Flagship 02.29.2024

Patrons’ generosity benefits Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

ByNEXCOMPublicAffairs

Navy Exchange and Marine Corps Exchange patrons showed their generosity when they supportedtheNavy-MarineCorpsReliefSociety twiceinFall2023.Forthetwoseparatecampaigns, NEX patrons donated $646,260 to the organizationwhileMCXpatronsgave$158,965

“Thankyouforyourdedicationtoournation’s greatest asset,” said retired Lt Gen. Robert R. Ruark, United States Marine Corps, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society “Last year NMCRS provided over $50 million in financial assistance to Sailors, Marines, and their families. That level of support is impossible without the incredible community of shoppers and support of the Navy Exchange Service Command and the Marine CorpsExchange.”

Both NEX and MCX locations sold NMCRS benefit tickets, in October and then again in December to interested patrons By purchasing the$5benefittickets patronsreceived$5offanda 5%discountappliedtoaonetimepurchasemade atalaterdate.

Through the three benefit ticket sales in 2023, NEX patrons donated $1.1 million and MCX patrons donated $429,690 to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to support active duty and retiredSailors,Marinesandtheirfamiliesinneed.

ByDavidVergun

DOD

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ByNinoshkaBasantes Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Public Affairs Specialist

NORFOLK, Va Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA) installations in Hampton Roads are in need of lifeguards to safely operateallMorale Welfare,andRecreation (MWR)pools

MWR is seeking candidates for full-time andpart-timelifeguardsatinstallationpools andbeaches

“Not having any lifeguards affects fitness, mission readiness, and annual physical readiness tests,” said John Lucas, NRMA fleet readiness director. “It also forces us to removeaquaticprogramsforfamiliestouse.”

Lifeguards in Hampton Roads are paid $17-$20 per hour depending on level of expertise. Certified lifeguards are preferred,buttrainingisavailableforthose

who are not.”

AccordingtoLucas,certificationtraining isprovidedbyMWRthroughtheAmerican Red Cross and takes as little as 16 hours to complete “This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make some extra cash on summer break or for someone wanting tomakethisalong-termcareer,”Lucassaid. IndoorpoolsarecurrentlyopenonHampton Roads naval installations and outdoor poolswillbeopeningaroundMemorialDay weekend,butthatisalldependentonfilling thesemuch-neededlifeguardpositions MWR employees have the opportunity to have access to all MWR facilities on any navalinstallationworldwide andthebenefit ofshoppingattheNavyExchange Interestedapplicantscanlocateandapply

FRCE celebrates Black History Month

BySamanthaFehr Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. FleetReadinessCenterEast(FRCE)hostedtwo iconicmembersoftheBlackcommunitytosharetheir insights on leadership excellence and success for the 2024NavalAirSystemsCommand(NAVAIR)National BlackHistoryMonthObservanceFeb.15

Keynote speakers retired Marine Corps Col Gilda Jackson and retired FRCE leader James Harper attributed their success to the importance of mentorship during the program, which was organized by the FRCEAfricanAmericanPipelinesActionTeam(APAT) and Equal Employment Opportunity Office, and live streamedtomembersoftheNAVAIRcommand.

Jackson made history in 1997 when she became the firstBlackwomanintheMarineCorpstobepromoted to the rank of colonel. She subsequently became the first, and only to this date, female commanding officer inFRCE’s80-yearhistory

During the program, Jackson named three important ideals that she believes are the key to success and effectiveleadership

“One important thing about leadership is trust, and with that comes respect And always share the credit,” said Jackson. “But also, it’s important that you have a mentor.”

Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Jacksonwentontoserveaspresidentandgeneralmanager ofLockheedMartinAeroPartsandlaterranasacandidatefortheNorthCarolinaHouseofRepresentatives.

Harper was hired at FRCE as a helper trainee in the power plant division in 1977 and spent more than 30 years working for the depot. During those 30 years, Harper worked in various areas throughout the depot andretiredastheproductionfloortradesdivisiondirector Prior to working for FRCE, he served in the U.S. Armyfrom1974-1977andtheArmyReservesfrom19771998 He currently serves as a Jones County Commissionerandhasbeeninthatrolesince2018

Harper attributed his success to the mentors he had whileintheArmyandatthedepot.

“Mentorshipisimportant.Don’ttakeitlightly Don’t trivialize it. Mentorship is essential for your growth,” said Harper. “My mentors helped me shift my values andallowedmetogrow.”

Harper mentioned the importance of recognizing diversityintheworkforceandhowitcanhaveapositive impactonanorganization,aswellasindividualsuccess Harperthen went onto addhowbeneficial itcan be to learn from individuals who come from many different backgrounds.

“Having more than one mentor can be critical to your growth because our value systems are different,” saidHarper.“There’svalueaddedtohaveamentorofa differentethnicityasyouwantmorethanoneperson’s thought process and more than one person’s value system.”

In addition to the importance of mentorship, Jackson also touched on how she handled the pressure of becomingthefirstBlackfemalecolonelandfirstfemale

commandingofficeratFRCE

“It’s daunting to be the first. It takes a lot out of you. But if you’re the first one, you need to work hard, said Jackson. “My focus has always been being the best at whatever you do, respect the people that work for you andrespectthepeopleyouworkfor.”

While Jackson mentioned many helpful lessons duringtheprogram,shesaidthemostimportantfactor istoneverquit.

“When I first came into the Marine Corps I was on mess duty which is one of the worst jobs you could have,” said Jackson. “But I didn’t quit. I hung in there. And that was a lesson learned because there were a lot oftimesintheMarineCorps,andinlife,whereIwanted toquit.Butyou’vegottohanginthere.”

Duringtheprogram,William“Buddy”Davis,headof FRCEFacilityandInfrastructureMaintenanceDepartment, mentioned a career-changing event that would nothavebeenpossiblewithoutJackson.

“Colonel Jackson, I would like to thank you. In 1997 through a grassroots effort, we stood up the first reliability team with a predictive maintenance program across the enterprise and your predecessor, Colonel Leavitt,supportedthatprogram.Asyoucameinasthe executiveofficerin2000,youcontinuedtosupportthat effortandtheprogramthrivedandremainedalive,”said Davis “Itwasatoughbattle,butwestillhaveathriving teamtoday,sothankyouforthat.”

NationalAPATChampionJohnGrabenstein,director ofmaintenanceforNavalaviationforCommander Fleet ReadinessCenters,saidheiscommittedtofosteringan environment where every individual has the opportunitytothriveandcontributetheiruniquetalentstothe Navy’ssuccess

“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand theincrediblypositiveimpactthatdiverseperspectives and experiences can have on our organization,” said Grabenstein “Bychampioningdiversityandinclusivity wenotonlystrengthenourteams butwealsoenhance ourabilitytotacklecomplexchallengesthatlieahead.

FRCE Command Operations Department Head David W. Rose, who also serves as the FRCE APAT Champion, said the observance reinforced the importanceofadiverseworkforceanditsbenefits.

“It is important to recognize diversity in the workforce Programs like these showcase how diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen the organization,”saidRose “IamproudtochampionAPATand glad we were able to host this observance to recognize andhonorthecontributionsthesegreatAmericanshave madetonotonlythenation,butalsoNavalaviation.This event was especially exciting considering we had the opportunitytowelcometwoveryaccomplishedleaders back to the organization who played such a major role inshapingthesuccessoftoday’sworkforce.”

FRCEisNorthCarolina’slargestmaintenance,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 servicetothefleetwhilefunctioningasanintegralpart of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; andCommander,FleetReadinessCenters

Fort Story’s Norwegian Foot March tests mental, physical endurance

ByAprilPhillips

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va More than

150 Soldiers, Sailors, multinational NATO militarymembers,andcivilianstestedtheir mental and physical endurance recently at Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story (JEBLCFS). They attempted the NorwegianFootMarch(NFM),atime-honored tradition dating back to World War I, when the Norwegian Army designed the challengetobuildenduranceandresilience intheirsoldiers.Itisatimed18.6milecourse completed while carrying a rucksack of at least25lbs.

The Feb. 17 march at Fort Story was planned and executed by the U.S. Army SchoolofMusic(USASOM) locatedatLittle Creek. The school took on the challenge two years ago when three new USASOM staff members, who previously earned the coveted NFM badge, wanted service members in Hampton Roads to have the chance to try This year, participants came from as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“It’s ahistoricevent,” saidSgt.FirstClass Matthew Locker a senior group leader at USASOM “It’sanhonortohostthiscollaboration between NATO allies and all of the U.S.militaryservices.”

USASOMestablishedthecourse,provided pre-event safety checks, as well as regular checkpoints with water and snacks The U.S.ArmyTrainingandDoctrineCommand Band provided entertainment and encouragement before and after the march. On the course however, participants looked inwardformotivation,andtooneanother.

“I came here to challenge myself, said Lt Cmdr Tommy Regnaud,whocompletedthemarchfirst,inaboutthreehours “It was also great being here with other services and NATO team members.” Regnaud credited Norwegian Sgt. Christian Rode, who finished second, for inspiring him to keep pushing forwardataquickpace Rode,whohasnowcompletedtheNFM four times, agreed that while the event is a personal challenge, itinspiredteamwork.

“Wearestrongertogether,”saidRode “Thatfeelingofmastering your mind and body and realizing that you’re capable of doing what war requires is personal, but the camaraderie and workingwithothernationsmakesitspecial.

Norwegian Brig Gen. Ivan Knotter presided over the NFM, signing completion certificates and awarding the NFM badge, arareforeignmilitarydecorationthatcanwornonU.S.military uniforms HewasimpressedwiththeFortStorycourse

“It’saverydifficultthing There’ssoftsandandit’sverywindy Thesepeoplehavetrulyaccomplishedsomething,”Knottersaid Healsonotedthatformany,themarchisatraditionthatties them to those who came before. “I previously completed the NorwegianFootMarch,justasmyfatherdid.”

Atotalof129participantscompletedthisyear’sNFMwithin theallottedtime

ABOVE:More than 150 participants participated in the Norwegian Foot March and 129 earned theirbadge bycompleting it within the allotted time.

LEFT:Norwegian Brig Gen.Ivan Knotter(second from left) poses with top three finishers Lt Cmdr

TommyRegnaud (left) Norwegian Sgt.Christian Rode (second from right) andArmyCapt. Chris Keefe (right). All three finished the Norwegian Foot March in about three hours.(PHOTOSBY APRILPHILLIPS)

Down under demo: ONR touts additive manufacturing tech at Australian event

ByWarrenDuffieJr. Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va The Office of Naval Research(ONR) anditsinternationalarm, ONR Global participated in the recent Autonomous Warrior 2023 (AW23) exercise,locatedatHMASCreswellinJervisBay, Australia.

AW23 brought together Australian military allies, as well as industry and international partners, to demonstrate various technologies designed to help the Royal Australian Navy strengthen its capabilities in the area of undersea warfare including uncrewed (also called unmanned) and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence andmachinelearning andlogistics,toname afew.

In addition, AW23 represented just one way in which ONR and ONR Global are supporting AUKUS, which is a trilateral securitypartnershipinvolvingtheU.S.,U.K. and Australia, focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

“There are a number of ways that AW23 couldbenefitU.S.SailorsandMarines,”said Dr KnoxMillsaps headofONR’sNavalAir

Warfare and Weapons Department. “For example, we can see and experiment with new technologies being brought to bear in Australia. They’re really developing a lot of cutting-edgetechnologiesthatareusefulnot justfortheirownforces,buttheU.S.canalso leveragethosecapabilitiestoitsadvantage.”

