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Celebrating 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 21, No. 9 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 03.07-03.13.13
STENNIS SAILORS PARTICIPATE IN METCON CONTEST
MSCN Marco Villasana Sailors perform exercises while competing in a metabolic conditioning contest in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
By MCSN Seth Coulter USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
USS JOHN C. STENNIS. AT SEA
JFSC rededicates Ike Skelton Library By Katisha Draughn-Fraguada Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Public Affairs
NORFOLK
More than 50 local dignitaries, faculty, staff and students attended the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) rededication ceremony of the Ike Skelton Library, Feb. 25. The library is named for former Congressman Ike Skelton in recognition of his extensive involvement throughout his career in joint and professional military education. “You are truly the godfather of joint education,” said Maj. Gen. Joseph Ward, Commandant, JFSC. “Because of you, we can continue to record lessons learned and pass them on to our future military leaders.” Skelton served as the U.S. Representative from Missouri’s 4th District from 1977 - 2011. As a U.S. Representative, Skelton’s focus was on issues involving jobs and the economy, the war in Afghanistan, military health insurance reform and standing up for U.S. military members. “Rededicating this library is truly a memorable moment for me, and frankly, I am downright proud,” said Skelton. Although very humble, he is very proud of all of his accomplishments. He served as the Chairman of the House
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MC2 Scott Pittman Naval Station Norfolk Firefighter Neil Gunnet prepares to evacuate simulated casualties during Exercise Citadel Shield 13 onboard Naval Station Norfolk. Feb. 27.
NAVSTA Norfolk participates in exercise Citadel Shield 13 By MC3 Molly Greendeer Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk participated in Exercise Citadel Shield 2013, Feb. 27 - 28. A regularly scheduled exercise, Citadel Shield is the largest force protection and anti-terrorism exercise conducted Navy-wide by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). NAVSTA Norfolk Installation Training Officer Russ Wyckoff said the exercise was designed to test and train the installation’s ability to prevent, detect and defend
‘DMV 2 GO’ BRINGS SERVICES TO SERVICE MEMBERS The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles mobile customer service center, called “DMV 2 Go,” is traveling across Virginia providing services to military members, veterans and their families.
■ about the exercise This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy Security Forces to respond to threats to installations and units. against an act of terrorism. “This exercise provided a great opportunity to test multiple security measures that have been pre-planned,” he said. “Some of these security measures are only used once a year, or maybe not ever. So we get this chance to see if these measures are still ef-
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NEW SECDEF ON BUDGET CUTS Soldier and Marine training, Air Force flying hours and Navy steaming days are being curtailed due to budget cuts, said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.
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FROM BROADWAY TO NORFOLK The hit show “Jersey Boys” that has broken box office records on Broadway and across North America, is coming to Chrysler Hall, March 5 - 16.
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Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) competed in a metabolic conditioning competition in the ships hangar bay, March 1. Sailors were given 15 minutes to complete as many sets as possible of five pullups, 10 hand-release push-ups and 15 squats. “The idea for the contests highlight current fitness trends and we try to meet them through the competitions,” said Tina Nguyen, Stennis’ afloat fitness director. She added that preparation for the competition was a great way for Sailors to work toward a goal, while enhancing morale and overall fitness. “It’s a good opportunity to be in a more competitive atmosphere,” said Operation Specialist 2nd Class John Fay, from New Orleans. “[Competitions] are great for building morale, and a change of the everyday pace is always nice. I do similar workouts on my own, but I don’t push myself as hard as when there are other people [to compete against].” Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Melisa Bologna topped the female category with 11 sets, and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Derek Gaives placed first in the male category with 19 sets. The winners received a new pair of running shoes. “The contests definitely help build a community,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Melisa Bologna from Valencia, Calif. “The crew comes and gives their support to competitors. I just came out to get a good workout, but I’m happy that I won.” The event was one of a series of recent fitness competitions in an effort to create a culture of fitness and support the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative. The initiative aims to improve the fleet’s level of fitness and create the fittest, most deployment ready force in DoD history.
2013 NMCRS FUND DRIVE The goal of the 2013 NMCRS Fund Drive is to have 100 percent contact with all service members, March 1 - 31. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/WggMMo.