediterranean.”

U.S. forces worked with Tunisian part-

ners on a search-and-rescue exercise, while U.S. Special Forces conducted simulations to bolster counterterrorism capabilities, perform critical lifesaving tasks, and improve cooperation between U.S. and Tunisian forces.

“Hershel 'Woody’Williams serves as a resource for AFRICOM and signals the U.S. Navy’s commitment to security and stability throughout the region,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. “Operations alongside countries like Tunisia strengthen our collective ability to counter illicit activity in the region.”

Demonstrating a shared commitment to enhance critical lifesaving capabilities in

a COVID-19 degraded environment, all missions were conducted with respect for protocols protecting both U.S. and Tunisian forces against the spread of the virus.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is homeported in Souda Bay, Greece, and conducts U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) missions in the Mediterranean and the waters around East, South, and West Africa to include the southern Mediterranean, operating with regional partners. The ship supports security cooperation missions and operations in and around the African continent.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts joint and naval operations in order to support regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

USS Ross completes second NATO Air-Defense Exercise in the Baltic

By MCSN Christine Montgomery USS Ross Public Affairs

BALTIC SEA

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) completed a series of air defense and fighter control exercises with NATO air forces in the Baltic Sea, Nov. 28, 2020.

German Eurofighter F2000 aircraft from NATO Air Command conducted a series of flyovers while Ross’ air-intercept controllers directed the aircraft in a series of tactical air defense exercises.

“Air defense exercises like these provide us with a unique opportunity for our watch standers to train in a dynamic environment,” said Cmdr. John D. John, commanding officer of Ross. “Being able to conduct these exercises with our NATO Allies provides all of us with the opportunity to maintain our warfighting readiness and improve interoperability.”

Ross has conducted similar air defense exercises while operating in the Baltic, most recently being last week with Italian Eurofighter Typhoon F2000 aircraft assigned to NATO and again with Portuguese Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons in September. These steady operations demonstrate a continued commitment to maritime security and common defense.

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, began its 10th Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol Aug. 29 in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

MCSN Christine Montgomery A German Air Force Eurofighter F2000 aircraft conducts a flyover above the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during a NATO air defense exercise, Nov. 28, 2020. Ross is currently on its 10th Forward Deployed Naval ForcesEurope (FDNF-E) patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

Four U.S. Navy destroyers, including Ross, are based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic

Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and stability in Europe and Africa.

HeroesatHome The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | 12.3.2020 | B2

Where can I find an application and other documents required for housing?

The documents, including the Housing Application, can be found on the Navy Housing website www.cnic.navy.mil/ housingpolicyandforms.

These include the Housing Application, Sexual Offender Form, dependent certification, custody or divorce papers and a copy of your orders.

NAVY HOUSING Norfolk (757) 445-2832 JEBLCFS (757) 462-2792 Oceana/Dam Neck (757) 433-3268 Yorktown (757) 847-7806

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Tacky? Tasteful? Whatever!

Don’t judge this year

By Lisa Smith Molinari

You may want to grab a pencil and paper, because I’m about to impart a priceless little jewel of wisdom: “There are two sides to every street.”

I imagine you are most likely stunned by my remarkable mastery of the obvious, but try to focus on this helpful illustration: On the east end of Anystreet in Anytown, USA, there stands a brick colonial. Four bedrooms, faux shutters, window boxes, and neatly trimmed hedges.

At the behest of his wife Brooke, husband Niles Rutheford retrieves a stepladder from the garage to hang the seasonal decorations on their house. It is the weekend after Thanksgiving because, of course, it would be gauche to decorate for the holidays any sooner.

While Niles stands on the ladder in his nubuck driving moccasins, pressed Chinos and halfzip lambswool sweater, Brooke hands him an assortment of pomegranates, pears, magnolia leaves and fresh pine boughs to decorate the arched pediment

over the front door. Taking care not to scratch her riding boots, Brooke removes the fall bittersweet and decorative cabbage displays from the window boxes, and replaces them with an artful and fragrant arrangement of pineapples, holly berries, and eucalyptus.

Preferring Colonial authenticity to garish modern light displays, the Ruthefords opt to place a single flickering LED cordless candlestick in each of their front windows. With their holiday decorating completed in just two hours, the Ruthefords head to the Starbucks drivethrough in their Range Rover for chai teas and gluten-free scones.

On the west end of Anystreet, there stands a 1970s split level.

Three bedrooms, vinyl siding, and an apartment in the basement for Uncle Wayne. While his wife Dawn went shopping on Black Friday, husband Buck Pachinski and son Cletus took the extension ladder out from under the trampoline, and 17 Rubbermaid tubs filled with outdoor holiday decorations from the shed.

While Cletus inflated the gi-

ant rotating snow globe and elf carousel for the front lawn, Buck began the arduous process of staple-gunning 7,000 colored lights to the roof, windows, doors, shed, fence, trees and shrubs. At some point, Uncle Wayne joined in, lining the driveway with lighted candy canes and setting up the twelvepiece life-sized nativity scene.

After seven days of hard labor, four trips to Home Depot, three puncture wounds and one cracked rib, the Pachinski property is a lighted holiday masterpiece, complete with computerized musical synchronization to “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” via FM transmitter.

A week later, the Ruthefords receive “Best Holiday Decor” recognition from the Anytown Garden Club, but some residents feel their snooty décor lacks holiday spirit. Conversely, the Pachinskis receive a citation from the Anytown authorities for violating various local ordinances, but every kid in town says the Pachinskis have “the best Christmas lights ever.”

When we were stationed in Florida, our military friends told us about a local neighborhood with “the best Christmas lights ever.” That night, we packed the kids into our minivan and followed the directions our friends

gave us, but were surprised to find a shabby collection of small homes in a swampy area just off the expressway. We were skeptical, but the long line of cars had us intrigued, so we waited.

A few minutes later, we entered the subdivision, and were amazed. Somehow, these ambitious swamp dwellers had hung hundreds of strings of lights vertically from the highest tree branches, so that the lights dangled straight down to the ground like electrified stalactites in every color imaginable. The effect was truly magical, and I had to admit, that neighborhood really did have “the best Christmas lights ever.”

Thanks to the coronavirus restrictions, most military families are cooped up, unable to travel, unable to gather, unable to visit, unable to attend church services, command parties, cookie exchanges, holiday concerts, and gift swaps. The one thing we can do this year is drive around looking at holiday lights, so why not go all out with holiday décor?

Brace yourself for another tidbit of priceless wisdom: Whether you prefer tasteful or tacky, don’t judge, because during the 2020 holiday season, we all need as much light, love and laughter we can get.

Home Modification Resources for Wounded Warriors From Statepoint

Accessibility can mean different things to different people. It can range from a wheelchair ramp and wider doorways to something as simple as a special doorbell. An accessible home is one that enables an occupant with disabilities do what he or she wants and needs to do, as independently as possible.

If you’re a service member or veteran with disabilities that require adapting your home to make it accessible, these government and community resources can help you with financial assistance and technical advice.

Government resources Visit these sites for federal, state and local government assistance: • Department of Veterans Affairs provides loans and grants to adapt the homes of disabled veterans to make them accessible, or to help them buy accessible homes.

• Department of Housing and Urban Development 203(k) Rehab Program is a mortgage insurance program to help homeowners rehabilitate properties and low-income individuals buy homes and rehabilitate them. Eligible improvements include modifications for accessibility.

• USA.gov provides comprehensive information and resources for wide range of federal government disability services.

