www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 1
IN THIS ISSUE
NAVFAC Atlantic
Rear Adm. Lore Aguayo relieved Rear Adm. Dean A. VanderLey as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic, in Norfolk, Virginia July 22. PAGE A6 VOL. 28, NO. 30, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
July 29-August 4, 2021
The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico is moored at Naval Station Norfolk. (LT PATRICK EVANS)
DOD, Navy confront climate change challenges in southern Virginia
By C. Todd Lopez DOD Public Affairs
NORFOLK — The Navy and Defense Department have efforts underway to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change in one of the most military-dense regions of the country. The Hampton Roads area in southern Virginia is home to dozens of military installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval facility. On the Atlantic Ocean and an important part of the Navy’s ocean-faring capability, it’s a unique example of how the nation’s defense can be affected by the environment. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III went to Naval Station Norfolk just last month to visit the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman
and to discuss the impact of climate change on security and military readiness. It’s an issue that’s been a priority for him. “Since 2010, the Department of Defense has acknowledged that the planet’s changing climate has a dramatic effect on our missions, plans and installations,” Austin said earlier this year. “The department will immediately take appropriate policy actions to prioritize climate change considerations in our activities and risk assessments [in order] to mitigate this driver of insecurity.” The kind of work the secretary alluded to is already taking place at Navy installations in Hampton Roads according to Rear Adm. Charles Rock, the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. The command is responsible for, among other things,
shore infrastructure at Navy bases in the Hampton Roads area. “Every installation within Navy Region Mid-Atlantic continuously evaluates the impact of climate and weather effects on our readiness and identifies opportunities to mitigate operational impacts by cooperating with nature, designing and building resilient infrastructure, and reaching out to our community partners to develop holistic responses,” Rock said. Responses to climate change in the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic region include natural solutions, such as dune restoration or sustaining coastal marshes and vegetation, Rock said. Man-made solutions are used, as well. “Navy engineers construct berms and floodwalls to prevent erosion, retrofit critical infrastructure with new building techniques, and build
new facilities with future climate protection already built-in,” he said. “The Navy engages communities, non-profit organizations and academic institutions to increase understanding of climate risks and develop cooperative adaptation strategies for communities and our bases.” Over the last 100 years, average sea level — as measured by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency tide gauge that’s been in place for a century at Naval Station Norfolk — has risen 18 inches. According to NOAA projections, it is expected to rise between 1-3 feet by 2050. That increase in sea level, coupled with the typical rise and fall of the tide and seasonal weather events common to an oceanside community, poses a risk to the Navy’s ability to conduct and support operations in the Atlan-
tic. “We are looking both on-base and off-base to help mitigate operational impacts to the mission,” Brian P. Ballard, a community planning liaison officer with Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, said. “With flooding off-base, we want to make sure that we have access to the base from the roads. We don’t control the roads, either local or state roads. We want to make sure that we have continuous access to our installations.” Utilities are also an off-base concern, Ballard said. The Hampton Roads area of Virginia has about two-dozen military facilities. About a quarter of those — including Naval Station Norfolk — are Navy facilities. And most utilities for those facilities Turn to Climate Change, Page 7
NAVSAFECEN SURFLANT hosts commander’s training symposium announces CNO afloat
safety award recipients
By MC2 Jacob Milham
Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs
By Rebecca Coleman
NORFOLK — Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, hosted an annual, two-day leadership training symposium July 22-23, at Drexler Manor Conference Center on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. With McLane coaching to elite performance, the conference provided a venue for surface force leaders to focus on the symposium’s theme, “hard work breeds self-sufficiency.” The event emphasized Surface Force Atlantic’s top priority, which is to provide combat-ready ships and battle-minded crews that are prepared to fight and win operations in a great power competition. McLane stressed the importance of uniting as a leadership group to collaborate and share fresh ideas for maintaining focus on communications and readiness.
NORFOLK — A five-time recipient joined 14 other ships in winning top honors for the fiscal 2020 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to fleet readiness, morale, efficiency and economical use of resources through safety. For Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, USS Arlington (LPD 24) received the CNO safety award for the fifth consecutive year in its category. Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) recently announced the winners, listed below by command and category: Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Cruiser: USS Jacinto (CG 56) D est royer : USS Thomas
Navy Safety Center Public Affairs
Adm. Christopher W. Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and the Navy’s“Old Salt,” delivers remarks at the annual Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) two-day leadership training symposium at Drexler Manor Conference Center on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, July 23. (MC2 JACOB MILHAM)
“Getting together in this setting allows the experts to better engage with us,” said McLane. “While you
USS Vella Gulf returns from deployment
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The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), an element of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), returned to its homeport in Naval Station Norfolk, July 23. PAGE A3
are all the best leaders on the waterTurn to Symposium, Page 7
special operations community Leaders of special operations forces discussed reforms including diversity and inclusion efforts, programs for families, and efforts to reduce the high operational tempo caused by frequent deployments. PAGE A5
Hudner (DDG 116) Littoral Warfare: USS Tornado (PC 14) Amphibious (Large): USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious (Med/Small): USS Arlington (LPD 24) Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Cruiser: USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) Destroyer : USS Spruance (DDG 111) Mine Warfare: USS Chief (MCM 14) Amphibious (Large): USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Amphibious (Med/Small): USS Anchorage (LPD 23) Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Aircraft Carrier: USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) Commander Naval Air Force, Turn to Safety Award, Page 7
HM-12 welcomes new CO
The “Sea Dragons” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 stationed aboard Naval Station Norfolk, held a change of command ceremony, July 22. PAGE A2
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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
HM-12 welcomes new CO By MC3 Jenkins
Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK — The “Sea Dragons” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 stationed aboard Naval Station Norfolk, held a change of command ceremony, July 22, to mark a transition of command leadership. During the change of command event, Cmdr. Andrea M. Ragusa, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, assumed all duties and responsibilities as the HM-12 commanding officer from Capt. Patrick J. Murphy, of New Baltimore, Michigan. During his time at HM-12, Murphy worked with the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters program office, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Aviation Support Detachment Norfolk, Naval Mine and Surface Warfare Center, Panama City and Director of Expeditionary Warfare to improve the mission capable and full mission capable rate of MH-53Es throughout the fleet. Murphy also worked to test, train and qualify HM-12 in the use of the Bambi Bucket to support aerial firefighting missions. His efforts aided in establishing the East Coast’s first Rotary Aerial Firefighting Capability. “It has been an honor to work with the team at HM-12,” said Murphy. “They have come together and accomplished every goal that was set before them. I feel privileged to have been part of the Sea Dragon family.” Ragusa began her military career as an enlisted U.S. Army soldier, transitioning between the two branches after completing Officer Candidate School in 2001 — successfully being commissioned as a Navy Ensign. She earned her wings of gold and became a naval aviator in 2003. Ragusa has served with the “Vanguard” of HM-14 and the “Blackhawks” of HM-15 as her operational assignments logging over 1,700 hours of flight time primarily in the MH-53E Sea Dragon. Now, she is planning to uphold a strong standard of readiness during her upcoming time at HM-12. “I am confident that the Sailors of HM-12 will continue to be the very best Fleet Replacement Squadron in the United States Navy,” said Ragusa. “I look forward to the weeks and months ahead as we provide quality pilots and air crewmen to the Fleet.” HM-12’s mission is to safely train pilots and air crewmen to employ the Navy’s MH-53E Sea Dragon assets worldwide. They are tasked to support two primary missions, Airborne Mine Counter Measure mission and the Navy Vertical Onboard Delivery mission to support expeditionary forces.
Pictured above: Cmdr Andres M Ragusa, newest Cammanding officer of HM-12. (COURTESY PHOTO)
CNIC commander discusses installation strategies with Association of Defense communities By Kyle Hendrix
Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON — Vice Admiral Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, discussed his strategic priorities for Navy installations, the challenges currently facing the shore enterprise, and the importance of community partnerships at the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) Re-Connect Conference held July 20. “Being positioned, equipped, and ready to support the Navy are the top priorities for CNIC,” said Lindsey. Within those top line priorities, Lindsey touched on several focus areas including investing in our Navy shipyards, ensuring our infrastructure and facilities are resilient to impacts of climate change and extreme weather, and fostering partnerships in the community to achieve outcomes beneficial to all. “Our Navy installations must work with local communities to find solutions to the challenging issues that we all face, such as sea level rise, climate change and energy resilience,” said Lindsey. “We rely on the communities around us, and these conversations have to be an “all in” effort.” Vice Adm. Lindsey also spoke about the
challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I lost 17 team members from CNIC during the pandemic, and I never want to lose sight of that,” said Lindsey. He added that when much of the world shut down, the Navy installations’ mission could not and did not stop. “I’m proud of what the Navy did during the pandemic. We kept sailing, we kept meeting mission both here and abroad, and I think we did a pretty darn good job, all things considered,” said Lindsey. He also explained how CNIC is leveraging opportunities presented by a virtual environment, including facility cost savings and a larger labor pool to draw from as a result of increased remote and telework options. Vice Adm. Lindsey also reinforced the importance of community and installation partnerships, thanking the ADC community. “When I became a base commander in 2009, I learned how critical your communities are, and how important the people in those communities were to what I did at the installation. Thank you for your advocacy and your support,” Lindsey said. As the Navy’s shore integrator, CNIC is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy shore installation management, designing and
Editorial Staff Military Editor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm, maddelin.hamm@navy.mil Managing Editor | Ensign James Caliva, james.caliva@navy.mil Graphic Designer | Trisha Irving, trisha.irving@virginiamedia.com
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developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore programs and infrastructure. With more than 53,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide across 10 regions and 70 installations, CNIC is responsible for the
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm Charles W.“Chip”Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@flagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., mailing address is located at PO Box 282501, Norfolk, Va. 23510. © 2021Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved
operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family. For more news from CNIC, visit www.cnic.navy.mil or follow the command’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 3
Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), transits the Arabian Sea, May 21. (MC2 DEAN CATES)
USS Vella Gulf returns from deployment By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs NORFOLK. — The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), an element of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), returned to its homeport in Naval Station Norfolk, July 23 following a four-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. On April 21, Vella Gulf transited the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea en route to 5th Fleet. While in theater, the ship provided close-air support for Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship HMCS Calgary (FFG 335) in the Arabian Sea May 31. Vella Gulf completed multiple transits in 5th Fleet through the Strait of Hormuz escorting the United States Naval Ships USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) and USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) as well as other motor vessels, upholding the United States’ continued commitment to freedom of movement and maneuverability in theater.
