Flagship 12.21.2023 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTION // PAGES C1-C5

VOL. 31, NO. 45, Norfolk, Va. | ﬂagshipnews.com

December 21-December 27, 2023

YORKTOWN, Va. (December 16, 2023) Chief Yeoman Angela Talarico, assigned to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, lays a wreath in memory of those who served and continue to serve in the U.S. Navy as part of a Wreaths Across America event onboard Yorktown National Cemetery. The event brought in over 250 visitors, along with service members from Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex. Over 1,200 wreaths were placed on headstones during this annual event. Wreaths Across America honors military members and their families, and remembers those who served. Volunteers placed wreaths on fallen service members’ gravestones, and displayed ceremonial wreaths for each branch of service. Through Wreaths Across America, more than 2.4 million veteran graves received wreaths at 3,136 locations across the nation. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember our fallen U.S. troops, honor those who serve and teach new generations about the value of freedom through the service and sacriﬁce of veterans. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MAX LONZANIDA/RELEASED)

Peninsula area service members participate in annual Wreaths Across America event

By Max Lonzanida

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

YORKTOWN, Va. — Service members from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Coast Guard Training Center-Yorktown, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis joined hundreds of civilian volunteers at Yorktown National Cemetery on Saturday, December 16th to lay wreaths as part of a Wreaths Across America event. The annual event coincided with similar events at over 4,000 participating cemeteries nationwide as part of Wreaths Across America Day, which ensures that no Veteran, regardless of where or when they served is never forgotten. Capt. Scott Rae, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Training Center-Yorktown provided some remarks during the solemn event. “Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we

can live in freedom and without fear,” said Captain Rae, before a crowd of uniformed service members and members of the public who packed closely to hear his remarks. “There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away, that most of us have never heard of. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred, and injustice,” he concluded. Colonial National Battlefield Park’s Superintendent, Jerri Marr echoed those remarks during her closing. “Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America,” she superintendent Marr. “These live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation and to their

families who endure sacriﬁces every day on our behalf.” The brief ceremony concluded with the symbolic laying of wreaths by uniformed service members from all three peninsula area military installations. Among the service members laying symbolic wreaths representing their branch of service was Lance Corporal Lal Mawi, who is assigned to the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. He placed a wreath in memory of those who have served and continue to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Chief Yeoman Angela Talarico followed, and placed a wreath in memory of those who have served and continue to serve in the United States Navy. Both service members are assigned to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. U.S. Army Veteran David Ahrens, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 75, fought back tears as he laid a wreath in honor of the 93,129 service members from all branches

whose last known status was as a Prisoner of War or Missing in Action. His wreath honored those brave service members who have never returned home, and whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. Thereafter, volunteers converged on boxes containing fresh balsam fir wreaths and distributed them to be laid at over 1,500 headstones within the cemetery. Of the 2,183 burials at Yorktown National Cemetery, 747 are known and the remaining 1,436 are unknown. Many headstones mark the final resting place of multiple service members, and the vast majority of those interred there are Soldiers who perished during the Civil War. Standing out among the burials is plot number 1420, where U.S. Navy Landsman Wilson Bell is buried. Bell, who was assigned to USS Minnesota, died in 1907. The cemeTurn to Wreaths Across America, Page 2

Naval Station Norfolk leadership participates in Horton wreath laying ceremony By Kelly Wirfel

Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer

NORFOLK, Va. — More than 13,175 wreaths were placed at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, Saturday, Dec. 16. The mission of Horton Wreath Society is to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom by coordinating their annual wreath-laying ceremony. Naval Station Norfolk’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Janet Days served as a keynote speaker for the event. “For 247 years, the freedom we enjoy as Americans has been purchased at great cost by men and women who have confronted evil with courage and placed themselves in harm’s way to protect the American way of life. The character of our country is most clearly found in the courage of our veterans,” said Days. “To honor such bravery, it is right to participate in ceremonies like this one, to gather together in remembrance of those who answered the call to serve and continue to bestow that freedom.” A veteran’s wreath symbolizes our honor to those who have served, are serving in the armed forces and to their families who endure sacriﬁces every day on our behalf. Each of the 10

SUFFOLK, Va. (Nov. 29, 2023) Capt. Janet Days, Naval Station Norfolk Commanding Officer serves as the keynote speaker during the Horton Wreath Society annual wreath placement event. Each December, the Horton Wreath Society remembers our fallen U.S. veterans, honors those who serve and teaches our children the value of freedom by coordinating their annual wreath-laying ceremony. More than 13,175 wreaths were placed at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery during this year’s ceremony in Suffolk, Saturday, Dec. 16. (U.S. NAVY

Turn to Horton Ceremony, Page 2

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The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Wreaths Across America

LEFT: YORKTOWN, Va. (December 16, 2023) Over 1,200 fresh cut wreaths await placement at the headstones of veterans at the Yorktown National Cemetery during a Wreaths Across America Event. The event brought in over 250 visitors, along with service members from Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex. Over 1,200 wreaths were placed on headstones during this annual event. Wreaths Across America honors military members and their families, and remembers those who served. Volunteers placed wreaths on fallen service members’ gravestones, and displayed ceremonial wreaths for each branch of service. Through Wreaths Across America, more than 2.4 million veteran graves received wreaths at 3,136 locations across the nation. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember our fallen U.S. troops, honor those who serve and teach new generations about the value of freedom through the service and sacriﬁce of veterans.

from Page 1

tery was officially designated as a national cemetery in 1866, when over 50 deceased Union Soldiers were re-interred from burial sites within a 50 mile radius. The cemetery lies adjacent to the location where the British surrendered to then General George Washington in 1781, ending the Revolutionary War and paved the way for the nation’s independence from the British. That victory is celebrated annually in Yorktown on October 19th as Yorktown Day. By 1400, each headstone was adorned with a freshly laid wreath. This small gesture, carried out by scores of volunteers ensured that those interred there are remembered during this annual event that brought together service members from each peninsula area military installation and participants from across the region.

BELOW: Capt. Dan Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, stands amid other distinguished visitors and renders honors during a Wreaths Across America event at Yorktown National Cemetery. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MAX LONZANIDA)

Horton Ceremony from Page 1

balsam bouquets that comprise a veteran’s wreath also symbolize 10 special qualities that our veterans embody. Their belief in a greater good, love for each other, strength, honesty, humility, ambitions, optimism for America, concern for the future, pride in their duties, and hopes and dreams that didn’t always come true but left them with no regrets. During the ceremony, a service member from each branch of the U.S. armed forces carried a wreath, decorated with a red bow, to the cemetery’s Committal Shelter’s ﬂag plaza, and rendered a salute. Afterward, wreaths were placed at the headstones of veterans buried across the cemetery. In addition to honoring our veterans, Days, also focused on the importance families play in a service members lives. “Let me add an additional thought … one I feel strongly about. When I read the stories of the great heroism displayed by our service members past and present, I think also of the loved ones on the home front,” said Days. “As we place the wreaths today on the veterans graves - we must never forget the contributions, sacriﬁces and enduring support of their families. We truly could not do what we do without the support of our loved ones.” Albert G. Horton Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery opened in 2004. The 73-acree complex honors fallen men and women of all services. Of the approximate 4,000 gravesites in Ivy Green Cemetery, more than 600 are veterans. This year marks the 16th year that Horton Wreath Society has conducted the wreath ceremony. ABOVE: SUFFOLK, Va. (Nov. 29, 2023) Horton Wreath Society Color Guard renders a 21-gun salute at the conclusion of the wreath placement ceremony. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY KELLY WIRFEL)

LEFT: Each December, the Horton Wreath Society remembers our fallen U.S. veterans, honors those who serve and teaches our children the value of freedom by coordinating their annual wreath-laying ceremony. More than 13,175 wreaths were placed at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery during this year’s ceremony in Suffolk, Saturday, Dec. 16. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NAVAL STATION NORFOLK PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2022) – Navy Role 2 providers simulate casualty care with high ﬁdelity manikins in the onboard ship simulator at Naval Expeditionary Medical Institute (NEMTI) during Operation Firebreak,November 15. Operation Firebreak is an exercise designed to evaluate operational readiness through simulated point of injury treatment and transport of casualties to the next level of care. Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) is comprised of six nationwide detachments that offer specialized medical training in the ﬁelds of aviation, aviation survival, surface and undersea warfare, expeditionary and special operations medicine. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS RUSSELL LINDSEY)

Navy Medicine campaign plan supports expeditionary medicine and prepares for future ﬁght By BUMED PAO

U.S. Navy Bureau Of Medicine and Surgery

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The U.S. Navy Surgeon General has released Navy Medicine’s first-ever campaign plan. The five-year plan directs actions across the enterprise to ensure Navy Medicine has trained, equipped, certified, maintained, and sustained medical forces and units capable of supporting the Joint and Naval force. “This plan provides a five-year future state roadmap,” said Rear Admiral Darin Via, U.S. Navy Surgeon General. “We are taking this action because Sailors and Marines are operating in contested battlespaces that are

quickly growing in lethality, complexity, and scope — and we must be ready now for the next ﬁght.” The campaign plan is organized along Navy Medicine’s four lines of effort: 1) Deliver Expeditionary Medicine Systems. 2) Increase Sailor and Marine Deployability. 3) Provide Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Programs Across the Naval Force. 4) Recruit and Retain Navy Medicine Shipmates. “We are responsible for maintaining and increasing the survivability and lethality of the Navy and Marine Corps’ most valuable

weapon system — People,” Via said. “And our campaign plan ensures our organization is focused on maximizing the readiness of operational and medical forces and strengthening our integrated system of readiness and health.” The campaign plan, updated annually, is supported by yearly operational orders, and follows several organizational changes already implemented at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and its subordinate commands, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Naval Medical Forces Paciﬁc, and Naval Medical Forces Support Command. These changes include the establishment of a Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) and Maritime

Operations Center (MOC) construct at each command. The campaign plan supports national defense strategy and other Navy and Marine Corps strategic documents. It builds the foundation for Navy Medicine to enhance warfighter medical readiness and successfully operate in the high-end fight. *** Navy Medicine — comprised of more than 40,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

The family of Eric Skaggs, from left, Jaxson, Ashley, Adalyn, Eric, and Braeden. The family faced a medical emergency when 3-year-old Adalyn was diagnosed with cancer and her father did not have enough leave from work to be able to go to Philadelphia for six weeks of cancer treatment. Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) employees donated more than 400 hours of annual leave so that Skaggs could attend the treatments with his wife and daughter. (COURTESY PHOTO)

FRCE employees give leave time to help coworker facing medical emergency Kimberly Koonce

Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) employees have reached out to help a coworker whose daughter is facing a medical emergency, donating hundreds of hours of annual leave through the federal Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) so the employee can be with his family over the holidays. When Eric Skaggs, a pneudraulics mechanic at FRCE, learned his 3-yearold daughter Adalyn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he didn’t know how he would balance the ﬁnancial needs of his family with the six weeks he would need to be away from work for his daughter’s extensive medical treatments. Skaggs is a relatively new employee at FRCE and a military veteran with medical needs of his own, and had not yet accrued enough sick or annual leave to cover the time he needed to be away from work. That’s when his FRCE coworkers stepped in and donated more than 400 hours of annual leave so Skaggs can join his wife and daughter in Philadelphia, where Adalyn began receiving radiation therapy in November. Skaggs said he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his coworkers, who gave their own leave to help him through his family’s period of crisis. “All that stress, all that fear, all that unknown of how we were going to get

through this has been lifted because of the kindness of people that we don’t know, people that I have no connection with other than the fact that they are employees here at FRCE,” he said. “They have stepped up and showed support and love, and it’s based on the needs of someone who is just a coworker.” In August, Adalyn’s parents noticed that her eye was itchy and red, and her pediatrician prescribed drops for pinkeye. Within two days, however, Adalyn had developed a mass in the corner of her eye, and her parents knew the situation was more serious. An eye specialist diagnosed the mass as embryonal rhabdosarcoma, a form of cancer that develops in the head and neck, most commonly in children under the age of 5. Since her diagnosis, she has been receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments in Durham, with an overnight session once a month. Skaggs said as part of Adalyn’s treatment plan, the family will spend several weeks between November and January in Philadelphia, where Adalyn will receive proton therapy treatments. Proton therapy is concentrated radiation that typically produces fewer side effects and less damage to surrounding tissue than traditional radiation therapy, and Philadelphia is one of 43 cities around the country where this treatment is available. Adalyn’s twin 15-year-old brothers will not be able to join the family except during the holidays, and Skaggs said the logistics of the trip plus the ﬁnancial demands had become overwhelming.

