Flagship 10.29.2020

IN THIS THIS ISSUE IN NAVY COLLEGE COLLEGE NAVY IN THIS ISSUE PROGRAM SURVEY:

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PROGRAM SURVEY: NAVYThe EOD HOLD NavyTO College Program The Navy College Program VIRTUAL TOWN HALL (NCP) announced a new, more more announced a new, FOR (NCP) INTERESTED efficient customer customer service service efficient NROTC MIDSHIPMEN opinion survey survey July July 24, 24, as as part part opinion of the continuing improvement The EOD community is hosting of the continuing improvement process forfor Voluntary avirtualprocess town hall highly for Voluntary Education. motivated Naval Reserve OffiSee A6 Education.

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07.26.18–08.01.18 07.26.18–08.01.18

TRUMAN STRIKE GROUP Helicopter Mine RETURNS TO NORFOLK, Countermeasures REMAINS READY Squadron 15 gets Battle “E” award

VOL. 26, No. 42, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

10.29.2020_11.04.2020

By Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK

The “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 were presented the prestigious Battle Efficiency, or Battle “E” award for the second consecutive year in a ceremony at the squadron’s hangar aboard Norfolk Naval Station, Oct. 26.

Rear Adm. John F. Meier, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic presented the award to the Blackhawks’ Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Andrea Ragusa, a native of Bryson City, North Carolina.

“I appreciate the work that you are doing,” said Meier, who congratulated the unit for also receiving the Safety “S” award. “I am really, really impressed with this squadron. Thanks F/A-18 Super Hornets perform a fly over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman for your hard work, your dedication F/A-18 Super Super Hornets Hornets perform perform aa fly fly over over the the Nimitz-class Nimitz-class aircraft aircraft carrier carrier USS USS Harry Harry S. S.Truman Truman F/A-18 (CVN 75) during a change of command ceremony for the “Fighting Checkmates” of Strike and passion as well as your service to (CVN 75) 75) during during aa change change of of command command ceremony ceremony for for the the “Fighting “Fighting Checkmates” Checkmates” of of Strike Strike (CVN Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211.

Fighter Squadron Squadron (VFA) (VFA) 211.

211.

Fighter our nation. Thank you all.”

Competition for the Battle “E” is MC2 Scott T Swofford MC2 Scott Scott TT Swofford Swofford MC2 extremely competitive and is awarded annually to the aviation squadron who achieves the highest standards of pergroup remains ready to surge forward or reFrom Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group From Harry Harry S. S. Truman Truman Carrier Carrier Strike Strike Group Group group remains ready to surge forward or reFrom formance readiness. The annual award Public Affairs deploy when called upon.

Public Affairs Affairs Public deploy when called upon. also recognizes the squadron’s unit “Our strike group’s missions have demMax Lonzanida/ “Our strike group’s missions have demtraining and operational achieveNORFOLK onstrated we are inherently maneuverable Staff members at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum conduct a walk through of their gallery to receive an orientation to enhanced health NORFOLK NORFOLK onstrated we are inherently maneuverable ments. They are the best of an exmeasures preparation planned the public on Wednesday, November 4,un2020. The museum gallery, located on the while remaining operational Nearly in 6,500 Sailors for of their the Harry S. re-opening Tru- andtoflexible flexible while remaining operational unNearly 6,500the Sailors of the Harry S. Tru- and tremely competitive field of highly second floor of campus in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia haspotential been closed since March to any adversary,” said2020 as a response COVID-19. Enhanced man Carrier StrikeNauticus Group (HSTCSG) arrived predictable predictable to any potential adversary,” said social distancing requirements, increased man Carrier Striketheir Group (HSTCSG) arrived capable and deserving squadrons. safety measures gallery include hand sanitizing stations, reminding visitors about Black.

“This signage epitomizes the Navy’s dynamic in Naval Stationin(NS) Norfolk, Virginia, July “This epitomizes the Navy’s dynamic in Naval by Station (NS) Norfolk, July Black. cleaning staff, mandatory faceVirginia, mask requirements for visitors, and reduced gallery among other measures.

“Every single Blackhawk is a vital force employment concept and capacity shows this 21. force employment concept and shows this 21. member of this team and without each The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman strike group is ready and capable of accomThe aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman strike group is ready and capable of accomand every one of them, HM-15 would (CVN 75) and strike group ships USS Nor- plishing any mission, at any time, as our na(CVN 75) and strike group ships USS Nor- plishing any mission, at any time, as our nanot maintain this success,” said Ramandy (CG 60), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG tion directs.” mandy (CG 60), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG tion directs.” gusa, who added that the Blackhawks While in Norfolk, the strike group will not 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) MC2 Thomas Gooley While in Norfolk, the strike group will not 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) continuously exhibited quality and te- Gooley MC2 Thomas Gooley MC2 Thomas arrived after operating for more than three only conduct routine maintenance on ships, A Sailor embraces his loved on after USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived at Naval Station arrived after operating for more than three only conduct routine maintenance on ships, AA Sailor Sailor embraces embraces his his loved loved on on after after USS USS Harry Harry S.Truman Truman (CVN 75)pursuit arrived at atof Naval Station S. arrived Naval Station nacity in (CVN their75) combat months in the U.S. 5th and 6th fleets areas of aircraft and equipment, but Sailors will also Norfolk. months in the U.S. 5th and 6th fleets areas of aircraft and equipment, but Sailors will also Norfolk.

Norfolk. readiness and battle effectiveness as be able to continue advanced training, mainresponsibility. be able to continue advanced training, mainresponsibility. they successfully tackled each new “I couldn’t be more proud of this strike tain warfighting certifications, as well as “I couldn’t be more proud of this strike tain warfighting certifications, as well as “Their ability to consisAdditionally, the HSTCSG conducted focused and ready for whatever lies ahead.”challenge. group team’s performance over more than spend time with family and friends. the HSTCSG conducted focused and ready for whatever lies ahead.”tently Additionally, group team’s performance over more than spend time with family and friends. adaptoperations and overcome thepartners with alliestoand “I’m incredibly proud of the grit, determiWhile deployed, the strike group partici- bilateral three months of operating in a highly-dybilateral operations with allies partners “I’m incredibly of240 the grit, determiWhile deployed, the over strike230 group particithree months of operating in a highly-dy- visitors By Max Lonzanida to take inproud overeffort years ofSail-havepated beenin shuttered days changes in U.S. the world is and truly in both 5th andtoday 6th fleets, to include phenomenal Truman’s a variety offor partnership and interopnamic environment across two theaters,” nation and Hampton Naval Museum Public Affairstwo theaters,” naval in both U.S. 5th and 6th fleets, to nation and phenomenal effort Truman’s Sailpated in a variety of partnership and interopnamic Roads environment across history in the region without COVID-19 put as anwell end astomaritime public and remarkable.

I remain byinclude Egypt, Morocco, Italy,impressed France, Germany and shown over the last threecost. monthssince erability exercises, said HSTCSG Commander Rear Adm. Gene ors have Egypt, Morocco, Italy, France, Germany and ors includes have shown over the last three months erability exercises, as well as maritime and said HSTCSG Commander Rear Adm. Gene This tellS.theTruman’s his- visitation thisoperations. year. theirthe relentless hard work andaircraft dedicaUnited Kingdom.

Also, from emsea,” saidthat Harry theater earlier security Strike group Black. “We carried out the full spectrum of operating at artifacts Kingdom. Also, from emoperating sea,” saidfrom Harry S.revoluTruman’s theater security closure, operations.

Strike group Black. “We carried out the full spectrum of tory NORFOLK of the at U.S. Navy lengthy HRNM will tion the to United thisCarrier command and(CVW) Iaircraft am 1exunits aparticipated in Exercise Baltic Operabarked Air Wing supported Officer Capt.the Nick Dienna. After missions from sustained combat flight oper- Commanding units participated in Exercise Baltic Operabarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 supported Commanding Officer Capt.

Nick Dienna. missions from sustained combat flight operThe to Hampton Roads Naval Museum, the Civil again re-openfrom to thevisitors tremely proudInherent and honored toduring be able (BALTOPS) Adriatic on Sea and Operation Resolve May and “Whilewar, we through plan to enjoy our War, time both in port,oncetions ations training and integration with NATO tionary from4,the2020 Adriatic and Operation Inherent “WhileWars we plan enjoy our time in port, tions (BALTOPS) ations to training and integration with located Downtown Norfolk onNATO the World and totheir newest November at Sea 10 Moto serve by their side.”Resolve during May and Exercise Lightning Handshake with the including reconnecting with thoseexhibit who sup-Wednesday, allies andinregional partners.” including reconnecting those who sup- Exercise Lightning Handshake with the Moallies anddeck regional the partners.” second Nauticus the story of with thecontinuing Navy’s role portedtells us from afar, we’re to stay roccan Navy and Air Force.

Black also of emphasized that Campus the strike which »»See HOME | A6 and Air Force. ported us from afar, we’re continuing to Black also emphasized that the strike »»See HOME | A6 next to the Battleship Wisconsin allows during the Vietnam War. Their doorsstay roccan Navy ❯❯ See RE-OPENED | A7 ❯❯ See SQUADRON 15 | A7

Naval Museum re-opens on November 4th

NAVFAC CNRMA HOLDS HOLDS CNRMA Mid-Atlantic CHANGE OF OF COMMAND, COMMAND, CHANGE RETIREMENT CEREMONY receives 2020 RETIREMENT CEREMONY Summit Award was the guest speaker.

Scorby, a native of Manlius, N.Y., asby N.C. Military sumed command of CNRMA on March 10, 2016 and demonstrated innovative Business Rear Adm. Charles W.Center Rock relieved leadership in guiding 14 installations

By MC3 Caledon Rabbipal

By MC3 MC3 Caledon Caledon Rabbipal Rabbipal By

was the guest speaker.

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

Rear Adm. John C. Scorby Jr. as Com- across a 20-state region.

By David Todd mander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic While under Scorby’s command, Naval Facilities Navy Mid-AtlanticRegion Public AffairsMid-Atlantic mander, While under Scorby’s command, (CNRMA), during a change of command CNRMA encouraged energy conserva(CNRMA), during a change of command CNRMA encouraged energy conservaNORFOLK ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, tion through initiatives such as Battle ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, tion through initiatives such as Battle Naval July 20. Facilities Engineering Command “E” for energy program, resulting in July 20. for energy program, resulting in (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic was ceremony announced “E” The change of command the region garnering 27 Secretary of the The change of command ceremony the region garnering 27 Secretary of the as year’s recipient North Navy energy wasthis immediately followed ofby the a retireand water management was immediately followed by a retireNavy energy water management Carolina Military Business Center awards during and ment ceremony for Scorby.

2016 and 2017. Scorby David Todd ment ceremony for Scorby. awards during 2016 and 2017. Scorby (NCMBC) 2020 Summit part of also Vice Adm. Mary M. Award Jackson,as comchampioned the Fleet and FamCapt.

Tres Meek, Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic (left) and Cmdr. Micah Kiletico, Assistant Vice Mary Region M. Jackson, comchampioned the Fleet and Famthe 2020Adm. Southeast Con- also Officer, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic mander, Navy Installations Federal Command ilyOperations Support Program, collaborating with (U.S. Marine Corps AOPS) (center) receive the 2020 North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) mander, Navy Installations Command ily Support Program, collaborating with struction, Infrastructure and Environmen- Summit Award on behalf of the command from NCMBC Executive Director, Scott Dorney (right), Oct. 9, in recognition of exceptional service, Navy Public Affairs Support Element – East Navy Public Public Affairs Affairs Support Support Element Element –– East East Navy

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meritorious»achievement and conspicuous »See CEREMONY | A8 innovation in federal construction, infrastructure, energy and environmental marketplace in support »»Florence See CEREMONY | A8 of Hurricane Recovery efforts in North Carolina.

MCSN Caledon Rabbipal MCSN Caledon Caledon Rabbipal Rabbipal MCSN

IWTC Virginia FATHER & SON FATHER & SON Beach’s IW Basic INVENTORS INVENTORS Course prepares RECOGNIZED: RECOGNIZED: IW warriors toteam A father and son A father and son team fight win were and among 32 inventors were among 32 inventors honored at the Naval Future leaders within the honored at the Naval Surface Warfare Center information warfare comSurface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division munity (IWC) have perDahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Patent Awards severed and are training (NSWCDD) Patent Awards ceremony, July 19. forceremony, future challenges.

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NAVFAC AtPartnerships with MINE EXERCISE VETERAN’S MINE EXERCISE VETERAN’S lantic ansmall business BEGINS: KITCHEN HELPS BEGINS: KITCHEN nounces 2021HELPS Military Sealift Command U.S. Navy mine countermeasure HOMELESS U.S. Navy mine countermeasure HOMELESS Engineer hosted small Self units,prospective Japan Maritime VETS:of the units, Japan Maritime Self VETS: Year business industry partners on and Defense Force MCM units, The non-profit Defense Force MCM units, and The non-profit Oct. 22.

The event included Indian Navy Explosive Ordinance Telecommunications organization, is Indian Navy Explosive organization, is over 450 registered attend-Ordinance Disposal units commenced 2JA expert Charles Bolt, preparing to place Disposal units commenced 2JA preparing to place ees, which included approximine countermeasure exerciseP.E., was recently its 500th veteran into mine300 countermeasure exercise its 500th veteran into mately business 2018 nearsmall Ominato, Japan, on named Atlantic 2021 new housing within 2018 near Ominato, Japan, on new housing within representatives.

