www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Webb Assumes Command of Warlocks
Cmdr. Jeffrey Webb relieved Cmdr. Ian Lilyquist as commander of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1, the Warlocks, Jan. 14. PAGE A3 VOL. 29, NO. 02, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
January 20-January 26, 2022
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Virtually Observes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Business and Strategic Planning Officer Cmdr. Lawrence Brandon is the keynote speaker for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance video Jan. 14. (TROY MILLLER)
By Troy Miller
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD, Portsmouth, Va. — Although COVID has been putting a damper on many events since 2020, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) African American Employee Readiness Group (AA-ERG) doesn’t let it stand in the way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. For the second year in a row, the AA-ERG is hosting a virtual event to celebrate the life of Dr. King. “Dr. King is one of the greatest leaders our world has ever known,
inspiring us as individuals, within our communities, and across our country to advance civil rights, serve others and ensure equality for all,” said NNYS Commander, Capt. Dianna Wolfson. “His relentless commitment to realizing a better world for future generations continues to resonate today, more than fifty years after his traffic and untimely passing. His inspiration, his importance, his impact echo across the entire world in his most famous words—‘I have a dream.’ ” NNSY Business and Strategic Planning Officer (Code 1200) Cmdr. Lawrence Brandon read
an excerpt from a letter King wrote while he was imprisoned at Birmingham jail. The passage spoke of King’s thoughts and actions right before he decided to protest in Birmingham, even though the police had already arrested hundreds of African Americans and had publicly announced that they would arrest anyone else who walked the streets. Though the risk of being thrown in prison were great and there was no bail bonds to be had, King and his team did the right thing and protested, even though they knew what the consequences
would be afterward. “This is an example Dr. King took the ‘it starts with me’ mentality and, working again with his tteam paved the way to change in our legislation that is still in effect today, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, or national origin; the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that restored and protected the right to vote; and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 which banned housing discrimination for sales or rentals, to name a few,” said Brandon.
Brandon concluded, “My question and my challenge to you today is what in your life, personally or professionally, or even both, needs you to be like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and say “It starts with me?” There is only one thing to do about it, whatever it might be. ACT!” You can watch the video on the NNSY Facebook page at Facebook page at www.facebook. com/norfolknavalshipyard1/, the NNSY YouTube page at https:// w w w. youtub e. c om / chan nel / UCzFfU8843gJlExbDT2Iu8Wg/, and on DVIDS at https://www. dvidshub.net/unit/NNSY.
Navy Cuts Time Requirements to Attend Navy Officer Candidate School through In-Service Procurement Program
Fleet Forces Delivers Remarks at SNA 2022
Navy Recruiting Command
U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
By Elijah Leinaar
By Petty Officer 1st Class Theodore Green
Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) has improved opportunities for enlisted Sailors to earn a commissioning through the Unrestricted Line Officer (URLO) In-Service Procurement Program (ISPP), reducing time in service requirements for qualified applicants from 36 months to 6 months from completion of initial training. Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez said the program will help reflect America’s diversity within the officer community. “ This program draws directly from the Fleet’s Task Force One Navy feedback, and I am excited to see the expanded opportunity for all junior enlisted personnel who qualify,” said Velez. “ISPP will enable our leaders in the Fleet to identify and fast-track the best of the best from their deckplates into the direction of greater responsibility, a key element to retaining our brightest talent in today’s highly competitive job market.” Behind the program, Lt. Cmdr. James Barfoot, assigned to NRC as Branch Head of General Officer Accessions, said the ISPP not
WASHINGTON — Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle, spoke at the Surface Navy Association’s 34th Annual National Symposium in Washington, D.C., Jan. 12, 2022. “As we project forward and prepare for future competition, we are indeed in a critical decade, a decade that will define, enable, and deliver fleet centric warfighting technologies and capabilities, which will overmatch our strategic competitors, and form the foundation for integrated deterrence,” said Caudle. During his address, Caudle spoke about the relevance of the surface Navy in the present and future. “The surface Navy is now, and will continue to be, the critical contributor in any future conflict,” said Caudle. “Our imperative is to field a hard hitting, resilient, agile fighting force that is ready in peacetime, and deadly in combat.” Caudle shared how the Navy’s surface force will continue to play a critical role in preserving freedom of the seas, deterring aggression, and winning wars; all of which are part of Caudle’s priorities for USFFC. • Prevent strategic attacks against the homeland.
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only retains Sailors who want to excel as naval officers, but it expedites the process sooner allowing them to stay in the officer community longer than someone who is more than three years into their career.
“We have been working on this for months and I’m excited about this NAVADMIN release,” said Barfoot. “OPNAV 1420.1b requires Sailors to have Turn to Requirements, Page 7
• Consistently and affordably generate combat ready forces, and flow them to the point of need. • Set the conditions for, and enable our fleet to, maneuver with purpose and effect in and through all domains — from the seabed to space — in order to deliver decisive, lethal effects. “Our surface force is premier in the world because of its innate ability to operate, strike, and maneuver within all contested domains — no one else can do that,” said Caudle. “To sharpen that edge and develop that fleet-centric fighting force, ships and crews must continue to assess, innovate, execute, and refine our operating procedures and create ample opportunities to conduct joint training events.” He also explained in further detail how the Navy is maintaining its elite status by not only focusing on systems and technology, but the Sailors that make up the force. “I can guarantee everyone listening today, that our surface warriors are feared, and they are absolutely ready to take the fight to the enemy. How do I know — that’s easy — it’s the extraordinary combination of leadership, mastery, toughness, capabilities, and training that transforms our exquisite multi-mission ships into unprecedented lethality.” Turn to SNA 2022, Page 7
Navy Recruiter
NAS JRB Fort Worth
F-35Bs
The future of the Navy lies in the hands and performance of recruiters and Robinson recognizes the great sacrifice and dedication needed to ensure that her future Sailors make it to bootcamp. PAGE A5
The City of Fort Worth, along with six other Texas cities, were awarded grant money from the state of Texas as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program. PAGE A2
An F-35B Lighting II from Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 touched down on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Jan. 11, marking the first time the ship has landed the new fifth generation fighter. PAGE A4
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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
The state of Texas awarded $1.9 million from the DEAAG program funding to NAS JRB Fort Worth, and the city of Fort Worth is contributing another $1.2 million of their own funding to NAS JRB Fort Worth’s Military Family Advocacy Resource Network building rehabilitation infrastructure project that will be the future home to NAS JRB Fort Worth’s Military Family Advocacy Resource Center, the Navy College Campus office, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and the Navy Region Legal Services Center. (COURTESY PHOTO)
NAS JRB Fort Worth to receive $3.1 million for infrastructure project By Candateshia Pafford
Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Public Affairs
NAS JRB FORT WORTH, Texas — The City of Fort Worth, along with six other Texas cities, were awarded grant money from the state of Texas as part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program. The state of Texas awarded $1.9 million from the DEAAG program funding to NAS JRB Fort Worth, and the city of Fort Worth is contributing another $1.2 million of their own funding to NAS JRB Fort Worth’s Military Family Advocacy Resource Network building rehabilitation infrastructure project. Gov. Abbott’s Office announced on Jan.
11 a new round of $15.3 million in grants awarded from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s DEAAG program to assist military communities across the state. “Not only are the 15 major military installations and Army Futures Command in Texas critical to our nation’s defense, they also add over $123 billion to the state’s economy and support, directly and indirectly, more than 633,000 jobs in communities across this great state. That is why I will continue to work with the Texas Legislature and TMPC to ensure that our military installations continue to add unmatched value,” said Abbott in a release. Once completed, the infrastructure project will be the new home to NAS JRB Fort Worth’s Military Family Advocacy Resource Center, the Navy College Campus office, the
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and the Navy Region Legal Services Center. CAPT Mark McLean, NAS JRB Fort Worth’s commanding officer, expressed his gratitude to the state of Texas and to the City of Fort Worth for their financial contribution that will directly affect the wellbeing of the men, women, service member families and area veterans of NAS JRB Fort Worth. “Taking care of our military families and veterans is one of our nation’s highest priorities as our service members put service before self in the defense of our nation. Once this infrastructure project is completed, the new Family Advocacy Resource facility will serve our military and their families well for years to come,” said McLean. The seven Texas military communities
Navy Personnel Command to Host Virtual CPO Optimization Symposium
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jared Catlett Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
Senior enlisted leaders, manning representatives from across the Navy and detailers will attend a virtual manning summit Feb. 28-March 4 to identify critical Navy leadership gaps and fill them with Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) who are aligned to billets below their current paygrades, are in pure excess onboard their current command, or where their leadership and expertise may be needed. The event will be hosted by Navy Personnel Command (NPC). The aim of this summit will be to review all CPO assignments, with the goal of aligning the maximum number of chiefs to chief billets. This summit will allow Fleets and TYCOMs to work with NPC to fill their most impactful gapped billets with available CPO inventory. In October a similar manning summit was held to realign master chief and senior chief billets with the same goal in mind. Prior to the enlisted manning summit, PERS-
4013 in conjunction with Type Commanders, Budget Submitting Offices, and Fleet Readiness Integrators will continue evaluating CPO billet alignments in MyNavy Assignment (MNA), and if the billets are filled by Sailors outside of the billet paygrade, the incumbent may be realigned to an in-paygrade requirement or placed in excess onboard the current command. Sailors with critical NECs, assignment to overseas DoD tours, pending or approved fleet reserve requests are likely to remain in their current command. Family situations such as spouse co-location, and the exceptional family member program are also factors that may prevent movement of a Sailor to a new command. Sailors selected for adjustment will be contacted immediately by their detailers to inform them of the changes to projected rotation dates, diversions, and other changes agreed by the group. Sailors can expect the move process to begin as soon as April 2022.
Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm, maddelin.hamm@navy.mil Managing Editor | Ensign James Caliva, james.caliva@navy.mil Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com
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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. © 2022 Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved
that will benefit from this round of awards are listed below: • City of Abilene: $375,000 for 5G and Fiber Expansion at Dyess Air Force Base • City of Corpus Christi: $800,000 for Clear Zone Easement supporting Naval Air Station Corpus Christi • City of Fort Worth: $1,900,000 for Military Family Advocacy Resource Center Renovation at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth • City of San Antonio: $5,000,000 for Infrastructure and Force Protection Measures at Joint Base San Antonio • City of Temple: $5,000,000 for Microgrid at Robert Gray Army Air Field supporting Fort Hood • Val Verde County: $864,874 for Aerospace Physiology Building Renovation at Laughlin Air Force Base • Val Verde County: $1,407,111 for T-1A Flight Line Building Renovation at Laughlin Air Force Base Since 2015, Abbott has awarded $98,000,000 in grants to military communities through the DEAAG program.
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 3
Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin Selby presides over the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland, Jan. 14, 2022. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Webb Assumes Command of Warlocks By Nicholas Pasquini
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs
PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, Md. — Cmdr. Jeffrey Webb relieved Cmdr. Ian Lilyquist as commander of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1, the Warlocks, Jan. 14 during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Commanding Officer Capt. Gregory Petrovic presented Lilyquist with the Meritorious Service Medal. Lilyquist served as the VXS-1 Commanding Officer from November 2020 to January 2022. Petrovic said Lilyquist’s distinguished leadership was instrumental to the squadron’s continued record of exceptional support to NRL’s airborne mission. Rear Adm. Lorin C. Selby, the Chief of Naval Research, presided over the ceremony and took the opportunity to praise Lily-
quist on a successful tour marked by worldwide deployments during a pandemic that advanced vital Science and Technology to the Fleet. “The efforts being carried out by the VXS-1 Warlocks are critical for the Naval Research Enterprise,” Selby said. “The Warlocks conduct valuable airborne experimentation and advanced technology development that support naval scientific priorities and warfighting goals.” This past year, VXS-1 laid the foundation to transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8A Poseidon — the Navy’s newest maritime patrol platform — retaining the ability for VXS-1 to support heavy lift and long endurance airborne research. Ensuring the squadron has a fleet-representative platform to demonstrate technology in operational theaters to strengthen the ties between VXS-1 and the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. “Leading and performing these experiments is a demanding job,” Selby contin-
ued. “Cmdr. Lilyquist and his team are to be commended for the tremendous work they have done to help our Sailors and Marines maintain their technological edge.” As the new head of VXS-1, Webb will carry on the tradition of premier airborne Science & Technology support. “I am deeply honored and eager to lead this talented squadron as its 15th Commanding Officer,” Webb said. “Our mission remains imperative to deliver essential scientific solutions to the warfighter. As the Navy, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense modernize and propel the rapid advances in technology that we see today, VXS-1 provides the ability to test, integrate, and field new systems to win the fight.” In his remarks, Lilyquist thanked the VXS-1 personnel who remained steadfast in the commitment to supporting the Naval Research Enterprise airborne research missions. “I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of this squad-
ron as its Commanding Officer for the last 15 months,” Lilyquist said. “Our work allowed the Naval Research Enterprise to conduct six major projects on our aircraft, helping turn ideas into reality to transition technology into Fleet capability at the speed of relevance.” Webb, a native of Boise, Idaho, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, and received his Master’s of Science in System Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School, with distinction, in June 2015. VXS-1 operates and maintains two uniquely modified NP-3C Orion, a RC-12 Huron, a UV-18 Twin Otter aircraft, and numerous Tiger Shark Unmanned Aircraft Systems used as airborne research platforms. VXS-1’s aircraft operate worldwide on extended detachments and annually log more than 400 flight hours. These aircraft are the sole airborne platforms for numerous projects such as bathymetry, electronic countermeasures, gravity mapping, and radar development research. The squadron has a flawless safety record, having amassed more than 78,000 hours of accident-free flying since 1963.
