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Celebrating 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 21, No. 1 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 01.10 - 01.16.13
Navyfirst
CVW-3 welcomes Navy’s first female Air Wing Commander By MC2 Leona Mynes Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, assigned to the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, welcomed the Navy’s first female CVW commander during CVW-3’s change of command ceremony, Jan. 4. During the ceremony, which was conducted at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Capt. Michael S. Wallace, commander of “Team Battle Axe,” was relieved by Capt. Sara A. Joyner. “We have an amazing air wing and the squadrons make us the lethal fighting force we are,” said Wallace, a native of Brookings, Ore. “The air wing is sharp and ready to go. I look forward to watching [Joyner] lead this team we built together.” During CVW-3’s most recent deployment with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), its eight squadrons conducted 3,000 combat sorties with a 99.8 percent sortie completion rate, said Wallace. “Taking the fight abroad is the business we are in,” said Wallace. “I will miss being a part of this team.” At sea, Wallace flew F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18A/C Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the “Grim Reapers” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 101; the “Ghostriders” of VF142; the “Diamondbacks”
of VF-102; and the “Black Knights” of VF-154. Wallace also served as executive and commanding officer of the “Swordsmen” of VF-32. Ashore, Wallace served at NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany and at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn., as PERS-
431 commander of tactical air assignments, PERS-432 head detailer for lieutenant and lieutenant commander assignments and PERS-43 deputy director. Wallace took command of CVW-3 in July 2011.
» see NAVY FIRST | A7
I am incredibly honored to be the 57th ‘Battle Axe.’ I stand here with great pride because I have been handed the reigns of an exceptional team.” - Capt. Sara A. Joyner
Courtesy of The Virginian-Pilot | Vicki Cronis-Nohe Capt. Sara Joyner (center) salutes during the national anthem, flanked by Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney (left) and Lt. Richard Smothers. During the change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Jan. 4.
Are you ready for winter? fully to the ground and all their preparations create eager anticipation, but the winter’s frigid temperatures, blizzards and storms make emergency preparedness especially crucial at this time of year. With advanced planning in three key areas, you can be ready for any unexpected hazard that surfaces amidst win-
ter’s delight. Ready Navy is here to help. Visit www.ready. navy.mil.
NDW Qualified Recycling Program keeps region environmentally friendly
Program (QRP). “The purpose of the NDW regional recycling program is to conserve natural and financial resources by diverting recyclable materials from the waste stream,” said Patrick Moran, QRP manager for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington. “To accomplish this, a region-wide recycling contract is in place to collect, transport, process and sell recyclable materials.”
Press Release Commander, Navy Installations Command
WASHINGTON
The arrival of January and winter means that we are bound for colder temperatures in the coming months. Visions of skiing, curling up by the fire, snowflakes as they fall grace-
WHILE YOU WERE OUT See A6 for stories and photos from over the holidays BATTLE “E” COMSUBLANT Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor, announces winners of the 2012 Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) competition.
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MCC Ryan J. Courtade The aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in port at Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station.
MCPON RELEASES CPO 365 TRAINING GUIDANCE The role of the chief petty officer has long been an integral part of our Navy. When MCPON Mike Stevens took office last year, he recognized that training chiefs for their new leadership role in six weeks was hindering them in becoming as successful as possible. » see B1
By Patrick Gordon Naval District Washington Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
Environmental considerations have been at the forefront of many naval leaders’ agendas in recent years, thanks in no
small part to the U.S. Navy’s recent green energy initiatives. Naval District Washington (NDW) does its part to maintain the Navy’s interest in a healthy environment, while being energy conscious with the NDW Qualified Recycling
2012 IN REVIEW The Flagship’s “Year in Review 2012” special section features brief summaries from last year’s top stories.
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Be and Stay Informed: Learn about hazards that are common in winter months and most likely to happen in your
» see WINTER | A7
» see RECYCLE | A7
Y R PP EA E A Y H ! H T IP W E M H N RO GS F A FL