• State and Local Government on the Net lists thousands of official websites for state agencies and city and county governments.

This includes lists by state of military and

Courtesy photo

veteran sites, grant sites, and more.

Nongovernment resources Get information from organizations and nonprofits on the following sites: • Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes provides eligible veterans with a wealth of resources, including assistance with homes and housing repairs.

• Homes for Our Troops is a privatelyfunded nonprofit that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans nationwide. The homes are mortgage-free so that severely injured veterans can focus on family, recovery and rebuilding their lives in a secure, independent environment.

• Institute for Human Centered Design offers consultation, workshops, courses, conferences and materials on accessible and adaptable design.

• The National Resource Center for Home Modification funds a university-based nonprofit program that offers a variety of home modification resources including: Re-

sources helpful to older veterans, A Home Modification Information Network with a state by state list of policies, funding and programs, A National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources.

Service organizations for veterans The following organizations dedicated to wounded warriors also offer home modification resources: • Blinded Veterans Association • Disabled American Veterans • Paralyzed Veterans of America You should feel comfortable and at ease in your home. If you need to modify your home to make it more accessible, these resources can help get you started.

More questions? Reach out to Military OneSource for a wounded warrior specialty consultation. Consultants are available 24/7/ 365 to help connect you with the resources you need. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS dialing options, or schedule a live chat.

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:

nClinical Counseling(Individual, Couples, and Child Counseling ) nPersonal Financial Management nInformation & Referral nFamily Employment Assistance nTransition Assistance nFamily Advocacy Program nDeployment and Mobilization Support nOmbudsman Support nRelocation Assistance nParenting Programs nStress and Anger Management nCommand Support nCrisis Support nSuicide Prevention nSAPR Support

B3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Courtesy graphic

Chief of Navy Reserve releases Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions 2020 to Reserve Force, focusing on warfighting readiness From Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, released the “Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions 2020” to the Reserve Force, Nov. 24, via ALNAVRESFOR 025/20.

Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, released the “Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions 2020” to the Reserve Force, Nov. 24, via ALNAVRESFOR 025/20.

The Fighting Instructions reaffirm the Navy Reserve’s strategic direction in alignment with the National Defense Strategy, while accounting for recent global events and Navy organizational changes to rapidly move the Navy Reserve forward. The Fighting Instructions also share Mustin’s singular priority after his first 100 days.

“We are focused unambiguously on

warfighting readiness. It is my number one and only priority – period. We will generate the combat power and critical strategic depth that the Navy requires to prevail in conflict in an era of great power competition.

That is our job, and why the Navy Reserve exists. All else is secondary,” Mustin said.

The new direction focuses the Navy Reserve’s efforts to achieve warfighting readiness by transforming the way it designs, trains and mobilizes the Force.

DESIGN THE FORCE: In line with Navy requirements, the Instructions specifies the Navy Reserve will identify warfighting capabilities that are best suited for the reserve component (RC). This effort will ensure all capabilities residing in the RC provide a clear benefit to the Navy. Decisions to place capabilities or capacities in the RC will be based on assessments that the Reserve Force can deliver these capabilities at reduced cost, and within acceptable risk, relative to the Active Component (AC). Also included in Design the Force are warfare growth areas

under consideration; and organizational, structural, management and administrative changes to optimize warfighting readiness.

TRAIN THE FORCE: Chief among Train the Force is what is called “MOB-to-Billet,” which focuses training and all time spent in uniform preparing Sailors for their mobilization billets, in addition to the more traditional unit training requirements which are the cost of being a Reserve member. This includes ensuring all Selected Reserve personnel understand their programmed mobilization billets; and that they are trained and ready to activate and fight on “Day One.” It also supports the Chief of Naval Operations “IA to Zero” effort to reduce the number of individual augmentee billets supporting the war on terror, and calls for infusing the force with a sense of character in line with the Navy core values, diversity and culture.

MOBILIZE THE FORCE: Mobilizing the Force for a conflict against a peer or near-peer adversary requires developing and employing mobilization processes based on

the MOB-to-Billet design in order to expedite activation of RC forces in times of need. This includes implementing Distributed Mobilization, allowing for activating the entire Selected Reserve population of approximately 50,000 in 30 days and subsequent deactivation; and also calls for implementation of the Navy Personnel & Pay (NP2) system by January 2022, which will simplify pay processes for Reserve members going on and off active duty.

“As a Navy Reserve, we have much to be proud of. Every day, our Sailors are doing superb work in every domain and in every theatre on the planet, and our Navy is stronger as a result,” Mustin said. “Achieving strategic depth and improving warfighting readiness requires us to build on the hard work completed so far with a sense of urgency. I’m excited by the work ahead. It will be challenging, but in the end, our Navy Reserve will be warfighting ready on Day One. Now, let’s get busy.”

The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team, and Joint forces, in the full range of military operations from peace to war.

Read ALNAVRESFOR 0XX/20 in its entirety at https//go.usa.gov/x7GPd.

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B4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

MC2 Taylor DiMartino Capt. Harry Ganteaume, Submarine Group former chief of staff and operations officer, and his wife, Sumiko, are rung ashore during his retirement ceremony at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Nov. 30, 2020.

Capt. Harry Ganteaume retires from CSG7 after 32 years of service

By Lt. Cassandra Thompson Commander, Submarine Group Seven Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan

After learning that a cubic-inch box could generate fuel for 30 years, a beguiled young mechanical engineering student from Richmond, Virginia commissioned in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate. His plan was to learn everything he could about nuclear power, and separate at the fiveyear mark to find work in the civilian sector. “The rest, as they say is history,” said Capt. Harry Ganteaume, who retired today after a 32-year career, flanked by his wife, Sumiko, and saluted by a constellation of Admirals, Captains and virtual well-wishers.

Ganteaume has spent the last 20 years of his career in the Indo-Pacific. His sea tours include division officer assignments on USS Ray (SSN 653) and USS Groton (SSN 694), a department head tour aboard USS Nebraska (SSBN 739), and executive officer aboard USS Los Angeles (SSN 688). He commanded the first-in-class USS Seawolf (SSN 21) supervising a homeport shift that made it the first submarine to be homeported in Bremerton, Washington, and also served as Commodore of Submarine Squadron 1 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His shore and

staff assignments include staff officer at U.S. 7th Fleet, and Operations (N3) Officer and Chief of Staff at Commander, Submarine Group 7 (CSG7). This August, the staff he led for over four years voted unequivocally to dedicate Fluckey Hall’s main conference room in his honor, a monument to the impact one person could have on a command and its culture.

“Harry, when I got to know you well, it became clear your reputation was hard earned and exactly correct,” said Vice Adm. Bill Merz, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet referencing his own experiences with Ganteaume who was his Chief of Staff at CSG7 in 2015. “Four and a half years and nearly 67 deployments later.

I’m yet to meet a more knowledgeable submariner across the board, combined with the nicest sense of humility and compassion. I endeavor to have the podium in your conference room named after me.”

Ganteaume cited leaders – both officer and enlisted – as the standard-bearers he sought to emulate when crafting his own leadership style. “Now retired Admiral Tom Wears was my department head while I was a division officer,” Ganteaume explained. “He was able to strike that balance, raising and maintaining high standards while making sure people were taken care of. My second [Chief of

the Boat] Master Chief Jaret Hofer was another influential leader. He knew what was going on with every single Sailor.”