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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
An F-35B Lightning II attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 lands aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Jan. 11. This is the first time F-35s have operated on Tripoli. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet. (MC3 MACI STERNOD)
Tripoli Recovers F-35Bs for the First Time, Certifies for FixedWing Operations By Lt. Davis Anderson
USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN — An F-35B Lighting II from Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 touched down on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Jan. 11, marking the first time the ship has landed the new fifth generation fighter. Tripoli has been steadily operating and training the crew in preparation for the underway flight operations with VMFA-122, which
culminated in the fixed-wing certification for the ship. “This is what Tripoli was built for,” said Capt. Joel Lang, Tripoli’s Commanding Officer. “The crew and supporting organizations have worked incredibly hard to get us to the point where we can launch and recover aircraft, rising to every challenge the Navy has put before them since we commissioned. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished.” Bringing the aircraft to the ship required a lot of coordination between Tripoli and the
Marines who operate the fighter. “It was an honor to support Tripoli in accomplishing such an important event,” said Maj. Randy Brazile, the landing signal officer embarked from VMFA-225. “The Marines and pilots from VMFA-122 and (Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron) VMX-1 are excited to see Tripoli achieve its fixed-wing flight certification.” The Sailors who comprise the flight deck crew have trained their entire careers to run flight operations, and they worked efficiently and
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safely while accomplishing this milestone. “Everything flowed perfectly,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Paul Salame. “We did everything we practiced for. I got to launch the first jet ever from Tripoli; it was a good feeling. We’re all very excited to do it again.” As crewmembers crowded vulture’s row or viewed the flight operations on one of the ship’s monitors, the excitement was palpable throughout the command. “The crew has sacrificed time away from their families and friends to accomplish our mission,” said Lang. “Days like today prove that the time those families have given us isn’t wasted.” Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship and commissioned in July 2020. The ship is homeported in San Diego and operates under commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3. For more information about Tripoli, visit: www.surfpac.navy.mil/lha7 Follow Tripoli on Facebook at @OfficialUSSTripoli and on Instagram at @OfficialUSSTripoli.
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 5
Operations Specialist 1st Class Sade Robinson, a recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina, is featured as Recruiter in the Spotlight. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Navy Recruiter Uses Compassion for Greatness By Erin Newton
Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs
RALEIGH, N.C. — For Operations Specialist 1st Class Sade Robinson, a native of Hinesville, Georgia, her genuine compassion for helping others has given her the ability to achieve greatness as an Onboarder at Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Carolina. When new people walk through the door or come into her care as a recruiter, she makes sure to put them first. “I have done well not because I want my stats to be great but because I show all my future Sailors that I care about them as individuals, and I genuinely do,” Robinson said.
The future of the Navy lies in the hands and performance of recruiters and Robinson recognizes the great sacrifice and dedication needed to ensure that her future Sailors make it to bootcamp. Her hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Recently, Robinson was recognized as the Onboarder of the Year and Region East Onboarder of the Year for fiscal year 2021 and during her time at NTAG Carolina she was advanced to petty officer 1st class through the MAP program. “I grew up in a town like Fayetteville, North Carolina, and knew a lot of people who ended up in less than desirable positions and weren’t aware that they had other options,” Robinson
said. “Today as a recruiter, I want to show the kids that I work with that there is another way and that’s why recruiting is important to me.” Education is Robinson’s top priority. She went to Georgia State University on a full academic scholarship and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. Her goal is to go back to get her master’s degree in Human Resource Management. While in her final year of college, Robinson decided to join the Navy and left for bootcamp shortly after graduating. “My biggest motivation is moving to the next level,” Robinson said. “Seeing how far I can go and how I can show others to get to that next level with me. As a recruiter, I get
to do this with my future Sailors. Though they are just starting their Navy careers, it is important that they know that opportunities will always be there for them, they just have to want them enough.” Robinson often wonders about her future Sailors after they leave for bootcamp. “I enjoy receiving a text or call from one of my future Sailors telling me that they made it through bootcamp,” Robinson said. “Knowing that I helped start their Navy career gives me meaning and purpose.” Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www. cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR), Twitter (@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter).
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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) while transiting with Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) and Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) in the South China Sea, Jan. 13. (MC2 HAYDN SMITH)
Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Essex Amphibious Ready Group Wrap Up Joint Operations in the South China Sea By USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) and Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) completed joint expeditionary strike force training operations in the South China Sea, Jan. 16. The training operations included integrated maritime strike missions, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment-at-sea and formation maneuvering/ navigation operations. These operations are the latest events in strengthening naval readiness and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region. The ESX ARG brings a host of Marine Corps air support to the operations including the “White Knights” of Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165 (Reinforced) and the “Black
Sheep” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214. The “White Knights” operate the MV-22B Osprey, UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper and the CH-53E Super Stallions while the “Black Sheep” operate the AV-8B Harrier. “Our ability to quickly and effectively integrate with an amphibious ready group, such as ESX ARG, demonstrates a diverse level of naval lethality that is unlike any other naval force,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. “The long-range strike capability of the Vinson Strike Group combined with the Essex ARG’s potential to deliver a payload of Marines to any maritime region greatly contributes to the U.S. strategic ability to continue defending a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The ESX ARG is the first amphibious
group to operate alongside the “advanced Air Wing of the Future” (CVW 2). CVW-2 is currently embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The advanced Air Wing of the Future includes the capabilities of the F-35C Lightning II, operated by the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 and the CMV-22B Osprey, operated by the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30. Vinson, the flagship of VINCSG deployed in August 2021. “Our opportunity to conduct integrated operations with Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group this past week showcases the U.S. Navy’s commitment to defending regional stability in the Indo-Pacific not only through our combined expertise and experience but through the differing capabilities of U.S. Navy
big deck platforms,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Karrey Sanders, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. The Essex Amphibious Ready group consists of PHIBRON 1 and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). PHIBRON 1 ships operating alongside VINCSG in the South China Sea includes landing helicopter dock USS Essex (LHD 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Participating VINCSG units included aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and three Arleigh Burkeclass guided missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1: USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), USS O’Kane (DDG 77), and USS Chafee (DDG 90). Additionally, nine squadrons of CVW-2 deployed aboard Vinson last August. VINCSG and ESX ARG are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Prior to rendezvousing with VINCSG, ESX ARG recently operated in the Gulf of Aden. For more news from CSG 1, visit http:// www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1 For more news from ESX, visit https:// www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSE-LHD2
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 7
Requirements from Page 1
Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), speaks with the moderator and audience after giving a keynote address at the Surface Navy Association’s 34th Annual National Symposium in Washington, D.C., Jan. 12, 2022. (COURTESY PHOTO)
SNA 2022 from Page 1
Caudle emphasized for all Sailors, regardless of rank or position, to constantly innovate, assess and execute faster than U.S. adversaries. “As we move forward in this maritime era of strategic competition, we must continue to lean in, learn, innovate, and adapt so that we will win decisively in every encounter,” said Caudle. “In shaping our own battlespace, remember that you are never a victim,
approach problems from a solution centric position of self-sufficiency, a culture of critical self-assessment, of problem resolution, and a warrior ethos built on grit, tenacity, and innovation.” USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests. USFFC also serves as the Navy’s Service Component Commander to
both U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command, and providing naval forces in support of joint missions as Commander, Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH) and Commander, Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT). USFFC is the Strategic Command Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC STRAT), and executes Task Force Atlantic in coordination with U.S. Naval Forces Europe. Complete transcript of his remarks here: https://www.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/ Speeches/Article/2897547⁄2022-surface-navy-association-remarks-adm-caudle/
completed 36 months of time in service (TIS), but this NAVADMIN allows us to reduce that time to 6 month of TIS after initial training.” Barfoot continued, “We can get Sailors years younger than what we could have, so starting the process sooner mitigates a number of problems from Sailors leaving the Navy because the 36 months was too long and the Sailor is close to the end of their contract, or senior Sailors who had aspirations of being an officer but became more invested in their enlisted career.” Recruiting command fully supports long term enlistments; however, this instruction is meant to expedite the opportunity to transition from enlisted to officer earlier in a Sailors career. “ISPP is open to everyone who meets Officer Candidate School (OCS) requirements,” said Barfoot. “Candidates have to pass the officer aptitude test, meet physical fitness requirements, have no NJP’s [non-judicial punishment] and expect to obligate eight years of service as an officer.” As this program is fast-tracked, ISPP applicants must be 100% fully qualified, with no waivers being accepted. This pilot program will be evaluated in two years. Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www. cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR), Twitter (@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter).
8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
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uarterdeck
NAS Pensacola Capt. Terrence Shashaty assumed command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola from Capt. Tim Kinsella during a change of command ceremony Jan. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum. PAGE B3
Weathering COVID, Cold and Flu nothing to sneeze at By Douglas Stutz
Naval Hospital Bremerton/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton Public Affairs
Food Network personality Robert Irvine encourages Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Louis Lubin and his team as they prepare plates of food for the annual Army/Navy Cook-off at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA. CS2 Lubin represented the White House food service team and was declared the winner. (RUSSELL STEWART)
Navy Culinary Specialist Wins Army/Navy CookOff at PA Farm Show By Samantha Lohr
Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs
HARRISBURG, PA, — A Navy culinary specialist won the Army vs. Navy Cook-off at the 106th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Jan. 13. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Louis Lubin led a team of local media personalities, Paola Tristan Arruda and Jeremy Jenkins from Harrisburg’s WGAL Channel 8, to create the most appealing dish from surprise ingredients in only 30 minutes. Each team was given ingredients from the PA Preferred program, which identifies and promotes food and agricultural products grown, produced or processed in Pennsylvania. Some of the ingredients were London broil, potatoes, honey, dill flavored hard-boiled eggs, garlic and jalapeno jam. Both teams had to incorporate everything
from their surprise bag into the dish. A team of four judges rated the dishes based on taste, presentation, harmony of ingredients, visual appeal, and originality. The judges said Lubin’s London Broil was cooked to perfection and precisely sliced for optimum taste. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is held every January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. It is the largest indoor agricultural event in the United States, offering 24 acres of exhibition space under one roof. The event attracts more than half a million visitors every year. The iron-chef style competition was hosted by Food Network personality Robert Irvine. He helped guide both teams during the competition and engaged the audience with food tips and tricks. “The Navy has more than 8,000 culinary
specialists (CSs) serving nutritious, wholesome food every day to support warfighter peak physical and mental performance,” said Cmdr. Leanne Riley, director Navy Food Service, Naval Supply Systems Command. “This competition highlighted the skill of our Navy’s culinary professionals, and was a great way to show how our CSs use innovation to increase effectiveness and efficiency of food service operations.” NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance.
