Flagship 04.25.2024

Unified effort in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

As the cargo ship M/V Dali was leaving the port of Baltimore early on the morning of March 26, it faced a sudden loss of power and driftedintotheFrancisScottKeyBridge,bringingdownmuchofthebridgeandtrappeditself in the wreckage In the aftermath a pivotal maritime salvage operation has unfolded with urgencyandprecision

Soonafterthecollapse,theU.S.ArmyCorps ofEngineerschargedtheU.S.Navy’sSupervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) to support the Unified Command by leading the clearing oftheBaltimoreHarborwaterway Itspersonnelalongsidemaritimesalvageteamsmobilized theirresourcestothesite

SUPSALV’sexpertiseisrecognizedthroughout the U.S. Navy Department of Defense and other federal agencies It provides technical, operational,andemergencysupportinmarine

salvage towing, pollution control and abatement, diving and diving system safety and certification, diving and salvage equipment procurementandunderwatershiphusbandry. Its expertise in marine salvage has been leveragedglobally,removingasunkendredgebarge inAlexandroupoli,Greece,in2019andrecently clearing Louisiana waterways impacted by HurricaneIdain2021

“SUPSALV supports other federal agencies and the country with its national response capability, including active duty and contractor salvage experts,” said Paul Hankins, director,SalvageOperationsatSUPSALV.“Wehave resources and support agreements in place so wecanimmediatelyrespondwithourexpertise andresourceswhencalledupon.”

Theoperationtore-openthechannelfollowing the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse has proven to be unusually complex with three

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center has expanded its services by offering remote clinical counseling to individuals, couples, and families. This new initiative aims to provide accessiblesupporttoactive-dutyservicemembers andtheirfamilies,ensuringtheyreceivethe necessaryassistanceregardlessoftheirlocationorcircumstances

“RemotecounselingwasaddedtoFFSCto expandtheavailabilityofnon-medicalcounseling for Sailors and their families In-person counseling is still available at the FFSC centers,”saidTonettaFox,NRMARegional counseling and advocacy program coordinator

Fox said counseling services offered are non-medical and short-term, with a focus on providing timely support and guidance toaddressvariouschallengesthatindividualsandfamiliesmayencounter Thesechallenges include but are not limited to issues related to deployment relocation, relationship dynamics, parent-child interactions, andotherstressorsassociatedwithmilitary andfamilylife “Relationshipstressorsoftenbringpeople to counseling, and the other great advantageofonlinecounselingisthatcouplescan participateincouplescounselingevenwhen they

Remotelicensedcounselors,whoarepart

CourtesyStory Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Active)

Health

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded CJW Contractors Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N4008524D0030); Addon Services LLC, Alexandria, Virginia (N4008524D0031); Bay Electric Co, Inc., Newport News, Virginia (N4008524D0032); Encon Desbuild JV3 LLC, Hyattsville, Maryland (N4008524D0033); Mark Turner Construction, Glen Allen, Virginia (N4008524D0034); MIG WMJ JV1 LLC VirginiaBeach,Virginia(N4008524D0035); Ocean Construction Services, Virginia Beach, Virginia (N4008524D0036); SAW Eastern JV, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Bridge Collapse

salvagecasesintersectingsimultaneously

Salvage efforts are supported by Donjon Marine, Resolve Marine, and Skanska.

(N4008524D0037); and Virtexco Corp., Norfolk, Virginia (N4008524D0038), a combined $450 million, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award constructionscontractforgeneralconstructionintheHamptonRoads,Virginiaareaof operations(AO) CJW Contractors Inc. are awarded $10,856,044 for the initial task order for submarine logistics support facilities The remaining eight contractors are awarded $5,000 each (minimum contract per awardee)atcontractaward Themaximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years for all nine contracts combinedis$450million. Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 military construction (MILCON) funds in the amount of $10,856,044 are obligated at time of award. FY2024operationandmaintenance,(Navy)

(O&M,N,)intheamountof$40,000willbe obligatedattimeofawardandwillexpireat theendofthecurrentFY.Futuretaskorders will be primarily funded by O&M, N and MILCONfunds. The work to be performed provides for a wide range of design-build and designbid-buildprojectsthatincludes,butarenot limited to, new construction, demolition, repair, alteration and renovation of buildings, systems, and infrastructure, and may include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and communication systems. Work will primarily be performed in the Hampton Roads AO, however, work may be required in other areas of the NAVFAC MIDLANT AO if necessary, and isexpectedtobecompletedbyApril2029 Thiscontractwascompetitivelyprocured via the www.sam.gov website, with 22

and interested EFMP familiesinonecentralizedlocation

proposalsreceived

NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity. NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering,publicworksandenvironmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine as far west as Illinois and down to Indiana As an integral member of theCommander,NavyRegionMid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadershipthroughtheRegionalEngineerorganizationtoensuretheregion’sfacilitiesand infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively For additional information about NAVFACMIDLANTonsocialmedia,follow

Donjon Marine is responsible for clearing the main navigation channel. Resolve Marineistheoilspillresponseorganization that the responsible party has contracted as part of their Vessel Response Plan and is workingtore-floattheM/VDali Thethird salvagecompany,Skanska isclearingdebris foundoutsidethemainnavigationchannel. “All parties involved have been pivotal to therecoveryandsalvageprocess,”SaidCapt SalSuarez,USN,Commander,Supervisorof DivingandSalvage,DirectorofOceanEngineering “Eachkeycomponenthastheirown set of experience and technical knowledge that will allow for a smooth and safe recoverytoreopenthechannel.

tion and communication are critical to the effectivenessandsafetyofthedivers.Every day, SUPSALV meets with the other teams at 6:30 a.m. to coordinate where everyone’s assetswillbethatday,andagainat5:30p.m. to share what was accomplished that day andwhattheyplantoaccomplishnext.

Withsomanyteamsonthesite,coordina-

Workerscontinuetocleardebris,support trussesandriggingandcontinuetheremoval processofbridgesections,workingtowarda channelopeningwithlimitedaccessbyApril 30andfullaccessbyMay31.

Through collaboration, expertise and unwavering determination, these salvage teams and SUPSALV are demonstrating in real time their ability to support maritime infrastructure.

This collaborative operation highlights the importance of readiness and swift action in disaster relief efforts The speed and competency which the salvage teams mobilized their resources demonstrates theimportanceofU.S.emergencyresponse capabilities

MSC75 Blast from the Past USNS Windham Bay (T-CVE/CVU 92)

ByHendrickDickson USN Military Sealift Command

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Military Sealift Command. In our MSC75 Blast from the Past series, we honor MSC’s significantimpactonthemaritimeenvironment and 75 years of maritime excellence by looking back at some of the vessels that laid the framework for the MSC fleet as we knowittoday.

