The Flagship 01.22.2026 by Military News

NAVSTA Norfolk wins 2025 Commander in Chief’s Awardfor Installation Excellence

ByRetailServiceSpecialistThirdClass JaimieVasquez

NORFOLK,Va—NavalStation(NAVSTA) Norfolk, the world’slargest Navalbase, wasrecognized as the winner of the 2025 Commander in Chief’s Annual Awardfor InstallationExcellenceonJan14,2026.This signiﬁcant honorcomes witha nomination fromtheSecretaryofDefense,whoselected this installation as arepresentation of the U.S.Navy Sailors and other participants gathered at 9:15 am at the flag plazaacross from

ByDavidTodd NavalFacilities

Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.—Navyleadership, communitypartners,and guests gathered,Jan.6,2026,onboardJointExpeditionary Base LittleCreek-Fort Story (JEB LC-FS) to breakgroundonanew state-of-the-artChildDevelopmentCenter (CDC), to be constructednearthe installation’slandmark RockwellHallGym. The ceremonymarkedtheofficialstartofaprojectaimedatstrengtheningfamilyreadiness, enhancing quality of life,and modernizing the Navy’s approach to delivering critical shoreinfrastructure. Once complete,the facility is slated to become thelargestCDC intheHamptonRoadsarea.

Guestspeakersincluded: Layton ConstructionExecutiveVicePresidentEric Nay, Gensler Project Design Director Dan Robinson, NAVFAC Atlantic Commander Rear Adm. JorgeCuadros, and JEB LC-FS Commanding Officer Capt. David Gray Cmdr. Craig Culbertson,the installation’s Public Works Officer,servedasmaster of ceremonies. During the event, Nay, Robinson, Cuadros,and Gray joinedtogetherfor

NAVSTANorfolkheadquarterstocelebrate thisachievement. Command Master Chief IanThompson welcomed everyone and read asigned letterfromPresident Donald J.Trump “InstallationslikeNaval StationNorfolk withits commitment to fostering mission readiness,leadership skills,strategic management, communications, security, communitylife, wastemanagement,and energy resilience, have been amodel for progress.”saidThompson Rear Admiral Barnett, Commanderof Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, presented the

awardtoCaptain MatthewSchlarmann, NAVSTANorfolk’sCommandingOfficer “This awardisatestament to thetireless dedication, hardwork, and collaboration of eachand every one of you,”said Schlarmann. “This awardisasmuchyours as it is theentireteamsandIcouldn’tbeprouderof whatwe’veaccomplishedeachyear.”

Oneinstallationfromeachmilitaryservice branchandtheDefenseLogisticsAgencyis nominatedfor this award. This prestigious recognitionhighlightsthebase’soutstanding performanceand steadfastcommitment to operationalreadiness,missionsupport,and

qualityoflifeforservicemembersandtheir families “Each oneofyou playeda crucial role in making this achievement areality,and for that,Iamdeeplygrateful,”saidSchlarmann. “Let’s takeamoment to celebrate,but let’s also continue pushingourselves to set new standardsofexcellence.”

As Schlarmann concludedhis final remarks,heandThompsonraisedthe2025 Installation Excellence ﬂag, bringing the ceremonytoaclose

VIRGINIABEACH, Va.(Jan.6,2026)

A3Dprinted modeland interior renderings illustratethe new Child Development Centerplannedfor Joint Expeditionary BaseLittle Creek-Fort Story Scheduledfor completion in 2028,the center will serve children from infancy through age ﬁve,providing developmentally appropriate programs that support early learning,socialemotional growth, and continuityfor familiesnavigating frequent military moves.(U.S.NAVY

“Wewillgiveyou

ByLt.Cmdr.TravisC.CallaghanandPetty

PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

NEWPORTNEWS, Va.— The Honorable Pete Hegseth,secretary of war, visited Pre-CommissioningUnit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)Jan.5aspartofhis nationwide ArsenalofFreedom Tour,engagingwith Sailors andleadershipaboardthe Navy’s newestFord-classaircraftcarrier

Duringthevisit,Hegsethjoinedthecrew for lunch, whereheanswered questions and discussed topics including readiness manning,family trustand thefutureofthe Navy

ThevisithighlightedtherolePCUJohnF. Kennedy playsinshaping thenextgenerationofnaval powerasthe ship continuesto preparetojointheoperationalﬂeet.