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Bill Mesta Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, addresses prospective small business and industry partners during the command's Virtual Small Business Industry Day, Oct. 22. The event, hosted remotely to reduce the spread of COVID-19, was held to provide industry with information about conducting business with MSC.

Partnerships with small business, industry are vital to Military Sealift Command success From USN Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK

Military Sealift Command hosted prospective small business industry partners, to its inaugural Virtual Small Business Industry Day, Oct. 22. The event included over 450 registered attendees, which included approximately 300 small business representatives.

The event was designed to connect prospective small businesses and industry representatives with MSC key leaders and subject matter experts in an effort to forge mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Our mission at MSC is to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations,” Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command said during his opening remarks. “This includes support for the current global environment, which has been described as the ‘Great Power Completion,’ and to responding to crisis and conflict if required. We provide agile logistics, strategic sealift, and specialized mission support anywhere in the world, twentyfour hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.”

“MSC is a $2 billion plus annual obligating organization supporting operations in all 24 time zones,” according to Leah Baker, Military Sealift Command’s Director of Small Business Programs and lead coordinator for MSC’s Virtual Small Business Industry Day. “We provide services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Transportation Command, the Missile Defense Agency and other U.S. government agencies.”

MSC’s workforce of approximately 7,600 people includes Civil Service Mariners (CIVMAR), active duty and reserve service members federal civil service employees and contractors. An additional 1,400 commercial mariners support MSC’s prepositioning, sealift and special missions.

“MSC’s small business strategy is to promote small business as our first option throughout all of the phases of the acquisition life-cycle,” said Capt. Susan Ayers,

Military Sealift Command’s Director of Contracts and Business Management. “We believe that a healthy industrial base is vital for the continued success and affordability of the U.S. Navy as well as our national security.”

“Nearly half of all the contracts executed by MSC are awarded to small businesses; over $1 billion every year,” continued Ayers. “MSC has uniquely emphasized small business programs throughout its history.”

MSC’s mission leads to routine year to year spending which falls into three common categories."

“MSC’s annual spending requirements include ship charters, including ocean going vessels, harbor tugs as well as our operation and maintenance contracts for our government owned, contractor operated ships,” according to Ayers.

“Our second routine spending requirement is ship repair,” she continued. “This includes ship maintenance and repair which is vital to MSC to sustain our capabilities and lethality for MSC’s missions.”

MSC’s ship repair requirements include voyage repairs, mid-term maintenance availabilities, ship dry docking, and emergent repairs to include casualty reports (CASREP) and service support.

“Service contracts also fall under MSC’s ship repair spending requirement,” said Ayers. “We require training for MSC’s service members, civilian support staff as well as specialized training for our CIVMARs.” “Logistics support, an array of services which include warehousing, material receiving and auditability, is the third MSC annual spending requirement,” Ayers said.

“Engineering service support, information technology as well as both ashore and afloat systems fall under our logistic support requirements.”

Commodity requirements, such as paint, lube oil and chemicals, are additional MSC logistics support spending needs.

For small business and industry interested in conducting business with MSC, the command’s Office of Small Business Programs is the best place to start.

“We are the small business advocacy and advisory office responsible for ensuring small business concerns are afforded maximum practicable opportunities to participate in MSC’s acquisition requirements as prime contractors and subcontractors,” said Baker. “Our role as the command’s small business professionals include implementing the overall Department of the Navy Small Business Program, advocating to maximize small business opportunities and advising and assisting MSC personnel on small business matters.”

Baker also addressed the role of her office’s team of Small Business Professionals, which includes the Deputy Director, Ms. Jacqueline Alford.

“Small Business Professionals are in a unique position as we interact with stakeholders, both within and outside the command,” she said. “If you are in need of assistance in locating a requirement or you are having trouble communicating with a contracting officer, we can assist. Our Small Business Professionals can assist with counseling, payment issues, reviewing a small business’ capabilities for potential future requirements and answer basic contracting questions.”

Military Sealift Command’s Virtual Small Business Industry Day included presentations from MSC’s Small Business Office, the Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the Small Business Administration Procurement Center and the Department of the Navy Mentor Protégé Program.

Key MSC Teammates also addressed the qualifications for items which are critical for shipboard safety, additive manufacturing needs, MSC’s logistics gaps and needs and the command’s ‘Taluga Group.’

The event offered prospective small business industry partners the opportunity to meet individually with key MSC subject matter experts during virtual ‘matchmaking’ sessions.

“We offered a limited number of virtual vendor pitch sessions for MSC’s first VSBID because they allowed small businesses to pitch their capabilities which could assist MSC with meeting our mis-

sion,” according to Baker. “The one-onone sessions were very effective. However, the slots available filled up quickly and we were unable to accommodate all requests.”

If you are a small business representative who is interested in connecting with MSC, please contact the Office of Small Business Programs at comsc_osbp@navy.mil.

Military Sealift Command is always in search of new small business industry partners. Prospective partners who are interested in conducting business with MSC should start by visiting https:// www.msc.usff.navy.mil/ and MSC’s Small Business web site https:// www.msc.usff.navy.mil/Business-Opportunities/Small-Business-Opportunities/ for more information about conducting business with MSC. Feedback from those who attended the event indicated that the prospective small business, industry partners found the virtual occasion to be very helpful.

One small business representative stated that the MSC Virtual Small Business Industry Day was, “well organized and informative. We really learned a great deal and received useful information.”

This year’s Small Business Industry Day was hosted virtually to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Military Sealift Command intends on hosting future Small Business Industry Days which will either be held in person or virtually depending on the state of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Information about future events will be provided to the public.

“We were all sad at MSC that we were not able to meet in person with our prospective small business partners in person this year,” concluded Baker. “Yet we were overjoyed to be able to connect with so many of you in this virtual environment.

We recognize that outreach events, such as this year’s MSC Virtual Small Business Industry Day are vitally important to building and sustaining our industrial base.”

MSC is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense and is responsible for approximately 125 civilian crewed naval auxiliary ships which operate around the world. MSC is responsible for its ships life-cycle management, material readiness, maintenance, repair and logistics support.

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Charles W. “Chip” Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA):

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A3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Airborne Command & Control Community marks the 60th anniversary of its first maiden flight From Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK

While the U.S. Navy celebrated its 245th birthday this October, the Airborne Command & Control Logistics Community marked a longevity milestone, the 60th anniversary of the maiden E-2 flight, Oct. 21.

On Oct. 21, 1960, the first flight of the E-2A occurred out of Bethpage, New York. Five years later, on Oct. 19, 1965, the U.S. Navy conducted its first E-2 deployment.

“For 60 years, the E-2 has been the eye in the sky for the U.S. Navy,” said Capt. Michael France, Commander, Airborne Command & Control Logistics Wing, who has flown more than 4,700 hours flying 25 different aircraft. “The E-2 has continued to manage the airspace in both times of peace and in times of conflict, and we are grateful for every pilot, maintainer, and aircrew who have supported this community.”

During an interview, Rear Adm. John Meier, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic on the admiral’s All Things Naval Aviation podcast, France discussed the test pilot who flew the first E-2.

“Oct. 21, 1960 was the first flight of the E-2 and was flown by test pilot Tom Attridge,” said France, who added that from the first test to today, the E-2 community is involved in three major transitions. “We are just over 50 percent complete with transitioning squadrons from the E-2C to the E-2D, as well as moving from E-2D to E-2D aerial refueling and the mission systems going from DSSC 2 to DSSC 3. An E-2D with Aerial Refueling and DSSC 3 will provide persistence on station with tremendous mission capability.”

Meier discussed how the advancements in the E-2 community to the E-2D Aerial Refueling serves as an example of the true strength of carrier aviation and the evolution of the Air Wing.

“When we talk about the evolution of the Air Wing and what makes a Carrier Air Wing so relevant is the fact that it brings its own airborne early warning, it brings its own airborne electronic attack, it brings its own organic refu-

eling capability, and a whole host of long-range detection and command and control,” said Meier.

The all-weather, carrier-based platform has continued to increase its capability over the past six decades with the introduction of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in 2010.

Typically, on any given deployment the E-2 is the first to launch and the last to recover on the flight deck due to the important role it serves for the Carrier Strike Group.

“The E-2 continues its long history of deploying and providing mission critical capabilities to the fleet,” said France, who added that the capabilities of a command & control platform are significantly advanced with the advent of the E-2D. The technological advancements of the E-2D expand the tactical capabilities of the aircraft within its preexisting mission set. The APY-9 radar enables detection of smaller contacts and at greater ranges, while the weapons system suite quickly processes and relays this information to the

Carrier Strike Group.

As part of the Air Wing of the Future, the E-2D will maximize the offensive power of the Carrier Air Wing.

“The radar, radios and datalinks have improved significantly over the years, and with each new generation, such as the E-2D, the Navy has successfully learned how to leverage those advanced capabilities to our asymmetric advantage,” said France.

France added that having the capability to exploit Hawkeye radar technology for earlier and precise detection is a game changer.

The E-2 community supports a variety of mission sets, including Airborne Early Warning, battle management command and control, strike and intercept control, maritime domain awareness, border and coastline protection, air traffic control, search and rescue coordination, and humanitarian assistance.

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A4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

IWTC Virginia Beach’s IW Basic Course prepares IW warriors to fight and win From Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH

As the Navy continues to safely navigate the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, future leaders within the information warfare community (IWC) have persevered and are training for future challenges. Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach’s Information Warfare Basic Course (IWBC) continues to develop and deploy IWC professionals across the globe.

IWBC provides active and Reserve component, new-accession, lateral transfer, designated restricted line, limited duty officers, and chief warrant officers with the basic knowledge and skills to perform as a first tour information warfare officer.

The course is three weeks long with an annual throughput of approximately 430 students. IWBC students span all designators across the IWC with specialties in intelligence, information systems professionals, cryptologic warfare, meteorological and oceanographic and cyber warfare.

“Learning the foundational information in three weeks seemed rather intimidating at first, but having the high-quality level instructors provide a

Center for Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach

‘layman’s’ understanding helped tremendously,” said Ensign Mark Vear, a recent student. “I now have a solid understanding of the IWC and my role within the community.”

IWBC provides an opportunity for members of each of the IWC designators to work with each other and learn the basic capabilities that are outside their specific warfighting domain. With shared functions, capabilities and resources, IWC professionals work together to leverage their skills to optimize decision making and to maximize the use of sensors, weapons, network communications and control systems for purposes of national security and warfighting.

The course also sets the tone for the rest of these junior officers’ careers prior to the start of their individual community’s basic qualifying courses.

IWTC Virginia Beach, located in Dam Neck Annex, currently offers 65 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of 280 military, civilian, and contractors who train over 6,500 students every year. It is one of four schoolhouses for the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and oversees learning sites at Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut to continue aligning information warfare

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community training.

With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 22,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

For more news from the Center for Information Warfare Training domain, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/CIWT, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.

A5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

MC2 Charles Oki Midshipman 1st Class Nicholas Sieja, a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipman from Duke University, dons a Mark 9 Bomb Suit prior to an agility test as part of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) summer cruise at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 headquarters on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, June 19, 2018. The EOD Summer cruise is used to identify potential EOD officers from NROTC and the U.S. Naval Academy prior to their senior year.

Navy EOD to hold virtual town hall for interested NROTC midshipmen From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community is hosting a virtual town hall for highly motivated Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen 6 and 7 Nov. The virtual event will provide interested NROTC midshipmen with an opportunity to learn more about the Navy EOD community mission and what it takes to join the premier maritime EOD force. The sessions on Nov. 6 will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

EST and will cover the EOD community mission. The meetings on Nov. 7 will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST and will focus on selection, initial training, and an EOD operator first tour.

“Right now, we are developing the future of the EOD force to face threats associated with great power competition,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Quihuis, the community manager for Navy EOD officers. “We need servant leaders and quiet professionals who can conceptualize the tactical and strategic impacts that the EOD community makes every day in defense of our nation.”

Quihuis said the EOD community is

tight-knit and looks for humble, problem-solving, physically fit and mentally tough men and women who desire to serve their country and are willing to work toward creating an environment where America is undeterred by the threat of explosives.

Navy EOD officers are charged with small-unit leadership and receive specialized training to handle chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons to clear explosive hazards on land, at sea and under the sea. They work closely with special operations forces and conventional forces to provide access and maneuverability to achieve their missions.

The intelligence they gather from rendering safe foreign weaponry can be used to paint accurate intelligence pictures to defeat networks and deter future threats.

Interested NROTC students should register at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/us-navy-eodvirtual-exposure-event-tickets-123512971623.

For more information on the Navy EOD officer accession program, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/officer/communitymanagers/active/Unrestricted/Pages/ExplosiveOrdnanceDisposalOCM.aspx For more information on the Navy EOD community, follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navy-explosive-ordnance-disposal Instagram: @officialnavyeod

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A6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

NAVFAC Atlantic announces 2021 Engineer of the Year

By JC Kreidel

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK

Telecommunications expert Charles Bolt, P.E., was recently named Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic 2021 Engineer of the Year, noting his two decades of service delivering crucial projects to the fleet while simultaneously seeking to further strengthen the technical expertise of his team.

“One of the things I think is so special about Chuck is that he is so passionate about helping the entire electrical engineering community of practice,” says NAVFAC Atlantic electrical engineering branch manager Solveigh Keene.