Oneexampleofcollaborationinvolvedthe U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Surface VesselDivision One (USVDIV-1), which was created in 2022 to expedite uncrewed vehicles into the fleet During AW23, USVDIV-1 helped demonstratethecapabilitiesandinteroperabilitypotentialofuncrewedsurfacevessels

During AW23, ONR and the U.S. Marine Corpsengagedinacollaborativeapproachto facilitate rapid autonomous logistics delivery ThisinvolvedtheONR-sponsoredExpeditionaryFabricationLaboratory(XFAB).

“TheXFABisanexpeditionarycapability thatprovidesadditivemanufacturing, said Maj.KyleHolway,anONRliaisonofficer “It enableswarfighterstofabricateandproduce repairpartsandothercustomizedsolutions Marines can use software programs and 3D printers, among other tools, to address supply chain issues that might arise during amission.”

Encased in a type of shipping container called a conex box, the XFAB is equipped with multiple 3D printers, scanners, laser cutters and other support tools to shrink a unit’s logistical footprint by eliminating the need to transport large amounts of spareparts DuringAW23,Marinesprinted components such as medical tools, latches andhinges,propellers impellersandantennae “In terms of readiness and sustainment, the XFAB will help Marines reduce their logistical impact by enabling that pointof-need manufacturing,” said Dr. Jennifer Wolk, a division director in ONR’s Sea WarfareandWeaponsDepartment.“Sometimesyoudon’tknowwhat’sgoingtobreak orneedreplacing sotheXFABcanbeatrue gamechangerforwarfightersinthefield.”

The mission of the XFAB aligns with the emerging naval concept known as ExpeditionaryAdvancedBaseOperations(EABO), which involves deploying small but highly mobileunitstoisolatedlocations EABOhas the potential of quickly getting forces into a strategically vital area, and potentially in an adversary’s weapons engagement zone, in response to an evolving threat when no

otherU.S.militaryassetsareavailable

“In an exercise like AW23, U.S. Marines can conduct training with the XFAB, get more exposure to it and become even more proficientinharnessingitscapabilities,”said Durga Nanan, an ONR Global science advisor with III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They also can share tactics, techniques, protocols and lessons learned with their Australian counterparts most of which arebasedoncommercialandindustrystandardsandarenotproprietary.”

ONR Global Country Director (Australia) Wayne Liu said, “One of the most valuable aspects of AW23 is being able to bring ONR-funded technology and work with Australian technologists and scientists. We getacomprehensiveevaluationofourtechnologyinacollaborativeenvironment,lookingatitsidebysideundermissionscenarios. It engenders strong partnerships among ONR, the U.S. Department of Defense and ourAustraliancounterparts.”

Watch a video about AW23 at https:// youtu.be/ZiyfzmV3AK4

Warren Duffie Jr is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications

Lieutenant Johnson accepted into the Navy Recruiting Command’s Junior Officer Diversity Outreach Program

nology Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields within the Navy Lieutenant Latriva (Triv) Johnson currently serves as an Assistant Project Officer for New Construction Nuclear-PoweredAircraftCarriers.Herprevioustoursconsistof MachineryandBoilersofficeronUSSBlueRidge(LCC19), Main Propulsion Assistant on USS Antietam (CG 54), and a Project Officer on multiple ships at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center San Diego (SWRMC) on USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Pinkney (DDG 91), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

LTJohnsonisoriginallyfromHouston,Texas,shegraduated from Prairie View A&M University in 2015 earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a Naval Science minor She was commissioned into the United States Navy the same year In 2021, she furthered hereducationbyobtainingaMasterofScienceinMechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

CaptainHannahKriewaldt,theCommandingOfficerat SUPSHIPNN,commendedLieutenantJohnson describing herasadynamicofficerwithanimpeccablebearing apositiveattitude andatirelessworkethic.SheaddedthatJohnson’s talents and leadership qualities have significantly contributed to professional growth in various domains LieutenantJohnsoniseagertoprovideresourcestohelp expandtheNavy’sminorityofficerprofile Shebelievesthat building a well-trained and diverse workforce will positively impact the Navy’s growth

Military Sealift Command Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Brunswick begins

ByHendrickDickson

USN Military Sealift Command

Military Sealift Command Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) began a scheduled two-month maintenance period Feb. 12 after returning stateside to HamptonRoads,Virginia,fromaseven-year forwarddeployment.

MSCannouncedinJanuarythatColonna’s ShipYardinNorfolk,Virginia,wascontracted to execute the more than $6 million regular drydock/overhaul (ROH), which includes 114 work items Colonna’s will work with several subcontractors and MSC personnel to provide repair and maintenance services forthevessel.

MSC’s Engineering Branch (Code N7) is responsible for planning developing and promulgatingengineeringpolicies programs andprocedurestoensuretheMSCfleetoperates in the most efficient, cost effective and mission-ready posture Within the Branch, the Life Cycle Management Division (Code N75) oversees maintenance and repairs for

MSC government-owned ships in the fleet toensureoperabilityandmission-readiness

JamisonGrinnell,EPFLifeCycleManager (CodeN758)/BrunswickPrincipalPortEngineersaysplanningforthisROHbeganmore than a year ago, and it has taken a collaborative and team effort between the crew, contractors, N758 and MSC staff to get to thispoint.

“Weinitiallystarteddeskplanningforthis availabilityalmostayearandahalfago,”said Grinnell.“Wehadanadvancedplanningcell that assisted, and a logistical department who continues to assist with processing all ofthematerialorders Therearealotofhands involvedinmakingthishappen.”

Theworkpackageincludesoriginalequipmentmanufacturer(OEM)maintenanceand corrective maintenance including structuralrepairs

“ThereisalargedatabaseofOEM-recommended, time-based maintenance,” he said. “A lot of it is due each year, some of it is due every three or five years That makes up the bulk of the work package Then our correc-

tive maintenance are repairs that occurred duringoperations Thesearerepairrequests from the chief engineer The major jobs are structuralrepairsthatrequirealotofaluminumweldingskills.”

Grinnell says because Brunswick was forward-deployed,communicationhasbeen vital to developing a complete and accurate work package that maximized the maintenanceperiod.

“We’vebeeninconstantcommunicationto makesurewehadjobspre-loadedinthework packagepriortostarting,whichcanbetough because we’re locking in much of it eight to 10monthsoutwhilethey’restilloperational andthingscouldstillbreak,”hesaid

DuringtheROH,anon-shoremaintenance team, which includes of the Ship’s Master, ChiefEngineerandGrinnellwillmanagethe execution

“Theassistantportengineer,qualityassurance representative, integrated logistics supervisor and starting this year, we have a technical administrative assistant, who will work with the contractors and monitor the

progressoftheROH.Thegoalistoensurethe repairs are done correctly and Brunswick’s is back underway in a timely manner,” said Grinnell.

BrunswickshifteditshubportfromSaipan February this year after completing a sevenyearforwarddeploymentthatbeganJan.30, 2017, in support of military logistics operations in U.S. 7th, 5th and 3rd Fleets’ areas of operation. MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships thatreplenishU.S.Navyshipsatsea,conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces Celebrating its 75th anniversary in2024,MSCexiststosupportthejointwarfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and reservemilitarypersonnel.

African American history observance features art, music,

ByAmyPerry Defense Logistics Agency Aviation

RICHMOND, Va Team members from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation recognized the contributions of African Americans during an observance honoring National African American History Month Celebration Feb. 20 on Defense Supply CenterRichmond,Virginia.

This year’s theme for the observance is “African Americans and the Arts,” and the event featured retired Army Col. Christine

Knighton as the guest speaker and retired Army Lt Gen. Arthur Gregg as a special guest, along with Vanice Toler and Triniti Cunningham, Richmond-area vocalists who performed several musical selections The event was coordinated by Aviation’s Equal Employment and Diversity Office in conjunction with the Engineering Directorate Several DLA Aviation employees participatedintheevent:PatriciaDandridge,Small Business Program, performed the National Anthem; Donna Campbell, Engineering

Directorate, provided the invocation and benediction;andNatalieSkelton,DLAAviationPublicAffairs,exhibitedtwoartpieces, onefeaturingDr MartinLutherKingJr and one featuring an African queen The Army Women’sMuseumteamalsosetupadisplay featuringBlackwomenintheservice AirForceBrig.Gen SeanTyler DLAAviation commander, introduced Knighton to theDLAteam.

“She’s a trailblazer whose achievements as an Army aviator and leader paved the wayforothersinthefield,”hesaid.“Shehas not only the distinction of being the second Black female officer ever to earn her pilot wings at Fort Rucker (Alabama), now Fort Novosel,butshealsowentontobecomethe Army’s very first woman to lead a tactical combatarmsbattalion.

Establishing an observance for African Americans was vital to recognize their enduring significance, said Knighton, and thisyear’sthemecelebratesthemanycontributions of writers, musicians, actors and more.

“(This observance) serves as a platform foreducation aplatformforempowerment and a platform for social change, she said. “AfricanAmericanartistshavebeencharged to preserve history and preserve unity The theme is meant to celebrate and honor the richnessofthepastandpresent,andtolook forwardtowhatthefuturewillbring.

“African American art is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the people that have a lived experience that is woven intoeverybrushstrokeandintoeverylyric,” Knighton continued. “From the shores of Africa to the streets of Harlem and Atlanta, African American artists have used their craft to preserve history to challenge social normsandtoinspirechange.” KnightonandGreggwererecognizedand thanked by Tyler for their participation in the event. After Knighton’s speech, Toler sang “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans, andCunninghamperformed“StandUp”by Cynthia Erivo. The duo then finished the observance with a rendition of “Lift Every VoiceandSing,”invitingtheaudiencetosing along After the event, Knighton and Gregg heldameetandgreetwithDLAemployees Gregg is one of the two namesakes to the recentlyredesignatedFortGregg-Adams As anArmylogistician,Greggachievedseveral ‘firsts’inhiscareer,includingtheArmy’sfirst Blackofficerintherankoflieutenantgeneral and the Army’s first Black Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics Knighton said she has a special memory of the other namesake of Fort Gregg-Adams when she served as an escortforLt Col CharityAdamsduringthe 2004openingoftheWorldWarIIMemorial inWashington,D.C.

U.S.AirForce Brig Gen.SeanTyler,left,commander,Defense LogisticsAgencyAviation,presents retired U.S.ArmyCol.Christine“Nickey”Knighton and retired U.S.ArmyLt Gen.ArthurGreggwith

ByBoatswain’sMate3rdJessicaNunes

NORFOLK, Va Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Norfolk provides morethan100differentprogramsthatequip Sailorsandtheirfamilieswiththeeducation they need to navigate and balance the Navy andtheirpersonallives.

Theirwide-rangingportfolioofprogrammingincludesworkshops,classes,andcounseling all free of charge to the Naval Station(NAVSTA)Norfolkservicemembers, support personnel, and family members withintheHamptonRoadsarea.

