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ISSUE EOD techs and Navy divers host Hampton Roads student leaders in honor of Month of the Military Child. See the story and photos on A4!
More than 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 24, No. 17 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 04.28-05.04.16
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Kearsarge ARG departs U.S. 6th Fleet By MCSN Dana Legg USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
NORFOLK
Fun and games at Norfolk Month of the Military Child event By MC1 Theodore Green The Flagship Staff
NORFOLK
Military families celebrated the Month of the Military Child with a day of fun in the sun at Capt. Slade Cutter Athletic Park in Norfolk, April 23. The event is hosted annually by Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Child Development Homes (CDH) to honor the sacrifice and resiliency of area children with parents serving
in America’s armed forces. One of the event organizers, Regional CDH Education Technician Sarah Walch, said the goal of the event was to provide back to the community and show the CDH’s support for the area’s active duty family members. “We hold this event during the month of April to be able to express how important military children are to our program,” Walch said. The CDH trains providers to care for children in their own homes, on or off base. Providers are certified by the DOD, applicable
state licensing agencies, and are currently accrediting with the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). This type of arrangement offers a home-like, natural
» see FUN DAY | A9 Photos: Children participate in activities during a day of fun in the sun at Capt. Slade Cutter Athletic Park in Norfolk, April 23. The event was held in honor of the Month of the Military Child. Photos by MC1 Theodore Green.
IKE HOSTS FRIENDS, FAMILY DAY CRUISE By MC3 Justin Peeler USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN
MC3 Theodore Quintana Sailors and guest aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, observe an air power demonstration on the flight deck.
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Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), or Ike, hosted 3,000 guests April 24 for a friends and family fun day cruise that included tours of the ship, live entertainment and an aerial flight demonstration.
HEROES AT HOME Tidewater Officers’ Spouses’ Association held a luncheon at Vista Point on Naval Station Norfolk, April 19.
EARTH DAY Navy commands worldwide are observing Earth Day in April through events and activities that demonstrate good environmental stewardship.
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Eisenhower’s Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Spedero Jr., welcomed the Sailors’ friends and family from Eisenhower, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and Carrier Strike Group 10 aboard the ship. Friends and family members experienced how Eisenhower Sailors keep the carrier opera-
» see IKE | A9
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) flagship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility, April 25. While in the U.S. 6th Fleet, Kearsarge visited the port of Valencia, Spain, where the ship hosted a dinner reception on the flight deck for approximately 120 Spanish distinguished visitors and 100 crew members. "The Kearsarge and MEU team had a wonderful port visit in Valencia and appreciate the people of this great city for giving us such a warm welcome,” Kearsarge's Commanding Officer Capt. Larry G. Getz said. “The reception held on our flight deck was a great way to strengthen partnership with our Spanish counterparts as we continue to work together to promote peace and stability in Europe and the world.” In addition, Sailors and Marines took advantage of the opportunity to participate in several community relation events to include participating in a 5K run/walk for Autism Awareness, as well as a visit to the Polytechnic University of Valencia where they were able to interact with the students and faculty. Sailors and Marines aboard Oak Hill visited Lisbon, Portugal, during a scheduled port visit, where the embarked 26th MEU Marines participated in a tactical exchange with the Portuguese Fuzileiro. The military-tomilitary cooperation was beneficial to strengthening interoperability as allies. While Kearsarge and Oak Hill were in port, Arlington pulled pierside in Marseille, France, to enjoy some of the French culture the city had to offer. During Arlington's time in port, the crew attended a reception hosted by the Association France Etats-Unis, provided ship tours for the local media, and participated in a community relations project with the Marseille Blue Stars American football team at a sports camp for kids.
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MC2 Shane A. Jackson Families wave goodbye to Sailors and Marines departing for deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).
THIS FRIDAY Don’t miss this event April 29, free and open to all active-duty personnel, retirees, DOD civilians and eligible family members. Same-day race registration available. More info at http://tinyurl. com/gvxuzwu
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