Flagship 02.01.2024 by Military News

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Navy launches Wi-Fi pilot program at select Virginia installations To determine if free Wi-Fi meets the needs and desires of Sailors residing in unaccompanied housing, the Navy is launching a pilot program at installations located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Rollout will be completed by the end of February 2024. PAGE A6 VOL. 32, NO. 4, Norfolk, VA | ﬂagshipnews.com

February 1-February 7, 2024

Commander, Navy Installations Command Force Master Chief, Jason Dunn, speaks with media at Willis Manor barracks aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 25. Dunn discussed ways the Navy is working to improve the quality of service for Sailors, one of which is through a pilot program that will provide free Wi-Fi for up to 4,000 Sailors in unaccompanied housing across the Hampton Roads area. (US NAVY PHOTO BY KATIE HEWETT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST)

Commander, Navy Installations Command prioritizes quality of service for Sailors By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd

Class Kaitlin Young

NORFOLK, Va. — Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Force Master Chief Jason Dunn says he hopes to accomplish one thing during his time at the command: to effect change and see that change realized. “Down the road, I’m looking forward to seeing some of the changes that have a little piece of me and others realized,” Dunn said. “If I can see them realized, that would leave me with a sense of satisfaction that we did

something meaningful.” CNIC is responsible for the operations, maintenance, and quality of life programs for U.S. Navy shore installations around the world in order to sustain the ﬂeet, enable the ﬁghter, and support the family. CNIC’s mission is to deliver effective and efficient readiness from the shore, and doing that requires meeting the needs of Navy personnel and their families. As the command’s Force Master Chief, Dunn advocates for and oversees the programs directly impacting Sailors’ quality of service, which encompasses both their quality of life and

quality of work. “When you’re talking about CNIC programs, you’re talking about childcare; you’re talking about unaccompanied housing, galleys, and [Navy morale, welfare, and recreation],” Dunn said. “Those big programs that affect the entire enterprise are what I support for CNIC.” Dunn was visiting Norfolk to support the launch of a new Wi-Fi pilot program beginning Feb. 1. The pilot program will be implemented at 12 permanent party Hampton Roads barracks and will provide Sailors free high-speed Wi-Fi in their rooms and

common areas. “We wanted to push out the program on a big scale to get feedback over the next 6 months and see if it works,” Dunn said. “What better place to do it than in the largest ﬂeet concentration area we have?” If the pilot program proves successful in Hampton Roads, CNIC plans to expand the program Navy-wide. The motivation behind free Wi-Fi is to enhance quality of service for Sailors. According to Dunn, it is one way the Navy is Turn to Quality of Service, Page 4

Huntington Hall gym ﬂoor receives facelift in-time for intramural basketball season By Max Lonzanida

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Sailors and Marines assigned to the Huntington Hall Naval Berthing Facility in Newport News have a renovated gym floor just in-time for intramural basketball season to start. The renovated gym floor and other quality of life enhancements are the result of efforts by Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department, Commander Naval Installations Command, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding among others. Danielle Ricker, NWS Yorktown’s MWR Director provided some insights to the quality of life renovations. “We were really looking to refresh and renew the basketball court and the MWR areas inside of Huntington Hall. We hadn’t done a refresh since 2010, so last July we completed the purchase of new fitness and recreational equipment,” said Rickner. “One of the last pieces was getting the floor refinished, and that was a joint effort

between CNIC, CNRMA, and the shipyard,” noted Rickner. It was noted that during the visit the sound of basketballs being dribbled on the shiny gym floor reverberated throughout our interview. From the upper mezzanine, one could clearly see the NWS Yorktown command logo painted prominently on the center court. The recently refinished gym floor consisted of sanding the previous finish down, painting new lines, and the application of several coats of durable finish; this occurred over the course of three weeks. The basketball court and its beaming newly refinished floor opened back up just after the start of the New Year. Historic records indicate that the sprawling multi-story building that is today Huntington Hall Naval Berthing Facility originally opened to serve high school students as Newport News High School in 1923. It was constructed on the grounds of horse stables which was later a U.S. Army camp. Scores of students were educated at Newport News High School since then. It closed its doors to students in 1980, and was Turn to Huntington Hall, Page 2

Newport News, Va. (January 26, 2024) ABF3 Dontavious Russell, assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) enjoys some recreational time at the Huntington Hall Naval Berthing Facility’s basketball gym. The gym ﬂoor was recently sanded and reﬁnished as part of a series of quality of life improvements to the facility. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MAX LONZANIDA/RELEASED).

Essay winners win opportunity to shadow AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief for the day www.ﬂagshipnews.com

www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

www.twitter.com/ the_ﬂagship

Two students from Advanced Technology Center’s Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering course in Virginia Beach, who won the ﬁrst-ever Naval Air Force Atlantic essay contest, were provided an opportunity to join AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief for a day to learn more about naval aviation. PAGE A3

THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered to your door for free!

CALL TODAY! 757.446.9000

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

USS Harry S. Truman returns to Naval Station Norfolk after its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). (PHOTO BY DANIEL DEANGELIS)

Norfolk Naval Shipyard completes USS Harry S. Truman’s Planned Incremental Availability

By Michael D. Brayshaw Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) completed USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Planned Incremental Availability Jan. 23 following successful sea trials. The 13-month availability focused on maintenance to include structural repair and preservation work, as well as modernization with communications upgrades and systems integration on the carrier. Fire safety was improved onboard, validated by a shipyard exercise in April 2023 that was successfully integrated into the project. Quality of life for Sailors onboard was also addressed, with improvements to berthing, gyms, barber shops, laundry areas, and establishing Wi-Fi capabilities. During the availability, Sailors were housed next to the carrier on the Navy’s newest berthing barge,

Auxiliary Personnel Lighter 68 (APL-68), which featured conveniences such as its own mess hall and lounging areas. During the project, NNSY devised and implemented a corporate process improvement for replacing ﬁremain isolation valves by freezing them using liquid nitrogen tanks. This innovation shortened the amount of maintenance needed on this job, and positively impacted other vital work for the availability. Using the freeze seals also improved carrier safety, maximizing the fire main system’s ability to remain online, helping maintain in-port emergency response capabilities. The Nimitz-class carrier entered NNSY in Dec. 2022 following its extended ninemonth deployment. The project team positioned itself for a successful availability partnering with Carrier Team One and leveraging lessons learned from other carrier

availabilities at both NNSY and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). In addition, the project team worked with the ship’s Advanced Planning Team for nine months prior to starting the availability. “We truly had a great culture on the Truman,” said Project Superintendent George “BJ” Baker. “When you bring together one of the best project teams and an outstanding crew led by amazing Commanding Officers, Captain Gavin Duff and Captain Dave Snowden, it helps feed that culture. We all wanted the same thing, to signiﬁcantly improve the material condition of the ship, safely and on time. We worked with each other, for each other. It didn’t matter if that member had a uniform on or not, we were one team.” Many of the same shipyard’s supervisors and mechanics who supported USS Harry S.

Truman will now be leveraging their experiences on the project team for USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), which started its own Planned Incremental Availability Jan. 11, 2024. “The best part of being the Project Superintendent of the Truman is the team, and their willingness and eagerness to stay together and do it again,” said Baker. “It has been months of hard work and long days, and I appreciate everyone’s investment and support in seeing this through,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Jip Mosman in a message to the NNSY workforce. “It is your effort and commitment toward maintaining excellence that makes these things possible. Bravo Zulu to the Truman team and the entire shipyard for the great accomplishment!”

Huntington Hall from Page 1

eventually acquired by the shipyard as a berthing facility. Today, Sailors and Marines recreate, rest, recharge, and maintain optimal fitness levels inside of the sprawling facility that was once a high school. These quality of life improvements were the result of listening to what Sailors and Marines wanted at Huntington Hall. “We did some early discussions and a few focus groups,” said Rickner. “We also did some one on one discussions to find out what kind of upgrades they wanted. We saw the same theme; new equipment, new carpet, new flooring in the gym.” The shiny gym floor wasn’t the only facet that was upgraded. “We got new PS-5 consoles, we did some upgrading to the recreational laptops that they can check out, and we even upgraded to faster wi-fi service. MWR pays for the wi-fi for the recreation and fitness center through our contract with NEXCOM and its free for them to use.” Huntington Hall’s MWR Fitness Director, Matt Polandro echoed the excitement of the newly resurfaced gym floor. “The old floor was very dingy, and our court now is a lighter court now and it brings out the space. Sailors are also excited to use the court. They have been using the court for PT, group fitness classes and activities such as dodgeball. It really has brought up the morale at this facility here,” he concluded. Additional on-site amenities include a mini Navy Exchange store, a Fleet & Family Services Center, collaboration spaces, offices, a small movie theater, and MWR facilities. On the court at

Newport News, Va. (January 26, 2024). NWS Yorktown’s command logo is prominently painted on the center court of the newly reﬁnished basketball gym ﬂoor at the Huntington Hall Naval Berthing Facility in Newport News, Virginia. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MAX LONZANIDA/RELEASED).

the time of our walkthrough of the newly refinished gym floor was ABF3 Dontavious Russell. Russell, assigned to the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), did several layups and shot the ball through the net on the court of the region’s newest resurfaced gym floor. Polandro pointed out some new equipment to rave reviews from the Sailors who use them during their off duty hours. Down the hall from the main fitness and recreation center was an ancillary fitness area, complete with a row of new stationary bikes, yoga mats, kettle weights, and a host of other

fitness equipment. Polandro even noted that this particular space had the potential to morph into a dojo or a pilates area equating to more ﬁtness options for Sailors and Marines. Additional free weights and kettles of varying weights lined the interior of the aptly nicknamed box at the end of the outdoor track. Polandro noted that the box, with its roll up doors and rubber matting, is another popular space for service members to use. Some of that new equipment is slated for relocation this summer, when a new covered outdoor ﬁtness area is slated to be installed; complete with solar

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Wesley McCall

Editorial Staff

Contributing Staff

Ninoshka Basantes, Kaitlyn Hewett, Elizabeth Reisen 757-322-2853 | news@ﬂagshipnews.com

Flagship, Inc.

MNV Military Manager | Ski Miller ski.miller@virginiamedia.com

Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, LLC., 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, LLC. 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, LLC., whose offices are located at 223E. City Hall Ave, Suite 400A, Norfolk, VA 23510. © 2021 Flagship, LLC. All rights reserved

Free Classiﬁed Advertising 757-622-1455 | Distribution & Home Delivery 757-446-9000 • distribution@pilotonline.com

lighting powered by panels on the roof, built in-storage, and engineered to be hurricane proof should one choose to pursue ﬁtness in foul weather. Overall these quality of life enhancements to the ﬁtness and recreation spaces of Huntington Hall aim to re-invigorate the off duty repertoire of the Sailors and Marines who visit and are berthed there while their respective warships are in the shipyard at Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 3

Essay winners win opportunity to shadow AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief for the day

ABOVE: VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 22, 2024) Connor Robertson (left) and Chase Amos (center), two high school students from Advanced Technology Center’s Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering course in Virginia Beach meet USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Commanding Officer, Capt. David Pollard, while touring Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106“Gladiators”hangars and facilities at Naval Air Station Oceana. Robertson and Amos won the ﬁrst-ever Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) essay contest where they were provided an opportunity to join AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief Jimmy W. Hailey III for the day to learn more about naval aviation. BELOW: Connor Robertson (left) and Chase Amos, two high school students from Advanced Technology Center’s Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering course in Virginia Beach, cycle a M61A1 20-millimeter gatling gun while touring Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106“Gladiators”hangars and facilities at Naval Air Station Oceana. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY LT. J.G. DANIEL EHRLICH)

By Jennifer Cragg

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

Two students from Advanced Technology Center’s (ATC) Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering course in Virginia Beach, who submitted essays on what their Navy means to them, won the ﬁrst-ever Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) essay contest. The students were provided an opportunity to join AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief Jimmy W. Hailey III for the day on Jan. 22, to learn more about naval aviation. The students, along with ATC Assistant Director, Rashida Moore-Williams, visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana to meet with leadership, the pilots and air crew of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and to participate in simulator training. The students also recently competed in a Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) Boat Design Competition, which was hosted by Newport News Apprenticeship School. The students will expand their design skills and design aircraft later this year by utilizing Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD). Following the boat design competition, Jim Reich, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering teacher, coordinated a tour aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in November to expand his students’ learning about naval aviation. The idea for the essay contest stemmed from the visit aboard the

aircraft carrier. “All the students who completed the essay contest seemed to have really taken the time to try and write something the Navy would be proud of,” Reich said. “This has been a fun project and thank you for letting my class be the first to do this essay contest.” Hailey, who assumed the responsibility as AIRLANT’s 20th Force Master Chief in April 2023, praised Reich for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) hands-on training he has provided his students for the past 20 years. “I am extremely impressed with the caliber of knowledge and interest in the U.S. Navy that the students conveyed in their essays,” Hailey said. “Although they have already engaged in some very insightful projects, I look forward to expanding their awareness of the Navy and educating them about the vital role that naval aviation provides in the defense of our nation.” Chase Amos, one of the students who was were selected, discussed how his grandfather influenced his interest in the Navy, naval architecture and flying and to him the Navy means everything to him. “The Navy has played a significant role in my life and has been the real driving force behind my fight for success,” Amos said, who added that he started chasing his goals by first learning about the principles of flight. “This pursuit brought me to where I am now at the Advanced Technology Center, where