On July 16, 1979, the first Navy Family Service Center was officially opened in Norfolk and the name changed in 2001 to Fleet and Family Support Center in order to emphasize additional support programs andcenteritsmissiononsupportingservice memberandfamily

The idea for the Navy Family Service Center grew out of the Family Awareness Conference held in Norfolk in November 1978 where it became evident that greater effort was needed to meet the needs of the NavyFamily A task force was set up to explore how to meetthiscommitmenttofamiliesunderthe leadership of Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson TheconceptofaFamilyServiceCenter developed and was quickly implemented, with the opening of the Navy’s first Family ServiceCenter

At first, the center employed 19 people and provided counseling in three different

areas: Relocation Assistance, Information andReferral,andClinicalcounseling. Now, the center has a staff of more than 130 people who continue to serve the Navy and military community at large, with servicestoincludecounseling,familyadvocacy ship-board deployed resiliency coun-

selors,victimadvocacy,newparentsupport, sexual assault prevention and response, deployment support, individual deployment support specialists, ombudsmen and fleet readiness group training and support, personal financial management programs, lifeskillsprograms parentingclasses infor-

mation and referral, transition assistance management, family employment, and exceptional family member program case liaisons

“FFSC Norfolk supports the largest footprint of personnel in the fleet,” said FFSC Norfolk Site Director, LaCresha Dunnings “My team provides nearly 17,000 courses a year bothashoreandonthewaterfront.”

Despite the large course load offered, FFSC continues to innovate, in order to bring its customers excellent and convenientservice

“One new program we are excited about istheexpansionofcounselingservices,”said Dunnings “We now have the availability to dovirtualcounseling.Thisisagreatoption, with more flexibility and convenience for service members and their families at a time when the availability of mental health servicesislimited.

In addition, FFSC Norfolk supports mobilization for deployment readiness by providingcrisisresponseservices,advocacy services,andcounselingservices.

FFSC’s programs contribute directly to fleet readiness and career retention. FFSC Norfolk provides its courses by command request or by eligible patrons, through walk-in or appointment. Course schedules for Hampton Roads FFSC services are publishedquarterlyintheFFSC‘Signal.’For moreinformationvisithttps://www.navylifema.com/support-services/support-center-locations

JBM-HH hosts the 27th Annual Capital Classic Basketball Tournament

ByJasonGoselin Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

JOINT BASE MYER HENDERSON HALL, Va

Basketball teams from branches and installations around the country gathered on the joint base to competeinthe27thAnnualCapitalClassicoverPresident’sDayweekend.

Seventeen men’s teams and three women’s teams competed for the title, traveling from as far as Fort Carson,Coloradotoparticipate.Thelargestbasketball tournament in the DOD, the Capital Classic features 3-pointshootouts,half-timecontests musicandfood.

Theintensecompetitionhighlightedtheathleticism ofservicemembersacrossthebranches,andwithmilitary leaders focused on fitness and readiness, Richard Pulignani believes the tournament directly supports theseobjectives

“Sports drives servicemembers to be better at their jobsandtobebattleready,”saidPulignani,Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports and Fitness Program Manager. “It provides resilience, agility muscle endurance hand-eye coordination, all thingsthatareimportanttothembeingbattleready.”

More than 35 games were spread over four days of play,atthreedifferentgymnasiumsacrossthejointbase.

Pulignani is already looking toward next year and hopes to bring in even more teams from across the country

“There’salotofmilitarybasketballacrossthenation that isn’t here yet, we’re hoping to grow that and bring in 25 to 30 teams to really take this to the next level,”

Pulignanisaid. RetiredMasterSgt.EarlTaylorIII,anotherlongtime supporterandfacilitatoroftheevent wasalsoinattendance He’s the chairman and president of the Greater Potomac Officials Association, which helped sponsor theevent.

“This tournament is close to me because I’ve been with it for 27 years”, Taylor said “We’re proud to be abletogivethebestNCAAofficialswehavetofacilitate thegames.” Fort Belvoir defeated the Raptors from Joint Base Langley-Eustis to claim the title in the women’s division. On the men’s side the Raptors claimed the title with a victory over Fort Liberty’s Dragon Elite.ExcitementfilledtheroomasJBM-HHDeputyCommander, Lt Col. John Dexter, presented the victors with their trophiesandchampionshiprings.

“Ifeelgreataboutwinning.It’sagreattournament,a greatteamandagreatopportunity,”saidNikoGooden, from the winning JBLE Raptors Gooden is a sailor at JBLEandthisishisfirsttimecompetingintheCapital Classic.

Interestedteamsareencouragedtobegintrainingfor next year’s competition and keep an eye on JBM-HH MWR’swebsiteforofficialregistrationinformation Formorejointbasenews,visit:army.mil/jbmhhnews

ByLanceCpl BrennaRitchie

Marine Corps Recruiting Command

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va From mortarman to becoming a force fitness instructor trainer, Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Omanahernandez has served 11 years in the Marine Corps and throughout this time he has transitioned from student toteacher

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Omanahernandez, senior enlisted advisor of the Martial Arts Fitness Center of Excellence, is a Force Fitness Instructor Trainer with Training and Education Command on Marine Corps Base Quantico Virginia. TheVenezuelannativemovedtotheUnited Stateswhenhewassix.

“There’sahugeculturaldifference Ihave seen from the outside where the Marine Corps is seen as the American dream,” said Omanahernandez “Well,beingaMarinehas changedmylife.”

When Omanahernandez first became an FFI, he went back to his unit to train and teachthemhowtotakechargeoftheirphysical fitness Following this he returned to MCB Quantico, where he earned the title of force fitness instructor trainer and was tasked to train the next generation of force fitnessinstructors

“The best way to describe being a force

fitness instructor is teaching the whole Marine concept in a mental and physical aspect,butspecificallyforfitness,”explained Omanahernandez “I get to influence the MarineCorpsasawholebecausethere’sno specificjobthatcomestothiscourse.”

Marines that are in the infantry food service administration, linguist, or any other occupational field the Marine Corps might offer come to the FFI course for five weeks to train with a class of 30 to 40 other MarinesattheMAFCE.Studentsstudyboth inaclassroom,learninganatomy,physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology, and outside theclassroom,learningrecoverytechniques, stretches exercises andothergeneralphysicaltraining OncetheMarinescompletethis course they return to their respectiveunits and build fitness programs unique to their Marines’needs “As far as being an instructor, being a trainer, I love being in front of people,” Omanahernandezexpressed.“Ilovetomeet people from all around. It makes me better, anditmakesthembetter We’rejustlearning fromeachother’sexperiences.”

The champion Raptors fromJoint Base Langley-Eustis postwithJoint Base

Hall DeputyCommander Lt Col.John DexterFeb.19 at theJBM-HH Fitness Center (PHOTOSBY

JASONGOSELIN,JOINTBASEMYER-HENDERSONHALL)

Recruiters of the Year recognized at the Commandant’s Combined Awards Ceremony

BySgt.LeviVoss

Marine Corps Recruiting Command

TRIANGLE, Va The sun shined throughout the National Museum of the Marine Corps atriuminTriangle,Virginia,Illuminating the faces of a group of elite members of the United States Marine Corps and their families They have traveled from their respective units and homesacrosstheUnitedStatesto accept an award from the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Christopher J. Mahoney

On February 8, 2024, the NMMC hosted the Commandant’s Combined Award Ceremony, which aims to recognize and congratulate those who rove the nation’s streets seeking recruits who might take their place as the next generation of Marines; those who turn those recruitsintoMarines;thosewho make every Marine a rifleman; those who continue to uphold their core values,andthosewhostandthewatch,ensuring security and stability in an unsecure and unstableworld.

U.S.Marine Corps GunnerySgt.TristanWiggin,a recuiterwith Recruiting StationTampa,Fl.,6th Marine Corps District,receives the award for First Runner-up RecruiteroftheYearfrom General ChristopherJ. Mahoney,the 37th assistant commandant ofthe Marine Corps,at the National Museum ofThe Marine Corps,Triangle,Va February8,2024. The awardwas given to recognize the best ofthosewho scourthe nations landscape seeking out thosewhowill take theirplace upon the yellowfootprints.(U.S.MARINECORPSPHOTOBYSGT.RACHAELANNE WOODWARD)

award sets the standard. As these Marines continue with their career, their past as recruiters will forever have changed their futureasMarines

OftheMarinesrecognized twowererecognized for their duty in the field of recruiting the nation’s next generation of Marines: U.S. MarineCorpsGunnerySgt.RussellB.Cowan, arecruiterwithRecruitingStationSanDiego, 12thMarineCorpsDistrictinSanDiego,California, was presented with the “Recruiter of the Year” award, and Gunnery Sgt. Tristan Wiggin, a recruiter with RS Tampa, 6th MCD in Tampa, Florida, received “First Runner-up.”

“These Marines performed their duties in an exemplary manner. Through superior knowledge, hard work, and perseverance,” saidGunnerySgt.CourtneyBrooks,theceremoniesnarrator,“theirstellarperformanceis inspirationalandhasearnedthemtherespect andadmirationofallMarines Theirinitiative and dedication to duty reflected credit upon them and were in keeping with the highest traditionsoftheMarineCorpsandtheUnited Statesnavalservice.”

Theawardandsubsequentceremonymade it clear that these extraordinary Marines continue to lead, shape, and build the future oftheirCorps Movingforward,winningthis

Fitness Instructors

from Page 1

“TheSHAPEconventionisaneventwhere

these events now, so being able to experience building connections with civiliansthatmayormaynotknowanythingabout theMarineCorpsisimportant.”

Building relationships with high schools colleges,andtheirstaffthroughtheseevents and the Educators and Coaches Workshops brings awareness to students interested in the Marine Corps Being an instructor of Marines, Omanahernandez has an insight into how similar being an FFI is to various sportscoaches

“Through these partnership events, coaches can start understanding that we’re not that different,” Omanahernandez said. “Yes we’re in the Marines and we wear a uniform. They also wear a uniform They re not in the Marines, but as far as fitness is concerned,it’sverysimilartowhatwedo.”

Omanahernandez also explained a coach

“Coming from an aviation background, I was working long hours there as well, said Wiggin. “After the first few months of recruiting, you start understanding how to be an effective recruiter and what it takes to completework There’salotthat goesintoit asfarasadministrativeworkgoesandsoon.”

Given the recent recruiting climate, it would be easy for an individual to excuse themselves from such a tiresome burden as recruiting thenextgenerationoftheMarine Corps However,theseMarinescontinuedto excelwithoutexcuse Theyacknowledgethe challenge they faced and yet learned from it intrueMarinefashion.

“If there was a challenge, it would be that: balancing recruiting and family life,” said Cowan,“Iovercamethatchallengebyputting in the work as soon as I got to the office so Icouldspendqualitytimewithmyfamily.”

His wife, Shenaya Cowan, agreed, “When hecomeshome,hegivesuseverythinghehas leftinhistank.”

These Marines exemplify the best of the recruiting force and Marine Corps Recruiting Command as a whole, and while it’s easy

approachedhimattheNVCAeventinTampa, Florida.ThecoachparticipatedinaCoaches Workshop on Marine Corps Base Quantico in 2015. At these workshops, educators and coaches alike experience a small portion of boot camp and learn about what it is to be a Marine.Duringtheworkshop,thecoachmet, learned about tie-ins and proceeded to use themwithhisathletes

Marine Corps tie-ins provide an opportunityforguideddiscussionsledbytheinstructor Omanahernandez said the coach had beenusingthemforthelastnineyears “GunnerySgt.Haywoodhasalsoattended someoftheseevents;hejustwentouttoColorado State,” Omanahernandez continued. “Wedothisallthetime goingouttonetwork andsharewhattheMarineCorpscanoffer.”