Ganteaume said he saw first-hand aboard USS Nebraska how effective that strategy could be. During his tour there, and despite several leadership changes, the command’s Sailor-first approach drove their success. “I saw that if the Sailors are taken care of, the ship’s going to do well no matter what,” he explained.

He demonstrated a dogged devotion to supporting forward-deployed submarines and their crews as Commodore of Submarine Squadron 1, and both his tours at Submarine Group 7. To Ganteaume, the almost 100 SSN and more than a dozen SSGN deployments he oversaw are not just a number. “Supporting and enabling the success of all those deployments, all the missions that those submarine crews did, all the port visits, all the exercises, making sure they were successful in their missions. That was the highlight.”

Ganteaume has been in the Indo-Pacific theater for the past 20 years. The extent of his regional knowledge and rapport he had built with leaders throughout Southeast Asia contributed to his effectiveness, and to the success of many of the bilateral initiatives implemented under his watch. “We’ve made incredible progress in the last 10 years,”

Ganteaume said. “If one were to compare snapshots of our combined activities in the year 2000, when I first arrived in Japan, and today, one would be amazed by the growth of our mutual commitment.”

Ganteaume cites as an example the U.S., Japan and Australia Theater AntiSubmarine Warfare (TASW) Working Group that resulted in a JMSDF and Australian submarine liaison officer being fully integrated into Submarine Group 7’s TASW operations. “Australia has always been a very, very close partner and that has remained,” Ganteaume said. “Having an Australian officer here has been pretty helpful.”

Early in his career, Ganteaume separated from the Navy to pursue a life in the civilian sector. He rejoined six months later. “I missed that extended family you have in the submarine force,” he explained. “It’s the thing I’m still to miss the most when I leave.”

After 18 years of marriage to Sumiko, who Ganteaume describes as amazing, and six or seven moves, Ganteaume looks forward to settling in Japan for a few years so she could be close to her family. She has had to make several adjustments, both to American life and to the Navy culture, often by herself.

“Through it all, your courage, grace and thoughtfulness were truly inspirational, and made me a better person and naval officer,” he told her in his closing remarks. “Looking ahead, there’s still some uncertainty in our next adventure, but I’m certain it will all work out as long as we are together.”

Acting Secretary of Defense visits NSA Bahrain

By MC2 Matthew Riggs

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

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN

Acting Secretary of Defense, Christopher C. Miller, visited with personnel on board U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov. 25.

Miller met with Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to discuss ongoing operations and partnerships in the region.

During his tour, Miller visited NAVCENT’s headquarters and forward-deployed naval forces at the waterfront, including coastal patrol ships, mine countermeasure ships and MK VI patrol craft.

During his final stop on base, he served Thanksgiving dinner to Sailors and Marines before sitting down with them to discuss their experiences while serving in Bahrain.

The visit highlighted the role of NAVCENT/5th Fleet’s operations to the U.S. national defense strategy as well as the longstanding partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and U.S. Navy.

Personnel participating in the visit strictly adhered to coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigations, such as social distancing and the wearing of face coverings, in order to prevent the transmission of the virus.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

MC2 Jordan Crouch Acting Secretary of Defense, Christopher C. Miller visits U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) headquarters on board Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov 25. NAVCENT is the U.S. Navy element of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

B5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Navy Lodge Program reaches 100,000 nights of ROM support

By Kristine Sturkie

Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.

On Nov. 24, the Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) Navy Lodge Program reached 100,000 cumulative total room nights supporting Restriction of Movement (ROM) guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navy Lodge Program stepped up to provide a safe and secure location for the U.S. Navy to house Sailors as well as family members who are placed on ROM status. Since March, a total of 32 Navy Lodges around the world supported a cumulative 100,000 rooms to sustain this effort.

“The Navy Lodge mission remains critical during times of crisis and we will remain a worldwide safe location for our Navy’s warfighters and their families,” said Chris Settelen, vice president, NEXCOM, Navy Lodge Program. “All of our 39 Navy Lodges and associates worldwide stand ready to support in any way that is needed during this pandemic. Our guests and their safety remain a top priority!”

A guest who stayed at Navy Lodge Sasebo, Japan, in August commented that, “Everyone at the Lodge was so friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond to help out my family once we got out of ROM and even while in ROM they were super helpful. We had just the best experience, the manager Eric has a great team.”

Navy Lodge ROM guests fall into a few categories. For the most part ROM guests have recently experienced a permanent change of station move, are in a pre-deployment or post-deploy-

ment status, pre or post temporary duty travel TDY, as well as reservists pre or post active training. Each Navy Lodge works closely with its respective command and local Navy leadership to serve as a temporary home away from home for these individuals.

Rear Adm. Dave Welch, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15, sent a note to Maria Gonzalez, General Manager, Navy Lodge North Island, California, stating, “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your efforts and support with the pre-underway billeting for the Carrier Strike Group FIFTEEN staff and augmentees. The service you provided is a direct reflection of the super hospitality that the Navy Lodge is known for throughout the world.”

Ship Shaped and Squared Away, a newly developed program ensured Navy Lodge locations continue to perform intense cleaning and sanitization protocols as prescribed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

As an additional measure, bedspreads are in the process of being replaced at all locations with new bedding that can be cleaned more easily and is more resistant to germs. Cleaning and sanitation includes all guest rooms before and after check-out out as well as the common areas and frequent touch points throughout the Navy Lodge.

Sneeze shields are installed at checkin desks for the safety of Navy Lodge associates and patrons alike.

NEXCOM’s six business lines have been industrious and determined to get Sailors and their families what they need in this ever-changing environment as it related to the COVID-19 crisis.

Kristine Sturkie A Navy Lodge associate delivers a meal to a guest placed on Restriction of Movement (ROM) and unable to leave the room, Nov. 24, 2020. Onhe same day, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Navy Lodge Program reached 100,000 cumulative total room nights supporting Restriction of Movement (ROM) guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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B6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

USS Donald Cook celebrates Thanksgiving in Bulgaria

By Lt. j.g. Sarah Claudy and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Hardy, USS Donald Cook Public Affairs

VARNA, Bulgaria

The crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) enjoyed a Thanksgiving celebration during a scheduled logistics stop in Varna, Bulgaria, Nov. 26.

The crew arrived in the Black Sea just in time to celebrate a Thanksgiving meal on the pier in Varna, directly in front of the ship. Heated and decorated tents held seating for the approximately 300 crew members, who attended in their Service Dress Blues.

“On Thanksgiving, we have the chance to remember and reflect on what we are truly thankful for,” said Yeoman 1st Class Alexis Deskins, ship’s secretary.

“For me, it’s my family back in the States. Although I haven’t seen them in two years, they consistently have my back and keep me going every day.”

Cmdr. Kelley Jones, Commanding Officer of Donald Cook, expressed her thanks for the crew’s health during formal remarks. She also spoke about Donald Cook’s namesake, Vietnam Prisoner of War (POW) U.S. Marine Col. Donald Cook.

“Every day, we live in Col. Cook’s legacy, and it reminds us of the meaning of service and sacrifice,” said Jones, “Ultimately, we will return home and spend future Thanksgivings with our families. Col. Cook and 2,500 other POWs from the Vietnam War did not. But they are not forgotten; we have a spot for them here at our Thanksgiving table.”