“This ship will be serving presidentsand theAmericanpeopleforthenext50yearsas apowerprojectionplatform,”saidHegseth. “Whileweareherewewillnotstop,wewill notholdback,wewilldoeverythingwecan to giveyou everything youneed as fastas possible to ensurewerevivethe warrior ethos,rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence.”

ForAviationBoatswain’sMate(Handling)

2nd Class Darius Wells,fromBaton Rouge, Louisiana,theopportunitytospeakdirectly with senior leadership wasboth personal andimpactful.

“I wanted to ask aboutwhat hisvision for 2026 looks like, especiallywith everythinggoingonrightnow,”Wellssaid.“Iwas alsocurious abouthow leadership plans to supportthisshipandourSailors.”

Wellssaidtheresponsehereceivedstood outforitssincerity

“Itfeltvery genuine andwelcoming,” Wellssaid.“Itwasn’twatered-downorpolitical.Iaskedmostlyabouttrust,familiesand being home…hearing hisgoalsaboutthat meantalot.”

Yeoman 3rdClass Allison Wifely,from Louisville,Kentucky,saidthelunchprovided arareopportunity to raise questions about

The HonorablePeteHegseth,secretaryofwar,addressesSailors aboard Pre-commissioning UnitJohn F.Kennedy(CVN 79)onJan.5,2026 The

ﬂeetmanningandoperationaltempo

“Iwantedtoaskaboutmanningandwhy we don’tcreate more ships when we’re seeingthenumberofat-seastrikesincrease,” Wifely said. “Being able to ask questions directly to senior leadership is howreal changehappens.”

Wifely describedthe experienceasa

deﬁningmomentinhercareer “ItwasprobablythecoolestthingI’llever do in theNavy,”she said.“Ireally think big changesarecoming.”

Hegseth’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour focuses on engaging servicemembers acrosstheforce,reinforcingtheconnection between the nation’sindustrial base and

militaryreadinessandhearingdirectlyfrom Sailorsonthedeckplates. As thesecond Ford-class aircraft carrier, John F. Kennedy representsa critical investment in the Navy’s future, with its crew layingthe foundation foroperational standards, cultureand excellence ahead of commissioning

Navy Expeditionary Combat Commandcelebrates

20 years: Alegacyofadaptabilityand precision

ByCathrynLindsay Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

From dismantling German-laidmines in World WarII, patrollingthe Mekong Delta in Vietnam to building headquarter camps during Operation Desert Shield,our Navy’s ExpeditionaryForceshaverespondedtoour nation’scall.

Our expeditionary mission wascodiﬁed when the 28th Chief of NavalOperations,Adm.MikeMullen, established Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) to realign the existing expeditionary units underasingletypecommand,Jan.13,2006 NECC aimed to be moreresponsiveand effectiveinrespondingtotherequirements orderedbyU.S.JointCombatantCommandersﬁghtingterrorismandbeyond.

Fast-forward20years,and NECC has evolved intoanindispensable part ofthe Navy,consistentlyadaptingtomeet the changing demands of global security.From its earlydaysofunifying forces likethe Seabees,RiverineForces,NavyExpeditionary Logistics Support, ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal and Expeditionary Intelligence, NECC has proven timeand again that it’s readytorapidlyrespondtoemergingthreats

“NECC started as asmall team with a massivetask: to bring the Navy’s diverse expeditionaryforcesunderoneroof,realizingthebeneﬁtsofsymmetryanddeveloping the full potential of the resulting low-density,high-impact forces,” said PeterFrothingham,aplankownerofNECCandcurrent DirectorWarfareRequirements,Planning& Programming.“Therewasapowerfulsense ofpurpose.Weknewwewereforginganew identity,one centered on awarrior ethos thatcouldoperateseamlesslyfromtheblue watertotheshoreandfarinland.

