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Vol. 22, No. 12 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 03.27-04.02.14
Capt. Robert Clark (below), commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, speaks to local media during a press conference on board Naval Station Norfolk (pictured left).
U.S. Navy photo
NCIS investigates shooting onboard NAVSTA Norfolk MC1 Molly A. Burgess
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Lt. j.g. William Fletcher, left, and Lt. Ian Higgins, assigned to the “Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, walk to an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman.
Truman, CVW 3 Conclude OEF Support By MCSN Emily M. Blair USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs
GULF OF OMAN
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on board the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG), completed its final sortie in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), March 19. CVW-3 flew more than 2,900 sorties and more than 16,400 flight hours in support of OEF beginning Aug. 27, 2013. Lt. Ian Higgins, assigned to the “Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter
Squadron 32, took part in the final combat sortie, flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet. He flew 27 OEF missions, totaling nearly 170 flight hours. “It has been an honor supporting the troops on the ground,” said Higgins. “Launching our final mission was like any other day, we had to remain focused. Finishing our support of OEF may mean that we are closer to going home, but we still had to make sure the troops on the ground can make it home safely too.” Sailors and Marines performed maintenance, and launched and
MC3 Karl Anderson
recovered aircraft daily throughout seven months of OEF support. Capt. George Wikoff, commander, CVW-3, said teamwork was the key to successful OEF operations. “It begins and ends with teamwork,” said Wikoff. “We executed our missions safely and just as we practiced during our pre-deploy-
ment exercises. To do that, every Sailor and Marine, every maintainer and every pilot, worked together. That teamwork is what enabled us to provide continuous support to coalition warfighters on the ground in Afghanistan.”
» see TRUMAN | A9
ELROD ASSUMES ESCORT DUTY FOR ‘MORNING GLORY’ TANKER SHIP
Ike Chefs shine at culinary competition
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
By MC3 Brian Wilbur
American Forces Press Service
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
NORFOLK
The U.S. Navy’s USS Elrod (FFG 55) relieved USS Stout (DDG 55) of its escort duties for the Morning Glory tanker ship March 19, Army Col. Steven Warren, a Defense Department spokesman, told Pentagon reporters March 21. The Navy initially took control of the commercial tanker in international waters by request of the governments of Libya and Cyprus following its seizure earlier this month by three armed Libyans. The Morning Glory, according to a DOD statement, is carrying cargo of oil owned by the Libyan government National Oil Company, and was illicitly obtained from the Libyan port of As-Sidra.
Two Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) received coins from Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. William E. Gortney, for their participation in the annual Military Culinary Arts Competitive TrainingEvent (MCACTE) at Norfolk Naval Station, March 17. The MCACTE judges awarded Culinary Specialist Seaman Jack Amico and Culinary Specialist Seaman Tarell Fulton for their submissions
» see ELROD | A9
special insert The Healthy Living special section is geared toward military members, veterans, and their families filled with exercise and healthy eating tips.
MC2 Jeffrey M. Richardson The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG-55) arrives in Souda Bay for a scheduled port visit.
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH The Flagship has compiled photos from local commands and commands around the fleet celebrating Women’s History Month. » see A8
» see CHEFS | A9
MEDALS AWARDED Twenty-four U.S. Army veterans from three wars – World War II, Korea and Vietnam – received upgrades to the highest military decoration for uncommon bravery.
» see B1
NORFOLK
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the Sailor killed last night. This is a very difficult and sad time for our Navy family,” said Capt. Robert Clark, commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk, during a press conference, March 25. “At this moment, we are in the process of notifying the Sailor’s next of kin and I would ask that you please respect their privacy at this very difficult time. Information about our Sailor will come at the appropriate time and today is not the day.” There are two fatalities as a result of Monday night’s shooting at Pier 1 onboard the USS Mahan (DDG 72). One male Sailor and one male civilian suspect were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries have been reported. The suspect approached Mahan’s quarterdeck and was confronted by ship security personnel. A struggle occurred and the suspect was able to disarm the Petty Officer of the Watch. The suspect then used the weapon to fatally shoot a Sailor responding to render assistance. Naval security forces then killed the suspect. The suspect did not have his own weapon. Naval Station Norfolk was briefly on lockdown for approximately 45 minutes as a precautionary measure. As of Tuesday, with the exception of Pier 1, all operations have returned to normal at Naval Station Norfolk. “Counselors from Navy Fleet and Family Service Center are on hand to assist personnel who witnessed the shooting,” said Clark. “Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating.”
CAR SHOW Hampton hosts the inaugural Virginia Hot Rod & Custom Car Show, a two-day indoor car and motorcycle show featuring some of the hottest “classics, hot rods, and customs” in the country. » see C1
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