“He really takes to heart NAVFAC’s commitment to strengthening our systems command team, sharing what he knows today, but is also constantly reaching out to industry, making sure the Navy is getting the latest and best so we can meet our commitment to the warfighter.”

Bolt is no stranger to professional accolades, having previously received awards for high visibility projects to include the new Master Clock at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. as well as the construction of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) aircraft hangar at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. According to Bolt, the complicated nature of designing such facilities–important to the Navy’s mission and the warfighters who execute it– involves extraordinary detail and teamwork to see a project to fruition.

“The hangar at Tinker Air Force Base serves our warfighters, by establishing the main operating point for the airborne portion of TACAMO enabling emergency communications for com-

mand and control of our nuclear arsenal,” says Bolt. “The Master Time Clock project at the Naval Observatory is so very important to the U.S. military as it determines exactly the position of the Earth, moon, and stars and allows celestial objects like satellites to operate and keep precision time. This allows command and control of many of the warfighter’s assets used to accomplish their complex mission.”

To his colleagues, Bolt deftly combines years of experience with a hunger to learn more.

“As a senior electrical engineer, Chuck consistently leverages his depth of design experience to ensure our nation’s warfighters receive quality (and) specialized facilities to perform their mission,” says Rick Stephens, a professional engineer and design director who has worked with Bolt most of his civil service career. “As NAVFAC LANT’s telecommunications expert, Chuck adeptly manages ever-changing project requirements with utmost professionalism, and his expertise is regularly sought from across the NAVFAC enterprise.”

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, much of his work is targeted on installations overseas. In the last two years alone, Bolt focused his energy in the successful design of highly complex, critical communications facilities in Spain, Italy, and Greece to provide, sustain, and protect telecommunications and network connectivity to Navy air, ashore and afloat assets. These facilities modernize the Navy’s telecommunication infrastructure providing vital support to the warfighter with real-time communication and mission synchronization essential for success in the modern battlefield.

“Given the state of our current con-

nected world, updating the Navy’s infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art telecommunications to our warfighters and supporting personnel is of utmost importance,” says Bolt.

A valued mentor, known to be resourceful and flexible, Bolt seeks opportunities to improve the quality of work produced by the command, even in the face of a global pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 distributed workforce environment, he focused on actively mentoring junior engineers while maintaining his own extremely heavy workload, adapting new virtual work models, and holding internal training classes to ensure junior engineers were progressing their skills in the telework model.

“I have attempted to share my accumulated knowledge and experience with younger members of the branch by sharing lessons learned from previous projects that include how to interact with other design disciplines, best practices for calculations and design criteria basis, and navigating the complex system of codes, criteria, and specifications that we here at NAVFAC base our design,” says Bolt.

Bolt is passionate about NAVFAC’s commitment to workforce development, adding “I have seen throughout my career that young engineers flourish exponentially more when mentored and guided by more experienced colleagues than left to their own to navigate a highly complex profession.”

Those engineers agree.

“Chuck is generous with his time,” says Gabby Bauman, an electrical engineer with the command. “He always takes the opportunity to teach and share his knowledge with others. With his experience he has become an essential part of the electrical design team at NAVFAC and he has been an incredible mentor.”

This coming December marks 20 years working projects for the fleet as a NAVFAC employee, three of which were spent overseas in Italy working as the lead Del Din Army Base project, which was a $300 million NAVFAC design and construction project for the U.S. Army. Bolt now moves on to compete at the enterprise level for honors as the NAVFAC Engineer of the Year.

A7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Re-opened | Naval Museum re-opens on November 4th Continued from A1 a.m. allowing visitors to experience U.S. Navy history.

Visiting hours will remain the same as the Nauticus Campus, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Amid COVID-19, staff members have taken steps in their gallery to ensure the health and safety of guests.

Visitors to their gallery will encounter signage requiring guests to maintain at least six feet of social distance, and that guests at least 10 and older wear face masks. Visitors are also encouraged to use the hand sanitizing stations throughout their gallery and avoid touching surfaces. Staff members will be on-hand for more frequent sanitizing, and to field questions.

The museum’s re-opening also entails a resumption of military ceremonies aboard the Battleship Wisconsin.

Those familiar know that the Battleship’s decks make for one of the region’s most iconic re-enlistment venues.

Military ceremonies are limited to 25 per party and will be held in front of Turret #1. There will be no equipment allowed onboard, and those interested in this free service can contact Thomas.Dandes@navy.mil or call (757) 3223106.

Educational programs for area schools and military commands have also resumed in virtual format amid COVID-19. Area educators can request their popular educational programs that are aligned with statewide standards virtually on a host of historical topics. Area commands can also request a virtual speaker on a variety of topics as well. To inquire, contact Laura.L.Orr@navy.mil or call (757) 322-3108. Lastly, the museum’s annex facility aboard Naval Station Norfolk has resumed in-person historical programs on a range of topics. The same mitigations that are in-place in their gallery remain, with group size limited to 10 attendees. Those interested can contact Katherine.Renfrew@navy.mil or call (757) 4456844.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of 10 museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. It interprets, preserves, curates and shares the rich history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads area to the general public and area commands through on-site visitation, educational programs available to the public and to area military commands, and of course virtually as well. To learn more, visit www.hrnn.navy.mil or connect with them at www.facebook.com/HRNavalMuseum.

Awards | NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic receives 2020 Summit Award by N.C. Military Business Center Continued from A1 tal Summit, Oct. 21-22.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Summit was held virtually this year. Keynote speakers included: Maj. Gen. David C. Hill, the deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, the commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic; and Col. Jason Kelly, the commander of South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

During the two-day event, the Summit was fortunate to bring together more than 800 representatives, including military entities, federal agencies, general and specialty contractors, designers, and construction suppliers within the Southeast Region. Despite the virtual format, there were still ample opportunities for networking between military, state, federal and industry participants.

“For many years, NAVFAC MIDLANT has been a tremendous partner of contractors, designers, suppliers and other infrastructure business, military and the NCMBC in North Carolina,” said Scott Dorney, the executive director for NCMBC. “NCMBC has had the pleasure to work with NAVFAC MIDLANT since 2005, which means we have navigated together through milestones including ‘Grow the Force,’ sequestration, and now Hurricane Florence Recovery.”

Capt. Tres Meek, the commanding officer for NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic and Cmdr. Micah Kiletico, the assistant operations officer (U.S. Marine Corps AOPS) for NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic accepted the award, Oct. 9, on behalf of the command in recognition of exceptional service, meritorious achievement and conspicuous innovation in federal construction, infrastructure, energy and environmental marketplace in support of Hurricane Florence Recovery efforts in North Carolina (NC).

The award was presented at NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic headquarters in Norfolk by Dorney on behalf of Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), the NCMBC, and the NC Defense Technology Transition Office, which was the co-host of this year’s Summit.

In 2020, despite facing a global COVID-19 pandemic, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic surpassed expectations in the state of NC by awarding a multiple award construction contact (MACC) with five contractors and a $975 million ceiling; awarding a $240 million mechanical MACC with four awardees; for work accomplished on all MACCs and

stand-alone contracts at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point (primarily roofing and general construction); execution of $1.2 billion in Hurricane Florence Recovery (HFR) repair construction at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point; and awarding seven packages with more than 30 projects totaling nearly $1.7 billion in HFR replacement construction at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.

Executing these projects in an austere environment not only highlighted NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic’s inherent drive to develop, compete and award large-scale programs, it also showed a commitment to working with industry and local communities within the state of NC to improve and meet the needs of the warfighter.

In addition to the accomplishments, NAVFAC MidAtlantic kept open communication for the selection process, communicated with the local government to ensure a maximum opportunity was afforded to small businesses, and ensured adequate logistical support was available for contractors during project execution.

“This was a massive team effort from all of our stakeholders, including multiple echelons up and down the chain of command and multiple government agencies,” said Kiletico in recognition of receiving the award.

“This also could not have been possible without our contracting partners in the Architect-Engineer and construction contractor communities throughout the entire process. The team has a lot of work in front of us and we look forward to much more success in the near future.”

Meek echoed Kiletico in saying, “Over the last 15 years, MIDLANT has been an awesome partner in North Carolina, and continue to do so … on behalf of the entire MIDLANT staff, we are very excited to receive this award today.”

The NCMBC is a statewide business development and technology transition entity of the NC Community College System, headquartered at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The mission of the NCMBC is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand the economy, grow jobs and improve quality of life in NC. NCMBC’s primary goal is to increase federal revenues for businesses in NC. NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic provides facilities engineering, public works and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from Georgia to Maine, and as far west as Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organization to ensure the region’s facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively.

To learn more about NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic, visit and like our command Facebook page at www.facebook.com/navfacmidatlantic,

Squadron 15 | Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 gets Battle “E” award Continued from A1 HM-15 received the award for calendar year 2019 and is the largest helicopter squadron in the Navy with nearly 730 active duty, Full Time Support (FTS), and reserve personnel. The squadron operates and maintains 12 MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters and seven Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) weapon systems. Their mission is to maintain a worldwide 72-hour AMCM rapid deployment posture and a four aircraft forward deployed AMCM and Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) capability in the Arabian Gulf.

“

I remain impressed by their relentless hard work and dedication to this command and I am extremely proud and honored to be able to serve by their side.”

MC3 Samantha Jenkins Rear Adm. John Meier, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, addresses Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 after awarding them the Navy Battle Effectiveness Award, or Battle & award, Oct. 26. The Battle award is presented to squadrons who have the highest conditions of preparedness and capabilities for wartime readiness.

Cmdr. Andrea Ragusa,

For more military news visit FlagshipNews.com

A8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

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Keeping an eye on patient centered care at NMRTU Everett Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Everett Optometry clinic was experiencing lengthy patient wait times for routine eye exams. ❯❯See B3

SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 10.29.2020

MCSN Matthew Cavenaile F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conduct integrated air operations with the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 20.

America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS America conducts integrated operations with Japanese F-35s From USS America Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN

The first-in-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) participated in advanced combined operations with Japan this week in the western Pacific Ocean.

America conducted integrated air defense operations on Oct. 20 with F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the Japan Air Defense Command. The advanced training operations were designed to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability of the amphibious forces of the America Expeditionary Strike Group and the Japan Air

Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in the maritime domain.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance has been the cornerstone of stability and security in the Indo-Pacific for more than sixty years,” said Capt. Luke Frost, America’s commanding officer. “We have no more capable partner in the world than the Japan Self Defense Force. Every opportunity we have to continue to train and exercise together improves our interoperability and strengthens our joint integrated capabilities.”

Our alliance will continue to play that role in the future. Operations included advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures to exercise command and con-

trol in employing the F-35A Lightning II in air defense and sea control.

“These are the most advanced capabilities to ever sail or fly. America is a fifth-generation amphibious assault platform, built from the keel up to optimize the most advanced capability of the fifth-generation F-35 platform.

We are forward-deployed to integrate exactly these advanced capabilities with Japan, recognizing the importance of our alliance and working together to maintain regional peace and stability,” said Frost.

“The training proved to be a very significant opportunity for us,” said Col. Shinichi Nomura, flight group

commander, 3rd Wing, Japan Air SelfDefense Force. “Training with assets of other services is essential to improve interoperability and joint operations capability.”

USS America and the Japan Self Defense Forces operate routinely together in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen a shared commitment to regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“I am assured that our participation not only contributed to improving tactical skills but also confirming the robust Japan-U.S. alliance and commitment to the Indo-Pacific region,” said Nomura.

“We will continue moving forward and further strengthen the Japan-US alliance and partnership.”

America, the flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is forwarddeployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to support stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Paul Hamilton connects with WWII veteran

By Lt. j.g. W. Kirk Wolff

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA A chance connection enabled Sailors aboard USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) to connect with naval history.

The mother of Jay Matthews, a 31-year employee of BAE Norfolk, has a medical caretaker in North Carolina. Another client of the health aide is William Stamey Peeler Sr., a former seaman 1st class, WWII veteran, and Purple Heart recipient who served aboard DDG 60’s predecessor ship USS Paul Hamilton (DD 590).

After learning of his service history, Matthews reached out on behalf of Peeler to the crew of Paul Hamilton via email. The crew received the message as the ship steamed through the Surigao Strait, where DD 590 and Peeler saw combat action 75 years earlier.

“When I received the email I almost could not believe it,” said Lt. Damon Goodrich-Houska, the plans and tactics officer aboard Paul Hamilton. “It is such an honor to be able to reach out and connect with an American hero like Mr. Peeler.”

To thank Mr. Peeler for his service and sacrifice, the Sailors of DDG 60 sent a Paul Hamilton-themed care package that included letters from the crew, multiple ship coins, a t-shirt, a mug, and letters, including a personal note from Cmdr. Mark W. Lawrence, the

Courtesy Photo William Stamey Peeler Sr., a former seaman 1st class, WWII veteran, and Purple Heart recipient who served aboard USS Paul Hamilton (DD 590). 

commanding officer of Paul Hamilton.

“One of the best parts of my position, and of being in the Navy, is the opportunity to preserve naval heritage,” said Lawrence. “It is our solemn duty to live up to the example of Sailors like Mr. Peeler and the rest of the DD 590 crew.”

The outreach is the latest in Paul Hamilton’s efforts to continue serving as a “link in the chain” of naval

history. The ship regularly conducts commemoration ceremonies for naval battles and emphasizes the heritage of the ship. Paul Hamilton’s crest includes the seven battle stars DD 590 earned in WWII. Stationed in San Diego, Paul Hamilton is the tenth Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer. She recently returned from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets.