Born into the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, NECC’smission rapidly became vital. During operations in Iraq andAfghanistan,NECC unitsplayedroles in securing waterways, building infrastructure, conducting counter-IED operations neutralizing explosivethreats, andsecuring routes for high-stakes convoys inchallenging desert environments.The Riverine Forces were essential during thisperiod, conductinghigh-risk patrolsalong the

Tigris andEuphrates Rivers and supporting combat operationsinsome of the most dangerousregionsintheworld

Throughout the GWOT,NECC was instrumentalinsupportingkeyNavyinitiatives—combat,intelligence,protectionand humanitarian.Duringandaftertheconﬂict, NavyDiverssupportedwareffortsbyrestoringmaritimeinfrastructureandsecuringthe smoothﬂow of supplies by clearingunderwater hazards in UmmQasrPort, conducting salvage operations in theShatt al-Arab andAlBasrah, and securingport areas to enablecontinued logisticsand recovery efforts.

From 2013to2016, deployed Navy Expeditionary Intelligence teamsprovedinstrumentalindisruptingterroristandinsurgent networks,seizing narcotics and weapons linked to terroristorganizations,apprehending high-value individuals,discover-

ingunidentiﬁed systems aboardadversary platforms,and deterring adversary intelligencethreats.

FrommajorhubsinKuwaitandAfghanistan,NavyExpeditionaryLogisticsSupport Group (NAVELSG) teamsanchored the military’smassivecustomsmission.Known as“CustomsBattalions,”theyweretheﬁnal checkpoint forall redeploying equipment, ensuringeverythingfromtanksandhelicopters to personal luggage preventing contrabandandhazardousmaterialsfromleaving thetheaterofwar.

The Seabees also playedanimportant role by building forward-operating bases andairstripsinIraqandAfghanistan,which allowedU.S.forces to operate effectivelyin combat environments.Theywereinvaluableinrebuildingcommunitiesinwarzones, providingmedicalfacilities,schoolsandutilitiestolocalpopulations

Beyondcombat, NECC’sversatility is evident in its humanitarian missions.In 2010,Seabees,Underwater Construction Teams andNAVELSG teamed up to mitigatethe destruction following a7.0 magnitude earthquakewhich struck Haiti, killing more than 220,00 people and left millions homeless.Seabeedivers from Underwater ConstructionTeam1performedthecrucial underwatersurveys and pierrepairs that reopened Haiti’sdevastated seaport to ship traffic, which subsequently allowedSailors from Navy CargoHandling Battalion (NCHB) 1toestablisha “floating highway” to theshore,creating atemporary pierthat enabled thedelivery of hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid. Further enabling aid to flowinto the devastated countrywere Seabees from NavalMobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7, who repaired and maintainedthe Toussaint Louverture InternationalAirporttokeepitoperational, constructed massivetent camps to house thousandsofdisplacedHaitiansandincoming U.S. troops, and gradedland to create storageareasforreliefsupplies. In 2011, SeabeesfromNMCB-133 supported Japan’stsunami relief during OperationTomodachi, by clearing tons of wreckagefrominfrastructureonOshima Island,including an airport crucial for receiving aid. NECC’shumanitarian efforts continued in theyears following,with Seabees assistingthe Northeastern United States following Hurricane Sandy recoveryin2012 to OperationDamayan, where Seabeeswerenearlyfirstonthe ground rebuilding airfieldsafter Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013. NECC is nowa cornerstone of global disaster response,offering logisticalsupport and rebuildingeffortsacrossregionshitbynaturaldisasters

Thisgrowing scope of responsibilities highlighted theneed for continuous adaptationintraining anddoctrine.In2015, theExpeditionary WarfareDevelopment Center (NEXWDC) wasestablished to reﬁnetactics,training,anddoctrine,playing akey role in ensuring NECC’sforceswere alwayspreparedtorespondtothedemands

a ceremonial ground turning to formally mark the startoftheproject.

“Withthisprojectwearepilotingasmarter,faster, and more affordable way of building for the future, settinganewstandardforhowwedelivertheshore infrastructureourwarﬁghtersdependon,”Cuadros said. “Readiness of our naval forces doesn’t begin at the pier or on the ﬂightline it begins at home Providing safe reliable and high-quality childcare isacornerstoneofalethalandreadyforce.”

