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Vol. 20, No. 47 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 11.22.12
Photos by ADAN Phurtura L. Brazier
OCEANA SAILOR WINS REGIONAL SOY HONORS By Cathy Heimer Jet Observer
VIRGINIA BEACH
Selecting just one winner for the 2012 Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) Sailor of the Year (SOY) from among the 11 Sailors nominated was a difficult choice. Throughout the SOY dinner, Nov. 15, at the Shifting Sands Club on Dam Neck Annex, the nominees were often referred to as the “best of the best.” But following a week-long event that included community relations, lessons in naval history and interviews with chief petty officers, Religious Program Specialist (RP) 1st Class (AW/SW/FMF) Jorge
nominees The nominees, whose time in service ranged from seven to 17 years, represented each installation within CNRMA.
Arocho, representing Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, earned the title of 2012 CNRMA Sailor of the Year. “This is an eye-watering group of individuals. Meeting them, watching them, listening to them speak, I’m 100 percent confident in the future of the Navy,” said Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic prior to the announcement. “What sets these Sailors apart from all the others is their strong devotion to duty coupled with their personal sacrifice, commitment and unswerving loyalty to those they serve,” said Command Master Chief
USS Iwo Jima Sailors, Marines visit Rota, Spain
winner Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Jorge Arocho, his wife Johanna Arocho, and Command Master Chief Dominick Torchia pose for a photo following Arocho’s selection as CNRMA Sailor of the Year.
» see SOY | A13
HurricaneSandy
By MC2 (SW/AW) Morgan Dial watching a flamenco show, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs
USS IWO JIMA, AT SEA
Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) experienced the local culture and cuisine of Rota, Spain during a regularly scheduled port visit, Nov. 11 - 13. Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) offered tours for service members, such as
exploring the Rock of Gibraltar and the ancient city of Ronda, and even descending into a canyon at Garganta Verde. “Since Great Britain wasn’t one of our stops, Gibraltar was a great chance to experience the British culture,” said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Gabrielle Pettit. “The local monkeys were the best part.” Along with the tours, ser-
» see IWO JIMA | A13
U.S. Navy photo
■ relief efforts Local ships and commands are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. See A4 to learn more. Cpl. Michael S. Lockett
USS Abraham Lincoln marks 23 years of service to nation Press Release USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
NORFOLK
MCSN Scott Youngblood Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Fabion Willoughby troubleshoots the service panel of a forklift in the hangar bay of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).
THANKSGIVING ON NAVSTA NORFOLK More than 350 single Sailors, transient personnel and Wounded Warriors and their caregivers were served aThanksgiving meal, Nov. 15. » see A8
COMBAT SIMULATION Thirteen Coastal Riverine Group (CORIVGRU) 2 Sailors completed training with the use of a combat simulator during an Embarked Security Combat Skills course, Nov. 16. » see B1
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated the 23rd Anniversary of her commissioning, Nov. 11. Since its commissioning in 1989, Lincoln has completed seven deployments. Most recently, the ship concluded an eight-month deployment to the 5th, 6th
MISSION NUTRITION With fitness failure discharges up 40 percent and the Navy continuing to increase its focus on physical readiness, it is more important than ever for a Sailor to ensure they are maintaining their physical condition through a lifestyle of fitness and nutrition.
» see C4
and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility when she arrived at her new homeport in Norfolk on Aug. 7. Prior to the deployment, Lincoln was homeported in Everett, Wash. Lincoln’s keel was laid on Nov. 3, 1984, at Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Newport News. Lincoln was eventually christened on Feb. 13, 1988. The second ship named for President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln entered the fleet as the fifth
» see LINCOLN | A13
MCSN Joshua E. Walters Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Larry Manning prepares to help dismantle a catapult aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
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