Flagship 03.24.2022 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Nutrition

The month of March is known as National Nutrition Month and is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. PAGE A2 VOL. 29, NO. 11, Norfolk, VA | ﬂagshipnews.com

March 24-March 30, 2022

U.S. Navy Courtesy photos from previous FWNY events.

FLEET WEEK 2022 ANNOUNCED IN NEW YORK

every year since 1984, was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and was held entirely virtually on social media. “New York is always an incredible host. We can’t wait for our brave women and men to get an opportunity to experience all the city offers and for New Yorkers to get a glimpse of what we do every day,” said Rock. This will create memories that last a lifetime.” CNRMA, the lead planning organization for FWNY this year, is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations, and 50 Naval Operational Support Centers.

By Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

NEW YORK CITY — U.S. Navy representatives, assigned to Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), along with New York City representatives announced the return of Fleet Week New York (FWNY) March 16, 2022 at city hall in New York City. FWNY will return to the city this May for the first time since 2019. “We’re thrilled to return to New York and showcase how the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard provide our nation and NATO partners an advantage at sea,” said Rear Adm. Charles “Chip” Rock, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. FWNY, held in New York City nearly

U.S. Navy Courtesy photos from previous FWNY events.

Making History: NAS Oceana’s Precinct Commander leads the way By MC2 Megan Wollam NAS Oceana Public Affairs

“I decided when I was 17 that I wanted to be a cop,” said Lt. Col. Nicole Doxey, NAS Oceana’s Police Department Precinct Commander. “I had just had a baby, and I then realized that I was going to have to be a provider and example to my son.” In 1998, Doxey started working as a public safety aid for the 3-1-1 pilot program in Rochester, New York, one of the first cities to establish a non-emergency line for municipal services. Doxey turned 18 on the second day of her job training. While working for the Rochester Police Department, she took police reports over the phone and was introduced to the world of law enforcement, though she was not yet old enough to become a police officer. Seeking a new experience, Doxey enlisted in the Navy as a Master-at-Arms in 2002. After completing a five-year enlistment onboard Naval Station Norfolk, she returned to the base as a civilian police officer. Over the span of her civilian police career, Doxey has worked on four installa-

Lt. Col. Nicole Doxey poses for a photograph on the ﬂight line onboard NAS Oceana Doxey has been a leader at NAS Oceana since 2019. (MC2 MEGAN WOLLAM)

tions in Hampton Roads. She also continues to serve in the Navy Reserve and has earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Ready, Set, Pull! www.ﬂagshipnews.com

Four employees of America’s Shipyard made their way to Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. for an exciting day alongside fellow Navy members in the 2021 Dulles Plane Pull event. PAGE A3

Captain Janet H. Days: Naval Station Norfolk’s First Female African American Executive Officer

“I’ve liked all the places I’ve been because they all taught me something,” Doxey said. “I never shied away from the post that nobody wanted because I knew I was going to learn from it. Each place taught me how to adapt and overcome.” Doxey’s experience in both military and civilian roles has given her a unique perspective and helped her in her career path. “You have to understand all aspects of this job before you walk into it,” Doxey said. “Coming up through the ranks has definitely helped me in my current position.” Doxey has been a leader at NAS Oceana since 2019, when she was both the Deputy Precinct Commander and Acting Precinct Commander until she officially took over the latter role. She was promoted to the police rank of Major in 2019 and then Lieutenant Colonel in 2021. Among Doxey’s many accomplishments, she is also the first Black female Precinct Commander in Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

A Chicago Native, Captain Janet H. Days, grew up travelling the world as an “army brat” while her father served in the military. Following in his footsteps, Days joined the army in 1987. Five years later, she transferred into the Navy as an enlisted service member. “I always knew that I would serve in the military,” said Days. “My dad was Army. That’s probably why I joined the Army initially; because I was familiar with it.” After transferring in 1992, Days’ first assignment was Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Dam Neck. This was the beginning of many years stationed in the Norfolk area, and a long, exciting career in the Navy, with Days later becoming the first African American female to

Turn to Making History, Page 7

Turn to Captain, Page 7

100 years of U.S. Aircraft Carriers

By MC2 Emily Casavant Naval Station Norfolk

On March 20, 2022, the United States Navy is celebrating 100 years of aircraft carriers in active service—a history which began at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). PAGE A6

Innovative Sailors Innovative Sailors are using cutting-edge technology from the private sector, and it’s leading to huge savings in both time and money for the Navy and positive impacts for the environment. PAGE A4

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The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

The theme for National Nutrition Month 2017 is“Put Your Best Fork Forward”to remind individuals to make healthier food choices. Eating healthy can prevent the onset of chronic diseases, reduce inﬂammation and improve physical recovery time from wounds. (AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DESTINEE SWEENEY)

Nutrition; Diversity Creates Enjoyable Health Courtesy Story

Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The month of March is known as National Nutrition Month and is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The theme for this year is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” which offers a positive outlook and highlights that creating a healthy diet doesn’t have to result in bland tasting foods or adhering to overly restrictive guidelines. As education and understanding of food increases, we learn that some of the foods we enjoy may not always be the healthiest choices for our long-term health, but according to Jennifer Meeks, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, many of these less than ideal choices can easily be improved with small variations. “There are a number of easy swaps you can make that will help you eat healthier and possibly save you calories without

leaving you feeling deprived such as using a little less oil when cooking and baking because every teaspoon less oil you use can save you 40 calories — without affecting the flavor or texture of your food,” she says. “Making meat portions a bit smaller and increasing the portion of vegetables on your plate, will provide more fiber and nutrients per bite that will help keep you full and satisfied,” added Meeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, it is recommended that adults eat at least 1½ to 2 cups per day of fruit and two to three cups per day of vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern. “This means every adult should be aiming for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and more than 5 can be even better,” Meeks says, “and with over 1,000 different vegetables cultivated worldwide, it could simply be a matter of time and exploration to find what you enjoy to meet this important level.” Meeks went on to say that, “As spring

brings an abundance of fresh produce, use this opportunity to try a new vegetable that you’ve never considered before. But, have a plan for how you are going to prepare that vegetable — look up a recipe or cooking video — to avoid paying for something that may never get eaten and just ends up in the trash.” Bite for bite, fruits and vegetables have more good-for-you nutrients than the other food groups. In areas of the world where people live the longest, we’ve learned that most of their diets are centered around plants. Not exclusively animal-free, but plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds) make up most of their meals. “We can try to copy their eating habits by making our diets more plant-based,” Meeks said, “and making an effort to include a fruit and/or vegetable with every meal and every snack can really help you reach your daily goal.” Parents of picky eaters may even find that giving children a list of new things to

try could be an adventure and allow kids to have a stake in a more diverse culinary menu. Ideas can include watching a cooking video or televised show that might peak their interest, or including colorful food groups to brighten their outlook on it. “Growing a window herb garden that can provide fresh herbs to add flavor to dishes and also help kids understand the farm-totable link to better understand where their food comes from,” said Meeks. Because taste buds and interests change as we grow, experimenting with different ways to prepare those foods can help us appreciate them more now. “For example; maybe you didn’t like eating cooked canned asparagus as a child, but steamed fresh asparagus might be something that you really enjoy now,” says Meeks. “Don’t be afraid to try or re-try new things and make it fun. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be a chore.” The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) develops and shapes public health for the U.S. Navy and Marines Corps through health surveillance, epidemiology and analysis, disease and injury prevention, and public health consultation. Learn more by going to www. nmcphc.med.navy.mil. Follow NMCPHC on social media at https://www.facebook. com/NavyAndMarineCorpsPublicHealthCenter http://twitter.com/nmcphc and https://www.instagram.com/nmcphc/

Patient safety awareness week highlighted at NMCP By Christina Johnson

Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted a patient appreciation and education event in honor of Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 16. Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual event created to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety, and representatives from NMCP’s Directorate of Quality Management visited various areas of the medical center to talk to patients directly. “Staff from the Directorate of Quality Management walked through the pharmacy, lab and other patient waiting areas to promote patient and family engagement,” said Cmdr. Joselyn Mercado-Abadie, NMCP Quality Management director

and Chief Medical Officer. She explained that the event was to promote health literacy by distributing educational materials and discussing the Ask Me 3™ tool with patients. “Designed by health literacy experts, Ask Me 3™ helps patients become more active members of their healthcare team,” added Mercado-Abadie. As the U. S. Navy’s oldest, continuously-operating hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally acclaimed, state of the art medical center, including its ten branch and TRICARE Prime clinics, serves the Hampton Roads area and additionally offers premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsmen for future roles in healing and wellness.

Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm, maddelin.hamm@navy.mil Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com

Contributing Staff

MC3 Leo Katsareas MCSN Jordan Grimes

Flagship, Inc.

Advertising Inquiries | Ski Miller, ski.miller@virginiamedia.com Free Classiﬁed Advertising, 757-222-5538 Distribution/Home Delivery, 757-446-9000,Distribution@pilotonline.com

Cmdr. Eilleen Scott, Quality Management assistant director and Patient Safety Officer, speaks to beneﬁciaries about the importance of patient and family engagement in patient healthcare safety. (PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS DYLAN KINEE)

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm Charles W.“Chip”Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose mailing address is located at PO Box 282501, Norfolk, Va. 23510. © 2021Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved

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Ready, Set, Pull! NNSY Employees Join Navy Teams in Annual Plane Pull Competition By Kristi R Britt

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Four employees of America’s Shipyard made their way to Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. for an exciting day alongside fellow Navy members in the 2021 Dulles Plane Pull event. An annual event to support Special Olympics Virginia, teams of 25 competed in an attempt to pull an 82-ton FedEx Airbus A320 12 feet in record time across the runway. Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Surface Fire Safety Officer Thomas “Superman” Strickland is no stranger to the runway, participating in similar events since 1996 and competing from Baltimore all the way down to Orlando. He would frequent the D.C. event and join at the rope every year until the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the event for the foreseeable future. Strickland had kept tabs on the website for announcements, learning of the event’s relaunch in 2021 — and he was excited to see a Navy team had stepped up to the plate. “I saw who was headlining the teams and reached out to Captain Gregory Kercher and Vice Admiral Jeffrey Trussler, sharing who I was and where I was from. We established that connection and I asked if I could join their efforts,” said Strickland. “They were excited to have more onboard and said if we had anyone else interested to sign them up as well.” Up for the challenge, Strickland sought out like-minded individuals from America’s Shipyard to accompany him to Dulles for the event. Shop 26 Supervisor and COVID Management Team member Ronnie “Sgt. Major” Willis had teamed up on the plane pull with Strickland in years past and jumped at the chance to pull again. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate teamwork and to do your part for the country and the community,” said Willis. “I’m happy to be back in the saddle and looking forward to more chances in the future!” Admiral Trussler said, “Having the four members of America’s Shipyard join our teams was a privilege! Superman and Sgt. Major brought years of plane pull experience and were crucial to our teams avoiding many rookie mistakes. Superman taught us how to line up, pull stance, and several tips that cut seconds off of our time and put us in a position to compete and defeat some more experienced teams.” This event was a first of its kind for Naval Shipyard Support Office (NSSO) Naval Architect Eileen O’Shaughnessy; however, she’s no stranger to stepping up to the challenge for a cause. “The plane pull event had the top three things I’m passionate about: supporting our military, helping members of our community, especially instilling confidence in children, and also provid-

Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Shop 67 Electronic Mechanic Zach“The Viking”Williams, Surface Fire Safety Officer Thomas“Superman” Strickland, and Naval Shipyard Support Office (NSSO) Naval Architect Eileen O’Shaughnessy traveled to Washington D.C. to participate with fellow Navy teammates in the 2021 Dulles Plane Pull event. Not Pictured: Shop 26 Supervisor and COVID Management Team member Ronnie “Sgt. Major”Willis. (KRISTI R BRITT)

ing a good fitness challenge for its participants. What’s more, the Special Olympics is a great program to campaign for because it promotes inclusion, skill building, comradery and friendship.” Another first timer was Shop 67 Electronic Mechanic Zach “The Viking” Williams, who had heard of plane pull events before but never got to compete himself. “It was so cool to be able to join up with fellow teammates within the Navy and join into this great cause,” said Williams. “It says a lot about our Navy community as a whole, everyone was so welcoming and cheering each other on during the event. We each had each other’s backs.” He continued, “One of the biggest reasons for me to join the cause is being someone who can lead by example. Father figures are a big thing for me and unfortunately, not

everyone gets to have that sort of figure in their life. Out there on the runway, we are all hitting the pavement with raw emotion and energy. When we’re out there, we’re not only pulling the plane, but we’re showing those on the sidelines that this is an embodiment of hard work — that we have strength and determination not only physically but aim to benefit others in what we do.” O’Shaughnessy added, “I had such a great experience for my first pull. We’re already looking at ways to train for the next one and hope many more can join us in the future. It was such a unique and fun way to support our community and it helped bring us all together for a common goal.” The Navy split into three teams, named USN Team Beast, Team Submarine, and Pull 3-2-1. Overall, they took fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively, against 35 other teams for

the event. In addition, Strickland and Willis were named Most Valuable Pullers (MVPs) at the event. Some of the team’s highlights included Strickland’s passion and energy throughout the day, hyping everyone up throughout the event and building up their excitement to participate. In addition, they noted everyone on the team felt they contributed to the overall goal. “At America’s Shipyard, it’s about being ONE TEAM and that goes the same for our Navy brethren across the globe. We’re all in this together, lifting each other up and having fun,” said Strickland. “We’re ready for more and always accepting others interested in joining our efforts.” For more information on the plane pull event, visit https://www.specialolympicsva. org/planepull. You can also contact Strickland at thomas.j.strickland@navy.mil.