ThenewCDC,whichwillsupportupto300children, represents a major step forward in the Navy’s commitment to supporting service members and their families Selected as a pilot effort for the use of Other Transactional Authority (OTA) through theDefenseInnovationUnit(DIU),the$52million initiative is part of a broader push to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure. Designed by global architecture and planning ﬁrm Gensler and constructed by Layton Construction, the project usesaprogressivedesign-buildapproachandincorporates prefabricated, industrialized construction techniques to reduce timelines and improve quality DIU awarded the agreement on Aug. 14, 2024 Design completion is scheduled for January 2026, with construction slated to begin in February 2026 Upon turnover, Layton Construction will continue supporting the Navy by maintaining key building systems to ensure long-term reliability and performance. Finalconstructionisexpectedtobecompletedin2028

“We wouldn’t be here without the collaboration betweentheNavy theDefenseInnovationUnit,and Navy subject matter experts to really deliver something that’s truly innovative, faster better performing,andmostofall,aﬁrst-classChildDevelopment Centerforourmilitaryfamilies,”Robinsonsaid.‘One ofthemostimportantthingsforusasthedesigners forthisprojectwastomakeitfeellikeawelcoming, safe,secondhomefortheusersofthisbuilding and bring the warmth for people as they come into the door andalsoprovideampleoutdoorspaceandplay spaceforchildrenofdifferentages.”

The added capacity at the CDC will also ease pressure on the broader Hampton Roads childcare market, beneﬁting both military and civilian families, and reinforcing community partnerships. The project will serve as a model for future Navy infrastructure efforts, demonstrating how standardized design,innovativecontractingmethods,andindustrialized construction can accelerate delivery and improvequalityacrosstheshoreenterprise

“We’reincrediblyexcitedtoseethisprojectmove forward. This new facility will make a tremendous difference for our installation by signiﬁcantly reducing our childcare waitlist and providing reliable, high-quality support to the many dedicated military families who call Hampton Roads home,” Gray said. “It also strengthens our connection with the surrounding community and reﬂects a shared commitmenttosupportingthosewhoserve.”

The center will provide care for children from infancy through age ﬁve, offering developmentally appropriate programs that support early learning, social-emotional development,andcontinuityforfamiliesnavigatingfrequent military moves. Reliable, accessible childcare is a critical readinessenabler By reducing waitlists minimizing off-base travel and providing consistent, accredited care, the new facility will help service members focus on their mission with conﬁdenceandpeaceofmind,particularlydual-militaryfamilies andsingleparentsforwhomchildcareavailabilityisessentialtooperationalreadiness

“We want to make sure we are achieving the objectives of this project, not only the cost, schedule, and the quality

of modern warfare. Their work led to the development of new operational concepts, including integrated warfare approaches that have become essential to the Navy’s ongoingevolution.

In 2020 as the Navy’s role in global security evolved the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) emerged from the Riverine Forces, reﬂecting a shift from traditional riverine warfare to a broader focus on maritime security. This reorganization aligned with the Navy’s evolving need to protect maritime routes and maintain port security in increasinglycomplexoperationalenvironments Theformation of MESF marked a signiﬁcant step forward in NECC’s ability to respond to a diverse range of maritime threats, includingpiracy smugglingandregionalinstability. As the Navy shifts toward a more distributed maritime strategy, NECC continues to evolve to meet the challenges ofmodernwarfare.NAVELSGplaysakeyroleinsustaining NECC’soperationalreadinessbyprovidinglogisticssupport

inwhichwedesirehere,butmoreimportantly,inthesame

outcome that we would want for our own children, in this development center it’s extremely important to us,” Nay said.“Thiswillbeasuccessfulproject,andweknowthiswill beaveryproudsite Asthefamiliesstarttoutilizeit taking it from dirt to a vision, to a successful outcome, it will be a reallyproudmomentforthebase.”