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Alon Haywood, chief Force Fitness Instructor Trainer at the MAFCE, is a native of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and works with Omanahernandez. Haywood came to the continentalUnitedStatestostartcollegebut quickly found the Marine Corps He joined initially for the financial aspect, a steady paycheck, and tuition assistance but he quicklyfoundthatfitnesswashispassion

“I fell in love with the physical training and building the mental fitness and overall becoming a stronger, better person,” Haywoodsaid.“Itgavememanyopportunitiesforpersonaldevelopment.”

Q: Whattypesoffamily housingareavailable?

A: There are three types of housing available to families:

Public/PrivateVenture(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 forthe construction, renovation,maintenance and day-to-day management ofthe housing PPVhousing may be



JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792

Oceana/DamNeck:

to feel proud of this individual accomplishment, it certainly wasn’t achieved alone Both Cowan and Wiggin adamantly attest to the necessity of their family’s support. Not only that, butthesupportofalltheMarines aroundthemwasalsoneeded. “Teamwork is definitely key on this duty; when it comes to my family, my wife has been completely supportive of my goals going into this duty, and she is a huge reason I have been able to be successful out here, said Cowan, “the other key part is when I first came out on this duty was the advice I got from the other recruiters that were there. If not for these individuals, I wouldn’t have been the RecruiterIamtoday.”

Not long after the awards presentation, Gunnery Sgt. Courtney Brooks, the ceremonies narrator, took a moment to thankthefamiliesoftheMarines awarded, including Cowan and Wiggin.Sheaskedthatthefamiliesberecognized “for their sustained, unselfish, and devoted support in helping to make their Marine’s contribution to the Marine Corps and our nation possible. Would the family members of these awardees please stand? For sustained, faithful, and devoted service insupportofyourMarine’scontinuedsuccess intheUnitedStatesMarineCorps.”

Whatfollowedwasalongapplausewhich includedastandingovation.

It was further acknowledged that the awardees make tremendous contributions andsacrificeswhileexecutinguniqueduties within the Marine Corps and the families’ unselfish support, understanding, and friendshipinthismissionhaveensuredtheir Marine had the opportunity to distinguish themselvesasoneoftheCorps’finest.

As the day full of recognition came to an end, the Marines, their families, and those in attendance carried on about their lives Wigginreflectsonthebiggestrewardduring histimeasaMarineCorpsRecruiter “Making each and every individual feel comfortable. Helping them understand that we are humans like them,” said Wiggin “We are trying to help these young men and womensucceed.MentoringthemandmaintainingtheMarineCorpsculture.”

In 2018, Haywood came to the FFI course asaSergeantandwasecstatictoreturntohis unittosharehisknowledge Haywood’smain reasonforbecomingaFFIwasbecauseofhis fondnessforeducatingothers.Hesaidthathe wasn’tthetypeofpersontokeepinformation tohimself

“MyfavoritethingaboutbeinganFFIisthe coachingaspectofit.Onethingthatcoaching hasdoneforme atleastintheFFIprogram,is giving me that one one-on-one, face-to-face time with Marines,” said Haywood. “Teachingthem,showingthemthings,theyweren’t aware of, even how their body moves. Being able to give them that information and build that rapport with them through physical training Ilookforwardtoiteveryday.”

Haywood focuses on teaching proper recovery techniques and emphasizes warm-upexercisesandcool-downstretches. He said there’s a lot of scientific background tophysicaltrainingratherthanjustgoingout anddoingpush-ups,pull-ups,andplanks “I’m excited to also attend the SHAPE convention this year,” said Haywood. “I’ve worked with [the organization] 2 or 3 times now, showing the coaches that the Marine Corps knows how to teach physical training from an educational standpoint. I love it, I enjoy it, and I just hope that for the remainderofmycareer,I’llbeabletoinspirethenext generation to become Marines for years to come.”

U.S.Marine

Improvise, adapt, and overcome: Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Ostermann became the change

ByLanceCpl BrennaRitchie Marine Corps Recruiting Command

MARINECORPSBASEQUANTICO Va

“I’ve had a lot of failures in my life, more sothanmysuccesses, GunnerySgt.Joshua Ostermannjokes “Inhighschool,Iletthose gettome TheMarineCorpstaughtmethat whenIhitawall,Ifindaladder.”

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Ostermann, Prior Service Recruiting statistician chief Marine Corps Recruiting Command, is a native of El Cajon, California, and has served in the Marine Corps for 17years

Ostermann was homeschooled up until high school, describing himself as a shelteredkidandashavingasmallfriendgroup withwhomhestuckreligiously.

“Iwentfromdailylifewheremyonlyand bestfriendin‘school’wasmyonebrotherin the house to being made fun of at my actual high school, said Ostermann. “It was definitelyacultureshock,averyhumblingexperience.”

In 2006 after graduating high school, Ostermann enlisted in the Marine Corps Ostermann remembered being told stories oftheCorpsandlookinguptohisdad,who hadbeenaMarine

“Before the Marine Corps it was harder to talk to people outside my comfort zone,” Ostermann recalled. “The Marine Corps forced me to have to build those kinds of communicationskills.

Looking back into his 17 years of service, Ostermannrecognizesthechangesfromhim inhighschooltowhereheisnow.Struggling and overcoming adversity has been some-

BySgt.LeviVoss

Paul Nhomba from the rest of the workers,runnersandreadersoftheMarine Corps?Whilehenowhearsthesenoiseson American soil, they rang out in his home countryofCameroonformostofhislife.

Nhomba amobilitychiefwiththeMarine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, started his journey at the age of 20 when he decided to move to America from Cameroon to further pursue his education. He made the move secretly, and when he arrived, he soon learned of the intangible benefits he could gain from serving his new country by enlistingintheUnitedStatesMarineCorps. Benefits that included physical fitness comradery andevencitizenship

“I [actually] left without letting anyone know, recalledNhomba.“Ijustdisappeared foraweek,thenIcalledmyparentsandtold them,‘I’mintheU.S.,’andtheydidn’tbelieve me.” Tosaytherewasalanguagebarrierwould bethemostaccurate.Byhisownadmission, NhombaknewexactlynoEnglish.

“Before I joined the Marine Corps I was just doing jobs here and there to get the languagedown, saidNhomba.

Nhombaaddedthatalreadyknowinghow tospeakFrenchandhisnativetongue,Basaa, washelpful Asidefromthelanguages,growing up in Cameroon also instilled in him a devoted work ethic and an unwavering loyalty to those who mean the most to him. Twocharacteristicsthatwouldimmediately accelerate his Marine Corps career as he earnedthe“ChestyPullerAward”forbeing the most physically fit recruit in recruit training Earninghimameritoriouspromotiontoprivatefirstclass

Furthermore, his background also prepared him for the diversity in culture andthoughtthathewouldexperienceinthe Marine Corps Allowing him to be the best leaderhecouldbe Accordingtohissubordinates,Nhombaisanoutstandingleaderwho caresabouthisMarines.

“His leadership style is great; he leads by example,” said Pfc. Kaden Maddox, a logistics specialist at MCWL, and Nhomba’s Marine “He won’t make me do anything thatheisn’twillingtodohimself.”

These are semantics; if you look strictly at“thenumbers,”Nhombaisarguablyeven moreexceptionalaMarine.Hisawardsand attributions include the aforementioned “Chesty Puller Award” in recruit training andacertificateofcommendationforbeing named the honor graduate of class 27-18 Marine Combat Training During his initial military occupational training, Nhomba earnedameritoriousmastandaHumanitarianServiceMedalforsupportduringHurricane Florence. Most recently he received a certificate of commendation while serving as a linguist during joint training with the French 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade at MountainTrainingExercise1-24

“WhenIthinkofSgt.Nhomba,thetraitsI thinkaboutarethingslikecourage,enthusiasm and judgment,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Miller,logisticschiefwithMCWL.“Beingin thiscareerfieldalreadytakesacertainbreed ofindividual,-thetop1%.So tohavesomebodymakethetrektotheU.S.,thensay,‘that isn’t far enough, now I have to be the best of the best,’ takes a certain character that is hardtoputintowords.”

Ultimately Nhomba attributes most of his success to his diverse background. He alsoacknowledgesthefactthathehadkept his dreams protected so as not to be talked-out of them by the people he cares the mostabout

“Sometimes to succeed, you must do things in secret. Because people who don’t understand your vision or where you’re going will try and stop you,” said Nhomba.

thing that Ostermann has done recurrently throughout his career to such a degree that oneofhismottosis‘bethechange.

“Don’t get down on yourself; instead, reflect and say, ‘Tomorrow, I’m going to punchitevenbetter.I’mgoingkeeptrying,’” saidOstermann.“Iwanttobethechangein other people’s livesandmy own.Being that changethatyouaspiretobe,thathasalways

beenthebiggeststruggleofmycareer.” Ostermann reflected on the past leaders whoimpactedhimmostasajuniorMarine Gunnery Sgt. Corey Johnson was his staff noncommissioned officer and administrativechiefatMarineAviationSupportTrainingGroup42atNavalAirStationPensacola, Florida. Johnson is a Marine who instilled the mindset of constant betterment into

Ostermann.

“‘Be the change’ is probably the best way toembodywhatmakesGunnerySgt.Ostermann a great Marine,” said Johnson. “A lot ofMarinescomplainabouthowthingscould bebetter,Ostermannalwaysfoughttomake thathappen.”

AccordingtoJohnson,Ostermannwasan integralpartinmakingtheirjuniorMarines feelliketheywerepartoftheunitonadaily basis instead of only on weekends they had drills Ostermann was also the one Marine thathadeveryoneelse’sphonenumber sohe checked in on them during non-drill weekends. “One of the things that I can say I passed on to Ostermann when he was my sergeant was ‘your strength lies in your willingness to fight,’ ” Johnson shared. “Fight for the rightthingevenwhennooneislooking Sgt. Ostermann usually just needed a word or two to set him in motion. It takes courage to do the right thing and Sgt. Ostermann is aMarinewhoIcancountontodotheright thing,nomattertherisk.

Johnson pushed Ostermann to pursue higher education and other methods of personal development. He also showed Ostermann how to deal with internal strife and still accomplish the mission, which Ostermannsaidhe’llneverforget.

“Ifyoufail,butyoucontinuouslytry Ihave nothing but respect for you, Ostermann expressed.“Becauseatleastyoukeeptrying Istrivetotellpeopletoaccepttheirfailures andusethemtomoveforward.Themoment youstoptryingisthemomentyoutrulyfail.”

“Theydoitoutoflovewithoutunderstandingwhereyou’retryingtoendup.”

Now that Nhomba is knee-deep in his dreams, so to speak, those who would have maybe tried to hinder his pursuit are also benefitingfromhisdetermination

“I send money back to my parents every paycheck,” said Nhomba. “It works out well,too,becausewhenIvisit,they’rereally proudtoshowpeople,‘Thisismyson!Look whathe’sdoing;lookwherehe’sgoing!’”

Where Nhomba is going is the most important thing in his journey While he enjoys the pursuit and being a Marine, he keepshiseyeslookingtothefuture.

“I’dliketoendupinmedicalschool,”said Nhomba,“Rightnow,Iamusingmytuition

assistance to study [bio-chemistry]; when I’m done with that I’ll try and go to medicalschool.”