I am constantly seeking to gain knowledge. Just about anything to get me closer to my goal of ﬂying in the military or building planes for them.” The second essay winner, Connor Robertson, focused his essay on the people aspect of the Navy and their important role. “Everyone is an individual who puts their personalities, differences, and beliefs aside for the greater good of their Connor Robertson (left) and Chase Amos (right), two high school respective country; this students from Advanced Technology Center’s Naval Architecture is something we rarely & Ocean Engineering course in Virginia Beach, observe the ﬂight witness these days,” line at Naval Air Station Oceana with Lt. Joseph Rooney, assigned said Robertson, who is to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106“Gladiators.” a senior and is looking toward graduation this summer and begin- the Navy for this.” ning his future. AIRLANT is responsible for seven nucleIn Robertson’s essay he also thanked his ar-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering squadrons, 1,200 aircraft, 52,000 offiteacher for inspiring him to reach toward cers, and enlisted and civilian personnel. his goals. AIRLANT’s priorities are focused on warf“It makes me proud knowing I live in a ighting, people, and readiness by developcountry with a force like this, the people ing combat ready, and sustainable naval air involved in the Navy who I’ve met have given forces with the right personnel, properly me a different outlook on many aspects of trained and equipped, for operational excelmy life,” Robertson said. “Without them, I lence, interoperability, safety, and efficient don’t know what I’d be doing today. I thank resourcing.

NOW IS THE TIME... UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM TODAY!

Design Consultation

Before

5-Star Installation

BATH REMODELING DONE RIGHT Employee Installers Easy Maintenance Hassle Free Experience

203,621+ BATH REMODELING JOBS

COMPLETED IN AS LITTLE AS 1 DAY

Evening Appointments Licensed & Insured Flexible Payment Plans Subject to credit approval.

4.7/5

4.8/5

After

$1,500 OFF

bath remodeling projects

12 MONTHS

no payments & no interest

(Company reviews across all branches as of 1/01/2024)

757-280-2257 1 $1,500 off is equal to $1,500 off the total bath project price. 2Financing offers a no payment - no interest feature (during the “promotional period”) on your purchase at an APR of 17.99%. No finance charges will accrue on your account during the promotional period, as set forth in your Truth in Lending Disclosures, and you will not have to pay a monthly payment until the promotional period has ended. If you repay your purchase in full before the end of the promotional period you will not have to pay any finance charges. You may also prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. Normal late charges apply once the promotional period has ended. Call 866-393-4573 for financing costs and terms. Minimum purchase $9,999 required. See design consultant for details. Other restrictions may apply. New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires 2/04/24.

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), departed Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 24, 2024 commencing operations for Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest excercise in decades. Steadfast Defender will demonstrate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS MANVIR GILL)

USS Gunston Hall departs Norfolk for NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 By Lt. Alexander Fairbanks Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va. — The Whidbey Islandclass dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 24, for Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades. Exercise Steadfast Defender will involve approximately 90,000 forces from 31 Allies and Sweden. Steadfast Defender 2024 will validate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe, and it will showcase NATO’s ability to conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of miles, and in any conditions, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe. “The departure and transit signify the ﬁrst tactical movements of the exercise and demonstrate the strength of the trans-Atlantic link,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Working with

our Allies and partners, Gunston Hall will embark Swedish and Finnish forces who will conduct amphibious landings throughout Norway. I am also sending a contingent of my U.S. 2nd Fleet staff to Norway to command and control NATO maritime forces as Task Force North. These efforts clearly demonstrate North America’s commitment to NATO.” For the last several years, Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet joined other NATO commands planning Steadfast Defender 24. “The Alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via trans-Atlantic movement of forces from North America,” said Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “Steadfast Defender 2024 will be a clear demonstration of our unity, strength, and determination to protect each other, our values and the rules-based international order.” Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. David J. Patchell, vice commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, who will be forward-deployed supporting

the exercise, visited Gunston Hall days prior to the ship’s departure to discuss the upcoming NATO exercise and its importance to U.S. 2nd Fleet’s readiness to defend Allies and partners. “This crew’s preparations and their journey across the Atlantic represent the starting point of this historic NATO exercise,” Patchell said. “Demonstrating NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy forces from North America and other parts of the Alliance, Gunston Hall will represent the U.S. Navy and is an essential element of the multinational NATO amphibious force.” Gunston Hall is one of the most versatile amphibious platforms in the U.S. Navy. With two large helicopter landing pads, the largest well deck in the ﬂeet and troop berthing facilities, she has the ability to embark a diverse array of military forces, including NATO Allies and partners when needed. “Gunston Hall Sailors are looking forward to the experiences involved in operating overseas and working closely with our Allies,” said Cmdr. Christopher W. Van Loenen, commanding officer of Gunston

Hall. “The conversation with the Rear Adm. Patchell gave us insight into why exercises like this one are so important and how important it is to keep our ship battle ready.” This year marks NATO’s 75th Anniversary, with a defensive Alliance that has grown from 12 to 31. “For 75 years, NATO Allies have worked together to keep our one billion people safe,” Perry said. “In this moment where we face the most dangerous and unpredictable security environment, Steadfast Defender sends a clear message — NATO is capable, modern, and if required, ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.” U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to ﬁght across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. U.S. Navy photos and b-roll are available on DVIDS. For more information, contact c2f_pao@us.navy.mil.

NAVSAFECOM App puts safety and risk management tools in your pocket From By Leslie Tomaino

Naval Safety Command Safety Promotions

NORFOLK, Va. — The Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) announced the launch of its new mobile application Jan. 22, which is now available for download on any Android or iOS device and in the Navy App Locker (NAL). NAVSAFECOM’s app is a mobile-friendly way to keep up to date on all things Navy and Marine Corps safety and risk management. The app allows Sailors and Marines

on-the-go access to safety-focused learning and improved communication. The mobile app is a robust toolkit containing NAVSAFECOM products, such as checklists, forms, news, videos, instructions and directives, as well as warfare community-specific products and information. It reinforces important safety and risk management information that can be universally useful throughout the naval enterprise, from safety representatives to service members daily. “This mobile application allows our Sail-

Quality of Service from Page 1

adjusting to meet the needs of the modern Sailor. “Sailors are a lot different than when I joined [in 1991],” Dunn said. “Quality of life programs used to include places like bowling alleys and pool halls; places where [Sailors] would congregate and socialize. Today, Sailors are connected in a different way, and that is through the internet. We want to keep Sailors connected without hurting their wallet.” In addition to keeping Sailors connected and eliminating ﬁnancial stress, the program will help Sailors fulﬁll their work responsibilities, achieve their education goals, and access mental health services. “Many of our mental health programs are going virtual, and providing Wi-Fi will increase access” Dunn said. “We’re gaining a lot of traction with people logging in from the comfort of their home instead of walking into a building to receive mental health services. These services are key in increasing the quality of service for Sailors, especially in their time of need.” The Wi-Fi pilot program is not the only step CNIC has taken to enhance quality of service for Sailors; on Dec. 28, 2023, the Navy expanded cooking capabilities in unaccom-

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kasey Reynolds, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, who lives in Naval Station Norfolk’s Willis Manor barracks, shares how the Navy’s free Wi-Fi pilot program will positively impact her and her fellow Sailors during a recent media interview aboard Naval Station Norfolk. The program will provide free Wi-Fi for up to 4,000 Sailors in unaccompanied housing across the Hampton Roads area. (US NAVY PHOTO BY KATIE HEWETT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST)

panied housing, allowing Sailors to use small cooking appliances in their rooms. Additionally, Dunn said CNIC is working on a number of other changes that would beneﬁt Sailors. They are trying to open at least one 24-hour gym on each installation, they are looking to improve Basic Allowance

ors and Marines to access and download information in advance for use remotely,” said CMDCM(AW/SW) Dean Sonnenberg, NAVSAFECOM command master chief. “This app is an additional tool for the warfighter and safety professional to help advance our mishap-focused, reference and standards-driven lens.” Users have the option to personalize their preferences and select content specifically relevant to warfighting communities and categories. These communities include aviation, shore, afloat and expeditionary.

Users can download the free app from iTunes or Google Play by searching “Naval Safety Command” or “NAVSAFECOM” in the app stores or your web browser. Sailors and Marines can also find this app and many others through the Navy App Locker at https://www.applocker.navy. mil/#!/apps/B2763358-D2E0-494C-815F9E987F9FDE73. For more information and resources from NAVSAFECOM, visit https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/

for Sustenance (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in areas that need it, and they are exploring possibilities to professionalize both the Navy’s Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and the Enlisted Leader Development (ELD) program. To professionalize the PFA, Dunn said they are looking to move the annual assessment to the shore. “We are trying to put professionals at installation gyms who can run the PFA, so Sailors can do it any time they want,” Dunn said. “We don’t want to bring a command to an all-stop when we can professionalize the shore. It would help minimize administrative burdens and collateral duties on ships and other commands that would make life better for Sailors.” To professionalize the ELD program, Dunn said they are looking to build schoolhouses and bring in professionals to teach the leadership courses for the Navy’s junior enlisted ranks. “Instead of someone on a ship facilitating the curriculum, it would be professional teachers in schoolhouses teaching ELD,” Dunn said. “Increasing education opportunities for our enlisted workforce is a big priority when it comes to quality of service.” On May 15, 2023, The Department of the Navy released a memorandum, setting a new course for Navy quality of service beginning Fiscal Year 2024. CNIC has demonstrated its

commitment to this initiative and continues to devise and implement changes that have a positive and lasting impact on Sailors’ lives. “Right now, [Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)] Adm. [Lisa] Franchetti is focused on quality of life and quality of service,” Dunn said. “We at CNIC have seen more support and revenue for these programs than we’ve seen in many years. Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re seeing a wave of support, which is encouraging.” While the Navy and CNIC are focused on enhancing quality of service for Sailors, Dunn said it is ultimately up to Sailors to provide feedback to experience the changes they want to see. “Sailors have a megaphone right now,” Dunn said. “The CNO is listening; my boss, Vice Adm. [Scott] Gray, is listening, so please sound off. Please get people to sound off.” The Navy offers many different mechanisms for Sailors to provide feedback, and Dunn stressed the importance of Sailors utilizing them. “We have company housing surveys, pattern of life surveys, [defense organizational climate] surveys; we have all these mechanisms for Sailors to provide feedback,” Dunn said. “No matter how trivial it seems, if enough people say the same thing, people notice, and change is effected.” For Sailors who want to see change: say something; the right people are listening.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 5

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Young gives opening remarks at the ﬁrst annual Hampton Roads Small Business Navy Expo, spearheaded by Stacey Cooper, deputy of Small Business Programs at MARMC, in Hampton, Virginia, January 18, 2024. The two-day event facilitated essential networking, matchmaking between vendors, and educational opportunities between government contracting companies of all sizes. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY OSCAR POPE/RELEASED)

First annual Hampton Roads Small Business Navy Expo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Carson Cleverly

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center

HAMPTON, Va. — Small businesses converged in droves upon the Hampton Roads Convention Center for the ﬁrst annual Hampton Roads Small Business Navy Expo Jan. 18-19. The two-day event facilitated essential networking, matchmaking between vendors, and educational opportunities between government contracting companies of all sizes. Stacey Cooper, deputy of Small Business Programs at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), spearheaded the event and shared what inspired her to put

the expo together. “We run an industry day once a year and decided we wanted to go bigger this year and make it a two-day event and have speakers and sponsors,” said Cooper. “NAVSEA rewards a lot of our big contracts and we wanted small businesses in the area to tap into the opportunities the Navy presents.” The expo attracted over 400 attendees from across the country, providing a platform for both new and existing businesses to connect in person. Cooper played a pivotal role in securing over $60,000 in total sponsorships, with Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. emerging as the event’s platinum sponsor with a $25,000 donation. “The Hampton Roads Small Business

Navy Expo was a great example of the collaborative spirit between small businesses and the Navy,” said MARMC Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Young, who gave the opening remarks on the first day of the expo. “It’s a platform where innovation meets opportunity. As we look to the future, events like this will pave the way for stronger partnerships and contribute to the success of our regional businesses.” Cooper, a big advocate for small businesses, highlighted MARMC’s significant support for local enterprises. “MARMC executed over 1600 actions benefiting small businesses in the area last year, resulting in $252 million,” Cooper emphasized. “We wanted the big contract-

ing businesses to branch out and give opportunities to new start up small businesses to help them grow.” The resounding success of the first annual Hampton Roads Small Business Navy Expo sets the stage for an even more substantial and dynamic event next year. Strengthening relationships between small businesses, government contractors, and the Navy help foster continued collaboration. MARMC, a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private-sector maintenance, and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

USAA CLASSIC CHECKING

$200

bonus offer Get $200 when you apply for and open your ﬁrst USAA Classic Checking account and set up a qualifying direct deposit. Limitations apply.1 Offer expires 03/14/2024. The variable Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on a daily leder balance of $1,000 or more is 0.01% as of 10/11/2023. Rates are subject to change. Fees may reduce earnings.