“Team 72 faced one of the most rigorous deployment schedules of anyone in the fleet, and these outstanding Sailors made it all look easy,” said Capt. Michael P. Desmond, commanding officer, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). “The Sailors of Vella Gulf worked extremely hard in enabling our ship to provide the necessary support to the IKE CSG across many missions during this deployment with total professionalism.” Desmond added that Vella Gulf ’s crew embodied and epitomized the highest caliber of resilience over the last 18 months and that their determination and focus was a daily inspiration for each other throughout deployment. On June 8-9, Vella Gulf participated in Exercise Eager Defender while operating in the Northern Arabian Gulf. The exercise consisted of tactical maneuvers, photography events, live-fire gunnery exercises and drills for both maritime infrastructure protection and high value unit defense. Other participating units included the U.S. Navy patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), and
Kuwaiti vessels, KNS Al-Garoh (P 3725) and KNS Istiqlal. “I have witnessed many Sailors establish themselves, soar to new heights in performance, and easily gain achievements I thought were nearly unattainable,” said Yeoman First Class Anthony Bradley, a Sailor aboard Vella Gulf. “One remarkable achievement I appreciate is how much we improved our unit cohesion.” The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) an element of the IKE CSG, and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the IKE CSG, returned to Naval Station Norfolk on July 16 and July 18, respectively. The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Mahan (DDG 72) remain on deployment and will return to Naval Station Norfolk at a future date. Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 5,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe. The Navy provides a ready, flexible force capable of responding to a broad range of contingencies. Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott F. Robertson, include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt. Paul F. Campagna; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers
USS Monterey (CG 61), commanded by Capt. Joseph A. Baggett, and USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), commanded by Capt. Michael P. Desmond; Destroyer Squadron 22, commanded by Capt. Scott A. Jones, ships include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), commanded by Cmdr. Thomas McCandless, USS Laboon (DDG 58), commanded by Cmdr. Charles Spivey, USS Mahan (DDG 72) commanded by Cmdr. Chris Cummins, and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), commanded by Cmdr. Bo Mancuso. Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, commanded by Capt. Marcos A. Jasso, embarked on Eisenhower include the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7; “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74; “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123; “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.” For more news from U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/ and for more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ US2ndFleet/ or http://twitter.com/US2ndFleet. Follow IKE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ thecvn69
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4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transit the Atlantic Ocean, June 4, 2020, marking the first time a Ford-class and a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier have operated together underway. (MC2 RUBEN REED)
A toast to integrity: Ford celebrates 4th anniversary of commissioning By MC2 Kallysta M Castillo USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs
NORFOLK — On the fourth anniversary of her commissioning, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has passed the mid-point of her Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) evolution—another significant milestone during a year of significant accomplishments on the road to operational employment. Since former President Donald Trump formally commissioned the ship on July 22, 2017, Ford’s crew has steadfastly worked toward harnessing the ship’s significant technological advancements to solidify her place as a proven warfighting platform. Ship’s Force has increased proficiency in aircraft launch and recovery, improved performance in combat systems interoperability, and most recently— with the second explosive event of FSST on July 16, 2021—continued testing to verify that the ship’s systems will perform as designed and withstand the harsh conditions it might encounter in battle. Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer, said this year’s commissioning anniver-
sary marks a distinctive phase in Ford’s history, as her technological innovations have given way to a current surge of operational prowess. He noted how the ship’s revolutionary capabilities, such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), offer extraordinary technical benefits to the crew and to Fleet commanders. “This ship and her crew showcase a revolutionary leap forward in capability,” said Lanzilotta. “Ford was designed with many new and advanced technologies, and throughout post-delivery test and trials and full-ship shock trials we have demonstrated that these systems are awesome. Our success with EMALS and AAG, efficiently launching and recovering 8,157 aircraft to-date, proves not only the sophistication of this revolutionary equipment, but also the ability to conduct flight operations with fewer personnel. We also expect less stress on the aircraft we send on mission to do our nation’s work. All this will improve the effectiveness of naval aviation and make our embarked air wing even more lethal.” Since Independent Steaming Event (ISE) 11 in July 2020, Ford qualified 243 student naval
aviators and fleet replacement squadron pilots to generate Fleet readiness, completed multiple sea-based developmental testing evolutions, set the baseline for FORD-class maneuvering and tactical capabilities during acoustic and special performance trials, and made a tremendous leap forward in her operational timeline with integrated Carrier Strike Group (CSG) operations. Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander, CSG-12, remarked on the positive implications of Ford’s many accomplishments on the ship’s commissioning anniversary. He believes the ship’s success in underway operations has paved a clear path forward for continued success for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. “History has shown us that naval aviation has become the decisive element at the most critical times of a battle,” said Huffman. “With Ford’s enhanced command and control capabilities, strike group operations will be more efficient as we flatten the battlespace among warfare commanders. I am confident the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will provide a vital display of strategic projection when deployed.” Lanzilotta added that the knowledge gained
during the first two explosive events of FSST has cemented his confidence in Ford’s ability to operate in all circumstances while continuing to execute the mission at hand. “We’ve gained a deeper understanding of our ship’s robust capabilities by enduring these 40,000-pound blasts,” said Lanzilotta. “This insight promises even more success in all aspects of our warfighting posture. As we celebrate the four year anniversary of our ship’s commissioning, we deeply appreciate the efforts by the generations of Sailors who got the ship this far.” With the continued integration of CSG-12 approaching, Huffman said the groundwork has been laid out for the upcoming cycle of work-ups, and he expects a smooth, prosperous transition back to seafaring operations. “Based on Ford’s performance during the independent steaming events and Full Ship Shock Trials, we’ll be entering the integration period of the strike group and air wing with the utmost confidence in ship’s force,” said Huffman. “This year’s commissioning anniversary can be celebrated with the knowledge of how far the ship has come and with certainty in future greatness. The approaching maiden deployment will show the world that Ford is truly a leading-edge platform, whose operating capabilities have been sharpened with the expertise and experience of her outstanding crewmembers.” For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/ CVN78.
Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces receives Peruvian Cross Order of Naval Merit By Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK — Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces, received the Peruvian Cross Order of Naval Merit from Ambassador Hugo De Zela at the Embassy of Peru in the U.S., July 19. “I am honored to receive the Cruz Peruana al Mérito Naval, as it continues to illustrate and enhance the ties of friendship and interoperability between both countries,” said Caudle. “I cherish our lasting partnership with the Peruvian navy, which is built on common bonds of inter-American values and a commitment to regional security. I look forward to continuing to work with our Peruvian partners to achieve our shared objectives to improve our combined undersea force effectiveness.” The Peruvian Cross Order of Naval Merit
is awarded by the Peruvian navy to foreign armed forces personnel for contributing greatly to strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation. The award reinforces U.S. global strategy by building upon working relationships between the U.S. and partner nations and improving interoperability through faceto-face meetings. The U.S. and Peru have enjoyed a close relationship at sea since 1920, when the U.S. naval mission to Peru began; last year the two navies celebrated 100 years of partnership. The U.S. Submarine Force provides the training, logistical plans, manpower and operational support to maintain the ability of the Force to respond to both peacetime and wartime demands while ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains undersea superiority into the future.
Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces, received the Peruvian Cross Order of Naval Merit from Ambassador Hugo De Zela at the Embassy of Peru in the U.S., JULY 19. (COURTESY PHOTO)
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 5
U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces conduct Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Morocco July 9. The training spanned months and involved security forces from the Moroccan army, navy and gendarmerie. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Leaders discuss reforms in the special operations community By David Vergun DOD Public Affairs
WASHINGTION — Leaders of special operations forces discussed reforms including diversity and inclusion efforts, programs for families, and efforts to reduce the high operational tempo caused by frequent deployments at a hearing on the fiscal year 2022 budget request. Joseph McMenamin, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for special operations/low intensity conflict, and Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, testified yesterday before the House Subcommit-
tee on Intelligence and Special Operations. “Enhancing the readiness and resilience of our SOF personnel and their families remains a top priority,” and programs related to that effort are reflected in the FY 22 budget request, McMenamin said. The moral and ethical health of the SOF community is another concern, he said. Special operations/low intensity conflict is working closely with U.S. Socom on implementation of its comprehensive review of SOF culture and ethics. “We are also committed to enhancing diversity within the SOF community. As we compete against increasingly capable adversaries, a more diverse force empow-
ers us to draw upon broader perspectives, different lived experiences, and new ideas,” McMenamin said. Clarke said diversity for the SOF community means ensuring personnel reflect the best talent and the best people of America. “The people of this country have unique talents and skill sets, and we want to ensure that all of them are given the opportunity to serve when able to meet the standards that are required within our force,” he said. “We want to ensure that any barriers to come into Socom, whether they are actual or perceived, are put down to allow the best talent to come in,” Clarke said. “Individuals who understand others’
cultures and are problem solvers are exactly what we need in our force,” he added. Easing the high rates of overseas deployments is also a priority, Clarke mentioned. In the past, SOF forces have been deployed frequently with very little home station dwell times. Clarke said there’s a push to decrease deployment times by ensuring that missions are more balanced with non-SOF forces, meaning that if conventional forces are able to do certain missions, then that would free up SOF forces. Allies and partners also have capable SOF forces that could be assigned certain missions. McMenamin said SOF continues to invest in capabilities to meet the challenges of strategic competition with China and Russia while strengthening vital alliances and partnerships. The SOF community has borne over half of all combat casualties of the total force over the last two years, he said. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the SOF community has maintained a high level of operational readiness, McMenamin said.
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6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
Rear Adm. Lore Aguayo relieved Rear Adm. Dean A. VanderLey as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic, in Norfolk, Virginia July 22. (JEFFREY C DOEPP)
Aguayo takes command of NAVFAC Atlantic By Jc Kreidel
NAVFAC Public Affairs
NORFOLK — Rear Adm. Lore Aguayo relieved Rear Adm. Dean A. VanderLey as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic, in Norfolk, Virginia July 22. Aguayo is the 34th commander overall and the first female officer to oversee NAVFAC Atlantic. She is now also dual-hatted as the U.S. Fleet Forces Civil Engineer. Rear Adm. John W. Korka, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, and Chief of Civil Engineers, presided over the ceremony and presented VanderLey with a Legion of Merit for exceptional service. He praised VanderLey for his guidance of the NAVFAC Atlantic team supporting both the Federal Emergency Management Agency
and U.S. Navy’s national response amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The citation likewise cited VanderLey’s supervision of crucial military construction projects at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, in support of the massive Hurricane Florence recovery effort, worth $1.67 billion in total in North Carolina. “NAVFAC Atlantic is an important and powerful place to work. The mission you execute is critical to force generation and supporting power projection. NAVFAC Atlantic you stand triumphantly in the center of the arena today,” said Korka. “Dust, sweat, toil and triumph are your rations of success and today, I stand before all of you to say, well done.” VanderLey led NAVFAC Atlantic since 2019. His next assignment will be as commander of NAVFAC Pacific. In his remarks to the assembled audience on the lawn of the historic Naval Support
Activity Hampton Roads Lafayette River Annex, VanderLey commended the men and women of NAVFAC Atlantic. “Rear Admiral Korka said a lot of kind words and even gave me a medal,” said VanderLey gesturing to his audience. “But, all of that is really an acknowledgement of your work. NAVFAC Atlantic will always have a special place in my heart. I have served three tours here and while I am looking forward to NAVFAC Pacific, I will never forget the great professionals here at LANT. You are fantastic!” Hailing from Arizona, Aguayo received her commission in 1993. A registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arizona, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Stanford University. Aguayo is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Executive Development Program and is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare offi-
cer. Her most recent assignment was as Chief of Staff, NAVFAC Headquarters. “To the men and women of NAVFAC Atlantic, I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you and lead this fine team of professionals,” said Aguayo. “For many years, I have admired your leadership, skilled execution and accomplishments, first as the operations officer at NAVFAC Southeast and then as the commanding officer of NAVFAC EURAFCENT.” Declaring her utmost respect for NAVFAC and its support of the warfighter, Aguayo challenged the team by adding, “We all must continue to learn, adapt and urgently apply best practices to drive our desired outcomes focusing on safe, timely and quality results. It is our imperative and duty to our nation to do so, and to hold ourselves accountable to these outcomes.” More than 9,000 military servicemembers and civil servants of NAVFAC Atlantic provide products and services across an area of responsibility stretching the entire eastern seaboard as well as NAVFAC’s forward deployed sites within the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command. In FY20, NAVFAC Atlantic executed $7.6 billion in nearly 17,000 contract actions, the largest volume of work this century.
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 7
Climate Change from Page 1
Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) conduct well deck operations with Landing Craft Utility (LCU 1662), March 8. (MC2 JOHN BELLINO)
Safety Award
from Page 1
U.S. Pacific Fleet Aircraft Carrier: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Commander Submarine Force Atlantic Fast Attack Submarine: USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) Ballistic Missile Submarine: USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Commander Submarine Force, Pacific
Symposium from Page 1
front, we also need to have the best information to better serve our Sailors and ships.” He added that a key objective of the gathering was to empower leaders to integrate newlyfound knowledge at their own commands. “This [symposium] is centered around educating you, but it is up to you to implement what you learn here.” Throughout the symposium, leaders presented briefs, discussed numerous topics and answered questions regarding warrior toughness, resiliency, maintenance, self-sufficiency, and the recently established Surface Maintenance Operations Center (S-MOC). Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Christopher Grady, provided keynote remarks about self-sufficiency and how proud he is of the fleet’s steady drumbeat of reliability, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are a lot of serendipitous things that have come out of [the pandemic],” said Grady. “We’ve learned more about self-sufficiency and what our Sailors can do,” he said. Grady also emphasized the importance of building an elite culture attitude Navy-wide, stressing how being proud of one’s vocation
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Fleet Fast Attack Submarine: USS Alexandria (SSN 757) “This year’s winners had an aggressive safety program that contributed to increased mishap prevention, including thorough and professional safety reporting,” said Rear Adm. F.R. Luchtman, NAVSAFECEN commander. “Congratulations to all winners for helping preserve our most precious asset — Sailors and Marines.” promotes “competency, character and connectedness.” Nearly 100 surface leaders, including flag officers, commodores, commanding officers, command senior enlisted leaders and SURFLANT staff members, gathered to discuss the manning, training and equipping of the surface force. Capt. Jeff Baker, commander, Naval Surface Squadron 5, in Bahrain, traveled halfway around the world to attend the symposium and expressed that it was well worth the trip. “It’s been fantastic to get back [stateside] and engage with the different commanding officers and destroyer squadron commanders,” he said. Baker especially appreciated the discussions on maintaining toughness, noting, “the warrior mentality concept - I’m sold! I’ll take that back to the Bahrain waterfront.” SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of nearly 80 ships, 15 pre-commissioning units, and more than 30 shore commands. For more SURFLANT news and photos, visit facebook.com/SURFLANT, www.surflant.usff. navy.mil, and Twitter - @surflant.