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

Innovative Sailors Sparked By Industry By Seaman Sasha Ambrose USS John C. Stennis (Cvn 74)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Innovative Sailors are using cutting-edge technology from the private sector, and it’s leading to huge savings in both time and money for the Navy and positive impacts for the environment. While Sailors coming up with new ideas to create positive changes is a consistent theme in the Navy, this particular change comes electrically charged. In Hampton, Virginia, there’s a warehouse packed to the brim with plasma cutters, sewing machines, metal fabricators, and equipment to produce practically any tool or product imaginable. This is the Light Industrial Facility (LIFAC), and it is just one place where Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), are finding astute improvements to processes that will help the ship get back in the fight. The Stennis is currently going through its mid-life maintenance cycle, known as Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), in Newport News Shipyard. During this time, the crew is a part of production and maintenance teams, both on and off the ship, including LIFAC. “One of our concerns after we took over LIFAC was when we observed the process of conventional painting on non-watertight doors,” said Cmdr. Jericho Timog, from Quezon City, Philippines, the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Officer. “Previously, it took 30 days for the paint to fully dry and cure. We believed that there are better techniques and products available that could improve our RCOH efforts.” Electrically-charged dry powder is the product that Sailors in the non-tight door refurbishment team researched and found within the industry, and now utilize to significantly improve the production and restoration time of refurbishing non-watertight doors. During this process, the doors are negatively charged and when the paint is sprayed it comes out positively charged, sticking immediately to the door. This new process means fewer man-hours for Sailors, the paint lasts longer and is safer for the environment.

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Harley Ambrowsky, from Hopson, Florida, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), sprays an electrically charged dry powder on a non-watertight door at the Light Industrial Facility in Newport News, Virginia.(SEAMAN CURTIS BURDICK)

“With the new method, there is no post-cure time. LIFAC can now paint 16 doors a day and those doors could be sent back to ship’s force the same day for re-installation,” said Lt. Kristopfer Riel, from St. Cloud, Florida, the AIRSpeed Officer, who identifies constraints and measures improvements for programs on the ship. “These shorter turn-around times have led to a 47% reduction in man-hours spent on painting, thousands of dollars in savings just for the remaining doors, and an over 56,000% reduction in cycle time.” The powder coating is also being adapted for use on porthole covers, chock covers, and ready-

room chairs. The versatile material can be used practically anywhere the old method of painting was done. Additionally, according to the manufacturer of the product, it is free from hazardous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds, emits almost no air pollution and the overspray is reusable in a way that reduces material waste. By using this powder-coating technology, the ship is realizing competitive advantages on costs, schedule, and performance, with the added benefit of taking care of the environment. “We are the first aircraft carrier to utilize powder-coating technology for our non-tight

doors during RCOH,” said Timog. Initiatives such as this will allow Stennis to continue to break barriers in production and efficiencies, which will contribute to our already outstanding reputation in the fleet. At this phase of RCOH, we continue to exceed expectations of meeting our production goals.” The Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) initiatives are intended to make the ship even better and equate to the responsible use of resources. Sailors at LIFAC come from a range of different rates in the Navy that are all combining their experiences to create safer and more efficient methods to complete their tasks. “Whatever the ship can dream of, we can try to make it here in our shop,” said Chief Petty Officer Aviation Machinist’s Mate Shannon Friesz, from Independence, Missouri, project lead for the non-tight door refurbishment team. At LIFAC, Sailors manufacture tools and products that are used in nearly every space on the ship. “These guys are hustling every single day,” said Friesz. “They’re 22% ahead of the ship’s force tasks, and I credit it to their camaraderie. They’re happy to come to work and are just killing it every single day.” The LIFAC crew is working with civilians from Newport News Shipbuilding, and command leadership aboard the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), to integrate the innovations from LIFAC into the fleet. “We have a lot of adaptive thinking where folks are trying to find new ways to resolve problems that are well outside of the job that they thought they trained to come into the Navy for,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jared Alford, from Independence, Kansas, LIFAC’s Leading Chief Petty Officer. “It’s a great example of how the Navy keeps you on your feet and forces you to grow.” The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA, and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

Elements of Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU Deploy Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va. — Elements of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Naval Station Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for a regularly scheduled deployment, March 16. The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces that foster maritime security and increased theater cooperation by providing a forward naval presence with vast, specialized crisis response capabilities. “After months of rigorous training, the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU are ready to exercise our mission sets across a range of military operations,” said Capt. David Guluzian, commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6. “The ARG-MEU team is a fully integrated, multi-mission fighting force ready to respond and decisively engage any situation or challenge during this deployment.” The ARG consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and ARG flagship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). Gunston Hall is scheduled to depart Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek later in the month. Embarked commands with the Kearsarge ARG include commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 2, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Assault Craft Unit

Line handlers stand at parade rest as the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departs Naval Station Norfolk, March 16, 2022. Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployed from Naval Station Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for a regularly scheduled deployment. (PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W BRANCH)

(ACU) 2, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2 and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2. The 22nd MEU, commanded by Col. Paul Merida, will serve as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations. The 22nd MEU includes the command element; the aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 263 (Reinforced); the ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2⁄6 (Reinforced); and the logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 26. “During the course of a comprehensive six month training program, the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit have built a

closely integrated and well trained naval expeditionary force,” said Merida. “We stand ready for any mission or challenge that comes our way.” This deployment follows months of intense training and preparations during various maritime integration exercises. The Kearsarge ARG-MEU team most recently concluded a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), a series of exercises designed to fully integrate roughly 4,000 Sailors and Marines into one cohesive contingency force while testing the units’ abilities to carry out sustained operations from the sea. During COMPTUEX, the ARG-MEU operated under NATO command and control, which was a first for an ARG-MEU and is typically only practiced among carrier strike groups. Addi-

tionally, this exercise marked the first time a U.S. Coast Guard cutter participated in an ARG-MEU exercise by providing valuable interoperability experience between naval and USCG forces. The Kearsarge ARG-MEU team is manned, trained, and equipped to fulfill amphibious requirements in support of maritime security and stability. Amphibious ready groups and larger amphibious task forces provide military commanders a wide range of flexible capabilities including maritime security operations, expeditionary power projection, strike operations, forward naval presence, crisis response, sea control, deterrence, counter-terrorism, information operations, security cooperation and counter-proliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 5

Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Damian J. Dodge, from New Brunswick, New Jersey, assigned to air department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), trains a hose team during a general quarters drill while the ship is conducting a simulated at-sea exercise. George Washington is undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard. ( PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS DYXAN WILLIAMS)

GW Conducts Simulated At-Sea Exercise “Validation Cruise” By Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Stamer USS George Washington (CVN 73)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a simulated “at sea” training exercise March 15-17 while pierside at Newport News Shipbuilding. During the exercise, referred to as Shamrock Shakedown by George Washington Sailors, the crew conducted a series of seamanship, damage control and medical response training evolutions designed to reacclimatize Sailors to an underway mindset and gauge overall operational readiness in preparation for crew certifications (CREWCERT). CREWCERT is a mandatory assessment of the crew’s ability to respond to emergencies

and is composed of critical milestone events marking the ship’s transition from the maintenance phase into basic phase underway operations. It is broken into three phases designed to review, evaluate and eventually certify crew programs and operations. “We worked with subject matter experts of all ranks aboard the ship to determine training priorities and what [skillsets] we needed to improve on based on our last [simulated at-sea training exercise],” said Lt. Cmdr. Veronica Y. Baker, from San Salvador, El Salvador, the ship’s training officer. “The goal is to get all the training teams working together simultaneously as various drill scenarios are executed at the same time.” The Shamrock Shakedown training exercise began with a sea-and-anchor detail, which is an evolution designed to mimic

the ship getting underway from the pier. Day one of training also featured an array of drills, including loss of steering, man overboard, and aircraft crash and fire. Over the course of three days, George Washington’s integrated training teams conducted various general quarters scenarios that allowed for ship-wide damage control and casualty response training. “It’s time to change to an operational mindset,” said Cmdr. James P. Hunt, from Point Clear, Alabama, the ship’s strike officer. “Our aim is to increase our material and personnel readiness. When George Washington comes out of the yards, we need to be ready to fight on day one.” To conclude the three-day training exercise, Sailors conducted active shooter, medical response and geopolitical drill scenarios.

The various simulations provided Sailors with more hands-on experience to familiarize themselves with their underway responsibilities, take ownership of their spaces and equipment, and continue to increase shipboard knowledge and damage control effectiveness. “I’m ready to finally work in my rate,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class (AW) Shane E. Tullis, from Ranburne, Alabama, assigned to air department. “I’m really looking forward to it; it’ll be a great environment to pass on my experience and help train up our junior Sailors.” Following the successful completion of CREWCERT I in April, the ship will continue to conduct training evolutions to prepare for CREWCERT II, currently scheduled for July, and CREWCERT III, tentatively scheduled for the fall. George Washington is currently conducting RCOH at Newport News Shipyard. RCOH is a multi-year project performed only once during a carrier’s 50-year service life that includes refueling the ship’s two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and modernization.

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

USS Langley in Dry Dock 4, early October 1924. (COURTESY PHOTO)

100 years of U.S. Aircraft Carriers Started at Norfolk Naval Shipyard By Michael D Brayshaw Norfolk Naval Shipyard

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — On March 20, 2022, the United States Navy is celebrating 100 years of aircraft carriers in active service—a history which began at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). NNSY converted the first aircraft carrier USS Langley (CV-1), commissioned March 20, 1922, from the collier USS Jupiter (AC-3) beginning in early 1920. The collier, responsible for transporting fuel to coal-burning ships, was selected as the best platform for conversion as its cargo spaces could stow aircraft with ample room for a combined hangar and repair plant. Jupiter, built at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and launched in 1912, already had an impressive history in its own right for being the Navy’s first turbo-electric ship and first vessel to transit the Panama Canal. In addition to a flight deck, NNSY installed an armory, machine shop, and photographic and aerological labs onboard. An electric elevator moved aviation components while

electric cranes moved aircraft topside. Despite the conversion, some unique features could be traced back to the ship’s origins. Langley was nicknamed the “covered wagon” given its unique look with the assembled deck resembling a canopy. The Navy’s first carrier also had the navigating bridge below the flight deck. Originally, a pigeon house was onboard so aviators could use the birds in delivering emergency communications, a lighter solution to bulky wireless radio sets at the time. This space was later converted into quarters for Langley’s commanding officer. Too slow for battle, retrofitted for its new mission and undersized compared to future carriers, Langley nonetheless met its aim as a floating laboratory for testing seaborne aviation. With naval aviators eager to try out the prototype, many of them got their chance in fall 1922. The first launching took place Oct. 17, by Lt. Virgil C. Griffin in a VE-7 “Bluebird” adopted from the U.S. Army to become the Navy’s fighter aircraft of choice. Nine days later, Lt. Cmdr. Godfrey Chevalier touched down on Langley in an Aeromarine while the carrier was underway. The ship’s own Commanding

Officer, and a major advocate for carrier development during World War I, Cmdr. Kenneth Whiting became the first naval aviator catapulted from a carrier deck, on Nov. 18. Following all these achievements in aviation, Langley spent its next two years in a battery of trainings, tests and public demonstrations as the Navy’s sole carrier. Joining the Pacific Battle Fleet in late 1924, Langley patrolled the world’s largest ocean for the next 12 years. By 1936, Langley was becoming obsolete in the shadow of three newer carriers, and converted into a seaplane tender. During World War II, Langley assisted Royal Australian Air Force with anti-submarine patrols and was assigned to American-British-Dutch-Australian forces challenging Japanese offensives. While carrying 32 P40 fighters to Java Feb. 27, 1942, the ship was attacked by several Japanese enemy bombers making five hits, rendering the historic ship inoperable and forcing it to be torpedoed by escorting destroyers to ensure Langley would not fall into enemy hands. Following Langley’s destruction, NNSY had significant carrier contributions to provide

during World War II. The shipyard constructed three Essex-class carriers from the keel up— most famously the USS Shangri-La (CV-38) which helped end the war in Japan, and USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) which set speed records transporting servicemen home. In the decades since, NNSY has proudly served the Navy and Nation in the depot-level maintenance of Atlantic Fleet carriers, and is home to the only federally owned carrier dry dock on the East Coast. Currently NNSY is overhauling USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in the midst of a Planned Incremental Availability. “On March 20 we observe the centennial of aircraft carriers serving and strengthening our Nation and are proud knowing it was Norfolk Naval Shipyard that converted the Navy’s very first aircraft carrier, USS Langley,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Dianna Wolfson. “Now, we are forward-focused bringing process improvement to our carrier work through initiatives such as Naval Sustainment System—Shipyards (NSS-SY), and leveraging upgraded facilities through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) to accommodate the Gerald R. Ford-class carrier and meeting all the demands of the 21st century Fleet. I’m confident knowing it’s the people in America’s Shipyard today who are at the forefront of strengthening the Navy’s carriers for their next century of service.”