“When we found that we were going to Philadelphia, it became hugely stressful for me and my family because we had to ﬁgure out how we’re going to be separated for six weeks while she’s there and I would be trying to work,” Skaggs said. “It would have been very difficult for me to work knowing what the family’s going through, but we still need the paycheck.” That’s when the power of social media provided a solution to the family’s dilemma. Ashley Skaggs, Adalyn’s mother, has a Facebook page to help distant family members keep up with news of the girl’s treatment, and she shared the news that her husband did not have enough leave to be away from work for six weeks. “We have one friend in her original group who asked if she could share the post, and that’s when it started,” said Eric Skaggs. “The message went viral, and the next thing I know I had gone from zero to 417 hours of donated leave in a matter of two days.” VLTP provides relief to federal employees who find themselves facing serious medical situations but do not have enough leave to cover the time they will need to be away from work. To qualify for VLTP, the employee must be facing a substantial loss of income and absence from duty without available paid leave for at least 24 hours. Under these conditions, their coworkers can donate annual leave in increments of at least one hour to assist them. According to Pam Walker, Labor and Employee Relations Branch head, who over-

sees FRCE’s VLTP program, the holidays are the busiest times for VLTP donations, as employees try to manage their use or lose annual leave. Federal employees can retain up to 240 hours of annual leave each year, and any unused leave above that number is forfeited at the end of the leave year. “Often employees have earned the leave, but they can’t take the time off for some reason,” Walker said. “At the end of the year, we often see groups of employees who donate leave to a particular employee. People would rather see a coworker beneﬁt from that leave than to lose it.” Kimberly Honaker, Staffing and Recruitment Branch head at FRCE, said she was motivated to donate four days of leave to the Skaggs family after she read their social media post. “The thought of not being able to be there for one of my children during a medical emergency was absolutely heartbreaking,” Honaker said. “If I could give this family a small amount of peace where they don’t have to worry about taking leave without pay, it was a no-brainer for me. That’s what this season’s all about, just paying it forward.” FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the ﬂeet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander Fleet Readiness Centers.

FAR LEFT: Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) pneudraulics mechanic Eric Skaggs with his 3-year-old daughter Adalyn. Adalyn was recently diagnosed with embryonal rhabdosarcoma, a cancer that typically develops in children under the age of 5. As a relatively new employee, Skaggs had not accrued enough leave to be able to accompany his family to six weeks of cancer treatments in Philadelphia, until his FRCE coworkers donated more than 400 hours of leave to him through the federal Voluntary Leave Transfer Program. LEFT: Adalyn Rae Skaggs before her cancer diagnosis. (COURTESY PHOTOS)

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Tri-Service Optician School onboard NWS Yorktown graduates 14 new opticians By Max Lonzanida

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

YORKTOWN, Va. — Fourteen graduates of the Tri-Service Optician School’s Class 23010 set their sights on joining the fleet and respective field activities near and far as trained optical laboratory specialists. Their rigorous 24-week training at the school, co-located at the Naval Ophthalmic Readiness Activity (NORA) onboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown concluded with a graduation attended family members and service members, making this milestone achievement a focal point for many going into the holiday season. Captain Katharine Shobe, Ph.D, MSC, Commanding Officer of the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command, provided some remarks during the graduation. “TOPS is a relatively small program, graduating about 30 students per year. Even though it is a small program, it’s vital for one of the most important weapons systems in the Navy and Army,” remarked Captain Shobe. “We often loose focus of the most crucial element in our warfight- YORKTOWN, Va. (December 14, 2023) Graduates, instructors and leadership from the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command pose ers, which is the human weapons for a group photo at the conclusion of the Tri-Service Optician School’s Class 23010 graduation onboad Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. The mission of system. We often take for granted TOPS is to provide formal optical training to Army Optical Laboratory Specialist MOS (68H) and Navy Hospital Corpsman (NEC L19A) students with quality our ability to see, and vision is the training through a 24-week, DoD, uniformed services school on the subjects of ophthalmic dispensing, ophthalmic fabrication and clinical optics. Upon sense that we depend on most in completing the required curriculum, graduates are immediately able to function as an independent optician in any military environment. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO life,” she continued. BY MAX LONZANIDA) Captain Shobe noted that this particular cohort showed up for training see, then they cannot fight. And that brings the NORA facility, which is the largest and ophthalmic fabrication and clinical optics, on June 26th this year, as the weather was home the TOPS motto; they will have the finest Optical Fabrication Enterprise (OFE) among other subjects which equipped the warm outside. She noted that their 24 weeks sight to fight. It seems so obvious that our in the United States armed forces. Practi- graduates with the required skillsets to of rigorous training also amounted to 150 warfighters depend on the ability to see to cal training for this cohort also occurred ensure that servicemembers have the sight hours of clinical apprenticeship. Gradu- accomplish their mission, once again high- onboard Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force that they need to operate and win in any ates also earned 29 of the 30 credit hours lighting the training of our TOPS graduates Base and at Sewells Point in Norfolk where domain. required for an Associates Degree from the that will help our servicemembers in the instruction was provided by Civilians, Drill Thereafter, Class 23010, comprised of Uniformed Services University’s College of fleet and in the field,” concluded Captain Sergeants, other Sailors, Hospital Corpsman twelve Navy Hospital Corpsman (NEC Allied Health Sciences. It was noted that Shobe, to a round of applause. and other specialists in the field. L19A) and two Army Optical Laboratory many of the graduates looked forward to Commander Christopher DeAngelis, “As new opticians you are now the most Specialists (MOS 68H) took to the stage and completing their higher education at their MSC, Director of the Tri-Service Optician highly trained opticians that our military received their training certificates. Several respective duty stations. Those duty stations School followed with additional remarks. has to offer. You have the most up to date individual graduates were recognized with comprised of points near and far, including He noted that “I’m continually impressed by training available and the curriculum that letters of appreciation and commendation Guam, Okinawa, Guantanamo Bay, Camp the work of our Tri-Service Optician School you received in the past six months should awards, which added to the memorable Lejune, Camp Pendleton, and Cherry Point students, making it one of the best optician serve as a baseline from here,” concluded event that culminated in the minting of 14 among other locations where this newest specialist training courses in the Depart- Commander DeAngelis. It was also noted of the Navy and Army’s newest opticians. group of opticians received orders to report. ment of Defense.” Commander DeAngelis that their rigorous curriculum consisted “In short, if our servicemembers cannot also noted that their training took place at of instruction on ophthalmic dispensing,

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

“Sailors are our Number One Priority”: SCSTC’s Student Management Department By Kimberly Lansdale

Surface Combat Systems Training Command

Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) has authority over a daily average of 4,000 plus students across 12 global locations. How they train these students directly impacts combat readiness. Our warfighters must be ready to defend our national interests and protect the global commons — whenever, and wherever called. To support Warfighting, Warfighters, and Wining, it is critical to have a highly effective student management system. In November 2021, retired Master Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic, Michael Cascarano, became the director of SCSTC’s newly established student management department. “Our Sailors are our number one priority,” explained Cascarano. “With 15 learning sites and dets throughout the United States, Japan, and Rota, Spain, we deliver train-

ing to over 37,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 27 partner nations annually. My overall responsibility is to alleviate the domain from the administrative burden of processing students so they can focus on molding Sailors into combat systems warﬁghters who are prepared to ﬁght, to win, and to return home safely.” With schoolhouses scattered across the globe, N3 is the single point of contact for all student-related matters. The administrative services provided include, but

are not limited to, student check-in/ out, student screening, evaluations / performance information memorandums, transportation, messing / berthing, watchstanding, quality of life issues, reclassiﬁcations / orders negotiations, physical ﬁtness assessments, and Corporate enterprise Training Activity Resource System data management. The student body at SCSTC includes the full spectrum of a surface navy career timeline — ranging from newly graduated boot

camp Sailors to commanding officers / major commanders en route to their prospective ships. SCSTC leaders at every level have a key role in their students’ careers providing them with effective and efficient support structures with the support of N3. “It would be ideal to meet and greet every student who walks through our doors but it’s not feasible,” said Cascarano. “I do make my way across the domain and enjoy interacting with our Sailors and seeing ﬁrst-hand the training and support our exceptional team is providing. I can attest, not only as a SCSTC employee, but also as a proud U.S. Navy veteran, that SCSTC is transforming our Sailors into strong leaders within the Navy, our community, and the world.” For information about the Surface Combat Systems Training Command, visit https:// www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC Visit SCSTC on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/SurfaceCombatSystemsTrainingCommand

NUWC Division Newport small business team wins Navy Acquisition Excellence Award By Public Affairs Office

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) team recently won a 2023 Department of the Navy (DON) Acquisition Excellence Award in the Sarkis Tatigan category, which exempliﬁes the highest examples of small business acquisition excellence. Contracts Department team members include Stephen Lamb, department head; Andrew Nagelhout, deputy department head; Juli Chytka, head, Procurement Branch 1; Christopher Kenney, head, Procurement Division 1; Alison Wicks, head, Acquisition Policy and Oversight Division; Mary Ann Gardner, head, Procurement Branch 4; Dawn Griffin, head, Procurement Branch 2; Alexander Olarte, head, Procurement Branch 3; Kathleen Hourihan, head, Procurement Branch 5; and Justin Rianna, head, Procurement Division 2. The OSBP team was selected for the award for their continued push to ensure small businesses of many types are included in the important work being accomplished at Division Newport. “Implementing a thorough, top-to-bottom process, from the Division’s senior leadership down, the OSBP team has consistently contributed more funds to small businesses annually while strengthening its relationships through networking and informational events, a vibrant social media and online presence, and a dedicated workforce,” the award states. In 2022, the Biden administration released a report on the status of the Federal Defense Industrial Base (DIB), which noted that over the past decade the number of small businesses within the DIB has slipped by more than 40%, and, without action, the DIB could lose an additional 15,000 suppliers over the next 10 years. In light of this report, the Division Newport team worked to promote small businesses from both a prime contracting and subcontracting perspective. “The fruit of these efforts is evident in performance metrics, which continually tilt in a positive direction,” the award states. “For example, from February 2022 to January 2023, $303 million of $736 million (41.2%) was contributed to small business from the total eligible

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Contracts Department’s Small Business Programs team will receive the Department of the Navy Acquisition Excellence Award in the Sarkis Tatigan category at a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The award exempliﬁes the highest examples of small business acquisition excellence. Team members team members include Andrew Nagelhout (from left), deputy department head, Contracts Department; Mary Ann Gardner, head, Procurement Branch 4; Dawn Griffin, head, Procurement Branch 2; Justin Rianna, head, Procurement Division 2; Stephen Lamb, head, Contracts Department; Alison Wicks, head, Acquisition Policy and Oversight Division; Christopher Kenney, head Procurement Division 1; Kathleen Hourihan, head, Procurement Division Branch 5; and Juli Chytka, head, Procurement Branch 1. Team member not pictured is Alexander Olarte, head, Procurement Branch 3. (PHOTO BY DAVID STOEHR)

small business obligations. The DON Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition) announced 24 award winners from across the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, which followed a highly competitive selection process. The team will be honored along with the other DON Acquisition Excellence Award winners at a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established

on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut. Join our team! NUWC Division Newport, one of the 20 largest employers in Rhode Island, employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce. We are continuously looking for engineers, scien-

tists, and other STEM professionals, as well as talented business, ﬁnance, logistics and other support experts who wish to be at the forefront of undersea research and development. Please connect with NUWC Division Newport Recruiting at this site- https:// www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NUWC-Newport/Career-Opportunities/ and follow us on LinkedIn @ NUWC-Newport and on Facebook @ NUWCNewport.