Named after Windham Bay, within Tongass National Forest of the Territory of Alaska, USS Windham Bay (CVE-92) was a Casablanca-class escort carrier designed specifically to be mass-produced using prefabricated sections, in order to replace heavy early World War II losses It was laid down under a Maritime Commission

contract Jan. 5, 1944 at Vancouver, Washington,bytheKaiserShipbuildingCo Itwas launchedMarch29,1944sponsoredbyMrs HenryM.Cooper,anditwascommissioned May,3,1944 Following its commissioning, Windham Bay served as a replenishment and transport carrier for the U.S. Navy during the war. It participated in the Invasion of Iwo Jima and Battle of Okinawa and earned three World War II battle stars However, theshipwasmovedfordutywiththePacific Reserve Fleet Jan. 25, 1945 and designated “in commission, in reserve,” as the temporary flag ship of the Commander, Tacoma Group, 18th, until Aug. 23, 1946, when she wasplacedoutofcommission ThecarrierstayedwiththeReserveFleet until hostilities erupted in Korea during

the summer of 1950 Windham Bay was designated for reactivation Aug. 7, 1950 for assignmenttotheMilitarySealiftCommand (thenknownasMilitarySeaTransportation Service), and recommissioned Windham Bay(T-CVE-92)atBremerton,Washington, Oct 28, 1950 The vessel headed for Yokohama, Japan that January 1951 to unload a cargoofaircraft

In February 1951, during a voyage to SaigoninFrenchIndochina,WindhamBay became the first large ship to navigate the Long Tam River since 1925 While the ship wasdockedatSaigon,17handgrenadeswere tossedattheshipbyterrorists.Beforesetting coursebacktotheU.S.,itunloadedacargoof GrummanF8FBearcatsfortheFrenchand atSangleyPoint,PhilippineIslands

Over the next 20 months Windham Bay

would make nine resupply voyages from the West Coast to Yokosuka, Japan. She continued ferrying voyages between the U.S.andJapanduring1953untiltheKorean War wound down. On June 12, 1955, WindhamBaywasreclassified asautilitycarrier, with the hull symbol CVU-92 During this periodthrough1957,hermissionsconsisted solelyofresupplyingaircraftfromtheWest CoasttoJapan,insupportofthefastcarriers assignedtocoverthewesternPacific WindhamBay’scareerlasteduntiltheend of1958.InJanuary1959,shewasdecommissioned and berthed with the San Francisco Group,PacificReserveFleet.Hernamewas stricken from the Navy list on Feb.

Turner, an industrial hygiene officer, previously with the Military Sealift Command, participatedasaguestspeakerfortheevent.

Turnerbeganbyreflectingontheorigins of the FEDCUs, as well as the industrial hygiene laboratories that were eventually consolidated into today’s Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Laboratories (CIHLs) embedded in NEPMU Two and NEPMU Five Mr Turnerhighlightedthelegacydefined by innovation, excellence, and resilience, and summed-up the history by adding, “we continued to strive for better quality and better service year after year, and that’s the bottomline.”

When the FEDCUs were established in 1949 the U.S. Navy FEDCU One was establishedinNorfolk,Virginia,evolvingfromthe World War II-era epidemiology unit 24. In 1971theunitbecametheNavyEnvironmentalandPreventiveMedicineUnitTwo.Inits 75-year history, NEPMU Two has provided garrison preventive medicine support to Department of Navy (DoN) commands throughout the eastern continental United States (CONUS) and has deployed personnel to deliver advanced preventive medicinecapabilitiesinallgeographiccombatant commands

Over the next seven and a half decades, the NEPMUs would evolve to meet changingoccupational,industrial,environmental, and vector-borne threats to the naval force. The NEPMUs incorporated increasingly complexandcapablepreventiveandanalytic equipment, adapting its mission to encompass a wide range of force health protection services. They would go on to expand their scope of disease prevention and mitigation, ultimately extending to broad and diverse areas as food safety, ship and shore water system safety, disease vector control,

advancedchemical/biological/radiological threatdetection,occupationalhealththreat assessment, and industrial hygiene laboratory analysis ensuring comprehensive protection for DoN and joint personnel in everyfacetoftheirservice.

Today,NEPMUTwostaffs,trains,equips, and deploys three of navy medicine’s six activedutyForwardDeployablePreventive Medicine Units (FDPMUs), and continues to provide garrison preventive medicine consultation and response to DoN Installations, military treatment facilities, and operationalcommandsthroughouttheeastern CONUS and U.S. Southern Command

(USSOUTHCOM)areasofresponsibility

“Mr. Turner reminded us of our rich history,wherewecamefrom,andwhythese units were established,”

CourtesyStory

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington(CVN73)hostedtwoofGeorgeWashington’sprevious commanding officers on April 16 before departing Norfolk tocomplete ahomeportchange whentheship and crew replaces Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the forward-deployed Naval Forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier this fall. Both of these commanding officers, including the first commanding officer of George Washington, retired Rear Adm. Robert Michael Nutwell and the fifth commanding officer retired Rear Adm. William John McCarthy, contributed significantly to the ship’s legacy While onboard, they toured the recently renovated museumwhichdisplaysitemsfrombothofficers They viewed their contributions on display for the first time since the museum’s rededication on March 21, 2024

Nutwell commanded the George Washington from March 1990 until January 1993 and served during the ship’s commissioning on July 4, 1992

“It is an honor being here to see the ship’s new museum,” said Nutwell “This Museum preserves the history and legacy of our founding father and also represents the capital ships of the U.S. Navy to domestic and foreign visitors.” McCarthy commanded George Washington from November 1999 until April 2002 and commanded the ship during the Sept. 11 attacks The ship was conducting carrier qualifications near Virginia when it was diverted to provide air support to New York City following the attacks Part of the museum commemorates the crews’ dedication to New YorkCity, as wellas displays McCarthy’s flight jacket from when he served on board as Commander Carrier Strike Group 8 in 2004

“This museum is an awesome example of the past, present, and future of this ship,” said McCarthy. “I am thankful to be a part of this legacy.” George Washington will deploy to the U.S. Southern Commandareaofoperationsoverthenextfewmonths as part of U.S. Naval forces Southern Command/U.S 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2024 deployment. George Washington,

ByTellyMyles

Supervisor of Shipbuilding Newport News

NEWPORT NEWS, Va Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News had the privilege of welcomingMs.KarenM.Davis,theDeputy Commander for the Supervision of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP), and the Executive Director for Industrial Operations at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Ms. Davisparticipatedinleadershipandinsight discussionswithleadershipandallemployeesthroughouttheday,April19

Repair Officer Cmdr Jordan Fouquette, attendedanearlymorningDeepDivemeetingwithDavisandcommented,“Itwasvery insightfulandinformativetohavetheopportunity to hear from Ms. Davis today regarding her thoughts on the role of SUPSHIPs and her evolving role within NAVSEA, IndustrialOperationsDirectorate(NAVSEA 04) Her comments about the connections betweenacquisitions,operations,andmaintenance really resonated with some of the challenges we see every day. It was also

great to hear that she is actively looking at ways to increase collaboration across the NAVSEA enterprise, and specifically with the SUPSHIPs and NAVSEA 04, with rotationalopportunities Ibelievethesetypesof engagements are critical for fostering new ideas and innovation to help us accomplish ouroverallmission.”

Davis a revered personality in the naval sector boasts a career filled with various engineeringandprogrammanagementleadershiproles HerjourneybeganasanAEGIS WeaponSystemEngineeratPortHueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (PHD NSWC) within NAVSEA, where she spearheaded Combat System Ship QualificationTrialsandat-seatestevents.