Nhomba is expressive in his support for those seeking a path to citizenship through service.Reflectingonservice,hefeelsproud to have a chance to serve the country that gavehimsomanyopportunities “I think this is the greatest way you can give back to a country that welcomed you,” Nhomba admitted. “By answering the call and giving back something whether that’s onecontractor20+years.” People often say, ‘thank you for your service,’ to members of the American military To Nhomba, his service is his way of sayingthankyoutohiscountry

When asked what sort of feelings he gets when he thinks about the fact that he is an American,Nhombadidn’thesitate “Forme I consider America as the greatest nation in the world. So, being able to say I am part of the greatest nation in the world and the greatest military in the world - now that’s a flex.Isayitloudandclear Iamveryproud.”

Change Healthcare cyberattack impact on MHS pharmacy operations

CourtesyStory

DefenseHealthAgency

FALLSCHURCH,Va Areportedcyberattack on the nation’s largest commercial prescriptionprocessor,ChangeHealthcare, has affected military clinics and hospitals worldwide On Feb. 21, Change Healthcare disconnected their systems to protect patient information. This is impacting all military pharmacies worldwide and some retailpharmaciesnationally

Militaryclinicsandhospitalswillprovide outpatient prescriptions through a manual

procedure until this issue is resolved. Military pharmacies will give priority to urgent prescriptions followedbyroutineprescriptions. Each military hospital and clinic will continuetoofferpharmacyoperationsbased ontheirlocalmanningandresources.Please be patient while pharmacies take longer thanusualtosafelyfillprescriptionneeds Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact their military hospital and clinic or retail pharmacyforthelatestlocalupdates.

For more information, visit the Patient Portal Outages page at www.tricare.mil/ outage

ByDavidVergun DOD News

Recruiting the next generation of engineers to tackle complex problems and provide solutions for the warfighter is a DefenseDepartmentimperative,saidHeidi Shyu,undersecretaryofdefenseforresearch andengineering,atavirtualDODEngineer’s Weekevent.

The department recognizes the critical importanceofnurturingthenextgeneration ofengineerstodealwithchallenges,suchas inquantumcomputing artificialintelligence andhypersonics,Shyusaidtoday.

Engineering as a discipline embodies innovation, problem solving and commitment to advancing society Within the department, engineers are at the forefront of addressing complex challenges that are crucial for the nation’s security and prosperity,Shyusaid.

“National service holds a special place forus Itrepresentsacalltoduty acommitment to something greater than oneself It is about dedicating one’s skills and talents to serve and protect our country, ensuring thesafetyandwell-beingofourfellowcitizens,” she said

DOD is actively addressing recruitment initiatives in the science, technology, engineeringandmathfieldswithscholarshipand fellowship programs including universities withlargeminoritypopulations shesaid.

“The department ensures that opportunities are extended to individuals from all walksoflife,”Shyusaid.“Thiscommitment not only enriches the talent pool, but also ensuresabroadspectrumofperspectivesin addressingcomplexchallenges.”

Engineers aren’t just problem solvers; they’re the architects of a more inclusive anddiversefuture,shesaid.

Shyu mentioned two DOD engineering approaches to problem solving: digital engineering and modular open systems approach,knownasMOSA

Digital engineering for global threats is critical in the ever-evolving landscape of globalthreats,shesaid.

The department’s digital engineering focustakesatransformativeapproach,integrating digital computing modeling and analytics into an interconnected, modelbasedenvironment,shesaid.

Digitalengineeringisnotonlyatechnical evolution.It’salsoafundamentalchangein how DOD executes engineering projects. It facilitates communication of systems requirements,enablesvirtualtestingacross

abroaderspectrum,andsupports3Dmanufacturing and harnessing the power of predictivemaintenance shesaid. DOD’stransitionfromtraditional,paperbased processes to a more interconnected digitalenvironmentplacesitattheforefront oftechnologicalinnovation.

AnothercomponentofDOD’sengineering strategyisMOSA. MOSA represents more than just an

adoption of new technologies. It embodies a commitment to openness modularity and interoperability MOSArepresentsagroundbreakingshiftinthewayDODdesigns,developsandevolvesdefensesystems,Shyusaid. Gone are the days of legacy proprietary solutionsthatlimitedtheabilitytointegrate cutting-edge technologies without making extensivemodifications,shesaid.

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassRyanNoel

U.S. Coast Guard District 5

Kenneth Jones is a man who shows up forhisfamily,hiscommunity,andhiscountry.

Stationed at the Atlantic Area Communications Command Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Petty Officer Jones and his team helpsavelivesatseabydeliveringrapid,reliable,andsecurecommunicationsoperations to Coast Guard operational commanders, jointandinteragencypartners,civilianorganizations,andthemaritimepublic.

Jones is a Yeoman, responsible for the management of personnel records, pay and entitlements promotions and overall specialization of human resources within the Coast Guard In his personal life Jones is equally committed to serving his family, building meaningful connections within his community, and pursuing his passion forsneakersandfashion.

Jones comes from a Naval background. His father served for over 20 years in the Navy, primarily on submarines His father was often gone for long periods of time deployed and unable to connect back to his family at home Jones said that when he joined the Coast Guard nine years ago, he didn’twanttobeanabsentdad hewanted to have a career that supported his family allowed him the flexibility to pursue his

ambitionforclothingdesign.

Jones enlisted into the Coast Guard because he and his wife, who had recently separated from the Navy, were expecting their first baby. Jones knew he needed to make a commitment to something to keep hisfamilysafeandsecure.Hewascurrently in college but knew that life was requiring more of him. Originally, he wanted to join theAirForcebut,oncehedidmoreresearch, hedecidedtojointheCoastGuard.

“I liked what the Coast Guard stood for Wesavelives,helpwithinourlocalcommunities, and we really make a difference that not many get an opportunity to see,” said Jones

Having lived in Virginia his entire life Jones said the Coast Guard also gave him the opportunity to see different parts of the country, learn new things, and broaden his horizonsonlife

“I’d lived in Virginia since I was in the first grade,” said Jones “I’ve always loved fashion and having moved around during my service, I’ve had the opportunity to see different places, how people dress and it has been enlightening to me - it’s expanded my view of different cultures and locations acrossthecountry.”

JonessaidhistimeintheCoastGuardhas allowed him to build friendships and relationships with people across the country,

and inspired him to take his eye for fashion tothenextlevel.

“I’m working on a clothing/sneaker line calledKINDMandit’smydreamtobeinthe fashionindustryfulltime.”

JonessaidthenameKINDMcomesfrom acombinationofkinandpersonalkingdom. HesaidhisstrongtiestotheVirginiaBeach area allows him to draw many of his influences from various artists and musicianssuch as Pharrell, Pusha T, and Missy Elliot -whoalsocallVirginiaBeachhome.

He said KINDM is based on a communityofpeople “Kinfolk,family,friends.It’sa kingdom,thatmakesyou,you.It’saboutthe peoplearoundyouthatbuildittogether,”he said.

Jones values family service to his country,andhiscommunityashisprimarytenets of who he is, and his custom-made sneaker displays his upbringings in a sense that he trulyunderstands

Jones recently entered a pair of his personally-designedsneakersintoanational design contest, placing in Top 10 with his life-and-service-inspireddesign. Jones’saidhiscustomsneakerrepresents the ocean, including the famous Statue of Neptune from Virginia Beach. Jones included personal details, inside of the tongue is printed “By VA 4 VA Thank You” as an appreciation to anyone who owns the

sneakerandrepresentsthearea. “PeopleintheCoastGuardreachedoutto mewhenmysneakerwentviral,”saidJones “They were telling me they would buy my sneaker!”

Jones is currently trying to get out of his comfort zone and grow his online presence in the fashion community He said he loves getting his message out to the world which isthatanyonecanbalanceacareerofservice and lifesaving with personal passion and a family-firstmind-set

“There are so many job opportunities in the Coast Guard that can set you up for successinthefuture,”Jonessaid.

Heacknowledgeditisn’talwayseasy,but anyone willing to show up and put in the workcanmaketheirdreamscometrue

“One of my favorite quotes is from Steve Martin: ‘be so good that they can’t ignore you,’whichissomethingIthinkalotabout,” hesaid

“Atmyjob,intheCoastGuardcommunicationcenterorathomewithmyfamilyand fashion,Iwanttobesomeonewhoshowsup who sticks it out and gives it everything I have.”

“Success comes from pushing those boundaries, that’s the type of energy that drivesme,”hesaid.

Hicks announces delivery of initial CJADC2 Capability

ByJosephClark

DOD News

The Defense Department has delivered its initial iteration of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or CJADC2 capability, Deputy Secretary of DefenseKathleenHicksannouncedtoday.

Theinitialversionrepresentsaminimum viablecapabilitycombiningsoftwareapplications, data integration and cross-domain operational concepts designed to provide decisionadvantagetowarfighters

“The minimum viable capability for CJADC2 is real and ready now,” Hicks said during the keynote address at Advantage DOD 2024: Defense Data and AI Symposium,athree-dayeventhostedbythePentagon’sChiefDigitalandArtificialIntelligence OfficeinWashington.

CJADC2isthedepartment’sapproachto developing both material and non-material solutionstodeliverinformationanddecision advantagetocommanders.

The department aims to apply the CJADC2 approach across all warfighting domains to give warfighters the edge in deterringand,asnecessary defeatingadversariesanywherethroughouttheglobe

Hicks noted CDAO’s critical role in getting the initial iteration across the finish line, after being challenged last summer to deliver a minimum viable capability in a matterofmeremonths.

She said that due to security reasons she could not reveal where or what the initial capabilityannouncedtodaywasspecifically developedfor

“ButwhatIcantellyouitwasnoeasytask, especiallyinsixmonths,”shesaid.“Butwith a lot of hard work across many teams, pairing operators across multiple commands withengineersfromDODandindustry,they

deliveredontimeandontarget.”

She said the first iteration has proven to be low latency and reliable, adding that it represents“thebeautyofwhatsoftwarecan doforhardpower.”

“Delivery doesn’t take years or decades,” she said “Our investments in data, AI and compute are empowering war fighters today.”

The department intends to build on the success, Hicks said, to deliver the capabilityatscale

“Our goal is to be ahead of the curve, not chasing the curve,” she said. “CDAO will play a critical role in this next phase of our

development, but so too will our operators and research, development and acquisition professionals throughout the Defense Department.”

Hicks said staying ahead of the curve requiressustainedimprovementininternal processes, investments in talent and effectivepartnershipswithindustry

It also requires predictable and timely appropriationsfromCongress “Wecan’tdoitwithoutresources,”Hicks said. “One of our combatant commanders recently reached out to me noting that the advancesthatthey’rerelyingonfromCDAO aredeadinthewaterwithoutourfiscalyear

2024appropriations

“We need Congress to come together and pass appropriations for 2024 ASAP,” she said “It is long overdue, and the delay isdevastating.”

The initial rollout represents a tangible outcome from DOD’s focus on adopting innovations that can deliver military value underHicksandSecretaryofDefenseLloyd J.AustinIII.

Thatfocusincludesrapidlyandresponsiblyinvesting,iteratingandbuilding“amore modernized, data-driven and AI-empoweredmilitarynow,”Hickssaid.