Austin embarks on multiday trip to Middle East By C. Todd Lopez DoD News

This weekend, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III embarks on a multiday trip to the Middle East with stops in Israel, Qatar and Bahrain. The trip also includes a visit to the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is underway now in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In Israel, Austin will underscore the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law, and he will also discuss steps Israel is taking to mitigate civilian harm. The secretary is also expected to discuss with Israeli military leaders what are to be the next steps in the conﬂict after an eventual cessation of high-intensity ground operations and airstrikes, said a senior defense official at the Pentagon today. “[Secretary Austin] has been having discussions with his Israeli counterparts the entire time about the different phases of their campaign, how they assess the different phases of their campaign, and what their operational milestones are in order to feel that their population can be secure enough given their stated objective of the military dismantlement of Hamas,” the official said. “He wants to talk to them about how you move through those different phases.” While the conﬂict between Israel and Hamas is an Israeli campaign and it will ultimately be Israeli’s decision on how to move to the next phase of operations, Austin is interested in learning more about their plans going forward, the official said. “It’s for [Israel] to determine when they assess that Hamas has been sufficiently degraded [so] that they can shift to the next phase of their campaign,” the official said. “We, as the Department of Defense, and Secretary Austin in particular, I think, [have] incredibly valuable perspectives on this and

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 2, 2023. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS DELANEY S. JENSEN)

that’s what he wants to consult with them about.” In Bahrain, Austin is expected to visit U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Part of the discussions there between the U.S. and Bahrain will involve U.S. efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to aggression at sea that threatens shipping and the global economy. “We will talk with them in a multinational framework about the work we’re doing, particularly in light of increasing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea,” the official said. Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, the official said Qatar has played a critical role in helping the U.S. communicate with Hamas. That effort was critical in secur-

ing the agreement for the release of some hostages. Qatar was also recently named a “major non-NATO ally” of the U.S. and plays host to U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. The secretary will visit that installation. “Secretary Austin will express our gratitude to Qatar’s national leaders for their partnership and their work with us on a range of regional and global objectives,” the official said. He will also discuss with Qataris the upgrades they’re investing in at Al Udeid. Another part of this trip, the official said, is a visit to the Ford. “Secretary Austin wants to visit with the troops on that carrier,” the official said. “They are missing the holidays with their families, and they have done an incredible

service — not only for our country, but for the region.” The Ford, like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, is in the Middle East now as part of the U.S. effort to make it clear that neither state or nonstate actors should hope to escalate the ongoing conﬂict beyond Gaza. “What this visit to the Ford is about is an acknowledgment that we demonstrated what the National Defense Strategy means,” the official said. “The Department of Defense retains the capability to dynamically and expeditiously ﬂow force into any theater in response to a crisis or contingency while maintaining our commitments in other theaters. And that is exactly what we’ve done.”

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023 7

DOD releases 2024 basic allowance for housing rates By David Vergun DoD News

Basic allowance for housing, or BAH, rates for 2024 will increase by an average of 5.4%. The new rates, which are paid to all U.S.-based active-duty members of the uniformed services when government quarters are unavailable, take effect Jan. 1. “The proposed 5.2% basic pay increase plus the 5.4% increase in the basic allowance for housing build upon DOD’s support of military members and their families. These increases ensure the military compensation package remains strong and competitive with the private sector and supports the economic security of our service members and their families,” said Jeri Busch, DOD’s director of military compensation policy. BAH is a valuable component of the overall pay package and is designed to help offset the rental housing expenses service members may face when living off base in local communities. BAH rates are aligned with the housing costs of civilians with comparable incomes to each pay grade (with and without dependents) to ensure the military community can afford to rent adequate, suitable and available homes in safe neighborhoods, wherever and whenever they may be assigned,” said Kevin Scott, a housing economist within DOD’s Military Compensation Policy Directorate. “The Department pays about $27.9 billion in BAH disbursements to over 1 million service members each year,” he said. Spotlight: Taking Care of Our People “Considering the large footprint and wide-ranging impact of BAH on the well-being of military families, the department is committed to ensuring BAH data collection and housing estimation processes are driven by industry-leading data sources, innovative methodologies and proven quality assurance techniques,” Scott said. The 2024 BAH rates were determined directly from veriﬁed local housing listings

Military housing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. (PHOTO BY AIR FORCE AIRMAN SHAWNA L. KEYES)

collected in about 300 housing markets, including densely populated metropolises, suburban and rural duty stations, he said. The BAH rate-setting process relies on a wide variety of data sources that include: U.S. Census Bureau survey data Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Industry-leading commercial subscription rental cost databases Trusted online rental listing websites with veriﬁed listings Local market expertise from the services and local military installation housing offices Housing data include median market rents for a variety of housing sizes. Electricity, heat and water/sewer are also averaged in the computation. BAH rates are then calculated for each pay grade, both with and without family members, based on the cost of adequate

housing for civilians with incomes comparable to each service member pay grade grouping. The goal is to obtain high-quality, accurate, current-year housing cost data. An integral part of the BAH program is the provision of individual rate protection to all members. No matter what happens to measured housing costs — including the out-of-pocket expense adjustment — an individual member who maintains uninterrupted BAH eligibility in each location will not experience a BAH rate decrease unless the member receives a reduction in paygrade or change in dependency status. This ensures that members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the area’s housing costs decrease, according to the Allowance Division. The actual impact of this year’s BAH rate

changes will vary depending on a member’s housing choices. Members who rent a median-priced property may have to pay a small amount above their BAH rate (because of the out-of-pocket rate adjustment). Members who choose to economize in their housing choices may have all their housing expenses covered by BAH. BAH rates not only reﬂect geographic market variances between duty stations, but because BAH rates are re-evaluated each year, BAH is also responsive to recent market changes, Scott said. “As housing markets nationwide soared in 2022, BAH rates kept pace, increasing by a historic 12% between 2022-2023 rates. This year, housing markets cooled from their unprecedented growth and reset to strong, but more typical, growth. As such, BAH rates followed these trends in lockstep, increasing by an average of just over 5% between 20232024. Viewed from a wider lens, BAH rates have maintained a robust average annual growth rate of 7%+ over the past three years, compared to typical average annual changes of 3 to 4%,” he said. For more information on BAH, visit https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/ Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/. Service members can calculate their BAH payment by using the BAH calculator at: https://www. travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/. For more information about the BAH rate determination process, please see https:// media.defense.gov/2022/Jun/23⁄2003023204/1/-1⁄0/BAH-PRIMER.PDF Members with housing needs overseas receive a separate allowance called the overseas housing allowance. While both allowances compensate members for housing costs, the policies of the two programs are different, requiring different data collection and rate determination techniques. More information can be found here: https:// www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Overseas-Housing-Allowance

Remembering Vice Adm. Michael Cowan, the 34th Surgeon General of Navy Medicine (2001-2004) By André Sobocinski

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

On December 10, 2023, Vice Adm. Michael L. Cowan, the 34th Surgeon General of the Navy died. He was 78. Vice Adm. Cowan served in a wide-variety of clinical, operational, staff and leadership positions over the course of his 33-year career. His career culminated in 2001 with his selection as the 34th Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED). Cowan’s career legacy includes pioneering the concept of Force Health Protection, redefining deployable medicine in the 21st century, and serving as the Navy Surgeon General during the attacks on September 11th, 2001, and the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It could be stated that medicine was always in the “sights” of the Fort Morgan, Colorado native. Following pre-med at the University of Colorado at Boulder and after attending medical school at the Washington University School of Medicine, Cowan went to Temple University to study internal medicine and hematology under his mentor Dr. Sol Sherry (1907-1983). Sherry was already a medical giant whose research led to the development of clot-dissolving drugs to treat heart attacks. Cowan envisioned following in Sherry’s footsteps and spending his career in academic medicine, but all that would change in 1971 when he was drafted into service. “At the time I was a free spirit,” related Cowan. “My hair was too long, and I could have put it into a ponytail. I had the attitude that most people had in 1971 about the military—I was very anti-war, anti-military. I really knew nothing about the military, and everything I thought I knew was wrong.” Although he entered the Navy, as he later jokingly remarked, “kicking and screaming,” he was soon “hooked.” While serving as a general medical officer at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, N.C., Cowan learned the important role the Navy played in supporting the Marines. “I particularly took pride that I was taking care of these young men and women who were serving their country,” said Cowan. “And it felt good as a physician to know that I didn’t have to worry about their insurance. The phrase I always used was, ‘I didn’t have to ask them how sick they could afford to be.’ My job was just to take care of them to the best of my ability, and my paycheck didn’t depend on anything else.” Camp Lejeune would remain a special place for Cowan throughout his career. Just over twenty years after entering the Navy, while serving as the Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (1993-1996), he was selected for flag rank. In 1972, Cowan continued his residency in internal medicine followed by a hematology/oncology fellowship at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. It was at Bethesda that his love for Navy Medicine was born, and his decision to stay in the Navy was made. “I was at a change of command ceremony at Bethesda, and as the band started playing the march, as the flags came in, I got a tingle,” recalled Cowan. “As we were standing at attention in front of the flags about to witness this time-honored, old military ceremony, the hair on the back of my neck went up and I thought, ‘Okay, that’s it, that’s the answer to my friend’s question as to why I stay in.’ The hair on the back of my neck goes up and I’m reminded of what this is all about.” Over the ensuing years, Cowan’s love for the Navy and his role as, he described it, a “physician-leader” continued to grow. He served as Chief, Internal Medicine, at

Naval Hospital Rota, Spain (1975-1976), and Chief of Clinical Investigations for the Navy Malaria Vaccine Research Program at the Naval Medical Research Institute (forerunner of today’s Naval Medical Research Command) (1979-1982). In 1982, Cowan was selected by Dr. Jay Sanford (1928-1996), president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland, to serve as the school’s Deputy Director of Operational and Emergency Medicine in the Department of Military Medicine. In this position, Cowan taught the military medicine course and led fourth-year medical students through the Bushmaster exercise. It was a role that would leave an indelible mark on hundreds of future military physicians. “In Bushmaster, we wanted to push people to their limits in a controlled way,” explained Cowan. “It was a leadership lab that tested what people are really made of when they are really tired and frustrated and just don’t think they can do it anymore. Over time we learned how to push people to grow, but in the early days we didn’t know how far to push.” On one of his earliest Bushmasters, Cowan, Dr. Sanford, and his team of instructors, started a drill at eleven o’clock at night after the students had had a long day. “We simulated an attack on the camp with boomers and machinegun fire,” recalled Cowan. “They were supposed to respond, but they didn’t come out.” Cowan’s team then threw several tear gas canisters around the tent. But still no response. Dr. Sanford slowly walked over, picked up the tent flap, kicked a tear gas canister under the tent flap and walked to the observation area. Still nothing. Cowan and Sanford then turned to each other and at that point knew they had overworked the students and called it a day. “The students had just had it, so they had put their gas masks on, pulled their sleeping bags up over themselves the best they could, and just stayed there,” recalled Cowan. “They slept in their gas masks.” One of his students forever impacted by Cowan and the Bushmaster was Vice Adm.