In her present capacity, Davis acts as the senior executive liaison and supervisor of theNavy’sfourSupervisorsofShipbuilding and Repair organizations These organizations, strategically located alongside major private shipbuilders, offer on-site technical, contractual, and business supervision of cost, schedule, and quality for the Navy’s new construction ships, submarines, and

ByNatashaWaldronAnthony Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington has selectedLt Cmdr.GenevieveFlatgard,FacilitiesEngineeringandAcquisitionDivision director for Public Works Department Washington, as the 2024 Military Engineer of the Year The award is a testament to Flatgard’s dedication, leadership and innovative approach to engineering

“Beingnominatedandchosenisasignificanthonor,”sheremarkedwhenaskedabout hersentimentsregardingtherecognition.“Iamconstantlyinspiredbythehighcaliber of engineers I work with every day, which makes this moment all the more special. Flatgard attributes her success to working in a challenging, yet productive environment and developing a high-performing team that meets the demanding expectations of supported commanders

“WedeliverNAVFACWashingtonproductsandservicesthroughoutthevariouslocationsthatcompriseNavalSupportActivityWashington,”Flatgardnotedregardingher contributions that significantly and positively impact NAVFAC Washington’s mission. Her passion for engineering was inspired by her father, a decision that shaped her successful career

“Growingup IalwayslovedmathandscienceandgoingintocollegeIthoughtIwould study chemistry and pre-med. He pointed me to engineering.” Whenaskedaboutencouragingandinspiringthenextgenerationofengineers,Flatgard said, “I love to share the breadth of experience that I’ve gotten to have because I have‘Engineer’inmytitleandbackground

aircraftcarriers

AnafternoondiscussionservedasapricelessplatformforallSUPSHIPNNemployees togleaninsightsfromDavis’extensiveexperienceandleadershipinthenavalindustry.

Assistant Project Officer Lt Cmdr Alex Wunderlich in the Virginia-class attack submarineprojectsdivisionsaid,“Beingata levelclosertothe‘deckplates’inmycurrent role at SUPSHIP I often get wrapped up in the day-to-day or closest alligator to the boat,sotospeak Thiscanresultinmyfailure topursueinformationregardinghigherlevel changes that are occurring within the Navy or NAVSEA Today’s discussion with Ms. Davis helped show me how these conversations occur at her level, and ways that I can observe these changes as they develop inordertoplanaheadbeforetheyareimplemented.

In 2023, Davis was inaugurated as the inaugural dual-hatted Deputy Commander for SUPSHIPs and NAVSEA 04 Executive Director. This novel position enhances the supervisor of shipbuilding role by having a SeniorExecutiveService(SES)memberact

as the link between the supervisors

FrancisScottKeyBridgecollapseonMarch 26 Its priorities are to ensure the safety of thepublicandfirstresponders,accountability of missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure, and commerce protect the environment and support the ongoinginvestigation

The U.S. Coast Guard is part of the “Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command,” with Navy equities, NAVSEA’s Navy SupervisorofSalvageandDiving(SUPSALV),falling within the coordinated agencies tasked with ensuring the safety of the public and responsetotheincident.

NAVSEA Commander, Vice Adm. Jim Downey, joined Secretary Del Toro during thevisitandtour “This collaborative operation showcases the diverse capability and skillset of our U.S. Navy and the importance of readiness andswiftactionindisasterrelief,”saidVice Admiral Jim Downey commander Naval Sea Systems Command. “Our diving and salvage team brings a wealth of experience, auniquetechnicalexpertise,andworldclass performance to this joint effort, which has been instrumental in expediting the channel’srecoveryandrestoringourvitalwaterways.” After he toured the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response site and the incident site

“Maritime commerce is essential for our Nation,” said Secretary Del Toro “Our Department of the Navy (DON) remains committed to support nationally and internationally, all efforts that ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce The work we aredoinghereisimperativetoreopeningthe channelandresumingshippingoperations.”

CourtesyStory

Stormwater pollution results when precipitationsuchasrainorsnowmeltruns over surfaces picking up pollutants like pesticides fertilizers constructionsitesediments, pet waste, litter, etc. These pollutantscansignificantlydegradewaterquality and threaten aquatic, wildlife and human health. In addition, stormwater pollution impactsourdrinkingwatersuppliesanduse ofwaterwaysforrecreationalactivitiessuch asswimming fishingorboating Runoff from our lawns rooftops and drivewaysenterintothestormdrainsystem. This system discharges directly to nearby streams, lakes, and bays without receiving treatment Becauseofthis,itisimportantfor ustopreventpollutantsfrombeingwashed into these storm drains from our use and disposalofhouseholdchemicals.

When household chemicals are either accidentally washed into a storm drain or intentionallydumpedoutsideanddraininto the stormwater system it is referred to as an “illicit discharge. Common examples of the materials that lead to household illicit dischargesinclude: „ Paintandpaintthinner

Secretary Del Toro met and thanked the SUPSALV members and divers for their work to ensure the public’s safety and respondtotheincident.

“The tragic incident that resulted in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge yielded an unprecedented response I am proud of the dynamic work that NAVSEA and, in particular, our divers are performing,” said Secretary Del Toro “This effort requires the need to leverage world-class technology and our Navy continues to be well-qualifiedtomanagethesecapabilities.” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has charged the U.S. Navy’s SUPSALV with supporting the UC by leading the clearing of the Baltimore Harbor Waterway SUPSALV is widely recognized for its ability to provide technical, operational and emergentsupportinmarinesalvage,towing, pollutioncontrol,diving,anddivingsystem safety and certification, diving and salvage equipment procurement and underwater shiphusbandry “SUPSALV is here to provide oversight

of the salvage operation in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers— their technical capabilities are invaluable SUPSALV brings great salvage expertise thatUSACEdoesn’thaveinherently,andwe need that to help us open the federal channel,” said Brigadier General John Lloyd commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division “This interagency agreementandefforthasbeenatremendous successbetweentheNavyandSupervisorof Salvagetomobilizequicklyintimesofneed.”

Efforts continue on clearing the channel for an opening with limited access by April 30 DelToro’svisitisintendedasatestament to the Navy’s unwavering commitment to theincidentandsafetyofthepublic aswell as highlights the continued expertise and collaborative efforts between the DepartmentoftheNavyandtheUC TheU.S.Navy stands ready to support our interagency partnersandlocalauthorities

ByWarrenDuffie Office of Naval Research

Two middle school-aged children knelt nexttoapairoflife-likemannequins onea full-bodyfigure theotheralowertorsowith itsrightlegseveredbelowtheknee,complete withbleeding WithencouragementfromSailorsmanning thebooth,thekidsattemptedtoperformCPR andapplyatourniquetasanotherSailorstudied a sophisticated computer-simulation system showing detailed vital signs for the mannequins inordertoensurethewould-be medicsweredoingtheirjobscorrectly.

The mannequins were part of a booth hosted by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Department of Simulation, in partnership with the Department of the Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).

“Events like this are outstanding because theygeneratewideinterestinwhattheNavy does and enable the future generation to see our diverse career paths and potentially envisionthemselvesasapartofit,”saidCapt Fredora“Toni”McRae,NavyMedicineDiversity,EquityandInclusiondirector,BUMED

The Walter Reed booth was one of many fun, interactive displays at the Navy League STEM Expo, held Sunday, April 7, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention CenterinNationalHarbor Maryland. The free event gave local students the opportunity to engage and be inspired by all thingsSTEM orscience,technology,engineering and math. It also enabled them to learnaboutthenewestiterationoftheNaval Horizons student essay contest organized bytheDepartmentoftheNavy’s(DoN)Naval STEM Coordination Office, located at the OfficeofNavalResearch(ONR) Hosted by the Navy League STEM Institute, the Expo was geared toward students in grades five through 12 Along with offering attendees lots of hands-on activities, the event provided middle and high school studentswithanintroductiontonavalSTEM careersandeducationalopportunities.