“There’s no debating the why, because these technologies give us an even better decision advantage than we already have today,” she said. “And that’s imperative giventhepacingchallengewefacefromthe People’sRepublicofChinaindeterringand defendingagainstaggression.”

Investments in AI, specifically, can greatlyimprovethespeed,qualityandaccuracy with which commanders make decisions, giving them a decisive advantage in deterringconflictandwinningafight,Hicks said

“Data and AI are necessary to empower ourwarfighters,”shesaid.“Wehavetocapitalizeonthat.”

But she cautioned that the U.S. is not engaged in an AI arms race with other nations and will continue to lead in the responsibledevelopmentofnewtechnology.

“Weneedspeedandsafety,”shesaid.“We have to be responsible and rapid. We don’t havetheluxuryofchoosingoneortheother It has to be both for the good of the nation, forthegoodofourmissionandforthegood oftheworld.

Singh makes case for ‘sustained, timely funding’

ByC.ToddLopez DOD News

Inlessthanthreeweeks,onMarch8,the continuingresolutioncurrentlyfundingthe Defense Department will expire.

“Thedepartmentisstilloperatingunder a third extension of a continuing resolution, a stopgap funding measure that preventsanynewstartsandlimitsourabilitytoimplementafullyresourcednational defense strategy,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing today. “No amount of money can buy back the time we lose when we are forced to operate under continuing resolutions.”

A continuing resolution is temporary funding for federal agencies in lieu of an appropriationsbillhavingbeensignedinto law. For fiscal year 2024, that bill should have been signed into law before Oct 1, 2023 Thisisn’tthefirsttimetheDODhasgone forasignificantamountoftimewithoutan approved budget. Since 2011, the DOD has had appropriations at the start of the year for only one fiscal year FY2019.

“Ifyouaddupthetotaltimespentunder aCRgoingbackto2011,we’vespentnearly five years under CRs,” Singh said “That

puts our national security at risk and preventsthedepartmentfrommodernizing aswecontinuetobeconstrainedtoexisting

fundinglevelsandpreventedfromlaunching new programs.”

Continuing resolutions, such as the one

DOD is currently operating under, are a short- term effort, and make it difficult for the department to do its job Lacking a continuing resolution or a full appropriation the government is also at risk of shutting down.

“Thisbrinkmanshipcreatesuncertainty, increased costs and delays missions, and most importantly, it’s a distraction for the force,” Singh said. “We will continue to defend the nation and conduct ongoing military operations But the impact of a government shutdown will be widespread and devastating to our service members, theirfamiliesandDODcivilianswhowork every day in support of our national security.”

Singh said the Defense Department will continue to defend the nation, but that without an approved budget, it will be increasingly difficult to do what’s being asked of it.

“Wemustbreakthispatternofinaction,” Singhsaid.“Wecan’tout-competethePRC with one hand tied behind our back [for] three four fiveorevensixmonthsofevery fiscal year The best way that Congress can supportthedepartmentistopassappropriationsbillsintolawassoonaspossible We need predictable, adequate, sustained and timely funding.”

Pentagon official lays out DOD vision for AI

ByJosephClark DOD News

ThePentagon’stopartificialintelligenceofficial laid out the Defense Department’s vision yesterday for scaling digital data analytics and AI across the department to ensure decision advantageforthewarfighter.

CraigMartell,DOD’schiefdigitalandartificial intelligence officer, addressed stakeholders from throughout the department and industry as he kicked off the three-day AdvantageDOD2024:DefenseDataandAI SymposiumhostedbytheChiefDigitaland ArtificialIntelligenceOfficeinWashington.

“Imagine a world where combatant commanders can see everything they need to see to make strategic decisions,” Martell said in painting a picture of the AI-enabled future for the audience “Imagine a world wherethosecombatantcommandersaren’t getting that information via PowerPoint or via emails from across the [organization] the turnaround time for situational awareness shrinks from a day or two to 10 minutes.”

Martell, who holds a doctorate in computer and information sciences, was appointed to his position with the department in 2022. Prior to joining the DOD, he served as head of machine learning for the ridesharingplatformLyft

Realizing this vision, he said, is about building the foundation to enable industry stakeholders and warfighters close to the tactical edge to leverage data and artificial

intelligence to solve problems in an evolvinglandscape InNovember,DODreleaseditsstrategyto acceleratetheadoptionofadvancedartificial intelligencecapabilitiestoensureU.S.warfightersmaintaindecisionsuperiorityonthe battlefieldforyearstocome Thestrategyprescribesanagileapproach

toAIdevelopmentandapplication,emphasizingspeedofdeliveryandadoptionatscale leading to five specific decision advantage outcomes:

„ Superior battlespace awareness and understanding

„ Adaptiveforceplanningandapplication „ Fast preciseandresilientkillchains

„ Resilientsustainmentsupport

„ Efficiententerprisebusinessoperations

The blueprint also trains the focus of the department on several data analytics and AI-relatedgoals:

„ Invest in interoperable federated infrastructure

„ Advance the data, analytics and AI ecosystem

„ Expanddigitaltalentmanagement

„ Improvefoundationaldatamanagement

„ Deliver capabilities for the enterprise businessandjointwarfightingimpact

„ Strengthengovernanceandremovepolicy barriers

Taken together, these goals will support the“DODAIHierarchyofNeeds”whichthe strategydefinesas:qualitydata,governance, insightful analytics and metrics, assurance andresponsibleAI

Martell said during his address today the CDAO’s focus baseline needs are key to enabling the warfighter to leverage the powerofAI.

“Winning for us is when everyone else thinks ‘I launched AI; I solved this data problem.Iquicklyleverageddatatobuildan analyticalsolutionthatsolvedmycommander’sproblemrightaway,andIhavethetools, Ihavetheinfrastructure,Ihavethepolicies and I have the contract vehicles to deliver it,’”hesaid.“That’swinning.”

DeputySecretaryofDefense Kathleen H.Hicks speaks during theAdvantage 2024: Defense Data &AI Symposium,Washington,D.C Feb.21 2024(DODPHOTOBYU.S.AIRFORCETECH.SGT. JACKSANDERS)

Military Through the Ages: Centuries of military history unfold in one weekend, March 16 & 17, at Jamestown Settlement from 500 B.C.E. to present day with re-enactments, music and special demonstrations of artillery and military equipment

PressRelease

WILLIAMSBURG, Va Ever try on medieval armor, explore mess tents of the Coldstream Guards in Egypt in 1882, or wonder about life in the trenches for a Doughboy in World War I?

Make ready for centuries of military history all in one weekend at Jamestown Settlement’s time-honored Military Through the Ages event on March 16 and 17, marking its milestone 40th anniversary in2024 Forfourdecades,ancientwarriors, knights, sailors and soldiers through time have descended on museum grounds to presentoneofthemostuniquechronological displays of military history

This year Military Through the Ages will feature hundreds of re-enactors depicting armed forces from 500 B.C.E. all the way to modern-day soldiers with the VirginiaArmyNationalGuard.Visitorsare immersed in military encampments and invitedtointeractwithre-enactorstolearn howuniforms,weaponsandtacticsevolved through the centuries

Inhonorofitsmilestoneanniversary the two-dayeventwillpresentavarietyofmilitary musical performances from the Revolutionary War, World War I and II eras to present day, as well as special demonstrations of military equipment used in the air, on land and at sea. Among the highlights is the Virginia Army National Guard scheduled presentation of a narrated flyover of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at 12 noon

Sunday, March 17

Timeline from 500 B.C.E. to the Present Day

More than 40 re-enactment units will portray soldiers and military encounters across the globe from Greek and Roman times,themedievalperiod,HundredYears’ War, War of the Roses, American Revolution, War of 1812, Napoleonic Wars and American Civil War. Re-enactors depicting World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, andOperationUrgentFuryinGrenadawill takevisitorsthroughthe20thcentury The NationalMuseumoftheMarineCorps,the Virginia Army National Guard 111th Field Artillery and Virginia Defense Force will represent the present day. Re-enactment units at this year’s Military Through the Ages event originate from nine states, including Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. View the full list of re-enactment units scheduled to participate in this year’s event at jyfmuseums.org/mta-units

Helicopter Flyover, Artillery Firings & Military Pass-in-Review

On Saturday, comparative artillery-firing demonstrations at 12 noon will showcase weaponsrangingfroma17th-centuryswivel gun to a modern-day howitzer On Sunday theVirginiaArmyNationalGuardisscheduledtopresentanarratedflyoverofaUH-60 BlackHawkhelicopterat12noonalongthe riverfront area, followed by artillery firing. A military pass-in-review at 3 p.m. Sunday features a narrated procession of re-enactment units with a salute to VANG Major General James Ring the adjutant general ofVirginia.

Military Musical Performances

Three musical groups are scheduled to performthroughouttheweekendevent

The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performing on Saturday is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces and part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Musicians recall the days of the American Revolution while performing in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington’sContinentalArmyincirca1784 black tricornhats,whitewigs,waistcoats,colonial coverallsanddistinctredregimentalcoats

The AEF Regimental Band is a 12-piece

brass band representing the one formed at the American Expeditionary Forces HeadquartersinChaumont,Francein1918atthe request of General John Joseph Pershing The band is sponsored by The Doughboy Foundation, which pays tribute to the 4.7 millionAmericanswhoservedinWorldWar I,andtheNationalWWIMemorialinWashington D.C. The 29th Infantry Division Band from the Virginia Army National Guard, known as “The Governor’s Own,” is comprised of approximately 40 enlisted soldiers and a chief warrant officer The band will be divided into three ensembles during the event the Concert Band, Fife and Drum and Normandy Winds The Normandy Winds will present music of World War II, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, where members plan to attend the upcoming observancein2024

Wall of Gratitude

AWallofGratitude locatedintheRobert V. Hatcher, Jr Rotunda, will celebrate the love and support of military families inviting visitors to create a personalized star for veterans or active-duty members of all branches of the United States armed forces andreserves.

Mobile Vet Center

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will display its Mobile Vet Center near the

museum’smainentranceduringthetwo-day event.An“officeonwheels,”theMobileVet providesreadjustmentcounseling,information and resources to veterans for veterans, servicemembersandtheirfamilies

Military History at Jamestown Settlement

Arms, armor and military equipment of 17th-century Virginia can be seen yearroundinsideJamestownSettlement’sextensivegalleryexhibits,featuringartifacts,films and interactives that tell the story of America’s first permanent English colony and of the convergence of the Powhatan Indian, English and West Central African cultures in 1600s Virginia. Outdoors, visitors can immersethemselvesinlifeofearlyVirginia inoutdoorre-creationsofa1610-14English fort, Paspahegh Town and three re-createdships thatbrought Englishcoloniststo Virginiain1607

Military Through the Ages is presented with support Helen Zadarlik, James City County and through generous contributions to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation,Inc.AnnualFund

How to Attend Military Through the Ages

Admission to Jamestown Settlement, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily year-round, is $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12 Childrenages5andunderarefree Avaluepriced combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12 Parkingisfree An Annual Pass, $44.00 for adults and $22.00forages6-12,offersyear-roundaccess to Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including daytime special events such as Military Through the Ages Virginia residents can purchase an Annual Pass for $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12, the cost of a single-daycombinationticket. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, includingWilliam&Marystudents,receive freeadmissiontobothmuseumswithproof ofresidency JamestownSettlementislocatedonState Route31neartheColonialParkwayinJames CityCounty,justsouthwestofWilliamsburg and adjacent to Historic Jamestowne For information, call (757) 253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org/military-through-the-ages

by CassandraandTonyBozeman.