(ret.) C. Forrest Faison III, the 38th Surgeon General of the Navy and a USUHS graduate. “I dreaded this course all four years [at USUHS],” recalled Faison. “Over the next two weeks we started running back-to-back mass casualty, and combat scenarios. You’re doing this around the clock, and you’re exhausted. Then comes the main event, which is a main mass casualty drill where they wrap it all together, and we’re so sleep deprived. It’s hot, it’s muddy, and it’s just nasty. And we get through the scenario and we’re doing a hot wash, and Admiral Cowan gets up there and he goes, ‘You’re cold, you’re wet, you’re tired, you’re hungry. So why do you do it? You do it because that guy on the stretcher is depending on you to do it. And his family back home are depending on you to do it. And it’s the right thing to do.” Cowan’s time leading the Bushmaster would follow him throughout his career, even to distant places around the globe. While serving as Task Force Surgeon, Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia (1992-1993), Cowan recalled that many of his former students were serving as medical officers in Marine units and as command surgeons. “I was able to delegate far more and had far more conﬁdence in the abilities of these folks than I ever would have if they never had that ﬁeld experience.” It was in Somalia that Cowan also recognized the unique values of each service, a piece of knowledge that would later serve him well as Joint Staff Surgeon (1997-1999); Chief of Staff, Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, The Pentagon (1999-2000); and Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, TRICARE Management Activity (2000-2001). Cowan took the helm as the 34th Surgeon General of the Navy in August 2001. He was on the job for just 30 days when the attacks on September 11th occurred. Instantly, the world had changed, and Navy Medicine’s course would forever be altered to meet the new challenges ahead. He recalled, “On September 11th, I walked to my desk about 10:30 in the morning and threw [my priorities] in the trash can. Priorities had just changed.” Within 24-hours of the attack Cowan

updated the Navy Medicine’s motto from “Standing by to assist” to “Steaming to assist” and deployed the hospital ship USNS Comfort to New York City where it served as a “relief valve” for the rescue workers. “Primary care and physical therapy and messmen and general duty hospital corpsmen boarded he Comfort, and they steamed up to New York,” related Cowan. “While there they provided up to 1,000 people a day [with] hot meals, a shower, a berth, and laundry service. So, you’d go aboard, they’d take your dirty laundry, feed you, put you to bed, give you a shower, wake you up, give you your clean clothes back, or new clothes, and send you back to work. We took criticism for that. There were people who thought that that was an undignified mission for a war ship of the United States Navy and I shouldn’t have done that.” Yet, it had a positive impact. A year later, while attending a reception for exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS (BALTOPS 22), he walked over to a group of Navy messman to congratulate them on doing a nice job. “As we were talking and laughing, I said, ‘By the way, how many of you were on the Comfort last year?’ And most of the hands went up,” said Cowan. “And this one kid, a 22-year old, kept trying to put his hand up and the others kept slapping him down, good naturedly. He said, ‘I was on the Comfort in New York, but I wasn’t crew. I was a New York City fireman. After seeing what the Navy did in New York I was so impressed that I joined the Navy under the condition that I become a messman assigned to the Comfort.’ ” “Admiral Cowan was a soft-spoken, caring, and impactful leader who always saw the bigger picture and thought outside the box,” said Rear Adm. Darin Via, the 40th Navy Surgeon General. “He was way ahead of his time and Navy Medicine is stronger because if him.” One of Vice Adm. Cowan’s greatest legacies was a humble leadership and his trust of others. This is captured when describing his philosophy of service: “I think a big part of my philosophy was formed by a phrase my dad used to use that I really glommed onto. He said, ‘Your life finds you far more often than you find your life,’ ” stated Cowan. “Had I not been drafted I never would have come into the military. I would have been an academic, probably stayed at Temple [University] . . . That would have been my life, and I would have been very happy. But this detour happened, and it became a better life, one that I would have never sought after and the direction of that detour I would have never sought out. My whole life found me almost against my will. “So, when people, young officers in particular, ask me, ‘Can you give me some career advice?’ I say, ‘I will, but it’s not going to be very good. What I’m going to tell you you’ve got to take with a grain of salt.’ I tell them, ‘Just don’t worry about it.’ The one thing you must do in life is to do your job. No matter what job you’ve got, do the hell out of it and then position yourself to try to get jobs you enjoy doing. If you enjoy a job, you’ll do it well; if you don’t enjoy your work, then life isn’t worth living.” Admiral Cowan was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Linda, and son Dr. Mark Cowan, both passing earlier this year. References: Cowan, Michael, Vice Adm. Oral History. (Conducted by A.B. Sobocinski and COL. (ret.) Richard Ginn). Session conducted on September 12, 2013. Faison, C. Forrest, Vice Adm. Oral History. (Conducted by A.B. Sobocinski). Session conducted on September 25, 2019.

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

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OFFERS END 1/2/24. 5TOYOTACARE COVERS NORMAL FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR TWO YEARS OR 25,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. 24-HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IS ALSO INCLUDED FOR TWO YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES. THE NEW VEHICLE CANNOT BE PART OF A RENTAL OR COMMERCIAL FLEET, OR A LIVERY/TAXI VEHICLE. SEE TOYOTA DEALER FOR DETAILS AND EXCLUSIONS. VALID ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. AND ALASKA. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTS AND FLUIDS, EXCEPT EMERGENCY FUEL DELIVERY. 1

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

uarterdeck

Embarked Airwing conducts F-35C cyclic operations aboard George Washington This milestone marks the ﬁrst time an aircraft carrier operating in the Atlantic Ocean conducted cyclic operations utilizing the F-35C Lightning II. Page B4

ELIZABETH RIVER (Dec. 17, 2023) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departs Norfolk Naval Shipyard en route to Naval Station Norfolk after completing its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Harry S. Truman’s Maintenance period focused on modernization efforts, structural repair, and preservation work. These efforts included tanks, void, weapons elevator, areas of the ﬂight deck and hangar bay, the main mast and exterior of the ship. Throughout the PIA, the ship worked as a uniﬁed team with Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Private Sector Maintenance, and contracting partners. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS CODY BEAM)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman returned to Naval Station Norfolk following a Planned Incremental Availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Dec. 17. By USS Harry S Truman NORFOLK, Va. — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned to Naval Station Norfolk following a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Dec. 17. Harry S. Truman’s maintenance period focused on modernization efforts, structural repair, and preservation work. These efforts included tanks, voids, weapons elevators, areas of the ﬂight deck and hangar bay, the main mast and exterior of the ship, as well as general repairs to the hull, mechanical

and electrical infrastructure, aviation engine hatch safety station modiﬁcation and the airplane crane. Combat Systems completed a computer network upgrade that improved communication connectivity while serving as the backbone structure for integrating systems across the ship. Additionally, a signiﬁcant focus of this availability included extensive work to enhance berthing spaces, gyms, barber shops, laundry areas, and entertainment spaces, along with the installation of Wi-Fi capabilities focused on the crew’s quality of life. In addition to the routine repairs,

approximately 20% of the crew’s berthings and heads were completely overhauled from the ﬂoor to the ceiling. Recognizing the physical and mental well-being of Sailors as crucial factors in personal and professional growth, the ship’s force and shipyard personnel worked diligently to create an environment that demonstrates to Sailors that they are our priority. Throughout the PIA, the ship worked as a uniﬁed team with Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Private Sector Maintenance, and contracting partners. Drawing from the lessons learned

shared through Carrier Team One (CT1) and the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Carrier Readiness Cell, Truman’s crew and NNSY continuously incorporated best practices and leveraged their collective expertise to overcome challenges and maximize efficiency. Truman will complete sea trials and begin workups in preparation for its next deployment in early 2024. For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit www.navy.mil/local. cvn75.

Winners of NIWC Atlantic’s AI Prize Challenge recognized at Eastern Defense Summit By Steve Ghiringhelli

the Fleet.” Sasha Pascual, NIWC Atlantic’s lead prize challenge program manager, CHARLESTON, S.C. — Naval Inforclosed the prize challenge ceremony mation Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic saying she was grateful for each particpresented checks last week to Lauretta. ipating organization that tackled the io for $35,000 and Quartus Engineertough operational challenge of detecting Inc. for $15,000 for their 1st and 2nd ing, identifying and classifying novel place finishes in the Multilateral Autonobjects. omy Prize Challenge during the 2023 “For naval forces, solutions developed Eastern Defense Summit. as a result of these efforts can lead to The competition, which was orgabetter decision intelligence, a powerful nized by NIWC Atlantic and its Palmetto information warfare advantage on the Tech Bridge in conjunction with the battlefield,” she said. Charleston Defense Contractors AssoAbout NIWC Atlantic: As a part of ciation (CDCA), was looking for artificial Naval Information Warfare Systems intelligence (AI) solutions that visually Command, NIWC Atlantic provides detect and classify objects — a critical systems engineering and acquisition decision-making capability in Navy to deliver information warfare capaintelligence, surveillance and reconnaisbilities to the naval, joint and national sance (ISR) and other missions. warfighter through the acquisition, This year, nearly three dozen particdevelopment, integration, production, ipants from a range of both small and test, deployment, and sustainment large companies submitted proposals. of interoperable command, control, Eight finalists were selected to appear communications, computer, intellibefore the panel of government experts. gence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, “First of all, I want to thank each prize Charleston, SC (December 6, 2023) Mr. Peter C. Reddy, middle, executive director of Naval Information cyber and information technology capachallenge participant for the time and Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, and Dr. Luke Overbey, left, NIWC Atlantic’s senior scientific technical bilities. effort you invested in building these manager for autonomy, present a $35,000 check to Lauretta.io on Dec. 7 for winning first place in the About Palmetto Tech Bridge: NIWC technical proposals,” Peter C. Reddy, Multilateral Autonomy Prize Challenge at the 2023 Eastern Defense Summit. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY JOE Atlantic’s Palmetto Tech Bridge aims NIWC Atlantic executive director, said BULLINGER/RELEASED) to support “acceleration ecosystems” during the closing ceremony on Dec. 7. across the Southeast by removing barri“And to our two winners — congratulations. on the effectiveness of intelligent autonoGovernment prize challenges are ers to entry, fostering a culture of trust and Thank you for joining us in supporting our mous systems,” said Overbey, who has led designed to make acquisitions more agile innovation, and providing awareness and urgent mission to be more agile and come up previous panels. by crowdsourcing solutions from the public. direct access to warfighter challenges. The with new ways to rapidly deliver capability The Multilateral Autonomy Prize Chal- During live events, government labs like PTB’s three primary mission capability areas to the warfighter.” lenge was NIWC Atlantic’s seventh prize NIWC Atlantic can not only procure new are cybersecurity, assured communications The six other companies that competed challenge to date and its second one to be capabilities on the spot but also learn about and data science. in-person were Booz Allen Hamilton, incorporated into the “Innovation Pitch advancements in the commercial sector, About CDCA: The Charleston Defense Ergoneers of North America Inc., Gradient Jam” of the annual CDCA defense summit. exchange innovative ideas in a collaborative Contractors Association (CDCA) supports Marine, Lexset.ai Inc., Matrixyz LLC and Bambi Hoyt, who leads strategic part- environment, spark follow-on conversations the defense community in the CharlesPeopleTec. nership outreach for the CDCA Board of amongst the competitors and potentially ton metro area, South Carolina and the Dr. Luke Overbey, the competition’s lead Directors, said it was exciting to have more drive cooperative research and development Southeast U.S. The CDCA advocates judge and the senior scientific technical than 2,000 attendees at this year’s Eastern agreements. defense issues with the community and manager for autonomy at NIWC Atlantic, Defense Summit where they could see their “Prize challenges and other initiatives represents its members with NIWC Atlansaid he felt encouraged to see so many final- industry peers pitching the latest technolo- of the command’s Palmetto Tech Bridge tic, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force and ists come from small business or nontradi- gies before military decision-makers. are catalysts for effecting strategic change other government agencies in the area tional sectors. “Our CDCA members and attendees were outside the fence line,” said Erik Gardner, and surrounding regions. The CDCA also “I was also really impressed by the techni- able to witness this prize challenge live, director of the Palmetto Tech Bridge. “They provides input on issues and initiatives to cal depth of the presenters this time around, on-stage, complete with oral presentations help build bridges to industry, academia and the broader community in such areas as especially in addressing unique real-world and a government Q&A,” Hoyt said. “That nontraditional partners that can accelerate education, small business mentoring and situations that have a tremendous impact never happens.” the delivery of warfighting capabilities to congressional affairs.

Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

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

Santa Claus gives gifts to children at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Dec. 13 during the installation’s First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department’s Child and Youth Program (CYP) Holiday Party. Forty-ﬁve schoolchildren from Warrington and Navy Point Elementary Schools attended the event. (Official U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN (COLLECTION) SEAMAN IZABELLA MOYER)

NAS Pensacola hosts local schoolchildren for holiday event By Naval Air Station Pensacola PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA), the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department’s Child and Youth Programs (CYP) welcomed area schoolchildren for a Dec. 13 holiday event onboard the installation. More than 45 children from Warrington and Navy Point Elementary Schools interacted with service members at the command, making holiday-themed arts and crafts and receiving presents from Santa Claus. “I think it’s important to host something like this because it shows the community and most importantly these children that we’re here to support them,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch and Recovery) (AW) 1st Class Alicia Coleman, a FCPOA member and one of the organizers of the event. “Being

able to celebrate the holiday season not only is great for them, but it provides us an opportunity to give back to our community.” This year was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the base has hosted children onboard for the holiday program. “These kids aren’t military children, so for them to get a look at the base that is right outside of their back door is just amazing,” said Caroyln Bevil, a social worker for the Escambia County School District. “We are so appreciative to the Sailors for putting this all together.” NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Terry “Village” Shashaty and Command Master Chief Christopher Wallace also attended the event, and echoed Bevil’s sentiments. “Partnering with schools in our community isn’t just about spreading holiday cheer,” said Wallace. “It’s about building bridges and creating awesome experiences with our

neighbors in Pensacola.” NAS Pensacola’s school liaison, Carissa Bergosh, said that there are multiple programs throughout the year that bring children on the installation as well as programs through which Sailors visit children at their schools. “This is a great chance for the children to not only have fun, but to also experience what the base is,” said Bergosh. NAS Pensacola, referred to as the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation,’ is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC); Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC); Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and serves as the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy. The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing. While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

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Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Sailors make holiday-themed arts and crafts with area schoolchildren at a holiday event on the installation Dec. 13. The air station’s First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department’s Child and Youth Program (CYP) hosted 45 schoolchildren from Warrington and Navy Point Elementary Schools for the holiday party. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN (COLLECTION) SEAMAN IZABELLA MOYER)

U.S. Coast Guard cutter seizes illegal narcotics in Gulf of Oman By NAVCENT Public Affairs

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

MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S. Coast Guard ship seized illegal drugs worth over $6 million from a ﬁshing vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Dec. 12. Crewmembers from the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144) observed individuals on a ﬁshing vessel throw seven bales of material over the side. The material was discovered to be 174 kilograms of heroin. Glen Harris arrived in the Middle East region last year and operates from Naval Support Activity Bahrain. The fast response cutter is part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

GULF OF OMAN (Dec. 12, 2023) Coast Guardsmen from the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144) seize illegal narcotics from a ﬁshing vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Dec. 12. Glen Harris operates in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. COAST GUARD COURTESY PHOTO)

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Members of Resident Officer in Charge of Construction Florence Camp Lejeune were able to celebrate the holiday’s a little early with the early completion of P-1505, the replacement project for two railroad trestles at Queens Creek and White Oak River, as well as the replacement of all railroad ties along the 34 mile line between Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The original trestles received damage during Hurricane Florence in 2018. A restoration assessment and structural analysis recommended replacement due to numerous signs of structural decay. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY SNIPES, NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND, OFFICER IN CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION FLORENCE)

Trestle replacement project ﬁnishes ahead of schedule By Ashley Snipes

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Officer in Charge of Construction Florence

Members of Resident Officer in Charge of Construction Florence Camp Lejeune were able to celebrate the holiday’s a little early with the recent completion of P-1505, the replacement project for two railroad trestles at Queens Creek and White Oak River, as well as the replacement of all railroad ties along the 34 mile line between Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The original trestles received damage during Hurricane Florence in 2018. A restoration assessment and structural analysis recommended replacement due to numerous signs of structural decay. Contractor of record, Archer Western of the Walsh Group, started the project with

the construction of temporary trestles to access the entire work area with equipment necessary to construct the permanent trestles. Once in place, work began to safely demolish and remove the existing structures. The team was then able to begin driving piles. “What was most impressive was watching the crane operators work with the teams on the ground to drive pile after pile and conduct concrete placements via suspended delivery,” said supervisory construction manager US Navy Lt Will Cornett. Tito Purcell, engineering technician for Officer in Charge of Construction (OICC) Florence, enjoyed the challenge of learning about all details behind railroad system construction. “This project was the ﬁrst of its kind to me. This was the ﬁrst time I had to deal with railroad tracks and pile driving of this magni-

tude,” said Purcell. “I have dealt with bridging previously while I was in the Marine Corps, but not to the level this project was done.” Purcell gave kudos to the government-contractor team for helping him accelerate through the learning curve. “The team was always willing to teach me new things as the project went along,” said Purcell. Maggie Rodriguez, construction manager for OICC Florence, echoed Purcell’s gratitude. “When I joined the project team, it felt like I was learning a new language,” said Rodriguez. “Everyone was more than willing to explain terms to me and get me up to speed.” In turn, Rodriguez was able to keep momentum going on the project, handling RFI and submittal processing, coordinating inspections and meetings between share-

holders, and communicating with the prime contractor about job progress and schedule. “The project team was aggressive in managing their schedule and beat every project milestone ahead of time,” added Cornett. Members from the project team are eager to ﬁle the paperwork and focus on the other project in package 4 — P1387, the Onslow Beach bridge aboard MCB Camp Lejeune. Beach goers and Marines accessing training areas along the shoreline will be able to use the new Onslow Beach bridge in Fall 2024. OICC Florence provides world-class engineering, construction, and acquisition services supporting the Marine Corps’ recovery from Hurricane Florence and deployment of the Joint Strike Fighter, re-establishing the readiness of expeditionary forces for MCIEAST and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling 1st Class Daniel Booth from Greensville, New Hampshire, assigned to V-1 division in air department, handles an F-35C Lightning II, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, on the ﬂight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)Dec. 5, 2023. George Washington is underway in support of carrier qualiﬁcations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS AUGUST CLAWSON)

Embarked Airwing conducts F-35C cyclic operations aboard George Washington By Seaman Apprentice Geoffrey Ottinger

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

ATLANTIC OCEAN — Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Airwing (CVW) 7 completed carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations Dec. 12 while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Having previously focused on carrier qualifications, George Washington transitioned to cyclic operations to simulate future operational missions. This milestone marks the first time an aircraft carrier operating in the Atlantic Ocean conducted cyclic operations utilizing the F-35C Lightning II. “Working to integrate with the ‘Team Freedom’ Airwing demonstrates that our warship continues to meet critical milestones in preparation for conducting

global operations,” said George Washington’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brent C. Gaut. “I am exceptionally proud of our crew for making history during this underway period. Together, our ‘GW’ Team and family continue to highlight the U.S. Navy’s profound operational capabilities, while also strengthening and empowering the future of naval aviation.” Over three days of cyclic flight operations the crew conducted 141 sorties, 67 day traps, and 17 night traps with brief pauses to allow for maintenance and fueling. While in the air, pilots completed various exercises, from close air support of troops on the ground and air-to-air maneuvers. Once the pilots successfully demonstrated tactical proficiency, they landed on the flight deck and prepared to launch again. “These operations test our current capabilities and help the airwing and ship’s crew

integrate to accomplish safe and effective operations from the sea,” said Capt. Alex Hampton, commander of CVW-7. “It is a synchronized effort that allows us to project power from the sea, maintain a dynamic and proficient level of readiness to meet emerging missions, and deter potential adversaries. It also provided the crew the opportunity to operate with first-of-its-kind aircraft. F-35Cs are extremely versatile, able to complete a wide variety of missions that would’ve required multiple aircraft before.” The 5th generation F-35 Lightning II integrates advanced stealth technology into a highly agile, supersonic aircraft that provides the pilot with unprecedented situational awareness and unmatched lethality and survivability. While at sea, Team Freedom focused on integrating the aircraft with the ship’s crew both on the flight deck and in the hangar bay.

“This underway saw the Argonauts return to the cyclic carrier environment for the ﬁrst time since returning from deployment last year,” said Cmdr. Christopher Case, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147. “It gave us an invaluable opportunity to integrate and operate with the George Washington and CVW-7 teams for the ﬁrst time. I am proud of the incredible work the Sailors of VFA-147 accomplished in just a short period of time, and look forward to continued integration opportunities.” Embarked squadrons of CVW-7 included VFA-147 “Argonauts,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 “Jolly Rogers,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 “Patriots,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 “Nightdippers,” and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 “Grandmasters.”

Department of the Navy submits Red Hill tank closure master schedule to regulators By Commander Navy Region Hawaii The Department of the Navy (DON) today submitted a detailed proposed schedule of tank closure actions and milestones for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), along with responses to Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) comments on the Tank Cleaning Plan and Tank Closure Plan Supplement 2. The information also answers questions from the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA). This submission is the ﬁrst since the November establishment of Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH) and emphasizes the shift in focus from the recently completed gravity defueling by Joint Task Force-Red Hill (JTF-RH) toward the safe and deliberate closure of the RHBFSF. “The Navy remains committed to closing Red Hill in full compliance and coordination with the regulators, and we welcome input from DOH and EPA,” said Rear Adm.

Stephen Barnett, who is the commander of both NCTF-RH and Navy Region Hawaii. “We will continue to collaborate with the regulators to determine a sound and mutually satisfactory approach to tank closure, while keeping the community informed of key events and milestones throughout the process.” The Navy remains committed to protecting the environment and the community, as well as providing frequent updates to stakeholders as tank closure moves forward.

The documents submitted to DOH and EPA will be available within ten working days at https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/ Operations-and-Management/Red-Hill/ Department-of-the-Navy-Closure-PlanRed-Hill-Bulk-Fuel-Storage-Facility/. For more information about Red Hill visit https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/Operations-and-Management/Red-Hill/.

USS Marinette (LCS 25) holds change of command ceremony By Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two During Brewer’s command of USS Marinette, he facilitated the Move aboard and pre-sail away certiﬁcations as XO temporarily onboard USS MINNEAPOLIS SAINT-PAUL (LCS 21) and led the same as CO aboard LCS-25. He personally drove the creation of the ship’s commissioning committee, which led to the historic Freedom-Variant ceremony in front of the largest post-COVID audience on the Menominee River. Following commissioning, he safely navigated the ship over 2000 miles through the Great Lakes, encompassing over 50

hours of restricted water transits, 15 water locks, and multiple Canadian ports without incident. USS MARINETTE certiﬁed in several mission areas required to safely operate and get underway including: Search and Rescue, Navigation, Damage Control, Communications and Cyber, and was the 1st LCS to pass initial Engineering Light Off Assessment in record time of ﬁve days. On October 16, the ship and her crew made it’s much anticipated transition from pre-commissioned unit to United States Ship and began her sail around home. “It has been a real honor to lead this Plankowner crew well before moving aboard

and through a very challenging sail around deployment,” said Brewer. “This crew has had my back from the beginning — through multiple schedule delays and challenges onboard. They have personally helped me recover and grow while remaining focused on our mission of sailing to Mayport.” Prior to assuming command of USS Marinette (LCS 25), Brewer served as Executive Officer aboard USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and a student at the Air Command and Staff College. “To the crew of St. Louis gold, thank you for your part in molding me into the leader that I am today. I know the lessons, support and advice that you have given me will help

guide me to being the best commanding officer that I can be,” said Broome. “I am very honored and excited to be this crew’s next commanding officer and I look forward to taking her though the next phase.” Located in Mayport, Florida, USS Marinette (LCS 25) is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2. LCS are a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments and winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

SMYRNA, Tenn. (Dec. 15, 2023) U.S. Navy Sailors render honors during a change of command ceremony. Cmdr. Michael R. Dickenson was relieved by Cmdr. Lacey Popson as NTAG Nashville’s commanding officer. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JOSE MADRIGAL)

NTAG Nashville holds change of command ceremony By Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Madrigal

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

SMYRNA, Tenn. — Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Nashville held a change of command ceremony at Navy Reserve Center on Dec. 15. Cmdr. Michael R. Dickenson was relieved by Cmdr. Lacey Popson as NTAG Nashville’s commanding officer. Under Dickenson’s leadership NTAG Nashville shipped out over 900 Future Sailors which directly supported the fleet’s manning requirements and ensured that the Navy has the highest quality Sailors. “I can’t believe how fast time went over the last couple of years. I guess when you love what you do, the people you work with, and believe in the mission, time just ﬂies,” Dickenson said. “When you empower your people to own the mission, to lead, and you give them the training and support that they need to be successful, given the opportunity, they’re going to come together and they’re going to win. They’re going to form a team that lasts and that’s what we did in Nashville. And no one can argue that it works. Nashville wins. It’s really been an honor to watch it.” Capt. John P. Rigby, Commodore, Navy Recruiting Command Region East, served as the presiding officer during the ceremony and presented Dickenson the meritorious service medal for his performance as commanding officer. “As the commodore for 13 NTAGS, I rely on good leaders to run effective commands, achieve the mission, and most importantly take care of the Sailors under their charge. And today without a doubt I’m losing my best,” Rigby said. While addressing the incoming commanding officer, Rigby stated, “Seeing first-hand the leadership, maturity, and

common sense that she has displayed over the last year as your executive officer … Lacey is going to pick up right where Mike left off.” Popson commissioned in 2004 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. “It is my honor and privilege to assume the duties as your commanding officer,” Popson said. “To team Nashville, the men and women here today and those out in the ﬁeld doing the hard work of Navy recruiting. Thank you for showing me the ropes over the past 18 months as your executive officer, for leading up and for leveling up every single day. I cannot be more proud of all that we have accomplished as a team and I am beyond excited for all that lies ahead, thank you.” NTAG Nashville includes 46 Navy recruiting stations across the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia covering 138,000 square miles. NTAG Nashville employs over 200 recruiters, support personnel, and civilians in its mission to recruit individuals who meet standards for naval service. Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 815 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http:// www.cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on X[Twitter] (@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter) Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/CommanderNavyRecruitingCommand/).

