AWARD WINNING
JOURNALISM 2013 Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards has recognized in Civilian Enterprise News Publications: First Place:The Flagship
More than 20 years of serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
Vol. 22, No. 17 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 05.01-05.07.14
Petty Officer Mark A. Mayo awarded Navy and Marine Corps Medal For heroism while serving at Naval Station Norfolk Security Detachment, Norfolk, Virginia on 24 March 2014. While performing his duties as Chief of the Guard, Petty Officer Mayo was alerted to a suspicious individual walking towards USS MAHAN (DDG 72) on Pier 1, Naval Station Norfolk. Petty Officer Mayo pursued the individual up the brow of the ship while both he and the Quarterdeck watch-standers directed the individual to stop and provide identification. Failing to comply, the individual approached the Quarterdeck, attacked and disarmed the Petty Officer of the Watch. After boarding the ship, Petty Officer Mayo realized that the Petty Officer of the Watch no longer had control of her weapon. With complete and total disregard for his own personal safety, Petty Officer Mayo immediately placed himself between the Petty Officer of the Watch and the assailant. While fearlessly engaging the assailant and shielding the Petty Officer of the Watch, Petty Officer Mayo was fatally wounded. His exceptionally brave actions saved the lives of four watch-standers and ensured the safety of the entire crew of USS MAHAN (DDG 72). By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Mayo prevented the loss of lives, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. For the President, Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert
Steve Earley | The Virginian-Pilot Family members release doves during the burial of her son, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mayo, in Arlington, Va., April 25.
Steve Earley | The Virginian-Pilot Vice Adm. William F. Moran presents the flag to Sharon Blair during the burial of her son, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mayo, in Arlington, Va., April 25.
CITY OF NORFOLK RECOGNIZES NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE ■ yearlong effort The dedication ceremony was the culmination of a nearly year-long effort on the part of the City of Norfolk and the Fleet Reserve Association. The Fleet Reserve Association is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the Sea Service community before the U.S. Congress.
By Dianna Cahn The Virginian-Pilot
By MC1 Les Long COMNAVSPECWAR Group 2 Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The city of Norfolk honored SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) and SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant Craft) personnel attached to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) who have made the ultimate sacrifice with a memorial plaque dedication, April 23. The plaque is located in the Wisconsin Square, a memorial park in the shadow of the decommissioned U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB 64). The park contains plaques commemorating Navy ships and other commands who have suffered an event that resulted in a significant loss of life since World War II. Paul D. Fraim, the mayor of Norfolk, was joined by Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM), NSW service members and members of veterans’ groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Fleet Reserve Association on the waterfront for the short dedication ceremony. “We thought it would be more than appropriate, in fact, it’s long overdue, to have a plaque that commemorates the SEAL and SWCC communities here,” said Mayor Fraim. “Norfolk has a reputation of being
a Navy town. We are absolutely honored in that regard.” Following a reading of the names of and bell tolling for NSW fallen, Rear Adm. Losey briefly addressed the attendees. “Naval Special Warfare is a part of Norfolk and Norfolk is a part of Naval Special Warfare,” said Losey. “The names that were read off today are our friends. They’re part of our family. Their families are still part of NSW and would be deeply honored to know that you took time to recognize them.”
MC1 Les Long A plaque honoring Naval Special Warfare personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice is dedication at the National Maritime Center.
ARLINGTON
They took their seats on chairs draped in velvet that matched the lush green grass, arms around each other, tired. A short distance away, among the headstones, seven uniformed men lifted their rifles, marking the start of the solemn burial at Arlington National Cemetery, April 25. Sailors in Dress Blue uniforms pulled the flag-draped casket out of the hearse. In synchronized steps, they carried it to a platform a few feet away from the parents and family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mayo.
» see MEMORIAL | A7
SPARTYKA NATION HOSTS THE WOUNDED WARRIOR SOFTBALL CLASSIC Spartyka Nation hosted the Wounded Warrior Amputee SoftballTeam, April 26. » see A6
CNP talks with Sailors during Hampton Roads visit NORFOLK
Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Bill Moran and Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) April Beldo visited and spoke with Sailors during a visit to Hampton Roads, April 23 - 24. They took time to answer questions from Sailors during an all-hands call onboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) at Naval Station Norfolk.
As part of the discussion, Moran spoke about McHenry’s upcoming homeport shift to Mayport, Fla., efforts to stabilize manning across the force and the importance of rewarding sea duty. His emphasis centered on giving Sailors more predictability with regard to advancements since the Navy has spent the past 10 years optimizing fleet manning.
FORT WORTH NAVY WEEK Sailors from USS Dallas, USS Fort Worth and USSTexas traveled toTexas to participate in the 2014 Dallas-Fort Worth Navy Week.
Now, leaders are shifting focus to provide the right incentives to sustain a properly balanced force. For example, he explained the number of over-manned and undermanned ratings today, compared to three to five years ago, have been cut in half.
INTERNATIONAL TATTOO U.S. Fleet Forces Band, along with other U.S. service members and seven countries participated in the 18th annual Virginia InternationalTattoo.
» see B1
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!
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» see CNP | A7
HAMPTON ROADSAREA NAVY INSTALLATIONS ARE GETTING READY FOR THE 2014 HURRICANE SEASON. USFF and CNIC are conducting the hurricane preparedness exercise, HURREX, May 5-15.
» see A2