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Vol. 22, No. 23 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 06.12-06.18.14
NSAHR Portsmouth Annex
NAVY TRIALS WRAP UP
Victim in good condition, suspect in custody following stabbing
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Navy, law enforcement agencies work together in response MC1 Aidan Campbell Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Roel Espino takes a throw in the discus competition of the Wounded Warrior Team Navy Trials on Naval Station Norfolk.
By MC2 Jeff Atherton The Flagship Military Editor
NORFOLK
Sailors and Marines carry a migrant on a stretcher for medical assistance. USS Bataan and USS Elrod responded to a report that six small vessels were in distress June 6. 282 people were brought on board Bataan.
Annual food drive begins Press Release MCSN Nicholas Frank Cottone
United States Department of Agriculture
WASHINGTON
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off the 6th annual Feds Feed Families Campaign June 2 at the USDA Headquarters in Washington D.C. The food drive is an annual event in which federal employees in the Washington metropolitan area and around the country collect food for distribution by food banks, food pantries, and shelters.
USS Bataan rescues 282 people in distress By Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger Amphibious Squadron 6 Public Affairs
» see FFF | A7 USS BATAAN, AT SEA
NMCP hosts its inaugural National Cancer Survivors Day By MCC Leslie Tomaino Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted its inaugural National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) on June 4, with the event attended by Hematology/ Oncology staff, current cancer patients and survivors.
» see NCSD | A7
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The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) responded to a report from an Italian military marine patrol aircraft that six small vessels, one of which was sinking, were in distress June 6. Bataan launched two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 to investigate. Upon arrival at the scene, the helicopters deployed search and rescue (SAR) swimmers to start extracting people from the water. Elrod deployed their 7-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and Bataan deployed their 11-meter Captain’s Gig along with their 7-meter RHIB to assist. “The raft was deflated and a third of it was underwater,” said Lt. Cmdr. Addison Daniel, officer-in-charge of HSC 22, detachment 1. “They knew we were there to help them and they remained calm.” Bataan brought 282 people, many of who were in need of medical attention, onto the ship to provide assistance and prepare to transfer to shore.
online To see more photos from the rescue, visit the gallery at flagshipnews.com. “It was humbling to know that these people are so desperate for a better life that they would risk everything for a chance.” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Tom Guest. “I felt very proud of the compassion and care the young Sailors showed to these people.” Once the migrants were on board, Sailors and Marines handed out water, food and blankets as well as provided medical attention and temporary shelter. The migrants originated from many different countries including Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Syria and Togo. “Nothing is more rewarding than to help those in need and to be thanked in three different languages,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Adelino Hernandez. As the sun began to rise the next day, 277 people gathered in Bataan’s well deck to be transferred to the Armed Forces of Malta off-shore patrol vessel, and another five people were evacuated via MV-22 Osprey to Malta because the needed additional medical treatment.
The Sailor stabbed during an altercation at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads, Portsmouth Annex June 6 remains hospitalized in good condition. The Sailor suspected in the assault is in law enforcement custody, awaiting his next court appearance. Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Dean Powell is recovering at Naval Medical Center (NMC) Portsmouth from multiple stab wounds from the assault. The suspect, Petty Officer 3rd Class Wilbur Garrett Harwell is expected to be arraigned in Federal Court in Norfolk, June 12. Harwell was apprehended late afternoon June 6 in Virginia Beach. During the altercation, Harwell allegedly stabbed Powell and left the installation. The initial report of the incident was reported to fire and emergency services at 8:33 a.m. and at 8:35 a.m., traffic onto and out of the base was stopped and all personnel working on the base, including at NMC Portsmouth were ordered to shelter in place. Responding to the initial report were Portsmouth Police Department, Chesapeake Police Department, Norfolk Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia State Police, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, FBI officials, and Naval Criminal Investigative Services.
» see STABBING | A7
Micheal Mink Capt. Michael “Jack” Johansson, commanding officer of NSA Hampton Roads, speaks to media following a stabbing at NSAHR Portsmouth Annex.
D-DAY CEREMONY HELD AT JEBLCFS Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story held a remembrance ceremony to honor the sacrifices made by Allied Forces during the World War II invasion of Normandy, France.
BATTLE OF MIDWAY One of the most significant naval battles ever fought was remembered by Sailors and civilians locally and around the world.
SAND SOCCER TOURNAMENT 10,000 players took to the sand June 6 - 8 in Virginia beach, representing 17 states and 16 countries in Sand Soccer.
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» see B4
» see C1
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