come from the civilian community. “As we work to improve our on-base infrastructure, we have to make sure that there’s no flooding impact to our utility connections or off-base utilities,” he said. The Hampton Roads area is home to about 1.7 million people, and it’s home to the second largest population of military personnel in the nation. Many military personnel and their families, along with defense civilians and contractor employees who support military operations, live in the civilian community and rely on services there, Ballard said. “The broader piece from off-base is that our sailors and civilians and families live and work and go to school in the community,” Ballard said. “For the key community facilities — hospitals and schools, for instance — we want to make sure they’re not impacted and that public safety is not impacted by flooding. We’re a part of the community. We want to make sure that those are resilient to the impact of flooding.” Ballard said the Navy has great local community partners that understand the potential impact of flooding in the area. He said they have been working with the Navy to evaluate which roads and other local infrastructure needs to be improved to increase climate resiliency for both local residents and to support access to the installations. On base, he said there are also issues that can affect the mission. “The effects of tidal changes and seasonal events, like hurricanes, are exacerbated by rising sea levels, and that means increased chance of flooding in the areas that support the Atlantic fleet,” Ballard said. “The occasional flooding of roads and dry docks at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, for instance, has prevented work from getting done on ships and submarines there.” In 2019, he said, there were 14 days in Hampton Roads where high tides were a half a meter above the daily average high tide. According to NOAA, this is projected to increase up to 25 days by 2030 and to 65 days by 2050. While the 75 or so ships that homeport in the area can be sent out to sea and the more than 130 naval aircraft can be flown away if need be, this brings with it an adverse impact on training and readiness. Flooding also means administrative, maintenance and logistical support operations there could be hampered or come to a stop if facilities are flooded, utilities stop delivering, or roads are flooded and people can’t get to work. For major events, like a hurricane, Ballard said, the Navy is always prepared. But sea level rise changes things for the Navy’s normal contingency plans. “It makes the problem worse, because when you have these tidal surges, it could exacerbate the level of flooding just based on the higher sea levels,” he said. “You can’t really do your job if you can’t get to the base through the flooding. And if your building is damaged, it’s hard to do the mission.” Ballard also said that a changing climate may also lead to an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms, which means additional
operational impacts such as increased sortieing of ships and planes away from the installations. Steeling For Disaster Both on and off its installations in the Hampton Roads area, the Navy is working hard to ensure that no matter what the weather brings, the mission can go on. “Inside the base, I think one good thing that has occurred recently is that we have updated the unified facilities criteria,” Ballard said. “That’s the building code that the DOD uses when they construct facilities and infrastructure on their bases.” As part of the UFC, any new construction takes into account climate change and ensures those new facilities are ready for future impacts. Direction from the UFC manifests itself in things like the elevation, design and materials used in the building. “The UFC has now incorporated standards that address where and how you should build to be more resilient to flooding,” he said. “When we build a new road or when we rebuild the sea walls on the shoreline, or if we rebuild a new pier for the ships or that kind of thing, all of that new construction will incorporate resilience to flooding, which will help us sustain our mission.” Ballard said facility master plans now also take flooding into account when it comes to placement of new construction projects. “The master plans basically say how we want to site new facilities on the base, and how we want to evolve our base in the future,” he said. “With this master plan process, it’s another area where we’re incorporating some resiliency. We’re looking at what the projections may be for future flooding, and then we’re trying to build that into the plan so that we’re not siting critical facilities at risk.” At other Navy installations in the Hampton Roads region, work is being done through the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration, or REPI, program to preserve lands that protect facilities from flooding and damage. At Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, which is experiencing the loss of critical shoreline, wetlands and piers due to flooding and erosion, the REPI program will provide funding to restore three acres of coastal land and stabilization of 900 feet of shoreline, in part through the use of artificial oyster reefs. The Navy and the rest of the U.S. military has a large presence in the Hampton Roads area and ensuring the missions they perform can continue uninhibited by flooding and coastal erosion is a priority for the department. To ensure that the mission continues, the Navy and the department are partnering in Hampton Roads with federal, state and municipal agencies as well as academia to preserve the environment there in order to preserve the mission. At Naval Station Norfolk, Ballard thinks efforts to improve resilience to climate impacts are effective and are happening at the right pace. “We’re not having severe flooding impacts currently in Hampton Roads, so I think we have the time to improve our infrastructure,” he said. “I think the outlook is good for both the Hampton Roads region and the military bases that operate here.”
8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 1 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 1
USS Mustin Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) returned to San Diego, July 22, after 15 years serving in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan. Page B5
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks during a press conference held in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room, Washington, D.C., June 21, 2021. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittany A. CHASE)
SECDEF Austin arrives in Singapore highlights U.S. reliability By Jim Garramone DOD Public Affairs
SINGAPORE, Japan — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III arrived in Singapore today — the first trip by a cabinet-level official in the Biden administration to the crucial region. This is the secretary’s second trip to the Indo-Pacific region and shows the importance the administration places on the
‘’priority theater,’’ said a senior defense official traveling with the secretary. Austin will speak Wednesday at the 40th anniversary Fullerton Lecture in Singapore. ‘’We want to really drive home the point that we think that the U.S. is a reliable partner for our Asian partners and that we have consistently been there when it counts,’’ the official said. ‘’So, past, present or future, when our partners have been in need, the United States has consistently showed up.’’
One example is the aid the United States is providing during the current COVID19 pandemic. At last month’s G7 summit, the U.S. and G-7 leaders pledged more than one billion safe and effective COVID19 vaccines to accelerate global coverage. According to the White House website, since 2020 the G-7+ has committed to financing and providing about 2.3 billion vaccines for the world. The United States is providing nearly half of that support and is
U.S.-led anti-submarine warfare Exercise Shark Hunt 21 kicks off in the Northern Atlantic with NATO allies and partners By MC2 Kaila Peters
U.S. 6Th Fleet Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN — Commander, Task Force 69 (CTF-69) kicked off Exercise Shark Hunt 2021, a multi-national anti-submarine warfare exercise being held in the Northern Atlantic, July 23. Led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet undersea warfare commander, this year’s iteration features three Allied submarines, four surface ships, including the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), and seven aircraft from four countries. Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States will participate this year. “ This exercise demonstrates the complexity and lethality of our Allied anti-submarine warfare team,” said Capt. John Craddock, commodore, CTF 69. “The multi-domain, multi-national coordination amplifies our ability to promote trans-Atlantic maritime security, provide deterrence, and if required ensure sea denial.” Shark Hunt develops complex and challenging warfare capabilities to enhance the participants’ interoperability and proficiency in air, surface, and subsurface anti-submarine warfare skills. These operations provide real-world opportunities to advance modern submarine warfare and promote an unparalleled understanding of the undersea environment. Training with other submarines tests the limits and ingenuity of our crews to perform at the highest level. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
the single largest COVID-19 vaccine donor in the world. This 2.3 billion total includes support for expanding local production capacity around the world to add more than a billion doses to the global vaccine supply by the end of 2022. At the summit, the United States committed to purchase and contribute to Gavi, or in support of COVAX, 500 million doses of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with delivery beginning in August 2021, as its portion of about half of the overall G7+ commitment, according to the White House. The U.S. will allocate these doses to 92 low and lower-middle income nations around the world. This is the world’s largest-ever purchase and donation of vaccines by a single country. The secretary also wants to make the point in Southeast Asia that the U.S. presence has been a stabilizing force and has made the region more stable, more secure and more prosperous, the official said. It is a region that embraces the need for fair rules of the road. ‘’The U.S. has a track record Turn to SECDEF, Page 7
NSW Sailor receives Military Vanguard Award for heroic actions during Calif. valley fire By MC1 Alex Smedgard
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) departs Reykjavik, Iceland, July 22. Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its second patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (MC2 ANDREA RUMPLE)
SAN ANTONIO — The Valley Fire ripped through Southern California’s vast area of back country in September 2020, destroying 20 homes and 28 outbuildings. From a nearby vantage point, a Sailor watched as the destructive inferno moved closer to his family’s home and quickly devised a plan of action to preserve and prevent any more damage to his community. For his efforts during the fire, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Chris Miletich, assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL Team in Coronado, Calif, received the 2021 U.S. Navy Military Vanguard Award during the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) 57th Annual Conference in San Antonio, July 22. “The actions that earned him this award were selfless, brave and a great reflection of our Navy’s fighting spirit,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith. Miletich received the award for his leadership of a group of volunteers and his individual actions during the Valley Fire. He directly prevented 10 of his neighbors’ homes from being destroyed and personally escorted two of his elderly neighbors outside the fire’s destructive path minutes before it engulfed their home. According to local news outlets in the area, Turn to NSW Sailor, Page 7
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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 2 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
Heroes at Home
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I regret what I didn’t know about teenagers By Lisa Smith Molinari I always believed that, despite my various flaws (one eye bulges out more than the other), weaknesses (I’m a bit of a hoarder), and annoying behaviors (I talk too much), I’ve been a terrific mom. But now that my three children are in their twenties and flying the coop, I’m looking back and wondering, “Maybe I wasn’t so great after all?” Before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me report that all three of our children are doing very well with work, school, independence and friendships. Our children have compassion, character, ambition, moral values, and best of all, great senses of humor. My Navy veteran husband and I couldn’t be more proud as their parents. But as I reflect on their childhoods (as peri-menopausal mothers who are almost empty nesters tend to do), I see that our kids struggled during their teen years. Our son was in his second high school as a junior when we informed him we were moving again. He yelled, “I won’t go!” Soon after, we noticed that he had started lying, ignoring classwork, and stuttering. Our middle child experienced nausea when she was stressed, and was diagnosed with anxiety in her teens. As a teen, our happy-go-lucky youngest daughter developed depression. Our children have overcome their issues with our help, but looking back, I wish I had known
more BEFORE their mental health issues surfaced. There were things about teenagers I probably didn’t understand, red flags I might’ve missed, conversations I wish I’d initiated. “Hindsight is twenty-twenty,” they say — whoever “they” are — but they also say, “Knowledge is power.” In retrospect, I see that I was a loving, attentive mother, but I didn’t know enough about teenage mental health. Recently, I “zoomed” (I’m pretty sure that’s a verb nowadays) into the Military Child Education Coalition’s National Training Seminar, a virtual conference, July 19-21, offering informative sessions for educators, professionals and parents about educating military children. I multitasked while listening some sessions, but on the third day, I found myself drawn into one particular lecture titled, “Mental Health Challenges - Resources for Parents” taught by MCEC’s Melanie Douglas, Happy Garner and Louise Webb, along with The Barry Robinson Center’s Lisa Howard. I gobbled the information as fast as the lecturers could present it. Scribbling on our daughter’s abandoned notebook, I learned • why activity and academic schedules can rob adolescent brains of the extra sleep they need for proper growth and maturity; • why all normal teens exhibit independence seeking behaviors, such as placing less importance on family bonds and more importance
on social or peer bonds; • what factors contribute to mental health issues in teens, such as family history, childhood experiences, surroundings, and inherited conditions; • how to identify “red flags” and why it depends upon the context; • why military teen dependents are at greater risk of developing mental health issues, due to stressors such as relocations, separations, reintegrations, family dynamics, changing schools, worries about money, and the affect of military culture on a teen’s sense of belonging; • how to use the “Wheel of Emotions” and other resources to increase a child’s emotional intelligence; and, • where to find the many mental health support resources available to military families. WHOA. It was a deluge of the relevant, necessary, helpful information that I’d been missing, all squished into a one-hour Zoom call. The data, tips and guidance I gleaned from the MCEC National Training Seminar session on teenagers’ mental health challenges would have made a difference in how I parented my kids when they were teens. As I learned in the lecture, mental health problems are the most common disability for teenagers today, and military children are at a significantly increased risk. Adolescent development and teenage mental health is an incredibly complex and important issue. Parents need to arm themselves with information and avail themselves of resources to negotiate this tricky stage of child development. I regret that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I want today’s military parents of teens to be armed with the knowledge and resources that I was missing. It could make a difference, and as they say, “Knowledge is power.”