Representatives from the Navy, Marine

Corps,CoastGuardandnaval-relatedindustries shared their experiences and talked about STEM careers and the qualifications neededforvariousSTEMjobs

“NavalSTEMpresenceattheExpoallows students parentsandeducatorstolearnmore about naval STEM opportunities through interactive demonstrations, said Sandy Landsberg, who is both the Naval STEM Coordination Office executive and a division director in ONR’s Command, Control, Computing, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting(C5ISRT)Department

“I’mhappytosaythiswasthebiggestNavy League STEM Expo yet, with nearly 4,000 registered attendees, which shows how successful the event is at connecting with a diverseaudience.”

Representatives at the DoN Naval STEM boothdiscussedtheNavalHorizonsoutreach initiativewithattendees NavalHorizonsisa STEMeducationalvideoseriesconsistingof more than 55 videos highlighting scientists andengineers includingactive-dutymilitary personnel,workingwithintheDoN Itaimsto broadentheawarenessofreal-worldscience and technology challenges facing the Navy andMarineCorpstodayandhelpilluminate themanypathwaystoSTEMcareers. Students may choose to learn about any topicinthecompletevideocollection,which covers a variety of research areas including biotechnology epidemiology and public health, laser sensors machine learning, microscopy, radiofrequency and antennas, spaceweatherandmore Ineachvideo,naval scientists and engineers discuss the applicabilityoftheirwork.

For the essay contest, high school and college students are invited to learn about navalresearchtopicsbywatchingthevideos. Theythenareencouragedtosubmitanessay that explains how they’re inspired by naval research and the naval workforce and provide a futurist vision of the Navy and MarineCorps

The essay contest will close on Monday, June 10 Judges will select up to 5,000 winners,allofwhomwillbeeligibletoreceive

a$200cashprize Exceptionalessayswillbe designated Naval Horizons Highest Honors and highlighted on the website at https:// navalhorizons.us At the Expo the DoN hosted multiple booths highlighting various naval labs commandsandwarfarecenters.Amongthese was the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, which brought its Mobile Digital FabricationLaboratory,calledFabLab,which specializes in 3D printing, laser cutting and othercapabilities

DoNboothsincluded:

„ MarineCorpsSystemsCommand

„ NavalAirWarfareCenterAircraftDivision „ Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command „ NavalInformationWarfareCenterAtlantic „ NavalSTEMCoordinationOffice „ Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division „ NavalResearchLaboratory „ StrategicSystemsPrograms „ U.S.NavalAcademySTEMCenter „ NavyBureauofMedicineandSurgery

“This STEM Expo is an engaging and importantvenueforopeningyoungpeopleto the potential of STEM careers not just for ourfuturenavalworkforcebutforournation asawhole,”saidChiefofNavalResearchRear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus who also serves as theNavalSTEMexecutive.“It’svitalthatwe harnesstheideas,perspectivesandenergyof ourfuturescientistsandengineers,whowill surely find innovative ways to deliver technologytotheSailorsandMarineswehavethe privilegeofserving.”

The Navy League

ByChiefPettyOfficerPatrickGordon Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Isaiah Mercadoisnostrangertohigh-stressscenarios As a Navy armament weapons support equipmenttechnicianwithNavyMunitions

Command Atlantic Detachment Patuxent River (NMCLANT DET Pax) his duties include supporting both air- and surfacelaunched weapons by performing intermediatelevelmaintenanceonbothpeculiarand commonordnancehandlingandtransportationequipment.Maintainingtheequipment thattransportsexplosiveordnancerequires astrongnerve,soitisnosurprisethathewas able to coolly and calmly act when he came acrossavehiclecollisionshortlyafter10a.m. Sunday,April7.

Driving with his wife, Mercado saw the scene of the collision involving a motorcycleandacompactSUVatThreeNotchRoad andTomHodgesDriveinHollywood,Maryland. Realizing he was the first on scene he wentintoactionwithoutasecondthought.

“It was just a natural instinct to stop,” recounted Mercado “As soon as I saw the accident my first thought was to get there asfastasIcouldandhelpoutthevictims.” Tellinghiswifetocall911,heassessedthe sceneandbegantocheckallpartiesforinjuries Finding the driver of the SUV responsive and able to talk, she asked Mercado to checkonherchildinthebackseat. “The child was in the back unconscious from the collision, said Mercado, going throughthescenarioplay-by-play.“Istarted to ask if she can hear me or move at all. I checkedforapulseandtoldthemotherher daughterwasstillaliveandwithapulse My next step was to check on the motorcyclist and I was asking if he could hear me and then I tapped him a couple times and got noresponse.” Mercado was then joined on the scene by an off-duty St Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy,whobegantoassistwiththeinjured as well, freeing Mercado to check back on theunconsciouschildintheSUV. “My wife handed me the phone since I had a better understanding being in the car andgettingatriagedoneonthoseinvolved,” said Mercado “I told the 911 operator my guess on the age of the two unconscious people and told them I checked for a pulse on the little girl. The off-duty sheriff asked me to help stabilize the girls’ neck and he tookoverthecalltothedispatcher.”

Joined by a third passerby, Mercado enlisted her with helping the driver out of theSUV.

“I told her she needs to get the mom and take her out the car because I didn’t want hertoseeherchildlikethis, saidMercado “After that the first responders came and askedusifweneededacollarforthechild’s neck, then went off to get one and our next focuswastogetheroutofthecar.” Mercado’sinitialassessmentofthescene madeitclearthattheSUV’sdoorbuckledin the collision with enough force to roll the SUV’s frame onto the child’s booster seat, making it difficult to remove her from that sideofthevehicle “I told them I can just carry her out from the car,” said Mercado “I unbuckled her and then cradled her and scooted out of thecarthencarriedhertothegurney.They then asked for her name, so I went to the mother and asked her for it. After I got it, I

proceededbacktotheareawheretheywere tendingtoherandcalledherbyhernameto getaresponse.”

Tragically,despitetheeffortsofMercado and first responders who began CPR, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene The woman and child were transported by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital andflownbyMarylandStatePolicetoseparatehospitalsforfurthercare ForthosewhoknowMercado,hisactions thatdayspeakvolumestohischaracter

“AO2’s

BySamanthaFehr Fleet Readiness Center East

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION

CHERRY POINT, N.C. With the help of Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) engineers, teams of Eastern North Carolina highschoolstudentsgearedupforthe2024 UltimateUnmannedAerialVehicle(UUAV)

CompetitionApril13inNewport.

FRCE’s STEM Outreach Team joined forces with Craven Community College and North Carolina State University to host the third UUAV Competition at the Crystal Coast Radio Control Club, where teams ofhighschool studentsenteredtheir unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in hopes ofwinning

According to FRCE Executive Director Mark Meno the UUAV competition aids in the inspiration of the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)professionals.

“Our goal for these events is to educate and inspire. Supporting events like this not only reinforces our commitment to STEM education, but also strengthens the depot’s commitmenttothecommunity,”saidMeno “By inspiring local students to explore STEM-based career paths we’re not just shaping the next generation of engineers andaviationprofessionals;we’refosteringa more innovative future workforce for EasternNorthCarolina.”

Teamsofstudentsrepresentingsevenhigh schools Croatan,WestCarteret,Gramercy Christian, Early College of Eastern Applied ScienceandTechnology(EAST),Havelock, New Bern and Pamlico participated in the competition. Fifteen engineers from FRCEvolunteeredtocoachtheseventeams throughout the process, said Carli Starnes, a mechanical engineer with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) C-130 Long Term Readiness Structures Fleet Support Team(FST)atFRCE.