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 7

NMCP hosts Career day for local stem students By Seaman Ariana Torman

Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, VA, — Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted a career day for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, including Computer Science (STEM/CS) Portsmouth School System (PSS) high school students, March 15. Twenty-one 11th and 12th grade students and two teachers from Portsmouth’s Manor, Churchland, and I.C. Norcom high schools visited NMCP to hear from doctors, nurses and specialized corpsmen about their education, training and day-to-day life at NMCP. “It is very important to host events like this

to expose the children to different career and educational paths,” said LCDR Abiola Babawale, NMCP’s STEM physician lead. “It is also a great opportunity to shed a light on the many medical fields represented here at NMCP.” As the U.S. Navy’s oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area’s 10 Branch Health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.

Captain from Page 1

be the Executive Officer (XO) of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk. “I started to learn an awful lot about the Navy and I felt that I could be better utilized in a more senior leadership role,” said Days, who, after six years of being enlisted in the Navy, joined the Enlisted Commissioning Program and became a commissioned officer in 1999. “I was intent on completing my college education and the Enlisted Commissioning Program was an avenue by which to do that.” Since commissioning, Days has received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Old Dominion University and a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. “Having been a junior enlisted Sailor onboard a ship certainly gives me perspective and understanding when it comes to leadership,” said Days. Days hopes that Sailors that work with and for her feel more inclined to get the job done, whatever it may be, if they are working for someone who is genuine and understands all of the Sailors roles and the importance of them. She believes that a good mentor and leader makes all the difference at any command. “One of my role models was Captain Terry Mosher,” said Days. “He was my first Commanding Officer (CO) when I was a Division Officer and he actually made being in command look fun. I took a lot of the things I watched him do and folded them into my own leadership style when I had command of my ship.” Another important role model for Days has been retired Vice Admiral Mary Jackson, Naval Station Norfolk’s first female Commanding Officer, whom she met while serving as a depart-

Official photo of Capt. Janet Days, executive officer Naval Station Norfolk. (COURTESY PHOTO)

ment head and Jackson visited her ship. “She has just been an amazing mentor and friend throughout my surface warfare career and now while I’m here at the installation,” said Days. Days has now followed in Jackson’s footsteps to more than one command as she was also CO of the USS McFaul. “It’s not lost on me, the role that I am in now and will be in later next year, as CO, and the importance in regard to where the Navy has gone over many, many years,” said Days, looking at her groundbreaking military career. “I’ve seen a lot of transition.” When Days joined the Navy in 1992 women

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted a career day for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, including Computer Science (STEM/CS) Portsmouth School System (PSS) high school students, March 15. (SEAMAN ARIANA TORMAN)

were not permitted to serve on combatant ships. That changed two years later when on March 7, 1994, the first women to serve aboard a U.S. combatant ship received their assignments from the Navy; to serve onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. “I live here on base in a house that was built in 1941 and, at the time that this house was built, I most certainly would not have been allowed to live in that house, moreover even visit that house,” said Days. In her near-30-year navy career, Days has served all but two tours in Norfolk. Being the XO and future CO of NAVSTA Norfolk is a task dear to her heart because Norfolk has become her home. One goal that she has for the installation is to make people want to spend more time here by opening more venues and hosting more extracurricular activities. “The perspective that I’ve gained being in the position of XO here has been, let’s just say, different… and exciting at the same time,” said Days. “My goal is to continue to provide optimum service and support to the fleet and, more than anything, I want to be a positive role model for the Navy.” When asked what the best part of being in a leadership position in the Navy is, she replied “The most rewarding part of being a Commander in the Navy is to see the successes of your command and your Sailors. Those things bring me more joy than anything because we’re putting the resources into our Sailors that will inevitably make our Navy better.” Captain Janet H. Days is paving the path for many but continues to stay humble while always looking out for the “little guy” and bringing an uplifting atmosphere to her Sailors. “It’s really nice to see, over all my years in the Navy, the positive change in the positions that women are in,” said Days. “It’s a really good thing…Women are crushing it in the Navy.”

Lt. Col. Nicole Doxey takes a phone call in her office onboard NAS Oceana. (MC2 MEGAN WOLLAM)

Making History from Page 1

“It means a lot to be the first,” Doxey said. “But I just want to do a good job and set a standard. It’s very important to me to be a good leader and to leave this division better than I found it.” Doxey wants to serve as an example to women and girls that this career field is within reach. “I think some people have the mindset that this is a man’s job, and that’s not the case,” Doxey said. “We bring a lot to the field. It’s not just about strength and power. It’s about the diversity and perspective you can bring to the rest of the force.” With 24 years of experience under her belt, it is clear that Doxey loves her work and is an example to those following in her footsteps. “Nothing is going to be easy, but no problem is too big to overcome,” Doxey said. “Don’t let yourself get down, and always keep moving forward.”

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Partnership with African Nations

From its inception, Africom was designed to be unique. It is based on the 3-D strategy — diplomacy and development supported by defense. PAGE B6

Whirlwind Crew Marks End of Ship’s U.S. Navy Service at Decommissioning

Capt. Jeffery Baker, commander of Naval Surface Squadron Five, delivers remarks in front of patrol coastal ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony March 21, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. (PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS DAWSON ROTH)

By Chief Petty Officer Roland Franklin

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.s. 5Th Fleet

MANAMA , BAHRAIN — The Navy ended the active service of its fifth patrol coastal ship stationed in Bahrain, March 21, marking the completion of a series of decommissioning ceremonies held the past month. Patrol coastal ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) crewmembers marked the end of the ship’s U.S. Navy service during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. The nearly 27-year-old ship

operated in the Middle East in support of U.S. 5th Fleet’s regional maritime security mission. “Our patrol coastal ships have made a lasting impact here in the region supporting naval operations and safeguarding maritime security,” said Capt. Robert Francis, commander of Task Force 55 at U.S. 5th Fleet. “This was only made possible by the dedicated Sailors who served aboard these ships for nearly three decades.” Whirlwind was commissioned in Memphis, Tennessee in July 1995 and began

conducting routine coastal patrol operations in the Middle East 11 years later. The Navy decommissioned four other Cyclone-class ships in Bahrain the past four weeks beginning with Firebolt (PC 10) on Feb. 23. The decommissioning ceremonies for Typhoon (PC 5), Tempest (PC 2), Squall (PC 7), and now Whirlwind’s followed. During Whirlwind’s ceremony, ship’s last commanding officer recognized the contributions of past and present crewmembers. “Whirlwind proudly severed our country for decades and her history is written in the

Seventh Fleet Sailors take the lead in LCS maintenance, display teamwork and resilience By Lt.j.g. Mohammad Issa Command Destroyer Squadron 7

APRA HARBOR, Guam — Sailors aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) and the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) worked together to demonstrate expeditionary combat repair capability to fix an essential ship system. The crew aboard Tulsa discovered a leak with the ship’s aircraft fueling pump which resulted in the system being unable to refuel either of the ship’s manned or unmanned aircraft. While Tulsa Sailors continued operating at sea, they provided imagery and detailed descriptions of the issue. At the same time, the Sailors from Emory S. Land visited an exactly configured LCS, USS Charleston (LCS 18), to inspect the system in person, assess the potential for repair and plan the required work as soon as the ship arrived back pierside. “It’s imperative that Sailors take ownership of the ship they serve aboard in order to ensure mission readiness, and I am proud of the way our crew urgently and effectively handled this repair” said Cmdr. Travis Dvorak, commanding officer of Tulsa. “We could not have done it without the support and expertise of our shipmates aboard Emory S. Land.” Littoral combat ships deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet have used a wide variety of efforts to continue breaking records in operational availability. Sailor ingenuity, timely parts delivery, and Maintenance Execution Teams manned entirely by Sailors have dramatically increased LCS self-sufficiently. Sailors still benefit from off-ship technical assistance across several systems, but crew-led repairs remain the most practical and efficient to keep these ships on station. “As the operational commander for all LCS in theater and past president of INSURV, I am asked frequently about the Independence variant and their past maintenance and readiness struggles,” said Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, Commander Task Force (CTF) 76. “I respond that those past issues are well documented, but today, in 7th Fleet, we see these talented rotational crews own the readiness challenges and using Chief and Sailor resourcefulness fix and sustain these ships for the fight.” When units can work across the force in 7th Fleet, as demonstrated in this case with Tulsa and Emory S. Land, they show what makes the U.S. Navy more capable than any other Navy in the world. In this case, Sailors demon-

stories of the sailors that have served on this mighty warship,” said Lt. Cmdr. Martin K. Dineen. “Life as a patrol coastal Sailor is different from any other experience in the Navy. It’s a tough and demanding life, but that is what makes this crew the best.” Prior to operating from Bahrain, Whirlwind was stationed at Little Creek, Virginia and supported operations in U.S. 4th Fleet and 6th Fleet. The ship also helped secure New York City’s harbor immediately following terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

New electronic health record goes live at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune By Riley Eversull

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune

Engineman 1st Class Scott Barnesziegmann, from Wall Lake, Iowa, installs a component for the JP5 service pump discharge line aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc region. ( PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS DEVIN LANGER)

strated how important expeditionary combat repair capability is to operational readiness. “With the craftsmanship and extensive resources our Sailors bring to the fleet, Emory S. Land can swiftly provide any maintenance support to any vessel in theater,” said Capt. Andrew Ring, commanding officer, Emory S. Land. “The repair executed on Tulsa is only the latest example of Land increasing the Fleet’s endurance and lethality. We are proud to be a significant contributor to U.S. 7th Fleet’s effort to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.” When Tulsa retuned to port for a brief stop, a section of piping from the helicopter fueling pump system was removed from Tulsa by the ship’s force and transported to Emory S. Land for restoration action that included removing the old weld, cleaning and re-welding. Members of Tulsa’s engineering department finalized the process with a successful re-installation. “I definitely feel a sense of pride in my skillset and my fellow crewmembers when we are able to diagnose a unique problem, construct and execute a plan, and get an impaired ship function back in action.” said Engineman 1st Class Scott Barnesziegmann, assigned to Tulsa. “It’s also reassuring knowing we can

reach out to other teams across the fleet and receive top-notch support.” As a forward deployed naval force, Emory S. Land is tasked to provide expeditionary maintenance, repairs and reload, as well as provide hotel service and logistics support to deployed Guided Missile and Fast Attack submarines deployed in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Emory S. Land is also capable of providing repair and logistic services to deployed surface combatants and ships. Attached to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Tulsa is on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region, and to work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as ESG 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

Camp Lejeune, N.C. — The Military Health System’s new electronic health record for Department of Defense medical sites, MHS GENESIS, is officially live at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. At 7 a.m. on March 19, NMCCL staff began using the new system for patient care for active duty service members, retirees, and their families. NMCCL’s launch kicks off a sequence of medical sites across Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune transitioning to the MHS GENSIS platform. MHS GENESIS will also go live in the coming days at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in addition to sites throughout II MEF and MARSOC. “We are excited to finally deploy this new system and see it in action,” said U.S. Navy Commander Jessica Pipkin, who has served as the MHS GENESIS site point of contact for Camp Lejeune. “Everything is coming together, and all the hard work will be worth it.” In the coming weeks, NMCCL patients can expect to see a rise in wait times for appointments and at high-traffic areas like the pharmacy and laboratory. This temporary increase in waiting periods is due to the staff ’s need to become accustomed to using MHS GENESIS in real time. “For patients, during the first month, we expect fewer appointments because appointments are going to take longer, but we don’t expect this effect to be indefinite,” Pipkin said. “As providers are speeding up, getting through the system faster, putting everything they’ve learned into application, which will result in quicker appointments and us seeing more people.” NMCCL gathered employees on March 18 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the pending rollout. Crews worked throughout the night to meet the launch deadline the next morning. NMCCL Commander and Director, U.S. Turn to Camp Lejeune, Page 7

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Survey shows intensiﬁed ﬁnancial insecurity for military families By Lisa Smith Molinari Call me nerdy, but when the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle survey findings are released each year, I can’t wait to read them. I’m fascinated by BSF-MFL survey’s detailed statistics, analysis, and recommendations regarding the demographic group to which I’ve belonged for 25 years. BSF in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families has been conducting the research since 2009. The most recent survey was conducted in 2021 with over 8,000 US military family respondents worldwide. I was struck by stats showing that almost half of all military families are “financially stressed,” which is significantly higher than the general population. To make matters worse, COVID19 intensified the money problems that traditionally plague military families. Even though the surveys always cover financial challenges such as military pay concerns, lack of affordable childcare, and chronic military spouse underand unemployment, the most recent report revealed some surprising new money-related statistics. Out of Pocket Costs Despite that military service members don’t control where they are stationed, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is set at 95% of local market value, requiring families who live off-installation to cover the other 5%. Survey respondents have reported paying from $70 to more than $1,000 per month over BAH. Military respondents explained that the “local housing market is

unaffordable” and the “cost of housing rental is too high,” especially in areas with good school districts. Many families who wanted to live on base to avoid these issues couldn’t, because the wait lists were too long. Furthermore, active duty families faced unreimbursed expenses related to PCS moves, which ticked up during the pandemic. Sixtysix percent of active duty families paid out-ofpocket costs from their most recent move, and half shelled out over $1,000. “Compounded across multiple moves during a military career, unreimbursed out-of-pocket relocation expenses can create financial hardship for families, especially when the active-duty spouse often loses employment … with relocation,” the report summarized. Student Loan Debt Financially stressed active duty families cited student loan debt as a major contributor. Military families are more educated than their civilian peers, but due to rampant spouse under- and unemployment, military family student loan debt is disproportionate to household income. Credit Card Debt Considering these financial challenges, it makes sense that 94% of military families own credit cards, fifteen points higher than the national average, “indicating that military life may simultaneously allow for and require access to financial resources that are not typical for the average U.S. consumer.” Over half of the families with credit cards carry their balances (between $1,000 and over $20,000) over month to month, and many military families have high income-to-debt ratios. Military Spouses Leaving the Workforce