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Current as of July 19, 2021 The Department of Defense is committed to evaluating the threat from COVID-19 and its impact on the nation’s security. The pandemic still presents risks, but conditions are improving. Based on improving conditions, the DOD is making updates. It has changed its approach to travel restrictions. This applies to service members, DOD civilian personnel on government-funded travel and their families. The department is now reviewing local conditions by place. That dictates when to lift restrictions. This replaces previous broad restrictions until further notice. If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume most activities without wearing a mask, except where required by laws, rules, regulations and local guidance. However, masks are required on public transportation, including airplanes, trains and buses; and in transportation hubs, such as airports and train and bus stations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone who is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to continue to: • Practice social distancing and good hygiene. • Minimize nonessential travel. • Use face coverings in public. If you are vulnerable, the CDC encourages you to shelter in place. If you feel sick, stay at home and call your medical provider. New COVID-19 requirements for civilians who are deploying As personnel start to resume movement, the DOD has new force health-protection requirements. They help minimize risk and ensure force health. They apply to DOD civilians who deploy or redeploy inside and outside the nation. They are in accordance with DODI 6490.03, which calls for: • Screening for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before travel. • Viral testing for COVID-19 one to three days before departure. An exception to testing may be made if you recovered fully from COVID-19 within three months of deployment or if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are traveling from the U.S. to a foreign country that does not require testing. • Restricting movement to your residence or other appropriate domicile for 10 days before deploying if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Pre-deployment restriction of movement is not required if the host nation requires ROM upon arrival. • Limiting close contact with anyone you
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didn’t travel with and adhering to strict wearing of face covering and frequent hand-washing. Avoid crowds, use of public transportation and close interaction with pets. While under restriction of movement: • Consider ROM location as your official duty location. • Self-monitor for fever, cough, difficulty breathing or other COVID symptoms. If symptoms develop, self-isolate and seek advice via telephone with a healthcare provider. Return to work only at the direction of the healthcare provider. • Notify chain of command or your supervisor if you or others in your household develop symptoms. • Telework when practical per direction of your commander or supervisor. See the latest DOD guidance for more details. Wearing cloth face coverings All individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are performing DOD duties, whether on military installations or at other locations (indoor and outdoor) must wear masks, including in common areas, shared workspaces and outdoor shared spaces. Masks must cover the face and nose in compliance with guidance from the CDC. Masks may be removed if an individual: • Is working from their home • Is alone in an office with floor to ceiling walls and a closed door • Is eating or drinking while social distancing (may remove for brief periods of time) • Needs to lower the mask for identification or security purposes • Needs to lower or remove the mask to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability Changes at your workplace As businesses reopen, it’s important to follow CDC safety guidelines at work, as well as in public. Keeping a safe distance from others and wearing a face covering is important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your supervisor may ask you to continue to: • Work an alternative schedule, such as
compressed hours or flexible workdays or hours. • Attend meetings by teleconference. • Work from home, if you can carry out your duties through telework. Adaptive equipment availability If you need to work from home, you may be eligible to receive adaptive equipment (ergonomic keyboards, lumbar support devices, screen magnification software, etc.) to help you perform your job. The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program will: • Provide equipment for identified needs at no cost to the agency. • In many instances, ship equipment directly to your home. • Conduct your needs assessment via telephone or email. • Extend medical documentation deadlines. If you have limitations due to hearing or vision loss, memory loss, arthritis or carpal tunnel, visit the CAP website for more information. When you must stay at home There may be times when staying home is in the best interest of your coworkers and the community. • You may receive Weather and Safety leave if public health authorities order you to self-quarantine. • You may request telework if you have been in contact with someone infected with COVID19 and want to self-quarantine. You may also request annual leave, advanced annual leave, other paid time off or leave without pay. • You may request telework if you need to care for a family member who is not sick, but who is in quarantine after being exposed to COVID19. You must track your hours and use paid or unpaid leave for time spent on caregiving. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves and additional guidance for civilian employees develops. You can find this guidance at Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service Emergency Preparedness. Understanding of COVID-19 continues to change, so continue to check our Coronavirus Updates for Our Military Community page for updates.
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 2 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 3
USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) crew members prepare to resupply JS Makinami (DD 112) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. This is the ninth iteration of Talisman Sabre, a large-scale, bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States involving approximately 17,000 participants from seven nations. The month-long, multi-domain exercise consists of a series of training events that reinforce the strong U.S.-Australian alliance and demonstrate the U.S. military’s unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (BRANDON FEINBERG)
Rappahannock, Alan Shepard drill with Australian navy during Talisman Sabre 21 By Leslie Hull-Ryde
Military Sealift Command Far East Public Affairs
AUSTRALIA — USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) and USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21), a large-scale, bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, which began July 18 off the northeast coast of Australia. “Providing maritime logistics to the fleet is essential to the welfare of our Sailors and Marines and critical to warfighting at sea,” said Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander Expeditionary Strike group 7. “These evolutions required patience, precision, and I am consistently impressed with the professionalism and support we receive from the captains and crews of our Military Sealift vessels.” During the at-sea portion of TS21, partner nations trained together to operate with, and sustain each other in a contested maritime environment. Rappahannock and Alan Shepard worked closely with the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41), HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154) and HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), conducting a number of maneuvers necessary in that situation.
Events consisted of close-quarter turns, evasion tactics, formation steaming, and emergency breakaway procedures. In addition, crews of the two Military Sealift Command combat logistics ships and the Australian ships practiced bridge-to-bridge communication protocols. “Exercises such as TS21 are essential to ensure successful combat logistics support of U.S. and allied naval forces. Whether maintaining peacetime freedom of the seas or engaging an aggressive adversary, logistical support of naval assets is a keystone element to a rapid and sustained response,” said Capt. James J. Orsini, master of Rappahannock. “The more we learn from each other as to how we conduct operations, the better we, as an allied force, can plan for, coordinate with and respond to any tasking.” Since 2005, Australia, the United States and other multinational partner forces have used this biennial exercise to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain warfare scenarios that replicate current and potential future global security challenges. For Military Sealift Command ships like Rappahannock and Alan Shepard, TS21 increases capabilities and interoperability to respond to combat operations, disaster response and humanitarian assis-
tance efforts. “Every time we have an allied ship alongside, we learn something new, whether it be a procedural or equipment compatibility issue,” Orsini said. “Through exercises like Talisman Sabre, Rappahannock’s crew becomes more adaptive to diverse situations, affording crew members the opportunity to gain and refine the expertise necessary to make on-the-spot adjustments while providing logistical support to partners and allies.” Jointly sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Joint Operations Command, Australian Defence Force, this year’s exercise was modified in scale due to COVID-19 considerations and incorporated U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, as well as the Australian Defence Force and other government agencies from each country. The exercise included a field training exercise incorporating force preparation, theater-setting and sustainment activities; amphibious landings; land forces maneuver; urban operations; air operations; maritime operations; and special forces activities. Along with the opportunity to hone military skills, involvement from Australian and United States government agencies made this a
collaborative whole-of-government effort. The U.S. maritime component of TS21 featured the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious ready group (ARG), which includes the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), along with embarked elements of the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Throughout TS21, Military Sealift Command’s Rappahannock and Alan Shepard conducted replenishments-at-sea with participating ships. Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. Task force commanders, like Task Force 76, employ these ships to ensure mission accomplishment. COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73 is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships that keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled and fed. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
USNS Mercy’s chief engineer receives Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for COVID-19 deployment support By Sarah Burford
Military Sealift Command Pacific Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO — Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, recently presented the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal to Senjamin Tai, Chief Engineer of MSC’s hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), in port in San Diego, Calif., for his service during the ship’s 2020 COVID-19 relief deployment to the Port Of Los Angeles. Tai was instrumental in preparing USNS MERCY’s engineering plant and medical treatment facility, in preparation for the ship’s COVID-19 deployment. He returned from leave the same day that Mercy received activation orders to deploy within 5 days. Under his supervision and leadership, the Engine Department was manned and ready to within 3 days, the steam plant was warmed up and brought online safely and efficiently, all main propulsion and auxiliary systems, including hospital services, were thoroughly checked, and Mercy deployed in accordance with the 5-day activation timeline. Once the ship was moored at the Port of Los Angeles, Tai configured the ship’s power plant and auxiliary systems to provide the hospital stable power, water, HVAC, and waste disposal services. Due to pier support limitations, MERCY remained on ship’s power for the entire mission, and the engineers kept the lights on and water running without a single failure, something the award citation noted as
Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, (Left) presents the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal to Senjamin Tai, Chief Engineer of MSC’s hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), in port in San Diego, Calif., for his service during the ship’s 2020 COVID-19 relief deployment to the Port Of Los Angeles. (SARAH BURFORD)
“a testament to Tai’s outstanding leadership, professional knowledge, and intimate familiarity with the ship’s systems.” “I am honored to present Chief Tai with this award,” said Wettlaufer. “Recognizing the outstanding MSC CIVMARs for their hard work and dedication to their profession and the Navy is one of the best things I get to do. Chief Tai is a great example to not only the CIVMARs on Mercy’s crew, but for CIVMARs throughout MSC. I am proud to have him working with us.” Mercy spent nearly 50 days pierside at the Port of Los Angeles, serving as a referral
hospital treating non-COVID-19 patients, and in effect as a ‘relief valve’ for local hospitals as they were able to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. The ship supported the lead agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Defense’s Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission. While in Los Angeles, 77 patients were provided care ranging from basic medical/surgical care to critical care, to trauma. Additionally, the Medical Treatment Team conducted 36 surgeries, 77 X-ray exams, 26 CT scans and administered hundreds of ancillary studies ranging from routine labs
to high-end x-rays and blood transfusion support. MSC CIVMARS operated and navigated the ship, loaded and off-loaded mission cargo, assisted with repairs to mission equipment and provided essential services to keep the MTF up and running, as well as maintaining all the physical aspects of the ship throughout the deployment. “Receiving this award is an honor. It is nice to have your work recognized,” said Tai. “I look forward to sharing it with my family.” For more information on careers/employment with Military Sealift Command, visit https://sealiftcommand.com/.
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Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Delano Roosevelt pins the Medal of Honor onto the lapel of Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joel T. Boone’s uniform, circa 1919. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Medal of Honor feature: Vice Adm. Joel T. Boone By Katie Lange DOD Public Affairs
Navy Vice Adm. Joel T. Boone treated injured service members through the horrors of both world wars and everything in between. He served as the personal physician for three presidents and put his mark on military medicine over the span of nearly four decades. Before earning many of his high-ranking accomplishments, though, he received one of the most memorable — the Medal of Honor. Boone was born Aug. 29, 1889, in the small town of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, to William and Annie Boone. He had a brother and two sisters. As a teen, he went to Pottsville High School before attending prep school at Mercersburg Academy. Boone was smart, so he chose to attend medical school at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, graduating in 1913. The following spring, he was appointed as a Medical Corps junior grade lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve and spent the next year doing graduate studies at the Navy Medical School (now the Navy Medicine Professional Development Center) in Washington, D.C. By the summer of 1915, Boone had transferred to the regular Navy and was assigned to the Artillery Battalion of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force. He spent roughly the next year in Haiti, where U.S. Marines and sailors were helping quell anarchy and unrest after a government coup. In April 1917, Boone received orders to the USS Wyoming. Soon after, he was temporarily promoted to lieutenant and shipped out to France to support the 6th Marine Regiment during World War I. Boone spent 17 months at war, participating in major campaigns like the Battle of Verdun, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and
the Battle of Belleau Wood — which, at the time, was considered the bloodiest Marine conflict in American history. According to the Library of Congress, Boone worked 12-hour days during Belleau Wood to treat the injured near the fighting. He also helped set up a field dressing station on a nearby farm. According to the Library of Congress, Boone’s journal said that he and other corpsmen suffered through three gas attacks and artillery barrages that caused their housing to shake and the ground to “pulsate.” Boone’s actions during the conflict later earned him the Medal of Honor. On July 19, 1918, then-Lt. Boone was in the thick of a firefight with the Germans near Vierzy, France, about a half-hour north of the town of Belleau. Boone knew his men were falling left and right on the battlefield, so, despite the intense enemy gunfire and gassings, he left the relative safety of a ravine and ran onto the open field to give first aid to wounded Marines. When he ran out of field dressing and supplies, Boone again dodged his way through heavy shelling to replenish them. He returned as quickly as he could with a sidecar full of supplies and continued to help the wounded. Later that day, he made another resupply run under the same conditions. Post-War Prominence Later that year, Boone received a temporary promotion to lieutenant commander. He returned to the U.S. in 1919 and was awarded the Medal of Honor, which was pinned to his uniform by Assistant Navy Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt. Boone remained in the Navy after the war and made a name for himself. He and his wife, Helen, had a daughter in early 1920 while Boone was detailed to the Surgeon General’s Office in Washington, D.C. At the same time, he was chosen to be the director
Navy Capt. Joel T. Boone served as a medical officer with the 6th Marines in France during World War I. This was his American Expeditionary Forces identification card. (COURTESY PHOTO)
of the Bureau of Navy Affairs at American Red Cross headquarters. In June 1922, Boone was permanently promoted to lieutenant commander and assigned as the medical officer on the presidential yacht, the USS Mayflower. The ship was where many diplomatic and social events occurred for presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Boone remained in that position for several years until 1929, when newly elected President Herbert Hoover decommissioned the yacht as a money-saving measure. At that point, Boone was assigned to the White House to continue his services as Hoover’s personal physician. Over the next 15 years, Boone furthered his studies in medicine and worked his way up the ranks. During World War II, he served on ships and at naval bases on the West Coast. According to his obituary in The Pottsville (Pennsylvania) Republican, Boone was the fleet medical officer on famed Adm. William Halsey’s staff and was aboard the USS Missouri during the Japanese surrender ceremonies on Sept. 2, 1945. Boone was also one of three officers chosen to liberate
Allied prisoners of war in Japan before the U.S. military’s post-war occupation began. According to Boone’s obituary, he was promoted to rear admiral in 1946 and served on the Hoover Commission, which made post-war recommendations to the president regarding potential changes to the federal government. In March 1950, Boone became inspector general of the Navy Medical Department. Later that year, he advanced to the rank of vice admiral and retired after more than 35 years of service. Boone’s work with the military wasn’t done, though. For four years, he served as the chief medical director of the Veterans Administration. Boone died on April 2, 1974, at Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) in Maryland. He was 84. The doctor’s name and legacy lives on. The guided missile frigate USS Boone that was commissioned in 1982 was named in his honor. A health care treatment facility on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Hampton Roads, Virginia, also bears his name.