It’s the viral “Triple Threat” of respiratory illnesses which public health experts grimly knew could happen. The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 outbreak, along with the annual winter cold and influenza season(s) are making it difficult for a number of people to weather the winter. Officials at Puget Sound Military Health System (MHS) commands such as Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB), along with Madigan Army Medical Center and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor are helping to prevent the pandemic as well as protect patients from the common cold and flu. NHB subject matter experts strongly advocate that everyone should continue to take practical preventive measure to ward off the three highly-infectious viruses. “Since we began administering COVID19 vaccines on Dec. 23, 2020, that is the best tool we all have to help protect us against COVID-19, slow the transmission of the virus and also reduce the possibility of new emergent variants,” said Dr. Dan Frederick, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton population health officer and public health emergency officer. Frederick also advocates for all those vaccinated to get a booster shot. “Being vaccinated strengthens our immune system against the disease. If someone does get the highly-contagious COVID-19 virus or the flu, any symptoms will be less severe and not result on needing to be admitted for in-patient care,” explained Frederick. The viruses are spread from person to person, especially between those in close contact — six feet or less - with each other. All are shared by droplets that occur when someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, or talks. The droplets spray out and land on someone else and get inhaled into their lungs. A person can also get physically infected by shaking hands, touching a handrail or door knob that has the virus on it and then touching their own nose, eyes or mouth. There are also multiple protective measures which everyone can apply daily to mitigate the potential spread of the viruses, such as hand washing; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with sick people and maintain social distancing of at least six feet; cover cough/sneezes and discard used tissues and wash hands immediately afterwards; clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily and cover your nose and mouth with a face mask when around others. Even for the common cold, of which there is no known cure, the CDC notes people can reduce the risk of getting a cold by hand washing often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. With the Omicron variant surging over the last several weeks, it is now the dominant strain of the pandemic in the U.S. It is also causing a rise in COVID cases throughout the Puget Sound MHS and Turn to COVID, Page 7
NAVFAC Family Coach Canines in Support of Veterans By Matthew Stinson
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington Public Affairs
DC, — It was the Fall of 2019 and Luke and Kimberly Armstrong were searching for an opportunity to give back to their community. They wanted to find a veteran-focused charity to support, as they both were raised in military families. In the early days of their marriage, they had each decided to make community service a core value for their own family and sought out an organization in which their two children could serve as well. Before long, this family of four was on their way to welcoming their first four-legged student into their home. Luke and Kimberly each serve Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) in Washington D.C. Kimberly is an environmental engineer who has served at NAVFAC commands around the world for the last twenty years. Luke joined NAVFAC in 2007 as a community planner and is currently serving as the Facilities Management Division Director for Naval Support Activity Washington. They met each other in Guam while serving at NAVFAC Marianas, fell in love, got married and have two children, Lily and Lex. All together, the Armstrongs are a true NAVFAC family. The Armstrongs leveraged the Combined Federal Campaign, the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, to find the right veteran-focused charity to support. They chose Semper K9,
an organization that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to be service dogs at no cost for disabled veterans. “Years ago, a friend of mine at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Steve Clagett, introduced me to the idea of fostering and training dogs into service animals,” said Luke Armstrong. “It took some time to find an organization that would allow, at the time, a six-year-old and an eight-yearold to volunteer. After research and then participating in an orientation with the trainers and volunteer coaches, we knew we had found an organization our family would love to support.” The entire family began training to become canine coaches. Over the course of six months, they all took classes and were examined on their canine coaching capabilities. After passing with flying colors, they received their first dog to train in June 2020. Upon successfully graduating their first dog, they were assigned their second. That dog’s name is Sammy. Sammy is part poodle and part cattle dog. He has a friendly personality and is agile and intelligent. Just the right combination of attributes to be a standout service dog. “At just six-months-old, we were already working with Sammy to be able to retrieve keys, phones, and medicine bottles—all items that a veteran may need assistance with at home,” Luke said. “He loves to play and run in the backyard and on playgrounds with the kids. Being part poodle Turn to Family, Page 7
The Armstrong family trained a service dog for a disabled veteran through the organization Semper K9. (COURTESY PHOTO)
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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
Heroes at Home
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Snow plows and wedding vows
By Lisa Smith Molinari
After 25 years of marriage, I know that relationships are tested. Power struggles surface during unexpected moments. Every couple has their triggers, and ours include debates over which way the toilet paper roll should hang, who touched the thermostat last, and what constitutes junk mail. For my husband, Francis, and I, there is one event that launches us into a passive-aggressive battle of wills like no other. It happens infrequently, but when it does, it causes palpable tension that leaves us both leafing through the yellow pages for a good attorney, just in case. That event is skiing. A recreational sport intended to provide positive family memories and adrenaline-fueled euphoria, skiing actually sends us to the brink of divorce. Our mismatched perceptions of skiing started in our respective childhoods. Francis was forced to take ski lessons with his brothers one winter in the 1970s. The cold, scratchy wool, paralyzingly stiff boots and bafflingly complicated bindings caused irreparable childhood trauma from which Francis never recovered. His only salvation was the promised Styrofoam cup of hot cocoa he got to drink in
the station wagon ride home. Conversely, I had countless fun experiences in high school Ski Club, when my best friend and I would sneak sips of peppermint schnapps from Bota bags and lie to cute boys on the chair lifts, telling them our names were “Brooke Townsend” and “Claire Taylor” and that we went to boarding school in Massachusetts. Our family’s ill-fated foray into skiing began after our move to Germany. In full denial that my family had no interest in skiing, I signed us up for Patch Barracks Ski Club, determined to drag my family through our European ski adventure. The charade did not last long. On our first trip to the German Alps, our youngest barfed on the gondola, our son caused a pile up on the t-bar, our middle child was in tears, and Francis projected the bitter resentments of his traumatic childhood skiing experiences by encouraging the kids to treat me as the primary source of their discontent. The day ended abruptly when I lead everyone onto a long intermediate trail from which there was no escape. It spit us out onto a steep slope that sent Francis into a freefall not unlike the infamous “agony of defeat” footage on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Two PCS moves later, friends invited our family
to their ski place in New Hampshire. As soon as I accepted the invitation, a power struggle ensued. Francis was prepared to hate every minute of it - the cold, the inconvenience, the expense - and to hold me personally responsible for his annoyance. And without realizing it, I launched my own propaganda campaign to convince him that skiing is fun. While Francis remained stubbornly skeptical, I was determined to sugarcoat our experience. However, I needed a PhD in economics to get the best deal on lift tickets, eight arms to rent the equipment, the patience of Job to keep everyone happy, a second mortgage on our house to pay for it, and acting lessons in how to grin and bear it. Inevitably, there was no hiding the truth. By the time we arrived at the resort, the tension emanating from Francis was palpable. In the locker room, it took two of us bracing against the lockers to snap Francis’ boot buckles shut only to do it all over again when he claimed that a wrinkle in his sock was causing unbearable pain. By some miracle of God, we all managed to put on our equipment and made it onto the chair lift. Sweaty and winded, I realized that Francis was right - skiing is an inconvenient sport. After a few runs, I conceded defeat and left Francis alone, fully expecting him to head straight for the lodge. Hours later, I ran into him on the slopes. He’d actually been skiing all afternoon, without hot cocoa. “You up for another run?” he asked from behind his balaclava. “Heck yeah,” I smiled, slotting into the lift line with him. On the chairlift, I leaned in for a frosty kiss, realizing that our power struggle had peaked, and it was all downhill from there.
Considering Military Adoption? Eight Things Service Families Should Know By Military Onesource Adoption is a great way to start or grow your family. The joy a child brings can be priceless. Uncle Sam also provides substantial support when you adopt. This includes assistance with adoption costs, tax credits and other benefits. Military adoption benefits, process and other considerations Adopting a child can take several months to years and can cost thousands of dollars. But the happy returns of a child are limitless. Military life is no longer a barrier to adoption as it once was, and service members have several military adoption benefits. Discuss the following with your partner and your adoption agency, and add Military OneSource and AdoptUSKids to your contacts list. Learning about adoption. The adoption process is a journey; each journey starts with a first step. Let Military OneSource be your first step. Call 800-342-9647 to connect to a Military OneSource adoption consultant, who can provide guidance on beginning the adoption process, military financial assistance and much more. It’s free! Moving. It’s easier to complete the process at one duty station. If you move during the process, you may have to repeat some costly steps. Getting deployed could put things on hold.
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Harris, assigned to the USS Freedom (LCS 1), embraces his daughter during a homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young, U.S. NAVY/RELEASED)
Living overseas. Look for an agency used to working with U.S. citizens living abroad. Living overseas also can complicate required criminal background checks. Your agency or military law enforcement office at your overseas duty station may be helpful here. Traveling issues. You’ll likely need to travel if adopting from another state or country. This can pose an issue for service members who don’t have flexibility. Discuss this early with your agency to come up with a backup plan. Reducing expenses. Thanks to the Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Policy, you can claim up to $2,000 per child and $5,000 per calendar year in reimbursement for certain adoption expenses. And due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defense Department has announced that applications for adoption reimbursement may be accepted past the two-year deadline. The exception to policy is effective immediately and will remain in effect through Feb. 28, 2022. View
the policy details to find out if you qualify for the extension. Obtaining leave. Service members may to eligible for 21 days of non-chargeable adoption leave. Getting health insurance. Children are automatically covered under TRICARE, but after a certain amount of time—the time period varies based on your TRICARE plan— the parent must submit an enrollment application to maintain coverage. Getting a tax credit. Families adopting a child may qualify for a tax credit (up to $14,300 in per child) to help offset adoption costs. If you can’t use all the credit in one year, it may be carried forward for up to 5 years. Whether you’re just starting to think about adoption or have completed it and have any questions, you can depend on Military OneSource. Call 800-342-9647 for 24/7 help. OCONUS/International? Click here for calling options. Or live chatto schedule a consultation with a Military OneSource
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, January 20, 2022 3
Capt. Terrence Shashaty officially departs the change of command ceremony after assuming command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Jan. 13, at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Following the change of command ceremony, Capt. Tim Kinsella retired from Navy during a separate ceremony. (JASON BORTZ)
NAS Pensacola Holds Change of Command By Jason Bortz
Naval Air Station Pensacola Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, FL, — Capt. Terrence Shashaty assumed command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola from Capt. Tim Kinsella during a change of command ceremony Jan. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Kinsella served as the commanding officer since March 2019 and led the base following a terrorist attack that resulted in the death of three Sailors and injured eight individuals, a global pandemic that threatened the mission of NAS Pensacola and a category II hurricane that caused extensive damages to the installation. With Kinsella’s leadership, NAS Pensacola managed to limit the effects of these events to base operations. “NAS Pensacola faced some difficult challenges over the past few years, but I am so proud of how everyone on base, active duty service members and civilian employees alike, came together and faced these challenges head on with grit and determination,” said Kinsella. “It’s been the greatest honor of my life to be the commanding officer of this historic installation, but it was
the people of this base that truly inspired me every single day I put on my uniform.” For his outstanding leadership and service to NAS Pensacola, Capt. Tim Kinsella received the John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership from the Navy League of the United States in 2021. The John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership is awarded to the naval officer that has made an outstanding contribution to the high standards of leadership in the naval service. Kinsella was also adamant for building strong relationships with the local community and improving the education in the local area for not only active duty family members, but for all local families. With his perseverance, NAS Pensacola was awarded a Department of Defense STARBASE program. The program, which will be located at the National Flight Academy onboard the installation, will allow 5th grade students from Title 1 schools in the local communities to have a place to learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related topics starting in January 2022. Pensacola State College is also opening a charter high school near NAS Pensacola in 2022 that military children will be
able to attend. “I want to show children in Pensacola the art of the possible,” said Kinsella. “It is my hope that STARBASE Pensacola and the charter school will inspire students to unlock their potential and achieve more than they thought possible. Pensacola is an amazing community and has always had a strong relationship with the installation. As the installation improves, so does the community and vice versa. This bond between the community and NAS Pensacola is what makes Pensacola a special place. When we work together, that’s when the magic happens!” Shashaty, a Brooklyn, New York, native and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, is reporting to NAS Pensacola following duty with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the electronic warfare branch chief for the Deputy Directorate for Global Operations. Like all Navy aviators, Shashaty began his aviation training at NAS Pensacola and earned his pilot wings in 2000. Throughout his Navy career, he flew the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler and has over 400 combat hours in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I am excited about this opportunity to be the commanding officer of NAS Pensacola,”
said Shashaty. “I started my aviation career here and look forward to building on the outstanding achievements of the NAS Pensacola team. Every person, military and civilian, on NAS Pensacola plays a vital role in our mission and together, as a team, we will achieve great things.” Following the change of command ceremony, Kinsella retired from Navy during a separate ceremony. He will remain in the Pensacola area and will continue to be active in the community. “I have had a wonderful and fulfilling career in the Navy and this has been the absolute highlight, but now it’s time to start the next chapter of my life and focus on my family,” said Kinsella. “We have made lifelong friendships here in Pensacola and it’s always felt like home to us, so it’s an easy decision for us to stay. No matter what the future holds, I will always be proud to say that I was the commanding officer of NAS Pensacola.” Known as “The Cradle of Naval Aviation,” NAS Pensacola is the second largest training base in the Navy with approximately 60,000 students trained annually. The installation supports 127 tenant commands from all branches of the service and is one of only four installations in the United States with an active airfield and deepwater port.