Before serving dinner, Donald Cook’s Chief Petty Officer selects conducted a “Missing Man” ceremony, setting a small table for a missing POW. The ceremony was a poignant way to begin a night of celebration and thanks. Following the ceremony, Donald Cook’s Supply Department served an exquisite meal with all the Thanksgiving staples: turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

“The culinary specialists, led by [Culinary Specialist 1st Class] Justin Holman and [Culinary Specialist 1st Class] Marlene Sloan, worked incredibly hard to prepare a meal for a crew of 300,” said Lt. Carlos Lopez, Donald Cook’s supply officer. “It was a fantastic meal that truly showed the culinary professionalism of S-2 Divison and allowed us to create a piece of home away from home.”

COVID-19 has made routine patrols particularly challenging, but Sailors aboard Donald Cook are

MC3 Will Hardy Damage Controlman 2nd Class Troy Jenkins performs in a talent show for the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in Varna, Bulgaria, Nov. 26, 2020. Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its 11th patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security in Europe and Africa.

finding ways to keep morale up. The ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation committee produced a talent show to accompany the dinner, during which members of the crew entertained each other with singing, dancing, and spoken word.

“COVID has made life tough for many Sailors,” said Deskins, “Especially those on deployments and patrols. We are doing our best to stay motivated and stay mission ready. What we know as ‘normal’ port visits no longer exist, so being able to take a break and enjoy a nice Thanksgiving meal with our shipmates is just what we need.”

Donald Cook was able to enjoy the festivities without masks or social distancing because the crew has maintained a COVID-free “bubble” for the duration of patrol. After receiving negative COVID tests for each crew member in September, Donald Cook established a quarantine to rigorously limit outside contact. The crew will protect their “bubble” until the completion of patrol.

Donald Cook is currently on its 11th ForwardDeployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet Area of Operation and entered

the Black Sea, Nov. 23. Following the stop in Bulgaria, the ship will continue routine operations in the Black Sea to strengthen interoperability among NATO Allies and partners and demonstrate collective resolve to Black Sea security under Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention.

Donald Cook is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. In support of Sixth Fleet, these FDNF-E ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners in order to advance U.S national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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B7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Clint Beaird Rear Adm. Dave Welch, commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) leads a discussion with Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) candidates on the first day of SMWDC’s Instructor and Tactics Course (ITC), July 23, 2018. After completing the Instructor and Tactics Course, candidates head to their respective divisions to achieve full WTI qualification.

NPS Scholar Program takes Warfare Tactics Instructors to the next level From Naval Postgraduate School Public Affairs

MONTEREY, Calif.

A pilot program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is taking fleet Warfare Tactics Instructors –officers with specialized training, operational experience and a deep understanding of fleet tactics considered to be tactical subject matter experts – and giving them the academic theory behind those tactics to make them even better warfighters.

WTIs, pronounced “Witties,” are a cadre of officers trained by the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) to conduct advanced tactical training, doctrinal development, assessments of shipboard at-sea training, and serve in critical operational billets.

The genesis of the NPS “WTI Scholars” program began when leaders at SMWDC saw a return on investment from officers in the WTI program who already had an NPS master’s degree, or were earning their degrees through NPS’ distance learning program.

According to Capt. Ryan Billington, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Training, Operations, and Readiness at SMWDC, there was a key difference for officers with an NPS education.

“Officers with master’s degrees from NPS bring a deep understanding of systems, tactics, and processes,” said Billington. “These officers are incredibly

well-rounded, for they are well versed in tactics as a WTI and also understand the concepts behind them because of their NPS graduate education, and we value the education those officers are receiving.”

The WTI Scholars pilot program, which currently has 4 students with the aim to double that or better in 2021, is designed to tie academic theory with the operational experience of these advanced tactically-trained officers to create even greater warfighting capability, said Capt.

Chuck Good, NPS’s Surface Warfare Chair.

“We are adding the academics to the intense real-world experience they’ve amassed so they have ‘the why’ behind their tactical principles,” said Good. “By understanding ‘the why” these officers will have greater warfighting proficiency making them better practitioners – something that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”

While there are four different types of WTI areas – anti-submarine warfare surface warfare, amphibious warfare, mine warfare and integrated air and missile defense – Good noted that NPS did not have to create any special curriculum to match them; rather, NPS leveraged the curricula and capabilities it already had and folded each WTI type into them.

“We had nine different curricula already available in our catalog for the WTI’s to take advantage of that map directly to their core warfighting competencies,” said Good. “The thesis work that

they are doing is all warfighting related.

NPS and SMWDC are working together to improve and enhance an officer’s warfighting capability at key points in a surface warfare officer’s career.”

One key educational challenge facing WTIs is that many of them have had to forgo the opportunity to obtain graduate education due to the WTI career path constraints precluding lengthly in-residence educational tours. NPS has stepped in and shortened certain curriculums programs allowing WTIs to obtain an accelerated master’s degree in order to get back to the fleet in a reasonable time to fill key billets. The price for this is the elimination of certain milestones that a fulllength resident NPS curriculum typically provides, such as JPME Phase I and a subspecialty code but the core Masters’ requirements are still met in all nine “WTI Scholars” offerings.

“Junior officers often desire to do both in-residence education at NPS and complete the WTI course of instruction and follow-on production tour,” said Billington. “However, not everyone has the career timing to do both before department head school. The WTI Scholars Program gives them the ability to complete both the WTI course of instruction, a WTI production tour, and graduate education in residence at NPS.” While in-resident education at NPS and being a WTI was not mutually exclusive prior to the WTI Scholars Program, there wasn’t a direct route for students to di-

rectly build off their WTI training with further academic education. According to WTI Scholar Lt. Grant Arrigo, one of the first four students currently in the pilot program, this program allows him to be a WTI and a forerunner in the field of space, especially with the emergence of space as a realm for military operations.

“From the fleet, space is very important from a targeting and communication standpoint” said Arrigo. “Having the background for the surface WTI program, I know that targeting is always your limiting factor and space is the next frontier for that. As far as the whole breadth of space operations goes, I can apply my NPS education to any combat system. I’m interested to see how I will be able to take everything back to the fleet and be better informed on the strategic policy side of the house, as well as the technical side.”

Good noted that the relationship between NPS and SMWDC will flourish simply because of the cross pollination of highly educated officers coming to NPS and returning the fleet.

“These officers will be bringing relevant and current tactical information up to campus, and then they’ll take their academic knowledge back to the waterfront.”

As for SMWDC, Billington expressed that WTIs are “warriors, thinkers, and teachers,” and when these tacticians return to the fleet from NPS they will have become exceptional warfighters.

“An officer who has completed both WTI training and NPS graduate education program will be the most lethal and tactically proficient tactical action officer on their ships because they have the requisite background knowledge both in the classroom and in relevant community tactics,” said Billington.

Saudi, UK, U.S. naval forces conduct mine countermeasures training From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN

Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 9-12.

The training follows a previous iteration that took place in June and focused on enhancing mine hunting and communications interoperability between the three navies.

"This second round of training allowed us to refine our MCM procedures as a combined team,” said UK Royal Navy Captain Don Crosbie, deputy commander of Task Force 52. “Building cohesion is the best way to continuously increase our defensive capabilities as a coalition.”

Participating mine countermeasures ships included the RSNF Al-Shaqra (MCMV 422), UK Royal Navy HMS Brockelsby (M 33), and U.S. Navy USS Dextrous (MCM 13). An MH-53E Sea Dragon attached to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 provided aerial mine hunting support.