“The students have been preparing for the competition for quite some time,” said Starnes “We held an informational workshop for the students and teachers in November of 2023 and officially kicked off theeventinJanuary Afterthekickoffevent, ourengineersvisitedeachhighschoolonce a week to guide the students through the processofbuildingtheirUAV.”

The annual competition offers local high school students the opportunity to learn more about engineering and aerodynamics from a STEM professional, according to De Aundria Scott, a mechanical engineer on the Unmanned Aerial Systems FST who servedasamentorfortheteamrepresenting PamlicoHighSchool.

“This really gives the students a taste of what engineering looks like and the types of things they can do within engineering,” saidScott “Theteamslearnquitealotabout teamwork while they go through the engi-

neeringdesignandbuildingprocess,which includes brainstorming solutions, listing pros and cons, building, testing and, if needed,rebuilding.”

Many students emphasized how beneficial the competition has been for them, including Blake Randolph from Gramercy ChristianSchoolinNewport.

Iwantto go into aerospace engineering, and this was a great opportunity for me to startworkingonthesekindsofthings,”said Randolph. “This whole process has been very informational and offered us a good learningexperience.”

Sophia Mendolia from Croatan High School said participating in this competition was not only fun, but will also help the students stand out in competitive educationalsettings “This event gives us a head start, said Mendolia.“Itgivesustheopportunitytoget our feet wet by starting to learn about engineering principles and building an aircraft And we get to take what we havelearnedin our aerospace classes at school and apply it to the aircraft we just made. It’s a great way togethands-onexperienceandlearnmore.

Each team was graded based on four differentcategories:maneuverability,speed, safetychecklistandoverallpresentation,as evaluated by a panel of leaders from FRCE and Craven Community College Croatan High School took first place in the competitionforthesecondyearrunning,followed byPamlicoHighSchoolandNewBernHigh School. West Carteret High School’s team earned the title of “best in show” for creat-

ing the most visually striking UAV design and was presented with a plaque for this achievement

According to Elton Fairless, Unmanned Aerial Systems FST team lead, each group of students was given a list of guidelines to helpthemthroughouttheprocess. “We gave them a list of requirements for the project back in January,” said Fairless “This project isn’t just about building a model aircraft or drone. We teach the students the engineering process by going throughalistofrequirementsfortheirUAV and having them make a presentation that explains their thought processes, design featuresandconcepts.”

Though the students are given a list of requirements for their UAV project, Fairlesssaidtheyareencouragedtousecreativityandinnovationintheirdesignprocess.

“The UAVs are predominantly made of foam board, but the students are allowed to add other parts to their aircraft,” Fairless continued “Manyschoolsareusingmore3D printedparts,whetheritbestructuralreinforcementsoraerodynamicenhancements. Iamalwaysveryimpressedwithwhatthey comeupwith.

TheFRCEFABLAB,amobilemakerspace used by the depot’s STEM Outreach Team to bring STEM concepts and equipment directlytostudents,waspresentattheevent to assist the students with any adjustments orrepairs “Each team is given a toolkit for their aircraft but the toolkit only has so much,” said Scott “Since the aircraft are made

of lightweight and fragile materials it’s common for them to need repairs between flights, especially as we are seeing them travel over 60 miles per hour today. The FABLABoffersthestudentsaone-stop-shop for those repairs whether it’s last-minute 3-D printing or simply needing a different drillbit.” STEM Outreach Team Lead Randall Lewis noted how mentorship is an importantfacetoftheUUAVcompetition.

“This competition is great in terms of mentorshipasitallowsustoengagedirectly with the high school students,” said Lewis “Our engineers work one-on-one with the students for many weeks, expanding their knowledge of aviation and engineering conceptsandevencareeropportunities

“This program really helps us on our education pipeline,” Lewis continued “Andhopefullyitwillgetthekidsexcitedto pursuetheinternshipopportunities,Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarships, oranyoftheotheropportunitiesweofferat FRCEast.”

TheannualUUAVCompetitionisjustone of the many outreach events supported by FRCE, all with the goal of giving students the tools they need for their future career, according to Abigail Digsby, a mechanical engineer with the depot’s STEM Outreach Team. “Events and learning experiences like this are invaluable when you get into the workforce,”saidDigsby.“Alotofwhatthese students do in high school and college is lesson-based butthissortofhands-onstuff ishelpfulforthestudents.Italsohelpsspark new interests among the students, specifically in STEM. The depot needs as many smart,dedicatedengineers.” Additional support for the event was provided by the Eastern North Carolina Tech Bridge, the Office of Naval Research’s Naval STEM program, and NASA’s North CarolinaSpaceGrant TheENCTechBridge operates in conjunction with a partnership between FRCE and Craven County and works to build an ecosystem of innovation to support the Navy and Marine Corps with a focus on several areas of consideration, including manufacturing and repair technologies; advanced manufacturing; big data, data analytics and visualization; technical insertion; augmented and mixed reality; automation and robotics; and soft and wickedproblemsolving

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest main-

ByPettyOfficer1stClassCodyDeccio Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the commanding officerforthe2025and2026seasonsatapress conference at the National Naval Aviation MuseumonboardNavalAirStationPensacola,April16 Cmdr Adam“Gilligan”Bryanwillsucceed Cmdr AlexArmatasandassumecommand following the end of the 2024 show season in November Applicants are required to have a minimum of 3,000 flight hours and be in current command or have had past commandofatacticaljetsquadron.

“What I’ve always really enjoyed is being apartofanincredibleteamandseeingthem succeed,“saidCmdr AdamBryan.“Iputthe successoftheteamasmypersonalgoaland whatI’vealwaysstrivedfor.Ifthey’redoing well,thenI’mdoingwell.”

Bryan, a native of Canton, Connecti-

Year

winners have had on

ReadinessCenterSoutheast(FRCSE)workforce Annually,

honors one person from each of its 11 sites with the National Mentor of the Year Award, and FRCSE selects winners for its command-specific mentor accolade the Dora Quinlan MentorAward TheDoraQuinlanAwardis named after the first mentor recognized at thecommandwhopassedawayfromcancer in2016. Savanna Massey and Steven Singer took home the Dora Quinlan award, and Rick EvesonearnedtheNAVAIRtitleforFRCSE “Your exceptional mentorship has provided our workforce with an opportunity for professional growth and development, while increasing productivity and moralewithinthecommand,”saidFRCSE’s CommandingOfficerCapt.AlPalmerduring asmallceremonyrecognizingtherecipients “Thesageguidance,leadershipandmentorshipyouhaveprovidedhasenabledemployees to perform their work more effectively and helped them progress in their careers Your positive attitude and willingness to guide others illustrates the importance of mentoring in building and maintaining a healthyworkforce.”

Award recipients take their place among the most distinguished mentors within the NavalAirSystemsCommand.Eachrecipient providedoutstandingguidanceandsupport to their subordinates or peers during the fiscalyear NAVAIR presented its first National Mentor of the Year Award recognition in 2013 and each year since the command honors the importance of mentors by presentingtheawardtorecipientsfromeach site Thisyearwasrecord-breaking,with86 nominationsacrosstheenterprise.

cut joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of the “Kestrels” of VFA-137. His previous assignments include multiple squadron tours, where he deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Bryanholdsabachelor’sdegreeinScience in Economics from the United States Naval Academy. Bryan has more than 3,200 flight hours and more than 625 carrier arrested landings His decorations include multiple unitandpersonalawards

“This year, we had an exceptional pool of exceptionally qualified and skilled leaders apply for the position, “saidCmdr.Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “I have complete confidenceinCmdr.Bryantoguidethisteam throughthe2025and2026showseasons

Cmdr Bryan will serve as Commanding Officer and Flight Leader for the 2025 and 2026 Blue Angels air show seasons He will report for initial training in Pensacola,

Rick Eveson is the F135 production line director and has been an FRCSE employee for nearly 30 years Since beginning with the command in 1995, he has climbed the ranks, working with aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat, P-3 Poseidon, H-60 Seahawk and F/A-18 Super Hornet before taking on his current role supporting the Joint Strike FighterengineprogramatFRCSE SeveralcolleaguesnominatedEvesonfor the NAVAIR award each highlighted his notableprofessionalattributeslikeinterpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, leadership,adaptabilityandmore.