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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
Cmdr. Justin Kaper (right), outgoing commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Blue Crew, salutes Capt. John Cage, commodore, Submarine Squadron 20, during a change of command ceremony at the World War II memorial pavilion onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Kaper is relieved by Cmdr. Matt Wilson. (MCC ASHLEY BERUMAN)
USS Tennessee Blue Changes Command By Petty Officer 1st Class Ashley Berumen
Commander, Submarine Group Ten Public Affairs
KINGS BAY, Ga. — The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Blue Crew held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Jan. 14. Cmdr. Matt Wilson relieved Cmdr. Justin Kaper as the commanding officer of the ship’s Blue Crew during the ceremony held at the base’s World War II memorial pavilion. Capt. John Cage, commodore of Commander, Submarine Squadron 20 was the guest speaker of the ceremony, and praised Kaper and Tennessee’s Blue Crew for their hard work in getting the ship deployable after an extended refit period. “The proof of Justin’s leadership is borne
out not only in mission accomplishment through a successful strategic deterrent patrol lasting over 100 days while providing record-level mission execution, but also in the success of his Sailors,” said Cage. “Tennessee outpaces the rest of the fleet with qualifications, inspection performance, and maintenance execution — including the early completion of a challenging dry dock period. All of this while earning the 2020 Retention Excellence Award and leading the pack in people-centered metrics — which is the overly nuclear submarine way of saying — he takes care of his people.” Kaper, from Washington, Pennsylvania, graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in industrial management systems engineering. He received a master’s degree in engineering
management from Old Dominion University. He received his commission through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program. “When I first got orders to Tennessee Blue, I understandably started doing research on my new boat,” said Kaper. “One of the first things that struck me, was finding out that we have the absolute best motto— ‘America At Its Best!’ As I’ve gotten to work with these outstanding Sailors on both crews over the last two years, I can tell you all that USS Tennessee lives up to that motto. Getting the opportunity to work with my crew has been the ultimate experience of my professional career. This crew is full of awesome people, and you have made this the best possible tour I could have imagined, far exceeding my expectations.” Kaper took command of the Blue Crew in
March 2020. Under Kaper’s leadership, the crew successfully completed an extended refit period and deployment. They were awarded the 2020 Commander, Submarine Squadron 20 Weapons White ‘W’ award, and achieved an above average performance on a Maintenance and Material Management Inspection, enabling the first ever completion of multiple base-wide drills. Kaper’s personal awards include: the David L. Llyod Award, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and various personal, unit and service awards. Wilson, the incoming commanding officer, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering. He received a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. “To the crew of Tennessee, you are America at its best,” said Wilson. “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead and work alongside each of you. You are critical to the success of the ship and the execution of the strategic mission and I am confident in your ability to continue to excel.” Ballistic-missile submarines are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines.
customer service person of the year. “The board made extremely tough decisions and each of you should be justifiably proud of the significant contributions you have made in support of our Navy and our recruiting mission,” Velez said. “I extend my earnest congratulations to all selectees and nominees. Thank you for all you do!” NRC plans to recognize the ROY recipients in a ceremony later this year, which will be held at recruiting headquarters in Millington. The official schedule of events will be released when COVID risk mitigation, planning and precautions match CDC, DoD and local guidelines. “As excited as we are to celebrate these recruiters’ success, we must ensure their
safety and the safety of the community during the ongoing pandemic,” said NRC Command Master Chief Ricardo Moreyra. Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www. cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR), Twitter (@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter).
CNRC Announces National Recruiting Award Winners
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Madrigal Navy Recruiting Command
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (NRC), announced the 2021 National Recruiting Award Winners Jan. 13. Selection for these awards is verification of the hard work of these Sailors, their talent acquisition expertise and their positive impact in local communities during an adverse year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to individual award winners, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Rocky Mountain was awarded the Gold “R” award, for best NTAG in the nation. Award winners include: Chief Yeoman Jason Ussia, active component officer ROY; Lt. Cmdr. Abigail Shaffo, reserve component officer ROY; Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Berly Lue, active component enlisted ROY, Hospital Corpsmen 1st Class Jennifer Deaton, reserve component enlisted ROY, Lt. Cmdr. Lennox Smith, diversity officer ROY; Navy Counselor 2nd Class Frankie Bibiloni Ross, diversity enlisted ROY; Chief Personnel Specialist Olusesan Afara, chaplain ROY; Navy Counselor 1st Class Darin Wright, medical officer ROY; Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Omlar, officer nuclear ROY; Chief Navy Counselor Corey Curtis, enlisted nuclear ROY; Torpedoman’s Mate 1st Class Tevin McKenzie, Navy special warfare/Navy
(COURTESY GRAPHIC)
special operations ROY; Navy Counselor 1st Class Joshua Olson, leading petty officer of the year; Chief Navy Counselor Armando Ocampo, department leading chief petty officer of the year; Yeoman 1st Class John Hart, classifier of the year; Navy Counselor 1st Class Austin Boone, ROTC coordinator of the year; Fire Control Technician 1st Class Cody Leaver, E-Talent ROY; Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Tyler Johnson, assessor of the year; Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Sierra Clark, onboarder of the year; Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Jones, support person of the year; Navy Counselor 1st Class Wesly Lewison, innovator of the year; and Personnel Specialist 1st Class Roland Rollon,
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 5
Looking to the Future: How Service Members and Veterans Can Prepare for the Trucking Industry Workforce
By Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Many Sailors gain unique logistics-related skills during their naval service, making the civilian trucking industry a viable future career choice. To help service members and veterans to leverage these military experiences, the Department of Defense (DOD) provides a variety of tools to translate valued skill sets into those recognized within the civilian workforce. Managed by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training, these tools include the DOD’s Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs, the MilGears Platform Suite of Tools, the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) and the SkillBridge program. “For the Navy, these online tools are all great opportunities for Sailors and Navy veterans,” said Keith Boring, Navy Credentialing Programs branch head at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). “We recognize and value the contributions Sailors and our service members continue to make in their careers after the service, and these programs are available to help them navigate achieving their professional goals.” Service members and veterans can capture their military occupational data, map it to civilian occupations, find associated civilian career pathways, earn apprenticeships and certifications, and partner with industry employers to begin new careers in many fields such as the trucking industry. “With COOL, a service member or veteran can pursue at least two relevant credentials that are directly tied to the trucking industry, as well as credentials related to the logistics side,” said Mike Talley, the director of Navy COOL. “The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) relates to 27 broad military occupations, and the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) relates to over 120 broad military occupations. Navy COOL can help you discover and understand pathways to this kind of credentialing and potentially how to fund the credentials.” The MilGears Platform Suite of Tools is a newer tool initially developed by the U.S. Navy and then further expanded by DOD
Official logo for the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). USMAP is a formal military training program that provides activeduty and Full Time Support (FTS) Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. (COURTESY GRAPHIC)
for all the services. Powered by the extensively detailed data contained in COOL, such as military, civilian and federal occupations and industry-recognized credentials, MilGears considers the entirety of the individual service member’s or veteran’s unique military and civilian career background, as well as on and off-duty qualifications and credentials. “MilGears lets you upload formal documentation, capture military training and experience, and add any additional uniquely obtained qualifications from your service,” said Boring. “If you were driving in convoys during deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan, those skills relate to driving experience that contribute towards the CDL and the TWIC.” The formal military training program USMAP allows Sailors to earn a nationally recognized journeyman certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Activeduty and Full Time Support (FTS) Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard service members have the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while serving. “Occupational career fields, such as heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving, are
approved registered apprenticeship trades through USMAP, so service members can complete the journeyman apprenticeship trade as part of their daily military job,” said Tom Phillips, USMAP director at NETC. “Your military supervisor provides monthly validation for the list of required military occupation competencies. You demonstrate the competency and fulfill any time-based requirements, and depending on the trade, it could take as little as a year to complete or may require up to four years to complete.” Over the last few years, USMAP has assisted more than 60 DOD service members in earning the heavy truck driving registered apprenticeship journeyman certificate. More than 340 personnel across the services are currently enrolled in this apprenticeship. During their last 180 days of service, Sailors can take advantage of the DOD SkillBridge program. Before separating from the military, they can gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry internships, job training, employment skills training and DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences and provides an invaluable
chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. While industry partners have access to and can leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost, service members continue to receive their military compensation and benefits. To participate in the SkillBridge program, the industry partner programs must offer a high probability of post-service employment with the provider or other employers in a field related to the opportunity. With more than 1,600 partnerships developed between industry and the DOD, over 70 are in the transportation and material moving industry. More than 700 service members have graduated from SkillBridge trucking industry partner programs in the last few years. For more information about these programs, visit: • MilGears: https://milgears.osd.mil/. • DOD COOL: https://cool.osd.mil. • USMAP: https://usmap.osd.mil. • DOD SkillBridge: https://skillbridge. osd.mil. NETC, as the largest shore command in the U.S. Navy, recruits, trains, and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.
Lt. j.g. Austin Edmiston, Weapons System Officer for AEGIS and lead for the training series, briefs attendees at the ‘gamified’ lecture series in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Dec. 14 while Ms. Jeannine Fay, Deputy Director of Aviation Operations (N98), (on screen) gets ready to present from Philadelphia. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Game on: new series of lectures launched for NAVSUP WSS employees By Angela King-Sweigart
NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) developed a 13-part monthly ‘gamified’ lecture series on the full acquisition life cycle of a weapon system, from cradle to grave, being held through fall of 2022 and beyond. “The idea is to show how you start with nothing, but then develop it, get it funded,
get it created, launch it, repair it and finally retire it,” explained Lt. j.g. Austin Edmiston, Weapons System Officer for AEGIS and lead for the training series. The training targets those who are new to NAVSUP WSS or unfamiliar with the entire process of the life cycle of an item for a weapon system, as well as officers from both the aviation and maritime locations. “It gives a window into the two different sides,” said Edmiston. “The processes are similar, but are not the same.” Additionally,
according to Edmiston, it is NAVSUP WSS specific as opposed to general training available elsewhere. Developing the training took a team effort, according to Kevin Joyce, Deputy Director for Command Operations, who led the effort to build this interactive content. “The big challenge was depicting our business into a linear process, when in practice it is often much more complex and dynamic. With the help of many subject matter experts, we were able to capture a represen-
tative baseline of our core processes quite well,” he said. The sessions have been well-attended so far with about 200 employees attending each session. NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and sailor and family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www. navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ navsupwss, and twitter.com/navsupsyscom.
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Members of Military Sealift Command’s Expeditionary Port Units 104 and 106 stand by U.S. Army materiel transported by MSC’s time-charted motor vessel ARC Independence at the Port of Alexandroupolis, Greece in late 2021. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Military Sealift Command Supports Theater Cooperation in Europe Again By Lt.Cmdr. Kartik Parmar and Cmdr. Cameron Rountree Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
ALEXANDROUPOLIS, GREECE — The last month of 2021 brought with it the renewed efforts of Military Sealift Command to facilitate joint theater cooperation in Europe. Arriving on November 27, 2021, the MSC time-charted motor vessel ARC Independence brought critical U.S. Army materiel to the eastern Mediterranean through the port of Alexandroupolis, Greece. MSC’s support to the mission began months in advance and included preparations in multiple countries across two continents. The months of preparations culminated on December 3, 2021 with a visit by Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, and other
distinguished visitors, including the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Gen. Konstantinos Floros; U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Geoffrey Pyatt; U.S. Consul General to Thessaloniki, Elizabeth Lee; and Deputy Commander of Army V Corps, Maj. Gen. Matthew Van Wagenen. The American-flagged ARC Independence, originally a purpose-built vehicle carrier launched in 2007, was contracted by MSC to transport equipment of the U.S. Army’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from Beaumont, Texas to the port in Greece. The 750-foot vessel, with a 30,000ton dead weight, only represents a fraction of the sealift capacity of the U.S. joint force, and renewed the United States’ commitment to security cooperation in southern and eastern Europe by demonstrating American sealift
mobilization and logistics capabilities. ARC Independence carried more than 40 helicopters and 700 pieces of total cargo for the Ft. Hood, Texas-based 1st Air Cavalry Brigade and rolling stock cargo for discharge at Alexandroupolis. In a concurrent mission, the ship loaded more than two dozen helicopters and 250 pieces of other cargo for the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade from Ft. Riley, Kansas, which was finishing its Atlantic Resolve rotation. “The ever-growing volume of military activity at the Port of Alexandroupolis underscores this location’s expanding strategic role as a lynchpin of our defense and security relationship in Greece’s north, in addition to its role as a key gateway to the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region, supporting NATO’s commitment to deter and defend,”
said Ambassador Pyatt. “And with each visit, we welcome a new milestone of partnership, collaboration and growth between the United States and Greece, not just in the realm of defense, because Alexandroupolis is also playing an increasingly important role in our country’s shared goals of bolstering European energy and climate security and building regional stability.” Captain Frank E. Okata, Commander of MSC Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF) and Commander, Task Force 63, described the operation as, “A highlight of U.S.-Greek military cooperation in 2021 enabled through flexible sealift capability.” Personnel from MSCEURAF headquarters, from Naples, Italy, and members of Expeditionary Port Unit (EPU) 106, a reserve component unit based out of Baltimore, and EPU 104 from Syracuse, New York were crucial in making these evolutions a success. The composite EPU team was led by Lt. Cmdr. Kartik Parmar. The latest efforts of MSC in Europe highlight the U.S. military’s ability to mobilize, deploy, and establish a sealift presence, helping to ensure regional stability.