The41,000-square-footfacilitywillinclude25childactivity rooms, administrative areas, a kitchen, and mechanical space The program will feature eight infant rooms seven pre-toddler rooms, six toddler rooms, and four preschool rooms, each grouped by age to support developmental needs Therewillalsobeﬁveage-appropriateplaygrounds, equipped with playsets, interactive stations, and tricycles that will be located adjacent to their corresponding activityareas

toforward-deployedforces,safeguardingthemovementof supplies,equipment,andpersonnel.Thisincludesenabling Vertical Launching System at-sea reloads, a capability ﬁrst developedbyNEXWDC,thatallowsshipstoreloadmissiles at sea, keeping them in the ﬁght for weeks longer without needingtoreturntoport.Together,thesecapabilitiesensure NECC remains capable of operating in the most complex environments

“For two decades the Sailors of Navy Expeditionary CombatCommandhavestoodasatestamenttoournation’s resolve, operating at the critical intersection of sea and shore,” said Rear Adm. Brad Andros, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. “This 20th anniversary is a moment to honor the legacy of our expeditionary warriors—everySailor,pastandpresent,whohasanswered the call to serve in the world’s most demanding environments.”

“Theirdedicationhasforgedaforcethatisindispensable totheﬂeet.Aswelooktothenext20years,wewillcontinue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces remain ready to meet any challenge and to secureournation’sinterestsacrosstheglobe.”

Today’sgroundbreakingmarksthebeginningofa projectthatwillpositivelyimpactthousandsofmilitaryfamiliesforyearstocome Thenewcenterwillprovide stability, opportunity, and peace of mind for the youngest members of the military community and the parents who serve our nation every day. As construction progresses, NAVFACremainscommittedtodeliveringmodern,resilient infrastructure worthy of the men and women who defend ourcountry,bothathomeandabroad.

ForadditionalinformationaboutNAVFACMIDLANTon socialmedia,followouractivitiesonFacebookatwww.facebook.com/navfacmidatlantic and on Instagram @navfacmidatlantic.

As NECC celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s impossible to overlook how far the command has come Its role has expanded far beyond what anyone imagined during its inception. Whether it was adapting to emerging threats, takingonhumanitarianmissions,orsupportingjointoperations across the globe, NECC’s evolution speaks to its resilience flexibilityandcontributionstotheNavy’soverall mission.Today,NECCcontinuestoenablethefleettoarrive onstation,stayonstationandsustainthefight. NECCistheNavy’ssinglefunctionalcommandfor20,000 active-duty and reserve expeditionary forces, and is the centralmanagementforthereadiness,resources,manning, trainingandequippingofthoseentities.

The command enables Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces to execute combat, combat support and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint,andcombinedoperations allowingaccessfromthesea and freedom of action throughout the littorals and inland operatingenvironments For more information visit https://www.necc.usff.navy mil/

SWOBOSS delivers Status of the Force at the 2026 Surface Navy Association National Symposium

ByLt.j.g RachaelJones

Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Paciﬁc Fleet

ARLINGTON, Va Vice Adm. BrendanMcLane commanderofNavalSurface Force, U.S. Paciﬁc Fleet, delivered Status of the Force remarks at the 38th Annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium in Arlington, Va., Jan.13. He focused on the indispensable role of the Sailor and the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime dominance

McLane emphasized that while naval technologyhasevolvedexponentiallyover the last 250 years the “grit, ingenuity and unbreakable commitment to win” of the American Sailor remains the Navy’s ultimate power. “We are the stewards of that legacy—and the architects of what comes next.”

PeoplearetheNavy’sdecisiveadvantage

Readiness begins with disciplined Sailors, accountable leaders and cohesive teams builtontrustandsharedpurposeandutilizing deliberate and realistic training.

“Ourmostprofoundenduringadvantage isnotourtechnology;itistheinitiative,the toughness,andtheleadershipoftheAmerican Sailor,” said McLane “We are investing in that advantage like never before, recognizing that our education must be as cutting-edge as our hardware Knowing thatifwewantourwarﬁghtinginnovation totakeoff ithastocomefromwell-trained Sailors.”

