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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 40 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 10.04.12
Mid-Atlantic Region raises awareness for domestic violence By David Todd The Flagship Managing Editor
NORFOLK
The Navy is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October as a way to inform the Navy’s Total Force about domestic violence prevention, how to identify the warning signs and how to report abuse. Domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse and affects all age groups and social classes – both male and female. It can include emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse. “Preventing domestic violence is a Navy-wide effort that depends on the commitment of everyone,” said Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “I am confident we can reduce incidents of domestic violence by making sure our service members, civilians and their families receive the support they need, and that we will hold offenders accountable. Domestic violence degrades readiness and we should never tolerate it.” As part of an effort to combat and prevent domestic violence, Alexander signed a proclamation, Sept. 25, declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In signing, Alexander urged individuals to learn about the warning signs and how to identify domestic abuse. “Oftentimes victims don’t want to come forward because they are afraid,” he said. “We have an obligation to know what to look for and to become actively involved when it occurs.” Alexander stressed that help and support are available for those who are victims of domestic abuse.
“There is no shame in seeking help when someone is in an abusive relationship,” he said. “Never hesitate to reach out to your Fleet and Family Support Center, or a Navy chaplain. There are programs and services in place now that can help victims, and help us increase our prevention efforts.” There are two reporting options available for victims of domestic abuse: restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reports do not involve military chain of command or law enforcement. Unrestricted reports, however, will include an investigation by command and/or law enforcement. In both cases, victims can receive a full range of advocacy, medical and counseling services. If you are a victim of domestic violence, speak with a counselor or victim advocate at your local Fleet and Family Support Center, a healthcare provider at a military treatment facility, or a Navy chaplain about the options that are available to you. You may also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE, or visit www.thehotline.org for more information. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is available to support families in the U.S. and overseas. FAP staff members are professionally trained, respond appropriately to incidents of abuse and neglect, support victims, and offer prevention and treatment services. An important part of the program is a collaboration among FAP staff, military units, law enforcement, medical and legal personnel, family service centers, chaplains and civilian agencies. This coordinated community effort is essential for success in preventing and responding to abusive behavior within military families. To find a Fleet and Family Support Center near you, or to inquire about the services that are available, visit 1.usa.gov/LnVW2m.
MCC Christina M. Shaw Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic signs a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Mid-Atlantic Region, Sept. 25.
energyawarenessmonth
First lady of Virginia visits JEBLCFS
TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION
Press Release Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH
The first lady of Virginia visited Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS) to receive a tour of the installations new Child Development Center (CDC), Sept. 27. Supporting military families has been one of Maureen McDonnell’s priorities since her husband assumed the responsibilities as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Both the governor and I believe that supporting our military is one of our greatest duties and honors,” she said. “Our service men and women perform best when they know their families are being cared for back home.”
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Press Release Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs
NORFOLK
MC3 James Turner First Lady of Virginia Maureen McDonnell takes time to read to children during her tour of the new $10 million state-of-the-art child development center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach.
LINCOLN’S FIRST CO LEADS VIRGINIA SCIENCE STUDENTS ON TOUR OF SHIP By MC3 Kathleen Church USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The first commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited the ship with dozens of children from Virginia to tour the ship and launch model rockets from a Norfolk Naval Station softball field, Sept. 24. Now the head of a local non-profit
organization, Rear Adm. Bill Hayden (ret.) led the students on a tour of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which included stops in various spaces aboard the carrier, including the flight deck, bridge, forecastle and fantail. “It was an amazing experience for the children because they were exposed to real-life applications of math and science,” said Hayden. “The visit not only sparked more curiosity, but also gave
CHURCHILL SAILORS TRANSLATE FOR COUNTERPIRACY EXERCISE Three Sailors from the USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) used their language skills to contribute to the success of the first bilateral counter-piracy exercise ever conducted between the U.S. and China near the Horn of Africa, Sept. 17.
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the children pride and respect for those who serve in the military.” After seeing the ship, they traveled to the nearby field to launch rockets built using the skills they developed at Starbase Victory, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathway program for fourth through sixth graders from Portsmouth
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October is Energy Awareness Month. This year, the challenge is to step beyond being merely “aware.” Commit to turn awareness into action, intent into investment, and opportunities into outcomes. Now is the time for us to change our mindset and create a true culture of conservation. Effectively using and conserving energy is nothing new to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA). This year, all of the major installations in our area of responsibility (AOR) placed in the 2012 SECNAV annual Energy & Water Management Awards – an achievement unmatched by any other region. And everyone needs to pitch in to achieve results that last. NRMA now ensures that every building in this region has been assigned a Building Monitor (BM). This person helps promote energy-smart behavior among building users and brings maintenance items that affect energy performance to the attention of the Public Works Department
MCPON WEST STEPS DOWN Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West gave his last “HOOYAH” during the change-of-office ceremony, Sept. 28.
12TH ANNUAL FLEET RIDE THIS WEEKEND The largest motorcycle event in honor of our Armed Forces takes place this weekend, benefiting Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund.
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■ NRMA leads This year, all of the major installations in our AOR placed in the 2012 SECNAV annual Energy & Water Management Awards – an achievement unmatched by any other region.
for correction. Find out who your BM is and let them know about any issues that reduce energy efficiency. Sustaining an energy-efficient mindset collectively, however, depends on each Sailor, Marine and civilian. As the Department of the Navy Energy Program slogan states, “You Make It Happen.” Sailors and civilian personnel are in a unique position to help the Navy achieve its federally-mandated reductions by using energy and water wisely in your daily operations. Individual efforts can make a substantial difference in energy and water consumption, and help every command carry out its mission in a more sustainable way. Here are the Navy’s Top-10 ways everyone can help:
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WINTER UNIFORM SHIFT Zone 1, which includes the states of North Carolina and Virginia, will change to the winter uniforms at time 0001 the third Monday of the month of October. Winter uniform shift is effective, Oct. 15