Apply online at usaa.com/bonusoffer

1 Checking Cash Promotion Offer Terms and Conditions Eligibility: Offer available for new USAA Classic Checking accounts from USAA Federal Savings Bank, also known as FSB, opened between October 11, 2023, and March 14, 2024. The account is not eligible for this offer if: 1) the primary account holder of the newly-opened account currently has, or has had, ownership of a USAA FSB checking account in the 12 months prior to new account opening. The primary account holder is the account holder whose U.S. taxpayer identification number is used for tax reporting purposes on the new account; or 2) the account is titled as a trust account, estate, Uniform Transfer to Minor Account, also known as UTMA, or other fiduciary account. The new USAA Classic Checking account must remain open and in good standing through the time we attempt to deposit any earned bonus payment. Offer may be discontinued or changed at any time without notice. Bonus Requirements and Payment: To qualify for the bonus, open a new USAA Classic Checking account between October 11, 2023, and March 14, 2024, and receive a qualifying direct deposit into the new USAA Classic Checking account within 180 calendar days after account opening. A qualifying direct deposit is a single Automated Clearing House, also known as ACH, electronic deposit of $100 or more. We will attempt to deposit the $200 bonus into your new USAA Classic Checking account within 60 days after the first qualifying direct deposit amount has been received. You are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes due on the bonus and we will report the bonus as income to the tax authorities if required by applicable law. Consult your tax advisor. Additional Terms and Conditions: All account applications are subject to approval and may be subject to a $25 minimum opening deposit. For Annual Percentage Yield, refer to usaa.com/checking. Offer can’t be paid without a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number or combined with any other offer related to consumer deposit accounts. Offer is limited to one bonus per member, one bonus per account, on first eligible account only. Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred or traded. See the USAA FSB Depository Agreement and Disclosures for terms and conditions of your USAA Classic Checking account. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and subject to change. Bank products provided by USAA Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. © 2023 USAA. 6027715.1123

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Jan. 19, 2024) Rear Adm. Peterson, deputy commander Reserve Component Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), and director, Navy Reserve Nurse Corps, prospective and current commanding officers, executive officers and senior enlisted leaders take a group photo during an annual reserve leadership synch on board NSA Hampton Roads - Portsmouth Annex, Jan. 19, 2024. The synch included training and mentorship opportunities for prospective reserve commanding and executive officers along with their senior enlisted leaders across the region and to ensure alignment on future and current efforts are maintained. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS LEVI DECKER)

Medical Forces Atlantic Reserve leadership highlight importance of mission readiness By Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Decker Naval Medical Forces Atlantic

Reserve Component Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (RC NMFL) held a 4-day annual leadership sync for 20 commands within the region that focused on Navy Medicine and Navy Reserve priorities on board Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads-Portsmouth Annex, Jan. 18-21. Nearly 50 Navy Reserve Component commanding officers, executive officers and senior enlisted leaders were brought together to discuss higher-level operational overview, strategic alignment, and mission expectations. “The leadership sync is significant because the teams had the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring,” explained Lt. Cmdr. Natalie Oakes, the reserve program manager at NMFL. “Our goal was to get the leadership here and working together as a team from the start.” The event included question-and-answer sessions, open dialogue on best practices, mentorship, challenges, and resiliency. Leadership highlighted the importance of reserve support for expeditionary medicine platforms, priorities of current readiness, and future operations requirements. “We have the opportunity to lead the next

Rear Adm. Eric Peterson, the deputy commander of Reserve Component Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), and director, Navy Reserve Nurse Corps, briefs reserve prospective commanding officers, executive officers and senior enlisted leaders during an annual reserve leadership synch on board NSA Hampton Roads - Portsmouth Annex, Jan. 18, 2024.

generation’s ready medical force, offering opportunities never before seen for professional development,” said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Jeff Tabor, the RC

NMFL senior enlisted advisor. “We are here to support them while being their conduit for operational and augment readiness responsibilities.”

Leaders were empowered to integrate the gained knowledge and resources at their own commands throughout the region, and the importance of ensuring Sailors under their responsibility receive the training they need to perform their duties. “The main takeaway is to always be ready,” concluded Rear Adm. Eric Peterson, the deputy commander of RC NMFL and director, Navy Reserve Nurse Corps. “Readiness is the bottom line that we bring to the Sailors every day.” NMFL, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crises. NMFL provides oversight for 21 NMRTCs, logistics, and public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Europe, and the Middle East. Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warﬁghter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

Navy launches Wi-Fi pilot program at select Virginia installations By Coleen San Nicolas-Perez

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Free Wi-Fi is expected to provide Sailors access to virtual entertainment as well as online training and higher education courses without having to pay out of their own pockets. To determine if free Wi-Fi meets the needs and desires of Sailors residing in unaccompanied housing, the Navy is launching a pilot program at installations located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Rollout will be completed by the end of February 2024. “Conducting a pilot program will help us learn and ensure we deliver a service our Sailors will use and ﬁnd value added. As we learn throughout the process, we will identify barriers and reﬁne the Wi-Fi service before rolling it out to the wider Navy,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “It is important we get it right to focus our

precious resources to greatest effect.” Sailors residing at 12 permanent party unaccompanied housing located onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard will be able to access high speed Wi-Fi in their rooms and in common areas at no cost. Sailors desiring higher speed internet service may elect to pay an additional surcharge for augmented services or opt out altogether. “We are excited to launch the Wi-Fi pilot program, and we are hoping Sailors ﬁnd it useful and valuable to both their entertainment and career development needs,” said Leslie Gould, director of CNIC’s Fleet and Family Readiness, which is spearheading the pilot. “In addition to having access to online games, shows, and movies, Sailors will be able to complete required training, such as their General Military Training (GMT), and even take online courses offered by universities or colleges.”

Content accessed via the free Wi-Fi and subsidized speed upgrades will be ﬁltered to prevent access to sites containing illegal activity, pornography, or gambling. Prices are as follows: 30Mbps download/ 5Mbps upload — Free (unlimited devices) 60 Mbps/5 Mbps — weekly on demand $10; month-to-month $20 (limited to 5 devices) 100 Mbps/10 Mbps — weekly on demand $15; month-to-month $30 (limited to 5 devices) In addition to the above speed and rate charges, Sailors have the option to access unﬁltered internet content for the following rates: 10 Mbps download/ 3 Mbps upload — weekly on demand $19.95 (limited to 1 device) 30 Mbps/ 5 Mbps — weekly on demand $34.95 (limited to 1 device); month-to-month

$49.95 (limited to 3 devices) 60 Mbps/ 5 Mbps — month-to-month $59.95 (limited to 5 devices) 100 Mbps/ 10 Mbps - month-to-month $79.95 (limited to 5 devices) The pilot program will wrap up at the end of September at which time the Navy will assess the success of the pilot based largely on Sailor utilization and feedback. The Wi-Fi pilot is part of a new and larger program called the Virtual Single Sailor Program, which directly supports the Quality of Service of Sailors. The Virtual Single Sailor Program, or VSSP for short, enhances the lifestyle of the modern Sailor by providing a new virtual entertainment environment while supporting their overall health through access to ﬁtness and nutrition content and other virtual resources. The VSSP website (www.NavyMWRSingleSailor.com) will go live on January 30.

YOUR PERFECT

JOB IS WAITING

Search jobs. Post your resume. Stand out from the crowd.

careers.tribpub.com

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 7

The guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departs Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 28, 2024, for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. Leyte Gulf will operate with regional partners to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance U.S. maritime posture and counter threats such as illicit drug trafficking. (U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ANDERSON W. BRANCH)

USS Leyte Gulf deploys from Norfolk to U.S. 4th Fleet By Petty Officer 2nd Class Anderson W Branch

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va. — The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk on deployment, Jan. 28. Leyte Gulf will independently deploy to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. Throughout the fall, the ship conducted extensive underway operations throughout the Western Atlantic in preparation for their tasking. “Leyte Gulf and her crew are excited to work with our partner nations and services to maintain maritime security and interoperability in the Caribbean and South American areas of operation,” said Capt. Nate Diaz, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf. The ship’s crew is comprised of more than 40 officers and nearly 350 enlisted Sailors.

“The crew continued to display a high level of proﬁciency and readiness during our sustainment phase,” said Leyte Gulf Command Master Chief Jason Kutsch. “We look forward to exercising the capabilities of our ship and crew while deployed.” While deployed, Leyte Gulf will host Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 to provide robust expertise in keeping illegal drugs from reaching the shores of the U.S. and its regional partner nations. Leyte Gulf is scheduled to conduct passing exercises with other regional partners as well as several theater security cooperation port visits to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance U.S. maritime posture, and counter threats such as illicit drug trafficking. Leyte Gulf was commissioned Sept. 26, 1987, and commemorates the largest naval battle in modern history fought in Oct. 1944. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was critical in turning the tide in the Paciﬁc during World War II.

NEW YEAR. NEW SUCCESS.

APPLICATION FEE WAIVED Get started on a degree or certiﬁcate that can help you succeed again. Apply by February 12 and pay no application fee. • 125+ degrees & certiﬁcates from an accredited state university • Online & hybrid courses • No-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks

APPLY NOW & SAVE

UMGC.EDU | 301-985-7530 UMGC is certiﬁed to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). University of Maryland Global Campus, 9625 Belvoir Road, Barden Education Center, Building 1017, Room 128, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 1

uarterdeck

U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Star cuts through ice with help of NSWCPD Thanks, in part, to a critical modernization program, Operation Deep Freeze 2024, the annual joint military service resupply mission to the remote Antarctica outpost of McMurdo, is currently underway through March 2024. Page B6

NORFOLK, Virginia (Jan. 22, 2024) Quartermaster 2nd Class Devante Mason, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk Port Operations Department tower watch supervisor, uses binoculars to scan along the installation’s waterfront, Jan. 22. The NAVSTA Norfolk Port Operations Department provides ship services and maintenance equipment to the ships moored along NAVSTA Norfolk’s waterfront. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY BOATSWAIN’S MATE 3RD CLASS JESSICA NUNES)

Naval Station Norfolk Port Operations Department serves the waterfront

By Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jessica Nunes Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. — Ships that pull into the piers of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk rely on one department for their support while resting ashore. The department that meets the needs of these ships is NAVSTA Norfolk’s Port Operations Department. Approximately 181 Port Operations Sailors provide a variety of services for NAVSTA Norfolk’s shore-side ships that help the vessels stay safe, replenished, and ready to execute the Navy’s mission. “We do from 1,500 - 2,500 ship movements in the span of a year,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jarrett Black, the Dock Master Leading Petty Officer. The tasks done by Port Operations Sailors, such as Black, include scheduling arrivals and departures, making sure the ships are safely moored to the pier, conducting maintenance, refueling the ships and tracking radar and ﬂight operations on the waterfront.

To complete their workload, Port Operations is divided into five divisions: Repair Facility Division, Scheduling Division, Deperm Division, Dock Master Division, and Administration Division. Each one of the divisions completes a unique set of tasks that they are specially trained to do. Ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of equipment across the waterfront facilities falls under the jurisdiction of the Repair Facility Division Sailors. Moreover, they are entrusted with the task of conducting maintenance on the security boats that patrol NAVSTA Norfolk’s harbor. Their diligent efforts contribute significantly to the smooth operation and security of the facilities. The Sailors in the Scheduling Division play a critical role in facilitating the movement of ships and overseeing various specialized operations, including sonar, flight, refueling, and radar operations. Their unwavering dedication is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient flow of maritime traffic, effectively minimizing the potential for any shipboard accidents.