“Rick’s unequivocal commitment as the key advisor to a professionally and culturallydiversegroupofcross-functionalprofessionalsatFRCSEisremarkable,”saidAaron Powers, FRCSE’s F135 production line deputy and Eveson’s mentee “Throughout hiscareer Rickhaschampionedmentorship andprofessionaldevelopmentbyleveraging histransformationalleadershipstyle Hehas developedsupervisors,leaders,andfollowers through a commitment to the mentoringpillarsoftrust,respect,expectationsand

Excellence in action: NECE Officer in Charge participates in the opening ceremony of Vector Control Technology and Education Centers

CourtesyStory Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command

Cmdr Ian Sutherland, Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE) and Centers for Disease Control representative recently joined the Mayor of Saint Augustine Florida Nancy Sikes-Kline; and World Health Organization representative Dr Anna Drexler to commemoratetheopeningoftheAnastasia MosquitoControlDistrict(AMCD)Disease

Vector Education Center and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Mass-Rearing Facility in SaintAugustine.

The4.5milliondollarfacilityisdedicated topublicoutreachandeducationregarding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases and includes resources about malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zikavirus,chikungunya,andlymphaticfilariasis.

Annually, NECE personnel meet with global subject matter experts at AMCD to discuss data regarding mosquito-borne diseases and the potential impacts on deployed military personnel. This forum also highlights promising research for preventive medicine of interest to the Department of Defense and offers NECE subject matter experts the opportunity to share their research and network with mosquito control and arbovirus specialists fromvariouslocations

In honor of the enduring relationship, AMCD Director Dr Rui-De Xue invited Sutherland to speak at the ceremony and cuttheceremonialribbon.

“Our forces are one bite away from mission failure and a relentless threat waiting for a moment of hubris or complacency to bring us down,” said Sutherland. “Developing regional, national, and global scientific networks such as this is critical to our mutualdefenseandhumanhealth.”

TheprimarypurposeoftheSITFacilityis toproducelargequantitiesofsterileinsects, typically males, for release into the wild. These sterile insects are bred in controlled environments under specific conditions to ensure their viability and effectiveness in the field These facilities play a crucial role in integrated pest management strategies providingasustainableandenvironmentally friendly method for controlling pest populations and reducing the spread of vectorbornediseases.

The Disease Vector Education Center includes many unique, hands-on activities forbothadultsandchildrenincludinginteractive mosquito life cycle exhibits, biocon-

trolfishtanks,pinnedinsectcollections,and a helicopter flight simulator for mosquito controlmissions

Overall,thecenterhelpstofulfillAMCD’s

missionofoperationalprogramsandeducation to the public. Not only does the education center help AMCD engage with the community in a more interactive and fun

way, but it also helps inspire a whole new generation of potential mosquito control experts Nearly300localandvisitingscientistsattendedtheopeningceremony

Royal Australian Navy Sailors graduate Submarine Officer Basic Course: next step, assignment to U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines

ByLaurenLaughlin Naval Submarine School GROTON, Conn. In a first for the U.S. NavyandRoyalAustralianNavy(RAN),three RANofficersgraduatedfromtheU.S.Navy’s Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) on Apr. 18 2024 at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. The RAN officers’ graduation represents a significant steptowardrealizingPillar1ofthetrilateral AUKUS partnership, a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of Australia, the United Kingdom,andtheUnitedStates Pillar1aims to create a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet for theRoyalAustralianNavy “Collectively we would like to thank our instructorshereinGrotonandalsoinGoose Creek, South Carolina, for getting us to this point,”saidLt WilliamHall.Hall,Lt Cmdr James Heydon and Lt Cmdr Adam Klyne arethefirstRANofficerstocompleteNaval Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training Unit, located in South Carolina, and now SOBC.“Now we’relooking tojoin ourboatsandcontinuingourcareersaspart of Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-poweredsubmarineforce. TheSubmarineOfficerBasicCourseisthe laststepintheU.S.Navy’s15-monthnuclear submarine training pipeline before assignment to the fleet. The three RAN officer graduates will be assigned to Virginia-class attacksubmarinesbasedoutofPearlHarbor, Hawaii. Upon assignment, the graduates serve as division officers leading a team of highlytrainedenlistedsubmariners.Inthis capacity,theywillbetestedandqualifiedon theship’ssystemsandinvariouswarfighting andleadershiproles.

“Over the last two months, these three officers have trained alongside our Sailors, learning the fundamentals of operating and tactically employing SSNs,” said Naval Submarine School Commanding Officer Capt Matthew Fanning “At SOBC, they applied both their previous experience and the new skills they developed through our nuclear training schools, to learn how we operatetheocean’sapexpredator,thenuclear-poweredattacksubmarine.”

“These officers are the future leaders of Australia’s sovereign conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine fleet,” said the U.S. Navy’s AUKUS Integration and AcquisitionProgramManagerRearAdm.Lincoln Reifsteck.“TheirtimeinGrotonbridgedthe operational gap between the Collins-class SSKsandtheVirginia-classSSN Thesetours on U.S. Virginia-class submarines are the

key professional development step toward earning the privilege to become submarine executiveofficersandthefirstcommanding officersofAustralianSSNs.”

Nearly 100 RAN officers and enlisted personnel will enter the submarine and Naval Nuclear Propulsion training piple-

Naval District Washington prepares for hurricane season

ByChatneyAuger Naval District Washington

Naval District Washington is gearing up foranextensivehurricanepreparednessand disaster response exercise from April 22 to May3.ThisexerciseunderscorestheNavy’s commitmenttobolsteringresilienceagainst naturaldisasters

Exercise HURREX/CITADEL GALE 2024 is conducted by the Commanders of U.S.FleetForcesCommandandNavyInstal-

“This award probably means more to me than any because of how you get it,” said Eveson.“Yougetitfromyoursubordinates, peersandcoworkersforpayingitforward.I

think we all have an opportunity to mentor If you have ears and a mouth, you have an opportunity As a mentor I end up being a menteemanytimesbecauseyouallowthem to teach you. They often just need confidence and support to lead them down the paththey’rescaredof,andthey’llmakeyou aproudleader.” Highland Owens, an FRCSE senior avionics and calibration specialist, nominated Savanna Massey, marking the third time Massey has accepted the Dora Quinlanaward During her almost nine years at the command, Massey has also climbed the FRCSE ranks. Serving formerly as the F-5 productionlinedeputydirectorandnowas the F-35 deputy, she isn’t a stranger to the

lations Command. It mobilizes all naval regions and installations along the eastern coastandtheGulfregion Theannualevent is a testament to the Navy’s dedication to refiningitsemergencyprotocols.