With the opening of its inaugural military base location MOD extends its reach to more than 82,000 active-duty military personnel and 112,000 family members as well as the general public in Norfolk, providing them with a welcoming space to enjoyMOD’sfullycustomizableindividually-sizedpizzasandhand-tossedsalads The new location reflects MOD Pizza’s ongoing initiative to expand into unique and non-traditional settings, fostering a sense ofcommunityandaccessibilityforcustomers This endeavor aligns with the company’s forward-looking vision emphasizing

theexplorationofdistinctive locations for future growth.

“We at MOD are extraordinarily pleased to see our first opening on a Military Base with our franchisees, Cassandra and Tony Bozeman, said Steve Blum, Chief Development Officer at MOD “We believe that ouruniquecombinationofnutritious,quality ingredients combined with our speed of execution is perfectly suited for non-traditionalenvironmentssuchasMilitaryBases Airports and Universities and love partnering with the military to feed our sailors As theleaderintheFast-casualPizzasegment, we look forward to opening many more non-traditionallocationsacrosstheUS.”

“This is an exciting time for ONE Enterprise Group,” said Tony Bozeman, ONE Enterprise Group “As a retired Army Officer it gives me great pleasure to employ motivated squad members as we serve those who serve along with their families.

MOD Pizza is just what the Navy ordered and we are excited to make it happen!” MOD remains dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of the armed forces; together with ONE Enterprise Group, MOD donated fifty percent of preview day sales to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, providing programs and services to assist active duty and retired Sailors Marines and their families in financial need. A check was presented to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Societyduringaribboncuttingceremonyon February27th.

MOD Pizza Naval Station Norfolk is located at 1560 Mall Drive Unit CD-13 Norfolk,VA23511.Regularhourswillbe MondaytoFriday:9amto7pm;Saturday:

FROM LEFTTO RIGHT: LegioXIIII Gemina re-enactor(69-70A.D.)

depicting militaryhistoryat MilitaryThrough theAges (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation photo); French 3eme’D’Ligne Regiment re-enactors from the NapoleonicWars (1805) in

17 replica aircraft ofthe Old DominionAirSquadron,APS (1918).(Photo courtesyofLynn Ritger);The 111th FieldArtillerywill participate in a comparative artilleryfiring demonstrations on

Sundayduring MilitaryThrough theAges (PHOTOCOURTESYOFVIRGINIAARMYNATIONALGUARD)

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

VCW, starring Hall of Fame Legend Teddy Long, returns to Hampton on March 9th!

BySamSaunders

VirginiaChampionshipWrestlingreturns to Hampton, Virginia on Saturday, March 9thatHamptonHighSchoolwithanactionpacked night of wrestling, featuring WWE Hall of Fame legend Teddy Long as the special guest General Manager! Hampton High School’s address is 1491 W. Queen St Hampton VA23669 Theevent’sdoorswill open at 6:30 pm with the show starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets and more information can befoundatvcwprowrestling.com.

The card for VCW’s Hampton return is stacked with multiple championship matches, as both the VCW Liberty Championship and the VCW Tag Team Championship will be contested in huge matches “Mr. Xcellence” Brandon Scott managed to win his first VCW Liberty Championship fromSaulEsparzalastmonthattheNorfolk Masonic Temple on February 3rd. Esparza stolethetitlefrom“TheHossofallHosses” Devantes in December after Neil Sharkey betrayed Devantes, cementing his place as Esparza’s right-hand man. However, when Sharkey tried to distract Brandon Scott on February 3rd in his match against Esparza DevantesarrivedtoputTheSharkeyTankin theirplace!AlthoughDevantesandEsparza both want their championship back, “Mr. Xcellence”isnotplanningtoletgoofhistitle anytimesoon.WillBrandonScottbeableto defeatanangrySaulEsparzaandmotivated

Devantes in what could be the most difficult VCW Liberty Championship defense inrecentmemory?

On February 3rd, The Golden Pinky Society were set to defend their VCW Tag Team Championship against The Delinquents However, “Diamond” Victor Griff of the Golden Pinky Society was not medically cleared before the match. Benjamin Banks planned on defending the championship alone, but Alex Divine rushed to his side to defend the title. Unfortunately for them,DezmonKinginterruptedthecontest and assaulted Divine, allowing The Delinquents to become the new VCW Tag Team Champions. “The Heaven Sent Kid” Alex Divine looks to end his issue with “Relentless” Dezmon King on March 9th, as they go one-on-one but with the Sharkey Tank in his corner, will King live up to his nickname and finally stop his enemy? As for the controversy surrounding The Delinquents’ winoveranincompleteGoldenPinkySociety, the two teams will properly face each other for the gold. Can The Golden Pinky Societyregainthetitlestheyneverproperly lost,orwillTheDelinquentsprovethattheir winwasnotafluke?

While the VCW Liberty Championship andtheVCWTagTeamChampionshipwill beontheline,theVCWHeavyweightChampion,JosephKeys,hasbeengiventhenight offby“TheDirector”JerryStephanitsis,and willinsteadappearon“TheLouliesLounge”

with host Tim Loulies Stephanitsis claims thattheWorldChampionisbeingrewarded duetobeinga“fightingchampion,”butKeys has only defended the title twice since his controversial victory in front of a sold-out crowd in Alexandria on November 11th. It’s clear that this decision is a reward for beingStephanitsis’hand-pickedchampion. Regardless,we’llhavetoseewhattheVCW HeavyweightChampionsaysonMarch9th. Therestofthenightwillbeaction-packed! Thehometownhero,PhilBrown,returnsto VCW to face the intimidating Big AC! The last time VCW was in Hampton, these two facedoff,withBrownearningahard-fought victory Canherepeathisprevioussuccessin hishome-turf,orwillBigACavengehisloss? Rumorhasitthattheringwillbereinforced forthismatchspecifically Since his return to VCW, Jerry Stephanitsis’ right-hand man, The Reason, has tormented the VCW roster On March 9th, he wishes to showcase a young, upcoming talent Whilemostmaybehesitanttoaccept the nefarious wrestler’s challenge, Myron Maloneisready toprovethathe iscutfrom a different cloth. The charismatic upstart may be known for tag team wrestling as a partofhisteam,TheHype buthehaspreviously demonstrated his impressive abilities in singles action in VCW. However, this will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge yet Will The Reason prove that Malone was foolish to accept his challenge, or can

MaloneshowVCWthattheHypeisReal? Formonths,ChrisSlade,DirtyMoney,and “Greek God” Papadon have traded victories with one another While Dirty Money managed to get a close victory over Chris SladeonNovember11thinAlexandria,Slade managed to secure a win against Papadon at Tidings of Destruction on December 2nd These three stars of VCW will finally decidewhoisthebestofthebestwhenthey face off in a triple threat match on March 9th. This match could very well be a showstealer, and a victory for any one of these men could cement themselves as a possible titlecontenderinthecomingmonths.

WWE Hall of Famer and former SmackdownGeneralManager,TeddyLong,willbe at VCW on March 9th Teddy Long will be making his return to his former position as foronenightonly,hewillbethespecialguest General Manager of VCW! If his résumé is anythingtogoby,Longwillbeguaranteedto ensure that March 9th is a night to remember VCW fans will also have the once in a lifetime chance to meet and take pictures withthelegendattheshow. Whilegeneraladmissionwillbeavailable topurchaseforMarch9thatHamptonHigh School at the door, tickets are selling fast! Guarantee a seat by purchasing a ticket at vcwprowrestling.com. Remember, doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show will start at 7:30pm.Youdonotwanttomissthismustseenightofwrestling!

of American youth: “Surfin’ USA, “Surfer Girl,”“Fun,Fun,Fun, IGetAround, “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda, “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,”“RockandRollMusic”and“Kokomo.” TheBeachBoyshavesoldover100million recordsworldwideandhavereceivedmore than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award.Withmorethanfivedecadesoftouring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rockbandinhistory

SoundsOfSummer:TheVeryBestOfThe BeachBoys,Capitol/EMI’s30-trackcollection of the band’s biggest hits, has achieved triple-platinum success with sales of more than three million copies in the U.S. since itsrelease.

TheBeachBoysareledbyleadsingerand

ByFamilyFeatures&MinuteRice

Puttingdinneronthe table quickly seems to be agoal moreoftenthannot,particularlyintoday’ssped-upworld However, spending less time cooking doesn’thaveto meansacrificingnutritionortaste

Toenjoybetter-for-youmealsintheblinkofaneye,lean into versatile ingredients prepared without the hassle likeMinuteBrownRice&QuinoaCups.Injust1minute youcansavorablendoftwo100%wholegrainswiththe crunchiness of redquinoa andchewy textureofbrown ricethattotal55gramsofwholegrainsandprovideagood sourceoffiberineachserving

Packedinsingle-serveportions,youcaneatrightoutof theBPA-freecuporservethewholegrainsasthebaseof thisspeedySweetChiliShrimpwithQuinoamixedwith succulent shrimp,umami-likeflavors from sweet chili sauceandthesatisfyingflavorandcrunchofgreenonions andchoppedpeanuts.Adeliciousdishthat’sfillingwithout the fuss,thisrecipe is ready in less than 5minutes to savetimewithoutrelyingontakeout.

Switchupyourfamily’sstir-fryroutinewiththissavory version of Whole Grain SesameChicken Stir-Frymade with rice, quinoa, vegetables, rotisserie chicken and a blend of soysauceand sesameoil.Thissimple meal is perfectforthosebusyweeknightswhenyouneedtosave timewithoutskimpingontaste

Readytocomplementthesucculentchickenandsesame-infusedveggies,MinuteInstantRice&Quinoaoffers

ablend of four whole-grain ingredients:brown rice, redrice,wildrice and quinoa. Available in four convenient, pre-portioned, two-servingbags, it cooks injust 10 minutes for light, fluffyand delicious nutty flavorfor recipeversatilityfrombreakfasttodessertsoyoucanrely onitasafamily favorite forlesstimecooking andmore timeenjoyingmealsandmomentstogether. To find morequick, nutritious dinner solutions,visit MinuteRice.com

SweetChili Shrimp with Quinoa

Prep time: 2minutes

Cook time: 2minutes

Servings:1

„ 1MinuteBrownRice&QuinoaCup „ 4ounces(½cup)cookedshrimp,peeledanddeveined „ ½cupfrozenAsian-stylemixedvegetables,thawed „ 2tablespoonssweetchilisauce „ 2tablespoonsthinlyslicedgreenonions „ 1tablespoonchoppedpeanuts

Heat rice and quinoacup accordingtopackage directions.Insmall,microwave-safebowl,combineshrimpand vegetables.Microwaveonhigh30seconds Stirinsweetchilisauce.Blendwell.

Serveshrimp mixtureoverrice topped with green onionsandpeanuts.

Solvedinnertime dilemmas with speedy,nutritious whole grains

WholeGrainSesameChickenStir-Fry

Prep time: 3minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 3-4

„ 1bagMinuteInstantRice&Quinoa

„ 1cupvegetablebroth „ 1tablespoonsesameoil,divided „ 2eggs,lightlybeaten

„ ½cupthinlyslicedredonion

„ 2garliccloves,minced „ 2cupsrotisseriecookedchicken,shredded „ 2cupsfrozen,Asian-stylemixedvegetables,thawed „ 2tablespoonssoysauce

Preparerice and quinoa according to package directions,substitutingbrothforwater.