In addition to these forces at sea, the RSNF Mine Warfare Center provided command and control from King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/

Army Spc. William Gore Royal Saudi Naval Force mine countermeasures vessel Al-Shaqra (MCMV 422), front, Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessel HMS Brocklesby (M 33), middle, and mine countermeasure ship USS Dextrous (MCM 13) sail in formation during mine countermeasures interoperability training, led by Commander, Task Force (CTF) 52 in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 11, 2011. The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

B8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

MC1 John Banfield Rear Adm. Huan Nguyen, deputy commander, Cyber Engineering, Naval Sea Systems Command, provides keynote remarks during Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division annual National Engineers Week celebration, Feb. 18, 2020. Nguyen shared his personal journey from Vietnamese refugee to U.S. Navy flag officer, as well as provided career and leadership advice.

Cyber, Digital Deputy Commander for Naval Sea Systems Command honored

by Oklahoma State University From NAVSEA Office of Corporate Communication Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

Rear Adm. Huan Nguyen, NAVSEA Deputy Commander for Cyber Engineering and Digital Transformation (SEA 03), will be inducted into the Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Hall of Fame and will be awarded the Melvin R. Lohmann Medal, OSU’s highest honor, the university announced Nov. 23.

The Melvin R. Lohmann Medal was established in 1991 to honor alumni of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology for contributions to the profession or education of engineers, architects or technologist that merit the highest recognition.

“I am humbled to be recognized with this award,” said Nguyen. “This honor reflects not just on my career, but also on the many shipmates, coworkers, and friends who have helped me to be successful. I deeply appreciate the award and those who have helped me along the way.”

Nguyen graduated from Oklahoma

State University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He also holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University, engineering from Purdue University and information technology from Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with highest distinction.

“OSU had a profound impact on both my life and career,” Nguyen said. “Later in life, particularly on deployments to Iraq when in the middle of the desert, I would think of home. I would think of Midwest City and Oklahoma State.”

Nguyen was born in Vietnam and is the first U.S. Navy admiral of Vietnamese descent.

During the 1968 Tet Offensive, Nguyen’s mother and father, along with his five brothers and sister were killed by Viet Cong Communist guerillas in their family home outside Saigon. Nine-yearold Nguyen was shot in the arm and head, but survived the attack. Nguyen was taken in by his uncle, a Colonel in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.

In 1975, at age 16, Nguyen and his family fled Vietnam, seeking refuge in the United States following the fall of Saigon. A U.S. Air Force Colonel friend

of his uncle sponsored his family and they moved to Midwest City, Oklahoma.

Nguyen received a Navy direct commission through the Reserve Engineering Duty Officer program in 1993.

Nguyen’s operational tours include a number of waterfront maintenance assignments: Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka as testing officer on USS Kitty Hawk availability; Officer in Charge, Ship Repair Facility, Detachment 113.

Later, he served as Executive Officer/ Chief Engineer at the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (CREW) Field Office in Baghdad, Iraq, supporting Task Force Troy/18th Airborne Corps and V Corps, CREW Engineer at Task Force Paladin and Combined Explosive/Exploitation Cell (CEXC) in Afghanistan.

Past staff assignments included duties as Deputy Chief Information Officer, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) from 2017-2019, Director Military Programs, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Executive Officer, NAVSEA Enlisted Personnel from 2013 2017. He also served as Community Manager, Engineering Duty Officer (Reserve Component). Reserve assignments

include multiple command tours with various units at NAVSEA, Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), and Office of Naval Research.

Nguyen’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).

Nguyen also worked in private industry where he has obtained several patents in automotive electronics. In August of 1994, Nguyen began work as a staff electrical engineer for General Motors (GM) where he eventually managed a cross-functional team of over 30 engineers in the design and integration of the Powertrain Control Module to all GM platforms. In 2006, he took a position as the senior vice president of Bank of America, where he established the strategic framework and governance for Bank of America computing on cybersecurity, which included firewalls, streamlined demilitarized zones (DMZ), and the optimization and consolidation of data centers. In 2009, he began working with Exelis, Inc., as a senior technical advisor and director of business development where he managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio of independent research and development projects on ground electronic warfare countermeasures, counterremote improvised explosive device systems and interference mitigation systems.

Nguyen is being recognized for both his military and civilian achievements in the field of engineering.

Fleet thankful for service of civilian mariners

By Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde

Military Sealift Command Far East Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA

While Charlie Brown served his friends toast, popcorn, jelly beans, and pretzels for Thanksgiving, that menu might not fly aboard the U.S. Navy ships deployed in the Indo-Pacific Region for the annual holiday.

If culinary specialists tried serving those Peanuts staples, crews might roar, just as Peppermint Patty did in the 1973 classic cartoon, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz.

“What kind of Thanksgiving dinner is this? Where’s the turkey, Chuck? Don’t you know anything about Thanksgiving dinners? Where’s the mashed potatoes?

Where’s the cranberry sauce? Where’s the pumpkin pie?”

That’s just one reason Military Sealift Command ships have been crisscrossing the region, delivering the more traditional fare to U.S. Navy ships which prepared hundreds of turkeys for thousands of Sailors who spent the holiday away from family and friends.

“This is a special time of year for many of our afloat shipmates,” said Lt. Cmdr.

Tyheem Sweat combat logistics force officer with Military Sealift Command Far East.

“We have been filling holiday orders for some time to make sure crews enjoy a traditional holiday feast, just like they

would have at home.”

Turkeys and potatoes for mashing aren’t the only items MSC FE delivers to the fleet.

Whatever U.S. Navy ships need on any given day to accomplish their mission is delivered anywhere in the Indo-Pacific Region - that includes food, fuel, spare parts, and ordnance, among other essentials.

Assuring global maritime logistical services is the heart of the MSC mission.

As part of the Navy’s supply chain, Military Sealift Command exists to provide unfailing support to warfighters during peacetime and war - and the holidays.

Military leaders at all levels believe logistics is a strategic necessity - one vital to mission accomplishment.

For the past several months, COVID-19 has complicated logistics and thrown some curve balls at MSC Far East. Despite the challenges the pandemic has posed, civilian mariners remain unwaveringly committed to their important mission of keeping the fleet afloat - even though they, too, are underway and sacrificing precious time away from family and friends.

Commanders and crews alike say they are thankful for MSC FE and the critical contributions its crews make - not just on morale during special occasions but on mission accomplishment - every day.

“You can always count on MSC to deliver,” said Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific and Task Force 73.

Christopher Bosch The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) conducts a replenishment at sea with USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, November 7, 2020. Tippecanoe and other ships in Military Sealift Command Far East combat logistics force keep U.S. and international partner ships operating in the Indo-Pacific Region supplied with all the essentials, including food, fuel, spare parts, and all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a holiday or a regular weekday, the civilian mariners of our combat logistics force are on watch and doing great things.”

Now that the Thanksgiving dishes are done, MSC FE will help Santa deliver hun-

dreds of packages to service members in the Indo-Pacific Region. Even Santa appreciates the importance of military logistics, whether it’s the essentials for mission accomplishments or the special surprises that help boost morale while on deployment.

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream Festive spices meet chocolate in this rich and moist chocolate gingerbread cake, the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner ❯❯ See

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Free Books for the Holidays From REACH NORFOLK, VA

On Black Friday, Reach, Inc. launched a free holiday pop-up book store in Military Circle Mall. All families are invited to stop by and pick out two books. A variety of brand new books are available for all ages, from children through adults.

The book store will be open through December. The shop will be open Saturdays from 12pm-7pm and weekdays from 3pm-7pm. A list of days and hours are available atwww.reachreads.org .