HeroesatHome The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | 10.29.2020 | B2

My ship is making a change of homeport. What is my control date?

The date the dependents move to the new homeport and apply for housing after official announcement of the homeport change, or The effective date of homeport change If you are assigned to the new homeport after the official announcement of the homeport change, butprior to the actual change, your control date will be based onthe date of detachment from the last permanent duty station.

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New perspective on Boo Bags and other cultural excesses

By Lisa Smith Molinari

Last year at this time, I was most likely grumbling under my breath about America’s culture of excess. I’ll admit it — I’m one of those annoying people who waxes poetic about simpler times. I’ve blamed Emeril for teaching us all to “BAM! Kick it up a notch!” and I often stress about society’s insatiable desire for more, More, MORE. Nowhere is America’s unquenchable gluttony more evident than during Halloween, when kids’baseline expectations have come to include corn mazes, pet parades, school parties, hay rides, pumpkin carving contests requiring a fine arts degree, yard decorating contests requiring expensive special effects and 23 hired extras, weeklong horror movie marathons, venti no-whip pumpkin spice lattes, brand-name only candy in tamper-proof packaging, costumes costing at least $49.95, little kid non-scary haunted houses, regular kid kinda-scary haunted houses, and big kid Horrifically Haunting Mega Mansions of Bloody Terror (post-traumatic stress therapy not included).

Back in the seventies, when I was a kid -brace yourself for an “up hill to school both ways” rant -- our parents were too busy sipping vodka gimlets and tapping their Salems into pedestal ashtrays while watching “Laugh In” from the comfort of their gabardine slacks. They didn’t have time to spend countless hours and dollars to provide my brother and me with a better-than-ever

Halloween.

But we weren’t complaining.

We were beyond excited to carve one pumpkin for the whole family, using dangerously sharp knives because kid-safe pumpkin carving kits hadn’t been invented yet. We were ecstatic about dressing in $4.99 Woolworth’s highly-flammable nylon Casper the Friendly Ghost costumes with brittle plastic masks secured with hair-tangling elastic bands. We were beside ourselves that ABC was airing “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” one night on our fuzzy console televisions. We were over the moon about going door to door with our pillow cases, gladly accepting whatever we were given because it was free -- popcorn balls, apples, coins, Necco Wafters and Mallo Cups.

For the most part, we appreciated what we got, and didn’t expect our parents to up the ante every year.

As a military spouse parent myself, I got sucked into the vortex. When the kids were little, I ran our neighborhood’s annual Halloween parade and spent hours turning felt and sweatshirts into elaborate costumes for our three kids. When they got older, I burned out, adopting a less taxing approach involving store bought costumes for the kids and wine for me on Halloween night.

A few Octobers ago, one of my base neighbors suggested that the military families on our street give each other something called “Boo Bags.” In my work-weary mind,

the whole thing seemed like a huge hassle, but the concept was actually quite simple: Neighbors create Halloween-themed bags full of thoughtfully assembled items and secretly drop them on other neighbors’ doorsteps with notes instructing them to do the same for someone else.

Despite my base neighbor’s good intentions, at the time I thought, “Terrific. Now I have to add Boo Bags to the list of annual Halloween must haves? Just when my wallet and energy have been sucked out like pumpkin guts, I have to spend time and money on creating a cutesy bag-o-crap just because someone decided Halloween still isn’t good enough? Sure, votive candles and candy corn are great and all, but how much of this stuff is just re-gift fodder?”

Reluctantly, I participated in the neighborhood’s secret Boo Bag swap, praying that the new trend was only temporary.

But then, COVID-19 happened. In online news reports, I read of event cancellations: Hayrides, parades, parties, festivals, haunted houses, and for some, trick-ortreating. Instead, military and municipal leaders recommended safer alternatives, such as, you guessed it — Boo Bags.

It’s amazing how doing without can change one’s perspectives. After months of quarantines, shut downs and social distancing, I find myself wanting loads of excess: Halloween candy, plastic skeletons, dry-ice cauldrons, pumpkin ravioli, eerie green lights, elaborate costumes, synthetic spider webs, and Boo Bags stuffed to the gills.

Quite suddenly, I want more, More, MORE of everything that connects us as human beings. www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com

Plan My Move: Great PCS Moving Checklists & More From Military Onesource

If you’ve received new orders, it’s time to fire up a powerful tool that can help you take charge and master your move. Plan My Move is a Department of Defense online tool that simplifies the moving process, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps for both experienced and firsttime movers, as well as family members and loved ones.

Plan My Move helps you create personalized moving checklists, and offers tips about housing, transportation, finances and more. This online tool puts you and your family in charge of a smooth relocation to your new duty station.

Personalized moving task lists and tips Plan My Move is easy to use. Simply answer a few questions and the tool creates lists tailored to your unique needs. As you provide more details about your upcoming move, your checklists will be-

come more detailed as well.

New features enable you to: • Choose whether to view your tasks by topic, or in a chronological timeline • Edit checklist items • Add checklist items • Rearrange the order of checklist items with drag and drop • Revisit and continue previously saved checklists(s) • Save your checklist in a variety of formats PLAN YOUR MOVE Need more info about your new duty station?

The MilitaryINSTALLATIONS website is your onestop shop for information on DOD installations worldwide, for all service branches. Check out how easy it is to find resources and contacts for your current installation, or for the one where you’re being reassigned. You can: • Search a directory of installations and services, complete with websites, maps, program offices, phone num-

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Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS dialing options, or start a live chat.

In addition to Military OneSource, your installation Relocation Assistance Program can also help you plan for a successful move. Learn how to put the military Relocation Assistance Program to work for you.

Tap into all the available relocation resources and master your next move.

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

B3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Keeping an eye on patient centered care at NMRTU Everett

By Douglas Stutz

Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash.

Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Everett Optometry clinic was experiencing lengthy patient wait times for routine eye exams.

Patients were spending upwards of 30 minutes in the waiting room prior to being called back into the doctor’s examination room.

Not anymore.

In the past six months, the Optometry clinic reduced patient wait time by 87 percent and increased access to care by 51.4 percent. The implemented changes resulted in a cost-savings of $24,192 and projected patient wait time savings of 994 hours annually.

The collective creativity and ingenuity in improving direct patient care wasn’t just noticed by clinic patients.

The modifications implemented to increase access to care and shorten wait times resulted in NMRTU Everett being commended by the Military Health System (MHS) 2020 Advancement towards High Reliability Healthcare Awards Program as a Patient Centeredness Award winner.

“I’m still in shock and humbled our project was selected for the award. I think it signifies that even at a smaller branch health clinic with fewer resources, including staff members and clinic space, there are always opportunities to take ownership and allow staff the creativity to challenge the culture of accepting things as ‘good enough,’” said Lt. Courtney Rafferty, NMRTU Everett Optometry head and team lead for the clinic project entitled, ‘Increasing Access to Care and Minimizing Patient Wait Time to Enhance Healthcare Efficiency and Improve Patient Satisfaction.’

Rafferty readily acknowledges that the clinic’s recognition is the result of input and inspiration from staff members contributing to improve overall patient care.

“Ms. Cheryl Morris, Clinical Support Services receptionist, is incredibly helpful and always willing to try new things, keeping track of all the various requirements not only for Optometry but also Physical Therapy and Mental Health,” Rafferty said.

“Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Veronica Vargas has been an incredibly dedicated member of the team. She is the only optician at the clinic and she has developed a level of expertise within Optometry over the past year tantamount to fourth year Optometry externs. Her curiosity and willingness to learn and make suggestions has been essential in our patient care efficiency and implementing new suggestions for continuous process improvements.”

Rafferty also cited HM2 Abhiram Nair from Radiology who volunteered to assist in the Optometry clinic project.

“HM2 Nair and HM2 Vargas receive countless compliments from patients for

Douglas Stutz The eyes have it...Lt. Courtney Rafferty (standing) and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Veronica Vargas of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Everett Optometry clinic, along with Mr. Cheryl Miller (not pictured) were commended for modifications made to reduce patient wait times and enhance patient centered care by the Military Health System (MHS) 2020 Advancement towards High Reliability Healthcare Awards Program as a Patient Centeredness Award winner, Oct. 23.

their professionalism in customer service.

We were also lucky to have Hospitalman Rachel Doyle from Medical Home Port who provided assistance and developed additional improvements like color-coding several hundred contact lens trials to prevent any defects. Lt. Cmdr. Cameron Mathie also assisted in providing information for data collection and ideas for improving templating in increasing access to care,” added Rafferty.

Using the business improvement methodology of Lean Six Sigma to promote patient centeredness, Rafferty and her team not only improved overall patient-care, but also enhanced patient and staff satisfaction, and boosted clinic revenues with increased efficiency and delivery of care.

Rafferty affirms that understanding that patient wait times and access to care are two of the most significant components of overall patient satisfaction rates in health care.

Striving to improve the patient’s experience is at the heart of patient centeredness in a high-reliability organization.

“While there is a general consensus that access to care is a valuable metric to track, many may not concede that patient wait

times are as critical to monitor. Many studies found that patient wait time was the single biggest indicator for patient satisfaction outcomes in healthcare, regardless of how satisfied the patients are with the provider or care received. Additionally, reducing wait times for patients while increasing access to care requires a look at the efficiency of every single step involved in a patient’s flow through the clinic, so it challenges the staff to find opportunities at every step to improve efficiency,” Rafferty explained.

An unintended consequence of the improvement project is that it also helped during the ongoing pandemic outbreak.

“Our project preceded the pandemic outbreak, but proved critical during COVID-19 in mitigating exposure by preventing patients from spending time in the waiting room shared with Physical Therapy and Behavioral Health,” Rafferty said. “The steps we took to improve the overall efficiency had the benefit of maintaining minimal patient exam flow times."

This recognition program annually recognizes initiative and commitment to the development of systems and processes to

help MHS advance into a high reliability organization ensuring safe, reliable care for all patients and their families, promoting a culture that encourages learning, sharing, and continuous improvement. Along with the Patient Centeredness, the program presented awards for other such disciplines as Leadership and Commitment, Culture of Safety and Continuous Process Improvement.

“This project did not end when we submitted it. We continue to move forward and try new things. Sustained excellence comes from the continuous drive for improvement.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with Sailors who have demonstrated a willingness to suggest new ideas and take risks to find solutions where others may not even see a problem. I am incredibly proud that HM2 Vargas and the Sailors have provided additional assistance. Optometry is a safe space for them to make recommendations, challenge themselves and leave their creative mark on the clinic and even the Navy.

Regardless of rate or rank, continuous small changes over time can make a significant and meaningful difference,” Rafferty stated.

NAVFAC Marianas seabees cement community partnerships

By JoAnna Delfin

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs

GUAM

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas Seabees found time to lend a helping hand to a local Guam non-profit organization at Okkodo High School in Dededo Oct. 16.

Seabees from the NAVFAC Marianas Seabee Component, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division, and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 worked with the Guam Amateur Baseball Association (GABA) and a local construction company to enhance the school’s baseball field.

“We maintain a strong desire to help our neighbors,” said Builder 1st Class Paul Rainey. “Even as we receive mission critical orders and find ourselves distanced from others, we know our specialized skills can greatly benefit others. We saw this as a great opportunity to not only help the community, but to keep our skills sharp and provide on-the-job training for our younger Sailors.”

In February, Seabees began to prepare the field for

JoAnna Delfin Seabees from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 take photo opportunity with Guam Amateur Baseball Association (GABA) Founder Bill Bennett following a community relations project at Okkodo High School in Dededo Oct. 16. NAVFAC Marianas and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 partnered with GABA to lay concrete pads for bleachers at the high school’s baseball field.&

work when Guam was hit with its first cases of COVID-19 and the project was halted. The island seemed at a standstill as a public health emergency was declared, a stay-at-home order was put into effect, and military bases implemented preventative measures.

“The Seabees and Hawaiian Rock have graciously donated their time and products to make these three bleacher pads,” said GABA President Bill Bennett.

“When COVID hit, the Seabees weren’t able to do these outside projects where they donate their time.

Just recently I was notified they were able to come out and pick it back up so that was excellent news. ” With the three concrete pads completed, the organization will place bleachers on them to provide baseball audiences a place to catch their favorite

local teams in action once group sports are permitted.

“I’m very happy we had the opportunity to still build our community relations despite the pandemic,” said Rainey. “I enjoy showing the community our ‘can do’ spirit that we continue to cultivate and operate by.”

Bennett said he was grateful for the help the Seabees provided even with their workload and mission assignments.

“The U.S. military has come out here in the last five years and have done a lot of work with us and for us, including the Seabees,” he said. “We’re really, really happy that they’re able to give their time.”

B4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

CTRCS Raymond M. Donato Lt. Richard Schroyer, a department head at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station, recently earned his Level 4 warfare tactics instructor (WTI) designation and patch becoming Corry Station first qualified information warfare WTI, Oct. 22.

IW officer onboard IWTC Corry Station qualifies as command’s first IW Warfare Tactics Instructor From Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla.

Lt. Richard Schroyer recently earned a level 4 warfare tactics instructor (WTI) designation and patch, alongside 20 other information warfare (IW) professionals, becoming Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station’s first qualified WTI. Schroyer, a native of Orlando, Florida, has served in the Navy for nine years. A couple past assignments include serving aboard USS Farragut (DDG 99) as both the electronic warfare officer and the IW officer, and attending the Naval Postgraduate School, where he earned a master’s degree in electronic warfare.