Spouse under- and unemployment rates (four to six times that of civilian spouses) always rank as a top concern for military families, but this year, another alarming statistic is getting attention: military spouses in the workforce have dropped to 58%. Reasons cited include remote learning and childcare issues, service members’ unpredictable schedules, lack of employment opportunities, and increased homeschooling. “When personal well-being, financial security, and managing family obligations are at odds, spouses may decide to leave the labor force altogether. This decision, however, can have lasting impacts on spouse wage growth, retirement savings, and the ability to reenter the workforce easily at a later time,” the BSF report stated. The pandemic trend toward remote employment hasn’t helped military spouses find work either. “We thought [remote work] was going to be the great equalizer,” said Kim Hunt of BSF. “It hasn’t significantly impacted military spouse unemployment.” “Shifting our lives to Zoom hasn’t been as impactful as we thought it might be,” added Jessica Strong, PhD, Blue Star Families’ Senior Director of Applied Research. Unfortunately, the financial stresses military families face are likely to be aggravated by the record inflation currently bearing down on our nation. The numbers paint a bleak picture, but Blue Star Families’ 2021 report offers specific recommendations addressing what the military and congress can do to better the lifestyle experiences of our all-volunteer force. Read the full report at www.bluestarfam.org.

Military Parenting : From Family Leave to Child Care Options and Beyond By Military Onesource Military kids are special — and so are their parents. Raising a child amid the pace of military life can be a challenge at times. As an extended family member or friend, you may wonder how your service member and their family manages it all. Like anyone with children, military parents need a strong support system. In addition to friends and family, military parents have the entire military community on their side. Learn about parenting resources available to service members and military spouses and how taking advantage of these benefits can help them and their child thrive. Resources for military parents The Defense Department offers support for every stage of parenting, from preparing for a baby through their child’s teenage years. Here are just a few: • Parental leave. Active-duty birth mothers may take six weeks of maternity leave and an additional six weeks if they are the child’s primary caregiver. Service members who are new parents but not the child’s primary caregiver may be eligible for 21 days of leave. This does not count against your service member’s leave balance. • Support for new parents. Your service member may be eligible for the New Parent Support Program, which offers home visits, prenatal and parenting classes and playgroups. Military OneSource’s New MilParent Specialty Consultation offers individualized, confidential support for parents who are expecting or who have children up to age 5. • Specialty consultations can help with sleep

(COURTESY PHOTO)

issues, developing a routine, finding child care and more. Your service member can contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to learn about these and other free programs for service members who are new parents. • Child care options. These range from child development centers to school-age and afterschool programs. Learn more about child care and activities for older kids, such as 4-H Military Partnerships and installation youth centers. • Quality education. The Department of Defense Education Activity operates schools both overseas and within the U.S. These schools are ranked above the national average according to standardized test scores. If your service member’s child attends school in their community, the School Liaison Program can help smooth transitions and more. Self-care for military parents Anyone who has ever witnessed a toddler tantrum or dealt with a sullen teenager knows that parenting can be stressful. Your service member may be far from family who can step

in to help. If you don’t live close by, you can still offer a listening ear. Encourage your loved one to be kind to themselves. That means eating healthy, getting regular physical exercise and taking a break when they feel overwhelmed. Know that when your service member is feeling stressed, they have free access to resources such as non-medical counseling so they can talk out their parenting challenges. If your service member becomes a single parent while in the military or is part of a dual-military couple, they are required to create a family care plan. This document details arrangements for child care during deployment and other absences due to military duty. This ensures the child is taken care of and their parent can focus on their mission. While service members and military spouses navigate their parenting journeys, Military OneSource is on standby to connect them with resources, information and support. Check out more articles and information on parenting and children.

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost.

FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling(Individual, Couples,a nd Child Counseling) Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support SuicidePrevention SAPR Support

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 3

Capt. Don Rauch is piped ashore during a change of command ceremony. Capt. Ken Athans was relieved by Rauch as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 during the ceremony. (PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS GREG HALL)

DESRON 31 Holds Change of Command Ceremony By Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Hall

Commander Navy Region Hawaii

HONOLULU, Hi. — Capt. Ken Athans, a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was relieved by Capt. Don Rauch as Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31 during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on March 18. Athans served as Commodore of DESRON 31 since January 2021 and oversaw the execution of maintenance, training, commissioning and deployment preparations for eight ships including USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 83), USS William P Lawrence (DDG 110), USS

John Finn (DDG 113), USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108), USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 119), PCU Frank E Peterson Jr. (DDG 121), and PCU Carl M Levin. Athans also performed duties as Surface Task Group Alpha. Under his direction, they lead a short notice formation of a three-ship Surface Task Group in response to a largescale foreign adversary out of area deployment. He served as Sea Combat Commander during the planning and execution of two Joint War at Sea proof of concept exercises. “DESRON 31 has been able to respond to national tasking on little or notice, and we have done this several times,” said Athans. “We have overcome many challenges as a

team, especially during a global pandemic. What makes me most proud is how our commanding officers, their crews, and ships have been able to accomplish on a day-to-day basis, despite tough odds.” Rear Adm. Timothy Kott, Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, was the guest speaker at the ceremony, and he noted the exemplary careers and service of both Athans and Rauch. “Today’s transfer of command will happen between two very talented naval officers, the best at their craft,” said Kott. “They represent more than 56 years of combined naval service, 18 different commands of experience, and 11 ships.

They have served and led thousands of Sailors. There is no greater privilege for a surface warfare officer than to lead and care for Sailors.” Rauch, who most recently served as the deputy commodore of DESRON 31, thanked Athans for his Experience and mentoring. He expressed his gratitude for those he would have the opportunity to serve with. “Your tireless efforts to keep our warships ready for tasking is truly humbling,” said Rauch, as he spoke to the staff of DESRON 31. “I am excited to come to work every day, because it means that I get to come work with you. I look forward to what we will accomplish together.” Both Athans and Rauch were previously assigned to DESRON 31 ships earlier in their careers as commanding officers of attached ships. Collins served aboard USS Halsey (DDG 97), and Rauch aboard USS Wayne E. Meyer. Captain Athans will go on to serve at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, until his retirement.

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

To remind people of just how prevalent and pervasive germs are, in conjunction with National Patient Safety Awareness Week, Naval Hospital Bremerton presented a colorful exhibition, March 13-19, 2022, highlighting the role of germs in daily life, for all staff and patient, as well as visitor. (DOUGLAS STUTZ)

A Germ of an Idea for Patient Safety Awareness Week By Douglas Stutz

Naval Hospital Bremerton/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton

BREMERTON , Wa. — They’re everywhere. The dirty truth is they’re unavoidable. The uncomfortable reality is they can cause a world of hurt. From countertops and cutting boards to television remotes and cell phones, the immediate world of many — sight unseen - has a host of germs readily intent on meeting anyone, anytime and anywhere. To remind people of just how prevalent and pervasive germs are, in conjunction with National Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 13-19, 2022, Naval Hospital Bremerton presented a colorful exhibition highlighting the role of germs in daily life, for all staff and patient, as well as visitor. According to Mayda Schaefer, command patient safety analyst and prime architect of the annual eye-catching and informative exhibition, NHB’S theme is a twist of the Department of Defense suggested theme, “Standardizing Safety Solutions: Uniting for Ready, Reliable Care,” with ‘Ready Reliable Germs…Uniting to meet you!” “We tried to brighten up the theme by

making the germs ‘available’ as dating options to make the week fun as well as educational. We wanted to add a bit of humor and interweave the important information with fun facts and good tips to help people remember better,” explained Schaefer. From explaining just what exactly germs are to how they can enter a person’s body to where they come from, there was even a heart-shaped explanation detailing that there are four different germ types — bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa - some more dangerous and/or harmful than the next. Since viruses and bacteria are the most common types of germs and sicken many, a descriptive host of amusing and unpleasant facts — “that will get you cleaning” — was shared about each, such as, the average office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet handle; cell phone(s) have 10 times more bacteria than your toilet; a person is 1,000 times more likely to spread bacteria with damp hands; it takes one person with a virus just four hours to contaminate 50 percent of all the equipment and employees in the office; when two people smooch, they exchange between 10 million and one billion bacteria, and all the collective bacteria in a person’s body weighs four pounds. Yet all specifics about germs aren’t nega-

tive. As a tasty example, it’s noted that chocolate has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and protects against tooth decay. On display also were several notable — and communal - germs cast as cartoonish characters, including Bronchitis, the common cold, strep throat, influenza, pertussis, and of course, COVID-19. There were tips provided on how to stop the spread of such germs, such as to avoid close contact with people who are at risk; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; stay home when sick, except to get medical care; and most important, wash hands and/ or use hand sanitizer often. “It’s important to learn about germs, so we can better understand how to protect ourselves, each other and our patients from the ones that could make us sick and easily spread in our healthcare environment and also our home(s),” Schaefer said. Also held in conjunction with National Patient Safety Week was the command’s Performance Improvement Fair. The annual campaign over the past dozen-plus years has gone to tropical, medieval, even Jurassic lengths of extrav-

agant efforts to educate and even entertain to staff, patients and visitor on the importance of patient in the healthcare setting. “As always, the work involved was a team effort and a reflection of all of my Quality Management co-workers and Lt. Cmdr. Shingmei Chang who led the Continuous Process Improvement Fair,” said Schaefer. The CPI Fair showcased half a dozen submissions all predicated on making a measurable impact, sustainable benefit on either clinical or administrative practices and helping to contribute to a culture of patient safety and high reliability. The six projects on display (with winners still to be determined) were: • “Saving Supply-vate Ryan,” by Lt. Jason Balazs and Hospitalman Amy Crockett • “Utilization of QFlow to Complete COVID Testing,” by Lt. Cmdr. Paul Flood and Lt. Caitlynn Barcheski • “Increase Weight Loss Pre-Op to Improve Post-Op Outcomes in Bariatric Patients,” by Lt. Lorna Brown • “Long Term Opioid Therapy Clinic Implementation,” by Lt Heather Walmer • “Reduced Dose CT Stone Protocol,” by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sonny Soriano • “Pharmacy Outpatient Fall Events,” by Ms. Catherine Udasco-Dunn The National Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and awareness campaign for healthcare safety led by the National Patient Safety Foundation. Each year, health care organizations like NHB take part in the global event with the understanding that everyone in health care has a role in delivering safe care.

Career Submariner Steps in as NPS’ New Undersea Warfare Chair By Petty Officer 2nd Class Huy Tonthat Naval Postgraduate School

MONTEREY, Ca. — Retired Navy Vice Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer has taken the helm as the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Undersea Warfare (USW) Chair, and will now serve as the primary liaison and advisor between the university and the Navy’s submarine force. Sawyer retired from active duty in September 2021, serving as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) in his final assignment. In fact, Sawyer visited NPS in May of 2021, and says he was highly impressed with the school’s capabilities, and the direct Naval application of student research. “ The lieutenants and lieutenant commanders bring an enthusiasm through their academics and research that is rejuvenating and adds an operational advantage to the world-class organization that is the Naval Postgraduate School,” said Sawyer. “It’s just an ideal place to be able to come and work to progress the Navy and Marine Corps down the paths that we need for the future.” As a career submariner, Sawyer brings years of experience and knowledge to the USW program in guiding its future direction. He understands the importance of maintaining an advantage in the USW domain and how NPS can help solve Fleet problems and create operational advantage for the U.S. Navy to stay ahead of its rivals. “There’s a lot out there for undersea warfare and there’s plenty of work for us to do both here at NPS and in the Navy,” said Sawyer. “My goal here is twofold. First, help the students understand what undersea warfare is while helping the world-class

Retired Navy Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer is the Naval Postgraduate School’s new Undersea Warfare (USW) Chair, taking over for longtime USW chair retired Rear Adm. Jerry Ellis. Sawyer will serve as the principal advisor and liaison between the university and the Navy’s submarine forces.

academic staff here better understand the operational side of what they’re doing and how it applies to the fleet. “Also, I’m here to make sure that we’re helping the fleet as best we can,” he continued. “It’s making sure that they have an open door to come in and say, ‘Here’s something we’re trying to solve. Can Naval Postgraduate School help us with that?’ ” Sawyer also sees the interdisciplinary capabilities of NPS as a way to support the USW program, finding ways for various areas of research to connect with the domain. “I think the research that’s done here — from acoustics or physics to mechanical engineering and additive manufacturing, even [artificial intelligence] and machine learning — have applications within the Navy and specifically USW,” he said. “A strong link between what NPS is doing and how we’re going to use that operationally is needed. With maybe some tweaks to refine or focus a project a little bit differently to leverage it for undersea warfare.” Sawyer says that NPS’ interdisciplinary capacity is further demonstrated through

its Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI) and its task force approach to research to benefit USW and other programs. “The point is that most Navy problems don’t neatly fall into one degree discipline,” said Sawyer. “If you’re outside looking in, you may not know if it’s a physics problem or an acoustic issue. NWSI is now the place to bring that problem and the NWSI team let the subject matter experts who understand NPS to all work on it. They will direct it to the right NPS experts — researchers, academics, professors, students — across departments to attack the problem. As Undersea Warfare Chair, I will be a senior advisor to some of the teams to develop an operational voice. I am very excited about the advent of NWSI here. I think it’s going to be significant for the Fleet and NPS.” NPS President retired Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau also expressed excitement about the future of the USW program under Sawyer’s leadership, while also offering her deep appreciation for the exemplary performance of former chair retired Rear Adm. Jerry Ellis, who served in the position from March 2009 until his retirement in 2021.

