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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 46 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 11.15.12
WWE COMES TO NORFOLK Kid Rock, Disney’s The Muppets and Flo Rida to join WWE’s 10th Anniversary holiday special NORFOLK
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) will honor the United States Armed Forces with its 10th annual holiday special, WWE “Tribute to the Troops” at the Norfolk Scope, Dec. 9. The 10thAnniversary holiday extravaganza will air as a two-hour television special on Dec. 19 at 9/8 Central on USA Network, and as a one-hour television special on Dec. 22 at 9/8 Central on NBC. WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, the holiday special will feature performances by Grammy Awardnominated, international superstars Kid Rock and Flo Rida, and WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas for thousands of military personnel and their families in Downtown Norfolk. Tickets to the event will be offered for free to military service members and their families on a limited basis. WWE has also worked jointly with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to select Navy installations in the Hampton Roads area for this annual event. “We are excited to host WWE Tribute to the Troops in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area,” said McDonnell in a recent press release. “Virginia has long been committed to supporting our troops and this is another opportunity to thank them for their service.” The show will also feature appearances by Disney’s The Muppets, Access Hollywood and NBC Sports’ Michelle Beadle, and more. “This is a proud moment for WWE to once again recognize America’s service men and women as part of the 10th Anniversary of WWE ‘Tribute to the Troops,’” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE in a press release. “We are honored to bring our unique brand of family-friendly entertainment to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.” In an effort to promote the upcoming show, WWE Superstar Mick Foley reached out to The Flagship to give some insight on the show’s history and to share his experience with “Tribute to the Troops” in past years. Although retired, Foley is still considered a fan favorite worldwide and he makes special appearances from time to time in the WWE circuit. From being Cactus Jack to Mankind, and even a commentator in the sport, Foley said the “Tribute to the Troops” event truly highlights and gives back to the men and women of the United States Armed Services, both in theater and stateside. “It’s very special,” he said. “There is often a military presence at our shows, but the atmosphere is always great when we do these shows specifically for our service members.” The event is billed as a way to bolster morale for the troops, but oftentimes it is also beneficial for the Superstars and Divas. “I know that when we went to Iraq and Afghanistan, some of our most seasoned [WWE] veterans thought it was one of the best things they’ve ever done,” said Foley. “And some said it
» see WWE | A4 WELCOME HOME BOISE The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) returned to Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment, Nov. 8
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This is a proud moment for WWE to once again recognize America’s service men and women.”- Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE
Sailors aboard the USS Bataan watch the Navy-Marine Corps Classic 2012 basketball game between the University of Florida Gators and Georgetown University Hoyas at Naval Station Mayport.
MCSN Rob Aylward
Navy-Marine Corps Classic held on Bataan’s flight deck By MC2 Erin Lea Boyce USS Bataan Public Affairs
MAYPORT, FLA.
Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) attended the Navy-Marine Corps Classic basketball game between the University of Florida Gators and the University of Georgetown Hoyas, Nov. 9. However, before the players could finish the contest, condensation on the court caused officials to stop the game out of concern for player safety. The game came to a close after 20 minutes of playing time with the Florida Gators leading 27 to 23. “We wanted to play,” Georgetown Coach John Thompson III told reporters. “We saw a lot of things I
VETERAN’S DAY President Barack Obama laid a flowered wreath at theTomb of the Unknowns in a traditional display of remembrance and gratitude for every service member who has worn the nation’s uniform. » see B1
thought we could capitalize on in the second half. But once I walked from the baseline to half-court, I realized this is not a safe surface. The kids’ safety, both their team and our team, means too much.” Over the course of the preceding week, Bataan’s flight deck was transformed from a launching and landing zone for six different types of aircraft during flight quarters, to a basketball court with bleachers holding more than 1,000 people. The Navy-Marine Corps Classic was the highlight of the city of Jacksonville’s Week of Valor. Jacksonville and the surrounding communities have a long tradition of supporting Sailors and Marines. The Week of Valor honors veterans, active and reserve service
FREE GOWN FOR MILITARY BRIDES Maya Couture Bridal Salon has partnered with Brides Across America to give military brides a free gown. Brides-to-be camped out in front of the salon the day of the giveaway. » see C1
members, and military families. “Jacksonville has always been a great Navy town,” said Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus. “We are moving an amphibious ready group, including a ship like this, to Jacksonville. It is one of the ways we connect the ship to the city and the U.S. Navy to the American people, because when we are doing our job we are usually a long way from home.” During the first half of the game, the audience got an inside look at Navy life when the SECNAV reenlisted seven Sailors. After the re-enlistment oath, players from both teams shook the hands of the re-enlistees.
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Courtesy of WWE WWE, USA Network and NBC will honor the United States Armed Forces with its 10th annual holiday special, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.”
Marines at NMCP celebrate 237th birthday of Marine Corps By Rebecca A. Perron NMCP Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH
At Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), the 237th birthday of the Marine Corps was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony by the Marines of the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East Portsmouth Detachment and Marine Liaison Detachment-Portsmouth, Nov. 9. Approximately 60 Marines and NMCP staff attended the traditional Marine ceremony, where they were reminded that the ceremony is an annual renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps, and the Corps’ commitment to the nation’s quest for peace and freedom worldwide. Maj. Steve Miller, the officer-incharge of the Marine liaison, then gave the opening remarks. Miller thanked everyone for attending, as well as NMCP’s medical providers for the great care they give his Marines. Following Miller’s remarks, Cpl. Joseph McGuirk read the birthday message from Gen. John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, from November of 1921. The birthday message was read by 1st Lt. Chase Llewellyn from the current Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, who began with the Marine’s reputation for answering the nation’s call in the past. “We carry that same legacy of resolute commitment and valor today,” Amos wrote. “Over the past year, Marines have stood firm in the toughest of circumstances and on numerous occasions. We’ve taken the fight to the enemy in Helmand and to the Horn of Africa. We’ve manned the ramparts of beleaguered embassies in the Middle East and North Africa, fought alongside our allies throughout the world, while behind the scenes, afloat and ashore, other Marines did the painstaking hard work required to maintain our high levels of readiness and efficiency.”
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