CNO visits Tokyo, meets with senior Japanese leaders By CNO Public Affairs TOKYO — Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Japan July 25, to meet with Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) leadership. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Japan July 25, to meet with Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) leadership. During the visit, Gilday met with Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, State Minister of Defense Yasuhide Nakayama, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Gen. Koji Yamazaki, and Chief of the Maritime Staff Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura. “Make no mistake, the U.S. - Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and the bond between our two navies is iron-clad,” said Gilday. “Whether we exercise at sea, operate together bilaterally or multilaterally, or conduct humanitarian missions, our maritime cooperation continues to grow. Together, we share a vision of a free and open
Indo-Pacific and work shoulder-to-shoulder to maintain security and stability in one of the world’s most important regions.” Yamamura echoed similar sentiments. “The discussion in the face-to-face meeting with ADM Gilday is of much significance in promoting Japan-U.S. naval cooperation and in enhancing alliance capabilities for deterrence and effective response,” said Yamamura. “JMSDF and the U.S. Navy will continue to closely work together for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’ ” During his engagements, Gilday reaffirmed that the U.S. Navy will continue to operate in this vital region alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to address common challenges and help keep the seas open and free. The JMSDF and U.S. navies operate together nearly daily in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe. This visit marked Gilday’s second to Japan since assuming duties as CNO. For more information about the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, please contact the Public Affairs Office or visit: www.navy. mil/cno.
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday meets with Japan Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Gen. Koji Yamazaki at the Japan Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. During his visit, CNO reaffirmed the U.S. Navy’s commitment to the U.S. and Japan alliance and maritime partnership. (CMDR NATHAN CHRISTENSEN)
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Families wait on the pier at Naval Base San Diego as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) returns to San Diego, after 15 years serving in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan, July 22. (MC2 KELBY SANDERS)
USS Mustin returns to San Diego after 15 years of service in Japan By Naval Surface Force Pacific Fleet Public Affairs SAN DIEGO — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) returned to San Diego, July 22, after 15 years serving in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan. Mustin executed a change of station to the United States to conduct a planned depot modernization period and will be replaced by Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), who will depart their homeport of Everett, Washington. “Planned maintenance availabilities like these are critical to ensuring ships are maintained and equipped to perform combat-
ready tasking when called upon and achieve their expected service life,” said Cmdr. Robert Briggs, commanding officer of USS Mustin. Mustin arrived in Yokosuka, Japan in July 2006 and has participated in multiple humanitarian efforts in the Indo-Pacific region while assigned as a FDNF ship. In 2008, as part of USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Mustin provided aid to Myanmar in response to Cyclone Nargis. The ship earned the Humanitarian Service Medal for response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami as well as Typhoon Haiyan. Also in 2011, at the request of the government of Thailand, Mustin provided aerial surveillance support following flooding. While taking precautions against COVID-
19 at the onset of the global pandemic, Mustin successfully participated in a number of training exercises and operations including Integrated Ship and Air Team Training (ISATT), Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), Freedom of Navigation Operations, and carrier strike force operations with USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). “I couldn’t be more proud of Mustin’s accomplishments,” said Briggs. “As we transition into the maintenance phase over the following months, the crew is focused on upgrading the combat systems and engineering plant, and eventually returning this warship back to sea.” Commissioned in San Diego nearly 18 years ago on July 26, 2003, Mustin spent
three years assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23 as part of U.S. 3rd Fleet before joining the FDNF as part of Destroyer Squadron 15 based out of Yokosuka, Japan, with U.S. 7th Fleet. Forward deployed naval forces improve the ability for the U.S. to protect interests while reassuring their friends and allies in the region of their commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity with unfettered access to the sea lanes for all nations in the Pacific. Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is the most preeminent, combat-capable Surface Force in the world. Its mission is to build and deploy combatready ships with battle-minded crews capable of executing their mission and defending the nation’s interests at home and abroad. CNSP delivers and sustains the full spectrum of balanced, affordable, and resilient naval power through manpower, training, and equipment. As Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF), CNSF leads Surface Warfare policy with a fleet-focused perspective and develops the professional expertise of surface warfare officers.
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The 4.3K launcher is fired from the Hebrides Range in Scotland during the At Sea Demonstration/ Formidable Shield 2021 (ASD/FS21) exercise, which took place from May 15 to June 3. (COURTESY PHOTO)
At Sea Demonstration/ Formidable Shield (ASD/FS21) Exercise concludes with several successful firsts By Latasha Ball
Naval Surface Warfare Center Public Affairs
PORT HUENEME, CA — “These targets were provided by a consortium of U.S. stakeholders including Space and Missile Defense Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Point Mugu, Missile Defense Agency and NSWC PHD,” said John Winstead, senior advisor at NSWC PHD’s WSMR. “Additionally, the U.K. Ministry of Defense provided robust numbers of air breathing targets to complete the multi-warfare event.” In addition, the NSWC PHD and WSMR team launched two missile targets, called Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicles Group B (ARAV-B), during the exercise. The ARAVB, also known as the T4-B, according to the Missile Defense Agency, is a solid-fuel rocket-based target vehicle that WSMR designed,
built and sent to the exercise that emulates ballistic missile threats, and Connelly said its launch alongside the two other targets is among the team’s many noteworthy accomplishments during the exercise. “I would say the overall coordination, buildup and launch of the three systems— the ARAV-B, GQM-163 Coyote, and Pathfinder Zombie with differing requirements—all within the concise and expedited schedule was a very successful part of the exercise,” Connelly explained. “We integrated very successfully, and for the first time three different launch teams, two different flight safety/ ground safety teams and two different meteorological teams into one, producing a seamless and transparent target array.” “We (also) had to work around a lot of things because of the COVID-19 pandemic; and despite it, we accomplished everything
successfully.” Jay Breuer, senior target director for suborbital vehicles at the White Sands Detachment, was the senior test director for the two ARAV-B launches during the exercise. He said the intended purpose of the ARAV-B targets was so that the Royal Netherlands Navy could use them to provide a target for USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) to engage. “The Netherlands detected, tracked our target and provided a cue to USS Paul Ignatius, which then fired a SM-3 Block 1A missile, which resulted in an exo-atmospheric intercept of our medium-range ballistic missile target,” Breuer explained. “That’s the first time the United States launched a SM-3 missile based on data provided by a Netherlands ship.” The team also handled schedule changes with the ARAV-B during the live event,
quickly adapting and executing the planned missions, according to Troy Gammill, NSWC PHD system engineer. “The ARAV-B launches moved from four days apart on the original schedule to one day of separation due to operational, technical and other requirements,” Gammill said. “The NSWC White Sands Missile Range Detachment team was able to safely upload and prepare the second ARAV-B target in one day and successfully launch the second ARAV-B target and meet all requirements. In addition, due to the outstanding planning and execution of NSWC PHD Test Officer James Connelly, the team was able to complete the process of recovering from the first launch, install required cabling and testing, upload the target vehicle, perform range checks, and perform finalization for the flight.” Exercises like ASD/FS21 open a door of opportunity for the military to actively engage in integrated air and missile defense with allies, strengthen relationships and improve interoperability in meeting the mission and ultimately supporting the Navy and the warfighter. “It’s just not us and our ships playing the role and providing the ballistic missile defense capabilities, but now we have our other allied nations helping to fulfill that role,” Breuer said. “That allows us to use fewer ships; we can leverage our allied partners’ ships and provide the same amount of protection and coverage in this role, using the Netherlands sensor as an early warning for any of our adversaries’ ballistic missile launches, which greatly expands our advantage.”
Trident Training Facility Kings Bay holds change of command By MC1 Ashley Bruman KINGS BAY, Georgia — Trident Training Facility (TTF) Kings Bay held a change of command at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, July 23. Capt. Ryan Heilman relieved Capt. Jeff Lamphear as TTF’s commanding officer in a ceremony held at the base chapel. Rear Adm. John Spencer, commander, Submarine Group Ten, was the guest speaker. “Jeff ’s work was essential in continuing training and maintaining fleet readiness through multiple unplanned events, including a hurricane evacuation and the COVID pandemic,” said Spencer. “His team succeeded in maintaining a full training load throughout the pandemic, ensuring that we had 100% crew readiness for deployments and mission success.” Lamphear, from Livonia, Michigan, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in engineering mechanics. He earned his commission through the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program. During his speech, Lamphear highlighted the hard work and accomplishments of his crew. “The best part of my job was working with all of you,” said Lamphear. “TTF accomplishes a useful and fulfilling mission maintaining operational readiness and building effective warfighting teams. We are integral to the
Capt. Jeff Lamphear outgoing commanding officer, Trident Training Facility Kings Bay, looks on as Rear Adm. John Spencer, commander, Submarine Group Ten, speaks to distinguished guests, family and crew during the change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Capt. Ryan Heilman relieved Lamphear as commanding officer. (ASHLEY BERUMEN)
crews’ readiness to effectively execute their missions in peace and wartime. The team here at TTF not only handled an increased student load, but you made the process more efficient. On top of that, you provided uninterrupted instruction during a pandemic.” Under his command, Lamphear oversaw the first expansion of TTF in more than 30 years with the construction of the Submarine Bridge Trainer. He also improved Strategic Weapons Training courses and contributed to the readiness of 16 submarine crews and new accession students. The incoming officer, Heilman, takes
command after serving at Submarine Squadron 17 in Bangor, Washington, as one of two post-command deputy commanders. “It’s a tremendous boon to receive command from such a brilliant submariner as Capt. Jeff Lamphear,” said Heilman. “Sir Isaac Newton said, ‘If I had seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ Your work here is done, but your efforts built the foundation of our future, allowing us to see further and accomplish more — thank you.” The Trident Training Facility Kings Bay mission is to train officers and enlisted personnel in the necessary knowledge and
skills required to build competence and proficiency in operating and maintaining the Trident submarine and all associated systems. Lamphear will report to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as the commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program for his next assignment. Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is homeport to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines. For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit https://www.sublant.usff.navy.mil/CSG10/ or https://www.facebook.com/submarinegroupten.
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Sailors and Marines load vehicles onto Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) 1661, attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, from the well deck of dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during LCU operations in the Arabian Gulf, July 16. (MCSN SAWYER CONNALLY)
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Bahrain supports four consecutive Aqaba port visits By Kambra Blackmon
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Command Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain — Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain provided contracting and logistics support to four scheduled port visits in Aqaba, Jordan during the last three months. After more than a year of restricted travel due to COVID-19 mitigations, logistics support representatives of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain traveled to Aqaba to provide boots-on-the-ground support to USS Mahan
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the blaze erupted for unknown reasons in early September and burned an estimated 17,565 acres over the course of 19 days. “My family and I saw a huge plume of black smoke rising from behind the ridge of our property,” said Miletich. “Once I moved my family out of the area, I went to help neighbors move their semi-trucks, tractors and farming equipment. It was then that we noticed the fire was starting to crest the ridgeline, and the wind was blowing it our way.” He was certain that his home, along with many others, would soon be engulfed in flames. Miletich and approximately 20 neighbors made their way back to salvage what they could and prevent as much damage as possible. “We realized that many of our homes were not directly damaged, but could be soon, due to the large amount of vegetation already on fire,” Miletich explained. Drawing upon the firefighting training he received on the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), he boldly took charge of the situation. “I divided us into two separate working parties to extinguish the immediate threats by utilizing a neighbor’s water pump and 300 feet of 1.5-inch fire hose, chainsaws, shovels and axes,” said Miletich. “We fell over 20 trees and cleared countless square yards of thick brush from the area to remove the fire’s fuel source. We smothered multiple hot spots and additional flare-ups that ignited due to the dry climate and high winds.” It was not until the next day that Miletich
(DDG 72), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17) while they operated in U.S. 5th Fleet. The contracting officers of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain facilitated the procurement of port services, and the logistics support representatives tracked and delivered more than 240 pallets of mission essential parts, supplies, provisions, and mail during the port visits supporting mission readiness and crew morale. “It’s a combined effort to meet the mission requirements for ships that pull into Aqaba, Jordan,” said Georgia Simpson, a logistics reached his own house to discover it too had survived the fire. Over the next four days, overcoming temperatures that exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit, rugged terrain and lack of sleep, he selflessly spearheaded the effort to extinguish the immediate surrounding fires to prevent further damage to his community. “Military service is based on a sense of duty, on the assumption that the common good is more important than the individual, and he demonstrated that,” said Tina M. Kish, Director of Member and Chapter Services at NCOA. “His heroic actions and leadership exemplify the spirit and intent of the Military Vanguard Award. Petty Officer Miletich is a perfect candidate to receive this award.” The idea of the NCOA Military Vanguard Award was conceived in 1980, an annual award created to recognize and honor a single member from each of the armed services who distinguished himself, or herself, through acts of heroism. The selection to receive the Military Vanguard Award is done through a rigorous nominating and screening process within each of the military services. The senior enlisted chief of each uniformed service is requested, by letter from NCOA, to submit their respective service’s selection. Individuals are nominated by their command and solicited to the senior service chief’s office where the selection is done. The U.S. Navy’s award recipient is selected by the MCPON. “Congratulations to MM1 Miletich,” said Smith. “I’m so proud to see that his training and intuition kicked in. His heroism and quick thinking saved lives and will likely leave an enduring impact on the San Diego community.” Whether it is fighting a fire or making his wife
support representative of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain. “We work with the embassy, force protection officials, contracting officers, husbanding service providers, and the customs officials to ensure all items clear customs and are ready to be delivered to the ships upon arrival.” “Our ability to travel to another country, navigate a foreign military installation and airport cargo warehouse, and deliver cargo in a timely manner is how we flex our logistics capabilities,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jasmine Robinson of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain.