TheCompetitiveEdge2.0strategyserves as the roadmap for the Surface Warfare Enterprise to introduce new capabilities, develop modern operational concepts, and train the warriors needed to operate an evolving ﬂeet A major component of this strategy is the integration of artiﬁcial intelligence(AI)andautonomoussystems “ToharnessadvancesinAI,cyber,space, and autonomy, we must move decisively and quickly,” said McLane. “To drive our competitiveedgefurther,wemustprocess, decide, and adapt faster than any competitor.” Trueinnovationisn’tjustaboutthetechnology; it’s about Sailors mastering the integrationofmannedandunmannedplatforms By focusing on command-and-control and specialized training, we enhance our lethality and safety Our strategy relies on rapid software development and Sailor-led autonomy to advance our competitive edge

McLane concluded his remarks by honoring the families of the Surface Force.

“The readiness of our force is inseparable from the strength of our families,” said McLane “Your resilience sustains us, and yourbeliefinourserviceallowsustofocus fully on the task at hand.”

ARLINGTON,Va (Jan.13

Warfare: Combat Ready Warﬁghters for 250Yearsvideo visithttps://www.surfpac. navy.mil/sna-2026/.

Naval Station Great Lakes 2025 Year-in-Review

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassMattHall

Naval Station Great Lakes

NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill.

As the Navy’s premier force generation platformandthe“QuarterdeckoftheNavy,” NavalStationGreatLakesisentrustedwith delivering highly skilled, disciplined, and motivatedSailorstotheFleet.Servingasthe exclusiveentrypointforallenlistedpersonnel, the installation transformed 46,000 civiliansintoSailorsthisyearalone

Beyond initial training, the installation is thecenterofexcellenceforsurfacewarfare, providing 85 percent of the Navy’s initial surface combat systems and engineering training This ensures the Fleet receives technicallyproﬁcientSailorsreadytooperateandmaintainourshipsandtheircomplex equipment at sea. Building on this critical mission, 2025 marked a year of signiﬁcant growth and connection. From infrastructuremodernizationtocommunityoutreach, theinstallationcontinueditscommitmentto supportingmorethan50tenantcommands andtheirfamiliesacrossits1,982.7-acrefootprint.Thefollowingisalookbackatthekey momentsoftheyear

Theyearbeganwithafocusonoperations amid winter conditions In January, Sailors braved icy temperatures during the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Lake Michigan, while others cleared snow to keep the installation running smoothly Professional development remained a priority as chief petty officers took the Navy-wide advancement exam and auxiliary security forces trained foremergencyresponse Training and readiness continued in February, with firefighters conducting emergency drills and Sailors participating in Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain 2025, a large-scale exercise to strengthen force protection and interagency coordination. Community engagement was also a highlight,withChicagoBearsdefensivelineman Dominique Robinson meeting with Sailors duringaSuperBowl-themedevent. Spring brought recognition and remembrance In March, the installation honored MilitaryWorkingDogBongoinamemorial ceremony,whileSailorsshowcasedcamaraderieduringtheannualchilicook-off April was Month of the Military Child, featuring familyfunnightsanda5Ktoraiseawareness forSexualAssaultPreventionandResponse That same month, a Sailor was recognized for saving the life of a civilian police officer byperformingtheHeimlichmaneuver Infrastructure and sustainability efforts advanced throughout the year In April, NavalStationGreatLakesheldaribbon-cutting for the Energy Resilience and ConservationInvestmentProgramproject,amajor initiative expected to save more than $2.4 millionannuallyinutilitycostsandsupport long-termsustainability Summer emphasized training, outreach, and celebration. Sailors participated in non-lethal

President Trump announces new battleship

PressRelease

WASHINGTON,D.C. OnDec.22,2025, President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, alongside Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, announced their intent to construct a new class of American-designed battleships that will be the most lethal surface combatant ever constructed. The future USS Defiant (BBG 1)willbethefirstTrumpclassbattleshipand willbeanunambiguousstatementofAmerican commitment to maritime superiority withcapabilitytodistributemorefirepower across the fleet than any other class of ship, foranyNavy,inhistory

These new battleships will stand as the centerpieceoftheNavy’sGoldenFleetinitiativeandwillbetheﬁrstofitskindproviding dominant ﬁrepower and a decisive advantageoveradversariesbyintegratingthemost advanceddeep-strikeweaponsoftodaywith therevolutionarysystemsoftheyearsahead.