The Deperm Division Sailors are responsible for facilitating deperming, also referred to as degaussing, which encompasses the demagnetization of ships. This demagnetization process serves to restrict the magnetic signature of the ships, effectively disguising them from speciﬁc radar equipment used by foreign militaries. The Dock Masters Division has the responsibility of ensuring that ships are properly secured to the pier, moving essential equipment such as brows and stands, and providing barges to aid in ship maintenance and preservation tasks. This is an essential service as it provides ways for personnel to travel to and from work and also assists in the upkeep of the many vessels on the waterfront. The Administrative Department is responsible for managing the financial aspects of Sailors’ pay and handling their personal paperwork. This helps facilitate a smooth transition in personnel when the time comes for Sailors to transfer in or out of the department. Every Sailor selected to assume a role

within the divisions undergoes intensive training supervised by the leadership of Port Operations. This training initiative is meticulously designed to provide new Sailors with the essential expertise and understanding required to thrive in their individual responsibilities. “We run through training every time a ship pulls in, I would say three to four times a week,” said Black. “We try to do ‘in-rate’ training once a week, which includes underway replenishing, ﬂight operations, anchoring, mooring and towing. For my division we do a lot of training that’s all hands-on. We take in all of our new Sailors and train them how to pull in a ship.” With Port Operations’ rigorous operational schedule and training requirements, Sailors maintain their skillsets in order to continue smoothly supporting the waterfront of the world’s largest naval base and the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

NIWC Atlantic opens new NIEF CANES Lab in Norfolk By Jerry Sekerak

Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic

“Today, we cut the ribbon, signaling the end of years of hard work in planning and coordination. But now, the real work begins,” said Capt. Nicole Nigro, Naval Information WarfareCenter (NIWC) Atlantic Commanding Officer during her remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 25 for NIWC Atlantic’s new Network Integration and Engineering Facility (NIEF) Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) Laboratory on Naval Station Norfolk. “This event celebrates the opening of the NIEF Atlantic Lab of the Future - a Navy asset aligned to our Navy priorities: ‘Warfighting, Warfighters, and the Foundation that supports them,’ ” said Capt. Catherine Boehme, Program Manager Tactical Networks Program Office (PMW 160), Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I). The NIEF Atlantic Lab of the Future is the newest addition to NIWC Atlantic’s Tactical Networks (TACNET) Deployment Integrated Product Team (IPT) labs, which primarily supports NIEF Atlantic and provides direct access and support for the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Training, the Atlantic CANES TACNET Capability-Based In-Service Engineering Activity (CB-ISEA) team and CANES engineering teams. “The capacity of this space, the connectivity that is planned, the collaboration that is enabled, will all contribute to the unprecedented speed of delivery of this critical [CANES] shipset with the greatest pedigree we have been able to achieve. This worldclass team in these world-class facilities will expand the delivery of world-class warfighting capability,” said Boehme. CANES is the Program of Record (POR) system fielded on U.S. Navy ships, subma-

(Left to Right) Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Executive Director Peter Reddy, Tactical Networks Program Officer (PMW 160) PEO C4I Program Manager Capt. Catherine Boehme, and NIWC Atlantic Commanding Officer Capt. Nicole Nigro cut the ribbon for the new Network Integration and Engineering Facility (NIEF) Lab of the Future, as NIWC Atlantic Navy Aﬂoat Network and C2 Apps Division Head Christopher Purdy, and Fleet C4I and Readiness Department Head Greg Lancaster look on, during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new lab on January 25 on Naval Station Norfolk. (PHOTO BY JERRY SEKERAK, NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER ATLANTIC)

rines and shore sites and gives warﬁghters a single system with multiple critical secure and nonsecure enclaves in a scalable network system capable of intra-ship and off-ship internet protocol-based capability. That capability includes network services

such as email and web browsing, as well as hosting multiple unclassified and classified administrative, supply and warfighting capabilities, applications and connected systems. “This lab will ensure we are better positioned to provide access to CANES systems

that are pre-loaded for training and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) documentation, validation and updates to technical manuals, maintenance requirements, and Turn to NIEF CANES Lab, Page 2

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

Q: What types of family housing are available? A: There are three types of housing available to families:

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) celebrated 120 years of serving U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members, eligible family members and survivors with a dessert tray at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Corry Station Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Thrift Shop in Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23. The NMCRS is a non-profit, volunteer service organization that uses both financial and nonfinancial resources to assist Sailors and Marines in times of need. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY GARRETT DIPUMA)

NAS Pensacola celebrates NMCRS 120th birthday By Garrett Dipuma

NAVY HOUSING

Naval Air Station Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) marked the society’s 120th anniversary at the NMCRS Thrift Stop onboard Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23. “Since 1904, we’ve [NMCRS] provided 5 million or clients with $2 billion in financial assistance,” said NMCRS Pensacola Office Director Joy Barnes. “Right here in Pensacola in 2023, we provided over $810,000 in emergency financial assistance to service members.” The mission of NMCRS is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational and other assistance to the members of the U.S. Naval Services., eligible family members and survivors when in need. A non-profit, volunteer service organization, NMCRS uses both financial and non-financial resources to identify solutions to meet the needs of their clients, with an overall goal of improving personal financial skills and encouraging individual financial responsibility. Volunteers make up more than 90 percent of the organization’s workforce. “Last year, the Thrift Shop raised over

Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy. The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing. While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

Norfolk: 757.445.2832 JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792 Oceana/Dam Neck: 757.433.3268 Yorktown: 757.847.7806

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost. FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couples and Child Counseling

$55,000 to provide for NMCRS programs and services,” said Ens. Hannah Montau, who volunteers as the NMCRS Thrift Shop Lead at Corry Station. “All of the money that we make at the Thrift Shop goes back into NMCRS to provide services to the service members with

ﬁnancial help that they may need.” NMCRS has offices located on major Navy and Marine Corps installations worldwide. For more information about NMCRS resources, visit https://www.nmcrs.org.

Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program

NIEF CANES Lab

Deployment and Mobilization Support

from Page 1

engineering development and sustainment,” said Nigro. NIEF Atlantic was established in March 2018 and transitioned CANES and Operation Rolling Tide (ORT) Pre-installation, Testing and Check-Out (PITCO) activities from a leased commercial facility to its current location on Naval Station Norfolk. To meet the fiscal year 2018 — 2021 projected workload, NIEF Atlantic was allocated three labs, along with the software sustainment activity. that could support pre-loading CANES at the NIEF. “This location will foster more rapid exchanges with the fleet by increasing overall exposure to technologies, experimentation and concepts of employment prototyping, and testing,” said Nigro. Originally, additional secure space and power upgrades were completed in these labs to support increasing CANES installations, yet the supplemental space was required to perform efficient, streamlined PITCO operations. To meet that need, another lab was assigned to accommodate storage, de-militarization of de-installed TACNET systems, and serve as a technical refresh component and kitting area. Successful CANES installations increased demand, as did the addition of a number of Ship Conversion, Navy (SCN) New Construction ship classes, such as destroyers (DDG), landing platform dock (LPD), landing helicopter assault (LHA) and nuclear aircraft carriers (CVN). Subsequently, a design for the new lab, which was to become the NIEF Lab of the Future, was developed and funded by NIWC Atlantic, then engineered, constructed and completed by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) at the end of fiscal year 2023. “I view this capability as a lab, plain and simple, that is connected to the rest of the NIWC Atlantic and Naval R&D [research and development] establishment technical and lab infrastructure, so that we, as a greater team, can advance innovative solutions for our warfighters,” said Nigro. The completion of the new NIEF lab is timely. Since the effort started, CANES has added five new ship classes and platforms to the POR, with seven more expected to be added soon.” The new lab will support the additional capacity and provide efficiencies to preparing systems for increasingly challenging shipyard schedules. “As we look forward, this team, through this facility, will contribute to delivering warfighting capability, delivering decisive combat power to the fleet,” said Boehme. NIEF Atlantic now consists of six laboratories, with the newest lab significantly improving CANES integration and engineering capability in a secure space. These labs increase capacity for initial system builds and technical refreshes, full system testing and configurations, application integration, and Sailor and stakeholder hands-on famil-

Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support Suicide Prevention SAPR Support

(Left to Right) Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Executive Director Peter Reddy, Tactical Networks Program Officer (PMW 160) PEO C4I Program Manager Capt. Catherine Boehme, NIWC Atlantic Commanding Officer Capt. Nicole Nigro, and NIWC Atlantic Navy Aﬂoat Network and C2 Apps Division Head prepare to cut the cake at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Network Integration and Engineering Facility (NIEF) Lab of the Future on January 25 at Naval Station Norfolk. (PHOTO BYJERRY SEKERAK, NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER ATLANTIC)

iarization. “For the warfighter, our teams research, develop, integrate and sustain the latest C4ISR [command, control, communications, computers (C4) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)] technologies on every U.S. Navy ship, submarine and shore site. The NIWC Atlantic NIEF Lab of the Future is the newest addition to the command tools and resources for our Tactical Networks Deployment IPT and will provide this team with the functional flexibility to facilitate their day-to-day operations in support of the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services program including logistics, training, ISEA and engineering,” said Christopher Purdy, NIWC Atlantic Navy Afloat Network and C2 Apps Division Head. The addition of the new lab also allows NIEF Atlantic to conduct multiple simultaneous CANES shipset pre-installation tasks. The new lab’s flexible design supports hardware post-production modifications with workspace software pre-load, application integration, and the current power requirement for all current CANES hardware levels. The lab also features a sound-proof room for technicians and Sailors to configure CANES and collaborate, and includes technical benches for ILS, hardware, software and associated troubleshooting repair and replacement. Directly across the hall from the new lab is an administrative space designed for hardware and software government and contractor collaboration and team building. “This effort took many key players and teammates to accomplish the work, and in

the planning and execution, touched many aspects of our organization to make possible,” said Mr. Peter Reddy, NIWC Atlantic Executive Director. “We’re grateful for the outcome, because we know this end result is further enabling critical naval integration and support to the warfighter.” NIEF Atlantic is now better positioned to provide access to CANES systems that are pre-loaded for training and ILS documentation, validation and updates to technical manuals, maintenance requirements, and engineering development and sustainment. Additionally, access for external stakeholders such as Regional Maintenance Centers (RMC), Fleet Support Engineering Technicians (FSET), CB-ISEA, hosted and connected applications, cyber teams, Navy Type Commands (TYCOMs) and fleet Sailors is expanded with the additional lab space. “The operations of this NIEF further support our Navy’s foundation, through fielding and maintaining tactical network capability and capacity, and underpinning the warfighting readiness of the world’s most powerful Navy,” said Boehme. About NIWC Atlantic: As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint and national warfighter through the acquisition, development, integration, production, test, deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, cyber and information technology capabilities.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 3

From left, Capability Establishment Program Manager Brian Rayﬁeld of Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) discusses the depot’s development of F-35 component repair and overhaul capabilities with Maj. Gen. Donald K. Carpenter, Director of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office’s Lightning Sustainment Center; FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont; and Kyle Gill, F-35 Lightning Support Team depot lead engineer at FRCE. Carpenter visited FRCE Jan. 24 in order to tour the depot’s F-35 components and air vehicle modiﬁcation lines and familiarize himself with depot operations that support the F-35’s mission readiness. (PHOTO BY JOSEPH ANDE, FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST)