In addition to Jordan, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain provided last tactical mile logistics and contracting support in Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates during the previous year to support all U.S. 5th Fleet operating units. “We have an outstanding team of professionals providing acquisition and logistics capabilities across the theater. I am proud of the role we play in working with our mission partners to support their mission,” said Capt. Timothy Griffin, the commanding officer of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain. NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www.navsup.navy. mil, www.facebook.com/navsup and https:// twitter.com/navsupsyscom.
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A local resident, and neighbor of Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Chris Miletich, extinguishes flames during Southern California’s Valley Fire. Miletich and his neighbor were part of a group of 20 volunteers that led firefighting efforts in the community which directly prevented 10 homes from being destroyed. (COURTESY PHOTO)
breakfast, Miletich believes the action is not as important as the intent behind it. Miletich said his actions that day were fueled by his love for his family, community and country. “[My time with Naval Special Warfare] has given me a much deeper and greater appreciation for those around me,” he said. “It’s about the mission of the team and sticking together. If through my actions my kids see what a good man is, and they strive to be even better men and women, then I’ll have succeeded as a father.” Miletich plans to continue to reside in the community he helped save alongside his wife and five children.
here, and we stand by it.’’ The situation in the South China Sea makes countries in the region worried that these rules are being eroded, the official said. ‘’You’re going to see us be very firm in stating that we believe that all countries ought to be playing by the same rules; that no single country ought to get to determine the rules for other countries; and that might doesn’t make right in this part of the world,’’ the official said. Austin is also expected to speak with allies and partners about the idea of integrated defense. The United States must update its capabilities to ensure conflicts don’t break out. ‘’We have to update our capabilities, our concepts of operation, and our presence in the region in order to maintain that deterrence,’’ the official said. But this has extended into the new domains of space and cyberspace, and this needs allies and partners to cooperate. ‘’This is going to be a major point of conversation in how we work collectively with our allies and partners to continue to deter aggression or conflict,’’ the official said. Austin will emphasize that the U.S. effort in the Indo-Pacific — and around the world — is a whole of government approach. Diplomacy will have the lead in many aspects of the policy with DOD as a supporting pillar. Austin will also go to Vietnam and the Philippines before returning to Washington.
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 1
A Bowl Full of Flavor Meal prepping is a popular trend for many people (and families) who are working on healthy eating habits but are constantly on the go. PAGE C4
HERE COMES THE
CHAMPION
Brandon Scott (JONATHAN MCLARTY)
Virginia Championship Wrestling Returns To The Norfolk Masonic Temple This Saturday By Ultimate Wrestling Charmer The long awaited return of Virginia Championship Wrestling (VCW) is finally here. After 15 months, VCW returns to action at the Norfolk Masonic Temple on Saturday night July 31st with the fourteenth annual Liberty Lottery. Doors will open at 6:30 PM with the bell time scheduled for 7:30 PM. Ringside and general admission tickets are available online now at vcwprowrestling.com but are moving fast. The evening’s main event is the Liberty Lottery match itself. Twenty wrestlers will compete in a delayed entry battle royal, in which elimination only occurs when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. The twist on this familiar concept is that the VCW fans will determine the order of the entrants by drawing names at random. When the dust settles and the smoke clears, the winner of the Liberty Lottery will earn a guaranteed VCW Heavyweight Championship match at their Tidings of Destruction event later this year. Speaking of the VCW Heavyweight Championship, the richest prize in Virginia is up for grabs in a special title unification match. VCW Heavyweight Champion Gino Medina, “Mr. Xcellence” Brandon Scott, and
Gino, VCW Heavyweight Champion (R), versus Greek God Papadon (L) in 2019. (JONATHAN MCLARTY)
VCW Commonwealth Heritage Champion, Jordan Oliver, will compete in a triple threat “winner take all” bout. The first wrestler to score a pin or submission will become the undisputed Virginia Heavyweight Cham-
pion and thus merge the two existing titles into one. Current VCW Champ Gino is very excited to return to VCW, see all the fans and defend his belt. “I’m looking forward
to coming back to VCW. As a proud champion, I always want to defend this championship against the top talent VCW has to offer. Unfortunately because of the pandemic, I have not been able to do so until this Saturday, July 31st. That’s why I’m so excited for this comeback in Virginia. We get to give the people what they want, some ol’ fashion pro wrestling. Plus I get to defend my VCW heavyweight championship again verses some top competitors.” When reached for comment, former VCW Heavyweight Champion Brandon Scott said the following. “What have Gino and Jordan Oliver done in the last fifteen months? I’ll tell you what they haven’t done…neither one has defended their title. I don’t know why we’re even having a match. They should just give me both titles because I’ve been the best in Virginia since the day I was born.” Not to be outdone, current VCW Commonwealth Heritage Champion Jordan Oliver had this to say. “My game plan for this match is the same as it is for every Match. Train hard. Win. I know that Gino and Brandon aren’t training as hard as me. I know they aren’t wrestling as much Turn to Wrestling, Page 3
First-Ever White Rhino Calf Born at the Virginia Zoo From Virginia Zoo NORFOLK — The Virginia Zoo is proud to announce the historic birth of its firstever Southern white rhinoceros, born to mom, Zina, and dad, Sibindi, on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Animal care staff report the calf is strong, nursing well and is bonding with Mom. A neonatal exam was performed 36 hours after the calf was born by the Zoo’s Veterinarian, Dr. Tara Reilly, with the assistance of Keepers and Veterinary Technicians. The exam confirmed the calf is a male, weighed in at approximately 125 pounds and stands 22 inches tall and 36 inches long. This is a historic event for the Zoo as this calf is the first of its species to be born at the Virginia Zoo, but also for first-time mom, Zina. From the moment she gave birth, she has shown signs of good mothering instincts and has been very attentive to her calf. The gestation period for a rhino is 16-18 months, so Zina’s Zoo Keepers and the entire Animal Care Team have been anticipating this birth for several months. Her pregnancy was 16 months and 21 days. “The pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound in February,” said Dr. Tara Reilly. “We were able to give some general time frames, but this last month became very apparent
we were in the birth window,” Dr. Reilly added. The Animal Care Team collaborated to create a birth plan for Zina, which included routine checkups, diet changes, training Zina for voluntary weekly blood draws, voluntary milk collection, installing a baby monitor (camera to keep an eye on Zina during around-the-clock-watches) and even baby proofing the rhino exhibit. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome this baby, who will serve as an ambassador to its species in the wild,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “Because of the demand for their horns, rhinos are often killed daily. A baby animal’s cuteness piques the interest of everyone, but then we are able to share their conservation story and the ways we can protect their species,” Bockheim added. This brings the rhino count to four at the Zoo. Sibindi, 18, Zina, 8, Bora, 7, and now the new male calf. Zina and her calf can be seen in the rhino’s night barn. Mom and baby will stay indoors for Keepers to monitor the two and their bond over the next several weeks. Sibindi and Bora will have access to both the barn and their outdoor habitat. This species remains classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN) due to threats in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal poach-
(COURTESY PHOTO)
ing of their horns. Zina was paired with Sibindi through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure the survival of these protected species. The Zoo will be auctioning off the naming rights for the baby rhino to raise funds for rhino conservation. The public can place bids on the calf ’s name through July 30. To
place yours, visit virginiazoo.org/babyrhino. The baby rhino can also be “Zoodopted”! Proceeds from the auction and Zoodoptions will be donated to the Zoo’s conservation partner, the International Rhino Foundation, which provides support for land protection, the translocation of rhinos to more suitable habitats in Africa, and work being done to end the trade in rhino horns.
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The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
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(ISTOCK)
TCC is among the top ten schools in the nation that is Best for Vets
By Laura J. Sanford
Virginia Beach — Tidewater Community College was named the top two-year school in the Commonwealth by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 rankings. TCC is also among the top ten schools in the nation in the Best for Vets rankings. “It’s a tremendous honor for TCC to be selected again as the top school for veterans in Virginia,” said Veronica Cianetti, director of military and veterans services for TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE). “The staff of the CMVE and the college work daily to serve the needs of our
military-related students. In addition to providing excellent student support services, we work closely with military supportive business, industry and organizations to achieve our mission of facilitating educational and employability success.” Military-focused offerings include: A partnership between Virginia Natural Gas and TCC for a workforce development initiative that trains veterans and transitioning military to fill the growing need for skilled workers in the natural gas industry. The week-long program, offered at the Virginia Beach Campus, began in 2017.
The Machining Skills Certification, a SkillBridge-approved program that trains military-related students in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machinery from setup to operation. CNC machinists are in demand throughout Hampton Roads and the nation. Military-related students may also use their GI Bill benefits to pay for this program. Contact Anthony Fontes, project coordinator, at afontes@tcc.edu for information. Solar Ready Vets, a U.S. Department of Energy program in partnership with Naval Station Norfolk and TCC, offers transitioning military the chance to train
for new careers in the solar industry. The entire program can be completed in just five weeks and the cost may be covered or reduced for veterans. For information contact Fontes at afontes@tcc.edu. Training in truck driving. TCC recently received the sixth grant to train military veterans and their dependents for careers in trucking. Recipients of the grant pay nothing to complete the one-semester, 16-credit certificate. Classes are taught at the Center for Workforce Solutions on College Drive in northern Suffolk. Military-related students make up about one-third of TCC’s enrollment. The statistics used for the Bets for Vets survey do not account for dependents. The rankings are based on the results of Military Times’ annual survey — a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement — as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies. The survey asks colleges and universities to document a wide array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties, and to describe numerous aspects of veteran culture on a campus.
don’t think of these products as part of the food, water, and shelter essentials of living, but disinfecting and hygiene products are an integral part of maintaining good health. We are thrilled to be included in these donation efforts,” said Stacie Walls, CEO of LGBT Life Center. According to the United Nations, hand-
washing with soap is one of the most effective barriers to the spread of diseases. Around 297,000 children under five — more than 800 every day — die annually from diseases due to poor hygiene, poor sanitation, or unsafe drinking water. For more information, please call us at 757-640-0929, ext. 262.
Soapbox to donate 9,600 bars of to local non-profits From LGBT Life Center Norfolk — Soapbox, a clean beauty company, has selected LGBT Life Center and dozens of local non-profits as recipients of 9,600 bars of soap, part of their effort to ensure good hygiene, promote handwashing and break a Guinness Book of World Records for largest hygiene donation in a week. Soapbox contacted LGBT Life Center to be part of their cross-country donation effort. Because the enormous donation of 9,600 bars of soap would more than cover clients of LGBT Life Center, The Center contacted their network of local non-profits and coordinated the donation with 18 other service organizations (a list that continues to grow). LGBT Life Center will be the receiving organization of the donation and will distribute it on Thursday, July 21, between 9am and 11am at 5360 Robin Hood Road Norfolk, VA 23513. The donation effort is also intended to highlight challenges in access to care and personal hygiene products. “In the U.S., food stamps don’t cover personal hygiene products like soap. We hope this tour [of
(COURTESY PHOTO)
donations] brings attention to that important issue...,” stated Soapbox co-founder and CEO David Simnick. Providing reliable and steady access to personal hygiene products is part of the work of LGBT Life Center. “Many of us take our access to soap and other personal hygiene products for granted. We often
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 3
Wrestling from Page 1
as me. I’m constantly traveling the world. Even through the pandemic I found a way to become a bigger DRAW in this fine sport of professional wrestling. Which is a sport I happen to be very good at. So good that I’m actually the number one ranked wrestler in Virginia, even though I’m not from there nor do I live there. I’m young, I’m dumb and I’m going to be THE Champ after July 31st.” A match of this magnitude deserves an appropriate level of pomp and circumstance for the victor. Therefore, Mark Fleming, the original Virginia Heavyweight Champion and student of the six time National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Champion, the legendary Lou Thesz, will present the new champion with both titles. Mr. Fleming, who lives in Norfolk and made a name for himself in Japan as both a professional wrestler and shoot fighter (the equivalent of modern day mixed martial arts) is very excited and humbled with the opportunity to present both belts to the winner of the triple threat unification match. “As a three times Virginia Heavyweight Champion, the longest in its history, dating back to 1988 and defending it all over the State, I am proud to hand over the honors to the best and most skilled WRESTLER in the unification match on July 31st. The Virginia Title’s rich history dates back to the mid 1980’s as some of the sports premier wrestlers held and/or challenged me for this prestigious title as Champion. Names like Blackjack Mulligan, Ivan Koloff, Greg Valentine, Nikolai Volkoff, Jimmy Valiant and Tully Blanchard to name a few. So it is an honor for any wrestler to hold this prestigious title to represent the great State of Virginia.” Fans will have an opportunity to meet Mark Fleming both before the event and during intermission. In other action, Joe Keys locks up with the debuting Arik Royal. Keys has found success recently wrestling for Ring of Honor, while Royal is considered to be one of the best unsigned talents on the Mid-Atlantic independent scene. The winner of this contest will enter the Liberty Lottery in the coveted number twenty position, while the loser will begin the match all the way at number one. Popular VCW tag team, the Golden Pinky
Jordan Oliver (L) in action against Gino (R) in 2019. (JONATHAN MCLARTY)
Society (Benjamin Banks and “Diamond” Victor Griff ) will compete against Black Wallstreet (Drolix and Chuck Lennox) in what is being promoted as a potential hard-hitting affair. Both teams are looking to make an impression, as the winners here will be considered top contenders for the VCW Tag Team Titles. The Golden Pinky Society especially feel they have something to prove, since their last opportunity was stolen from them by current champions The Dirty Blondes. Former Bellator and Strike force MMA professional fighter “Weapon X” Matt Makowski makes his VCW debut as well on this historical night. Makowski has been tearing up the northeastern professional wrestling independent scene with his hybrid style.
