IN THIS
ISSUE
Vo l . 26 , No . 01 No rf o l k, VA | f l ag sh ip ne ws .c om
GO GRAPES! Fuel experts, ABFs, manage the most neccessary requirement for flight. » See A4 01. 0 4 - 01. 10 . 1 8
USS Vella Gulf returns from eightmonth deployment By Ensign Elizabeth Moon USS Vella Gulf Public Affairs NORFOLK
The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) returned to its homeport at Norfolk Naval Station, Dec. 15, following an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation. Vella Gulf departed Norfolk April 23, as an independent deployer, to support maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf. With their ballistic missile defense capability, the cruiser and its crew were an asset there for more than six months. In July, Vella Gulf joined the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group for three months, during which they conducted air strikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. They also conducted six multinational operations with Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Iraq and Kuwait. “Despite the short amount of time on board, I have learned a lot working with this team and the strike group,” said Ensign Alec Phillips, the ship’s gunnery officer, who reported to the ship halfway through deployment. “The experience I have gained is something that I can take forward with me during the ship’s next deployment.” Nearly 200 days of the 237-day deployment were spent underway, including 59 consecutive days. The ship traveled 49,130 nautical miles, completed 26 underway replenishments, 18 small boat operations, 18 strait transits, and two swim calls in the Arabian Gulf. The crew visited Manama, Bahrain on four occasions. They also visited Rota, Spain and Agadir, Morocco. “This is my fourth deployment and every single one has been a learning experience,” said Chief Gunner’s Mate Anthony Sickler. “This is a very young crew and I am impressed with how quickly we came together to achieve our mission.” While deployed, the crew held a change of command ceremony in which Capt. Rob Thompson relieved Capt. Mark
Photos by MC2 Justin Wolpert Electronics Technician 3rd Class Tyler Hernandez meets his child for the first time following the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf’s (CG 72) return to homeport. Vella Gulf departed Norfolk April 23 as an independent deployer to support maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf utilizing their missile defense capability.
Oberley as commanding officer. They also celebrated the selection of five new chief petty officers, as well as 90 Sailors who qualified as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists, four who earned Enlisted Air Warfare Specialists pins, and eight who qualified as Surface Warfare Officers. Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46, Detachment Four was aboard the Vella Gulf throughout the deployment. With two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, the air crews logged 670 flight hours and 494 deck landings in support of anti-submarine and surface warfare operations. The ship’s operational requirements extended the deployment but allowed the crew to make it home for the Christmas — New Year’s holiday. “I am inspired by Vella Gulf Sailors every single day,” said Thompson. “It was a challenging work-up cycle and a long deployment that saw two unplanned extensions and very few liberty ports. Throughout it all, the crew demonstrated incredible commitment and toughness; it was an honor to sail with them. “I wish every American could be here on the pier today to celebrate the Sailors and their families who do so much to safeguard our freedom,” Thompson added.
Hope For The Warriors and Food Lion Feeds partners with The Fisher House to provide service members with holiday meals By MC3 Joshua M. Tolbert
The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations. Vella Gulf departed Norfolk April 23 as an independent deployer to support maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf utilizing their missile defense capability.
SURFLANT discusses priorities for today and tomorrow From Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs
Naval Support Activity Headquarters Hampton Roads Public NORFOLK
Affairs PORTSMOUTH
The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) host Hope For The Warriors, a nonprofit Veteran service organization, and Food Lion Feeds to stock the pantries at the Fisher House and provides holiday dinners to military families. The Fisher House Foundation is a privatepublic partnership that recognizes the sacrifices of men and women in the armed services. It provides cost-free accommodations for families of patients receiving medical care at military hospitals nationwide. “I have been in the Navy lodging program for 26 years now, and never been in a position that is so heartfelt,” said Jill Thompson, the Portsmouth Fisher House’s general manager. “The Fisher House creates a warm and fostering environment for the families who are dealing with the stresses of having a loved one in the hospital.”
CHECK K US OUT T E!! ONLINE! www.flagshipnews.com
www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship
www.twitter.com/ the_flagship
MC3 Joshua M. Tolbert Volunteers from Hope For The Warriors unload a truck to help stock the pantries at the Portsmouth Fisher House. The Fisher House Foundation is a nation-wide network of comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while their loved ones receive treatment.
In addition to providing communal areas, a dining room, laundry, and bedrooms, the Fisher House maintains a full kitchen that remains stocked for the guests to use during their stay. » See HOLIDAY MEALS | A7
64 express lanes tolling begins
Proclaiming there is truly no better time to be a warfighter, Rear Adm. Jesse A. Wilson Jr., commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, (SURFLANT) addressed members of the Hampton Roads Surface Navy Association (SNA), at their monthly luncheon held on board Naval Station Norfolk, Dec. 13. He spoke to more than 100 attendees at this end-of-year event about the fundamentals of watch standing, the importance of teamwork, generating readiness, as well as the culture of surface warfare. Today’s luncheon provided an opportunity for surface warriors to network, mentor and share experiences. Events like this offer an opportunity to listen to one another’s concerns, accept feedback and embrace ownership. He explained the surface community is at an inflection point and must be aligned. “The next 25 years in the maritime security environment is going to be very dif-
ferent than the last 25 years. And with that, it is incumbent upon us to prepare and think through how to respond to those changes and challenges.” In a world of rapidly evolving technology, our Navy Sailors and civilians truly embody the Navy’s new slogan and are “Forged by the Sea.” Wilson explained Sailors are warfighters who, with their knowledge and integrity, must at all times embrace a culture of forceful backup of behaviors, character, and technical competence. To be successful, “We must work together, function as a team and get this right.” The maritime environment is complex and constantly evolving. And we must take mistakes, areas of improvement, and incorporate those back into plan and leveraging lessons learned from others. To survive and succeed, Sailors must be proficient, rather than sufficient. Having ready Sailors and ready ships is SURFLANT’s top priority.
and 2 p.m.–6 p.m. eastbound Monday through Friday, motorists will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to access the 8.4-mile stretch of Reversible Roadway between the I-264 Interchange and I-564. Outside of operating hours, the lanes will remain free and open to all motorists. During operating hours, motorists who wish to ride toll-free must meet the HOV-2+ requirement and have Press Release an E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to “HOV ON”. To The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) pay the variable toll during operating hours, solo drivers will begin tolling the 64 Express Lanes the morning of may use a standard E-ZPass transponder or an E-ZPass Jan. 10. During operating hours 5 a.m.–9 a.m. westbound Flex with “HOV ON” covered.
» See SURFLANT | A7
2017 YEAR IN REVIEW!
A look back on noteable news from every month of 2017.
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!
» See C1 Sign up today! Call 222-3965