The REACH Free Holiday Bookstore is located beside DTLR within Military Circle Mall. The space is being provided free of charge.

“REACH has received requests for

thousands of books from our partners and families since the rise of COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Goff, Executive Director at REACH. “Our Free Holiday Bookstore is one example of how we are adapting to new challenges and getting reading resources in the hands of those that need it most. And, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned, big things are happening!”

In April, REACH launched a campaign to distribute 32,000 books and reading resources to kids in Hampton Roads.

Studies continue to prove that the number of books in the home provide an important foundation for reading and directly impact a child’s future success.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative, donations can be made online at www.reachreads.org/donate .

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Virginia War Memorial To Observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day With Virtual Livestream Program This Year From Virginia Department of Veterans Services RICHMOND

The Virginia War Memorial will observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day this year with a virtual livestream program on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 11 a.m.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no live ceremony to honor the Virginians who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and other Hawaiian bases on December 7, 1941, which propelled the United States into World War II. Instead, the Virginia War Memorial will livestream a program hosted by Memorial Director and noted historian Dr. Clay Mountcastle. The program will include a special edition of the Memorial’s “From the Archives” with Memorial archivist Heidi Sheldon who will highlight items relating to the Pearl Harbor attack from the Memorial’s extensive artifact collection.

Concluding the program will be the showing of the award-winning Virginians at War documentary, “World War II: Pearl Harbor” featuring the personal stories of Virginians who witnessed the attack.

“We regret that because of the COVID-19 restrictions that we cannot join with our partners at the Navy League of the United States, Richmond Chapter to hold a public ceremony this year to honor and remember those brave Virginians who lost their lives

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on December 7, 1941,” said Dr. Mountcastle. “The names of these heroes are forever inscribed on the walls of the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory-20th Century where they will be remembered and honored for generations to come for their service and sacrifice.”

The public can register to view the Pearl Harbor Day Observance livestream by clicking on https:// vawarmemorial.org/events/pearlharbor2020 or watch the livestream on December 7 at www.Facebook.com/ VirginiaWarMemorial.

The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond. It is open to the public Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon - 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free. Due to current COVID-19 guidelines, facemasks and social distancing are required, and the number of visitors permitted inside the Memorial at any one time is limited. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org, www.dvs.virginia.gov or call 804.786.2060.

About the Virginia War Memorial The mission of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military. For more details, visit www.virginiawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.gov. their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

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C2 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

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nSubmit YOUR events, news and photos The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online.

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A Bright, Festive Holiday Season at Colonial Williamsburg, Hold the Pyrotechnics From Colonial Williamsburg WILLIAMSBURG, VA.

Holiday festivities continue daily throughout the season in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Merchants Square and at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. New state restrictions on public gatherings, however, combined with a statewide increase in new COVID-19 cases, will prevent the presentation of the series of free, managed-access fireworks demonstrations planned as a scaled-back version of traditional Grand Illumination programming.

“Colonial Williamsburg’s top priority remains the health and safety of guests, employees and the community as a whole,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “Working with the City of Williamsburg, we conceived and had hoped to present a series of scaled back, socially-distanced fireworks events over three Saturdays in December to celebrate the season. Unfortunately, that will no longer be possible in light of the Commonwealth’s recently tightened gathering restrictions due to changing health data.

“But the bright holiday magic of Colonial Williamsburg remains, and we welcome our neighbors and guests to join us daily to celebrate the season and the new year,” Fleet continued.

“We look forward to presenting the best-ever Grand Illumination in 2021, in conjunction with the City.”

Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area is fully decorated and holidaythemed programming is being presented daily (mostly outdoors) through New Year’s Day, along with a range of new exhibitions, seasonal programming and the famous Folk Art Christmas Tree at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, which this year completed a $41.7-million donorfunded expansion.

In Merchants Square, a variety of shopping and dining options await, along with Liberty Ice Pavilion, now open daily on Duke of Gloucester Street. A new Christmas Market opens Fridays through Sundays, Dec. 4-19, at the corner of South Boundary Street and Francis Street, hosted in partner-

ship with the City and CultureFixVA. “Though we were all looking forward to the return to normal, as represented by the fireworks at Grand Illumination, we must continue to make adjustments for the public’s safety,” City Manager Andrew O. Trivette said.

“Our disappointment that we must forgo the fireworks displays to adhere to the Governor’s recent restrictions is tempered by the fact that we are able to accommodate new events like the Christmas Market and allow favorites like 2nd Sundays to continue.”

Event schedules and admission information is available at colonialwilliamsburg.org/holidays. Details on Colonial Williamsburg Resorts getaways, plus tavern and contemporary dining information are available at colonialwilliamsburghotels.com.

Grand Illumination has traditionally been held on the first Sunday in December, as an event free and open to the public featuring musical performances and fireworks demonstrations at multiple Historic Area locations. In September, Colonial Williamsburg announced plans for a scaled-back Grand Illumination alternative to be held on Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Fireworks were to be limited to a single demonstration presented by the City of Williamsburg over the Governor’s Palace, viewable by reservation only from socially-distanced, marked audience areas on the Palace Green.

The plan was contingent, however, upon government restrictions and guidelines as well as the status of the health and safety data at the time of the scheduled events.

Colonial Williamsburg continues to follow strict health and safety protocols, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health and other agencies. In addition to programming adjustments, most doors, faucets, and other high-traffic touchpoints are now touchless, and there are significantly enhanced cleaning protocols throughout all open locations.

For the safety of employees and the public, ticketed guests can expect reduced interaction with Colonial Williamsburg staff. Site entry is limited by state-mandated capacity guidelines, and guests are encouraged to proceed quickly through interpretive

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sites to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Face coverings are required while inside Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings and for participating guests at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion, and their use is encouraged elsewhere outdoors as well. Guests are also asked to adhere to social-distancing guidelines during their visit to Colonial Williamsburg sites, when walking along Duke of Gloucester Street and in other publicly accessible areas. Colonialwilliamsburg.org lists additional guest comfort and safety guidelines to provide the safest experience for guests, the general public and Colonial Williamsburg’s staff.

All Colonial Williamsburg employ-

ees have received special safety training to limit the risk of spread or infection. The training included general and site-specific safety requirements such as basic sanitization procedures, use of face coverings where appropriate, and social distancing with colleagues and guests. Signs posted throughout the Historic Area and Art Museums will remind guests of safety precautions to protect themselves and others from risks associated with COVID-19 exposure.

General information on Colonial Williamsburg operations is available online at colonialwilliamsburg.org/update and by following Colonial Williamsburg on Facebook.

It’s #GivingZooDay at the Virginia Zoo From Virginia Zoo NORFOLK, VA.

Accredited zoos and aquariums, like the Virginia Zoo, remain committed to their animals, community and the fight to save species from extinction. #GivingZOOday is an international campaign that engages zoo and aquarium visitors in giving by highlighting the positive impacts these institutions have on their communities.

While the Zoo launched an Emergency Operating Fund in March that has raised more than $350,000, including two challenge grants, to offset the more than $2 million loss, the nonprofit still hopes its supporters and fans consider making a gift this charitable “Giving ZooDay” and as the year comes to an end.

“We are tremendously thankful for those who have been able to contribute to our Emergency Operating Fund,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “Although we have had to drastically reduce our non-animal care staff, this aide has allowed operations to continue uninterrupted since our reopening in June.

Any donation – big or small – will have a generous impact as we head into the winter months,” Bockheim added.