IW WTIs are IW community officers, senior enlisted, and civilians who complete advanced training and developed tactical expertise across all IW mission areas – command and control/cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, intelligence operations, information op-

erations, space, and meteorology and oceanography.

The newly qualified WTIs completed a rigorous course that consisted of an initial three-week baseline, followed by seven weeks of core training on current and near-future IW related topics focused through the pillars of battlespace awareness, assured command and control, and integrated fires.

Schroyer wishes to serve on a carrier strike group next and hopes his expertise and experience, paired with his new WTI qualification, will help usher in the next generation of electronic warfare to the units with the highest demand for it.

Schroyer, who helps instruct the Afloat Cryptologic Manager (ACM) and Cryptologic Warfare Officer Basic Course (CWOBC) classes at IWTC Corry Station, says that he is now set up better tailor training to Great Power Competition and will hopefully push others to the WTI qualification.

“Ultimately, it will help with Great Power Competition out in the fleet,” said Schroyer. “The more electronic warfare subject matter experts on flag

staffs, the better the information warfare community will be.”

Schroyer also believes having the WTI program will help immensely in developing and standardization of the IW doctrine.

“IWTC Corry Station is the cradle of Navy cryptologic and cyber warfare, and our imperative mission is to cultivate operationally-focused warriors ready to synchronize and drive the innovative advantages of the Navy to stay ahead of competent adversaries,” said Cmdr. Zachary McKeehan, commanding officer of IWTC Corry Station. “The WTI program is the next evolutionary step in advancing the development of fleet-ready, high performing IW professionals by integrating exquisite weaponeering expertise across our curriculum and tactical training environments.”

The information warfare WTI program is open to commissioned officers O2 (but must be promoted to 03 before the completion of level 4) through O4, and chief warrant officers 2 through 4 who have already earned an IW officer

designation pin; senior enlisted paygrades E7 through E9 who have earned an enlisted IW specialist designator pin; and GS/GG 11 through 14 civilians assigned to IW commands.

“Through the continued investment and development of a cadre of integrated WTIs, IWTC Corry Station will ensure our IW professionals achieve and maintain a lethal advantage in a rapidly evolving and high-tech profession,” added McKeehan.

IWTC Corry Station is a part of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT). With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 22,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

For more news from Center for Information Warfare Training domain, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ciwt/, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.

NASK celebrates Navy's 245th birthday under COVID 19

By Rod Hafemeister

Naval Air Station Kingsville Public Affairs

KINGSVILLE, Texas

The Navy had a birthday this month – but Naval Air Station Kingsville had to come up with ways to celebrate while still under COVID 19 safety protocols.

“On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress decided to purchase two armed vessels to attack British supply ships and keep their supplies from reaching British soldiers in the Colonies,” said NASK Command Master Chief Jacob Bristow.

“In 1972, one of the greatest things established by Admiral (Elmo) Zumwalt was the designation of Oct. 13 as the Navy official birthday.

“This year’s theme, ‘Victory at Sea,’ conveys the notion that every sailor is shaped and strengthened by service in the Navy.”

Traditionally, Navy units celebrate the birthday with a formal Navy Ball. And for NAS Kingsville, recent years have included a Navy Night at a Texas A&M Kingsville football game, including an opening coin toss by the air station commanding officer.

But for 2020, those events were impossible because of COVID restrictions.

Instead, the command and the base

recreation committee came up with a week of events to celebrate while still protecting against the pandemic.

It started Sunday, Oct. 11, with NASK joining Navy Region Southeast in a week-long Navy Birthday Virtual 5K Run, with the top three male and female runners receiving medals.

Monday was a federal holiday, but NASK personnel supported the remembrance ceremony for the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole.

Kingsville native Mess Management Specialist 3rd Class Ronchester Santiago and 16 other sailors died in the attack.

Tuesday, the actual Navy 245th birthday, was honored by the recreation committee traveling around the air station distributing cupcakes in lieu of the traditional pieces of cake. At a Navy Ball, the oldest and youngest sailors present cut a cake and serve each other the first two pieces.

The NAS Kingsville Facebook page also presented a Navy Birthday video that included Kingsville sailors saluting the birthday and the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. On Wednesday the Chief Petty Officers’ Mess prepared and conducted a brisket plate drive-thru.

Thursday brought a Navy Golf Tour-

Rod Hafemeister Teammates engage the nemyin a paintball battle. Orange spots on the inflatable obstacle are paintball hits. Six five-member teams competed in a round-robin paintball tournament as part of NAS Kingsville Navy Birthday Week, Oct. 13-17, 2020.

nament with air station military and civilian personnel and community supporters.

Friday brought the end of summer with rain and cooler weather – but that didn’t stop a paintball tournament. Teams of five braved the wet to blast each other with paintballs.

The evening ended with a movie, the classic World War II “Midway,” in the

Captain’s Club with socially distant seating.

Later this month, Navy personnel will take part in building a ramp for a local mobility challenged veteran.

“For 245 years, the United States Navy has been the mainstay of our national defense,” said Capt. Thomas Korsmo, NASK commanding officer.

“Happy birthday, Navy!”

B5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Lt.j.g. Joel Davis A P-8A Poseidon aircraft, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, sits on the runway in Command Security Location (CSL) Comalapa, Oct. 7. VP-47 is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South's mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

‘GOLDEN SWORDSMEN’ holding strong in U.S. 4th Fleet From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

As of April 2020, the “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 have been conducting counter-narcotics operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations (AOO).

The Golden Swordsmen worked with the “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 to conduct operations in the waters of Central and South America. Their joint effort increased maritime surveillance, aided in the seizure of suspected contraband and provided additional support for U.S. Navy vessels conducting enhanced counter-narcotics mission in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea.

“Over the past few months, VP-47 and VP-26 have integrated well and have seen much success in the counternarcotics operations,” said Chief Joshua Holberton, Senior Enlisted Leader of VP-47.

While deployed between April and September, VP-47 and VP-26 collectively conducted more than 256 flights, totaling over 2,307 hours of flight time and assisted in 38 narcotics busts.

These flights prevented the transit of 37,608 kilograms of cocaine and 8,197 pounds of marijuana valued at $2.7 billion dollars.

The P-8A aircraft and aircrews effectively perform long-range sea surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, as well as search and rescue (SAR) missions. In addition to keeping drugs off U.S. streets,

the two squadrons’ efforts also strengthened the relationships with regional partner nations by conducting several joint training exercises.

“I could not be more proud of the Trident and Golden Swordsmen Team.

They have operated flawlessly across the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility during these unprecedented times. Their efforts on-station have reduced the flow of illicit drugs and have degraded transnational criminal organizations. Furthermore, they have worked alongside our partner nations in Central and South America to directly support the National Drug Control Strategy,” said Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh, Commander Task Force 47 VP-47 and VP-26 joined other U.S. Navy units, numerous U.S. agencies

from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperating in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, are all playing a role in counterdrug operations.

The Golden Swordsmen are currently deployed to the 4th and 6th Fleet AOOs and work alongside Commander Task Force (CTF) 47 and Commander Task Force (CTF) 67 respectively.

VP-47 is performing Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance missions throughout the Central American, South American, European, and African AORs, providing essential information during times of peace and conflict.

For more Navy information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from VP-47, visit www.vp47.navy.mil.

Defense Under Secretaries visit Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

By Lt. Stuart Phillips

Commander, Submarine Group Ten Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, GA.

United States Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Ellen. M. Lord and Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James H. Anderson, visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Oct. 22.

Kings Bay was the fourth stop on the undersecretaries’ tour of strategic-deterrent installations, including Minot Air Force Base, Whiteman Air Force Base, and the Pantex Ordnance Plant.

“During this trip, we had the opportunity to see the work of our teams and partners in North Dakota, Texas, and Missouri and needed to include a look at the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad,” said Lord. “I’m impressed with what I have seen and am pleased with the work of the submarine force to support this mission in keeping our nation safe.”

Their tour kicked off at the Missile Assembly Building followed by a tour of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732).

“The professionalism and devotion to duty of our civilian and Sailor team speaks to the readiness of the nuclear triad as a successful deterrent,” said Anderson. “After seeing this impressive

MC1 Ashley Berumen Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Ellen Lord (left) and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Dr. James Anderson discuss Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine capabilities with Commander, Submarine Group Ten Rear Adm. John Spencer and Capt. Ed Robledo, commanding officer, Trident Refit Facility in the dry dock onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Oct. 22. It is the largest covered dry dock in the United States. The base is home to all East Coast Ohio-Class submarines.

team in-person, I have no doubt that Kings Bay will be ready in 2028 to receive the first Columbia-class submarine.” He also noted the vital role of the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion who provide security to installation facilities at Kings Bay. “As descendants of the original ‘soldiers of the sea’ these Marines perform a vital function that helps to ensure a safe, secure and effective sea-leg of the U.S. nuclear triad,” said Anderson.

The visit included a tour of the largest covered dry dock in the United States which is operated by Trident

Refit Facility, Kings Bay (TRF-KB).

Commanding officer Capt. Ed Robledo briefed the visitors on TRF’s mission to provide quality industrial and logistics support for the incremental overhaul, modernization, and repair of Trident submarines.

Toward the end of their visit, Lord and Anderson had lunch with Commander, Submarine Group Ten, Rear Adm. John Spencer.

“I’m glad you were able to see what this group of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians do to support strategic deterrence,” said Spencer.

“Just as importantly, you got to learn more about our efforts to prepare for the arrival of the Columbia-class in 2028, ensuring our ability to provide strategic deterrence for many decades to come.”

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is homeport to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines, to include six ballisticmissile and two guided-missile submarines.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg10/ or follow us on www.facebook.com/submarinegroupten/.

B6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

MC1 Kyle Steckler An ultraviolet light disinfection robot is demonstrated to staff assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton, Oct. 14. The UV device will be implemented soon at the military treatment facility as an additional safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. NHB/NMRTC Bremerton supports more than 60,000 military families in West Puget Sound, shaping military medicine through training, mentoring and research to ensure a ready medical force and operationally ready force.

NHB harnesses the power of the sun to increase COVID-19 protection From Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash.

With patient – as well as staff – safety paramount, one command has gone solar for additional safeguards in providing safe care to all in need.

Naval Hospital Bremerton has employed a new tactic against the coronavirus and other similar, contagious germs by harnessing the power of the sun.

The Bremerton, Washington-based military treatment facility recently acquired an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting robot, specifically designed to eradicate infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and is finalizing the last stages of staff training before implementation.

There’s several classifications of ultraviolet light – ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, or ultraviolet C – and the robots uses the C variety due to pathogens not having a natural defense against it. The robot is outfitted with a patented xenon light that artificially produces the ultraviolet C light which can neutralize any pathogens such

as COVID-19 in approximately two minutes on any surface.

The robot is essentially a germ killer.

It’s designed for use in all areas of the hospital including operating rooms and procedure areas. One such example is the recommended use for a five-minute disinfectant cycle on each side of a hospital bed and in bathrooms following terminal cleaning.

Patient and staff safety was the first thing on the minds of Naval Hospital Bremerton health care providers during a demonstration of the device The machine is meant to be used in an unoccupied room, equipped with a few safety measures built in such as a on-board safety cone and reusable warning sign(s) for doors. There’s even a corded motion detector designed to be placed between the machine and the entrance into the room that deactivates immediately if any motion is detected. The robot is also considered safe near pregnant women and children.

The overall safety of Naval Hospital Bremerton’s patients and staff is paramount, with health care providers stat-

ing that the new ultraviolet light emitting robot will be a big benefit to both patients and hospital employees and provide added peace of mind.

Lt. Cmdr. Candice West, a clinical nurse specialist at Naval Hospital Bremerton, said that typically, after a patient is discharged the room will be manually cleaned up to the standards of the hospital.

“You still do your regular cleanings.

Our housecleaning folks, who already do such a great job making sure we’re preventing COVID-19 from spreading, clean the room and this machine is just an addition on top of that cleaning to help protect our patients and protect our staff,” said West.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Carmichael, an infection prevention nurse with the quality management department at Naval Hospital Bremerton, said the hospital’s Infection Prevention Program will be directly aided by the implementation and regular use of this device and summed the benefits to patient and provider up perfectly.

“Put as simply as possible, this machine is a safe way to disinfect a room in 5-10 minutes, greatly reducing the risk of

“

You still do your regular cleanings. Our housecleaning folks, who already do such a great job making sure we’re preventing COVID-19 from spreading, clean the room and this machine is just an addition on top of that cleaning to help protect our patients and protect our staff.”

Lt. Cmdr. Candice West nosocomial infections,” said Carmichael, referencing infections contracted in a hospital environment.

Carmichael said the device is close to being fully implemented at Naval Hospital Bremerton and is in the final stages of in-depth staff training before being rolled out for full use.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville and VA offer inpatient care to veterans in Jacksonville

By Jeanne Casey

Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville and North Florida/ South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have partnered, to provide inpatient care to veterans at NH Jacksonville.

The partnership provides an additional option for veterans and their physicians, when an overnight stay at the hospital is needed. It also makes efficient use of inpatient capacity at NH Jacksonville, and supports NH Jacksonville clinicians in maintaining their advanced skills by treating higher-acuity patients.

In the past, local veterans enrolled in VA health care traveled to Gainesville or Lake City VA Medical Centers for inpatient stays, or were admitted to private-sector hospitals in Jacksonville. Now, veterans’ physicians have the option to admit and medically transport veterans to NH Jacksonville for an overnight stay when medically appropriate and capacity exists.