FRCE hosts F-35 sustainment leader By Heather Wilburn

Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently hosted the military official responsible for F-35 sustainment logistics and engineering efforts for the ﬁfth-generation ﬁghter aircraft. Air Force Maj. General Donald K. Carpenter, director of the Lightning Sustainment Center for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, visited FRCE Jan. 24 in order to tour the depot’s F-35 components and air vehicle modification lines and familiarize himself with depot operations that support the F-35’s mission readiness. The engagement allowed FRCE to provide Carpenter with updates on current and future F-35 sustainment initiatives at the depot, including component capabilities development and planned facilities and infrastructure expansion, said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont. “As the role of the F-35 continues to expand in the national defense, so does our support of the platform,” Belmont explained. “Our skilled artisans, engineers and logisticians are able to provide the nation’s warfighters with the services they need, when and where they need them, and that abil-

ity only grows with every new F-35 related capability and facility established at our depot. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to show Major General Carpenter just how far we’ve come since the inception of the F-35 program at FRC East, and provide him with a road map of where we’re headed in the future,” Belmont continued. “The work we do at FRC East is critical to the F-35 platform, and I’m proud to provide the major general with a ﬁrst-hand look at how our team’s sustainment efforts enable mission readiness.” FRCE is the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II and has conducted modiﬁcations and repair on the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant of the aircraft since 2013. The depot has also worked with the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing) and F-35C (carrier) variants. In 2018, FRCE began establishing capabilities supporting a variety of components for the aircraft, with current ability to modify or repair 32 parts and plans to and an additional 42 in 2024. Construction is under way for additional F-35 support infrastructure, including vertical lift fan test and processing facilities scheduled to come online later this year, with plans for the addition of an F-35 aircraft sustainment complex that will more than triple the dock

space currently available for F-35 modifications at FRCE. “It’s exciting to see the expansion of the F-35 capabilities and capacity under way at FRC East and learn more about how the depot and its workforce are positioned to enhance F-35 readiness,” said Carpenter, a former jet engine mechanic and flight engineer. “After meeting with Captain Belmont and touring the components shops and air vehicle modification line, I’m coming away with a more in-depth understanding of the depot’s ability to support sustainment of our growing F-35 fleet. The workforce here is exceptional, and it was great to hear directly from them how they see the sustainment efforts here continuing to improve.” At the Lightning Sustainment Center, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, Carpenter leads a team of nearly 400 personnel who support F-35 sustainment planning and operations for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, along with seven partner nations, nine foreign military sales countries, and five industry contractors. Currently, the team supports sustainment of more than 950 Joint Strike Fighters and the planning/integration of more than 1,200 additional aircraft by 2027. “The F-35 is the cornerstone of our nation’s future fighter fleet, and its presence makes an operational impact every single

day,” Carpenter said. “As we continue fielding more fifth-generation fighters, sustainment operations will become increasingly important, and so will the role of commands like FRC East in helping the Joint Program Office maintain an environment of comprehensive sustainment excellence. I have no doubt that FRC East, and the workers here, will continue to be an important piece of F-35 mission readiness well into the future.” Belmont agreed that the work being done at FRCE now makes a real difference on flightlines across the globe, and will continue to grow with the F-35 fleet. “The F-35 is the future of naval aviation, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done here at the depot to support our nation’s warfighters,” Belmont said. “As the number of F-35 aircraft and missions flown increase, so do the sustainment requirements — and the men and women of FRC East are ready and able to provide the service our nation’s military aviators need to meet the mission.” FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Maj. Gen. Donald K. Carpenter, right, Director of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office’s Lightning Sustainment Center, right, discusses F-35 air vehicle modiﬁcation operations with Brent Ward, left, F-35 Airframe Shop supervisor at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) and Rusty McCoy, F-35 Sheet Metal Shop supervisor. Carpenter visited FRCE Jan. 24 in order to tour the depot’s F-35 components and air vehicle modiﬁcation lines and familiarize himself with depot operations that support the F-35’s mission readiness. (PHOTO BY HEATHER WILBURN, FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST)

Listen to our top news stories for free. Start now at PlayOurNews.com

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

NSWC Philadelphia Division Engineer participates in Pentagon rotation program By Gary Ell

Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Program Manager Jamie Gates, the inaugural Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN) for Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Connective Tissue (CONNECT) program cadet, is currently participating in a fourmonth developmental rotation opportunity at the Pentagon. “This unique professional growth opportunity for Jamie provides her an exposure to Navy Secretariat/Pentagon work, and an increased awareness and understanding of policies and processes, as well as greater insight on how NSWCPD and the work we do fits into the Department of Navy’s big picture,” NSWCPD Technical Director Nigel C. Thijs, SES, said. “This rotational pilot program will benefit NSWCPD upon Jamie’s return, through her sharing of her experiences working within the DASN (RDT&E) office. We have discussed plans to share additional insight into DASN (RDT&E) efforts with command leadership and her experiences building collaboration with DASN (RDT&E) strategic efforts and efforts across the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE),” Thijs added. Gates serves as the Land Based Engineering Site (LBES) Enterprise program manager for NSWCPD’s Surface Ship Test & Program Division, and is responsible for the program management and execution of four major test sites at NSWCPD: DDG 51 LBES, DDG(X) Land Based Test Site (LBTS), FFG 62 LBES, and Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) LBES. Before her current position, Gates served in various leadership and test site roles at NSWCPD, as the first line supervisor for DDG 51 LBES, DDG 51 Flt III LBES program manager, first line supervisor for the Life Support and Ventilation branch, and as a site production lead for the Compatibility Test Facility (CTF). Her time in these positions has allowed for additional opportunities to collaborate and foster innovation across the entire organization. Gates began federal service in 2012 as a chemical engineer with NSWCPD supporting in-service engineering, design, and alterations for Submarine Life Support systems. She holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor’s of Chemis-

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN) for Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&amp;E) selected Jamie Gates, a program manager from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), for the Connective Tissue (CONNECT) Program, a developmental rotation opportunity at the Pentagon. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NSWCPD OFFICE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS)

try from Seton Hall University. Additionally, Gates has numerous certificates including a Public Administration Certificate from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and a Leadership Certificate from Pennsylvania State University. During the four-month rotation that started in October 2023, participants were assigned to a single Directorate (Naval Research and Development Establishment-NR&DE), Test and Evaluation (T&E), Chief Engineer (CHENG) for the duration of the tour, but will have opportunities to shadow the other directorates at the Pentagon. Since her rotation began, Gates has been working with the NR&DE team, which provides oversight of technical missions of the Naval Warfare Centers and Labs and the oversight of the Navy’s University Affiliated

Research Centers (UARCs). The NR&DE uniﬁes Naval R&D organizations to provide greater technological advantage to U.S. warfighting. One of the impactful initiatives she has been working on is planning for NR&DE Summits, which involve executive faceto-face NR&DE engagement focused on increasing collaboration and networking across the leadership team, leadership development, aligning strategy across the enterprise, and coordination on emerging technical topics and challenges. She has been ﬁnalizing the Fiscal Year 2023 Naval Innovative Science & Engineering (NISE) Program Annual Report for submission to R&E in support of the DoD Annual Report and working on Section 233 Initiatives, which is a congressionally directed pilot program to demonstrate

methods for more effective development of technology and management functions at Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRLs). Gates stated that her goals are to develop new insights and strategically think while understanding the vision of the Navy at its highest levels. She wants to create a vast portfolio of naval experiences and opportunities while creating a network and collaboration space to achieve necessary tasking for future projects. “I want to look for future opportunities where I can make a difference and bring these opportunities back to NSWCPD,” Gates said, adding, “My current position allows influencing many individuals and technical areas that could benefit from the knowledge, collaboration, and network I gain from this experience. I want to continue to learn more and engage the workforce to provide the best solutions to our current Sailors and future Navy.” Gates applied to the program to understand the vision at DASN (RDT&E) to better align NSWCPD to policies and processes of DASN (RDT&E). She felt this opportunity wouldallowNSWCPDtoexpanditsnetwork across various levels of the NR&DE. As a command that heavily supports the in-service fleet, there is a strong need to support and prioritize RDT&E efforts to ensure the Navy is staying ahead of its adversaries. This opportunity will help her in understanding priorities of DASN (RDT&E) and better help NSWCPD align competencies and ensure NSWCPD remains a top laboratory for the U.S. Navy. The RDT&E CONNECT Program also benefits DASN (RDT&E) by adding new perspectives, while strengthening connection to both Warfare Centers and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The opportunity will grow the understanding of DASN (RDT&E) efforts across DON and build connective tissue across multiple levels of the enterprise. NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.

Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s meeting with Chief of Italian Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino Courtesy Story Chief of Naval Operations spokesperson provided the following readout: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Chief of Italian Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino for a bilateral engagement in Paris today. The two heads of navy spoke about regional security and stability, the importance of the NATO alliance, and the successful maritime partnership between Italy and the United States. Both chiefs expressed interest in expanding future operations and exercises with each other to promote additional training opportunities and increase interoperability. Additionally, they discussed how the navies are looking at ways to partner with industry to fuel innovation. The U.S. Navy and Marina Militare routinely operate together around the globe. In addition to integrated deployments and real-world operations, the navies regularly participate in regional exercises such as Obangame Express and African Lion. Most recently, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group conducted a series of highend training events with Italian naval forces in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023, to increase interoperability as NATO allies and to strengthen regional stability in the Mediterranean region. Franchetti and Credendino are both in France for the Paris Naval Conference. Franchetti last met Credendino in September 2023, when Franchetti hosted the International Seapower Symposium in Newport, R.I.

PARIS (Jan. 24, 2024) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti meets with Adm. Enrico Credendino, Chief of the Italian Navy, for a bilateral engagement prior to the Paris Naval Conference, Jan. 24. During their discussion, they focused on future integration opportunities for the U.S. and Italian navies, and ways they will design and drive interoperability to deliver combined lethality. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST AMANDA R. GRAY/RELEASED)

Staying in the know is easy.

Listen to our top news stories for free.

Each weekday, you’ll get the latest stories curated by our editors on your smart speaker or streaming service. Available on Amazon Echo, Apple Music, Google Home, Spotify and more.

Start now at PlayOurNews.com

Tribune Publishing Company

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 5

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Jan. 23, 2024) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea meet with NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Force Commander, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew Clark, in Sigonella, Italy, Jan. 23. Franchetti and Honea traveled to Italy to meet with military leadership and Sailors and communicate her strategic priorities of warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them with the fleet. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST AMANDA R. GRAY/RELEASED)

CNO, MCPON visit Sigonella, CTF-67, NATO By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Culbertson Naval Air Station Sigonella

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy — Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea stopped at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, to visit with forward-deployed Sailors, on their way to the Paris Naval Conference, Jan. 23. “CNO’s visit to NAS Sigonella not only allowed us to showcase our current installation capabilities as the “Hub of the Med,” but also gave us the opportunity to better understand how we can improve upon our foundational installation priorities to further align and support Adm. Franchetti’s strategic vision for America’s warfighting Navy,” said Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, commanding officer, NAS Sigonella. At an all hands call with more than 500 personnel assigned to various tenant commands onboard NAS Sigonella, Franchetti reiterated her strategic priorities and answered questions from those in attendance. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what our Navy team needs for the future, and I believe it is a focus on warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them,” said Franchetti. “We will focus on delivering decisive combat power at sea, strengthening the Navy team, and fortifying the foundation that supports warfighting and warfighters by building trust, aligning resources and being ready.” During the all hands call, Franchetti took time to recognize the dedication and hard work of select, high-performing Sailors. Additionally, Senior Sailors of the Year and leadership from seven tenant commands onboard NAS Sigonella had the unique

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Jan. 23, 2024) - Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Donte Stackhouse speaks with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti after an all hands call at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Jan. 23. Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea travelled to Italy to meet with Sailors and communicate the CNO’s strategic priorities of warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them with the fleet. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Central Command. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JACQUELIN FROST /RELEASED)

opportunity to attend a formal luncheon with CNO and MCPON. The visit also aligned with the Joint Exploration and Discussion of Initiatives (JEDI) Symposium, hosted by Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67), which is responsible for command and tactical control of deployed

maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility. Franchetti gave remarks during the symposium, which is designed to foster collaborative dialogue among P-8A Poseidon users from the United States, Germany,

Canada, the United Kingdom and Norway. JEDI aims to elevate tactical awareness, exchange valuable lessons learned, and discuss forward-looking initiatives. By sharing expertise and coordinating strategies, JEDI facilitates a uniﬁed approach to addressing complex maritime challenges, thereby strengthening collective defense capabilities. “We are exceptionally honored to welcome the CNO, especially when the ﬁrst JEDI symposium is underway. Her visit is a resounding endorsement of the vital role our Sailors play within NATO operations, particularly amidst current global tensions,” said CTF-67 Commodore Capt. Bryan Hager. “It is a testament to the strategic impact of our daily endeavors across the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The CNO’s presence and words of encouragement not only highlights the importance of the JEDI symposium but also reinforces our commitment to fostering interoperability and unity among our NATO allies, which is essential to maintaining regional stability and security.” Before departing for the Paris Naval Conference, Franchetti and Honea visited with Brig. Gen. Andy Clark, commanding general, NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force. Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command. For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic. navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassigonella/.

