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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. 24 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 06.19-06.25.14

NORFOLK-BASED SHIPS SENT TO ARABIAN GULF

Navy EOD takes the Hill By MC2 Jared Aldape Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

MC3 Laura Hoover Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun (left), Vice Adm. Nanette M. DeRenzi (leftcenter), Vice Adm. Jan E. Tighe (right-center), and Vice Adm. Michelle J. Howard hold a discussion during the Sea Service Leadership Association’s 27th annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Women’s symposium promotes development of committed leaders Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

Ballroom at the Waterside Marriott in Norfolk during the 27th annual Sea SerNORFOLK vices Leadership AssociaMore than 400 women tion (SSLA) Joint Women’s and men from the Navy, Leadership Symposium Marine Corps, Air Force, (JWLS), June 12-13. Coast Guard and foreign militaries filled the Norfolk » see SYMPOSIUM | A7

The halls of Capitol Hill seemed to be an unlikely place to find the nation’s underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, but it was here where Navy EOD technicians showcased their unique capabilities to members of Congress during the 4th annual EOD Caucus on Capitol Hill, June 11. EOD Day on the Hill highlights the joint efforts of the EOD community across the services. This year, Sailors were joined by Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, law enforcement, and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This caucus touches on a very important segment of our military,” said Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., co-chair of the Congressional EOD Caucus. “It’s one that has been forged in strength in over a decade of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.” More than a dozen Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2, EODMU

6, EODMU 12, and Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division showcased the Navy EOD’s unique equipment and capabilities before Congressional members and staff. The conference area was filled with technical exhibitions that emphasized different areas of the EOD mission. Guests were treated to many hands-on demonstrations that included bomb suits, tool displays, and robotics. Navy EOD technicians answered questions about their underwater robot system. “It keeps us out of the water, and away from any potential threat when it comes to diving,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Nathan Hale, assigned to EODMU 6. “Our team is able to ‘I.D. and verify’ without coming in direct contact by using the robot,” said Hale, who explained Navy EOD’s capability of countering underwater mines, and all other types of underwater ordnance.

» see EOD | A7

USS VELLA GULF EXITS BLACK SEA By MC3 Edward Guttierrez III USS Vella Gulf Public Affairs

USS VELLA GULF, AT SEA

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departed the Black Sea after a series of engagements promoting peace and stability in the region, June 12.

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Vella Gulf’s mission, while in the Black Sea, was to work with NATO allies and European partners, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to strengthening and improving interoperability while working toward mutual goals in the region.

» see VELLA GULF | A7

MC2 Jared Aldape Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians assigned to EOD Mobile Unit Two, walk spectators through the usage of the EOD systems to render explosives safe during the EOD Day on the Hill event, June 11.

BELIZE, U.S. FORCES WORK TOGETHER FOR SOUTHERN PARTNERSHIP STATION U.S. Forces arrived in Belize, including Hampton Roadsbased USNS Spearhead, for Southern Partnership Station 2014 (SPS-JHSV 14).

NAVY ARTIFACTS The Navy announced the planned consolidation of its historic artifacts from multiple locations into a tailored facility located in Richmond, Va.

» see A6

» see B5

MC3 Joshua Card Sailors prepare to launch a F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Orders given for Bush, Mesa Verde amid growing violence in Iraq American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde into the Arabian Gulf, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said June 16. The ship has completed its transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the admiral said in a statement. “Its presence in the Gulf adds to that of other U.S. naval ships already there – including the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush – and provides the commander in chief additional options to protect American citizens and interests in Iraq, should he choose to use them,” said Kirby. Bush was accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun. Mesa Verde is capable of conducting a variety of quick-reaction and crisis response operations, the press secretary said, and it carries a complement of MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The ship is part of the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which departed Norfolk in February and is operating in the region on a routine deployment to support maritime security operations.

TRIBUTE BANDS The 2014 Sandstock lineup will feature tribute bands for Pink Floyd, Journey, Bob Seger,The Rolling Stones and more this weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

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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