SMYRNA, Tenn. (Dec. 15, 2023) Cmdr. Lacey Popson, commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Nashville salutes the sideboys during a change of command. Cmdr. Michael R. Dickenson was relieved by Cmdr. Lacey Popson as NTAG Nashville’s commanding officer. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JOSE MADRIGAL)

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

FRCE Composite Components Shop Production Controllers Alexis Bishop, left, and Tristen Pratt, right, organizing the toys their shop donated to the Toys for Tots Program. Bishop, Pratt and Jamie Birt, not pictured, led a group collection effort for FRCE’s Composite Component shop, where participants pooled monetary funds and purchased as many toys as the money could buy for Toys for Tots. For many FRCE employees, donating to Toys for Tots is an annual tradition they look forward to each holiday season. (PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA FEHR, FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST)

FRCE celebrates the season of giving with Toys for Tots By Samantha Fehr

Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) employees have come together to collect an entire semitruck trailer full of gifts for Toys for Tots, a nationwide, not-for-proﬁt organization that collects and distributes toys to families in need during the holidays. Each year, FRCE employees help make the holidays brighter for children in the Eastern North Carolina community by donating new, unwrapped toys for children who might not otherwise receive gifts. For many members of the workforce, December is a special time of year as they look forward to donating to the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program. The program’s goal is to spread the joy of Christmas by making sure children have presents under their Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Within the past 76 years, Toys for Tots has distributed 652 million toys to 291 million deserving children across the nation, according to their website. Many FRCE employees enjoy supporting the cause; some have even developed group collections to make donating more convenient. Team members within FRCE’s Composite Components Shop, for example, developed a plan to pool monetary donations. The group then purchased as many toys as the money could buy. Production

more enjoyable,” she said. For the FRCE team members who come together to support the cause, knowing the toys could go to support military families in need makes the effort even more meaningful. “Whatever we can do and whatever we can help with, that is our goal,” said Bishop. “My fiancé is currently deployed — he is a Marine — and it makes me V-22 Mechanic Jarrett M. Reynolds, left, and Operations Chief Lance Cpl. think about the Jeremiah L. Miller, right, Marines at FRCE, work together to put all the families with kids donated toys into the semi-truck trailer so they can be transported to here whose dad the Toys for Tots warehouse. isn’t home. For them to have this controllers Alexis Bishop, Tristen Pratt and support system if they need it is very importJamie Birt lead their shop’s group collection. ant; it tugs on my heartstrings.” Pratt said the goal is not just to provide The FRCE F-35 and AV-8 aircraft lines gifts, but to make the holidays truly special also have their own tradition for the annual for families in need; that’s why the shoppers Toys for Tots collection. Each year, they pool focus on buying gifts that are sure to excite monetary donations and purchase bicycles children who receive them. to donate to the cause. “It feels really good knowing that we could “As a former Marine, I have an attachment be making so many kids’ Christmas morning to Toys for Tots,” said Ike Rettenmair, F-35

and AV-8 branch head. “I’ve done Toys for Tots as long as I can remember, and I look forward to it every year.” Rettenmair said they focus on buying bicycles for the children. Last year, they donated 19 bicycles to Toys for Tots and this year, they collected nearly 40 bicycles. Their goal is to donate more and more each year. “We kind of lived on our bicycles growing up, and you notice there aren’t as many bike-riding kids anymore,” he said. “Maybe this is our chance of helping them have that experience. Every kid needs the joy of a bicycle.” Whether the donations come individually or as a group, in the form of bikes, toys or monetary donations, the knowledge that they’re helping area children in need is the best part of supporting Toys for Tots, Bishop said. “We absolutely love the time we spend on Toys for Tots every year,” she said. “It’s a way to give back to the community, and we like to spread cheer. I feel like we can really make a difference.” FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the ﬂeet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

V-22 Mechanic Sgt. Jarrett M. Reynolds, right, Operations Chief Sgt. Eric I. Molina, left, and H-53 Crew Chief Cpl. Devon R. Schoff, middle, Marines at FRCE, help load the semi-truck trailer with the donated toys and bikes for the Toys for Tots program. FRCE employees donated enough toys this year to ﬁll the entire trailer. For many FRCE employees, donating to Toys for Tots is an annual tradition they look forward to each holiday season. (PHOTO BY SAMANTHA FEHR, FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST)

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023 7

CONSTANTA, Romania (Nov. 16, 2023) East-Coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct visit, board, search, and seizure training with the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces near Constanta, Romania, Nov. 16, 2023. Naval Special Warfare’s unique maritime capabilities are underpinned by their ability to sustain the highest level of warﬁghting excellence through joint and multinational evolutions such as this, ensuring the U.S. and its Allies prevail in competition, crisis, and conﬂict. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS BILL CARLISLE)

Naval Special Warfare enhances allied defense with Romanian Special Operations Forces By Lt.j.g. Martin Carey

Naval Special Warfare Group Two

CONSTANTA, Romania — East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces (ROUSOF) conducted training on maritime interdiction operations, special reconnaissance, and special operations tactics to enhance allied defense throughout the European region. The joint effort was conducted November 4-17, and enhanced maritime expertise and strengthened the capacity to respond to maritime crises in the Black Sea region. “Our partnership with the Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces is in direct alignment with the U.S. National Defense Strategy’s emphasis on strengthening alliances and partnerships. Together, we prepare for the challenges posed by the unique operational environment here as we work in tandem to preserve security during this critical time,” said Maj. Gen. Steven G. Edwards, Commander of Special Operations Command Europe. During the evolution, SEALs and ROUSOF conducted a multitude of interoperability and training iterations including close quarters combat techniques, urban patrol movements, breacher training and integrated visit, board, search and seizure

CONSTANTA, Romania (Nov. 9, 2023) East-Coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct live-ﬁre weapons training with the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces near Constanta, Romania, Nov. 9, 2023.

tactics. The ability for U.S. and NATO special operations forces to integrate seamlessly across multiple operating areas further reﬁnes their capabilities to deploy in support of real-world operations in the area.

“Working alongside our allied Romanian special operators provides us the ability to further enhance our capabilities in order to meet operational demands,” said the senior Naval Special Warfare Oper-

ator on site. “These opportunities are not only invaluable for the SEALs, but also the numerous support personnel who enable us to complete our mission in a joint environment.” In the spirit of solidarity and shared commitment to regional security, the collaboration between SEALs and ROUSOF serves as a testament to the vital importance of international partnerships within the European Command Area of Responsibility. Strengthening alliances through joint training initiatives bolsters the capabilities of both nations’ special operations forces and underscores the collective dedication to preserve peace and security in the Black Sea region. The 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces are a highly specialized unit of the Romanian Navy who conduct direct action missions, special reconnaissance, and maritime operations to safeguard the interests of Romania and promote regional security. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/

CONSTANTA, Romania (Nov. 16, 2023) East-Coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct visit, board, search, and seizure training with the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces near Constanta, Romania, Nov. 16, 2023. Naval Special Warfare’s unique maritime capabilities are underpinned by their ability to sustain the highest level of warﬁghting excellence through joint and multinational evolutions such as this, ensuring the U.S. and its Allies prevail in competition, crisis, and conﬂict. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS BILL CARLISLE)

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean June 26, 2023. George Washington is underway conducting flight deck certification, an evaluation of the ships’ proficiency to safely launch and recover aircraft. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN AUGUST Y. CLAWSON)

USS George Washington ﬂight deck certiﬁed

By Lt.Cmdr. Patricia Kreuzberger USS George Washington (CVN 73)

ATLANTIC OCEAN – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) returned to Naval Station Norfolk June 30, after completing flight deck certification (FDC). FDC is a key milestone for the George Washington’s return to operation at sea, and also marked the first time the ship and CVW-1 aircraft and personnel integrated and operated together since the ship completed Refueling Complex Overhaul. “As always, I am incredibly proud of our USS George Washington Warfighters, and the incredible support from the Carrier Air Wing One team,” said Capt. Brent C. Gaut, commanding officer of USS George Washington (CVN73). “When you look back at

what we have accomplished over the past week, meeting momentous milestone after milestone, from fuel certification, flight deck certification, to our first underway replenishment in six years - our team continues to demonstrate our extraordinary grit and determination in meeting and exceeding the mark as we take our place as our great nation’s premier CVN asset.” FDC is required for the carrier to embark aircraft and is designed to provide operational continuity and proficiency training for carrier crews. During FDC, the carrier is evaluated on its ability to launch and recover aircraft in a safe manner in both day and night time operations. During the three-day evolution, George Washington conducted 247 day and night catapult launches and arrested landings, simulated emergencies, night taxi drills, and hangar bay aircraft spotting drills. Prior to

integrated operations with the air wing, an inspection team from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) visited George Washington to evaluate air department’s ability to respond to flight deck casualties and firefighting. The ship also achieved fuel system certification, conducted carrier qualifications in support of CWV-1. “I am beyond proud of the teamwork and operational tenacity demonstrated by the ship’s crew and Carrier Air Wing One,” said Cmdr. Stephen Lamoure, the ship’s Air Boss. “The integrated team effort contributed to the amazing success of this mission. Their technical expertise, attention to detail, and hard work resulted in a phenomenal example of what is possible. This was a fantastic opportunity for the Air Wing and the George Washington Air Department to test our newest systems and capabilities as we prepare this mighty aircraft carrier for

future overseas operations.” With the flight deck certified, air wing pilots completed a series of additional carrier qualifications and proficiency designed to ready the squadrons and carrier for future operations. “Flight deck certification was our first opportunity for the air wing and the ship team to work together in support of the ship’s fundamental mission, launching and recovering aircraft at sea,” said Capt. Brad Converse, commander of CVW-1. “It was an honor to have CVW-1 land the first jets on USS George Washington in six years.” George Washington is scheduled for additional under-ways in the coming months in preparation for its homeport change and follow-on tasking as a Forward Deployed Naval Force asset in U.S. Pacific Fleet.