JeffSanford,NDW’sRegionalEmergency Management Director emphasizes the significance of this drill, stating “Conducting this exercise yearly is crucial for ensuring our emergency teams are skilled and well-prepared to navigate the challenges of extremeweatherconditions.”

mentorandmenteerelationship

“I don’t know how many of you knew Dora Quinlan but to me that’s the biggest compliment whatafantasticladyandrole model,”Masseysaid.“I’vebeenluckytohave somefantasticmentors,andforme,it’sabout paying it forward the way my leaders have forme.”

Based on technical expertise and professionaldevelopmentalone,StevenSingerwas nominatedfortheDoraQuinlanaward but his nominator Vanessa White, an FRCSE leadreadinessanalystwhohasalsobeenhis menteeformorethanadecade,pointedout thathehasbeenamentormanytimesover.

“Steve willingly and voluntarily mentors peers and subordinates to not only help individual career progression, but to also advance Naval Aviation at all levels,” said White “His mentorship is highly sought afteratFRCSE,acrossNAVAIRandevenby industry partners His unwavering support andguidancehavehadaprofoundimpacton the professional development and success of his mentees Steve has mentored at least 50 individuals over the course of his career

“This year, we’re particularly focused on advancing our post-storm recovery strategies for our missions, personnel, and operationalcontinuity.”

HURREX/CG2024isdesignedtofortify shore-based and seafaring command units’ readiness and recovery frameworks in anticipation of the hurricane season. It also fosterscollaborativeexerciseswithlocaland state partners, fortifying the Navy’s capacity to provide support during what is anticipated to be a notably turbulent hurricane seasonin2024

withFRCSE.”

Singer who retired in late February with 42 years of federal service was FRCSE’s F/A-18 Fleet Support Team lead logistician and a fundamental part of the command since 2007 He, too, has held many roles duringhistenure “What I’ve found is that the more you train people, the easier your job gets,” said Singer “You can count on them because you know they have learned it right. When someone needs something or asks a question, it’s important to give them the service theydeserve,andIthinkmentoringprovides thatopportunity.”

To be considered for the award, mentors must be nominated by peers or mentees throughawrittennomination.Thesubmissions must identify how the mentor improves morale and workforce retention andrepresentsleadership,skillandproductivity The best mentors align their techniquestothemission.

“It’s our job to lead people to success,” Eveson said. “If I give them that, our return isindividendsandit’strulyunbelievable.”

Whileconcertedeffortsarebeingmadeto minimizeinconveniencetolocalcommunitiesandbaseoperations,residentsmayexperienceoccasionalincreasedtrafficoraccess delaysnearbasesduringtheexercise. For more NDW information, please visit www.facebook.com/NavDistWash,https:// www.instagram.com/navdistwash/,https:// www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw.html.

FRCSE cultivates a business that safeguards and values the unique mentor and mentee relationship These connections ensure that leadership skills and the flow of knowledge, fundamental to how the commandconductsbusiness,arepreserved. EachFRCSE mentorship nurtures peer-topeer support and employee development while continuing to shape a dynamic organizationrichwithpotential. AboutFleetReadinessCenterSoutheast Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, employing approximately 5,000 civilian, militaryandcontractworkers.Withannual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the organization serves as an integral part of the greater USNavy NavalAirSystemsCommand,and Commander Fleet Readiness Centers by maintainingthecombatairpowerforAmerica’smilitaryforces

PressRelease WILLIAMSBURG, Va Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia, will present Indigenous Arts Day on Saturday May 4, honoring the enduring legaciesandtraditionsoftheVirginiaIndian tribal communities who have occupied the landforcenturies

Indigenous Arts Day, beginning at 11 a.m.,willcelebrateIndigenousculturewith traditional and contemporary art forms by Indigenous artists, including special performances of music and dance A full schedule is available at jyfmuseums.org/ indigenous-arts-day

RedCrookedSkyAmericanIndianDance Troupe will lead the day’s performances with Stoney Creek Singers on drum, along with Nottoway flutist Nathan Elliott and LakotastorytellerFelicityMeza-Luna.

Indigenous Arts Day is sponsored by JamesCityCountyandtheJamestown-YorktownFoundationIndigenousPeoplesInitiativesupportedinpartbyLindaBaker.

Indoor Gallery Exhibits & Outdoor Living History

Visitors can learn about 17th-century VirginiaIndianhistoryandcultureinJamestown Settlement’s expansive permanent gallery exhibits featuring artifacts, innovative films and interactives. Gallery exhibits feature period objects to examine the mythsandrealitiesassociatedwiththelifeof Pocahontas,incorporatehistoricalresearch and archeological findings on Werowocomoco and share the story of Cockacoeske

ClarkStewart(Chickahominy)willemcee performances on Jamestown Settlement’s mall, where a variety of Indigenous artists and craftspeople will display and demonstrate their work throughout the day, some of which will be available for purchase In case of inclement weather programs and vendorswillmoveindoors

(recognized as “Queen of the Pamunkey” bythe colonialgovernment)and herrole in “Bacon’s Rebellion,” which unfolds in a 4D experientialtheater.

Outdoors visitors can explore a re-creation of Paspahegh Town, based on the archaeological findings at a nearby site along the James River once inhabited by thePaspaheghpeopleanddescriptionsand illustrations recorded by English colonists in the 17th century Historical interpreters share the cultural heritage of Virginia Indians from the 17th century through ongoing demonstrations, such as growing and preparing food, tool making and weaving naturalfibersintocordage Admission to Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FROM LEFTTO RIGHT: On May4 atJamestown Settlement Red Crooked SkyAmerican Indian DanceTroupewill lead IndigenousArts Dayperformanceswith StoneyCreekSingers on drum. Lakota storytellerFelicityMeza-Luna.(JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWNFOUNDATIONPHOTOS) Experience traditional and contemporaryart forms byIndigenous artists including Nottowayflutist Nathan Elliott (PHOTOBYTRACYY.ROBERTS)

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Grilled Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa

GrilledSalmonTacoswithStrawberryAvocadoSalsa areamustmakethisgrillingseason!Mexicanspiced grilledsalmontoppedwiththemostflavorfulsweet, savoryandspicysalsa.You’lllovethesefreshandflavorfultacos!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Salmon Tacos

„ 1poundwildcaughtsalmonfillets

„ 1½teaspoonschilipowder

„ ¾teaspoongroundcumin

„ ¼teaspoongroundcoriander

„ ¼teaspoongarlicpowder

„ ¾teaspoonkoshersalt

„ Freshgroundblackpeppertotaste

„ 8corntortillas,warmedorgrilled

Strawberry Avocado Salsa

„ 2cupsdicedstrawberries

„ 1avocado,diced

„ ¼cupdicedredonion

„

⅓cupcilantro chopped

„ 1jalapeño deseededandfinelydiced

„ ½ofalime,juiced

„ Koshersalttotaste

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl combine the chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the salmon fillets,rubbingitingentlytoensureitdoesn’tallfalloff Oil the grill grates and place the salmon on the grill (fleshsidedownifusingskin-on).Cookforapproximately 6-10 minutes depending on the thickness and how well done you like it cooked. Let the salmon rest for several minutesbeforeremovingtheskinandflakingitapartwith afork

Inamediumsizedbowl,combinealloftheingredients forthestrawberryavocadosalsa.Stirtogethergentlyand tasteforseasoning.

