Flagship May 21, 2015

Page 1

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. 20 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 05.21-05.27.15

Navy Band Northeast kicks-off Fleet Week New York festivities By MC1 Andre N. McIntyre Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK

Navy Band Northeast’s “Pops Ensemble” performed a free concert in front of the Brooklyn Central Public Library, May 18, kicking off 2015 Fleet Week New York (FWNY) festivities. FWNY, now in its 27th year, runs May 20-26. The weeklong celebration is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services, and an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tristate area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. Under the direction of Lt. Gregory Fritz, Navy Band Northeast is one of 11 official bands in the U.S. Navy worldwide. The band featured a wide variety of musical styles including traditional concert band literature, pop, classical Broadway and patriotic favorites. “There is nowhere in America that has such a diverse population as New York,” said Fritz. “Fleet Week gives us an opportunity to connect with people from around the world and the people can connect with us. They get to see a side of the sea services that many have never had a chance to experience.” The band is comprised of 35 professional Navy musicians – several who are from the New York metropolitan area. “It is so much fun to come back to the city,” said Musician 2nd Class Laura Carey, a native of Hewlett, Long Island. “I grew up here and this city is rich in musical culture. As a child I had the chance to experience music from all around the world and now I have the opportunity to share in that culture while representing the Navy during Fleet Week New York.” “It’s great to be able to do what I do in the Navy and perform in my city,” said Musician 3rd Class James Dissinger, a native of Mineola, Long Island. “This is one of the highlights of my Navy experience and I hope that we are a highlight for the citizens and visitors of New York.” Fritz said the band’s concerts often instill pride and energize onlookers while they perform. “The organization is our diversity and we are performing in the largest and most diverse city in the world,” he said. “People often see the uniform and that catches people’s attention. When they hear the music they end up sitting down. Music is a universal language and it breaks down barriers and makes people interested in what we do as Sailors.”

■ just the beginning Pick up next week’s Flagship for more coverage of Fleet Week New York!

CHECK US OUT ONLINE! www.flagshipnews.com

www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship

www.twitter.com/ the_flagship

MC1 Andre N. McIntyre Musician 1st Class Justin Belka performs a solo as a member of Navy Band Northeast “Pops Ensemble” at the Brooklyn Public Library, May 18.

homecoming

USNS Spearhead returns to Norfolk

Little Creek environmental restoration complete By MC1 Ernest Scott

A Sailor embraces his wife on the pier after returning on the Military Sealift Command Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), returning after a regularly scheduled four month deployment.

people are more likely to be injured or killed from accidents related to seasonal activities such as boating, swimming, severe weather and natural disasters, grilling, and traffic incidents. The safety stand down included three guest speakers, two of whom were from the command and one state trooper from the Virginia Police Department. Homer Morris, a retired master chief and the physical security specialist at COMOPTEVFOR, was the first to speak to the crowd. During his brief, Morris spoke about hurricane preparedness. Morris touched on basic information about hurricane storms, assembling a

» see SAFETY | A11

» see JEBLCFS | A11

COMOPTEVFOR HOSTS SAFETY STAND DOWN Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK

With the temperature rising, baseball season is in full swing, and barbecues firing up, it can only mean one thing: spring is here and summer isn’t far behind. However, that also means people need to take the time to consider the safety aspects of this busy time of year. In the spirit of summer and safety, military and civilian personnel attached to Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) participated in a summer safety stand down, May 5. During the “101 Critical Days of Summer”, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day,

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recognized the Navy’s completion of construction activities in a ceremony, May 14, at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story (JEBLCFS). The Navy initiated cleanup activities in 1984 in an effort to reclaim land and preserve the environment. “Today’s ceremony reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to responsible stewardship to our nation’s natural resources and environment,” said Capt. Fran Hughlett, Commander, JEBLCFS. Waste has been removed and replaced with acres of wetlands, nature trails and a wildlife observation platform. Additionally, two landfills have been reclaimed for use as the Eagle Haven Golf Course driving range, a Moral, Welfare and Recreation baseball field and military combat exercises.

MC2 Justin Wolpert

By MC2(SW) Chris Williamson

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

USS HELENA RETURNS HOME FROM DEPLOYMENT The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from a deployment, May 15.

2014 SAILORS OF THE YEAR The Navy’s 2014 Sailors of theYear (SOY) were meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial, May 14.

MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day weekend has arrived! Check out this week’s On Liberty Section for events in and around Hampton Roads as well as recipes and more!

» see A8

» see B1

» see C1

THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!

Sign up today! Call 222-3965


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.