“This is a win-win — for VA patients, who have access to inpatient care in Jacksonville; and for our staff, who have the privilege of caring for veterans,” said Capt. Teresa Allen, commander of Naval Hospital Jacksonville and commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville. “Caring for more inpatients also builds our staff’s readiness to save lives, when they’re deployed on ships and in combat zones.”

Some VA staff will work on-site at NH Jacksonville in support of the shared services.

NH Jacksonville isn’t a VA provider for any other services, such as emergency room care, maternity care, outpatient visits, or pharmacy. This partnership doesn’t change any patient’s TRICARE beneficiary status or VA eligibility

Jacob Sippel/ Lt. Erica Stewart, a nurse at Naval Hospital Jacksonville Intensive Care Unit, checks patient vital signs, June 11, 2020. NH Jacksonville and North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System have partnered, to provide inpatient care to veterans at NH Jacksonville.

status.

“We are excited to share this monumental joint health care collaboration with NH Jacksonville,” said Thomas Wisnieski, director, NF/SGVHS. “One of our top priorities is to increase access to inpatient medical care in order to meet veterans’ needs. With the establishment of this partnership, we are continuing our endeavor of increasing access to care and sharing that vision with NH Jacksonville.”

NH Jacksonville serves active-duty military, their families, and retired military who have TRICARE benefits. The Veterans Health Administration serves military veterans (including those who didn’t formally retire from service).

NH Jacksonville has existing joint service initiatives with the Veterans Health Administration at the hospital’s branch health clinics in Albany, Georgia and Key West, Florida.

The NF/SGVHS is one of the largest VA health care

system in the nation, providing care to over 145,000 veterans over a vast area, covering 31 counties in North Florida and 19 counties in South Georgia. The health system has three outpatient clinic sites in the Jacksonville area that provide primary care, mental health, and some specialty services.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Jacksonville deliver quality health care, in an integrated system of readiness and health. As the Jacksonville Market, NH Jacksonville and its five branch health clinics serve 163,000 active duty, family members, and retired service members, including 75,000 patients who are enrolled with a primary care manager. NMRTC Jacksonville (and its five units) ensures warfighters’ medical readiness to deploy and clinicians’ readiness to save lives. To find out more, visit www.tricare.mil/MTF/jacksonville.

B7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

BU2 Ryan Chatman U.S. Navy Seabee Divers assigned to Underwater Construction Team TWO (UCT 2) Construction Diving Detachment Charlie (CDD/C) place demolition charges during their annual Demolition and Tactical exercise (DEMTAC) on Sept 23, 2020 on San Clemente Island, CA. UCT 2, homeported in Port Hueneme, CA, provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Navy and Marine Corps operations across the Pacific region.

UCT-TWO Construction Dive Detachment Charlie DEMTAC

By MC2 Ryan Chatman

Underwater Construction Team 2 Public Affairs

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif.

A key component of Underwater Construction Team TWO’s (UCT 2) required operating capabilities (ROCs) includes precision demolition on the surface and underwater to support obstacle clearance, channeling, dredging and salvage operations. All ROCs must be trained to be executed within nonpermissive, contested, and hostile environments. UCT 2 Construction Diving Detachments (CDDs) require multiple training evolutions to be completed during a 12-month detachment home-

port training cycle prior to being certified “ready for deployment”.

CDD CHARLIE (CDD/C) executed their demolition and tactical exercise (DEMTAC) in Sept. 2020 with multiple events in Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, and a capstone event on San Clemente Island, Calif. The successful execution of this training was the result of months of extensive project planning and logistics coordination. CDD/C expended over 1000 pounds of demolition on land and underwater, utilizing electric, nonelectric, and shock tube initiating systems. They utilized modern demolition techniques such as shape charges, cratering charges, delays, and tamping.

The members of the CDD/C calculated each demolition shot to a specific target with formulas in order to maximize the effectiveness of charges, minimize the blast radius, and ensure safe practices.

In addition to conducting precision demolition operations, CDD/C conducted training and qualification with crew-served weapons and small arms.

They utilized the M240B machine gun, the M2A1 machine gun, the M4 carbine, and M9 pistol. All members were certified on both crew-served weapon systems and earned M4 carbine and M9 pistol marksmanship with CAT III qualifications.

Underwater Construction Team TWO

(UCT 2), homeported in Port Hueneme, CA, provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Navy and Marine Corps operations across the Pacific region. UCT 2 is an ECH V afloat command assigned under administrative control to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and Naval Construction Group ONE (NCG 1) and under the operational control of fleet commanders when Construction DivingDetachments (CDD) are forward deployed. UCT 2 forces are combat ready, mobile forces, specially trained to directly support fleet, joint, coalition, interagency, homeland defense, and contingency operations by carrying out missions across the range of military operations, operating afloat or ashore within the continental United States (CONUS) or outside the continental United States (OCONUS), along the conflict continuum.

Practicing perfection: NAVSUP's postal teams in Europe ensure warfighters' voices are heard during election season

By Joseph Yanik

Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella Public Affairs

GREECE

Chrystalla Horianopoulou is among the dozen or so postal clerks assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command’s (NAVSUP’s) three aerial mail terminals (AMTs) strategically located across Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT). The two others are located in Rome, Italy and Madrid, Spain.

As it is for her postal clerk colleagues, one of Horianopoulou’s duties during a U.S. general election season is to complete receipt forms for postal customers who mail their absentee ballots at NAVSUP’s AMT at Athens International Airport. Each receipt includes a tracking number so that the postal customer can monitor the movement of his/her ballot to the state’s election office.

“Generating a tracking number for absentee ballot mail is not a requirement for us, but we do it as a courtesy so that our customers have full visibility of the movement of their mail, and are able to verify that their votes are counted,” said Joel Lee, AMT Athens postal officer.

Another way that NAVSUP’s postal clerks ensure the secure movement of absentee ballots to the U.S. is to clearly time stamp the envelopes that show the date when the mail was processed. A clearly-printed stamp, Lee said, is an important aspect of what makes a ballot valid.

“Because nothing is more important to us than a ballot, the election season highlights the need for NAVSUP’s postal professionals, like Chrystalla, do their job perfectly and with exactness to ensure the voices of our warfighters, their dependents and U.S citizens living in Europe are heard,” Lee said.

“I consider it an honor to be able to be part of this very important process at the Athens Post Office,”

Joel Lee One of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) postal clerks in Europe, Chrystalla Horianopoulou, completes a receipt form for a postal customer who hand-delivered an absentee ballot October 15, 2020 at the Enterprise's aerial mail terminal (AMT) located at the international airport in Athens. The receipt includes a tracking number so that the customer can monitor the ballots movement to his state's election office.

Horianopoulou said.

Lee, Horianopoulou and FLCSI’s other postal professionals working at AMT Athens are responsible military mail transiting between the airport and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. Their postal mission also includes supporting contingency operations in Larissa and Volos, Greece and US Navy vessels transiting the Mediterranean Sea. The Athens AMT, added Lee, moves approximately 600,000 pounds of

official and personal mail for the DoD per year.

NAVSUP’s AMTs in Europe fall under Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (FLCSI), one of the Enterprise’s eight globally-positioned logistics centers that provides for the full range of support to the fleet’s military operations. FLCSI delivers solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout EURAFCENT

B8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

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How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds the Right Way You’re bound to have leftover pumpkin seeds from all of your pumpkin carving and creative fall crafts this season, so there’s no better time to learn how to roast pumpkin seeds like a total pro. ❯❯ See

c4

SECTION C | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 10.29.2020

Courtesy image

Wave Church Hosts Free Trunk or Treat for the Hampton Roads Community.

From Wave Church VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

On October 31st from 10am to 12pm, Wave Church will hold their annual Trunk or Treat. This year, due to current circumstances and health and safety standards, they are turning the event into a contactless drive through! This will be a fun-filled, free event that is open to the public. Members of Wave Church and the local community will line up their decorated vehicles to wave

and cheer as kids and families drive through a fun maze of Halloween décor and visuals. Costumes are encouraged and each child under 12 will leave with a big bag of candy! Last year this event saw thousands of people from the community in attendance with over 100 decorated cars.

Under the vision of Pastors Steve and Sharon Kelly, Wave Church has always sought to reach the community and offer a fun and safe environment. This year is no different. Even through the

global pandemic, their goal is to offer the community a socially distant and FUN event for the whole family! Join us at 1000 N Great Neck Road on Saturday, October 31 from 10am to 12pm for our annual family Trunk or Treat! You can find more information at www.wavechurch.com.

About Wave Church.

A growing church that is in love with God, life, and people; changing their world one life at a time. Our Church, because of its impact and influence on

the lives of people in the Hampton Roads community, the nation and the world, will become an example of discipleship, leadership, and relationship.

We will multiply our influence in two ways: Firstly, we will raise up a generation of leaders in our church that will by living to their fullest potential, influence their world for Christ. Secondly, we will network with churches, pastors and leaders of like-minded spirit, as we mentor and empower them to change their communities and sphere of influence for the Kingdom of God. For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Timna Jones at (757)5326262 or email at timna.jones@wavechurch.com

Watercolorist’s Winter Show will be “Awash in Color” From The Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist group NORFOLK, VA

The Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist group announce their Winter show and judged competition will be held January 16 through February 13, 2021 at Gallery 21, 115 W. 21st Street in the Ghent area of Norfolk, Virginia. CBW’s gala opening reception is planned for Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 5 – 8 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

This month-long show will feature CBW members’ finest watercolor and watermedia artistic endeavors. Small works and large pieces will be on display and for sale throughout the show. Gallery 21 hours are 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Thursday – Sunday. “I am excited for CBW’s winter exhibition, ‘Awash in Color’. My enthusiasm is based upon the energy of our members, works painted in these unique times, and membership growth.”, says Co-President of CBW, Charles Lindauer.

The Chesapeake Bay Watercolorist is a membership organization which seeks to bring together watercolor artists of all levels of experience for the purpose of sharing knowledge about the art and practice of watercolor and watermedia. Their aim is to encourage the development of each individual’s artistic abilities and to promote the appreciation and recognition of watercolor painting. As an organization, they feel fortunate to count among their members a number of highly accomplished artists with national affiliations, as well as several who are

OlgaPtashko/iStockphoto

just discovering a love of this extraordinary medium.

Having opportunities to exhibit is an important part of growth as an artist, and they are happy to share with you the results of their collective enthusiasm for putting a wash of color onto paper. The CBW is extremely grateful to Gallery 21 for affording them this opportunity, and to you for joining them as they

showcase their talents .

Gallery 21 is Norfolk’s premier fine arts gallery.

Co-owners Darlene and Jim Todd offer opportunities for the entire community to enjoy fine art, as well as provide local artists with a venue to share and sell their works.

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

C2 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Community

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

Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

CHKD Collaborates with CATS to Refurbish Adaptive Devices for Children From CHDK HAMPTON ROADS, VA.

Whether it’s a device that helps children communicate with friends, or a stroller that makes it easier to play with family on the beach, adaptive devices help children with disabilities live life to the fullest.

CHKD announced today a new collaboration with Children’s Assistive Technology Service, an organization that refurbishes adaptive devices and other medical equipment for children with disabilities.

Sometimes the child’s family doesn’t have insurance, or, more commonly, the insurance companies don’t consider the device medically necessary. Some can cost thousands of dollars, so CATS cleans and refurbishes gently used devices and either gives or loans them to children for free.

CHKD has supported the organization since it started operating in Hampton Roads in 2016. The hospital system recently entered an agreement with the organization to create a partnership in which CHKD picks up equipment for CATS and provides space in CHKD’s adaptive seating clinic for the devices to be cleaned and refurbished.

Beth Beach, an occupational therapist at CHKD, helped start the CATS operation in Hampton Roads. Roanoke and Richmond also have CATS programs. “Technology has come such a long way in designing equipment that can help children with disabilities do so many more activities, but they can be expensive,” said Beach, who has been an occupational therapist for more than 30 years.

For instance, Macie Leiphart, a 7-yearold Virginia Beach girl with cerebral palsy, has most of her medical equipment, such as a wheelchair, covered by insurance. But when her family filed for insurance to cover a special device that helps her stand up, the company said it wasn’t medically necessary. The $3,000 cost was steep, especially since she can outgrow the

device fairly quickly.

CATS was able to provide a device when she 3, and another one last year when she outgrew the first one. She can stand at the counter to do arts and crafts, dye Easter eggs, and help her mom cook.

“It really expanded the different activities she can do,” said her mother, Laura Leiphart. “She also uses it at school, so she can stand up in class like the other kids.”

Chesapeake 5-year-old Christian Farley also had his horizons expanded by CATS. Christian has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and is also blind. He loves the water, though, so his family applied for a beach stroller through CATS so he could go to the beach. “I’ve lived in Chesapeake my whole life, so I grew up going to the beach,” says his mother, Jessica Farley.

“We really wanted to make memories like that for Christian, too, since the water is his absolute favorite thing in the world.”

Macie and Christian are just a few in a growing number of local children who have been helped by the organization. In 2019, 452 items were provided to 432 children throughout Hampton Roads.

More information about the program can be found at the CATS website.

Macie Leiphart, 7, enjoys a higher view in the family kitchen in Virginia Beach, thanks to an adaptive device that helps her stand.

