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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 27 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 07.12.12
It is absolutely fantastic to be back at sea where we belong.” - Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Truman’s Commanding Officer
TRUMAN DEPARTS NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD FOR SEA TRIALS MC2 Kristina Young
By MCSN Lorenzo J. Burleson USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs
USS TRUMAN, AT SEA
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and began sea trails, one of the final milestones of its docking planned incremental availability (DPIA), July 7. Sea trials tests Truman’s system capabilities in surface operations, deck seamanship, flight deck operations and damage control readiness. “Today’s successful underway was the product of Truman and NNSY’s hard work and dedication for the past 16 months in the shipyard,” said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Truman’s Commanding Officer. “It is absolutely fantastic to be back at sea where we belong.” Truman is conducting sea trials in collaboration with Norfolk Naval Shipyard to train Sailors and ensure operability of equipment and systems while at sea. “We have completed an enormous amount of testing, but things still need to be observed,” said Cmdr. Daniel Rossler, Truman’s chief engineer. “During this underway, we must work together to accomplish all the goals needed to successfully get this ship back in the fleet.” The goal is to reestablish the proficiency of the ship and its training teams, said Rossler. A series of training exer-
Results released from April F/A-18D jet crash
Magicians brighten NMCP pediatrics patients’ day By MC2 (SW) Anna Arndt Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH
Four members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) visited Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s (NMCP) Pediatrics Ward to perform a magic show for the patients and their families, July 3. Two of the magicians were from Virginia and two came from Canada to perform for the children while in Norfolk for the International Brotherhood of Magicians annual conference. The performed card and coin tricks, the never-ending handkerchief and many other sleight of hand tricks
that kept the audience enthralled. “Every year, we try to go to a children’s hospital, or a hospital with a children’s ward, and do a quick show for the kids, to take away some of the normal hospital routine,” said Scott Hood, one of the Canadian magicians and the IBM director of hospital shows. “It takes their mind off what they’re going through. It’s something different – they get a bit of a laugh, a bit of a giggle. They get to see something they may have not seen before, or may have only seen on television. And we have fun doing it.” “I love doing magic,” said Joan
» see MAGICIANS | A9
By MC2 Ernest R. Scott Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH
MC2 (SW) Anna Arndt Mikaella Ducusin, 6, and magician Joan Caesar don clown noses following the magicians’ performance for pediatric patients, July 3.
USS NEW YORK RINGS IN INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH ‘COOKS FROM THE VALLEY’ ■ about the New York USS New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
» see TRUMAN | A9
INJURED PELICAN RESCUED IN NORFOLK An injured pelican, who was rescued with the help of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic Oil Recovery employees at Naval Station Norfolk, arrived July 3 at his new home at SeaWorld Orlando. » see A6
By MC2 (SW) Zane Ecklund USS New York Public Affairs
USS NEW YORK, AT SEA
Amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) celebrated their first deployed Independence Day while on their maiden deployment, July 4. In addition to the Fourth of July festivities, Cooks from the Valley, a volunteer group from California, grilled steaks for Sailors and Marines aboard during an Independence Day “steel beach” picnic. “It’s all about thanking the troops for what they do every day,” said Mike George, a volunteer with the group. The crew enjoyed the special meal as well as a variety of events hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee, ranging from a basketball free throw contest and volleyball, to Sumo wrestling and a chili
cook off competition. “It’s great to celebrate the Fourth of July underway because it brings up morale,” said Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Enrique Miranda. “We’re away for a lot of holidays, but this is something fun that gives service members aboard something to look forward to.” New York’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Jon Kreitz, was thankful for the volunteers’ efforts, as well as the unrelenting hard work the crew has been making on their maiden deployment. “As we remember the founding fathers’ pledge and sacrifice, I am proud of the service and sacrifice each of them and their families are making right now, to guarantee the liberty all Americans enjoy today,” said Kreitz. “We all should also be grateful for the support back home by countless patriotic individuals and organizations who give selflessly of their time and resources.”
LANDSCAPERS ‘GIVE BACK’ AT ARLINGTON More than 400 volunteers from children to adults descended on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, July 9.
STAY ON TOP OF SUMMER CONCERTS Stevie Nicks, KISS, Mötley Crüe andToby Keith are just a few of the musical performers on their way to Hampton Roads.
» see B1
» see C1
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic released the results, July 2, of its Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) investigation of the F/A-18D that crashed into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach on April 6. The F/A-18D, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and based at Naval Air Station Oceana, was conducting a scheduled training exercise when it suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff and crashed into the Mayfair Mews Apartment Complex. “I know the process has been challenging for some, especially those who lost their homes and personal belongings,” said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. “But we are all incredibly fortunate that the crash, which occurred on Good Friday, resulted in zero loss of life.” The recovery process was a team effort between Navy
» see JET CRASH | A3
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