“I am deeply grateful to these leaders,” said Rondeau. “Rear Adm. Ellis dedicated his life to the Navy with nearly 60 years of total service. In the final chapter of his career, he focused his leadership into teaching and mentoring our warrior scholars, many of whom are leading the Naval forces today. “Vice Adm. Sawyer brings a wealth of Fleet experience, strategic insight and exemplary leadership skill with him,” she continued. “We are very fortunate to have Vice Adm. Sawyer join our senior leader team and faculty. Our students, NPS and future Navy are in very good hands.” As Sawyer steps into his new role, he says he’s looking forward to being a part of the university’s evolving impact on the future Fleet and force. “I think Naval Postgraduate School is a world-class organization that brings together things you don’t find anywhere else,” Sawyer concluded. “Other civilian installations have world-class researchers and academics. Others have students like we have military students, but nobody brings it all together like NPS.”

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 5

Imagery of Earhart Village community sign for stock uses. (PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS LUKE J MCCALL)

Safe Drinking Water Restored to All 19 Zones on Navy Water System Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. Paciﬁc Fleet

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hi. — The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) today amended the health advisory for the last four zones on the Navy water system, declaring water in all 19 affected zones safe to drink. The DOH amendment is located https:// health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-declares-four-navy-drinking-water-distribution-system-zones-safe/. The Navy will continue to work with interagency partners to complete the remaining administrative steps necessary before DOH lifts the health advisory for the Navy water system. These remaining steps are unrelated to the determination that water in all zones has been declared safe to drink. “On behalf of Secretary Austin, we are incredibly proud of the diligent work done by the Interagency Drinking Water System Team to restore safe drinking water as well as by the hundreds of volunteers and the many people of Hawaii who helped our displaced families during this unfortunate situation,” Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said. “We all recognize this has been a hardship for those families and want to thank them again for their patience and resilience. If they have any concerns or issues regarding their water while moving back into their homes, I

ask them to contact the rapid response teams immediately. Our priority will continue to be their safety and returning them to a new, better normal.” The Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST) developed a long-term plan to monitor drinking water quality. Long-term monitoring of the Navy water system has already begun and will continue over the next two years. IDWST is composed of representatives from the Navy, Army, DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “The Interagency Drinking Water System Team that we formed has now completed its work to restore safe drinking water. This does not mean that our role regarding this challenge is ending: we will team up with other agency partners to monitor drinking water safety going forward,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA acknowledges the great hardship this crisis has posed to the community, and we will continue to be vigilant in our oversight responsibility.” The four zones amended today are C1, C2, C3, and D3. Former Submarine Base Pearl Harbor (Zone C1) is home to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters. Pier Side Child Development Center (CDC) is also located in this zone.

Hale Alii, Marine Barracks and Hospital Point (Zone C2) communities provide housing for all branches of the military with predominantly Navy residents. This zone also includes Commander, Navy Region Hawaii headquarters. Zone C3 is home to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, as well as some military housing for all branches in the Hospital Point neighborhood. Earhart Village (Zone D3) provides housing for all branches of the military with predominantly Air Force and Army residents. Mokulele Elementary School, Nimitz Elementary School, Assets School, Holy Family Catholic Academy, Hickam School Age Care, Hickam Teen Center, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Church of Christ at Pearl Harbor, Hickam Main CDC, and Hickam West CDC are also located in Zone D3. With the amendment of the health advisory, the respective housing offices for these areas will email a letter to residents from the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) commanding officer stating their water is safe to drink. Once residents are notified, those who are occupying temporary alternate lodging are expected to re-occupy their residence within two days. Water distribution services at the Navy Exchange Mall at Pearl Harbor and the Makai Recreation Center will be discontinued

March 29, and water distribution services at all other locations will be discontinued March 21. To ensure any future water issues are immediately addressed, the Navy has established rapid response teams who are available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. The teams can be reached by calling the JBPHH Emergency Operations Center at any of the following phone numbers: ·(808) 449-1979 ·(808) 448-3262 ·(808) 448-2557 ·(808) 448-2570 ·(808) 448-2583 For more information, residents can refer to the Resident Resource Guide. Additional resources, Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) claim information, updates on water recovery efforts and news are available at: www. navy.mil/jointbasewater. The Army’s Task Force Ohana Family Assistance Center at the Aliamanu Military Reservation Community Center will provide support for Army residents returning home in any housing area. The services at the community center will include finance, Army Emergency Relief, Exceptional Family Member Program, and more. For any questions, contact the Task Force Ohana hotline at (808) 620-7938 or (808) 620-7951. Resources specific to Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel are available at https:// websites.dso.mil/sites/water-concern/. DAF members needing assistance with TLA can make an appointment with the 15th Comptroller Squadron at https://tlaclaims.setmore.com. Zone-by-zone status and detailed testing information are available at: https://jbphh-safewaters.org.

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6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for Civil-Military Engagement, is greeted upon arrival in Sudan for a series of meetings with key military and government officials the week of Jan. 25, 2021. Young and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence, conducted the trip following Sudan’s historic peace agreement signed on Oct. 3, 2020, to pursue new opportunities for U.S.-Sudanese partnership. (COL CHRISTOPHER KARNS)

Ambassador Looks to Further Partnership With African Nations, DOD By Jim Garamone DOD News

Young is the deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement at U.S. Africa Command, and the highest-ranking civilian at the combatant command. His presence so high up the food chain indicates things are done differently there. From its inception, Africom was designed to be unique. There is a higher-than-average number of civilians in high positions. It is based on the 3-D strategy — diplomacy and development supported by defense. Young calls it a triangle, with diplomacy being one line, development and the U.S. Agency for International Development being another, and the defense aspect providing the security for diplomacy and development to work. “We try to bring together the strengths of each part of that triangle, to find ways where we’re advancing our national interests,” he said. “But the top framework piece is the diplomatic part, because I kind of think of it as diplomacy planting a seed, and then development is watering that seed so [it] grows in prosperity with our partners, and then that security piece coming behind — safeguarding that which we’re trying to grow together with our African partners.” And he does mean together. Another strength of the command, he said, is that everything is done with partners. Africa Command listens to the partners on the continent and doesn’t try to impose “Made in the USA” solutions

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Phillip Lieberman, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti command chaplain, from Nashville, plants a tree during a“peace tree’ planting. Leaders from Damerjog hosted service members from the U.S., Italy, and Djibouti to plant“peace trees”in the Damerjog community. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JACOB SIPPEL)

on situations. The nations have a plethora of problems many pushed by the threats from violent extremist organizations. He said he had a conversation with an African leader “and

he said that a drowning man will reach up to grasp any hand that will pull him right from the raging river. The raging river now is … the raging waters of violent extremism flowing across the Sahel and down towards

the coastal West African States.” There is a thirst in Africa for security assistance to combat these groups. Part of Young’s role “is to reinforce that a long-term sustainable response to the expansion of violent extremism in West Africa in the Sahel has to be justice,” he said. “It has to be governance; it has to be accountability. It has to be that connection between the population in the state and those who govern.” But other nations promise results with other methods. “I think there is a desire for a solution to the wave of violent extremism that we’re seeing particularly in the Sahel and in West Africa,” he said. “And I think that some nations are seeking to take advantage of these fragile states.” Russia has an “extractive mentality” in Africa. “They want to sell weapons and extract resources, but they don’t have an interest in long term stability,” Young said. The deployment of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group in Africa is a case in point. “The business model of a company like Wagner — a private military corporation — is chaos,” he said. “Continued chaos is good for business. Maintaining chaos at a certain level, just continues to keep the extractive opportunities available to that private company that has a profit motive.” The Chinese have a long-term perspective on engagement with African nations — and they want stability. “But underneath that plan, is an authoritarian model,” he said. “And an authoritarian model undermines the opportunities of the populations who are oppressed by that authoritarian model.” All told, Young believes the U.S. model is the clear winner and America is “naturally the sought-after partner.”

USS Nevada Blue Changes Command By Petty Officer 2Nd Class Kyle Hafer Commander, Submarine Group Nine

SILVERDALE, Wash. — (NNS) The blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) conducted a change of command at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, Wash., March 18. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Andres Aviles, from Arlington, Va., relieved Cmdr. Eric Hunter, from Jonesboro, Ga., to assume the duties and responsibilities as Nevada Blue’s commanding officer. Hunter commissioned through officer candidate school in 2000 and served as Nevada Blue crew’s commanding officer since October, 2019. Under his command, the ship successfully completed two strategic deterrent patrols and one arduous refit period. “We sailed nearly 17,000 nautical miles, traveling to Guam and through the equator,” said Hunter. “We sailed, submerged, through navigationally constrained waters of the Western Pacific. We trained and prepared, and we were ready, doing the Nation’s work when our adversary was disrupting world peace. Our fellow citizens didn’t have to worry, because we were out there, holding the line.” Aviles commissioned in 2002 and most recently served on the staff of U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa Bay, Fla. “Eric, thank you for the leadership you provided for Nevada; congratulations on a great command tour,” said Aviles. “I will strive to uphold key principles for our ship and crew.”

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Eric Hunter, from Jonesboro, Ga., speaks to the families and crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) during the ship’s change of command ceremony, March 18, 2022. Nevada, homeported at Naval Base Kitsap, Wash., is the eighth Ohio-class submarine and the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Nevada. The submarine was commissioned in Groton, Conn., Aug. 16, 1986. ( PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS KYLE HAFER)

The ceremony concluded with chants from the crew of the ship’s slogan, “Battle born, battle ready.” Since the 1960s, strategic deterrence has been the SSBNs sole mission, providing the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability.

Each SSBN has two crews, blue and gold, which alternate the manning and deploying of the submarine. This maximizes the SSBN’s strategic availability and allows for proper crew training, readiness, and morale. Nevada is homeported at Naval Base

Kitsap, Wash. It is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Nevada and commissioned in Groton, Conn., Aug. 16, 1986. For more news about Nevada and other Commander, Submarine Group 9 units, visit www.facebook.com/SubGru9 or www.navy.mil/local/ csg9/.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 7

NAVFAC Southeast receives CNO safety award By Jeffrey Hamlin

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast was announced the winner of the 2021 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Award for Achievement in Safety Ashore, Medium Industrial Command on March 14. The award recognizes outstanding support and achievement in safety and occupational health. “This is truly the definition of a team award,” said NAVFAC Southeast Director of Occupational Health and Safety Dale Powell. “An occupational health and safety program can only succeed if there is total buy-in from every individual throughout the command. This is what NAVFAC Southeast has been able to accomplish this past year.” NAVFAC Southeast promoted safety by consistently engaging first line supervisors and conducting scheduled periodic reviews of the safety program throughout the fiscal year. As a result, the safety program achieved the lowest 2021 In-House Days Away, Restricted, or Transfer (DART) rate of all the Continental United States (CONUS) Facilities Engineering Commands (FECs). The DART rate is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) calculation that determines how safe an organization has been during the year in reference to particular types of workers’ compensation injuries — the safer the work environment, the lower the rate will be. “The command’s supervisors apply Navy

and NAVFAC safety policies in every aspect of their employee’s work assignments and tasks,” said Powell. “This type of daily interaction only strengthens our command’s safety philosophy, ‘I am my neighbor’s keeper’.” The command also manages a Near Miss Program which is intended to encourage incident reporting for events that have already happened, but did not result in impact or injury. The program rewards individuals who submit a report on a potentially unsafe work hazard, which if not corrected, could lead to property damage or personal injury. “This program solely exists for the health and well-being of every employee while they are at work,” said Powell. “All of the safety training, medical monitoring, sharing of lessons learned, and reporting of ‘near misses’ is designed to ensure each employee is able to return home to their family and friends without injury.” NAVFAC Southeast continues to promote a culture of safety by emphasizing that the success of their safety program demands every individual’s full commitment to include safety measures into the forefront of everyday life and is part of the Commanding Officer’s Philosophy. “The safety and wellness of my team and contractors is of utmost importance to me,” said NAVFAC Southeast Commanding Officer Capt. Jorge Cuadros. “I’m incredibly proud of my team for making safety as high as a priority in their daily routine as I do.” NAVFAC Southeast will compete with seven other ashore commands to be one of the Navy’s nominations for the Secretary of the Navy Safety Excellence Awards, which will be announced at the end of the year.