It has also been announced that the new VCW Director of Operations, Jerry Stephanitsis, will give VCW Commissioner George Pantas, a performance evaluation as part of the Loulies Lounge. “I’ve been a fair, honest and humble human being since birth.” Said Stephanitsis, who seemed annoyed that his integraty would be questioned. “Really there was no better choice for a promotion at VCW.” He continued. “Rest assured, I will not allow my history with George Pantas to come into play. I am going to give him the due process he deserves at the Liberty Lottery.” VCW Commissioner George Pantas is not having any of that. “I don’t trust Stephanitsis as far as I could throw him, and I have thrown him a few times in the past few years. I need all the help of my VCW
fans and friends to show up in full force and drown out any negativity that Stephanitsis has to offer.” Loulies Lounge is hosted by “The Big 44” Tim Loulies and sponsored by the Virginia Beach Funny Bone. All of the wrestlers and staff at VCW are thrilled to finally get back to business on July 31st at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. Ringside seats are $25, while general admission is $20. If you have never been to a VCW event, now is a great time to check out the best professional wrestling Virginia has to offer. Ultimate Wrestling Charmer is from Parts Unknown and writes about the exciting world of Professional Wrestling after many years of experience in and out of the ring.
4 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
Food
Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls (COURTESY PHOTO)
A Bowl Full of Flavor By Culinary.net If you’re looking for a dinner or lunch combination that is wholesome, filling and, of course, easy, you’re not alone. Meal prepping is a popular trend for many people (and families) who are working on healthy eating habits but are constantly on the go. No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, this Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. It’s fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp and veggies, including mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers. The sauce is light and has a sweet yet spicy vibe. Everything rests over 1 cup of steamy quinoa — a filling base that also serves as an
easy way to add some healthy grains to your diet. To make this quick and easy recipe, prepare the quinoa according to the package directions and set aside. Next, combine orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso in a medium bowl and whisk together. Pour about one-fourth of the liquid into a separate bowl and set aside the smaller portion. In the medium bowl, add shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes. Add butter to a hot skillet, along with the shrimp mixture. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side then add mushrooms and cook until tender. Now it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with quinoa then top with bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, avocado and the perfectly
pink shrimp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro for some extra texture. Drizzle bowls with the remaining sauce. Find more wholesome and healthy recipes at Culinary.net. Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls Serves: 2 1 cup quinoa 1 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon soy sauce 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon white miso ¼ cup butter 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed ¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 cucumber, sliced into half moons 5 green onions, sliced 1 avocado, sliced 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour one-quarter of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside. Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes. Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls. Drizzle with reserved dressing.
mixture into the cooled chocolate. Once combined, add the rest of the whipped cream. Spoon the mousse into serving bowls or ramekins and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Once chilled, add toppings or reserved whipped cream and shaved chocolate, if desired. It’s easy and requires minimal ingredients, and the results are something smooth, rich and luscious. Your sense of taste will take you right back to that happy place once you take a small bite. Memories are some of the greatest gifts you get to keep forever. Find more sweet treat recipes at Culinary.net. Dreamy Chocolate Mousse Serves: 4-8 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate,
chopped, plus chocolate shavings (optional) 40 large marshmallows 2 ¼ cups heavy cream, divided In large bowl, combine chopped chocolate, marshmallows and ½ cup heavy cream. Microwave 2 minutes on high, or until marshmallows are melted. Let mixture cool 1 hour. Using mixer, whip 1 ¾ cups heavy cream until soft peaks form. Reserve and refrigerate ½ cup whipped cream for topping. In cooled chocolate mixture, fold in 2 cups whipped cream until combined. Add remaining whipped cream and mix until combined. Spoon mousse into ramekins. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. To serve, top with ½ cup reserved whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate, if desired.
Dreamy Chocolate Mousse (COURTESY PHOTO)
A Memory-Making Mousse By Culinary.net Some of the best memories throughout life stick with you forever as you play them over and over in your head and smile, thinking fondly of those times. A lot of these good memories are centered around laughs, great conversation and irresistible, mouthwatering food. Family events such as wedding showers or Mother’s Day, or the first day of spring after a bitter winter, can be reasons to celebrate and indulge in something out of the ordinary. This Dreamy Chocolate Mousse can make those special memories just a little
bit sweeter. It’s rich, decadent and full of scrumptious chocolate flavor. Topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate, it’s the perfect addition to almost any special occasion. It works as a dessert after a meal or just a special treat. It can be served at a big event or simply a Sunday afternoon at home. To start, add chocolate, marshmallows and heavy cream to a mixing bowl. Microwave until melted, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 1 hour. Pour additional heavy cream into a mixer and whip until soft peaks form. Take ½ cup of whipped cream and refrigerate for later. Fold half of the soft whipped cream
www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 5
Health
How COVID-19 fast-tracked innovation in the Military Health System By Thomas J. Walsh MHS Communications
In early 2020, as the Sars-CoV-2 virus was just beginning to spread across the United States, the Defense Health Agency was already working to coordinate epidemiological data on the emerging threat. By March of 2020, as the virus was reaching nearly every state in America, the Military Health System was using new, molecular-based COVID-19 tests that enabled sample analysis and delivered results in just four to six hours. Since then, it’s been off to the races for the DHA and the MHS in general with regard to heath care innovations in the face of the virus. The urgent demands of the pandemic forced the MHS to adjust quickly by building out new capabilities, implementing new customer-care techniques and launching massive new research efforts. As a result, new and rapidly developed health care procedures have kept warfighters on post, ships at sea, and military medical professionals on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus. “We can’t ignore that COVID-19 has already irrevocably changed how we deliver care and will continue to do so,” Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Sean Hipp, Director of DHA’s Virtual Medical Center, said in July 2020. “We must use the terrible clarity these unprecedented circumstances provide to honestly evaluate our tools and practices, and apply that wisdom to make real, lasting improvements to health care. This mindset of embracing innovation for the sake of our patients is already a hallmark of MHS providers. We find creative, clinically sound ways to treat our patients - no matter the obstacle.” The MHS has been a leader in virtual health, otherwise known as telehealth or telemedicine, using secure, accessible and compliant technology. The MHS Virtual Medical Center (VMC) has expanded virtual health tools for military patients and medical personnel across the services to ensure continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s included mobile mental health tools and apps that have provided valuable support to people experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other problems during the COVID-19 crisis and its accompanying periods of isolation. Another example is the MHS Nurse Advice Line, which since the earliest weeks of the crisis has provided patients with reliable access - via web chat, video, and phone - to registered nurses who are trained to triage beneficiaries. The nurses provide advice on self-care, refer beneficiaries for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, or coordinate clinically appropriate care. The care could be a virtual appointment with a
An Ohio National Guard soldier conducts a COVID-19 test during a pop-up testing drive-thru at Anthony Wayne Junior High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, on October 2020. (Senior Airman Kregg York).
provider, a referral to an urgent care center, or a visit to the emergency room. The pillars of MHS efforts to fight COVID19 have been the execution of testing for the virus, and, more recently, rolling out vaccinations. Military and civilian lab managers and technicians have been among those on the front lines. Their work goes beyond that uncomfortable swab to the back of the nose that many have experienced. “In addition to adding COVID-19 testing platforms … our team also vetted many additional products,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Nelson, chief of the Air Force Medical Service COVID Lab Team. “We have advised on an array of testing methodologies to include diagnostic and asymptomatic pooling, wastewater surveillance and whole genome sequencing - mostly done on the research side of the house.” Customer Service Other, more ground-level approaches to testing have played out across the country. The North Dakota Army National Guard coordinated drive-through testing sites with civilian counterparts and developed a system using an electronic tablet and a bar-coded label, speeding up the process and enabling about 1,000 tests to be done in just a couple of hours. Elsewhere, staff at military hospitals and clinics quickly pivoted from mass vaccination events to pop-up events at high-traffic locations like installation exchanges and cafeterias. And at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, the medical staff took advantage of the CDC’s recommended 15-minute waiting period for patients after the COVID19 vaccines are given. The staff has been making appointments for routine care with patients who missed some of these checkups during the many months of quarantines.
“People weren’t coming in to get their screenings at all - because of COVID they just didn’t want to come in,” said Tommy Franklin, Keesler Medical Center’s director of staff. “We tried to close that gap while they were coming in for the vaccines. It was ‘Hey, oh by the way, we see you’re behind on your pap smear, we see you’re behind on your colon screening. Would you like to go ahead and get that screening scheduled now that you’re here?’ ” The goal was “to be able to use that window of opportunity to communicate with these folks and make eye-to-eye contact and let them know that “Hey, we’re open and available to do this for you,’ ” Franklin said. Keesler uses CarePoint, a DHA information delivery portal that’s been around for a while, to check the medical records of those coming in for a vaccine. A new innovation, called the DHA Appointing Portal (DAP), made its debut earlier this spring after a pilot project launched in December. DAP is an easy-to-use online tool to help patients schedule a time and date for their COVID19 vaccine appointment at a nearby military hospital or clinic. At roughly the same time this spring, MHS GENESIS, the Department of Defense’s new electronic health record system, was developing a large digital record of COVID-19 vaccinations administered to service members and their families. Referred to as ‘MassVax,’ the archive more accurately tracks and ensures that the DOD’s patient population has received COVID-19 vaccinations, considered essential to both a ready medical force and medically ready force. New Research Scientific studies on the disease by the
military have proceeded apace, too. One involved clinical trials of a long-acting antibody combination medicine to prevent COVID-19 among people who have been exposed to the disease, a DOD initiative that involved the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science’s Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Program. Called STORM CHASER, the program coordinated teams of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and clinical research staff at five MHS locations from Maryland to Hawaii. Another objective of the study was examining whether the antibody injection could reduce viral shedding in those who may develop COVID-19 after receiving the injection. (Viral shedding occurs when the virus replicates inside the body and is released into the environment, making the host person contagious to others.) Other solutions were less sophisticated. For instance, staff at many military hospitals and clinics developed inexpensive, easily constructed ventilators for use in hospital and field settings to make up for shortfalls in national stockpiles. “The individual MTFs did an astounding job of expanding day-to-day testing,” said Nelson, in a recent issue of the Biomedical Sciences Corps newsletter. “The organizational response to SARS-CoV-2 proved without a doubt that necessity truly is the mother of invention...and innovation!” “One of the things that we were really impressed with in March, April, May and June of last year, was how fast DHA was cranking out guidance and policy to help the facilities as they navigated these waters,” said Franklin. “With another pandemic, God forbid, the rules and the way we play the game will change again. But at least for now we have a script and a foundation to start with.”
Safety Briefs: Don’t be Boring and Use Real Examples By Jacob Moore
MHS Communications
How do you craft an effective safety brief? It’s not easy. But it’s a challenge that commanders and enlisted leaders face all the time, as they try to warn troops about potential problems and discourage avoidable accidents and injuries before they happen. Humor usually helps to keep the attention of young service members. Try to cite real world examples that illustrate risks. And don’t hesitate to invoke the higher calling and military values that drew many young people into military service in the first place. Those are some tips from two Marines - Capt. Brenden McDaniel and 1st Sgt. Esperanza Fuentes, the leaders of Bravo Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - who spoke to us recently about effective ways to resonate safety to young service members before they head out for a weekend of partying and recreation. How does a leader make a safety brief both interesting and engaging “I try to engage the Marines - not only give them real-world examples of things that have happened to Marines of mine, but I also try to make it funny,” Fuentes said. She said she often cites the example of one of her Marines who was at a barbeque and put too much lighter fluid on the grill and ended up singeing off his eyebrows. “It keeps it funny and it’s relatable,” said Fuentes. “These Marines are young. Some of them are in their teens and early 20s. I have to make it relatable to everyone, but also remind them that, realistically, their choices have consequences.” Real-world examples can serve to convince potentially skeptical young service members that these things really do happen and are something they need to be aware of. While burning off ones’ eyebrows may seem funny, it’s a way of
Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit receive a safety brief from the MEU commander while deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. Safety briefs serve as important reminders for all Service members to be mindful while enjoying their time off (Army.mil).
reminding people that failure to take the proper precautions may result in something far more serious, whether that be using too much lighter fluid or consuming too much alcohol. “When they come back to work on Monday morning, their choices are going to have consequences, whether they’re positive or negative,” Fuentes said. McDaniel explained that he tries to invoke some inspiration to make his Marines see the larger purpose of the safety briefs. “When I’m crafting a safety brief, one of the most important things that I try to do is emphasize the Marine Corps ethos - specifically our core values of honor, courage and commitment. I try to engage the Marines, especially junior Marines, by reminding them that they volunteered because they wanted something better in their lives.” McDaniel said that it’s up to them, personally and individually, to live up to that ethos and the high standards set forth by the Marine Corps to get what they want out of life. “I use that, and then I tie it into our operational and training opportunities, upcoming volunteer, community and recreational events and try to engage them to get excited about doing something with their lives and their time that is in line with the goals we’re trying to accomplish in the company and in the Marine Corps,” McDaniel said.