Engineered to outmatch any foreign adversary, the new battleship class will be thecenterpieceofnavalpower.Attriplethe size of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, its massiveframeprovidessuperiorﬁrepower, larger missile magazines and the capability to launch Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonicmissilesandtheSurfaceLaunch CruiseMissile-Nuclear

TheTrumpclasswillbecapableofoperatinginatraditionalIntegratedAirandMissile

“ThePresidenthasbeenclear wemust bring back our American maritime industrial might, and he has told me many times that as Secretary of the Navy it is my job to equipoursailorstowinthefightatseawith the finest ships in our history,” stated John C.Phelan,SecretaryoftheNavy “Nowwhen a conflict arises, you’re going to ask us two questions:whereisthecarrier,andwhereis thebattleship.”

DefenserolewithaCarrierStrikeGroupor commandingitsownSurfaceActionGroup for Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare efforts in addition to delivering long range hypersonic strategic ﬁres and quarterbacking the operations of an entire ﬂeet as the centralcommandcontrolnode.

“As we forge the future of our Navy’s Fleet, we need a larger surface combatant and the Trump class Battleships meet that requirement, saidAdm.DarylCaudle,34th Chief of Naval Operations “We will ensure continuous improvement, intellectually honest assessments about the requirement toeffectivelydeterandwininthe2030sand beyond,anddisciplinedexecutionresulting inaFleetunparalleledinlethality adaptabilityandstrength.”

The Battleship will be acquired using a Navy-led, industry-collaborative design team approach to accelerate design and construction and supported by over 1,000

suppliers in nearly every state in America.

TheNavywillcontinuetobuildandemploy DDG 51 as its ﬂeet workhorse and develop FF(X) as a highly produceable combatant, growing the ﬂeet rapidly through a more intentional high/low mix of capability and platforms

The introduction of the Trump class symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace always ready to ﬁght and win. This milestone marks the Navy’senduringlegacyandcommitmentto shapingthefutureofmaritimepower. To read more on the Navy’s new Battleship visitgoldenﬂeet.navy.mil.

Navy tests new digital health system to modernize at-sea care

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

MAYPORT, Fla. Navy Medicine conducted its ﬁrst pilot test of the Operational Medicine Care Delivery Platform (OpMed CDP) aboard the Arleigh Burkeclass destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) to bring modern, seamless patient care to servicemembersaboardships,Dec.1-12

TheJointOperationalMedicineInformation System (JOMIS), under the Program Executive Office for Defense Healthcare Management Systems, developed OpMed CDP as part of modernized health IT software suite This pilot program was established through a partnership with the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC),Commander,NavalSurfaceForce Atlantic(CNSL),Commander,NavalMedical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), and JOMIS to gain ﬂeet approval of the software’s func-

tionality

“TheJOMISecosystemwilltransformthe way our clinicians, physicians, and corpsmen provide care to warﬁghters in operationalsettingstomaintainpatientdataﬂow through the continuum of care,” stated Lt Cmdr ErikLawrence U.S.Navychiefnursing informatics officer for JOMIS assigned toBUMED

During the 12-day test, the ship’s crew received comprehensive, user-centered trainingonthesystem.Thegoalwastomake documentingandaccessingapatient’selectronic health record simple and accurate from pharmacy and lab work to general check-ups andtoensureconnectivitywith the Military Health System’s MHS GENESISplatform.

“We’restilllearninghowit[OpMedCDP] works, but the team has been really helpful with answering questions and listening to feedback, so I’m really excited to keep moving,”describedHospitalCorpsman3rd ClassJohnnyPercadoni,assignedtoCarney,

during a hands-on, scenario-based session.

“It’s a different day and a new system, but I think it’s going to become a lot more prevalentandusefulforus.”

This phased, structured training install approach also called ﬁelding is criticaltoimplementingOpMedCDPacrossthe Navy TheJOMISFieldingPlanisdesigned toensureadisciplinedrolloutthatallowsfor agile development, continuous user feedback,andalignmentwithoperationalreadinesscycles

“We’ve been developing this agile software for the past three and a half years to providebetterdecisionsupportatthepoint of care for medical providers,” explained Cmdr John de Geus the U.S. Navy’s chief health informatics officer “But also to providedatatooperationalcommandersin dynamic,real-timeenvironments.”