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COVID from Page 1
surrounding communities. It’s considered much more transmissible — up to two and three times more likely to spread - than previous variants. In unvaccinated people the most common symptoms are fever, cough, chills and shortness of breath. Those vaccinated may experience milder symptoms such a congestion, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue. If all those symptoms sound like what someone can experience with getting the flu or common cold, they are. Similar symptoms between the three include fever and/or chills, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, coughing/sneezing, muscle pain/body ache, headache, and even vomiting/diarrhea. It can take at least one or more days after someone is infected by either virus to begin to experience any of the symptoms just mentioned. Another similarity is all three virus are hidden. They can be spread by someone not knowing they have either one, due to no symptoms apparent, or having mild symptoms, or even never developing symptoms. Those who are at high risk - such as older adults, people with underlying medical conditions and those who are pregnant - can become severely sick by either and possibly deal with a host of complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and the worsening of chronic medical conditions. All DoD personnel are being encouraged to receive the booster dose for further protection of themselves as well as those around them. All those 18 and older who have already received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine series six months previous and those who received their Johnson and Johnson dose at least two months ago are booster eligible. NHB is also providing flu vaccinations to all eligible beneficiaries at the Immunization Clinic. During the seasonal influenza campaign shot exercise held Oct. 4-10, 2021, approximately 2,370 flu shots were administered. “As we do every year, we strongly encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine. It’s now more important than ever due to the ongoing pandemic,” said Frederick, echoing CDC concerns. “It is especially important for pregnant women and people with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes, and those
Family from Page 1
and part cattle dog, he does tend to herd the family, or at least keep tabs on where each member is in the house.” Sammy came to the Armstrongs from Operation Paws for Homes and is sponsored by the Marine Corps Marathon team, Team Semper K9. Each service dog is named after a veteran, and Sammy is named in memory of the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major Samuel
The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 outbreak, along with the annual winter cold and influenza season(s) are making it difficult for a number of people to weather the winter. Officials at Puget Sound Military Health System (MHS) commands such as Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB), along with Madigan Army Medical Center and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor are helping to prevent the pandemic as well as protect patients from the common cold and flu. NHB subject matter experts strongly advocate that everyone should continue to take practical preventive measure to ward off the three highly-infectious viruses. (COURTESY GRAPHIC)
that have weakened immune systems.” NHB adheres to CDC advice that everyone - even those as young as six months should get the influenza vaccine each year. Influenza viruses cause mild to severe illness, whereas COVID-19 has caused serious illness in many, resulting in over 832,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. The CDC notes that most people get
colds in the winter and recover in 7-10 days. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or conditions that affect the lungs and breathing passages may develop serious illness, such as pneumonia. Common colds also continue to be a main reason for children to miss school and adults miss work. Frederick, attests that immunization is
the primary method of reducing seasonal influenza illness, along with helping to eliminate the pandemic. “The COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination not only helps protect vaccinated individuals, but also helps protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of the disease,” added Frederick.
Nicholas. Often, he would be spotted on the Washington Navy Yard, accompanying Luke to work at the office. When not hard at work with Luke or herding up Kimberly and the kids at home, Sammy attended weekly classes with the Armstrongs and monthly evaluations with the Semper K9 trainers. Once a potential service dog has mastered fundamental tasks, a short list of veterans who may be a good match is developed and the dogs are trained to perform specific actions tailored to their veteran’s needs. The selected veteran will then meet the dog and they
will go through two weeks of training and bonding together. Sammy has now successfully passed the training tests and is transitioning with his selected Veteran. He will graduate from the Semper K9 program and officially become a licensed service animal in February 2022. “People often tell us that they could not possibly give up a dog that has become a part of their family for a year or more,” said Luke. “However, on graduation day when you get to meet the veteran and can see how happy they are, or to see updates from the veteran with pictures thanking you and
the organization for giving them their life back—even the kids are grateful to have helped in some way. We are able to show the children the value of service, the satisfaction of hard work, and the rewards of discipline.” The Armstrong family continues to train service dogs and are looking forward to graduating each animal as a way to give back to those who have served. They are also looking forward to continuing their volunteer work with Semper K9 and welcoming their next four-legged friend into their home.
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On iberty
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Healthy Family Meals Chef Nate Appleman knows how important it is to serve healthy meals to your family — ones they actually want to eat. PAGE C4
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. (COURTESY PHOTO)
HAMPTON ARTS ANNOUNCES ‘SAMPLER’ SPRING 2022 SEASON
By Hampton Arts Hampton, VA — Beginning February 2022, Hampton Arts will offer a shorter, curated season, allowing the Coastal Virginia community the opportunity to see returning visual artists at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center and performers from around the world and around the corner at The American Theatre. Remaining nimble during the era of COVID19, artistic director Richard M. Parison, Jr. was able to reschedule highlighted artists from the cancelled 2020-2021 season at The American Theatre. Performers like Avery*Sunshine and Lightwire Theater, who have previously sold out shows at the venue, lead a well-seasoned lineup. The 2021-2022 season at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center opened last September with the Small Works Exhibition and continues in 2022 with the annual Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition in February. Safety protocols will be implemented at both venues, including a face mask requirement, recommended social distancing, and additional deep cleaning measures. “I’m thrilled to welcome audiences and visitors back to The American Theatre and The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center,” said Parison. “Our seasons typically take years to plan. We quickly pivoted to reschedule many performers to allow for best practices amid the pandemic. Artists are eager to return to our inti-
Avery*Sunshine. (COURTESY PHOTO)
mate stage, and to our boutique galleries! The entire staff cannot wait to welcome back both our community of artists and audiences.” The American Theatre Upcoming Performances: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo —Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company is more than on pointe, they’re on fire! This
exceptional dance troupe, affectionately referred to as The Trocks, returns to The American Theatre to perform a repertoire that pays tribute to the world of ballet with a gender-bending spin. From faithful renditions of original works to modern, boundary-pushing choreography, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s dedication has remained constant: to bring the pleasure of dance to the widest possible audience.
(Thursday, February 17, 2022, 8 p.m.) Hampton Roads Philharmonic presents Young Artist Competition Showcase — Winners from the annual Young Artist Competition perform chosen selections of concertos and virtuosic showpieces with the orchestra. Be inspired by the best of the future generation of performers that Coastal Virginia has to offer! (Sunday, March 6, 2022, 2:30 p.m.) Avery*Sunshine — Let the sunshine in! Back by popular demand, Billboard topping Avery*Sunshine returns to The American Theatre for a third time with her riveting stage performance, candid and often humorous banter, and optimistic anthems about life. Self-described as “a cross between Bette Midler and Oprah Winfrey,” her distinct sound and far-reaching presence have graced some of the world’s greatest venues, including Madison Square Garden and Smokey Robinson’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute. (Saturday, March 12, 2022, 8 p.m.) Lightwire Theater — Since bursting to national acclaim after appearing as semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent and winning the top honors on TRU TV’s Fake Off, Lightwire Theater has gone on to enthrall audiences worldwide with their unique combination of skill and grace as told through the technological innovations of moving light characters. LightTurn to Hampton Arts, Page 3
ADM James Stavridis USN (Ret.) NATO’s 16th Supreme Allied Commander, to speak at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Interview conducted by Yiorgo The Norfolk Forum is proud to present ADM James Stavridis USN (Ret.) NATO’s 16th Supreme Allied Commander, Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. ADM Stavridis spent 37 years in the Navy, rising to the rank of 4-star Admiral. He has overseen operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, the Balkans and has done so much more. Tickets are available via The Norfolk Forum website at www.thenorfolkforum.org. Yiorgo:WithustodayisADMStavridis, who spoke with us on the phone. What should people expect to hear, see and experience at The Norfolk Forum and will there be a question and answer period afterwards? ADM. James Savridis: The title of my talk is 21st Century Security: Risk and Opportunity. And yes, I will talk for about 40 minutes and then we will have about 20 minutes for a Q & A afterwards. What we are going to do is kind of walk around the world and look at global risk. What are the challenges that we face and what are some of the opportunities for how we can collectively solve these big global security issues. Y: What are some of the risks? ADM. S: Russia and Ukraine are of course big ones at the moment and we’ll talk about China, Iran and North Korea. We will talk
about climate and cyber security as well as walk through the global security challenges. I will then pivot to talk about what we should do about it. How do we create effective alliances internationally to meet these challenges? What are the technologies that are important? How do we learn and study so that we can meet these challenges? It is an overarching talk about global security with interesting and innovative ideas and I will be illustrating it with a series of photographs which are very evocative, and kind of key up the issues. Y: This is so fascinating. What kind of photographs will you be sharing? ADM. S: The audience will see an interesting photo of Vladimir Putin, the Chinese Navy under way at sea, photographs of the Iranian missile capability and I will also share some book recommendations, to think about reading. So it’s a chance for anybody who is interested in the world to come and get a snapshot of the global environment, and then to have a conversation about what we should do about it, to make ourselves secure. Y: God bless you and your whole family for your service to our great country. With your father being a marine colonel, how did he take you to join the Navy? ADM. S: Thank you and my father was a very
James Stavridis. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Turn to James Stavridlis, Page 3
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Monster Jam returns to the Hampton Coliseum this weekend Interview conducted by Yiorgo The place to be this weekend January 21st - 23rd, is the Hampton Coliseum as the most action packed experience that is Monster Jam, which celebrates its 30th anniversary with world class athletes in heated rivalries, fierce head-to-head competition for the Event Championship. The drivers’ high-flying stunts with their 12,000 pound Monster Jam trucks include Freestyle, Skills, Donuts and Racing competitions. Another exciting feature is the Monster Jam Pit Party that will be held from 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fans can see these massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly fun. For tickets and more info, go to https://www.hamptoncoliseum.org/ events/detail/monster-jam-8 With us today is Brianna Mahon, one of the amazing Monster Jam drivers who will be driving the Monster Jam truck Whiplash. Yiorgo: Brianna, why should people come to the show and what will they expect to see and experience? Brianna Mahon: Monster Jam is a family friendly event made for everyone! You will experience the same adrenaline the drivers do, and I promise you will fall in love. You will see 4 different events in 2 hours: racing action; 2-Wheel skills competition (anything on two wheels goes!)’ Donuts, and everyone’s favorite event Freestyle which is where all the carnage happens! Plus Freestyle Motocross during half time. I always say you pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge! Y: For someone who has never been to a Monster Jam show, can you break it down for them? How does it work, is it a competition, are there winners and losers, what does the winner get, etc.? BM: Monster Jam has 4 different competitions within the event, 3 of which are judged by YOU, the fan! Fans get to get a piece of the action by voting for their favorite driver and tricks throughout the night right on their phone using JudgesZone.com. Racing is the only competition where the winner is determined by the fastest time. Drivers are given points based on where they finish in each competition, from first to last. At the end of the night the points are added up to crown the overall event champion! Y: What awards have you won and are most proud of ? BM: I have won many awards and events over the years but there are a few top ones that stand out to me. I won Rookie of the Year in 2015. I was the 1st female overall
Whiplash. (COURTESY PHOTO)
event winner on the Triple Threat Series in 2016 and went on to win many more overall event championships that year. In 2019, I was crowned best trick winner in Las Vegas at the Monster Jam All-Star Challenge. And in 2019, I also placed 3rd in the Freestyle competition at Monster Jam World Finals. Y: Where were you born, where are you from originally and how did you wind up falling in love with monster trucks? What has been your journey to get to where you are today? BM: I was born and raised in Sullivan, Illinois. I grew up in the motorsports world; my parents both raced mud drag trucks, and I began riding dirt bikes, four wheelers and snowmobiles at the age of three. I began racing dirt bikes full time at the age of 10 and turned that into my profession until my early 20s when one of my worst injuries happened and it took me out for good. I then started driving sprint cars and racing dirt tracks. During that time is when Monster Jam presented itself to me and offered me the opportunity to try out. That’s when I fell in love with it and the rest is history. Y: Can you talk a little bit about the process you went through to become a certified Monster Jam driver, did you have a tryout, go through specific training etc.? BM: I had an initial tryout, and my training really began after I got a call back for additional testing. I spent almost an entire year training because I lived so close to the training facility. I first started competing in 2015 and during that summer is when Monster Jam University was created. I was one of the first athletes to complete it, and it really taught me so much. We not only learned about driving Monster Jam trucks and honing our skills, but we also worked on our media presentation, our interviewing skills, athletic training, and nutritional training. Y: What did you have to do to become the driver for Whiplash? BM: Monster Jam started developing
Whiplash in 2017, and I had the opportunity to be a part of creating a strong, female brand for Monster Jam. We really wanted to set it apart from anything Monster Jam has ever seen before. Y: It must be very rewarding, being a role model for everyone but especially for the young girls watching you. What advice would you give to anyone that wants to get into this line of work, especially the girls? BM: Get involved any way you can when it comes to motorsports. Learn as much as you can and work your way up. You can do anything you put your mind to! UNOH technical college is a great place to start if you have no prior motorsports experience. They give you the tools you need to get a job within Monster Jam. Y: As a Monster Jam driver, I’m sure you traveled the globe. What have been some of the cool places where you have performed throughout the world and how are the audiences different from how they receive you here in America? BM: I’ve been to over a dozen countries and every one of them is such a unique experience! Singapore had so much culture. We made history by hosting a week-long event In Japan (the fans were so loud!). I hiked a mountain in Brazil, and I biked through Barcelona. They are each individually so amazing and the fans around the world are just as excited, if not more, as here in the States. Y: You are a hairstylist by day and Monster Jam driver by night. Can you talk about your journey this past year to juggle both and what it’s like to be back in front of a live audience again? BM: I’ve been doing hair for as long as I’ve been driving Monster Jam Trucks, so I learned how to balance them both right off the bat. I built/opened my own salon in Illinois the same month I left on my first tour with Monster Jam and over the years both careers have grown so well together. My clients are beyond supportive of what I do, and my fans can’t believe I live a normal life
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Delivering Favorites this Cookie Season Through Girls’ Ingenuity and DoorDash By Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast The 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season is here, a time when consumers in Hampton Roads & Outer Banks can again support girl entrepreneurs by purchasing Girl Scout Cookies and girls can use new sales strategies and technology skills that they honed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 season began January 8, 2022 in Hampton Roads and Outer Banks. Last year, Girl Scouts in our area sold over 1 million boxes and donated over 50,000 more to the USO. This season, Girl Scouts are again selling cookies in creative, socially distant, and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Purchasing Girl Scout Cookies has never been easier. A new national collaboration with DoorDash, the on-demand delivery platform, ensures girls remain at the center of innovation as they offer consumers the option to order cookies on-demand. GSUSA and DoorDash are making it possible for consumers in Hampton Roads, who don’t already know a Girl Scout to purchase cookies from, and on-demand delivery experience or pickup at a nearby booth. As part of the entrepreneurial experience, local Girl Scouts will track and fulfill orders, manage inventory, and more, while partnering with DoorDash’s technology and team. Many Girl Scouts will also run outdoor
cookie booths that follow local, state, and CDC guidelines while still getting everyone’s favorite cookies to their customers. Girl Scouts will also be selling cookies via the Digital Cookie online platform for direct shipment or local delivery. And beginning February 18, consumers can enter their zip code to purchase cookies online from a local troop for direct shipment or donation to local causes. Adventurefuls joins the whole portfolio of iconic Girl Scout Cookies including favorites like Thin Mints®, Samoas, and Tagalongs®. All purchases of Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Lemon-Ups™, and other Girl Scout Cookie favorites are an investment in girl leadership in the community. With every sale, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls how to think like entrepreneurs as they run their own small businesses and learn skills like goal setting, people skills, and decision making—which are imperative for any leadership role. Girls decide how to use their proceeds for unforgettable leadership experiences, outdoor adventures, and community service projects. Girls K-12 who aren’t already Girl Scouts and their caregivers are invited to join us for one of our virtual or in person events to learn more about how Girl Scout’s SOL aligned program can supercharge her life. Visit gsccc.org for more information about sales dates and specific cookie availability.