NMCCL Commander Captain Reg Ewing visits with crews the morning of the MHS GENESIS launch. At 7 a.m. on March 19, NMCCL staff began using the new system for patient care for active duty service members, retirees, and their families. (NMCCL PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Camp Lejeune from Page 1

Navy Captain Reginald Ewing, spoke to the accomplishments of staff to reach the go-live point. “Our personnel have given a lot of time and heart to learning how to use this new electronic health record. Approximately 3,800 personnel have trained on MHS GENESIS,” Ewing said. “You have tallied well over 7,000 hours of in-classroom training which doesn’t include the many hours of virtual training staff have done on their own.” MHS GENESIS promises to be a faster, better management of patient records of care meaning no more carrying hard copies of health records from one duty station to

another. MHS GENESIS allows for medical records, and dental records for active duty specifically, to be in a centralized location, making it easier for providers to access health history from DoD sites across the globe. NMCCL’s MHS GENESIS leadership team expects challenges over the coming weeks and months as the entire staff becomes comfortable with the new EHR, but they hope patients will continue being understanding. “Just know that on the other side of this transition, it’s going to be better and what you’ve wanted for your health care record,” said Pipkin. NMCCL is part of a wave of North Carolina military sites going live over the next week to include Fort Bragg near Fayetteville and Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.

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8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Meals for Mom You don’t have to be an experienced chef to make a dish you’ll be proud to share. Simply putting your heart into preparing a meal you can enjoy together. PAGE C4

“AN EVENING WITH ONASSIS”

Left to right: Anna Barysheva actress, actor An Evening star Anthony Skordi, and actress, singer, and model Eleanna Fin. ((C) GEORGE ZOUVELOS/FIAT LUX STUDIOS 2022)

An Evening with Onassis, one man show by Anthony Skordi extended through March 27th by popular demand. Interview conducted by Yiorgo Aristotle Onassis rose from poverty to become the richest man in the world at one time. British actor Anthony Skordi skillfully tells Onassis’ story with his masterful performance of Onassis in his one man show, “An Evening with Onassis.” By popular demand, the play has been extended through this Sunday March 27th at the American Theatre of Actors in New York City. Hellenic News of America reported that, “The thundering applause that filled the theatre was a testament to the amazing performance from London actor Anthony Skordi…His powerful monologue was a fusion of pure emotion and energy. If you did not know any better you would think that Onassis himself was on the stage.” The National Herald called it a “Masterful performance by Skordi as Onassis, along with a number of characters he seamlessly slipped into before our eyes. A true testament to his tremendous skill as an actor, Skordi with a change of accent and/or posture became many other characters.” Get your tickets now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-onassis-tickets-253630193737?f-

Award-winning SAG AFTRA actor George Zouvelos, here with his friends actors and comedians Basile, Ellen Karis, and Angelo Tsarouchas.((C) GEORGE ZOUVELOS/FIAT LUX STUDIOS 2022)

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With us today is George Zouvelos, Assistant Director for “An evening with Onassis.” Yiorgo: Why should people come and see “An Evening with Onassis”, what

will they see and experience? George Zouvelos: An Evening with Onassis offers a monologue written and acted by the star Anthony Skordi, who is a Vanessa Redgrave Company, Shakespearean London born, Greek Cypriot actor, who has moved to Los Angeles a decade or so, acting recently in one of the roles in the making of the Godfather in Paramount Studios “The Offer.” It is a timely presentation on the anniversary of Aristotle Onnasis death, a man who had everything and at the end realized without his family, all his wealth meant nothing. It also coincides with 100 year old commemoration in September of the burning of the Cosmopolitan city of Smyrna, which is where Aristotle Onassis was born and despite all his tragedies and being a refugee to Argentina, he overcame and became the richest man in the world. It is an original screenplay that Anthony wrote that has been modified. We were down in Atlanta with rehearsals. It has played in Athens to rave reviews. Even though Covid came and they shut us down, it had previously played to great crowds and great reviews at the Stella Theatre in Los Angeles. Turn to Onassis, Page 3

Maya Lin’s Ecologically Focused Work on View in Exclusive Exhibition at Virginia MOCA April 21–Sept. 4, 2022 From Virginia Museum Of Contemporary Art VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Water has always been an important subject of Maya Lin’s environmentally focused artistic practice. The legendary American artist, designer and activist often represents water as both pathway and boundary, calling forth the implications of its necessity, accessibility, scarcity and abundance. This spring and summer the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) presents several new works by Lin responding to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, complemented by other water-related works by the artist, in Maya Lin: A Study of Water. The exhibition not only invites discovery, but also encourages contemplation about the many ways in which we need water and manage its powerful bearings on our environment. Organized by Virginia MOCA and guest curated by Melissa Messina, Maya Lin: A Study of Water will only be on view in Virginia Beach. The exhibition is free. “Located at the crossroads of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Beach community are ideally situated to undertake this thematic project with Maya Lin,” said Virginia MOCA Director and CEO Gary Ryan. “Our region and the entire world are at a critical

environmental inflection point, which Maya Lin’s articulate work helps us to process and understand.” Maya Lin: A Study of Water embodies Lin’s experiential use of scale, poetic use of common materials and process of mapping as a conceptual framework — what she describes as “revealing things we may not be thinking about.” This mapping, which visualizes water’s natural and manmade contour, rise, ebb, flow, thaw and evaporation, also elicits a sense of time and balance. In this way Maya Lin connects history — both ancient and recent — to the urgency of today’s climate crisis. Drawn from Lin’s multidecade career, the works in Maya Lin: A Study of Water evoke water’s many forms and patterns, including rivers and their rise, oceans and their tides, and icebergs and the detriment their melting poses. Created with artistic intuition and scientific research, Lin’s works are compelling in both their beauty and their myriad meanings. The exhibition centers on a new site-responsive sculpture Marble Chesapeake & Delaware Bay (2022), a breathtaking configuration of glass marbles that maps the Chesapeake’s waterways onto the walls and floor of the gallery. Silver Chesapeake (2009), Lin’s recycled silver wall sculpture, will be presented to further manifest Turn to Maya Lin, Page 3

Maya Lin, Silver Chesapeake, 2009. Recycled silver. (KERRY RYAN MCFATE, COURTESY OF PACE GALLERY)

INSIDE: Check out Flagship Values, your source for automobiles, employment, real estate and more! Pages C6-7

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

Community Submit YOUR events, news and photos

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On June 30, 1938, Representative Norman R. Hamilton announced a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant project to create Norfolk Botanical Garden. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse to Deliver Keynote Address From Norfolk Botanical Garden NORFOLK, Va. — Join Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) for the 14th annual Works Progress Administration (WPA) Garden Heritage Day Celebration on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to honor the 220 African Americans who first planted the Garden 84 years ago. Admission to the Garden is free the entire day. Nicole Livas, WVEC -13 News Now evening anchor/special projects reporter will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. The event will also feature a reading of known WPA worker names. We currently have 73 known names. If you have a family member that you believe participated in the program in 1938 as one of the 220 African American WPA workers, please visit the Garden’s

website. This year’s keynote speaker is Virginia Beach Councilman Aaron Rouse who, along with three other inspiring individuals, will receive an NBG Groundbreaker award. Additional recipients include Thomas Wilkins, Principal Guest Conductor for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Keyshawn Davis, Men’s Lightweight Boxing Silver Medalist at the 2020 Summer Olympics and Deirdre A. Love, Founder and Executive Director of Teens with a Purpose. The 6th annual Groundbreaker award is named in honor of the WPA sculpture entitled Breaking Ground, which recognizes the 220 WPA women and men who significantly impacted our community. The award honors individuals, groups and organizations that exhibit committed and groundbreaking

leadership and service. The WPA Garden Heritage Day event began in 2008 with the creation of the WPA Memorial Garden and unveiling of the commemorative sculpture Breaking Ground. The garden’s dedication took place a year later. The Memorial honors and celebrates the contributions of the African American workers whose labor created the Garden. Please plan on visiting the Garden and joining the celebration that honors the dedication of the WPA workers and the accomplishments of the Garden. About Norfolk Botanical Garden Norfolk Botanical Garden represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres. From stunning plant collections to WOW - World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden,

(COURTESY PHOTO)

this diverse natural beauty can be explored by tram, boat, or walking tours. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action, and inspire through education and connection to nature

Armored Military Vehicle Models to be on Display in Newport News during International Modeling Convention From The Armor Modeling and Preservation Society

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Armor Modeling and Preser vation Society (AMPS) is bringing its 26th International Convention to Newport News in early April. Hundreds of model cars, tanks, jeeps, artillery, and even miniature figures – representing many nations and ranging from 1900 to the present– will be on display at the Newport News Marriott in City Center. This event, which is open to the public, will highlight the creativity and excellence that goes into the assembly of readily available model kits. These scale models are created with exact details of the real thing, ranging from 1⁄144th to 1⁄16th of its actual dimensions and resulting in replicas approximately 1-to12 inches in size. Founded in 1993, AMPS was established as a military modeling club, similar to other scale-modeling organizations. Its mission is to foster knowledge and appreciation of the

(COURTESY PHOTO)

history of armored vehicles found in museums and private collections and in miniature through modeling. Modelers, historians, merchandisers and families interested in the preservation of military history are encouraged to attend the convention in order to see amazing artwork from hundreds of skilled modelers and artisans from around the world. The event typically exhibits more than 500 models, each with its own unique construction, finishing and display features. Scale modelers are encouraged to bring their own creative work for display. Each year,

the AMPS membership votes on a theme for the following year’s convention. This year, the theme is Move It. If it hauls, moves, or transports supplies, vehicles or people, the entry is eligible for the show’s theme award. Build a subject that meets their qualifications and you might win the award! In addition to the display opportunities, many of the best armor modeling product vendors will attend to help patrons find great deals on new and old kits, tools, and accessories. Choose from a variety of books, reference materials, model kits, paints, glues, decals, weathering products, tons of finishing

supplies and all sorts of other items to make your model as realistic as possible. Over half of the show space is dedicated to the hobby. There will also be opportunities to learn techniques and take part in historical discussions at educational seminars conducted by inspiring hobbyists and military vehicle historians. The convention starts at 5 p.m. April 7 and continues through 3 p.m. April 9 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive. Admission: $5 youth; $10 adult; $15 family. For additional details, visit www.amps-armor.org.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 3

Onassis from Page 1

It took Anthony close to five years to bring it to New York. That’s when he plugged me in here with my network of Helenes, Philhellenes, network of reporters and financial supporters. Y: What was the origin of the idea, why did Anthony decide to write the screenplay and tell the story of Onassis? GZ: When Anthony was on I believe the TV soap opera Days of Our Lives, an actor turned to him and said, you look like Aristotle Onassis. Anthony got indignant, because in his mind’s eye, he didn’t know much about Onassis other than that he was a dark looking, black circles under his eyes and to Anthony, Onassis was an unattractive looking guy. Upon further examination of his life and reading 10 different books, in reading the white and not the black as Anthony says, he found out like I say that Onassis was more like the PT Barnum Hellenic success stories on an Ullisian journey from Smyrna to become what he is, an opportunist Onassis was and a social ladder climber. That brings us to Jackie Kennedy Onassis who was very much an opportunist when it came to seeking wealth and a comfortable life, post John Kennedy. Y: You are an award winning director for short ﬁlms and TV shows, who has paid off Broadway as an actor. How did you get involved with the play, what