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Throughout 2020, the Virginia Zoo has shown its tremendous impact on the region – and beyond – through several channels. Local elementary and middle schools have received free Zoo educational programming to help supplement at-home science classes. Vir-

ginia Zoo’s conservation partners abroad have received funds to support their crucial research and animal-saving initiatives. Nearly 100 “Virtual Voyages” have been produced and shared via social media to provide those at home a real zoo experience.

And thousands of visitors have been welcomed back into the park to meet or be reunited with their furry friends in safe, family-friendly environment.

To make a gift on #GivingZOOday, or any day this month, visit https://virginiazoo.givecloud.co/emergency-fund

C3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

istock/

The Women Leading the Fight Against COVID-19 From Statepoint

Less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. However, one team fighting against COVID-19 is not only leading the charge to save lives, but also in empowering women in science, encouraging the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education.

At biotechnology company Allied BioScience, chief science officer Maha ElSayed, PhD leads a female-dominated team of researchers, and their work has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against COVID-19 and other future viruses. Their product, SurfaceWise2, continuously kills 99.9 percent of viruses, including, most importantly, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“When it comes to women in STEM,

there’s a lot of untapped potential. It’s my hope that our team can inspire young women to pursue careers in science, and inspire other research teams to bring more talented women into the fold and elevate them to positions where they can drive real change,” says Dr. El-Sayed.

As Dr. El-Sayed explains, human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days. This makes it critical to protect high-traffic facilities where the contamination of surfaces is continuous, such as schools, stadiums, restaurants, offices and retail spaces. More advanced than comparative products in reducing chemical and disinfectant exposure, SurfaceWise2 was proven in independent studies conducted by infectious disease experts to be effective against Human Coronavirus 229E,

the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against COVID-19. It’s the first such product to be EPA-approved.

So how is it used? Compatible with virtually all surfaces, SufaceWise2 is applied via an electronic spray for efficient, complete and uniform treatment. Droplets are small -900 times smaller than an average droplet -and applied at a force of 75 times greater than gravity, causing a “wraparound effect,” and a natural force of attraction between the sprayed droplets and target surfaces. Once applied, the long-lasting antiviral coating physically breaks down the cells of bacteria and viruses that land on treated surfaces, effectively and continuously killing them without giving the bacteria a chance to mutate and build up resistance.

Despite its potency, this solution is very

safe for humans, even in enclosed spaces.

Non-toxic, non-irritating, odorless and containing no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases, it’s already used by airlines, hospitality and travel companies, and in healthcare spaces. In the coming months, Dr. El-Sayed and her team expect to see further use in professional sporting facilities, restaurant dining rooms, offices, schools and other spaces.

As the nation fights to safely reopen, the work of dedicated, female scientists is making a vital difference in saving lives and in helping businesses, communities and families return to normalcy. To learn more about the work and achievements of Dr. El-Sayed and her team, visit www.surfacewise.com.

“Shedding light on the scientific achievements of women, particularly at this critical time in history, is essential to inspiring the next generation of girls and young women to pursue STEM education and careers in science,” says Dr. El-Sayed.

C4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Mike Garten/

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream From Good Housingkeeping Test Kitchen

Festive spices meet chocolate in this rich and moist chocolate gingerbread cake, the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner.

Ingredients For Cake • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans • 1 c. unsweetened cocoa • 2 c. granulated sugar • 1/4 c. packed brown sugar • 1 1/2 tbsp. ground ginger • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon • 1 tsp. ground allspice • 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

• 2 tsp. baking soda • 3/4 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt • 1 1/4 c. whole milk • 3/4 c. canola oil • 3 large eggs • 1/4 c. molasses (not blackstrap) • 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract • 1 c. boiling water For Frosting • 4 oz. white chocolate, chopped • 1/4 c. unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature •1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature • 1 1/2 c. confectioners’ sugar

• 3/4 c. cold heavy cream • Sugared rosemary, for decorating Directions • Heat oven to 350°F. Coat three 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper; spray paper. Dust with flour.

• In large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, granulated and brown sugars, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together milk, oil, eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

• Add boiling water to batter and mix well to combine (batter will be thin). Divide batter

among prepared pans and bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in pan before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

• Make frosting: Microwave chocolate on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

• Using electric mixer on low speed, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and mix to combine, then mix in melted chocolate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

• To frost, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Stir 1 spoonful into cream cheese mixture, then fold in remaining whipped cream.

• Place 1 cake layer on platter; spread 3/4 cup frosting over top. Top with another layer.

Repeat with frosting and remaining layer, then frost top and sides. Decorate as desired with sugared rosemary.

Breakfast Tacos

By Kate Merker and Taylor Murry

So you’re sick of eggs Benny or French toast — your usual go-to brunch recipes? We hear you. Enter: the breakfast taco. Yes, you can eat tacos for breakfast! Stuffed with cheese and egg — and topped with a fresh tomatillo salsa — this quick breakfast recipe is fun, filling and fast, clocking in at just 20 minutes to make. You can serve the tacos with cooked bacon, or you can leave out the meat and make this a totally vegetarian breakfast tacos recipe. After all, when it comes to brunch, there are no rules.

Of course, you don’t have to make this for brunch. Serve it for breakfast (or breakfast-for-dinner!) when you’ve got the in-laws in town; these are the perfect breakfast tacos for a crowd because everything cooks together on one sheet pan. To speed things up, make the tomatillo salsa in advance. Just broil a few tomatillos and one jalapeño until they’re charred in spots, then blend them together with a few handfuls of fresh cilantro and a good amount of lime juice. The zippy green dressing is the perfect pairing to gooey, melted cheese and rich eggs.

How do you make breakfast tacos?

After you’ve made the tomatillo salsa, all that’s left to do is place your corn tortillas on a sheet pan, top with cheese and an egg, and broil until the egg is cooked to your liking.

Just add toppings and enjoy!

Ingredients • 8 oz. tomatillos (about 10 small), husks discarded • 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded • 1 tbsp. olive oil • Kosher salt • 8 small corn tortillas • 6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)

Mike Garten/

• 8 large eggs • 2 c. fresh cilantro • 2 tbsp. lime juice • Cooked bacon and sliced radishes, for serving Directions • Arrange one oven rack 6 inches from broiler and another below that, about 12 inches from broiler; heat broiler. On large rimmed baking sheet, toss tomatillos and jalapeño with oil and pinch salt. Broil on top rack until tender and

charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to blender.

• Meanwhile, place tortillas on second rimmed baking sheet. Top each tortilla with 1/4 cup cheese, leaving slight well in center. Top each with an egg (cheese should prevent egg from spilling off tortilla). Broil on middle rack to desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes for a runny yolk.

• Add cilantro, lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt to vegetables in blender and puree until smooth. Serve salsa on tacos with bacon and radishes if desired.

C5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Courtesy Photo Ft. Stewart, Georgia soldiers prepare to deploy during the holidays.

Minimize COVID-19 holiday spread with small gatherings, mask wearing

By Military Health System Communications Office

The holiday season is upon us, and so is a drastic rise in coronavirus cases, now in the red zone across most of the U.S. and its territories. How can you celebrate holiday gatherings while staying as safe as possible from the disease?

Military and public health officials agree: For Thanksgiving, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.

“I completely understand the stressors the holidays add during these unprecedented times,” said Air Force Col. Gwendolyn Foster, commander of the 60th Medical Group at Travis Air Force Base. ”We all want to connect and be close with family during the holiday, mine included; however, in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases across the United States, the risk is too great.”