Warm or grill the corn tortillas and fill them with the grilledflakedsalmonandtoppedwiththesalsa

Mexican Chicken and Rice

ThiseasyonepanMexicanchickenandriceisahealthy, hearty,comfortfooddinnerthewholefamilywilllove! It’sdeliciousonit’sownoritcanbeusedasafillingfor burritosortacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

„ 1tablespoonoliveoil

„ 3greenonions,sliced

„ 1poundchickenbreasts,cutintobitesizedpieces

„ 1½teaspoonschilipowder

„ 1teaspoongroundcumin

„ ½teaspoongarlicpowder

„ Saltandfreshlygroundblackpeppertotaste

„ 1cupuncookedlonggrainwhiterice

„ 14.5ouncecanfireroasteddicedtomatoes

„ 4ouncecandicedgreenchiles

„ 1cupcannedblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

„ ½cupdefrostedfrozencorn

„ 2tablespoonschoppedcilantro

„ 15ouncecanredenchiladasauce

„ ½cupwater „ 1cupshreddedColbyJack cheddarorMontereyJack cheese

Instructions

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet that has a lid (or pot) and heat it over medium-high heat. Add in the green onions, chicken, spices, salt and pepper. Cook justuntilthechickenisbrowned,butnotcookedthrough, about2-3minutes.

Addtherice,corn,blackbeans,greenchiles,water,and enchiladasaucetotheskillet.Stireverythingtogetherand bringittoalowboil.

Onceboiling,coverthepanwithalidandturntheheat down to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender Stir the riceevery few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the liquid absorbs before the rice is cooked, add in ¼ cup of water at a time untilit’stender Once the rice is cooked turn off the heat. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and cover again with the lid Keep it covered for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with green onions and cilantro or other toppingsofyourchoice.

Mexican Skillet Brownies

TheselightenedupMexicanSkilletBrowniesareafun dessertforCincodeMayo!Richandfudgywithahintof cinnamonandspicycayennepowder!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

„ 3.2ouncebardarkchocolate70%,choppedand melted(reserve2tablespoonstomixintobatter)

„ 3tablespoonsmeltedcoconutoil

„ 3tablespoonslowfatGreekyogurt,room temperature

½cupsugar

„

„ 1teaspoonvanillaextract

„ 1egg roomtemperature

„ 1eggyolk,roomtemperature

„ 5tablespoonswhitewholewheatflour

„ ¼teaspoonbakingsoda

„ ¼teaspoonfineseasalt

„ ½teaspoongroundcinnamon

⅛-¼teaspooncayenne

„

„ Vanillaicecreamforserving(optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F and spray an 8 or 10 inch cast ironskilletwithcookingspray

Put the chopped dark chocolate in a large microwave safe bowl, reserving 1 - 2 tablespoons, and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time until the chocolateismelted.

Whisk in the melted coconut oil, sugar, Greek yogurt andvanillauntilcombined Whiskintheeggandeggyolk. Addtheflour,bakingsoda,salt,cinnamonandcayenne to the mixture and fold together until you can no longer seestreaksofflour.Becarefulnottoovermix.Foldinthe remaining chopped chocolate and then pour the batter intothepreparedskillet. Bakethebrowniesonthemiddlerackoftheovenfor15 minutes,17minutesforalessgooeybrownie Beverycarefulnottooverbakethebrowniesortheywillgetcakeyand dry Coolthebrowniesforseveralminutesbeforeserving withvanillaicecream

Note: The center of the brownies should still look gooey andundercookedwhenyouremovethemfromtheoven. Remember they will continue to cook even after you removethemfromtheoven.

Improving outcomes: How TRICARE covers cancer clinical trials

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va If you have cancer, clinical trials can offer a path to innovative new treatments TRICARE covers participation in cancer clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) The NCI is the federal government’s main agency for cancer research and training

“NCI-sponsored clinical trials are at the forefront of cancer research and care,” said Jennifer Stankovic, health systems specialist, Medical Benefits and Reimbursement Branch for the TRICARE Health Plan. “Thesetrialsgivepatientsaccesstogroundbreakingtherapiesbeforetheymaybecome publiclyavailable.” By taking part in a clinical trial, you also help improve cancer care for people in the future.Readontolearnhowcancerclinical trialsworkandhowTRICAREcoversthem.

What are cancer clinical trials?

Cancer clinical trials test new ways to improve cancer care, as described by the NCI. Researchers design these trials to answer key questions about cancer treat-

ments Cancerclinicaltrialsusuallytestnew treatments or new ways of using existing treatments

Thegoalistofindbetterwaystoprevent, detect, diagnose, and treat different forms of cancer By joining a trial, you gain access totreatmentsstillconsideredexperimental.

TRICARE covers participation in NCI-sponsoredPhaseI,PhaseIIandPhase III cancer clinical trials. Here’s what each phaseinvolves: „ Phase I trials test new drugs or treatments in patients with advanced cancer Thesepatientsoftenhavecancerthathasn’t respondedtostandardtherapy.PhaseIclinical trials establish the treatment’s safety These trials have strict eligibility rules to ensurepatientsafety

„ Phase II trials test the effectiveness of a new drug or treatment. They often have more patients than Phase I trials Researcherscontinuetostudypatientsafety. „ PhaseIIItrialscomparenewtreatments to current standard treatments This helps researchersseewhichtherapyworksbetter

How TRICARE covers clinical cancer trials

TRICAREcoversroutinecareassociated

with NCI Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III clinicaltrials,including: „ Testsandprocedurestoseeifyouqualify forthetrial

„ Relatedinpatientandoutpatientmedical care

„ Diagnostictestslikelabworkandimaging scans

„ Servicesfromdoctorsmonitoringyour care

Costs

TRICAREcoversthecostsforscreenings tocheckifyoumeetthetrial’srequirements. TRICAREalsocoversthecostsofparticipating Ifthetrialisatamilitaryhospital,you’ll receiveoutpatientcareforfree Ifyouparticipate in the trial through a TRICARE-authorized provider, you’re responsible for the same costs as other TRICARE covered services Thesecostsdependonwhoyouare andyourTRICAREplan.

How to participate

AskyourdoctorifanNCIclinicaltrialmay benefit you. You can also use NCI’s search tool (online at https://www.cancer.gov/ research/participate/clinical-trials-search) tofindclinicaltrials Whiletrialsofferaccess

to new therapies, there’s much to consider. Youshouldweightheparticipationrulesand logistical demands against your own medicalneedsandpriorities TRICARE’sCancer ClinicalTrialspage(onlineathttps://tricare mil/Plans/SpecialPrograms/CancerClinicalTrials) has helpful questions to start the discussionwithyourdoctor

Ifaclinicaltrialmayberightforyou,your doctorwillconsulttheteamrunningthetrial for details. You must get pre-authorization fromTRICAREtoenrollinatrial

Once you’re accepted into an NCI trial, the trial team assigns you a case manager Your case manager helps you participate in the trial and becomes your main point of contact. BycoveringNCIclinicaltrials,TRICARE givesyouthechancetogettomorrow’smost promising cancer treatments today. Learn moreabouthowthemilitaryhealthcommunityisadvancingcancerresearch. Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, andmore

U.S.ArmyLt Col.Nathan McWhorter,chiefofNuclearMedicine,consultswith patient Harold G.Overstreet retired Sgt.Maj.ofthe Marine Corps,at BrookeArmyMedical Center Fort Sam Houston,Texas,Sept 27 2022.Theydiscussed a newtreatment forprostate cancerpatientswhich is combinedwith a specific type ofpositron emission tomography(PET) imaging agent for prostate cancer (U.S.ARMYPHOTOBYJASONW.EDWARDS)