Maya Lin from Page 1

the artist’s formal and conceptual considerations of the region’s waterscapes. These works anchor a selection of additional sculptural representations of water by Lin in various media. “Maya Lin’s insightful and unforgettable works address some of the most important issues facing us all today and are particularly poignant for Virginia MOCA, which is part of the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay regions,” said guest curator Melissa Messina. PUBLICATION Maya Lin: A Study of Water will be accompanied by an illustrated exhibition catalog, documenting the project and including 11 poems commissioned by the museum from Luisa Igloria, the Poet Laureate of Virginia, responding to the works in the exhibition. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The connections to the Chesapeake region and Virginia Beach found throughout Maya Lin: A Study of Water are expanded through the community engagement efforts of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. The audio tour will include the voices of scientists, environmentalists and local students. The museum continues its community gallery exhibitions series, Open Call, with a call to artists of all ages to create works informed by Lin’s work in the exhibition. Virginia MOCA is also collaborating with area school districts on a design challenge for students, whose site-specific sculptures inspired by Lin’s work will be installed on the

are your responsibilities? GZ: Anthony tapped me because he saw what I had accomplished with my extensive network of grassroots organizations, my ties to the Helenic and general communities and news media as well as my directing and acting. New York is an extremely difficult Broadway environment. We are coming out of post covid. During covid, the houses had closed down, the people were scared and now with everyone expected to mask and social distance it makes it difficult to put on a play and especially in the winter. Major magazines have laid of their reporters who would normally cover off Broadway shows. So a lot of these things come into play. This performance by Anthony is a must see. Y: What has been your take away from this experience? GZ: My takeaway is that I have been showered with blessings of learning things that I took for granted or I did not know. The actor comes and performs, but so many other things have to be in place and to help fill a house. From the ice cube to the lightbulb, from sweeping the floor, to running down the street in freezing weather to bringing five crates of souvlaki so after the show people can eat, we are a team, it needs to be done and you do it. Y: How many characters does Anthony play and how do you go about directing a one man show with one actor playing multiple roles or parts? GZ: Amazing lighting cues, sound effects and lighting. Anthony is a versatile actor

grounds of the museum. “Maya Lin’s stunning work casts fresh light on the beauty of waterways like the Chesapeake Bay, and how they weave together millions of people and their impact across boundaries. While these waters are at risk from pollution and climate change, the exhibition reminds us that each of us can be part of the solution through advocacy, conservation and restoration,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation Hampton Roads Director Christy Everett. Lin’s ongoing multimedia project What Is Missing? will invite Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art visitors to share memories and ecological perspectives of their communities. What is Missing? is a collectivized global timeline that made its first public appearance in 2009 at the California Academy of Sciences. Contributions from Virginia MOCA visitors will be collected and included in the ongoing project, providing a unique perspective given Virginia MOCA’s key position at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Maya Lin has defined What is Missing? as her final memorial, established to raise awareness of the ongoing sixth mass extinction. RELATED PROGRAMS A host of interdisciplinary public programs designed to engage visitors throughout the run of the exhibition will include a conversation with guest curator Melissa Messina; debut reading of the poem commissioned by Virginia MOCA from Luisa Igloria, Poet Laureate of Virginia; gallery talks; monthly Coffee + Conversa-

that is able to believably portray Onassis grandmother It is a monologue that is interactive with the audience. He has a conversation from time to time when he talks about Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, his loves, his life, his tragedies and his loneliness. It is selectively interactive and each audience brings its own energy to his perfor-

mance and he is impeccable in every performance. Anthony gets a standing ovation each and every performance and especially on VIP night by many in our industry who did not know Anthony personally, speaks volumes about his work and dedication to his craft. Y: As a Greek yourself and with the 201 Greek Independence Day going on now, what does it mean to you to put on this play now? GZ: It is a story of overcoming despite overwhelming odds. It is a story of every American who fled their war torn or economically depressed countries to come here. It’s also a story of the illegal and biased quotas against Greeks during this time that had Onassis go to Argentina instead of the United States. It is a remembrance of my forefathers who fought and bled in every war for the United States and were leaders in the Greek Revolution to be free from the Ottoman Empire. After seeing people who had much less than me accomplish so much for society, I know that I must continue to strive and do more with my craft and for my fellow man. Onassis is a story of you and I, it is a story of immigrants coming to America. We are all descendants of immigrants. This is the story of America. Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

tion events; Looking to Learn offerings for ages 3-8; and Instagram Live chats. For more details and a complete schedule, please visit virginiamoca.org. SUPPORT Maya Lin: A Study of Water is supported in part by presenting sponsor Dominion Energy. Free admission to the exhibition is made possible by the Goode Family Foundation. Additional support comes from the City of Virginia Beach, The Batten Foundation, Sentara Healthcare, McKenzie Construction Corporation, The Brock Foundation, Suzanne and Vince Mastracco, Arleen Cohen and Family, Susan and Andy Cohen, Andrew and Barbara Fine, Susan and Craig Grube, Steve Lawson and Vivian Montano, Meredith and Brother Rutter, Shavrick & Partners, The Vandeventer Family Foundation in memory of Ann Vandeventer, Linda H. Kaufman, Allison Whitmore, The Runnymede Corporation, Betty Darden, Tom and Alison Johnson, The Esther and Alan Fleder Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Business Consortium for Arts Support and the City of Portsmouth. ABOUT MAYA LIN One of the most renowned visual artists of our time, Maya Lin is the recipient of the National Medal of Arts (2009) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016). Throughout her 40-year career melding ﬁne art, architecture and design, Maya Lin has connected themes of the environment, memory, loss and advocacy. After complet-

ing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1982), the Civil Rights Memorial (1989) in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Women’s Table (1993) at Yale University, Lin turned her creative attention to a range of art and design projects. Among Maya Lin’s notable site-speciﬁc sculptures, earthworks and architecture projects are Ghost Forest (2021), an installation in Madison Square Park, New York; the Neilson Library at Smith College (2021), Northampton, Massachusetts; Museum of Chinese in America (2009) in New York; and Storm King Waveﬁeld (2009) at Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, New York. mayalinstudio.com ABOUT GUEST CURATOR MELISSA MESSINA Melissa Messina is an independent curator, curatorial advisor and curator of the Mildred Thompson Estate. For over 15 years, her exhibitions and public programs have been presented in cultural institutions throughout the U.S. and around the world. She has curated solo shows for such esteemed women sculptors as Lynda Benglis, Chakaia Booker, Ebony G. Patterson, Shinique Smith and Ursula Von Rydingsvard. Messina has worked on site-responsive projects with the artists Natasha Bowdoin, Kendall Buster, Ingrid Calame, Teresita Fernandez, Wayne Gonzalez, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Nicola López, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Jason Middlebrook and Nate Young. messinacuratorial.com

Assistant Director George Zouvelos. ((C) GEORGE ZOUVELOS/FIAT LUX STUDIOS 2022)

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4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

Food

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Bacon Pierogies. (COURTESY PHOTO)

A Simple, Savory Meal to Show Mom Your Appreciation By Family Features Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply looking for an excuse to show her the love she deserves, giving mom the gift of time to explore her hobbies and interests is a treasure she’ll surely appreciate. Providing her with those extra moments can be as easy as creating a meal that gives her back the time to enjoy her passions and hobbies. You don’t have to be an experienced chef to

make a dish you’ll be proud to share. Simply putting your heart into preparing a meal you can enjoy together is sure to send a strong message about how much you appreciate the time and love she pours into you. A simple, savory treat like these Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Bacon Pierogies may look and taste fancy, but you can whip them up in next to no time at all. Make cooking a breeze and put a smile on your mom’s face with easy-to-prepare Mrs. T’s Pierogies, which are pasta pockets stuffed with

creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors. You can find full or mini sized versions in the frozen food section in 13 flavors. If you want to try your hand with other dishes, these pierogies are versatile; you can boil, bake, saute, fry or grill them. Visit mrstspierogies.com to find more recipe inspiration to celebrate mom. Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Bacon Pierogies 4 strips bacon, chopped

3 small onions, thinly sliced ⅓ cup baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 box Mrs. T’s Classic Cheddar Pierogies In pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until tips begin to crisp. With bacon and drippings still in pan, add onions, mushrooms, thyme, balsamic vinegar, sugar and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes until onions begin to brown. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered with lid, 10-15 minutes; stir occasionally. Set aside. In clean skillet, melt butter and saute pierogies according to package directions. Top pierogies with caramelized onion mixture before serving.

A Savory Meal for Spring Celebrations By Family Features From picnics and family reunions to al fresco meals on the patio, flavor and freshness can make springtime dishes truly mouthwatering. As you plan your spring menu for time with loved ones, think outside the box with recipes that can feed a crowd. One easy way to elevate your warm weather entertaining is with a lean, delicate protein like grass-fed lamb available at Whole Foods Market from Atkins Ranch, a leader in environmental stewardship and one of the first members of Land to Market, which advocates for regenerative agriculture — a type of outcomes-based land management that seeks to heal landscapes instead of degrading them. In fact, many of the lamb ranchers set aside areas for conservation purposes to focus on regenerating land and water to keep the environment as pristine as possible. The lambs are raised just as nature intended: 100% grass-fed and free to roam on pastures in fresh air and sunshine, culminating in a result that’s better for you, the animals and the planet. As the first lamb producer in the world to achieve Non-GMO Project verification, Atkins Ranch is also the first to achieve Global Animal Partnership Step-4 certification for farm animal welfare. If you’re unfamiliar with lamb, consider these cooking tips and pairing options for a deliciously divine spread at your next springtime soiree. How to Cook Lamb For cuts like legs, shanks, shoulder roasts and stew meat, slow cooking is the answer. This Herb Crusted Bone-In Leg of Lamb, for example, is roasted for about 3 hours to reach a juicy tenderness complemented by fresh herbs and a mint sauce. Turn to the grill or stovetop for a quicker cooking method with cuts such as chops, rack

Herb Crusted Bone-In Leg of Lamb. (COURTESY PHOTO)

and ground lamb. Cooking over an open fire allows the smokiness to meld with lamb’s naturally rich flavor. What to Pair with Lamb With its rich, meaty flavor, lamb is a perfect main course for spring meals. Try balancing it out with these sides: • Salad — Like many proteins, lamb is complemented well by fresh greens. Toss baby spinach with a light vinaigrette and fresh fruit, like strawberries, for a true springtime salad. • Sweet Potatoes — The subtlety of a sweet potato dish is nearly a must to pair with lamb. Sweeten the meal even further by mashing with orange juice and zest for a lightly tangy side. • Asparagus — A classic side for many spring meals, roasted asparagus is easy to prepare whether in the oven or on the grill. Find more grass-fed lamb cooking tips and recipes at AtkinsRanch.com. Herb Crusted Bone-In Leg of Lamb Prep time: 3 hours Cook time: about 3 hours (depending on size

and doneness) Servings: 15 1 Atkins Ranch bone-in leg of lamb (about 8 pounds) ¼ cup olive oil 8 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons kosher salt ¼ cup white wine Herb Crust: 2 large egg whites 2 tablespoons minced rosemary leaves 2 tablespoons minced thyme leaves 2 tablespoons ground peppercorns 1 tablespoon kosher salt fresh mint sauce, for serving About 2 hours before preparing, remove leg of lamb from fridge to ensure even cooking. Remove gland to prevent gaminess during cooking. Preheat oven to 325 F on convection setting. Score skin of both sides of leg of lamb. In bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard,

salt and white wine. Brush onto both sides of lamb, pressing into scored crevices. Place leg in roasting pan on roasting rack. Insert cooking probe into thickest part of meat, not touching bone. Cook about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 95 F. Reduce oven temperature to 300 F and cook to desired doneness. For medium-rare doneness, remove lamb once probe reaches 125 F. To make herb curst: In bowl, whisk egg whites until evenly foamy with tiny bubbles. Brush onto both sides of lamb. In separate small bowl, mix rosemary, thyme, peppercorns and salt. Press herb crust mixture onto areas brushed with egg whites. Place back in pan and cook about 5-7 minutes until crust is formed and browned. Remove from oven and rest 30 minutes. Carve lamb, arrange on platter and serve with fresh mint sauce.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 5

Health

Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, a physical therapist for the Fort Drum Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinic, New York, uses a model of the inner ear on Feb. 27, 2019, to demonstrate how a concussion can cause inner ear, or vestibular, damage which may result in dizziness, anxiety, depression, moodiness, balance problems and irritability to name a few. (WARREN WRIGHT JR)

Ask the Doc: Can a Concussion Affect Hearing and Vision? By Ask The Doc Team Dear Doc: A few weeks ago, I fell and hit my head but didn’t think much about it. Afterwards, I started to get terrible headaches. Then, I started to have blurry vision and ringing in my ears. When I finally went to the doctor, she told me I had a concussion. I didn’t know concussions could affect hearing and vision. Is it typical to have hearing and vision problems from a concussion? Thanks in advance doc! -Army Spc. Sandra Headstone Dear Army Spc. Sandra Headstone: First, let me say I feel your pain, no matter how you hit your head or were jolted. Concussions can cause a variety of brain-related issues, including vision and hearing problems. They are classiﬁed as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury. I found the perfect people to talk about this. I contacted Dr. Amy Boudin-George, an audiologist and acting section lead at

the Hearing Center of Excellence’sHearing Center of Excellence website clinical care, rehabilitation, and restoration section. HCE also provided me with Dr. Karen Lambert, clinical physical therapist, HCE vestibular program manager. I also contacted Dr. Felix Barker, the associate director for research at the Vision Center of ExcellenceVision Center of Excellence website. He is the director of rehabilitation and reintegration. Here’s what they said: “It is not uncommon to have hearing, vision, and balance related symptoms after a concussion. Symptoms can vary during the acute phase (right after a concussion) from person to person. The good news is that the typical headache and other symptoms from a concussion can resolve completely on their own over time. Try to maintain an upbeat outlook and expect a full recovery from your concus-

sion. Studies have shown those attitudes to be the greatest inﬂuences on positive outcomes. If you feel you are not improving on a day-to-day basis, it might help to have your symptoms further evaluated by a provider who specializes in concussion assessment. Sensitivity to light, blurry vision that comes and goes, double vision, and difficulty reading are post-concussion vision problems that can happen. Headaches with visual tasks, reduction or loss of visual field, and difficulties with eye movements also may happen. If these seem to persist, you are very likely to beneﬁt by seeing your optometrist or ophthalmologist for both immediate and longer term management of your vision problems. The same is true for ringing in the ears. You may have experienced damage to the structure and function of your ear, and you might have changes in the way your

brain processes hearing. This depends on the nature of the injury. If you have ringing in your ears that lasts longer than a few weeks and is constant, or you also seem to have some hearing loss, it is a good idea to see an audiologist for a hearing assessment. If you are having problems with dizziness, get an examination by an audiologist, optometrist or physical therapist that specializes in assessment of the vestibular system (your inner ear’s balance and gaze stability system). This may help you ﬁnd your path to recovery.” Spc. Headstone, I hope you got some positive answers from our experts. Remember, for the most part, concussions get better on their own as long as you can stand the temporary side effects. But don’t ignore those symptoms if they don’t go away. Seek help from specialized health care professionals who have your hearing and vision at heart. Also, be careful when outside and wear a helmet and other protective gear if it fits the activity. Concussions not only can happen at home from a fall or bump of the head, but also from sports and military training. If you feel unwell after a fall or jolt, don’t wait to get help. Good luck my friend and as always… take care out there!