U.S. Navy EOD Units complete training exercise CrabEx

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia (April 25, 2023) – U.S. Navy explosive ordnance (EOD) technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12) locate and attach a towing cable to a training mine during a mine drill, April 25, 2023. U.S. Navy EOD platoons from EODMU 6 and EODMU 12 are executing Crab Exercise (CrabEx) hosted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit 2 (EODTEU 2), a training exercise that requires U.S. Navy EOD units of action to clear a range of simulated explosive threats during full mission proﬁle drills using special operations mobility tactics and advanced technologies. U.S. Navy EOD operate as a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet with a unique capability to clear and protect the battlespace from a range of explosive hazards. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JEREMY BOAN) ABOVE RIGHT: FORT STORY, Virginia (April 18, 2023) – A U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 (EODMU 6) attaches detonation cord to a blast charge during an airﬁeld demolition and repair (ADR) drill at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, April 18, 2023. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS NICHOLAS SKYLES)

By Lt. Brittany Stephens

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) platoons from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 6 and EODMU 12 successfully completed Crab Exercise (CrabEx) 23-2, May 1, 2023. CrabEx is a two-week training exercise planned and hosted by EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2 (EODTEU 2) that tests units’ ability to carry out missions to detect, locate, and render safe ordnance. Platoons executed drills to respond to surface, underwater, chemical, nuclear, and biological ordnance. The exercise allowed the platoons to communicate and coordinate in response to speciﬁc scenarios in a realistic training environment. “U.S. Navy EOD platoons must continuously train to counter and defeat a spectrum of explosive threats,” said Cmdr. Paul Mahoney, commanding officer, EODTEU 2. “We integrate real-world operational scenarios to train platoons to develop uncanny threat assessment to ensure they’re ready to integrate with supported units and

contribute to the complex challenges that Fleet and Joint Force Commanders need to compete and win.” Platoons also used special operations mobility tactics and advanced technologies to reach and/or clear the simulated explosive threats. Teams completed free fall parachute insertion, static-line parachute insertion from a C-130 H3 Hercules, fast rope insertions from MH-60S Seahawk, as well as MK-16 underwater diving to drill sites. EODMU 6, EODMU 12, and EODTEU 2 all are headquartered under Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two (EODGRU 2). EODGRU 2 provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations and oversees all east coast explosive ordnance disposal. U.S. Navy EOD operates as a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet with a unique capability to clear and protect the battlespace from a range of explosive hazards.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia (April 21, 2023) – A U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 (EODMU 6) searches for signs of hazardous material during a chemical and explosives drill, April 21, 2023. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS NICHOLAS SKYLES)

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

NORFOLK, Va. - The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, July 10, 2023. U.S. Marines and Sailors of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) / 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (SOC) departed Norfolk, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina after completing a comprehensive, nine-month training program. (U.S. NAVY VIDEO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS MANVIR GILL)

Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) Marines, Sailors set sail for deployment By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet ATLANTIC OCEAN — U.S. Marines and Sailors of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) / 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (SOC) departed Norfolk, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, after completing a comprehensive, ninemonth training program. The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces that foster maritime security and increased theater cooperation by providing a forward naval expeditionary presence with vast, specialized crisis response capabilities to support the geographic combatant commander, numbered ﬂeet commander, and joint special operations task force commander. “We are ready to complete any mission before us, and we are looking forward to the opportunities we will have to work alongside our allies and partners in the months ahead,” said Capt. Martin Robertson, commander of Amphibious Squadron 8. “Our Sailors and Marines have trained hard and are ready. We are thankful for the support of our families

and loved ones during this journey.” The BAT ARG/26th MEU(SOC)’s pre-deployment training program culminated with its final certification exercise, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), a series of exercises designed to fully integrate roughly 4,000 Marines and Sailors into one cohesive contingency force while testing the units’ abilities to carry out sustained operations from the sea. During COMPTUEX, the BAT ARG/26th MEU(SOC) operated under NATO command and control to replicate the realities of missions the Navy-Marine Corps team may encounter on deployment. “Over the course of the last nine months, Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU(SOC) successfully demonstrated the battle staff competencies coupled with all-domain operational capabilities and high proficiency across the MEU Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) mission essential tasks and warfighting functions, to include MEU/SOF-integration, during an enhanced, rigorous pre-deployment training program within a scenario reflective of the EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM regions,” said Col. Dennis “Dolf” Sampson, commanding

officer of the 26th MEU(SOC). “Throughout our work-ups, the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th MEU(SOC) executed multiple advanced at-sea training exercises and fully integrated into a cohesive naval expeditionary force capable of supporting theater campaigning requirements while remaining postured, as the Nation’s Immediate Response Force, to rapidly respond to any crisis.” The Bataan ARG is comprised of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 50), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked commands include commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 8, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 4, Beach Master Unit 2, and the 26th MEU(SOC). “I could not be any prouder of the Marines, Sailors, and families of the 26th MEU(SOC),” Sampson said. “They set the bar very high during our work-ups as the premiere Tri-GCC Crisis Response Force, showcas-

ing the ﬂexibility and all-domain operational capabilities the ARG/MEU(SOC) provides to a Fleet or Joint Task Force Commander within the littorals and beyond.” The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as one of the Nation’s premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the BAT ARG, the 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary. For more information, please contact Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) Public Affairs: Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs, CPR8PAO@lhd5.navy. mil and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Communication Strategy & Operations, 26MEU_ COMMSTRAT@bataan.usmc.mil.

Sailors recognized for assembling the ﬁrst En-Route Care Systems By Bobbie Camp

Naval Medical Forces Atlantic

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Biomedical technicians, logistics and retail service specialists from across the Navy Medicine enterprise have been at the forefront for the assembly of the U.S. Navy’s ﬁrst En-Route Care System (ERCS) and Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) designs at Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC) Williamsburg on board Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, March 3. Sailors from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda, Bremerton, Pensacola, Portsmouth, San Diego, Camp Lejeune and Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Juliet were on temporary additional duty to perform critical functions including disposition of obsolete material, inventory, maintenance, and reassignment of medical equipment. “Your job here is so important,” said Rear Adm. Matthew Case, commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), and director, Tidewater Market. “We have the equipment ready, on the books and on the shelves in the warehouse to support our operational mission.” The team’s efforts provided an accelerated production timeline that will play an important role in providing prepositioned medical assets to combatant commanders and theatre commanders around the world in support of service members and allies, and to also provide humanitarian efforts and disaster relief. “We need to be prepared to move patients with smaller, portable units,” explained NMFL Deputy Commander Capt. Carolyn Rice. “And in having these kits ready, getting them to the places that they need to go, is going to be crucial.” The team completed maintenance actions and certiﬁed for use 233 lifesaving pieces of equipment, dispositioned 30,185 items, with 2,480 items having been redistributed to other platform builds, and 40,209 items have been spot-inventoried. NFML leadership participated in a question-and-answer session, met with personnel during a warehouse tour, took group photos and presented coins to recognize

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (March 3, 2023) Rear Adm. Matthew Case, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL) commander and director, Tidewater Market, and Capt. Carolyn Rice, NMFL deputy commander, take a group photograph with biomedical equipment technicians, logistics and retail service specialists from across the Navy Medicine enterprise who assembled the U.S. Navy’s ﬁrst En-Route Care System (ERCS) and the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) designs at Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC) Williamsburg onboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY BOBBIE A. CAMP)

top performing Sailors. “What you all have done here is exciting to see,” concluded Case. “I just wanted to come out and say thank you.” NMRLC, headquartered in Williamsburg, manages the warehouse and production facilities that procures, produces, manages, prepositions, and deploys expeditionary medical systems and EMFs in support of operational plans, exercise support, and real-world operations. These deployable systems provide combatant commanders’ desired capabilities regard-

ing standardized, modular, scalable combat service support and medical/dental capabilities to an advanced-base environment across the entire range of joint military operations. NMFL, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crisis. NMFL provides oversight for 21 NMRTCs,

logistics, and public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Hawaii, Europe, and the Middle East. Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warﬁghter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 30, 2023)- A look inside the Thomas Hudner Conference Room at Naval Air Force Atlantic. The conference room was renamed during a ceremony earlier this month. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST BRIAN M. BROOKS)

AIRLANT renames conference room for Medal of Honor recipient

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Tatyana Freeman

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. — Dec. 4, 1950, against direct orders, Lt. j.g. Thomas J. Hudner Jr. intentionally crash-landed his own aircraft on the side of a cold, North Korean mountain after watching his squadron mate, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, get shot down by anti-aircraft ﬁre and crash on the side of that same mountain. Under the threat of enemy action and sub-zero temperatures, Hudner, and eventually a rescue pilot, 1st Lt. Charlie Ward, tried relentlessly to rescue Brown, even after he succumbed to his injuries. For his tireless efforts to rescue Brown, Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951. He went on to achieve the rank of Capt. and serve 27 years in the U.S. Navy before he retired. Earlier this month, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) held a renaming ceremony and renamed the command’s conference room to the “Thomas Hudner Conference Room” to recognize the decorated naval aviator. “Capt. Thomas Hudner exempliﬁed the courage and strength of character that every naval aviator and Sailor strives to have,” said Rear Adm. John Meier, the former AIRLANT commander, and a naval aviator himself, during the ceremony before his retirement from naval service. “Renaming this conference room not only honors him and his heroic actions, but impresses upon

the people entering it the importance and necessity of having that same courage and strength of character.” Aug. 31 marks what would have been Hudner’s 99th birthday as he passed away on Nov. 13, 2017. “As the new commander at AIRLANT, I take pride in hosting meetings in this space because it’s a constant reminder of the naval aviators who have come before us and have demonstrated notable heroism,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, Meier’s successor at

AIRLANT. “We truly do stand on the shoulders of giants like Capt. Hudner.” The conference room features a plaque with information about Hudner’s Medal of Honor, including the official citation and photos of the ceremony, photos of Hudner throughout his career, photos of Brown, and paintings of the aircraft Hudner was ﬂying during his rescue attempt. “When designing static displays and memorial pieces, my team does extensive research on the honoree,” said Richard

“Spike” Pittman, the director of AIRLANT’s visual information services. “We were grateful for the opportunity to put together a grouping of items that respectfully honored both Ensign Brown and Capt. Hudner.” AIRLANT features more than just a naval aviation tie to Hudner. Capt. Kevin Zayac, AIRLANT’s operations officer, was promoted to Lt. Cmdr. by Hudner in June of 2007. “Capt. Hudner was an incredible Officer and Aviator, and it was an honor to have him participate in my promotion ceremony,” said Zayac. “To see his legacy being honored in this way is a true testament to his service and dedication.” After retiring from the Navy, Hudner became extremely active in the veteran community and went on to serve as the commissioner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services. The Navy further honored Hudner with the naming of a ship- USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). Its motto is apt for its namesake: “Above all Others”. Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible for six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 43,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel based on the East Coast of the United States. It provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.

NSA Hampton Roads hosts Clean the Base Day at Portsmouth Annex By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads

It was an all hands effort to help beautify the base. Approximately 235 volunteers took a break from their daily work duties and spent a beautiful Friday morning walking around the base and picking up trash during Clean the Base Day at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex May 5. The event was in conjunction with Earth Day and emphasized this year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet” which encourages people to take action and join the environmental movement of working together to save our planet. “We really enjoy putting this event together every year because personnel want to do their part and help clean up the environment,” said Rachel L. Donegan, stormwater manager for NSA Hampton Roads who organized this year’s event. “Each year it gets bigger and better and we have more people who want to participate.” Armed with gloves and trash bags, Sailors and Civilians from NSA Hampton Roads, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth traversed throughout the installation and along the shoreline to gather trash, debris and other items. Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth, Va., also attended the Clean the Base Day event. “It is important to keep the Virginia watershed, waterways and shorelines clean of debris for the environment and façade,” said Jared Bobzien, site director at NSA Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex. “This was a joint stewardship and another example of how we continue to expand and strengthen the current relationship we share as a cohesive unit with the goal of keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean.” The installation was divided into different cleanup sections, with designated zone

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (May 5, 2023) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Katherine Uribe picks up trash at Portsmouth Annex during Clean the Base Day. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY KATISHA DRAUGHN-FRAGUADA/RELEASED)

captains helping the volunteers and ensuring that every area had been covered. “[Environmental stewardship] allows us to work as a team towards a common goal that is impacting the community in a positive manner,” said Lt. j.g. Sarah Stalsworth, healthcare administrator with NMFL. “I saw lots of smiles today, and people lending a hand to help one another accomplish the

mission.” Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Katherine Uribe from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth was happy to take the time to clean the base and make a difference. “It’s the right thing to do,” she said. “It is our responsibility to take care of our planet and leave it better for those who will come behind us.”

The event produced 3,591 pounds of solid waste that was picked up throughout the installation. “I want to thank all of the volunteers for taking time out of their day to help us with this event,” said Donegan. “We really appreciate them helping keep our installation, our community and the planet clean.”

