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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. 23, No. 38 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 09.24-09.30.15
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson addresses Sailors during an all-hands call at Naval Station Norfolk. This was his first all-hands call since assuming the role and responsibilities as the 31st CNO.
MCC Nate Guimont
NEW CNO HOLDS FIRST ALL-HANDS CALL AT NAVAL STATION NORFOLK By MCC Nate Guimont The Flagship Military Editor
NORFOLK
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens visited Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 22, to speak with Mid-Atlantic Sailors about the future of the Navy – this was his first all-hands call as the 31st CNO. “I’m absolutely honored, humbled and incredibly proud to be your new chief of naval operations,” Richardson said. “And on day two as the chief of naval operations, and as quickly as I could possibly do it, I wanted to get out and start engaging with all of you.” Richardson continued, “First and foremost, by virtue of the talent that is in the room, around the fleet, and the leadership that has gotten the Navy to this point, including my predecessor CNO Greenert, we continue to have the most effective and the most powerful Navy that has ever sailed the seas.” Richardson currently sees the Navy as being right in the channel; it is on course, it is making good speed, and is well set up for the future. Richardson then addressed the Sailors in attendance as to how the Navy has been so successful. “The key to that success is you. There is nothing that is more important to me, and there is nothing more important to our Navy, than the talent, initiative, creativity and toughness that you bring.You are our secret weapon.” Following his comments, the CNO opened the floor to the Sailors in attendance for a question and answer session on various topics. He also took time to answer questions from his Facebook and Twitter feeds.
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Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Fedemar Tupaz receives his anchors during a pinning ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk.
NECC HOLDS SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH
MC3 Scott Barnes
Naval Station Norfolk celebrates new chiefs By MC3 Magen F. Weatherwax Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
NORFOLK
Thirty-five voices joined in unison, Sept. 16, to sing Anchor’s Away, as Sailors from several commands based at Naval Station Norfolk marched toward the moment they would receive their anchors during a chief petty officer (CPO) pinning ceremony. CPO pinning concludes a 6-week long evolution through CPO 365 Phase II training. This training contains time-honored traditions focusing on teamwork, naval history and resilience. “The importance of the training is that it instills a sense of heritage, teamwork and pride,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) John Lindsey, who went
through his own CPO 365 Phase II training in 2013. “It gives you the knowledge that you can reach out to your brothers and sisters for anything.” The paygrade of CPO was established April 1, 1893, giving it a rich background steeped in naval heritage. The modern-day pinning ceremony is a way to honor the traditions of past and present CPOs. “It’s a really big honor to be chosen for this,” said newly pinned Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Matthew Reed. “There were always times that we were challenged, but we learned to pull together and get through it to this day.” Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson; and Manpower, Personnel, Training and Edu-
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held its annual suicide awareness training at their headquarters in Virginia Beach, Sept. 14. The training coincided with National Suicide Awareness Month and was held to remind NECC personnel of the importance of “One Small Act” to save a life.
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JEBLC-FS, NECC pins anchors on 17 new chiefs By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH
A boatswain’s mate whistle piped ashore 17 newly pinned chief petty officers (CPOs) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Sept. 16, officially promoting a new crop of CPOs. Fellow Sailors, family members and friends were on-hand to witness and celebrate this milestone event in the new chiefs’ naval careers.
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MORE CHIEF PINNINGS See even more chief pinnings from commands in and around Hampton Roads on this week’s Snapshot page!
TUITION ASSISTANCE REQUESTS Sailors planning to use tuition assistance (TA) for courses should submit their requests as soon as possible, according to an interview with the Navy’s senior Voluntary Education (VOLED) managers.
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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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