Inmediumwokorskilletovermedium-highheat,heat ½ tablespoonsesame oil. Addeggs and, using spatula quicklysoftscramble.Continue stirring eggs until light andfluffy.Removefrompanandreserve.

Addremaining sesame oiltowok or skillet overmedium-highheat.Addonionandgarlic;stir-fry2minutes Addchickenandvegetables;stir-fry2minutes,oruntil heated through. Fold in riceand quinoa, eggs and soy sauce

Learn about TRICARE pharmacy network changes for specialty drugs

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va The TRICARE Pharmacy Program is improving how we managespecialtydrugs

Starting March 1, Accredo will provide specialty drugs and enhanced clinical services if you fill TRICARE-defined specialty prescriptions with TRICARE HomeDelivery Accredowillalsostayinthe TRICARE network as an in-network retail pharmacy.

If youor a family member takes specialty drugs, these changes may help you access andaffordthesedrugs.

“Specialty drugs are essential for a lot of our beneficiaries,” said U.S. Public Health ServiceCmdr TeishaA.Robertson Deputy Chief of the Purchased Care Branch at the Defense Health Agency “These updates to TRICARE’s pharmacy network will give militaryfamilieswithcomplexandchronic healthconditionsmoresupportinmanaging theirdrugs.” Accredo is an accredited specialty pharmacythatservespatientswithcomplexand chronichealthconditions.

With Accredo you’ll have 24/7 access to a clinical care team. This team may include specialty-trained pharmacists, nurses, patientcareadvocates,andotherprofessionals This team will help you better manage yourtreatmentwithspecialtydrugs Read on to learn more about these changes

Q: How are specialty drugs defined or identified?

A:Specialtydrugsareusedtotreatchronic, complexconditions Specialtydrugsinclude drugs that can be injected, infused, or inhaled. Some specialty drugs may require special handling, such as refrigeration. TRICARE defines specialty drugs through the Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeuticsprocess.GotoSpecialtyDrugs toseetheTRICAREspecialtydruglist.

Q:Icurrentlytakespecialtydrugs.How willthesechangesaffectme?

A:Itdependsonhowyoucurrentlyfillyour prescriptionandthedrugyouneed.

Do you have an active prescription with refills for a specialty drug at TRICARE Home Delivery administered by Express Scripts Pharmacy? If so, your prescription willbeautomaticallytransferredtoAccredo

Do you currently get specialty prescriptions at a retail pharmacy? In some cases, you may be required to fill these prescriptions through TRICARE Home Delivery or a military pharmacy, if available. If your specialty drug is on the maintenance drug listasofMarch1:

„ Express Scripts will contact you with instructions for transferring your prescription to TRICARE Home Delivery or a militarypharmacy „ After two fills at a retail pharmacy, you’ll havetopayfullpriceforyourprescription. This doesn’t apply to active duty service members. It also doesn’t apply if you have

other prescription drug coverage or live overseas

Q:DoIneedtodoanythingtoswitchmy specialtydrugprescriptiontoAccredo?

A: If you already get your specialty drug at ExpressScriptsPharmacyyoudon’tneedto doanything.Yourprescriptionwillbeautomatically transferred to Accredo Accredo’s clinical care team will contact you to completetheonboardingprocess If your specialty drug is on the maintenancedruglist,ExpressScriptswillcontact you with instructions for transferring your prescription. You can also call Accredo at 1-877-882-3324totransferyourprescription

Q: What are my options for filling a specialtydrugprescription?

A: The TRICARE network for specialty drugswillinclude:

„ In-network retail pharmacies, including

Accredo

„ TRICARE Home Delivery, including specialty pharmacy services provided by Accredo

„ Militarypharmacies

Starting March 1, the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool will show you where your specialtydrugsmaybeavailable.

You may also use a non-network pharmacy Using a non-network pharmacy is your most expensive option. You must pay fullpriceandfileaclaimforreimbursement. Non-network deductibles and cost-shares apply.

Q:Willmyout-of-pocketcostschange?

A: It depends. Your costs won’t change if you already fill your specialty prescription through TRICARE Home Delivery For prescriptions that you already fill at a retail pharmacyincludingAccredo,yourcostsmay change from the retail network pharmacy copaymenttotheTRICAREHomeDelivery copaymentstartingMarch1.

TheTRICAREPharmacyProgramOverviewFactSheetoutlineshowyourcostsare basedonwhoyouare,theprescriptiondrug category and where you fill your prescription. You can view your current pharmacy copayments on the TRICARE website

Starting March 1, the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool will show you the updated copaymentforyourprescription.

Q:HowdoIswitchtoAccredo?

A: You can call Accredo at 1-877-882-3324. A patient care advocate will work with you and your doctor to get a new prescription senttoAccredo.SinceAccredoispartofthe pharmacynetworkrightnow,youcanmove yourprescriptionbeforeMarch1.

Ifyouneedhelpfindingapharmacytofill your specialty drugs, visit Express Scripts (onlineathttps://militaryrx.express-scripts com/find-pharmacy) To learn more about TRICARE’s coverage of specialty drugs go toCoveredServices(onlineathttps://www tricare.mil/specialtydrugs)

By:JanetA.Aker MHS Communications

Age-related macular degeneration may cause a gradual reduction in your central visionovertime,soyoumightnotrecognize AMDatfirst

AccordingtoU.S.AirForceCol (Dr.)KristinePierce,withthe96thMedicalGroupat EglinAFB,“Thechangecanalsobeimmediate You can go to sleep one night and wake upwithblurryvisionorlossofvision.”

Another symptom of AMD is that “the perfectlystraightedgesofadoorframemay appear distorted and wavy, and you have missing areas of vision such as a blind spot or spots These signs can happen equally,” shesaid.

Pierce, a vitreoretinal surgeon, sees a numberofretireesandbeneficiariesatEglin Air Force Base Hospitalopens TRICARE. mil, Florida. Roughly 50% of her patients have AMD she said, adding “I’m a retina specialist,soIseeiteveryday.

According to the National Eye InstituteopensNIH.gov,damagefromagingtothe macula—“the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision”—is the cause of AMD “The macula is part of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye),”NEIstated.

It’s the leading cause of permanent impairment of reading or close-up vision. AMDdoesn’tusuallycausecompleteblindness, but losing your central vision can make it harder to see faces, read, drive, or doclose-upworklikecooking,needlework, orfixingthingsaroundthehouse

The Defense Health Agency’s Vision Center of Excellenceopens VCE on Health. mil recommends watching out for these signsofAMD:

„ Blurryorfuzzyvision

„ Difficultyrecognizingfamiliarfaces

„ Bumping into walls, steps, or other obstacles

„ Straight lines appear wavy or missing areas „ Agrayedout,dark,ormissingareainyour centralvision

„ Definitive areas (blind spots) of missing vision „ Decreaseorlossofcentralvision

Monitor Your Eyesight Regularly andAmslerGrids

Becauseofthedifferences in whenAMD showsup it’simportanttogetyoureyesight checked on a regular basis by an optometrist to see if you have or are developing the disease “If concerned, talk to your health care provider and have a routine eye exam with an optometrist. TRICARE covers optome-

try/routine eye exams every two years. No referralisrequiredtoseealocaloptometrist whotakesTRICAREopensTRICARE.mil,” Piercesaid Youcanalsoseeanophthalmologist for diagnosis or treatment if they are coveredbyTRICARE.

Ifyou’realreadyconcernedaboutchanges inyoureyesight,yourdoctormostlikelywill give you an Amsler grid to test your vision losseverydayathome Youlookatthegrid— heavy paper stock with black-and-white, equallyspaced,horizontalandverticallines printed on it—to see if the lines are becomingwavy,distorted,orhavespacesmissing.

Diagnosing AMD is a combination of examiningtheretinaandopticalcoherence tomographyimaging Piercesaid.

To examine the retina for AMD the eye specialist will dilate the pupils with eye drops, which may take 15-20 minutes to work fully Dilation allows the eye doctor toobtainawiderandmoredetailedviewof the retina and the internal eye structures Also, necessary diagnostic testing is easier toaccomplish

Testing the back of the retina takes a few minutespereye.Theeyespecialistwillalso perform a test called optical coherence tomography, or OCT, to observe the layers oftheretinaadirectexaminationcannotsee.

It’s non-invasive and uses light waves to

take cross-sectional maps of the retina’s thickness and layers It’s like putting a dye in your eye (fluorescein angiography) but without the dye and, it’s quicker OCT can identify the earliest changes in AMD and can help to diagnose and monitor for small progressivechanges

Lifestyle and Other Risk Factors for AMD

Age-related macular degeneration can develop at any time, even as early as your 50s,Piercesaid. Dr David Eliason, an ophthalmologist and deputy chief for the VCE, cautioned about these lifestyle and other risk factors forAMD:

„ Olderage

„ PresenceofAMDintheothereye

„ FamilyhistoryofAMD

„ Smoking

„ UVlightexposure

„ Highbloodpressure

„ Body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher (overweightorobese)

„ Dietlowinomega3and6,vitamins,carotenoid,andminerals

„ Diethighinfat

„ Lackofexercise

“Smoking and UV light exposure definitely play a role” in the development of AMD, Pierce said. “There is a much higher risk for the wet form of macular degeneration versus the dry form if you are or have beenasmoker.”

She added, “Genetics is still debatable There are lots of factors to include in possible genetic” relationships to the developmentofthedisease.

ThreeStagesofAMDandPossibleTreatmentsthatMaySlowProgression

TherearethreestagesofAMD:

„ Early(dry)

„ Intermediate(dry)

„ Advanced/late(wet)

DryAMDhappenswhenthemaculathins outandbreaksdownoverseveralyearsand occursinearly,intermediate,andlatestages, according to the NEI There’s currently no treatmentforearlyAMD,soyourdoctorwill keep track of how your eyes are doingwith regular eye exams While there’s no treatment for early dry AMD there are ways to make the most of your remaining vision by usinglow-visiontechniquesandtraining.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2opens NIH.gov, a large research study sponsored by the NEI, found taking certain nutritional supplements every day is an intervention to slow progression of AMD once the disease is diagnosed at the intermediatedrystage Specificformulascontain:

„ VitaminC(ascorbicacid)500mg

„ VitaminE400internationalunits

„ Lutein10mg

„ Zeaxanthin2mg

„ Zinc(aszincoxide)80mg

„ Copper(ascupricoxide)2mg

Medicationsinjectedintotheeye,known asanti-vascularendothelialgrowthfactors oranti-VEGFdrugs haveprovenhelpfulfor AMD

Photodynamic therapy, which combines eye injections and laser treatment, has also helped slow or halt progression of the disease,VCEstated.

Low-vision Aids

Low-vision devices such as magnifying glasses telescopes closed-circuit televisions or monitors large-print text, glasses-mounted cameras, increased illumination sources, smartphones, and smart watches are some of the low-vision techniques that can help you maintain vision andimproveyourqualityoflifewithAMD

These devices in combination with low vision care or blind rehabilitation by a low-vision optometrist or a vision rehabilitation specialist at a Military Health SystemhospitalorclinicortheDepartment of Veterans Affairs also can