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Jan. 23, 2024) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea deliver remarks during an allhands call at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Jan. 23. Franchetti and Honea traveled to Italy to meet with Sailors and communicate the CNO’s strategic priorities of warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them with the fleet. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST AMANDA R. GRAY/RELEASED)

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

The heavy ice breaker USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) breaks ice approaching McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica oversees the activities of the joint services and provides Department of Defense support to the National Science Foundation and United States Antarctic Program through Operation Deep Freeze. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY SENIOR CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST RJ STRATCHKO)

U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Star cuts through ice with help of NSWCPD By Gary Ell

Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division

Thanks, in part, to a critical modernization program conducted by a team of engineers at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) and various U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) engineering and acquisition offices, Operation Deep Freeze 2024, the annual joint military service resupply mission to the remote Antarctica outpost of McMurdo, is currently underway through March 2024. A key aspect of the exercise is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Polar Star (WAGB 10) chopping its way through the 17-mile channel of ice to create a navigable route for cargo vessels to reach the U.S. Antarctic stations of the National Science Foundation, the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. “The team of NSWCPD engineers and technicians assembled on this project is the ﬁnest and most capable group of individuals and professionals I have had the privilege of working with in my career. Their dedication and tenacity ensures that USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) will complete its critical annual mission well into the future, while USCG awaits the construction and delivery of the new Polar Security Cutter (PSC) assets,” NSWCPD’s USCG Lead Integrator Jim McClain said. NSWCPD’s Polar Star Team has been recognized throughout the past year for outstanding technical prowess, leadership, program management, problem solving skills, dedication, and interagency collaboration with the USCG on the ship’s modern-

ization program. NSWCPD Polar Star team members include participants from the command’s Machinery Programs and Platforms Department; Propulsion, Power, & Auxiliary Machinery Systems Department; and Cybersecure Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical Control Systems and Networks Department. The team developed, designed, tested, installed, procured, and successfully executed a new $32 million government-owned, cutting-edge propulsion control system for our Nation’s icebreaker. As the only U.S. heavy icebreaker capable of making the ice channel to McMurdo Station in Antarctica for resupply, the U.S. government considers the Polar Star a national asset, and a ‘zero failure’ mission operation is required. It was a collaborative effort designed and installed concurrently with the NSWCPD Propulsion Power Distribution (PPD) control system upgrade. “The success of this project has signiﬁcantly increased the reliability, maintainability, and monitoring capability of the cutter’s complex propulsion plant,” McClain said, “Additionally, this project has substantially reduced crew workload and burden in maintaining an aged system greatly impacted by obsolescence and the absence of OEM and commercial support.” NSWCPD’s Polar Team members included: Nicholas R. Dewey, James A. Covert, Steven D. Berry, Nicholas J. Stumpo, Walter J. Mc¬Donald, Seth D. McBride, David T. Stecco, Sean P. Buckley, George A. Reick, Zachary F. Bean, Scott D. Kade, John W. Sieber, James A. McClain, Jason S. Adams, Frank Lu, Randolph M. Buzilow,

Daniel J. Carpenter, Qing Dong, Bobby L. Jones, Jason R. Meyers, Michael Perry, Brian K. Rader, Timothy L. Sipe, Luis E. Valledor, David M. Vought, and Martin J. Wichmann. Homeported in Seattle, Washington, USCG Polar Star is the United States’ only heavy icebreaker. Commissioned in 1976, she was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding along with her now decommissioned sister ship, Polar Sea (WAGB 11). Three aviation-grade gas turbine engines provide Polar Star with up to 75,000 horsepower, making her the most powerful ship in the U.S. Coast Guard. Each year, Polar Star travels to McMurdo Station, Antarctica to lead Operation Deep Freeze and break miles of ice up to 21 feet thick. According to the USCG website, the U.S. Coast Guard has participated in ice operations since 1867, when the cutter Lincoln was dispatched to survey the newly acquired Alaskan Territory. Early ice capable cutters were primarily tasked with stopping the seal trade and enforcing whaling regulations. During WWII, Congress authorized the U.S. Coast Guard to design and build four new icebreakers, known today as the WIND class ships. These icebreakers were deployed to patrol the North Atlantic and assist Russian War efforts. In 1946, USCGC Northwind participated in Operation High Jump, which was a successful trip to Antarctica. By 1970, the need for a new, more powerful class of polar icebreakers became clear. In 1976, the world’s two most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers, Polar Star and Polar Sea, were commissioned and placed into service. Most Polar Star deployments used to be characterized as Arctic East Summer (AES),

Arctic West Summer (AWS), or Operation Deep Freeze (ODF). AES and AWS were generally three-month deployments to the Arctic ice regions. The primary purpose of those deployments was scientific research. The J-frames and winches for coring and trawling operations near the stern and port side support at-sea studies in the fields of geology, volcanology, oceanography, sea-ice physics and other disciplines. AES port calls included the Caribbean, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and Europe. AWS port calls also sometimes included Alaskan ports such as Dutch Harbor, Juneau, Kodiak, and Nome. ODF is an annual voyage from November to March, which traditionally was alternated each year between Polar Star and her sister ship Polar Sea. Polar Star now completes the ODF mission each year since Polar Sea is now decommissioned. The primary purpose of this deployment is to break a channel in the fast ice to McMurdo Station, the American base located near the Ross Ice Shelf. Polar Star then escorts research and supply vessels into McMurdo. ODF port calls may include various Pacific Islands, Australia, the Far East, and South America. NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.

Arming today’s Naval community with education By Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Sippel

Commander, Navy Region Southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The United States Naval Community College is still in early stages as an educational institute, but those who surround the USNCC, and those who support the institution, feel the sky’s the limit and they’re only getting started. USNCC kicked off in 2019 when the Secretary of the Navy announced plans to launch an “Education for Seapower” initiative aimed at bolstering the service’s enlisted educational offerings. The mission of USNCC is to advance warfighting advantage and enhance operational readiness by providing world-class, naval-relevant education to a globally deployed force. “The next generation of warfare will require a more agile, innovative, and adaptable warﬁghter,” said Randi R. Cosentino, Ed.D., president of USNCC. “Our naval-relevant education provides the unique education dynamic to ensure that our naval forces will have the 21st-century skills required for a competitive edge over our adversaries.” Currently, enlisted service members in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard may earn two standalone certiﬁcates (naval studies and nuclear engineering) or 11 associate degrees in aviation, cybersecurity, logistics, data analytics, leadership & social sciences, and nuclear engineering. USNCC’s seven partner institutions are Alexandria Technical and Community College, Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Northern Virginia Community College, University of Maryland Global Campus. Tidewater Community College, and Western Governors University. “We have something for everyone,” says U.S.

KINGS BAY, GA. (Jan. 24, 2024) United States Naval Community College (USNCC) Command Master Chief Joseph Rosado speaks to Sailors at Trident Training Facility on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA. USNCC is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The mission of USNCC is to advance warﬁghting advantage and enhance operational readiness by providing world-class, naval-relevant education to a globally deployed force. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS ZACHARY D. BEHREND)

Naval Community College Command Master Chief Jordan Rosado. “We have programs that affect every rate and job description. When you educate our service members, they are learning skills that can be used in the maritime environment in which they are serving.” The Department of the Navy continues to evolve naval education to develop a culture that views learning, from the individual to

the organizational levels, as a key warﬁghting component. The Naval University System is the primary way that the DON delivers education to its force, and it includes the DON’s academic degree-granting institutions: the United States Naval Academy, Naval War College, Marine Corps University, Naval Postgraduate School, and now, the United States Naval Community College.

Some of the benefits for members include: fully-funded certificates and associate degrees (tuition, books, and fees, direct education pathway to Bachelor’s with select military-friendly institutions, naval-relevant education that matches up to private-sector labor demand which will help support career readiness, and online, flexible and self-paced course schedules and delivery options to support operational tempo. “We are investing in our service members,” said Rosado. “When you do this, those service members end up sticking around. These programs will also help develop leaders at an earlier stage. Junior enlisted will advance in their careers much quicker.” Carlos Del Toros, the Secretary of the Navy, recently discussed naval education strategy. “The Navy and Marine Corps teams must be ready to compete, fight, and win whenever the nation requires,” said Del Toro. “We will modernize our naval education enterprise and system to ensure that our people have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to maintain a clear naval warfighting advantage. We are transforming the department’s culture, processes, and programs to ensure that we become a more adaptive learning organization and remain the world’s preeminent naval force.” USNCC encourages command leaders to nominate at least one promising E3 to E6 in their command for the Naval Studies Certificate. The nominee will receive an invitation to apply for enrollment in the program and an admission status of “command approved.” The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 7

MANAMA, Bahrain (Jan. 23, 2024) From left to right, Philippine Navy Capt. Mateo Carido, outgoing commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151; United Kingdom Royal Navy Cdre. Mark Anderson, deputy commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF); and Brazilian Navy Rear Adm. Antonio Braz de Souza, incoming commander of CTF 151; render honors during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Jan. 23. CTF 151 is one of ﬁve task forces operated by CMF, and conducts counter-piracy operations in regional waters to deter illicit non-state actors. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY PFC. TYRIN SAUNDERS)

Brazil assumes command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151 By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Brazilian Navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) counter-piracy focused task force during a change of command ceremony here, Jan. 23. Philippine Navy Capt. Mateo Carido turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Brazilian Navy Rear Adm. Antonio Braz de Souza. While Commander of CTF 151, Carido met with key partners from many nations, including Sychelles, Djibouti and Dubai. These engagements provide an opportunity to reach countries not yet members of CMF and discuss the work of the multinational naval partnership, as well as strengthening ties between CMF member nations. Since assuming command last August, Carido oversaw ships working in support

of the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force. “We would like to express our sincerest gratitude most particularly to CMF, led by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, for the trust and conﬁdence given to me to lead this multinational counter-piracy task force,” said Carido. “To my team, thank you so much for your dedication and full support to the Philippine-led CTF 151, indeed, we are ready together.” Braz de Souza takes command of CTF 151 following a tour as Chief of Staff of the Command in Chief of the Fleet. Over the years, he has participated in numerous missions navigating the South Atlan-

tic Ocean, including rescuing the survivors of the Air France Flight 447 crash in 2009. He has also led oceanographic research missions, and as the head advisor of the submarine development program, his strategic vision shaped the future of Brazilian underwater defense. “By accepting the invitation to guide this force once again, the Brazilian Navy, the ﬁrst South American country to play a prominent role in this multinational maritime partnership, reaffirms its dedication to the maritime community, and particularly to the Combined Maritime Forces,” said Braz de Souza. “This commitment aims at enhancing overall security and stability, further contributing to the collective well-being.” CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of ﬁve operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together

with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor. CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 40 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

MANAMA, Bahrain (Jan. 23, 2024) Members of the Combine Maritime Forces (CMF) render honors during the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Jan. 23. CTF 151 is one of ﬁve task forces operated by CMF, and conducts counter-piracy operations in regional waters to deter illicit non-state actors. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY PFC. TYRIN SAUNDERS)

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

On iberty

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 1

Red velvet treats for you and your Valentine!

You are sure to fall in love with these delicious Valentine’s Day themed treats: Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes, Red Velvet Mug Cake and Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies. Page C4

The dramatic multimedia presentation,“From Africa to Virginia,” chronicles West Central African encounters with Europeans, the impact on African culture and development of the transatlantic slave trade in the 1600s through artifacts and ﬁlm narrated by Tim Reid and Daphne Maxwell Reid. (JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION PHOTO)

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offer special month-long programs, rare artifacts, exhibits & ﬁlms in celebration of Black History Month Press Release

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Throughout the year and during Black History Month in February, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown present gallery exhibits, rare artifacts and films that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America, from the first known Africans in Virginia in 1619 to the role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War. Compelling programs will feature Jamestown Settlement’s monthlong 2024 Black Artist Showcase debuting with an evening reception February 3 and culminating with the annual “After Angelo” event February 24. 2024 Black Artist Showcase & After Angelo at Jamestown Settlement Jamestown Settlement will exhibit its 2024 Black Artist Showcase on February 1-29, with an exclusive opening reception on Saturday, February 3. Originally limited to one weekend, Black Artist Showcase is on extended view during Black History Month in February, connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. Guided by the theme — “the beauty of our lives” — 22 Virginia-based artists present more than 30 original interpretations and reflections of family, faith, music and social justice. The February 3 opening reception, 6-8 p.m., is $20 per person with advance registration required. The reception will feature live music by singer and songwriter Akeylah Simone, a spoken-word performance by artist Clayton Singleton, and reflections on the fourth year of the showcase from artist Austin “Auz” Miles. Black History Month programs culminate February 24 with “After Angelo,” named for one of the first African women in Jamestown’s historical record, celebrating modern African American life and culture through art, performance and community conversation. Black Artist Showcase and “After Angelo” are supported in part by the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission.

of the transatlantic slave trade and the evolution of a new African American culture. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, visitors can explore the contributions of both well-known and little-known participants in the Revolutionary War from the first shots fired at the Boston Massacre to the final victory at Yorktown and points in between. Among the iconic artifacts on exhibit is a circa-1733 portrait of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo by William Hoare (shown at right), one of the two earliest known portraits done from life of an African who had been enslaved in the 13 British colonies that became the United States of America. View a first edition of the Phillis Wheatley 1773 volume, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” the first book to be published by a woman of African descent. Learn about diverse Americans such as Patriots and Loyalists, women and enslaved and free African Americans, including Benjamin Banneker, a free African American who became famous in the 1790s as a scientist and writer. An interactive exhibit shares accounts of Billy Flora, an African American hero of the Battle of Great Bridge in 1775, and James Lafayette, an enslaved African American from New Kent County, Virginia, who successfully spied on the British for the American forces.