Why are periodic safety briefs important? McDaniel: “It gives us a chance, as leadership, to get our eyes on all of the Marines - their physical appearance, their demeanor - and it gives them a chance to see us. It gives us an opportunity to promote that culture of care.” Fuentes: “The main point, for me, is that the Marines see that their leadership is engaged with their safety and their well-being.” How did you conduct safety briefs in a COVID environment and are things transitioning back to “normal” yet? McDaniel: “Last year, when COVID was hitting, we did change our tactics. Some sections offered dial-in safety briefs, where we would get accountability over the phone, give our safety brief, and have questions and answers. That way, we knew that all of the Marines were hearing us and had access to us to address any concerns.” McDaniel also said that when using technology wasn’t an option, they broke the company down into smaller formations to keep physical contact to a minimum. Fuentes: “Those formations that we were still having, we were applying COVID mitigation safety rules including making the Marines stand at ‘COVID interval,’ or two-arms-length distance away from each other, and they had masks on.” What are the main concerns this summer?
McDaniel: “My biggest concerns are water safety - when Marines, sailors, families are getting into the ocean. The other one is safe travel. If they’re going over eight hours, we want them to find a hotel and stay somewhere overnight. We want them taking breaks every few hours on long road trips and we want them to put contact plans in place -they’re calling and texting their chain of command and letting them know that they arrived safely and that everything’s okay.” Fuentes added that her main concerns include alcohol consumption, hydration and COVID safety. “Safety during the summer doesn’t just affect you,” she said. “It can come down to affecting your family, your readiness and the whole company’s operational tempo. If we lose one Marine - that affects everyone.” McDaniel also added that he encourages his Marines to keep physical fitness in mind. “Physical fitness is a cornerstone of the Marine Corps. It’s essential for the success of our young Marines, but it’s also so effective in managing stress,” he said. “We’re trying to make them turn it into a habit, where it’s the norm for them to go to the gym, to get some extra miles in. These healthy habits are going to prove successful for them, not just in their time in the Marine Corps, but throughout their entire life.”
6 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021
AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate
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Local Annual Meeting Notice For members of Chesapeake Association The annual meeting has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions at the time of scheduling. Board election ballots will be mailed out to members
WE ARE THE “STRESS RELIEVERS”
Misc. Merchandise For Sale Announcements
By order of the Board of Directors Ryan Horsley, President
CHURCH WIDE YARD SALE Saturday July 31, 2021 from 8:00 am - 1 pm at Olive Branch BC: 2608 Airline Blvd. Portsmouth, Va. 23701 PUBLIC AUCTION The following Units from Conley Mini Storage, located at 3506 Robs Drive Suffolk VA 23434 will be sold at public auction on July 30th 2021 @ 12 pm due to delinquent rent. Public Auction is ON-LINE only at Storage Treasures.com. Sales are Cash Only, $50 Cleaning Deposit, Removal of all items within 48 hours. Units for Auction are: 316 / 114 and 55. Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com
Garage/Yard Sales, etc. ICC 2969 HOLLAND ROAD Sat July 31, 2021 at 8 am. Vendors sign up w/ admin@iccvirginia.com
Subscribe to The Virginian-Pilot today. Call 757-446-9000 or go to PilotOnline.com
BATTERY OUTLET, INC. CAR BATTERY SPECIAL! Factory Seconds $55.00 With Exchange (for most U.S. & Foreign Cars.) 1608 Campostella Rd., Chesapeake (757) 545-4442. 2815 Geo. Washington Hwy., Yorktown 757-867-8280. www.batteryout.com PLANTERS Three 30x14.5x9.5 Planters. Heavy. Must be picked up by buyers. $90 for all. Call: 757-484-4049
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Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com
When We Handle Your Estate or Moving Sale. We Offer On-Site Tag Sales with a Knowledgeable & Courteous Sales Team. Over 45 yrs. Exp. in Antiques, Estates & Moving Sales. References.
Larry Zedd 422-4477 virginiabeachantique company.com
Early home delivery.
757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com
Good news. Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com
Jump start your day. Early home delivery 757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com
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Fridays in The Pilot
757.622.1455 | placeanad.pilotonline.com S & H ENTERPRISE 20 YRS. Concrete Exp. All types of concrete work driveways, stamped & exposed. We accept credit cards. 757-652-4050. www.shabazznva.com
Home Improvements ADDITIONS, SUNROOMS, ROOFS, Decks, more. Member BBB. 757-986-3777. www.builderscorporation.com AIR DUCT CLEANING UNIVERSAL DUCT CLEANING FREE INSPECTIONS MEMBER BBB. 757-502-0200
Handyman Services
Concrete/Asphalt Estate Sales CONCRETE, BRICK & TREE REMOVAL Landscaping, Top Soil, Press Wash’g, Yard Clean Up & Home Repairs. 757-714-4848
★GENERAL REPAIRS★ AFFORDABLE. All Handyman, Int & Ext: Flooring, Bathrooms, Small Jobs, Remodel, Rot Repair. 30 Yrs. Exp. BBB A+ Rating. 757-430-2612.
Hauling B & J MOVING Reasonable Rates, Licensed & Insured. bandjmoving.com 757-576-1290
ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS Custom Home Repairs & Renovations. Patrick Ellis Ent. Inc. Lic. & Ins. BBB A+ 757-635-6609
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YOUR PERFECT
JOB
IS WAITING
BEST PRICE EXTERIORS 757-639-4692 Siding, Windows, Trim, Roofing. FREE ESTIMATES! Lic. & Ins’d. Lowest Prices & Top Quality Work. No Repairs. BBB A+ Rating
PEST/TERMITE CONTROL Universal Pest & Termite. FREE INSPECTIONS. 757-502-0200. (Mention This Ad and Get $25 Off)
Lawn and Tree Service BRICK AND STONE REPAIRS Steps, Walls, Foundations, etc. Virginia Beach Native. Masonry Contract. 40+ yrs Known As Stone Smith USA. Semi-Retired - A Legend In His Own Mind! Earl Smith 757-270-0578. Please Leave Message. You Won’t Find A Better Man! FRANK’S SIDING & REPAIRS Repairing Siding & Trim. Small jobs. Lic/Ins. Low Prices. BBB A+ RATING 757-227-8964
YARD CLEAN UP - GRASS CUTTING, WOOD FENCE REPAIR & BUSHES Weed Eating, Blowing, Reasonable prices. Call 757-477-2158
Plumbing
★★★AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE★★★ Josh 757-998-5327 Theo 757-515-6933 LEAF RAKING AND CLEANUP Grass cutting, Weed Control, Mulching & Trimming, Planting. 25 yrs exp. 918-4152 PARKER TREE SERVICES Mulch, trim shrubs, landscaping. Free Estimates. 757-620-9390
★ HONEST PLUMBING ★ ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS Drains♦Fixtures♦Sewer 510-5970 or 837-6903
Roofing ROOF REPAIR Shingles, tar, rubber, slate, metal, asbestos removal. 757-718-1072
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www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021 7 AntiquesSales & Collectibles Estate
Trucks and SUVs
CHEVROLET 2017 TAHOE
WANTED ANTIQUES & ESTATES 18th, 19th & 20th Century, Furniture, Artwork, China, Crystal & Collectibles. 1 Piece Or Entire Contents. We Come To You With & Courteous & Professional Service. No Obligation Offers. Please Get My Offer Before You Sell! Tag Sales & Estates Settled.
LARRY ZEDD 422-4477
Virginia Beach Antique Co. Appraisal Service With 40 Years Experience
virginiabeachantiquecompany.com
Wanted To Buy
LT Package, 4WD, navigation, leather, sunroof, TV/DVD, tow pkg, warranty, all serviced, runs & looks great. $35,900. 757-620-7570. Va. Dlr.
Travel/Camping Trailers CONSIGNMENTS WANTED! Let us clean, sell, & finance your RV. Snyders RV 499-8000.
Motorcycles and ATVs This sweet little girl is very playful and has an amazing personality. She is ready for her new home. auatinbarron@yahoo.com $1900 BEAGLE PUPPIES AKC 8 Weeks Old Champion Blood Line $300 Call 757-672-4476 GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES Beautiful family raised light Goldens. Shots and wormed. Must see 7 weeks old. $700 757-619-7043 LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES AKC REGISTERED, shots, wormed, vet checked, 8 weeks old, chocolate males, $700 434-294-6897 MINI AUSSIEDOODLES
Early home delivery. 757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com
2018 KAWASAKI NINJA 400 Like new, elderly owner retiring from riding, 11.5k miles. $5,000. 757-547-7738 FRANKENSTEIN 1200 CC HARLEY DAVIDSON TRIKE Excellent Condition, runs great, beautiful bike, comes with many spare parts and tools, $8500 Call: 757-4838098
Autos for Sale
CHEVROLET 2019 EQUINOX
LT. Like new, 16,800 miles, remote start, navigation system, blue tooth wireless, back up camera & park assist. $28,000. 757-439-8886
HONDA 2001 ACCORD
EX. Runs great, 4 dr, sunroof, good insp sticker. $2,150. 757-343-0270
INFINITI 2008 G35 9 wks old, tri-colors, UTD, vet checked, home raised. Ready now! $1350 978-846-9449
Good news. 757-446-9000 PilotOnline.com
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AKC FEMALE FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY
BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS Large & Small. Cash. Call Jim 540-287-9212
Early home delivery.
FORD 2007 F150
Dogs, Cats, Other Pets
Well maintained, 97k miles. $8,900. 757-613-7775
KIA 2003 SEDONA
Van, V6 3.5, 96K & 4 Dr. $3,500 OBO. (757) 228-6656.
VOLKSWAGEN 2018 JETTA
GTI, auto, AC, power windows & locks, cruise, tilt, back up camera, 38mpg, warranty, 18k miles, like new. $15,995. 757-351-5611. No fee.
Room For Rent
Classic, Antique Cars
VIRGINIA BEACH OCEAN FRONT One furnished br, no smkg/pets. $575 incl utls+dep. 757-718-1813
We will purchase your collectible, classic, late model autos, we will come to you. Call 757-675-0288.
CHESAPEAKE Sunrise Hills, furn/unfurn room, central air, washer/dryer, satellite TV. $160/wk + dep. 757-718-0698.
Early home delivery.
VA BEACH SHORE DR & GATE 4 Sm furn w/ lrg wlk in closet, 52” TV. $550/mo, first & last. 757-818-4872
757-446-9000 or PilotOnline.com
Fun & Games
4WD, Harley Davidson, 124,000 mis, clean. $15,900. 757-439-7717 va dlr
GMC 2016 ACADIA
Denali, FWD, Automatic, 61,050 mi, White & CoCoa Interior, Leather & Loaded, $29,500. Call For Appt: 757620-3707
LEXUS 2019 RX 350L
26K orig. mis., factory warranty, 3rd row seat, fully loaded, 1 owner, all serviced/inspected, showroom new. $49,900. 757-620-7570. Va dlr
MINI 2014 COOPER S
Countryman Package, 4 dr., AWD, leather, full sunroof, low miles, new inspection, runs & looks new. $16,900. 757-620-7570. Va. Dlr.
NISSAN 2014 MURANO
Low miles, SL pkg., AWD, leather, sunroof, navigation, all serviced, looks & runs great. $16,500. 757-620-7570. Va. Dlr.
Wanted Automotive ABSOLUTELY ABLY ACQUIRING AUTOS All Makes & Models, Best Price Paid!! FREE TOWING. 757-749-8035 AUTOS ACCEPTED-ANY YEAR Make or Model. Top Dollar, Fast, Free Towing. 757-737-2465, 252-232-9192
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Boats & Watercraft BOAT FOR SALE 2019 Mako Pro Skiff 17 CC, Mercury 60HP with approximately 20 hours. White with red stripe. Many extras. 22000 Text 757-870-7067 USED TRAILER SALE!!! OVER 100 Avail. For Boats 12’-38’ BUDGET BOATS: (757) 543 -7595
Tribune Publishing Company
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At some seaside restaurants, the bathroom doors might say“bouys”and“gulls.”
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS
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8 The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | Section 3 | Thursday, July 29, 2021