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Brianna Mahon. (COURTESY PHOTO)
back home. But that’s what’s so cool about Monster Jam drivers - we are normal people! We have day jobs and families and are really no different than anyone else. Being able to come back to Monster Jam after Covid was such a relief. We all missed it so much. It shut down so abruptly that no one really knew what the future held. So to come back stronger than ever was really an amazing feeling. Y: Can you share a pinch me, wow moment as a Monster Jam driver that you can’t believe this little girl got to experience? BM: Just being able to step back and say wow, this is my life. I would have never dreamed I would get paid to travel the world AND drive one of these amazing Monster Jam trucks. It’s all a dream come true. 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.
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Wrestling legend Nikita Kolof f ’s Man Up Conference takes place in Hampton January 29th. Interview conducted by Yiorgo Yiorgo: What is the Men Up Conference about? Why should men attend and what will they experience and get out of it? Nikita Koloff:: We call it Restoring Biblical Manhood. It’s equipping, empowering, training men to be healthier, spiritually of course, even physically, emotionally, mentally and just being better equipped to be Godly men, husbands and fathers. That’s the ultimate goal. Equip them, empower them and deploy them, to impact their family and their community, So we will dive into all of that. The Men Up Conference takes place Saturday, January 29th from 9am to 3pm with a break for lunch. The cost is $29 and that includes the cost for lunch. The conference will take place at the Greater Disciples Center 3907 Lasalle Ave. Hampton, Virginia. We will take walk ups but we prefer that people pre-register by calling 540 429-5530. Y: Are fathers able to bring their sons? NK: Yes indeed. I did a Man Up Conference last weekend in Georgia and we had 10, 12, 15 year olds there. Dads can bring their sons for a couple reasons. They can have those young men around other Godly men. I encourage fathers to bring their sons, especially if they are teenagers. I did 18 conference weekends last year. I do the conference on Saturday and I preach on Sunday and I will be doing that here as well at the Discipleship Center at 11:00 am on January 30th. My goal during these weekends is to impact men, restoring masculinity, talking about manhood as essentially how man has come under attack for the last several decades. We will discuss how the world sees manhood and how God sees manhood. Y: Do you find the kids being receptive to the word of God? How do they react? NK: At last week’s conference, one guy had his 13 year old and his 18 year old. They told me the 13 year old took about six to seven pages of notes and the eighteen year old wrote down three words, so it varies but I am very encouraged with both the young people and the adults walking away feeling better equipped and more empowered to be a Godly man. Y: How and when did you start doing these Men Up Conferences? NK: In 2015 the Lord gave Lex Luger and I the vision for these conferences and these camps. We started these conferences and twice a year we did a man camp. I’ve taken my many years of experience in health and wellness and applied They center around the scripture of first Thessalonians, 5;23, which refers to being whole in other words healthy in spirit, soul and body. That really embodies the message It is the foundational scripture and from there, through our experiences were able to take what the Bible says and speak into men’s lives about what it means to be healthy in spirit, soul and body, Y: Tell us about your Koloff for Christ Ministries. NK: Koloff for Christ Ministries encompasses ministering to men, but in the past, I have done
James Stavridlis from Page 1
proud colonel in the U S. Marine Corps when he retired, and my daughter Julia, is a navy nurse, a commissioned officer in the Navy, who went to Georgetown University. So we’re on our third generation of military service. My father was not happy about me joining the Navy. He very much hoped I would follow in his footsteps as a marine infantry officer, and initially I thought I wanted to do that. But when I went to the Naval academy, the first thing they did was put me on a ship at sea, coming out of San Diego Harbor, and when I walked upon the bridge of that ship, it was sunset, and the ship was just getting under way. I saw all that light and that ocean, and I was like Saint Paul on the road to Damascus. I suddenly knew what I wanted in my life and that was to be a sailor. You will be happy to know that my father forgave me and became very happy about it about twenty five years later, when I pinned on my first star as a Rear Admiral. Y: Among your many honors, you were vetted for the Vice President position in 2016, when then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was running for President of the United States. Can you talk about that process? ADM. S: I was one of six candidates who were vetted for Vice President by Hilary Clinton. It’s a very extensive vetting process. It was successful and I think I was strongly considered, but she ultimately chose Senator Tim Kane as her running mate as we all know. Y: And then of course, after the 2016 election in November, you were invited to go over the Trump Tower for a Cabinet position. Can you tell us about that visit? ADM. S: Early that December, I received an invitation to come to Trump Tower, And I met for about an hour with President elect Trump, Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus, who was Chief of Staff at the time. I had an extensive meeting with them. We discussed national security, cyber securities, challenges of North Korea, and so forth. At the end of that, we had a very serious discussion about whether or not I would want to take a Cabinet position with the Trump
Hampton Arts from Page 1
wire Theater comes to The American Theatre with an adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable, The New Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation. Now 10 years down the road, with children of their own, Tortoise and Hare are exploring modern day distractions, with smartphones and video games creating a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. Tortoise and Hare are in a whole new kind of race in which their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. (Saturday, April 23, 2022, 3 p.m.) *NEW* Peninsula Youth Orchestra — Soundscapes — Peninsula Youth Orchestra kicked off its 62nd season at The American Theatre last December and will continue to utilize the venue for additional performances
revivals, crusades and we expanded a year and a half ago to a radio show, a podcast and in 2022, I’ll be launching a TV show. The theme is the same. The conference is called Man Up, the camps are called Man Camp, and the radio show and T V show and Podcast are called, It’s Time to Man Up. We have a one stop website where they can access everything and that website is called koloff.net. Y: What is your personal testimony? NK: In my book, Nikita A tale of the Ring of Redemption I share my whole life story all the way back as I can remember my childhood to the present day. The short version of that is as an athlete, I loved playing football until an opportunity opened up for professional wrestling. It wasn’t something I was looking for but that opportunity presented itself. I walked through that door of opportunity, took advantage of it, had a meteoric rise to stardom in professional wrestling in the eighties and early nineties. I walked away under my own terms, I was not forced out of wrestling, only to find myself at an altar about eleven months later, surrendered my life to Jesus October 17th, 1993. I like to say, in this way, I was successful at being a world champion wrestler, but I was unfulfilled. I was looking for what would bring that fulfillment and what I found was my decision at the altar that morning. I was looking for a personal relationship with Jesus that was missing, and what ultimately brought that fulfillment was that personal decision to receive Christ into my life, and a personal relationship was with him, So for the last twenty plus years, the journey has been surreal. Y: Let’s talk about wrestling. What were some of your favorite highlights of your professional wrestling career? NK: I’ll give you three. A huge highlight was at the first ever Great American Bash against a guy named Nature Boy Ric Flair. It was my first opportunity for the World Heavyweight title. At that point, I was already the world tag-team champion, the world six-men champion and I was only 13 months into the business. Wrestling Ric for the world title was huge. Secondly, the best of seven series for the U S Heavyweight title against Magnum TA, probably the most talked about of all my career with the fans, is the best of seven against Magnum TA. That certainly was a major highlight. The third highlight was when I made the turn from a bad guy to a good guy and I came to the aid of the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, and became the Superpowers. That set us into an incredible series of matches with the Four Horsemen, along with the Road Warriors, culminating in the first ever War Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Y: What was it like learning Under the learning trees of Ivan Koloff and Don Kernodle? NK: I credit much of my success to both Ivan and Don. When I broke in, they were the world tag-team champions at the time and they went well above the call of duty. When I stepped into wrestling, I had no experience, not no training, no background of any kind of amatour or
Nikita Kolooff. (COURTESY PHOTO)
professional. Essentially I had on the job training with those two guys, the first two - three months of my career. They were instrumental in my early rise stardom, along with the other guys that we got in the ring with. We became good friends, and in fact, I was honored to speak at Ivan’s graveside service. I spoke at Don’s funeral with Sargent Slaughter in the front row and I said, had it not been for Sarge and Don, Nikita Koloff would have never been born. They approached Jim Crockett with the idea, he loved it, and Don is the one who approached Road Warrior Animal If he knew any big guys who wouldn’t mind saving their head, he said I know a guy right now, gave me a call, I showed up and Don and Ivan, then ended up training me on the job. So that’s the back story. Y: Well then, let’s peel the onion one more layer and talk about the bond between you and Road Warrior Animal (Joe Laurinaitis) and how originally you met and became friends? NK: I recruited Joe out of Irondale high School in Brighton, Minnesota. He was a standout high school football player and I recruited him to play college football with me. I gave Joe, his mom Lorna and dad, Joe Sr. a tour of the campus, we had an instant connection, and became like a prodigal son to his family. We became best of friends, and so you might say, ironically, I recruited him out of high school to play football. He dropped out of college. I finished. He got into wrestling. He in turn recruited me out of football to get into wrestling. Y: How about a Dusty story? NK: Once Dusty and I partnered up, one of my favorite memories was traveling up and down the roads together, building a friendship and a love for one another. One regret I
have is we forever talked about buying some land together out in Idaho and Montana but we never did it. Actually, post wrestling, I called him up one day, said I’m coming to Atlanta and I want to take you to lunch. We went to lunch. Dusty said what else are you doing here? I said nothing else. I love you, I wrote my first book Breaking the Chains. It’s a simple story of my life transformation of how I came to Christ and how others can come to Christ. I wanted to personally give it to you, thank you for everything then I am going back home to Charlotte. I personalized the book, gave it to him and left. A friend of mine who was in Dusty’s school at the time said that Dusty went into his office for about two hours and shut the door and read the book. Y: Tell us about giving David Crockett that Russian sickle move? NK: First I am forever indebted to the Crockett family and for Jimmy Crockett giving me my break. In regards to your question, David said on Conrad Thompson’s Tony Schiavone’s What Happened When Podcast that he knew it was coming but did not know when it was coming. Tony said that he did not know anything about it and when it happened, Tony was like Oh my gosh. And David said he laid there for a minute to make sure everything was working. In my young mind, it’s television, it has to look good so I laid it in. It was nothing personal. I loved all the Crocketts including David. David described it as if he had run into a neighbor’s clothesline in the backyard at night. It was Dusty’s idea, David went along with it and he lived to talk about it. Thank you very much David. 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.