Portrait of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, attributed to William Hoare, circa 1733, is one of two earliest known portraits done from life of an African who had been enslaved in the 13 British colonies that became the United States of America. His memoir, “Some Memoirs of the Life of Job,” published in 1734 also is in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection. JYF2014.4. (JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION PHOTO)

Rare Artifacts, Exhibits & Films at the Museums Jamestown Settlement’s permanent exhibition galleries feature period artifacts, immersive ﬁlms and interactive exhibits share historical accounts of the ﬁrst recorded West Central Africans to Virginia in 1619, their homeland in Ndongo (Angola), life in the Virginia colony, development

Visiting the Museums Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located at 200 Water Street in Yorktown. Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Individual museum admission is $18.00 for adults, $9.00 for ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under, and a value-saving combination ticket is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. Parking is free. For more information, call (757) 253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org.

Love Bites! Bite back with the Aquarium’s anti-Valentine’s EXperience & FUNdraiser Press Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Starting on Feb. 1, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will launch its untraditional Valentine’s Day fundraiser called Love Bites to lift the heart-broken and jilted souls. When love stings like a jelly, make it a cathartic experience by symbolically feeding your ex, corporate rival, or friend to one of the Aquarium’s resident animals. Participants can choose from a menu of feeder animals that may remind them of their ex including a dead rat or ﬁsh, creepy crawly cockroach, a slimy worm, or dull vegetable. The symbolically named feeders will be offered to the jaws of one of the Aquarium’s animal residents—the Komodo dragons, sharks, otters, a toad, and more. The fundraiser will run from Feb.1 at 9 a.m. to Feb. 14 at noon. The feeder prices will range from $5 to $25, and purchasers will receive a video of their chosen feeder and a festive customizable card for sharing on social media and give to their Valentine. For a little extra selflove, one can buy a personalized feeding option for $100 to receive a custom video experience; the last day to purchase this upgraded option is Feb. 6. The fundraiser also includes another way to “seal” your love with the chance to bid and win either a Valentine’s-Daythemed seal painting, the naming rights for the Aquarium’s newest Animal Ambassador—an Eastern indigo snake, or a personalized Komodo dragon behind-the- scenes feeding. All the proceeds show love and support to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, which provides care for hundreds of animals, provides educational offerings, conducts research

and conservation activities, and operates our nationally recognized Stranding Response Program. Bidding is available online at Bidpal (https://one.bidpal. net/lovebites24/welcome). About the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainabil-

ity, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquarium, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.

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

The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

Community SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from our readers online. Please submit events here: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Please submit news and photos here: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-ﬂagship/submit_news/

Nauticus connects students to maritime jobs with new program – More than 1,500 students participate in first-of-its-kind STEM to STERN initiative Press Release NORFOLK, Va. — Title 1 schools in Norfolk and Hampton will be among the first to participate in Nauticus’ newly-created program that introduces young students to the vast number of jobs and careers associated with the region’s maritime community. The first-of-its-kind STEM to STERN Careers Program aligns with Nauticus’ transformational $21.5 million redesign project (“Reimagine Nauticus”). After participating in educator-led classroom sessions, students will explore Nauticus’ newly designed galleries where they’ll practice welding a ship’s hull, discover diverse careers, and gain a better understanding of the region’s maritime industry. Earlier this

month, the Virginia Maritime Association cited a new study that indicates one in ﬁve jobs in Virginia, nearly 730,000 in total, are linked to the maritime community.

Made possible through grant awards totaling more than $50,000 from the COVA STEM Hub and Howmet Aerospace Foundation, more than 1,500 fourth graders will be ﬁrst to experience this free instructor-led education series. “We’re a maritime discovery center committed to introducing local students to meaningful, well-paying jobs along this waterfront,” said Nauticus Director of Education & Community Engagement, Nathan Sandel. “The STEM to STERN Careers Program eliminates so many perceived obstacles. We

provide the education, we provide the transportation, and we provide the inspiration.” Southside STEM Academy, Compass Academy at Ruffner, Lake Taylor School, and Crossroads School are among the first schools to participate in the program throughout the 2024-2025 school year. About Nauticus: The STEM to STERN Careers program and other initiatives are made possible through the Nauticus Foundation. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

VCW brings NWA Worlds Champion to Norfolk this Saturday! By The 757 Heater Virginia Championship Wrestling kicks off 2024 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple on Saturday night February 3rd with NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3 in action! The Norfolk Masonic Temple is located at 7001 Granby Street right next door to Granby High School. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are available online now at vcwprowrestling. com! This will be the very ﬁrst time the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship will be defended at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. The Ten Pounds of Gold has an illustrious history that connects back to legends of the ring such as Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Lou Thesz. EC3 has made it his mission to tour across the country and defend the title against the greatest professional wrestlers in each territory. This lead “The Over Man” to VCW and a bout against the former Virginia Heavyweight Champion The Boar. The Boar could very well be the most popular athlete in the history of VCW, so he’s certain to have the crowd in his corner this Saturday night. Whether a new champion is crowned, or the current title holder retains, it’s going to be a historic night in Norfolk! For any current or training professional wrestlers, there will also be an opportunity to learn from NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3. EC3 will be conducting a Talent Evaluation Seminar beginning at 2:30 PM at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. This will be an opportunity to learn and a chance to be seen by someone with direct ties to the National Wrestling Alliance. If you are currently a trained professional wrestler or are in training to become one, email vcwrestling.office@gmail.com for more information on the seminar. The seminar is scheduled to last approximately three hours. Although the prestigious NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship is being defended, it’s far from the only title match on this stacked card. Virginia Heavyweight Champion Joseph Keys will defend the richest prize in Virginia against multiple time BJJ World Champion “Mush Master” Tim Spriggs. Spriggs and Keys have had a few run-ins over the last calendar year in VCW. They locked up back in June of 2023, where Keys put one of the few blemishes on Spriggs’s sterling record. One month later, Spriggs gained a measure of revenge by choking Keys unconscious in the Liberty Lottery and eliminating him from the annual bout. Now that they’re essentially 1-1 it will be interesting to see who takes the victory at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. The new VCW Liberty Champion Saul Esparza is scheduled to defend his title against “Mr. Xcellence” Brandon Scott. Back in December, Esparza defeated his former Sharkey Tank ally Devantes for the championship, when Neil Sharkey handed the title to Esparza for use as a weapon. “The Manager of Champions” made it known that Devantes had made one too many mistakes for his liking and was thus no longer welcome in their group. Despite being a three-time former Virginia Heavyweight Champion, Brandon Scott has never held the VCW Liberty Championship. Ever since being degraded by the VCW Director of Operations, fans have embraced “Mr. Xcellence” on a level most would have previously thought impossible. He’s going to need all the momentum he can get on Saturday night, when there’s an entire tank of sharks nearby. Also on the card, VCW Tag Team Champions the Golden Pinky Society will defend against The Delinquents. Dirty Money

(PHOTO COURTESY VCW)

goes one-on-one with the man who pinned him back in October, Dezmon King, who will be accompanied by Neil Sharkey. “The Hoss of All Hosses” Devantes seeks a measure of revenge against The Sharkey Tank, when he battles “The Sigma Male” LDJ. Plus, 2023 Liberty Lottery winner Erica leigh returns to Norfolk to take on Hyena Hera. In addition to all the great pro wrestling action, “The Big 44” Tim Loulies

has a special Loulies Lounge planned with “The Director” Jerry Stephanitsis. “The Director” has stated that he intends to set the record straight on why he and The Reason cost The Boar the Virginia Heavyweight Championship in Alexandria last November. Virginia Championship Wrestling had an incredible 2023. If the ﬁrst event of the new year is any indication, it looks like

2024 could reach even greater heights! The Norfolk Masonic Temple is located at 7001 Granby Street right next door to Granby High School. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Bell time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are available online now at vcwprowrestling.com. Front row has been sold out for weeks, and as of this writing, ringside isn’t far behind. General admission will still be available at the door. I’ll see you at the matches!

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 3

4 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

Food

RED VELVET

The favorite flavor of Valentine’s Day Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes – A sweet way to start the day with your Valentine By Family Features/ Culinary.net If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love. Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired. Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal. For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top. Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heartshaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.” Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net. Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes Recipe courtesy of Nestlé Servings: 10 pancakes 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon red food coloring heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional) butter, for garnish (optional) powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) maple syrup, for garnish (optional) fresh berries, for garnish (optional) In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well. In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes. Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about ¼ cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired. Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.

Love in a mug! Red Velvet Mug Cake for your Valentine By Family Features/Culinary.net It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake. This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a latenight snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet. It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave.

This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you. Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net. Red Velvet Mug Cake Servings: 1 6 tablespoons ﬂour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon baking powder ⅛ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 30 drops red food coloring 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened In 12-ounce mug, whisk ﬂour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered. Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies for your Beloved Recipe by allrecipes.com/squeeziebrb These red velvet cheesecake brownies are moist, delicious, and absolutely beautiful! Perfect for red velvet cake lovers; adds a different twist to the traditional cake. A great dessert for Valentine’s Day and can be made ahead. Indulge in these decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies. They’re perfect for date night, dinner parties, or whenever you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Servings: 12 1 cup white sugar ½ cup unsalted butter, melted ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 ounce red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, slightly beaten ¾ cup all-purpose flour Cheesecake Filling: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese at room temperature ¼ cup white sugar 1 large egg ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. For the red velvet brownies: Whisk 1 cup sugar and melted butter in a large mixing bowl; stir in cocoa, red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, vinegar, and salt, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps. Mix in 2 eggs until thoroughly combined. Stir flour into cocoa mixture just until combined; set aside ¼ cup batter. Pour remaining batter into the prepared baking dish. For the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; continue to beat until well blended and only small lumps remain, 3 to 4 minutes. Spoon cream cheese mixture in dollops over the batter in pan; gently smooth tops of dollops even with batter using a knife or offset spatula. Do not overmix. Drizzle reserved ¼ cup of batter over the dollops of cream cheese mixture. Drag a knife or skewer through the batter and cream cheese mixture to create swirls. Bake in the preheated oven until top is dry and edges have started to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars; store covered in refrigerator. Cook’s Note: The fluffier and smooth you can get the cheesecake mixture, the easier it will be to spread.

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 5

Health

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ethan Davis, 52nd Healthcare Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, poses in front of an ambulance with an emergency kit, September 13, 2023, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Davis is responsible for operating the ambulance and providing care for people in need of emergency services. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JORDAN GONZALEZ)

How TRICARE covers ambulance services By TRICARE Communications

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — In some emergencies, an ambulance could be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, your TRICARE plan covers ambulance services in these situations. “TRICARE covers ambulance services when medically necessary, based on the condition of the beneﬁciary receiving the service,” said Elan Green, chief of TRICARE Health Plan’s Medical Beneﬁt and Reimbursement Section at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s good to know how TRICARE covers these services before you have an emergency. This can help you avoid surprise costs.” If you have TRICARE For Life, you must follow Medicare’s rules for ambulance services. This doesn’t apply if you live outside the United States and U.S. territories. For other plans, read on to learn how TRICARE covers ambulance services.

Outpatient and inpatient ambu-

lance services

Your location plays a role in the type of ambulance service you receive. Outpatient ambulance service happens when an ambulance takes you from your home, an accident scene, or another location to a hospital. Inpatient ambulance service happens when an ambulance takes you from one hospital to a hospital more capable of providing the care you need. These services have out-of-pocket costs based on: Your TRICARE plan Your beneﬁciary group Whether you go to a network hospital or a non-network hospital Whether the ambulance service is inpatient or outpatient You can ﬁnd these costs with the Compare Costs tool. Call your regional contractor to learn more.

Treat-and-release service

Treat-and-release service is when an ambu-

lance treats you for an emergency but doesn’t take you to a hospital TRICARE covers treat-and-release when: The services you receive are medically necessary. You don’t need to go to a hospital. You refuse transport after being treated.