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

ABOVE: NORFOLK, VA (Feb. 15, 2023) Culinary Specialist Third Class Bryan Snell, dressed as Robert Johnson, provides biographical information of Robert Johnson, during the Black History Month pageant presentation, Feb.15, 2023. The event honors the history and heritage of African Americans. BELOW: Culinary Specialist First Class Phillip Harrison, (left), Culinary Specialist First Class Ebony Fortney, Culinary Specialist Second Class Shelean Palmer, Culinary Specialist Third Class Bryan Snell, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Cedrick Ceballos, and Larisse Francois from SAPR Fleet and Family, participate in the Black History Month pageant presentation, Feb.15, 2023. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SECOND CLASS JOSEPH T MILLER)

Norfolk Naval Station galley holds ﬁrst Black History Month pageant presentation By Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Nunes

Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Office

NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Station Norfolk’s (NAVSTA) galley held their first Black History Month pageant presentation in remembrance of the famous African-Americans throughout history inside the NAVSTA Norfolk galley, Feb. 15, 2023. Black History Month is celebrated on February because, the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both U.S. President Abraham Lincoln who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and African-American abolitionist, author, and orator Frederick Douglass. “Normally we read off a pamphlet or a slide show about the person, it was very dull and boring and I wanted the sailors to have pride to research people that they would

want to emulate,” said Culinary Specialist First Class Phillip Harrison, the coordinator for the Diversity Committee and who gave the opening remarks giving background information of this month’s importance “You

should expect that the Sailors are very knowledgeable on who they are talking about and just the awareness on African-American history.” After the introduction, a poem, titled “I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings” written by Mya Angelou, was read by Larisse Francois. This was followed by the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, referred to as the “Black National Anthem”, sung by Culinary Specialist Second Class Stachel Smith. After the song, Sailors dressed up and presented short biographies of famous African-Americans, Culinary Specialist Third Class Bryan Snell as Robert Leroy Johnson,

Culinary Specialist Second Class Shelean Palmer as Ketanji Brown Jackson, Culinary Specialist First Class Ebony Fortney as Katherine Johnson, Culinary Specialist Second Class Cedrick Ceballos as Robert Smalls. The event concluded with closing remarks by Harrison. “Black History means recognition to me as an African-American,” said Harrison “It’s a chance for those of us that are African-American to really thank those that have come before us for the struggles and for the inventions that they’ve done for us for over the years and it’s a chance for us to recognize the struggle that we of African-American community have gone through.” The presentation ended off with the NAVSTA galley inviting everyone to enjoy a special meal prepared in honor of Black History Month.

CNAL Squadrons receive Battle “E” Award By Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic NORFOLK, Va. — Rear Adm. John F. Meier, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL), presented the first of many Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E,” awards to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 126 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, July 17 and July 20. Other Norfolk-based CNAL squadrons who will receive their Battle “E” include HSC-28, HSC-48, and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14. The following Jacksonville-based squadrons will also receive their Battle “E” awards. They include Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit (VPU) 2 and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72. Additionally, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) earned the Battle “E.” The Battle “E” award recognizes crews with high levels of sustained proficiency and readiness to perform in an operational environment throughout a yearlong evaluation. “Earning the Battle ‘E’ is an example of the technical expertise, mission focus, and going above and beyond the call of duty. I’m extremely proud of what these Sailors have accomplished over the past year, and this award is a testament to all of their hard work,” said Meier. As an example of that testament to technical expertise, HSC-11 supported USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 during their 2022 deployment. While deployed, HSC-11 completed 3,664 flight hours of operations providing plane guard and logistics support, transporting 1,530 passengers within the strike group, and delivered over 8.3 million pounds of cargo. “I could not be more proud of the Dragonslayer team and all their hard work and sacrifice during an extended deployment with CVW-1 and the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Jeremiah Farwell, HSC-11 commanding officer. “Every Sailor went above and beyond to take care of each other while simultaneously accomplishing the mission. We have a very special, close knit family here in HSC-11 and I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of this incredible team. Double One, Second to none.” Over the past year, VAW-126 completed a nine-month deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility in support of European Command (EUCOM) and NATO Allies. Their participation in enhanced air

NORFOLK, Va. (July 20, 2023) – Rear Adm. John F. Meier, center left, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, presents the Battle Efficiency, also known as the Battle“E”, award to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126, July 18. The Battle“E”is awarded to the units that obtained the highest overall readiness level to carry out assigned wartime tasks based on a yearlong evaluation. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS BONNIE LINDSAY)

policing (eAP) and various multi-nation/ partner exercises, to include Neptune Spear and Neptune Shield, played an integral role in reinforcing NATO’s eastern front. Cmdr. T. J. Browning, commanding officer of VAW-126, shared his pride surrounding the squadron earning the Battle “E” award. “This year’s Battle ‘E’ award signifies the hard work and dedication of our Sailors to accomplish every task and meet every planned goal throughout the past year,” said Browning. “Every Sailor at our command has had a part in earning the Battle ‘E’ and have constantly challenged one another to seek ways to improve. I couldn’t be more proud of them.” Browning also emphasized that VAW-126 was the first E-2D squadron to deploy with the aerial refueling capability and the Delta Systems Software Configuration (DSSC) 3.1, which allowed the aircraft to expand its reach, and provide tactical command and control further from the carrier.

Another Battle “E” recipient, VFA-81, conducted 1,370 sorties, completed 2,536 mishap-free hours with a 96 percent sortie completion rate during a nine-month deployment supporting NATO’s eAP and Vigilance Activity missions, Operation Neptune Strike and Operation Neptune Shield. VFA-81’s enhanced partnerships with counterparts from Romania, France, Sweden and Italy. Additionally, VFA-81 received the fiscal year 2022 Retention Excellence Award. “The work that our Sailors put in during 2022 was nothing short of phenomenal. Winning the Battle ‘E’ is a great honor and it’s a testament to our Sailors’ character, commitment to excellence, and diversity of skills, ideas, and backgrounds,” said Cmdr. Michael Farley, VFA-81 commanding officer. “Even in the face of challenges like an extended deployment, our Sailors’ ability to stay focused on the mission and work together as a high-performing team

impresses me every day and we’re excited to carry that tradition of excellence forward.” The units that receive the Battle “E” are considered the most ready for combat throughout the year and are judged based on their warﬁghting readiness; mission accomplishments; self-assessments and ability to improve; ability to innovate; and resiliency in executing their missions. Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible for seven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 52,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel with priorities focused on warﬁghting, people, and readiness by providing combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Sons carry the legacy of their father, retired Rear Adm. John F. Meier

By Lt. j. g. Jacqueline R. Ramos and Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian M. Brooks Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

Retiring from naval service is a time-honored tradition and is especially significant if family members play a part in the ceremony. This was the case when now retired, Rear Adm. John Meier, conducted his retirement ceremony in conjunction with the Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) change of command ceremony, Aug. 17. Naval officers, enlisted Sailors of all ranks, and family members, who traveled from near and far, attended the ceremony to see John Meier conclude his 37 years of dedicated naval service. Most notably in attendance was John Meier’s wife Rachel Meier and their two sons, Marine Corps 1stLt. Michael Meier and Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Matthew Meier. John Meier, at the beginning of the event, had no idea what significance his sons would play later on in the ceremony. “I believe the plan was actually my mother’s idea,” Michael Meier explained. “She gave my brother and me a warning months ahead of time that we would be taking part in the ceremony. Credit for any tact and composure my brother or I had during the ceremony goes to her. That coupled with 20 minutes of my brother and I arguing about how to march straight is about all ‘the plan’ we had.” The poem “The Watch” was read by retired Fleet Command Master Chief Huben Phillips right before John Meier and his wife Rachel Meier were given proper Navy honors to walk through the ceremonial sideboys for the last time as an active-duty officer family. “The Watch” is a poem about how throughout the career of a Sailor they “stand the watch” in spite of missing some monumental events in their own family’s lives and emphasizes what that sacrifice means. When a service member is retiring, the poem spotlights that the next generation now has the watch and the retiring member can stand relieved from duties. The symbol of this passing of the torch is a traditional salute through the words, “I now have the watch,” from the active-duty service member and a reply of, “I stand relieved of the watch,” from the retiree. This was the surprise role Michael Meier and Matthew Meier played in their father’s retirement, both giving John Meier his last salute. “Master Chief Huben Phillips pulled my brother and me aside before the event started and walked us through what we were supposed to do and helped us to coordinate our part,” added Matthew Meier. Michael Meier expressed how significant and sentimental this moment was for him. “My dad was also my first official salute after I commissioned, so to close the loop on something like that is really a surreal experience I can’t put into words,” Michael Meier said. “It felt more akin to a handshake or a hug; with the undertones of superior and subordinate rank, but also that of a shared family profession and pride in each other.” Michael Meier, 27, is currently stationed at the Tactics, Training and Exercise Control Group in 29 Palms, California. He commissioned into the Marine Corps after going to college at The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. His family’s military background was what inspired him to serve. “Growing up in a Navy family certainly lead to me joining the military,” Michael Meier said. “Coupled with a long family history of military service, and first hand experiences growing up within a Navy household, the idea of not joining the military in some capacity seemed foreign. Additionally, the caliber of people I was exposed to at a young age made the military seem incredibly inviting.” Matthew Meier, 23, is currently stationed in

Newport News, Virginia on the Los Angeles class-submarine USS Boise (SSN 764). Unlike his older brother, his family’s military background did not play a major role for his decision to serve, but rather his own plans for a career. He was previously attending college before he decided to enlist into the Navy. “College wasn’t the right fit [or] place for me,” Matthew Meier explained. “My parents have always been supportive in everything that I’ve done and were definitely surprised when I told them I was leaving college to join the Navy.” What both brothers have in common is their respect for their father and his extensive military career. They shared similar thoughts on his well-earned retirement. “I’m really happy for him and am very excited to see what’s next in life for both my mom and dad,” Matthew Meier said. “No one else deserves it more,” Michael Meier added. “While I am selfishly sad to see his active-duty time come to an end, I’m happy for all the experiences it has brought our family. Though, I’m even happier that my dad gets to sleep in past 8 a.m. now.” The final salute that the sons gave to their father was not just a sign of respect as military service members, but also a sign that they will carry on his honorable legacy in the U.S. armed forces. “I would say I have big shoes to fill, but we wear the same size boot so not sure that fits,” Michael Meier remarked. “I know the expectation is usually to ‘try and be as good as him one day,’ however I know my dad doesn’t want me or Matthew to be as successful as him; he wants us to be more so. But regardless if I stay in four more years or 40, the expectation is to continue to build on the Meier name and to better those around me through hard work and good morals.” Matthew Meier shared a similar sentiment. “My father’s legacy isn’t about being in the Navy,” Matthew Meier said. “It’s about being a good person. Leading people if you are able and treating those around you respectfully. I was brought up to be a good man and give back, in my way, to others. That’s the legacy I will carry.” These brothers know that they have the full support of their family to lean on and to help achieve their goals both while they currently serve their country and beyond.

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 17, 2023) Marine Corps 1st Lt. Michael Meier, left, and Information Systems Technician (Submarines) Matthew Meier, give their father, Rear Adm. John Meier, center, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT), the ﬁnal salute of his naval career during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Meier was relieved of command by Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo making him the 35th commander. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JACOB HILGENDORF/RELEASED)

NAVFAC MIDLANT recognizes its civilian workforce of military Veterans who are “STILL SERVING By Jeffrey C Doepp

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) is proud to celebrate and recognize its civilian workforce of military Veterans who are STILL SERVING their country. This unique campaign, in support of Veterans Day 2023, proudly acknowledges and highlights 26 employees for their prior military service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force, and for their continued civilian service to the Department of Defense and its customers. NAVFAC MIDLANT thanks each and every one of them for their service to our country - and for their dedicated support to the mission! NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering, public works and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine, as far west as Illinois, and down to Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organization to ensure the region’s facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively. For additional information about NAVFAC MIDLANT on social media, follow our activities on Facebook at www.facebook. com/navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @ navfacmidatlantic.

NORFOLK, VA (Nov. 10, 2023) Still Serving! In celebration of Veterans Day 2023, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic is proud to recognize dedicated employees who served in the U.S. military, and are #StillServing as Department of Defense civilians today. Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for your dedicated support to the mission. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO ILLUSTRATION FROM NAVFAC MIDLANT PUBLIC AFFAIRS/RELEASED)

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023

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Crossword

MAKING 20 OUT OF 9

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

LAST WEEKS CRYPTOQUIP ANSWER:

Why do the inhabitants of a certain Southeast Asian island always seem so fearful? Because they’re Timor-ous.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, December 21, 2023