Administration. Ultimately I felt that was not a good fit for me, but I was honored to have been asked to come and have a conversation. Y: You created the Navy’s premier operational think tank for innovation, Deep Blue. Can you tell us how it came to be? ADM. S: When 9/11 occurred, I was in the budget shop of the Navy staff. I was a newly selected one star officer, in the Pentagon, on the side of the Pentagon where the aircraft struck. I glimpsed the airplane striking and I survived obviously. Immediately afterwards the Chief naval Operations, asked me to create a small, group of strategic operational, and tactical thinkers, to come up with new ideas for how the Navy specifically could help in the global war on terror that suddenly exploded in front of our face like the airplane hitting the Pentagon. He allowed me to pick about fifteen people from across the Navy, aviator, a seal, a submariner, and a marine. By the way, a number of these folks went on to become Admirals in the Navy. For the next year and a half, my job was to come up with new ideas. Y: Can you give some examples? ADM. S: Yes, here are two examples. One is something called afloat forwarding stationing base. This is the idea of using an aircraft carrier or a big deck Amfib, but instead of a traditional strike package on it, putting on marines, special forces moving forward and launching missions. A second example would be to create an expeditionary strike force, which is combining a big deck amphibious group, alongside destroyer submarines, special forces to create the ability to inject special forces from these big deck amfibs. We came into many, many different ideas over that next year and a half. I was proud to have created Deep Blue and then the Chief of Naval Operations released me for sea duty and I went to command the carrier strike group centered on the USS Enterprise, and off I went to war. Y: From 2009 - 2013, you were the Supreme Allied Commander for NATO, stationed in Belgium. I’m sure you had the opportunity to travel all over Europe and specifically go over to Greece and Turkey. As a Greek American yourself, how were you received in those two coun-
tries, especially since there are political tensions between Greece and Turkey, going back for hundreds of years? ADM. S: As you would expect, I was always very, very welcomed in Greece and I traveled extensively through that beautiful country including often to our NATO bases in Heraklion, Crete, and government meetings in Athens. We traveled and vacationed all over Greece and we were welcomed with open arms. I was also very welcomed in Ankara, Turkey. The Turks were always hospitable and I think they were always concerned. Oh, there’s this Greek American who is the Supreme Allied Commander. But I found out they were good partners as well and I was careful to make sure I had a very even handed approach to at that time all 28 nations of the Alliance. Y: I would like for you to tell us a little bit about one of your 11 books that you have written in 2021, the New York Times bestseller, “2034: A Novel of the Next World War”. ADM. S: This was my tenth book and my first novel. My previous nine books were all nonfiction. Many of them were about leadership and character, the oceans and the maritime world. I wanted to write a novel because it would reach a larger audience. And the idea of the novel 2034 is to create a kind of warning. I would say, it is what I would call cautionary fiction, in the sense that it describes what we desperately don’t want to happen, which is obviously a war with China. It takes the reader through a scenario that could, possibly unfold in which the two nations end up stumbling into a war together, although it’s not in the interest of either nation. It has an international cast of characters. There’s a Chinese Rear Admiral, an American marine major fighter pilot, a career surface warfare officer who, as the novel opens, she is leading her platilla of destroyers into the South China Sea. There are also Iranians, Russians and I think it’s a very realistic book set in 2034 and the challenge of our times is how we avoid stumbling into that kind of conflict like the Europeans fell into in 1914. That is the genesis of the book. Y: In your amazing, incredible career, what would you consider as a couple of pinch me, wow, type moments for you? .
ADM. S: I’ve been lucky to have dinner in the White House on many occasions, but two in particular, standout. One was with President Bush, the second Bush, fairly soon after 9/11. Being in the White House only a year or two after the attack was very meaningful to me. The second dinner was with Barack Obama, years later, when I was a four star at that point and being there with the first African American President, and you realize what an extraordinary country this is when you see our leaders in the White House responsibly acting to meet the challenges of the day. Those would be my two pinch me moments, Y: Along with your speaking engagements, you are also on TV, radio and social media. Where can people find you? ADM. S: My Facebook page is James Stavridis, my Twitter handle is stavridisj, and Linkedin is James Stavridis. For NBC news, my actual title is Chief International Analyst and I appear more frequently on MSNBC, which is our 24 hour news channel. I also appear on Fox Radio with Brain Kilmeade on Fridays and I am on the Salem Radio Network on Tuesdays with Hugh Hewitt. As you can see, I comment across the political spectrum of the media. I have always been a registered Independent, neither a Republican nor a Democrat. I think it’s important as we look at the media, that all of us sample across the spectrum and try to appreciate and understand what others are saying, even when we don’t always agree with them. So my commentary on air follows that tract. I’m also a contributing editor at Time Magazine where I do a monthly column there, and I do a weekly column with Bloomberg Opinion. They are obviously both in writing, but they are widely available on the internet. I just feel it’s important given the experiences I have had particularly in very senior military positions, to try and share my thoughts and be part of this conversation to hopefully avoid the kind of security challenges that we will be talking about at The Norfolk Forum. 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.
this Spring! PYO is a community orchestra for young musicians up to age 25. Local musician Elizabeth Chapman started a youth string orchestra in 1960. By the end of the decade, it had expanded to a full symphony orchestra under the name Peninsula Youth Orchestra. In 2020, the Board enthusiastically voted to turn over management of the program, and PYO became an official program of Soundscapes. (Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 3 p.m.) RSVPs will be handled by Soundscapes through Eventbrite. The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center Upcoming Exhibitions: Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition — The Hampton Arts League Member exhibition presents the artwork of the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center’s artist member organization. Emerging and established artists who work in a variety of media are represented. Member artists are invited to exhibit one
artwork of their choosing. The exhibition showcases the talented artists who reside and work in Hampton Roads and who support Hampton Arts. The James Warwick Jones Best in Show Award ($750), First ($500), Second ($250) and Third Place ($100) Awards are given. (February 5, 2022 — April 9, 2022) Rising to the Challenge Exhibition — In response to being closed to patrons and artists during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center devised two seasons of virtual creative challenges in order to bring solidarity to the visual arts community during difficult times. Challenges ranged from mural designs to one-line artworks and more. This curated event will bring what was originally an online activity to the physical space within our galleries. (May 7, 2022 — June 18, 2022) Three to Tweet JUST ANNOUNCED: Browse the lineup
for the ‘22 Season at @ctvisualarts and The @ AmericanThtre (performances starting February 2022)! Visit hamptonarts.net for more information and to purchase tickets! Returning audience favorites grace The @ AmericanThtre stage beginning February 2022 for Hampton Arts’ 34th Season! Lineup includes Avery*Sunshine, Lightwire Theater, Hampton Roads Philharmonic & more! Visit theamericantheatre.org for a full list of events! The 2021-2022 Season at @ctvisualarts continues this spring with the Hampton Arts League Member Exhibition! Look forward to amazing artwork from local & regional artists. See the full exhibition schedule at charlestaylorvisualarts.org! Social Media www.facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatre www.facebook.com/CharlesTaylorVisualArtsCenter ,@AmericanThtre ,@ CTVisualArts
4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
Food
Marinated Skirt Steak. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Fresh, Healthy Family Meals Recipes to help boost iron levels, aid plasma donation recovery By Family Features Chef Nate Appleman knows how important it is to serve healthy meals to your family — ones they actually want to eat. Before having his first child, he transformed his eating and exercise habits and lost 85 pounds to get on a healthier path. Now, he’s cooking meals for his family, including 14-year-old Oliver who was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease as a toddler — an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause damage to coronary arteries — as a healthy lifestyle is important to help manage the disease. Since Oliver’s diagnosis, Appleman made it his personal mission to create awareness of Kawasaki Disease and for the critical need for plasma donations that many people with the disease rely on for treatment, which is why he partnered with Abbott to bring attention to the need for plasma donations. Plasma is a powerful part of your blood that supports essential bodily functions. It’s a lifeline for thousands of people who are immune-compromised and live with a variety of chronic and complex diseases. In fact, more than 125,000 Americans rely on medication made from plasma every day, according to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a serious shortage of plasma donors — average donations per center in the United States were down approximately 11% during the first few months of 2021 compared to the previous year, further deepening the nearly 20% decline in donations in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the PPTA. Donating plasma is a safe and relatively easy process. Since plasma is replaced in the body within about 24 hours, it can be donated up to twice per week. With a donation that typically takes between 1-3 hours, you can make a lasting impact by providing lifesaving medicine for patients like Oliver.
It’s a good idea to fuel up with iron-rich foods before and after donating, so Appleman created these fresh, nutritious recipes he loves to serve his family: Marinated Skirt Steak, Lemon Chicken with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes, and Cheesy Frittata with Veggies. Learn where you can donate at bethe1donor.abbott. Marinated Skirt Steak Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott Vinaigrette: ¼ cup oil ¼ cup fish sauce ¼ cup rice wine vinegar ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons raw sugar 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, juice only 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small Thai bird chile or serrano chile, chopped ¼ head finely shaved green cabbage ¼ head finely shaved purple cabbage 2 carrots, thinly julienned Skirt steak: 1 ½ pounds trimmed skirt steak ½ cup coconut milk 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons lime juice ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons sriracha salt, to taste 3 cups cooked brown rice ½ cup crushed peanuts 1 lime, quartered, for garnish To make vinaigrette: In large bowl, mix oil, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and chile. Toss cabbage and carrots in vinaigrette; refrigerate until ready to serve. To make skirt steak: Marinate steak in coconut milk, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, sriracha and salt, to taste, at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
Heat grill to high. Grill 3-4 minutes each side until medium rare. Let rest 3 minutes. Thinly slice steaks against grain and serve with vinaigrette, rice and crushed peanuts; garnish with lime wedges. Lemon Chicken with Roasted Red Onions and Potatoes Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott Lemon chicken: 1 whole chicken, cut into eight pieces 1 ounce minced garlic ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon ground fennel seed ¼ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon kosher salt Potatoes: 2 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes salted water oil Cauliflower: 1 head cauliflower salted water ice 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Roasted onions: 1 red onion salt oil For serving: 3 ounces pitted Castelvetrano or green olives, cut into quarters 5 ounces wild arugula 1 lemon, quartered To make lemon chicken: Marinate chicken in mixture of minced garlic, granulated garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, fennel pollen, dried oregano, coriander and salt; let sit overnight. To make potatoes: Boil potatoes in heavily
salted water until tender. Cool, peel and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks. Toss with oil to coat; reserve. To make cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into florets and blanch in salted water 1 minute; shock in ice bath. Remove from ice and dry. Toss with mayonnaise, tamari and parsley; reserve. To make roasted onions: Preheat oven to 450 F. Peel onion and slice into 1-inch rings. Toss with salt and oil; roast until slightly caramelized with texture. Chill and reserve. Preheat oven to 450 F. Bake chicken on sheet pan approximately 15 minutes. Add potatoes and cauliflower. Bake approximately 15 minutes then switch oven to broil approximately 10 minutes. Squeeze lemon over reserved onion. When chicken is crispy and reaches internal temperature of 165 F, remove from oven and add onions and olives. Plate chicken, potatoes, onions, olives and cauliflower on top of arugula and garnish with lemon. Cheesy Frittata with Veggies Recipe courtesy of chef Nate Appleman on behalf of Abbott Roasted garlic: 2 heads garlic olive oil salt Frittata: oil 2 medium leeks, sliced 8 ounces blanched, chopped broccoli salt, to taste 9 eggs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 ounces grated Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons heavy cream To make roasted garlic: Preheat oven to 400 F. Slice ¼ inch off entire heads of garlic and place cut sides down in 1-liter casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt; cover with lid. Bake 35-45 minutes until heads of garlic are soft and light brown. Let cool then use back of knife to squeeze garlic from pods. To make frittata: Lower oven to 375 F. In saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook leeks until soft; add broccoli then season with salt, to taste, and remove from heat. In mixing bowl, mix roasted garlic, sauteed leeks and broccoli, eggs, parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano and cream; place in 9-inch pie dish and bake approximately 20 minutes until top of frittata is brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting and serving.