Five-year-old Christian Farley of Chesapeake enjoys beach time with his family, thanks to an adaptive beach stroller he received from CATS. CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. In 2019, CHKD broke ground on a 60-bed, 14-story mental

Courtesy Photo Five-year-old Christian Farley of Chesapeake enjoys beach time with his family, thanks to an adaptive beach stroller he received from CATS.

health hospital and outpatient center on its campus to address the mental health crisis facing our youth. The new tower being built on CHKD’s campus in Norfolk is scheduled to open in 2022. Learn more at CHKD.org.

Children’s Assistive Technology Serv-

ice (CATS) provides for the re-use of pediatric rehabilitation equipment and assistive technology devices in Virginia.

CATS serves as a no-cost resource for children with disabilities who need adaptive equipment and whose families have limited resources.

NC Museum hosts virtual STEM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities Nov. 17 From North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences RALEIGH, NC

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts the 8th annual STEM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1:00-3:30 p.m. The Showcase is a free educational event where students in grades 6–12 meet role models with disabilities who have thriving careers in STEM fields. This year’s showcase will be an entirely virtual experience that will feature remarks from keynote speaker Gina-Maria Pomann and the opportunity for students to engage with several panelists.

Attendees will learn about how the panelists’ lived experiences and diverse perspectives shaped their unique approaches to navigating and pushing boundaries in their fields.

Registration The 8th Annual STEM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities will start at 1pm EST on Tuesday, November 17. Please visit this link to register for the 2020 STEM Career Showcase. Registrants will receive a link for the breakout rooms closer to the event date. ASL interpretation, live captioning and audio description will be provided for the entire program and for each breakout room.

Please contact Jessie Rassau at accessibility@naturalsciences.org or by phone at 919-707-9976 to request additional accommodations. Or visit https:// naturalsciences.org/stem for more information.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Gina-Maria Pomann is a statistical research scientist and the Director of the Duke Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Core.

She works with the interdisciplinary network of clinical investigators conducting research at Duke by providing expertise in study design, implementation of statistical methodology, and interpretation of results. Under her leadership, the Core has developed an array of training programs, and facilitated the development of over 40 collaborative teams that work

Courtesy photo

across the university. Dr. Pomann received her PhD from North Carolina State University, with a dissertation on MRI analysis and Multiple Sclerosis. She is an expert in the fields of experimental design, image analysis and functional data analysis, and has collaborated on research projects related to cancer, urology, cardiology, hospital medicine, orthopedics and surgery. She is a recipient of the Association of Clinical and Translational Statisticians Early Career Award.

Panelists • Dr. Shiri Azenkot, Associate Professor of Information Science at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech, Cornell University.

• Kayla Williams, IT Analyst at Eli Lilly and Company.

• Jamie Edson, Talent Scout for Products and Technology NA at Red Hat. • Brandon Williams, CEO/Founder at iAccess Innovations Inc. Moderator Ed Summers is a blind software engineer and an accessibility specialist. He has a BS in computer science and 25 years of professional experience as a software developer and a development manager. His personal mission is to enable people with disabilities to realize their full potential in the classroom and the 21st century knowledge economy. He fulfills that mission as a leader in the software industry and disability-related not-for-profit organizations. Summers is Director of Accessibility at SAS, the market leader in analytics software and services. The SAS accessibility team enables people of all abilities to access the power of analytics. He also serves on the Advisory Council for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Board of Education Advisory Council for the Governor Morehead School for the Blind.

About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in

downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. In addition to two downtown buildings showcasing seven floors of world class exhibits, the Museum runs Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Whiteville, our satellite facility in southeastern NC. As a whole, our mission is “to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation.” Downtown Raleigh Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. General admission is free, but timed-entry tickets are required. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.naturalsciences.org.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.

C3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Military Promotions: What Friends and Family Should Know From Military Onesource

A military promotion is a significant achievement in a service member’s career. It’s a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and to the service member’s leadership capabilities. Some promotions are more meaningful than others, especially as service members move up in rank.

Like most promotions outside of the military, with higher rank comes increased responsibility and accountability. The requirements and process for moving up the chain of command in the military is different than non-military promotions. As a loved one, understanding the significance and impact of your service member’s next promotion can help you prepare for this important milestone.

What to know about “pinning-on” ceremonies Many service members receive their new rank insignia during an official “pinning-on” ceremony.

As a parent, sibling or significant other, you may be asked to attend or even participate in the ceremony.

This means you will need to actually pin the insignia to your loved one’s uniform for the first time. If you are asked to participate, a practice run beforehand can help ensure you know how the pin works and where to place it.

After the ceremony, parties or celebrations are common. These events are often steeped in symbolism and tradition that varies by rank and branch of service.

The connection between a service member’s pay grade and their rank Military titles and ranks vary by service branch.

However, pay grades – the amount a service member is paid at a given rank and time of service – are standardized. The pay grades are E-1 to E-9 for enlisted service members and O-1 to O-10 for commissioned officers.

For example, your loved one may have the rank of corporal in the Marine Corps and in the Army, petty officer third class in the Navy or senior airman in the Air Force – no matter the title, all of these positions are considered an E-4 pay grade.

Your enlisted service member’s military promotion timeline and process • Early promotions may happen more frequently. A service member’s current rank and branch of service has a considerable impact on the promotion process.

Most newly enlisted service members can expect to reach E-4 within a few years. Depending on how long

Courtesy photo Navy Chief is pinned by family

they have been in the military, an E-4 could see an increase in pay from $2,500 to $8,000 a year compared to E-1 pay.

• Promotions beyond the E-4 pay grade are often more difficult to achieve. The number of service members allowed at each rank above E-4 is limited by Congress, so a service member cannot promote until there is a vacancy in the next rank. Your service member may serve with honor and competency for several years before earning a promotion at this level.

• Promotions usually do not go into effect immediately. A service member may find out they will be promoted, and spend several months waiting for the promotion to become official.

Each service branch has a different approach to the promotion of its enlisted service members: • Soldiers in the Army receive “duty performance points” from their unit commander whenever they demonstrate core qualities of the next rank – including competence, military bearing and leadership.

Certain point counts are required to achieve the next rank.

• Marines in the Marine Corps compete for a limited number of vacancies after the E-3 pay grade.

They want a “good composite score” on their service records, which combines factors such as physical fitness test results, time in service, and conduct and duty proficiencies.

• Sailors in the Navy also compete for promotions past E-3, using a combination of exam scores and point system. Points can be awarded for time served in specific jobs, awards and completed schooling,

among other factors.

• Airmen in the Air Force compete for promotions past E-4 through their service records and recommendations from their superior officers. Some exceptional service members may qualify for accelerated promotion to higher enlisted ranks through special programs, like “Below-the-Zone” or “Stripes for Exceptional Performers,” or STEP. What to expect for promotions of commissioned officers • In general, promotions for commissioned officers follow a similar – though not identical – process as enlisted service members.

• Officers receive a written performance evaluation from superior officers, which are an important part of the promotion board’s ability to assess their readiness for a higher rank.

• When up for promotion, officers are judged on the time spent in service and in their current rank, as well as their performance and willingness to take on responsibility.

• If an officer fails to promote more than once, their chances for any future promotions are significantly diminished. Even so, in 2018, Congress significantly changed the way the military retains officers without promoting them.

• The long-standing “up or out” policy – which put pressure on officers who did not continue to promote to leave the service entirely – has been replaced. The military is in the process of implementing a new “up or stay” policy, to keep officers with certain skills, such as flight instructors.

4 Look! corners!

Everyday moments can be learning moments with your kids. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org

C4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Food

Mike Garten

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds the Right Way

By Heather Fin

You’re bound to have leftover pumpkin seeds from all of your pumpkin carving and creative fall crafts this season, so there’s no better time to learn how to roast pumpkin seeds like a total pro. After you’ve become a scoop, season and roast master (more on that below), just wait until you try more sweet and savory recipes with pumpkin seeds. Once you get the basic steps down, you can experiment with

all different kinds of seasonings that turn the simple seed into a tasty treat or healthy snack. It’s the perfect crunchy and satisfying pack-along pick to stash in your kids’ backpack or your purse. We can’t wait to try all the delicious and festive pumpkin recipes this autumn— pumpkin seeds definitely included.

Follow our Test Kitchen-approved tips for pumpkin seed success: 1. Start with the right pumpkin. A good pumpkin will feel hard and smooth and

have no soft spots or discoloration. Its stem will also be firm, and it won’t show any signs of rotting near the base.

2. Clean your seeds by placing them in a large bowl of water first. This will help the loose seeds separate from the pulp, which sinks.

3. Amp up the flavor! Add hot cocoa mix, cinnamon or brown sugar to make it sweet, cayenne pepper to make it spicy, or finely grated cheese to make it savory. Get creative according to your cravings!

Ingredients 1 medium pumpkin 2 tbsp. olive oil salt Directions Use chef’s knife to cut top of pumpkin

off (if using for jack-o'-lantern), or cut pumpkin in half.

Use spoon to scoop out seeds (1 medium pumpkin yields about 2 cups); transfer seeds to large bowl of water.

Scoop out loose seeds that float and separate pulp from remaining seeds. Discard pulp.

Transfer seeds to colander and rinse.

Drain, then pat dry with dishtowels.

Spread cleaned seeds on baking sheet and bake at 250°F until dry, about 1 hr.

Toss with olive oil, season with salt and roast at 350°F, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 20 min.

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots

By Kate Merker

Rainbow carrots and a squeeze of fresh lime juice make this sweet and spicy side extra bright! Make the carrots really pop with the colorful GH Better Half Sheet Pans, available on qvc.com.

Ingredients 1 1/2 lb. rainbow carrots, halved crosswise and thick ends quartered 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tsp. whole coriander seeds, crushed Kosher salt and pepper 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup 1 tsp. grated lime zest, plus 1 Tbsp lime juice Directions Place large rimmed baking sheet in oven; heat oven to 425°F. Toss carrots on the hot sheet with 1 tablespoon oil, then add coriander and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Roast, tossing after 15 minutes, until golden brown and tender, 20 to 25 minutes total. Immediately toss with maple syrup, lime zest, juice and remaining ½ tablespoon oil.

Colin Faulkner /

C5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

health Navy pharmacy techs support COVID-19 and MHS GENESIS efforts By: Douglas H. Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton Public Affairs Officer

This week, the Defense Health Agency celebrates National Pharmacy Week.

Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aaron Souders, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Oak Harbor, is one of many dedicated pharmacy technicians deployed across the globe in support of our 9.6 million beneficiaries.

After completing his initial hospital corpsman training, Souders then took specialty training to become a pharmacy technician, and now serves as the leading petty officer in NMRTC Oak Harbor’s pharmacy department.

In his current role, the 19-year Navy Medicine veteran now helps prepare and dispense prescribed medicines and pharmaceutical preparations; compound preparations according to prescriptions issued by medical officers; procure, store and issue pharmaceutical materials and supplies; and maintain files and records and submit required pharmacy reports.

“I joined with the hopes of becoming an information systems technician specializing in computers and communications,” said Souders, who has his associates in science in computer information systems. “Choosing to become a hospital corpsman has allowed me to serve my country and apply my technical ability to a field that has evolved to be forever dependent on the world of information technology in a positive way.”

“I wasn’t interested initially, but choosing a career as an hospital corpsman introduced diversity into my technical skillset and added a healthcare aspect which enabled me to be more in tune with the capabilities of Sailors and their ability to care for others,” said Souders.

“It caught my eye due with its heavy involvement with every aspect of the healthcare field, and it had a very techni-

cal side that intrigued me.”

“It means being a part of a large interconnected team of professionals that take care of our service members and their families and have the ability to make positive changes that impact the way we deliver care to all branches of the service,” Souders stated.

As with other staff members, Souders is continually involved in helping stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We have implemented a variety of controls and mitigation strategies to help slow the spread and help our patients get the medications they need. I believe everyone at NHCOH has worked together well as a team to accomplish this and make it as painless as possible,” Souders said.

Some of the modifications include installed plexi-glass window guards at each window and appropriate spacing of lobby seating and floor markings With the initial deployment of the Department of Defense electronic health record MHS GENESIS at NMRTC Oak Harbor in 2017, Souders became part of Navy Medicine’s extensive preparation and intensive training to keep pace with medical advances and technological innovations to enhance high quality healthcare.

“As with any new system, it has had its share of ups and downs. Initially it slowed us down and added a huge learning curve,” explained Souders. “The upgrade was needed to improve multi-service connectivity. Being one of the initial operating capability sites has given us a chance to change and mold the system to work for us.

MHS GENESIS is designed to provide a single integrated electronic health record for service members, veterans and their families that will integrate inpatient and outpatient medical and dental information across the continuum of care, from point of injury – whether ship, shore, submarine, squadron - to the mili-

Patricia Rose/ With October designated as American Pharmacist Month and Oct. 18-24 as National Pharmacy Week, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (Surface Warfare designated) Aaron Souders, of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Oak Harbor is a prime example of how Navy pharmacy technicians not only handle such behind the scene duties as preparing and dispensing prescribed medicine and pharmaceutical preparations, but also are actively engaged in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19

tary hospital or clinic.

“Being able to see medication profiles for a patient across multiple MHS GENESIS sites regardless of the service branch is a great improvement,” added Souders.

Navy Medicine has taken Souders from his rural Georgia, being stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington; Jacksonville, Florida; on the island of Guam;

and a deployment on the USS Whidbey Island.