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division (AFHSD) said in a briefing statement: “There is no indication the COVID-19 situation will be reversing any time soon….The probability exists for this situation to go from bad to worse as we head into the holidays.”

In fact, as of Nov. 20, 95 of 120 military installation markets were at “very high risk (red) for COVID-19,” AFHSD Integrated

Biosurveillance Chief Juan Ubiera said in a Nov. 24 statement. AFHSD defines markets as groups of military installations with the same general geographic area. Hot spots are defined as 25 new cases per 100,000/day for all counties within 30 miles of a given installation or market, Ubiera stated.

The Department of Defense has reported approximately 109,000 COVID-19 cases and 119 deaths. That compares to the U.S. civilian figures of more than 12.3 million cases and more than 258,000 deaths based on data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The risk of COVID in the local civilian community is a very good proxy for the risk of an installation….where they shop, worship, eat, go to school, and visit friends and family” rather than where they work, said Navy Capt. Natalie Wells, AFHSD chief of Epidemiology and Analysis.

Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Gragg, the Defense Health Agency’s senior enlisted leader, stated “These holidays may look a bit different than we anticipated, but that does not diminish their relevance.” He suggested using “lessons learned” over the last year of the pandemic for safer holidays.

“Continue to follow local guidelines, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay physically distanced and wear a two-layer mask,” he said. “Your discipline in doing these simple things will get us through the finish line. Some of us are

going to miss seeing family and friends, while others will be working through the holidays to stay in the fight. I urge all of you to find ways to stay socially connected with loved ones while maintaining appropriate physical distance.”

More than 120 DOD Title 10 personnel have been deployed to support the COVID-19 response to the medical surge needs. Nearly 17,000 National Guard and more than 900 state active duty personnel have also been deployed.

The CDC is urging Americans not to travel to holiday gatherings if they have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others. Or if they have symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting coronavirus test results, may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days or are at increased risk of severe illness.

The CDC is particularly emphatic about urging extra precautions for family members who live outside the gathering place, such as military personnel or college students returning home for the holidays. Service personnel, students or other guests who do not live with you or in your housing unit should be considered from different households and therefore pose potentially greater risks of disease exposure.

Duration of contact also counts, the CDC website also informed – ‘Being within six

feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick and requires a 14-day personal quarantine.'

Some individuals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, which pushes the risks even higher.

Additionally, the CDC recommends having holiday gatherings outdoors, if possible.

If winter weather stops outdoor gatherings, stay indoors but open windows and doors to circulate air. COVID-19 virus particles do not survive as long outdoors as they do in confined poorly ventilated and fully enclosed indoor spaces.

DOD travel guidelines remain in effect and are detailed in an Aug. 6 memorandum, “Force Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 12),” for personnel traveling during the pandemic. This memo is under revision and will be published in the next few days, said AFHSD Integrated Biosurveillance Chief Dr. Jose Sanchez.

“The revised memo will address pre- and post-testing guidance, the restriction-tomovement period after travel, provision of waivers and post-travel recommendations to decrease transmission,” he said.

“It is recommended that family members or other close contacts should consider having a post-travel COVID-19 molecular PCR test within 3-5 days of return, especially if travel included an area or country with highlevel transmission,” Sanchez added.

The CDC offers a wealth of information about holiday gatherings with those outside the immediate host household and to help make the decision whether to travel to places outside your immediate home, including international travel.

Warrior Care Month puts a spotlight on the inTransition Program By inTransition Outreach Office

In 2008, then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates dedicated the month of November as Warrior Care Month. Now after supporting the strength and resiliency of our physically, mentally, or spiritually wounded service members and veterans for more than a decade, the focus has turned to resources and programs available to them and their caregivers. inTransition supports service members and veterans who want to get connected to mental health care in their area or during a period of transition such as a permanent change of station, a return from deployment, a transition from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty, or when preparing to leave military service. The program is a free, confidential, service that offers specialized coaching and resource assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and veterans who seek access to mental health care.

This program is available to all service members and veterans, regardless of time in service or discharge status. “inTransition is standing by 24/7 to help service members get connected to mental health care, be it during a transition, or for the very first time. Our job isn’t done until we know you are satisfied with your new care provider,” said inTransition government action officer, Dr. Nick Polizzi. The inTransition program is overseen by the Psychological Health Center of Excellence, a division of the Defense Health Agency Research and Development Directorate.

Participating service members and veterans are assigned an inTransition coach (all coaches are licensed behavior health clinicians) who use techniques such as motivational interviewing and goal setting to support their connection to care to mental health services. The inTransition coach provides regular (typically weekly) consultation until they are connected to care. The inTransition coach will tailor

Alexander Frank Heather Gauthier-Bell, Director of Psychological Health at the 142nd Wing, sits down with an Airman in her office on Portland Air National Guard Base, March, 20, 2019. Counseling sessions are just one of the many resources provided by the resiliency team to Airmen.

available resources to the particular needs and geographic location of the service member or veteran. Service members stay in coaching until they are connected with a receiving provider and are satisfied with their care or they discontinue participation; participation is 100% voluntary.

"The inTransition program has been amazing. There are a lot of unknowns when transitioning from active duty to retiree. [My coach] was great with providing me resources at my new location. I would recommend this program to everyone,” said an inTransition program participant. inTransition enrollment is required for all separating service members who received mental health care in the 12 months preceding separation (unless the service member opts out). inTransition coaches will reach out to these service members to support their continuing care. Service members and their providers can start the process by calling into the program, together, which often results in greater

rates of coaching and care connection.

“Your program does an excellent job taking care of our soldiers in transition!” said a healthcare provider to inTransition last year. “It helps having an extra pair of eyes and ears on them until they can transition to the VA or back home with providers. Thank you so much for all you do.”

“During Warrior Care Month, we want to remind service members, veterans, their clinicians, and those who care about them to know that inTransition is standing by to help connect them with the care they need,” said Dr. Polizzi.

“Transitions can be difficult and finding a new mental health care provider in a new area can be a challenge. And inTransition is ready to help connect you to a provider that is right for you.”

For more information on all the ways to access the inTransition, visit https://pdhealth.mil/resources/ intransition.

C6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

AMERICAN ANTIQUE BUYER

RAY HIGGINS

BUYING ANTIQUES &

Estate Sales Estate Sales

Announcements LOOKING FOR Mechanics who worked at Montgomery Ward Auto Center on Military Highway during 1976-1978. Please call 314-277-6650

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STRAWBRIDGE ESTATE SALE 2000 Ealing Cres, VB Dec 4-6. Fri 12-5, Sat & Sun 10-4. DECK THE HALLS! Xmas! collect &porc, Noah’s Ark, dolls, china, crys., religious, lv seats, daybed/trundle, art (PB Moss etc) bkcases, Wurlitzer Organ, din./ bedrm/kit. furn, tbls, curios, antiq, phono/albums, bks, sterl,JEWELRY! Masks req. Pix on Blvd Treasures FB

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AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

WANTED ANTIQUES & ESTATES 18th, 19th & 20th Century, Furniture, Artwork, China, Crystal & Collectibles.

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Good Things To Eat

C7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets

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Wanted Automotive

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Fun and Games

Sudoku

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer When you diecide to purchase your own horse, you will eventually have to pony up.

last week's answers

Religious Services For your installation’s religious service times, visit www.flagshipnews.com/ base_information/religious_services

C8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 12.3.2020

94 cents of every dollar supports programs and services for local military families.