Air and boat evacuation

Emergency transport by air or boat may be medically necessary. TRICARE covers air or boat evacuation only if: A regular “land” ambulance can’t get to you. The nearest facility is far away or there are other obstacles. You must be seen quickly for your medical condition. You can’t safely get the care you need in your location. You’re taken to the nearest hospital with appropriate facilities.

Ambulance services overseas

The TRICARE Overseas contractor, Inter-

national SOS, provides 24/7 support if you need emergency care. Call International SOS to conﬁrm your coverage before you receive ambulance transport. On the Contact Us page (online at https://www.tricare-overseas.com/contact-us), choose where you’re located to see a list of contact numbers, including Medical Assistance numbers. As noted in the TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook (online at https://tricare.mil/ Publications/Handbooks/overseas), you should only call Medical Assistance numbers to coordinate emergency care.

Limitations

TRICARE doesn’t cover ambulance services that aren’t medically necessary. To learn more about what TRICARE covers, check out Ambulance Services (online at https:// tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/ AmbulanceServices). Remember, if you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

For Service Members, access to mental health care streamlined under Brandon Act By C. Todd Lopez Last year, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness signed policy implementing within the Defense Department and across the military services the requirements laid out under the Brandon Act. Within the DOD and military services, the Brandon Act allows service members to request a mental health evaluation just by making the request to their supervisor. Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said the Brandon Act is now accomplishing two things within the DOD and military services. First, he said, the act ensures that when a service member feels they need a mental health evaluation they need only ask their supervisor for that. Such a request can be made at any time and in any location. They also don’t need to explain why they think they need a mental health evaluation. Their supervisor, in turn, will ensure that a mental health evaluation takes place as soon as possible and without any roadblocks. “If you’re in garrison and mental health care is readily available, then it might just be a few hours,” Martinez-Lopez said. “If you’re on a ship in the middle of nowhere and you need mental health care, it might take a day or two and happen by telemedicine or some other way. But it doesn’t matter where you are. All you need to do is raise your hand and tell your supervisor and they will take care of that as soon as possible.” Privacy is also a key aspect of the Brandon Act, Martinez-Lopez said. “The second part is to make it easy and make it conﬁdential, to keep that information — just like we keep any other medical information — conﬁdential,” he said. “The intent of that is to lower the shield from the standpoint of stigma. There are a lot of issues around the stigma of seeking mental health care. But like the secretary of defense says,

Within the DOD and military services, the Brandon Act allows service members to request a mental health evaluation just by making the request to their supervisor. (COURTESY IMAGE)

mental health is health.” Already there are a variety of avenues by which a servicemember can seek out mental health treatment, Martinez-Lopez said. But the Brandon Act has greatly simpliﬁed and sped up the process of helping service members get the treatment they need. Implementation of the requirements under the Brandon Act, in part, requires new training for the force, Martinez-Lopez said. All members of the armed forces, for instance, will need to understand that there is a new venue through which they can seek mental health care. That kind of training provides awareness of what’s available under the Brandon Act. For supervisors who must respond to requests from their subordinates and follow

through in ensuring that mental health care is made available, there will also need to be training. “The supervisors need to know what their responsibilities are under the act,” he said. “They need to take this very seriously and know they are not done until that service member is taken care of for their mental health concern.” Setting up and executing training so that service members and leaders know how to use and implement the Brandon Act is has been delegated to the individual services and is underway now. If DOD is successful in implementing the Brandon Act, one effect will be that the stigma of seeking mental health assistance is diminished, Martinez-Lopez said.

“People will realize that if they think they need mental health treatment, they can just get it,” he said. “From the standpoint of leadership, this is a critical part of leadership. Taking care of your people is part of leadership. And mental health is part of taking care of people. So if you’re a leader, this is not just a medical issue. This is a leadership issue and a leader needs to take ownership.” Also, a sign of success under the Brandon Act will be better mental health outcomes, he said. “From the mental health standpoint, people will be dealing with their issues, they will be fully functional, they will be ready,” he said. “And then as a byproduct of that, there’ll be fewer suicides. That’s what we’re aiming for.” The Brandon Act is named after Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta who died by suicide in 2018. Caserta’s inability to get the mental health care he needed was a big motivating factor in the passing of the Brandon Act legislation. “He asked for help and the help was not forthcoming,” Martinez-Lopez said. Caserta’s parents, Martinez-Lopez said, wanted to ensure that their son’s death was not for nothing. They embarked on an effort to ensure better access to mental health care in the armed forces, which they hoped would mean fewer suicides. Their efforts spurred creation of the Brandon Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 27, 2021, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. “They could have easily grieved their son’s death, but done nothing,” Martinez-Lopez said. “They’re really champions and I applaud them for their grit. It’s not easy to navigate the waters in Washington, D.C., and keep pushing for an agenda like this. They’re passionate people.”

6 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets MALE MALTESE

AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate

Announcements FOUND MONEY Found money at Virginia Beach Municipal Center on Oct. 4th, 2023. Money was turned into police station at 2509 Princess Anne rd. 757-385-4578

AMERICAN ANTIQUE BUYER

RAY HIGGINS

BUYING ANTIQUES &

ESTATES, ITEMS OF VALUE

VINTAGE ARTWORK

ALL COINS

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

Flea Market/Bazaars Estate Sales OLDE TOWNE ANTIQUES/FLEA MARKET. Feb. 3, 10-2. Fantastic finds. 441 Middle St. 757-339-1876. oldetowneportsmouth.com

CAVAPOO, CAVAPOOCHONS & BICHONPOO Now accepting deposits for our current litters. We have several adorable fur babies available, F1b Cavapoo’s (2) F (3) males d.o.b 12/26 avail 2/20, F2b Mini Cavapoochons (2) F (3)M, d.o.b 12/30 available 2/24, F2 Mini Cavapoochons (2) F, d.o.b 12/9 available 2/3, Bichonpoo (F) d.o.b 12/20 available 2/17 all Vet checked, 1st Vax, dewormed, microchiped, crate, and pad trained.Visit our FB at VaCavapoochons (Reviews/pic’s) call/text (757)6186569 Dep: $300 (M) $1550 (F) $1650

CKC Registered male Maltese, 3 shots, dewormed Call or text Amber @ (804)337-7255 2 boys available $1200 ea SHIH TZU registered 6 wks old. 1st shots/ dewormed. M/F. Beautiful/ All colors. Pick up starting 2/5 $2400. 757-692-1309

Ready for Valentines. Call/text 252370-2706. $800

DOODLES

Don’t pay full price!

GRAY 5DR 4WD, EX-L RES, Excellent condition, 1 owner with all maintenance records, 185k miles, JAN 2024 inspection sticker, $4500 OBO, 609977-9596

HONDA 2013 ODYSSEY

CELESTIAL BLUE ODYSSEY EX, SUNROOF, LEATHER SEATS, DUAL TEMP CONTROL, AUTOMATIC SIDE DOORS/ HATCH, FOLD DOWN REAR SEATS, 10+ CUP HLDRS, WELL MAINTAINED, 173K MILES, $9300 757-229-1895

JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE

With The Virginian-Pilot’s

LINCOLN 1996 TOWN CAR

757-617-4043

DECOYS WANTED

HONDA 2007 PILOT

103K mi (docs), insp, accident-free, beauty, pri. owned. $5850. 757-675-1856.

FREE ESTIMATES

Pick a pet in the CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE.

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

Sport. Virginia Valid Inspection. Clean. Great Condition. $12,400 O.B.O. Call 757-949-1923.

LICENSED, 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.raymondsantiques.com

CHEVROLET 1999 TAHOE

SHIHPOO

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Cockatoo, too.

Double Doodle party puppies 2 females 1 male Vet checked health check first shots ready to go. 7574773667 $800.

coupons and sales

LINCOLN 1997 TOWN CAR

Room For Rent VIRGINIA BEACH Salem Woods - Furnished room w/ cable and internet. Non-smoking. Proof of employment $700/mo 757-403-1920

58K original mis., new tires, new insp, runs & looks great, gar. kept. $10,900. 757-675-0288. Va. Dlr.

inserts, shop smart and save big

TOYOTA 2010 COROLLA

F1B LABRADOODLES Ready for Valentines Day. Up to date on shots and deworming. Males & Females available. $950

CASH

Any Old Wooden Decoy Or Canvas Covered Decoys Also Buying: Old Fishing Lures & Tackle Old Wooden BOAT OARS Old Nautical Lights & Ship Items

Call Mark (Home) 757-721-2746

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Fridays in The Pilot

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

American Bulldogs pedigree for SALE. Born 1-6-24, NKC registered, Female 1800.00, male 1500.00 call for more information 757-285-3738

Wanted Automotive

BLUE 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS W/ TINTED WINDOWS, LIKE NEW TIRES, NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS, CD/CASSETTE PLAYER, VERY RELIABLE, 2 OWNERS, 5.7L V8 FWD, SUV 4D, 230K MILES, EXPERIAN AUTO REPORT, $6K OBO 727-560-2791

Dogs, Cats, Other Pets AMERICAN BULLDOG

Autos for Sale

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

every week!

FRENCH BULLDOG/BOSTON TERRIER “FRENCHTON” PUPPIES AVAIL

Type-S, 4DR, drives perfect, automatic, $700 stereo. $6900 *VADLR* 757-439-8017

Cockatoo, too.

Classic, Antique Cars Travel/Camping Trailers 7 week old “Frenchton” puppies looking for their furever home. 4 females available. 2 brindle/white, 1 black/ white, 1 choc/white. Vet checked and has first shots. Text/call Sara for more info 7575602695 $1000

CONSIGNMENTS WANTED! Let us clean, sell, & finance your RV. Snyders RV 499-8000.

GOLDENDOODLES F1B2 8 week old pups. Ready now. Great early Valentine’s gift. $2000. Call or text Eric 571-242-8385.

757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

Early home delivery.

CLASSIC & COLLECTIBLE

Pick a pet in the CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE.

Autos. We will purchase your collectible, classic, late model autos, we will come to you. Call 757-675-0288 Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today. Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com

Renting or Selling Your Home? reach your buyers at

placeanad.pilotonline.com The right place to adveertise your Merchandise, Pets, Auto, Real Estate, Tagg Sales & Flea Markets, Vacation Property, Wanted to Buy Items and more!

plaaceanad.pilotonline.com

757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com

Shop smart. Save big! Sunday (and every day).

Fencing ACTION ONE FENCE & DECK Custom wood, aluminum, chain link, vinyl. Quality work, great prices. Free Estimates. 40 Yrs. Exp. Call 757-438-7057.

Handyman Services HANDYMAN Small jobs, repairs, honey-do-lists Call Joe at 757-478-7507

Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com

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

Hauling / Moving B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290

Home Improvements BULKHEAD & PIER REPAIR Grading, Excavation & Demolition Services, Free Est 757-262-6511 FENCES, DECKS & FOUNDATION REPAIR Moisture Control, 20+ Year’s Experience. FREE ESTIMATES. Call Office at (757) 995-5445.

FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Lic/Ins. FREE ESTIMATES 757-227-8964

GARAGE REPAIR AND INSTALLATION Four Seasons Garage Doors is seven cities garage door expert. We excel in helping our customers From one to twenty doors or more, we’ve got you covered. We serve the greater Virginia Beach area with sales, service, and repair on all types of garage and overhead doors. We give back our veterans with 15 percent discount on any service they choose. 757-652-3682

Lawn and Tree Service ★AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE★ Josh 757-998-5327 Theo 757-515-6933 Tree Trimming & Complete Tree Removal AMERICANTREESERVICE.CO ★Catering to all your tree & yard needs.★ ★757-587-9568. 30 years experience★

Painting/Paperhanging INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING Wallpapering, Pressure Washing, Carpentry & Renov! Free est! Senior citz. discount! Paint & Wallpaper By Bob: 757-714-4573

Professional Services CUSTOM WEB & MOBILE DEVELOPMENT Transform Your Technology with SABRES ★ Exclusive Offer ★ Now at 50% Off! Enjoy a discount on ALL development services. Visit sabresmedia.com/va or call (757) 559 - 1555 for details

Roofing ROOFING Repair, shingles, rubber, tar, flashings, asbestos removal, metal. 757-718-1072

www.ﬂagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024 7

Creating your own ad in this publication is easy, affordable and will reach thousands in print and online. Advertising categories include:

• Announcements & celebrations • Merchandise & cars for sale • Job recruitment • Honoring a life • Pets for adoption And more

Place your ad today!

PlaceAnAd.tribpub.com

Crossword

Sudoku

CryptoQuip

LAST WEEKS CRYPTOQUIP ANSWER: We can no longer rely on that old rocket to lift off the ground. It’s not thrust-worthy.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

8 The Flagship | www.ﬂagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, February 1, 2024