A Twist on Traditional Burgers
By Family Features
Warm weather and grilling go hand-inhand, and few dishes say summer like burgers. While traditional beef patties come to mind for many, there are also healthy protein options to satisfy that burger craving without sacrificing flavor. For example, salmon is a nutritionally well-rounded alternative that offers a variety of health benefits, and an option like gluten-free Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers are made with wild, sustainable, ocean-caught whole filets with no fillers and are lightly seasoned with a “just-offthe-grill,” smoky flavor. Topped with melted cheddar then piled on top of fresh arugula, peppered bacon and zesty mayo, these Alaskan Salmon Burgers with Peppered Bacon are a twist on tradition that can help you put a protein-packed, flavorful meal on the table in minutes. Find more healthy seafood recipes at tridentseafoods.com. Alaskan Salmon Burgers with
Peppered Bacon Prep time: 13 minutes Servings: 4 ½ cup mayonnaise 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon lemon zest salt pepper 1 box (11.2 ounces) Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers 4 cheddar cheese slices 4 seeded burger buns, split and toasted 4 cups arugula 6 strips peppered bacon, cooked 12 bread-and-butter pickles, drained In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Cook salmon burgers according to package directions. When almost cooked through, top each with slice of cheese, cover and cook until melted. Spread cut sides of buns with mayonnaise and top bottom buns with arugula. Cover with salmon burgers, bacon, pickles and top buns.
Alaskan Salmon Burgers with Peppered Bacon. (COURTESY PHOTO)
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 5
Health
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hernandez and his wife, Ashley, take a family portrait with their six children. Ashley is BAMC’s first patient to give birth while on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Critically ill COVID Patient Delivers Baby While on Heart-Lung Bypass By Elaine Sanchez
Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — A Marine Corps spouse and mother of five was 28 weeks pregnant when she caught a “mild case” of COVID-19 in June 2021. Ashley Savidge Hernandez felt tired but wasn’t too concerned until she began to have trouble catching her breath. Alarmed for their baby, retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hernandez drove his wife to Brooke Army Medical Center’s emergency room just to be safe. Ashley had no idea she and her baby were about to embark on a month-long battle for their survival. “It all seems surreal to me now,” she said on a phone interview, her voice still raspy from the ventilator. “I had no idea at the time how dire the situation was for me and my baby.” Rapid Decline Ashley had received the positive COVID-19 results on a Friday and by Monday, her condition had grown much worse. “When I went in the room to check on her, I instantly knew something was wrong,” her husband said. “Her breathing was labored, and she could hardly get a full sentence out because she seemed out of breath with each word.” Hernandez quickly loaded their five young children into the van and rushed Ashley to BAMC. “I placed her in the wheelchair (and) took her into the ER, but I had to go get the kids and move the van, so I told her, ‘I’ll be right back,’ ” he said. “Those were the last words I said to her, and they haunted me for weeks because at several points I thought God might be calling her home.” Ashley’s oxygen levels began to quickly dip. Her health care team tried low-flow, then highflow oxygen, but to no avail. In the intensive care unit, Ashley was told she needed to be intubated, which is when a tube is placed in the throat to help air move in and out of the lungs.” “I remember asking them what that meant, but things got hazy after that,” she said. Ashley was in and out of consciousness, but
vaguely recalls the tubes being removed and the loud hiss of the high-flow oxygen drowning out the concerned voices in the room. U.S. Air Force Col. Phillip Mason was familiar with Ashley’s case, but thought she was improving until that point — until he got an urgent call. “Ashley was deteriorating quickly,” said Mason, medical director, BAMC Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program. “For some people, COVID-19 is a very rapidly progressing disease.” After consulting with her husband, Mason and his team made the difficult call to put Ashley, now 29-weeks pregnant, on ECMO. “Ashley was on the brink of cardiac arrest without intervention,” Mason said. “We needed to stabilize her to allow for a better delivery and the best outcome for both patient and baby.” “It was really the last-ditch effort to try and save her life,” Hernandez said. Knowing that felt “like a freight train just smashed into my own chest.” ECMO Explained Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, more commonly known as ECMO, is a heartlung bypass system used when other lifesaving interventions, such as oxygen therapy or a ventilator, have been exhausted. It removes blood from central vessels, oxygenates it, and delivers it back into the bloodstream. In essence, it replaces the natural functions of the heart and lungs while treatments and natural healing of the affected organs take place. Established in 2012, BAMC has the only adult ECMO center in the Department of Defense and remains one of the few centers in the world with global air transport capability. In July 2013, the ECMO team completed the military’s first trans-Atlantic movement of an adult on external lung support — a 5,000 mile, nonstop flight from Germany to San Antonio. “We have a tremendous and unique capability to deploy to a combat zone, initiate ECMO and transport the service member back to a medical center,” Mason said. While it’s been used for severe cases of influenza and other pulmonary diseases, in more recent years, ECMO has proven lifesaving for some patients with COVID-19-related respiratory failure. COVID-19 patients on ECMO
typically have a 50-60 percent survivability rate, Mason noted, which offers an avenue of hope for patients and their families. “In Ashley’s case, we were running out of options, and were concerned for her baby,” he said. “ECMO was the best course of action for her.” Ashley’s husband vividly remembers the call from BAMC, asking for his consent to place her on ECMO. “I asked if they could wait for one hour so I could get my kids settled with someone, get to the hospital before the procedure, and at least tell her I loved her before she was sedated, but they said there was just no time, they had to move forward, so I agreed,” he said. “I knew what that acknowledgment could mean for her, the baby, and us as a family. It was in God’s hands at that point.” The Delivery As a specialized team inserted the ECMO tubes, obstetric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) teams were poised to deliver and care for the baby as soon as the team gave the all clear. “Once we got Ashley on ECMO, things began to move very quickly,” Mason recalled. After the cesarean section, the NICU team rushed the baby to the next room for treatment. Aside from needing a ventilator to aid his 29-week-old lungs, Ashley’s newborn son was otherwise healthy. At the time, the staff didn’t think about the historic nature of the moment, which marked BAMC’s first patient to give birth while on ECMO. Ashley has no memory of her delivery and the days after were “extremely foggy,” she said. It all “snapped back to reality” when her nurses came in with a poster with her son’s updated height, weight, and hand and foot prints, and she became intent on getting well enough to hold her son. Due to a 30-day isolation, Ashley was able to see her baby via video chat but didn’t meet him in person until weeks later. “It was heartbreaking,” she said. “I wanted to be with him, to hold him and feed him.” On July 17, Ashley was finally able to visit with her son in the NICU. Still on ECMO and fighting exhaustion, she sat in a room, donned in a gown and mask, and held her baby for the
first time. “He felt very heavy and very small,” she said. “But I was so relieved to hold him.” Ashley was on ECMO for 30 days, mostly while awake to help build her strength and stamina. But like many ECMO patients, she felt “horrible anxiety” and leaned heavily on her health care team for comfort. She especially relied on her nurses, Roxann Naud and U.S. Army Capt. E.J. Rauch, she said. “She felt very overwhelmed,” Naud said. “She was very concerned about her baby in the NICU and her other children. We did our best to reassure her and let her know her feelings were very normal and okay; that she will get through this.” Fortified by seeing her baby, Ashley’s condition began to improve. She was removed from ECMO on July 26 and cleared to return home a few weeks later. “I couldn’t wait to get home to see my husband and children,” she said. Homecoming Ashley’s husband drove her home from the hospital. As she slowly walked into her house with an oxygen tank, her normally rambunctious children — ages 7, 6, 4, 3 and 1— were surprisingly calm. “I sat down and they didn’t leave my side for several days,” she said. A few weeks later, Ashley and her husband welcomed their new baby, Kyzon, home. Now 5 months old, “he’s doing great — eating and sleeping and laughing,” she said. About a month ago, Ashley had a checkup and received a clean bill of health. “I’m very grateful that God saw fit that I needed to still be here for some reason,” she said, holding Kyzon tightly on her lap. “I’m also extremely grateful to BAMC for the compassionate care.” “It was an experience unlike we have ever faced, together or apart, but truly a miracle,” her husband added. “Only by God’s grace and both the skill and care of the BAMC staff that my family is whole today.” While ECMO was key, Mason also credits Ashley’s positive attitude and the hard-working team members who sat by her side, rubbing her temples and feet or brushing her hair when she felt anxious. “We are absolutely thrilled to see Ashley doing so well,” he said. “It’s been a tough few years filled with heartbreaking loss and amazing survival stories. Ashley’s outcome is energizing for all of us.” With COVID-19 transmission on the rise, Mason continues to encourage people to get the vaccine. “We have not had a fully vaccinated patient on ECMO or close to being on ECMO at BAMC,” he said. “It’s not too late; please get vaccinated.”
Blood Needed: Armed Services Blood Program Urges Donors to Step Up By Claudia Sanchez-Bustamante MHS Communications
The Armed Services Blood Program says donations are down and is encouraging volunteers to step up and donate blood to replenish the supply. “Blood supply is critically low across the nation,” not only for the ASBP, but for civilian organizations as well, said Army Col. Audra Taylor, the ASBP’s division chief. The ASBP provides lifesaving blood products to service members, their families, retirees and veterans worldwide. “Historically, donations decrease in the holiday and winter months due to schedule changes, people taking leave, families going on vacation, weather conditions or illnesses impeding people from donating,” Taylor said. “This year, it’s all of those things in addition to COVID-19 restrictions and overall health and safety concerns for potential donors and ASBP blood donor center team members.” Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ronald Place, the Defense Health Agency’s director, echoed the sentiments about the importance of blood donors and a steady resupply of blood products. “Adequate blood supplies are a critical part of a ready medical force. Our medical providers must have everything they need to complete their mission, including blood. A donation can be done in as little as one hour and yield lifesaving blood products for surgical procedures, traumatic injuries, chronic illness, and cancer treatment,” Place said. Blood is Vital Year-Round “There is no substitute for blood,” said Taylor. “It’s a critical tool in saving lives.” Administered
Navy Lieutenant Daniel Murrish, a Sailor serving aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, donates blood during a blood drive hosted by the Armed Services Blood Program. (THOMAS CIESLAK)
to treat various conditions, blood products are essential for warfighters in combat operations and for emergency use wherever they are, Taylor added. “It’s also necessary to conduct surgeries at military hospitals and clinics,” she said. “It could be critical to the survival of a newborn baby. It could give treatment to those with blood-borne illnesses, with certain cancers, for burn victims.” The ASBP ensures global military medical centers, hospitals and clinics have immediate and easy access to safe and viable blood and blood products. This includes whole blood, red
blood cells, platelets, plasma, and transfusible components derived from them. “But it’s not possible for ASBP to fulfill its mission if not for our donors,” Taylor said. In general, most people don’t think about blood until it’s needed, she added. Additionally, blood products will expire if left on the shelf for too long. Some blood products are only viable for a few days or weeks. “It needs to be on the shelf before the need arises,” Taylor said. National Blood Donor Month Military leaders and medical providers are
very grateful for the many military community members who have participated in blood donor programs in recent years. National Blood Donor Month was established in January 1969 to address blood shortages during the holiday and winter season and to thank donors who have supported the nation’s blood supply throughout the year. As the official provider of blood products to the U.S. armed forces and military community, the ASBP helps ensure mission readiness around the world. “We focus on equipping the warfighter with the lifesaving blood and blood products they need on the battlefield as well as in military hospitals and clinics worldwide,” said Taylor. This includes collecting, processing, storing, transporting, and distributing blood and products to ill or injured service members, their families, retirees, and veterans around the world. Where Can you Donate? ASBP blood donor centers are located throughout the United States and at locations around the world. “We have over 20 donor centers, and many of them conduct mobile blood drives around their areas and sometimes in places further away on a regular basis,” Taylor explained. “As the Defense Department’s blood program, we are limited to collect at federally owned or leased properties only,” she said. “But we’re thankful for the many bases, academies, centers, and more that help us make mission and sponsor regular blood drives. Ready to donate? If you are able and eligible, find a blood drive or blood donor center near you at www.militarydonor.comMilitary donor website.
6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 7 Dogs, Cats, Other Pets
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8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, January 20, 2022