“Navy Medicine has taken my family and me from the east coast shore duty to shipboard duty to overseas and west coast duty,” shared Souders. “I was stationed, deployed, and able to visit so many places that I never thought we would ever have the chance to see and would love to visit again.”

Special care given to families experiencing stillbirth or infant loss By: Maria Christina Yager, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital

For many, pregnancy is a special time culminating in the birth of a healthy baby to hold, cuddle and bond with for years to come. Those first days of life are usually spent at the hospital with mom and baby recovering from the rigors of labor and delivery.

Sadly, for some mothers this is not the case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports miscarriage occurs in about 10 to 20% of pregnancies and stillbirth occurs in about one in 100 births each year.

Miscarriage occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy and stillbirth is the death or loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy before or during delivery. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, a mother may feel her baby moving in the womb. She may already know if it’s a boy or a girl and given the baby a name.

Pregnancy and infant loss is a devastating experience to endure, as was the case for Jane and Martin Wiegand, who lost their baby girl, Frances Marie, during the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“It was our first pregnancy. We had no issues during our pregnancy. We had a normal 20-week check-up. The baby’s development looked great. No signs of stress in utero, no abnormal growth or physical deformities,” said Jane, who was treated by a Nashville-based obstetrician.

Wiegand saw her provider at regular intervals and said she felt like her pregnancy was going well. Then when she and her husband went to her 32-week appointment, they received news that would forever change life as they knew it.

“At my 32-week appointment, I found out there was no heartbeat. They confirmed, no heartbeat, which was absolutely a shock. Even if something is wrong, you don’t expect THAT. It was a complete blow to us,” she said.

After tests confirmed no signs of life coming from her baby, the Wiegand’s doctor gave the couple the option to induce labor and deliver that evening or the following morning. Natural deterioration begins once a baby dies in the womb. Over time that may interfere with determining what caused the death and in some cases put the mother’s health at risk. The Wiegands chose to go home for the night and come back the next morning.

“I didn’t have a hospital bag packed. It wasn’t what we were expecting. Our families don’t live in Nashville, so we wanted for them to travel in and try to prepare as much as possible,” she said.

When they arrived at the hospital the next morning to induce labor, the medical staff already understood why they were there and went to great lengths to spare them any additional pain. Child birth is usually a happy and exciting time, but that wouldn’t be the case for the Wiegands and

Maria Yager/ Nashville, Tennessee couple Martin and Jane Wiegand add the name of their daughter, Frances Marie to a Blanchfield Army Community Hospital memorial for families who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine fetal demise, stillbirth or infant death. The Wiegand’s gifted BACH a Cuddle Cot earlier this year in memory of their daughter and returned to BACH Oct. 15 for a ceremony in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

their baby girl. The hospital prepared a special room where medical staff who would be caring for Mrs. Wiegand knew this delivery would not have the outcome of the family’s desire. Instead they received a different, yet compassionate birth experience. The Wiegands were introduced to resources and support in the community with others who understood the heartbreaking experience they had suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves in. The chaplain visited them and shared words of comfort.

“We delivered her at 5:34 p.m. and we weren’t sure what to expect, on her condition,” said Wiegand, who delivered her daughter Frances Marie, or Francie as they call her, in a Nashville hospital January 23, 2020. “Physically she looked perfectly fine. Beautiful. So we were able to see her and hold her. Thanks to the resources at the hospital, they have this Cuddle Cot, which I had never heard of before. It preserved her condition and that allowed her to stay in our room for the duration of the hospital stay.”

The cot is specially designed to give parents extra time with their baby. Time to bond, time to hold their baby and create lasting memories to give some comfort during their grief.

“But in instances where hospitals don’t have Cuddle Cots families are sending babies to the morgue, which is pretty traumatic. You don’t like sending your child to the morgue and also you are losing time. You can hold on to them as long as you can, but once they deteriorate you have to say goodbye,” explained Wiegand.

“Not everyone wants to extend that time, but we found it immensely valuable and it helped ease our trauma. Those 36 hours we had are some of the most precious of our lives.

And allowed us to make so many memories, that if we only

had 30 minutes to an hour we couldn’t have done,” said Wiegand.

Although the Cuddle Cot affords families an opportunity to care for their emotional health, they are not common in hospitals because they are not considered a medical necessity, said Wiegand. The cot that gave the Wiegands those extra hours with their daughter had been donated by another family who experienced a still birth and after their own experience the Wiegands decided to pay it forward.

“For my birthday we established a [fundraiser] to raise the money for a Cuddle Cot. Fortunately, we were able to purchase four,” she said, “We wanted them to go where people didn’t have access to one.”

Since Wiegand was born in a military hospital and raised in a military family, she and her husband contacted the labor and delivery unit at Fort Campbell’s Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, to inquire about donating a cot to the hospital for military families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. In August and donated a cot in memory of their daughter, Francie.

“Jane and Martin have gifted Blanchfield Army Community Hospital with a resource that will allow families who are dealing with loss to have more time with their children and for that we are forever grateful,” said Army Capt.

Keisha Yancey, a labor and delivery nurse at Blanchfield.

Because there is official guidance in regards to federal entities accepting gifts, Yancey did the research and sought the approval for the hospital to accept the donation.

It is a gift you never want to need, Jane Wiegand stated, but if it can bring comfort to one military family than that is what we want to do.

C6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020

Misc. Merchandise For Sale

Room For Rent

FIREWOOD FOR SALE TRUCK LOAD $115 Call Adrian 757-869-9592 WOOD BURNING BUCK STOVE Free standing. $400. 757-681-6304

Estate Sales Estate Sales ESTATE SALE Estate of Dr. Sam Weinberg 6 Kramer Court, Hampton Fri. & Sat., Oct. 30 & 31 10 AM-3 PM Contents of 2 story house, Kawai Grand Piano, furniture, jewelry, all furnishings must go. Pictures on Estatesales.net. Kenny Keeter 757-718-2464.

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

DECOYS WANTED

Highest CA$H prices paid Old wooden ducks or Canvas geese Swans and Shorebirds. Also buying Old fishing tackle & Wooden lures Boat oars Nautical & Lifesaving items Call Mark at 757-721-2746

Wanted To Buy WE BUY MUSIC RECORDS $$ Jazz, R & B, Rock, albums & 45’s from the ’60’s, ‘70’s & ‘80s. Call Howard 757-717-8945 We’ll come to you 24/7!

Misc. Merchandise For Sale FIREWOOD FOR SALE $170/Cord, Delivery Available Call: 757-478-9914 or email cdavisfarms1@gmail.com

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757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

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UTD on vaccinations. Must have fenced in yard. $250 (757) 362-6272 GOLDEN RETRIEVER Beautiful 8 wk old male pups, mother CKC, father AKC, $500 1st shots & wormed & vet checked. 757-619-7043

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Room For Rent NEWPORT NEWS Oyster Point Inn & Suites offering low wkly rates - $249&up! Newly renov, indoor pool & fitness center. (757) 951 -1177. 21 Old Oyster Point Rd. VIRGINIA BEACH Newly renov rooms, low wkly & daily rates. Wkly starting at $249&up.

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Call: 757-718-0698.

BUICK 2014 REGAL

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Low wkly rates $249&up. Kitchenettes avail. 757-399-4414. Pet Friendly. 1031 London Blvd, Portsmouth VA 23704

NORFOLK Wards Corner. On bus line. All utilities paid. $550+/mo 757-338-7188

Autos for Sale

CHESAPEAKE Sunrise Hills, furnished room, central air, washer/dryer, satellite TV. $150/week + dep. 757-718-0698.

PORTSMOUTH Under new management! Offering low wkly/daily rates.Newly renov $240&up.

Near navel hospital. River Walk Inn & Suites 333 Effingham St. 757-295-0151

NORFOLK Motel 6 Furn rms. Newly renov, low wkly/daily rates, near pier/base $239&up.

Pet friendly! Kitchenettes avail 757-480 -9611. 9601 4th View St. Norfolk, 23503

Travel/Camping Trailers

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CADILLAC 2019 XTS

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Travel/Camping Trailers 2015 COACHMAN TRAILER 25 ft, pull behind, 2 doors with one slide. Excellent Condition. $17,500 OBO. 757-686-8468

CHEVROLET 1992 CORVETTE

Green on Tan. Garage kept, 29,800 original miles, must see - must sell! $9,500 Call: 757-486-1459

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757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com Electricians

Home Improvements

ANY ELECTRICAL 498-2653 10% OFF ABSOLUTELY ANY JOB. Free Estimates $100 OFF ANY BREAKER BOX. COLE ELECTRIC - 498-2653

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Care For The Elderly 24 HOUR ELDERLY CARE Heart2heart Elderly is a team of skilled and certified caregivers. If you need assistance with cooking, clean, bathing, and medication management. Call us at (757)9201211 and ask for Chanay Clarke.

Estate Sales

Concrete/Asphalt S & H ENTERPRISE 20 YRS. Concrete Exp. All types of concrete work driveways, stamped & exposed.

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Hauling

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BRICK & STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native.

Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired - A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-2700578. You Won’t Find A Better Man!

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

D & W GARAGES 20x24’ $15,995; 24x24’ $17,995; 24x30’ $20,995; w/Slab & Vinyl Siding. 465-0115 or 362-1833. dandwgarages.com

YOUR PERFECT

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Lawn and Tree Service

Roofing

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ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles $1.99 sq ft.

Labor & Material included, repair, siding.

Class A Lic’d & Ins’d. (757) 345-9983.

Miscellaneous Services GODWIN TREE SERVICE 25yrs. Trimming, topping, total removal. Free es. Senior disc. Lic’d & Ins’d 757-237-1285 or 757816-3759 BBB Member LEAF RAKING AND CLEANUP Yard Work, Weed Control, Mulching, Trimming, Planting, Transplanting of Shrubbery and Trees. 25 yrs exp. Call 757-918-4152 YARD CLEAN UP - GRASS CUTTING Weed eating, Blowing, Bushes & Mulch, Reasonable prices. Call 757-477-2158

ADORABLE PUPPIES SMALL*MEDIUM*LARGE FINANCING AVAILABLE 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH GIFT BAG WITH EVERY PET LIMITED TIME OFFER CALL NOW 757-431-3647 www.pet-go-round.com AUCTION Now Accepting Consignments Estates, Equipment, Etc. www.BlueBoxAuction.com

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C7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020 Autos for Sale

Autos for Sale

CHEVROLET 2010 IMPALA

LEXUS 2015 GS 350

Trucks and SUVs

Trucks and SUVs

Trucks and SUVs

Wanted Automotive

DODGE 2020 RAM 1500

FORD 2019 F-150

MAZDA 2014 CX-9

ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!!

FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035

New inspection, all serviced. gar. kept. Fully loaded, runs & drives great. $19,750. Call for details, 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

AUTOS ACCEPTED-ANY YEAR Make or Model. TOP DOLLAR, FAST, Free Towing. 757-737-2465, 701-3361

NISSAN 2011 ALTIMA LT, 68K miles, clean, serviced, $6975.

439-0582. va dlr

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DODGE 2015 CARAVAN

Red SXT, Excellent/Clean, Bluetooth/ DVD/Sirius, 98K, $8500 OBO, 757892-4506

FORD 2002 MUSTANG

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FORD 2012 FUSION

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Call: 757-374-2718

FORD 2015 FIESTA

63 mis. Clean. Serviced. $7900.

757-439-0582. Va Dlr

TOYOTA 1991 MR2

T-Top, 5 Speed Runs Great. $2800 Call: 757-737-1015

HONDA 2017 CIVIC

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Power windows, AC, only 77k miles, Great work van $3900 757-286-8123

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Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

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

TOYOTA 2007 FJ CRUISER

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HONDA 2016 CR-V

Yellow, 160,000 mi., EC 6 Sp Manual. $13,900 OBO (757) 622-2173

VOLKSWAGEN 2020 TIGUAN

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2004 BAYLINER 19 Feet. 135HP Mercury Inboard With Bimini Top, Bow & Pit Covers & New Winter Cover $5800. 757-663-2454 2009 ROWING WHITEHALL 14FT Composite hull, sliding seat, outriggers, carbon fiber oars. $3,900 Charles Campbell: 757-678-7777 USED TRAILER SALE!!!

OVER 100 Avail. For Boats 12’-38’ BUDGET BOATS: (757) 543 -7595

XLT Sport, supercab, good miles, Save thousands! $26,750. VA Dlr Proc. fee $395. 757-717-1715/ 757-963-2299

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Boats & Watercraft

FORD 2019 RANGER

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DODGE 2003 CARAVAN

GMC 2020 TERRAIN Box Truck w access door from cab, auto, power windows, AC,new tires. runs well, $16,900 757-286-8123

FORD 1989 BRONCO

Auto, new inspection, great gas mileage. $8,450. VA Dlr Proc. fee $395.

757-717-1715/757-963-2299

Auto, alloid, leather, good miles. $13,950. VA Dlr Proc. fee $395.

757-717-1715/757-963-2299

FORD 2011 E350

Classic, Antique Cars

Trucks and SUVs

XLT, 5.0 V8, crew cab, good miles.

Must See! $28,950. VA Dlr Proc. fee $395. 757-717-1715/757-963-2299

EX, auto, AC, sunroof, alloid. $15,950.

VA Dlr Proc. fee $395.

757-717-1715/757-963-2299

SE, AWD, leather, sun roof, 3k miles, loaded, nice. $24,950. VA Dlr Proc. fee $395. 757-717-1715/ 757-963-2299

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

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C8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 10.29.2020