Five Clinical Tools To Help Assess and Treat TBI Courtesy Story Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is a major health concern for the military. Over the past two decades, nearly 450,000 service members have suffered a first-time TBI. While some occur in a deployed setting, the majority happen closer to home — during training, sports, recreation, car accidents, or slips and falls. Left untreated, even mild TBIs can have serious long-term complications. TBIs, also known as concussions, can affect mental health, impacting mission readiness and the ability to deploy. But there is hope. TBI is treatable. With appropriate care, service members can expect a full recovery. The Military Health System offers the following tools and clinical recommendations to help providers in the identification, treatment and management of mild TBI. 1. Dizziness and Vision following Concussion/Mild TBI Clinical Recommendation Dizziness and visual problems are among the most common symptoms after a mild TBI. In November 2021, the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence released the Dizziness and Visual Disturbances Clinical Recommendation. It’s a vital tool for primary care managers treating mild TBIs. It provides a single, comprehensive reference for the assessment and management of dizziness and visual problems following concussions. Providers should perform a visual and dizziness assessment. Learn more here. 2. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 2 The MHS provides tools to quickly assess and diagnose service members with a potential TBI. The Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 2, or MACE 2, is a step-by-step tool that medical personnel can use to diagnose a possible concussion at the scene of an injury. The TBICoE helped design the MACE 2 to improve care for service members. Users in the field can screen in for common symptoms, cognitive deficits, and neurological signs of a concussion. The latest version of the MACE 2 also assesses balance and eye motion. 3. Progressive Return to Activity following

An Army‘gun team’ brace for the concussion of a 105mm howitzer during operations in Iraq in 2008. (Master Sgt. KEVIN DOHENY)

Acute Concussion/Mild TBI Service members should avoid returning to duty too soon after a concussion. That can lead to prolonged symptoms, poor marksmanship, decreased readiness, accidents and falls, and increased risk of more concussions. To help determine when it’s time to return to duty, military health care providers can use a tool known as the Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion (PRA). It helps ensure a safe return to full duty. The TBICoE developed the tool in collaboration with military service branches, an expert working group, and an end user group. The PRA involves a six-step return to activity protocol. It helps service members to manage their symptoms and ensure a full recovery. Returning to duty gradually helps reduce long term complications.

4. Sleep Disturbances following Concussion/ Mild TBI Clinical Recommendation Sleeping problems are common with mild TBI. The most common include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm sleepwake disorders, and restless legs syndrome. Early treatment of sleeping problems can promote recovery and prevent chronic TBI symptoms. TBICoE’s Sleep Disturbances following Concussion/Mild TBI Clinical Recommendation provides step-by-step guidance to help primary care managers assess and manage sleeping problems linked to mild TBI. The recommendation includes guidelines for medical dosing, specialty referral timelines, and more detailed information for treating sleeping problems like restless legs syndrome, insufficient sleep syndrome, and parasomnias.

5. Cognitive Rehabilitation following Mild to Moderate TBI The Cognitive Rehabilitation following Mild to Moderate TBI Clinical Recommendation helps providers to treat service members and veterans with persistent cognitive challenges like memory and attention problems. Evaluating a patient with those symptoms is especially challenging because they can overlap with other problems like post-traumatic stress or depression. The clinical recommendation ensures consistency in cognitive rehabilitation practices across MHS hospitals and clinics. The MHS is committed to protecting the brain health of our service members. These are just a few clinical tools out of many that the MHS is using to better identify, care for, and treat service members and veterans who are affected by TBI.

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPS. AKC Champ Sired, Vetted, Health Tested, $1600- $2000. 8wks MicroChipped Call:765-243-1450

AMERICAN ANTIQUE BUYER

RAY HIGGINS

BUYING ANTIQUES &

Estate Sales Estate Sales

Announcements BUS TRIP TO HARRINGTON, DELAWARE CASINO 3/26 HM White Bus Services Pick Up Suffolk, Portsmouth. Norfolk, VA Beach. 757-539-8484/757-630-5664 CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW VA Beach Moose 3133 Shipps Corner 10-2 30+ Crafters and Vendors, Free to the Public, Scentsy, PChef, Tastefully Simple, Soaps, Tumblers, Clothing, Jewelry, and much more! THE PSYCHOTHERAPY CENTER TO CLOSE The Psychotherapy Center will be closing for business on April 27, 2022. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served the community of Hampton Roads, and Southeast Virginia, for 33 years. Patients who wish to request forwarding of their healthcare records may do so by calling (757) 6229852 before April 27, 2022 to obtain authorization forms and record forwarding.

ESTATE SALE 124 E. Severn Rd., Norfolk, VA Near DePaul Hospital Fri /Sat, Mar 25 & 26, 8:30 AM-3 PM Collection of antique toys & trains, 1940 Army pedal plane, lots of furniture, larged stained-glass shade, paintings, prints, China, crystal, 12’ Sunfish sailboat, rugs, gar. & kit. stuff, 1958 Silver Pigeon Motorcycle, Solex Moped-like new, collection of old license plates. House is alarmed & guarded. Pics Estatesales.net. Cash or Checks only. Va. Beach Antiques, Larry Zedd, 757-422-4477. virginiabeachantiquecompany.com ESTATE SALE American Drew dinning room cherry china cabinet, buffet, and much more. By appointment only, Available anytime, call 757-650-4646.

ESTATES, ITEMS OF VALUE

VINTAGE ARTWORK Misc. Merchandise For Sale

ROLLEZZ CART

For sale, great for the beach, or transporting musical insurgents, or other items. In excellent condition, $250, Call 757-406-5448

ALL COINS

STERLING FLATWARE VINTAGE WRIST WATCHES ANTIQUE FIREARMS OLD DECOYS OLD TOYS COSTUME JEWELRY 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

LICENSED, 7 DAYS A WEEK

FREE ESTIMATES

GOLDENDOODLE

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets GERMAN SHEPHERD

These adorable pups are ready for their new home. $1,400 each. Please call or message 336-401-6368 for more info. AKC puppies born 1/1/22 Large boned White, Fawn and B&T first shots, wormed and chipped. Also 1 year old white female. $500 each Call 252-202-6815

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES

STANDARD POODLES AKC. 16wks, parti & chocolate, 3 sets of shots. P.O.P. $550 757-421-7708 YORKIE POOS 10wks, 1st shots & wormed, have parents. $950. 757-421-7708

757-617-4043

www.raymondsantiques.com

Shop smart. Save big! Sunday

Early home delivery.

(and every day).

Early home delivery.

AKC Golden Retriever Puppies 8 weeks old next week and ready to go to forever homes. First shots and worming, vet checked hips. Great Bloodline with both parents on site. Call or text 252-435-9076

757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

DRIVEWAY & MASONRY WORK Landscaping, Grading, Top Soil, Yard Clean Up & Tree Removal. 757-714-4848

FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Small jobs. Lic/Ins. Low Prices. BBB A+ RATING 757-227-8964

CLEANUP Weed Control, Grass Cutting, Mulching & Trimming, Planting & Transplanting. 25 yrs exp. 918-4152

PEST/TERMITE CONTROL Universal Pest & Termite. FREE INSPECTIONS. 757-502-0200. (Mention This Ad and Get $25 Off)

LAWN MOWING Aeration, clean ups, shrub trimming All types of lawn work. Fast service. Call today. 757-289-0775

Room For Rent VIRGINIA BEACH Lrg Room For Rent, $575/mo. Call: 757-615-5612

757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com

S & ENTERPRISE 20 YRS. Concrete Exp. All types of concrete work driveways, stamped & exposed. We accept credit cards. 757-652-4050. www.shabazznva.com

Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales CONCRETE SPECIALIST Aych & Aych Inc. BBB. FREE estimates. Call Sylvester: 757-371-1911

Early home delivery.

757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Hauling (A) FAMILY TRASH MAN-HOUSEHOLD, Demo inside & out, construction sites, dumpster drop off, backhoe work. We haul it all! 20 yrs. exp., lic & ins. 485-1414 B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290 FREE PICK UP Will pick up unwanted riding lawn mowers, boats, trailers & generators. 757-617-7373

Home Improvements ADDITIONS, SUNROOMS, ROOFS, Decks, more. Member BBB. 757-986-3777. www.builderscorporation.com AIR DUCT CLEANING UNIVERSAL DUCT CLEANING FREE INSPECTIONS MEMBER BBB. 757-502-0200 ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS Custom Home Repairs & Renovations. Patrick Ellis Ent. Inc. Lic. & Ins. BBB A+ 757-635-6609 BEST PRICE EXTERIORS 757-639-4692 Siding, Windows, Trim, Roofing. FREE ESTIMATES! Lic. & Ins’d. Lowest Prices & Top Quality Work. No Repairs. BBB A+ Rating BRICK AND STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native. Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-270-0578 stonesmithusa@icloud.com You Won’t Find A Better Man!

YOUR PERFECT

HIRE

IS WAITING

Lawn and Tree Service

WHITE’S MOWER REPAIR-VA BEACH Pressure Washers & RotoTillers Residential Only. 757-639-6735

★ 100% DRAINAGE & YARD CLEANUP ★ Shrub & Tree Removal, Pruning, Tractor Work & Grading, French Drains, Mulching, Fences. ★★757-282-3823★★

YARD CLEAN UP WOOD FENCES, BUSHES, & MULCH Weed Eating, Blowing, Grass Cutting. Reasonable prices. Call 757-477-2158.

★AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE★ Theo 757-515-6933 Josh 757-998-5327 Tree Trimming & Complete Tree Removal

Painting/Paperhanging

AMERICANTREESERVICE.CO ★Catering to all your tree & yard needs.★ ★757-587-9568. 30 years experience★

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING Wallpapering, Pressure Washing, Carpentry, Plumbing & Renov! Free est! Paint & Wallpaper By Bob: 757-714-4573

Power Washing SOUTH SIDE PRESSURE WASHING Pressure wash exterior surfaces. For free estimate call 757-337-9991.

Professional Services BROKER DIRECT REAL ESTATE Have no fear, BROKER DIRECT is here. Buyers and sellers rejoice! Freedom and savings. NO TRANSACTION FEES! 757-286-4600 BrokerDirectVA.com

Roofing A ROOFING SALE 30 Yr. Architect Shingles 9 sq ft. $2000. Labor & Material included. Specializing in Leaks. Class A Lic’d & Ins’d. Call (757) 234-5522. ROOF REPAIR Shingles/Rubber/Slate/ Metal/Chimney Flashing. 757-718-1072

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www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 7 Trucks and SUVs

MERCEDES-BENZ 2004 M-CLASS

ML350 SUV 92k mi. Tan w. Lthr Int, 1 ownr $12,900 OBO 757-395-9928

RAM 2008 1500

SXT. 84k actual miles. Asking $23,000 OBO. 757-671-7214

Wanted Automotive

GMC 2008 SAVANA 2500

ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!! FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035

MERCURY 2001 GRAND MARQUIS

AUTOS ACCEPTED-ANY YEAR Make or Model. Top Dollar, Fast, Free Towing. 757-737-2465, 252-232-9192

Autos for Sale Van, handy man speical,168k, $4,800 OBO, call 757-228-6656.

54K orig mi, white w/ taupe lthr, 4 dr, all pwr. Fresh inspection - like new! $3,700 Call: (757) 822-4299

TOYOTA 1991 MR2

T-Top, 5 Spd Runs Great. 95k Miles. $4350 OBO Call: 757-737-1015

Don’t pay full price!

Boats & Watercraft NEW & USED BOAT TRAILER SALE!!! OVER 100 Avail. For Boats 12’-38’ BUDGET BOATS: (757) 543 -7595

Classic, Antique Cars We will purchase your collectible, classic, late model autos, we will come to you. Call 757-675-0288.

Trucks and SUVs

FORD 2002 EXPLORER

Garage Kept! (XLS) 4X4, V-6/Clean Exc Cond/ Serious Inquiries Only Must See 757-732-4656 $4995

Cockatoo, too. Pick a pet in the CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE.

FORD 2003 F250

With The Virginian-Pilot’s coupons and sales inserts, shop smart and save big every week!

4X4, Turbo Diesel, 167k miles. Excellent Condition. $15k. Call: 757-418-1631

FORD 2005 F150

Two door, good work truck, 180k, $6,800 OBO. 757-228-6656.

LAND ROVER 2022 DEFENDER

2,900 mis., factory warranty bumperto-bumper, loaded, 100% brand new. Navigation, cameras, leather, auto, $71,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

Fridays in The Pilot Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today. Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

Fun & Games

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

Last week’s CryptoQuip answer

When people use mobile phones’ calculators, what might they very well be doing? Cell division

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Religious Serivices For your installation’s religious service times visit www.ﬂagshipnews.com⁄ base_information⁄ religious_services

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, March 24, 2022

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