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. 34 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 08.28-09.03.14
NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE GROUP TWO CHANGES COMMAND
MC2 Desiree D. Smith Rear Admiral Brian Losey, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, addresses Naval Special Warfare Group Two (CNSWG-2), family, and friends as the guest speaker during the CNSWG-2 change of command ceremony on JEBLCFS Aug. 22.
USS Cole departs NAVSTA Norfolk for deployment
Capt. Robert Smith was relieved by Capt. Peter Vasely in ceremony By MC2 Desiree D. Smith Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs
By Lt. j.g. Douglas Kroh USS Cole Public Affairs
VIRGINA BEACH NORFOLK
The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) departed Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 22, on a deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. After transiting the Atlantic Ocean, Cole will enter the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding waters to conduct maritime operations and strengthen partner nations’ maritime capabilities, promoting a secure maritime environment. “It is an honor to command Cole as we set sail,” said Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, the ship’s commanding officer. “The men and women who make up the crew of Cole are this nation’s best and brightest, and they have answered the call to serve America, protect the nation’s security, and carry out the maritime strategy.”
ment of TA funding. Reimbursement will also be required from Sailors who don’t make up a grade of “I” (incomplete) by the educational institutions’ deadline or six months after the completion of the class, whichever comes first.
Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group Two (CNSWG-2) held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Aug. 22. Capt. Peter G. Vasely relieved Capt. Robert E. Smith, who served at the helm of CNSWG-2 since Aug. 2012. Rear Adm. Brian Losey, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. “The change of command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition, all hands would muster on deck and witness the formal transfer of authority from one commander to another,” said Losey. Losey spoke to an audience of more than 350 Naval Special Warfare (NSW) personnel, family, and friends about the accomplishments of CNSWG-2 and the forward deployed forces during Smith’s tenure as well as the shift in direction that he directly supported during his tour. “He’s done a tremendous job in realizing the vision of the continent of Africa,” said Losey. “Capt. Smith not only postured there from a command and control standpoint but coordinated with the State Department in each of the countries to remain postured to respond to U.S. unilateral interest if, and when necessary.”
» see TUITION | A9
» see CEREMONY | A9
Showing her off gives me a great sense of personal pride.” -Fire Controlman 3rd Class Bradley Dowden about the USS Cole
» see COLE | A9
Ensign Jessica Kellogg Sailors raise the national ensign aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) during morning colors in Naval Station Norfolk.
TUITION ASSISTANCE POLICY CHANGING Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH
Effective immediately, commanding officers and officersin-charge may approve waivers to the one-year requirement that Sailors must be onboard their first permanent duty station
CHECK US OUT ONLINE! www.flagshipnews.com
www.facebook.com/ The.Flagship
www.twitter.com/ the_flagship
(PDS) to be eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA) according to a NAVADMIN released Aug. 21. In addition to command triad waiver approval, Sailors must meet all existing requirements for participation eligibility The NAVADMIN also detailed changes to the grade and fee policy for TA for courses
stating after 1 Oct. to align with recent Department of Defense TA policy. Successful course completion will be defined as a grade of “C” or higher for undergraduate courses, a “B” or higher for graduate courses, and a “Pass” for “Pass/Fail” grades and must be attained to avoid reimburse-
NON-PROFIT GIVES SERVICE MEMBER PUPS A HOME DURING DEPOYMENTS Dogs on Deployment or DoD, a national nonprofit group with local volunteers, was founded to help military members who are deploying or attending temporary schools where they are not able to take their beloved pets with them. Read some stories in this week’s Flagship. » see A8
USS AMERICA The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transited the Strait of Magellan Aug. 19-20 on her maiden transit, “America Visits the Americas.”
RUN WITH THE CHIEFS More than 1,000 runners participated in the 11th annual “Run with the Chiefs” 5k at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 22.
» see B3
THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY South Hampton Roads: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered right to your door for free!
» see C1 Sign up today! Call 222-3965