www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, April 22, 2021 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Shipyard spotlight: John Karr Nuclear Job Planning Leader John Karr of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Assistant Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager Division has a wealth of knowledge. PAGE A6
VOL. 27, NO. 16, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
April 22-April 28, 2021
Serving the children of the military: Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Child, Youth Program By Hannah Bondoc
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs
ber. I absolutely walk away from this week knowing that our Navy is in good hands.” Likewise, Meier commended the highly-qualified Sailors, and turned his gaze to the future that these Sailors help build for the United States. “My biggest take away over the course of the week was that, my goodness, is our Navy in good hands,” said Meier. “You’re all future Chief Petty Officers — that’s evident — but you’re all entrusted with our nation’s most precious resource, which is her sons and daughters.” Meier emphasized his gratitude, reminding all that these Sailors may one day be the very leaders that future generations look up to. “How you set the table for success — how you mold future Sailors in your image and
PORTSMOUTH — Like every month, April has its own array of holidays and observances, but one in particular is held near and dear to the heart of Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Children and Youth Program (CYP): The Month of the Military Child. The observance honors the sacrifices made by children of military personnel as they support their parents’ efforts to protect the country. NNSY CYP offers services for children of service members throughout the year, including hosting special events during Month of the Military Child. Care for military children has come a long way since the 1950s, when military child care was organized by informal groups of military wives and parent cooperatives. “The first military child care system lacked any official structure and was essentially an hourly babysitting service for spouses who were working outside the home and parents who wanted socialization opportunities for their children,” the NNSY CYP website’s history page reads. Two decades later in 1978, the Department of Defense (DoD) mandated child care as an official Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activity, but there was no requirement for formal services to be offered. After the Vietnam War, more military children were in need of care as the number of women and dual working couples in the military grew. Finally, the Military Child Care Act of 1989 was passed in Congress, changing military child care for the better in quality, affordability, and accessibility. Changes include established accreditation requirements, an effective and efficient child care subsidy system, raised staff wages, and many more. Today, the Navy CYP provides services to 45,000 children and youth across the globe, with NNSY CYP being one of its many branches has provided military and civilian employee child care for decades. “NNSY CYP provides developmental child care and youth recreational programs for children from four weeks old to 18 years old,” NNSY CYP Oversight Director Renee Grant said. “The programs are designed to operate and meet the
Turn to CNAL, Page 7
Turn to Military Childern, Page 7
Sailors pose for a group photo after the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Sailor of the Year announcement ceremony at Sewell’s Point Golf Course. (MC3 BRENNAN EASTER)
CNAL announces FY2020 Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year By MC3 Bonnie Lindsay
Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK — Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) recently named their fiscal year 2020 Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year. Aircrewmen (Tactical Helicopter) 1st Class Chad Matthews, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, was named Shore Sailor of the Year, and Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Bryanne Iddings, assigned to the Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), was named Sea Sailor of the Year by Rear Adm. John Meier. “It’s just an honor to represent so many hard-working and talented Sailors at the CNAL level,” said Matthews. “Being able to represent them is truly an honor and a very humbling experience for me.”
Matthews and Iddings were chosen as Sailors of the Year after a week-long of events centered on naval history and heritage, building camaraderie, mentorship, and individual boards testing their military knowledge. “This has been the single most amazing experience in my Navy career,” Iddings said. “Spending this last week with eleven of the best of the best, I met new shipmates, made new friends, and learned so much about leadership, teamwork, and family. This was wonderful.” CNAL’s Force Master Chief Huben Phillips congratulated the nominees and reflected on his self-assurance and pride in the Navy’s ever-heightening abilities. “I am inspired by all of you,” said Phillips. “I was thankful that I have so many years in front of you, because I don’t think I could compete with Sailors of your cali-
The dynamic duo: Batman and Rob By MC1 Phillip Pavlovich Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK — When most people think of Batman, what comes to mind is a caped crusader who protects the city of Gotham with his extreme wealth and martial arts skills. But for Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Robert Herbstreith, Batman is a three-yearold black Labrador military working dog (MWD). Assigned to Naval Station Norfolk Security, Military Working Dog Division, Batman and Herbstreith are best friends and partners. They do everything together, from going on jogs, to playing and eating. “My dad was a dog handler in the Navy and after seeing what he did, from a young age I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” Turn to Dynamic duo, Page 7
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Robert Herbstreith and his partner Batman, both assigned to Naval Station Norfolk Security, pose for a photo. (MCSN PORSHA WALTON)
SOY winner announced
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Information Systems Technician 1st Class Corinna Ramos was selected as the top performer among four recognized 1st class petty officers across submarine shore commands in the Hampton Roads area.
Sailor serves local community
Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class James Williams knew without a doubt he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve in the U.S. Navy. PAGE A5
Norfolk Naval
Shipyard supports mothers NNSY has been steadily working toward becoming a better place for working mothers. PAGE A2
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