Based on the initial trial, CNSL has decided to move into the next phase: an extendedpilottoensurethattheﬁnalproduct will be resilient, effective, and ready for

thedemandsoftheﬂeet

“Asuccessfulﬁeldingisn’tjustaboutdeliveringsoftware;it’saboutdeliveringtheright capability,” concluded de Geus “The initial pilotprovidedcrucialinsights,whichiswhy we are moving to an extended pilot. This decision reinforces our commitment to a truly feedback-driven process prioritizing theneedsofourSailorsaboveallelse.”

Onceallphasesarecomplete,Carneywill betheﬁrstshiptouseOpMedCDPfordaily medical operations This will modernize NavyMedicine’sreadinessandensureseamlessdatasharing,ultimatelyhelptoprepare warﬁghtersfortheirmissionsatsea.

For 250 years, Navy Medicine represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian healthcare professionals has delivered quality healthcare and enduring expeditionary medical support to thewarﬁghteron,below,andabovethesea, andashore.

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Exceedtheexpected:Religious Program Specialists celebrate 47 years of service

NAVFAC MIDLANT announces its Military, Civilian Engineers of the Year for 2026

NORFOLK Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) named Lt Cmdr Benjamin Male, P.E., CEC, Public Works Officer for Naval Weapons Station (NWS) EarlePublicWorksDepartment(PWD),and RobertDelgado-Navarro,P.E.,DesignDirector for Naval Station Great Lakes PWD, as its 2026 Military and Civilian Engineers of theYear respectively inrecognitionoftheir exceptionalleadership technicalexpertise and unwavering commitment to mission excellence Male was also announced as the NAVFAC-wide Military Engineer of the Year and will move on to compete in the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Federal Engineer of the Year Awardprogram.Heisslatedtoco-represent NAVFAC at the NSPE Federal Engineer of theYearAwardsceremonyonFeb.27atthe NationalPressClubinWashingtonD.C.

“Eachyear,werecognizepeer-nominated individualswhoseexceptionalperformance anddedicationstrengthentheirprofession, NAVFAC, and the Navy,” said Capt. Ryan Carey, NAVFAC MIDLANT. “These nomineesstandoutthroughtheirachievements, service to their communities, pursuit of professionalgrowth,andleadershipwithin

technical and professional circles. It’s with great pride that we congratulate Lt Cmdr Benjamin Male and Robert Delgado-Navarro for their exceptional accomplishments.”

Lt Cmdr Male, a Niskayuna, New York native, brings more than 20 years of distinguishedengineeringexperience,decorated military service, and a proud family legacy of military and civil engineering to the command.Asummacumlaudegraduatein Electrical Engineering from the University ofSouthernMaineandacommissionedCivil EngineerCorps(CEC)officerthroughOCS he has continued to build an exceptional academicfoundationthroughouthiscareer He earned a Master Certiﬁcate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals from the Naval PostgraduateSchool,aMasterofEngineeringin Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Joint Professional Military Education PhaseIwithdistinctionfromtheNavalWar College aGreatPowerCompetitionCertificate from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed executive education at the University of Virginia’s Darden School He isalsoaregisteredProfessionalEngineerin theStateofMaine Followinginthefootstepsofrelativeswho served in both World Wars, he began his navalcareerasanuclearelectronicstechnicianaboardUSSCharlotte(SSN766),earn-

ing his “dolphins” during a historic North Polesurfacing.Aftercommissioningintothe CEC, he led 22 Naval Mobile Construction BattalionTHREESeabeesinexpeditionary construction in Yokosuka, Japan, and later taughtElectricalandComputerEngineering attheU.S.NavalAcademy.

Since assuming duties as PWO in 2023, hehasledateamof100militaryandcivilian personnelresponsiblefortheconstruction, acquisition, and sustainment of a 2.9-mile pier complex, 670 facilities, 85 miles of certiﬁed federal railroad, and a 12,000-acre installationvaluedat$4.7billion.Hisleadershipdrovea12percentreductioninvacancy rates through hiring reforms and guided the planning of $1 billion in modernization projects to support expanding mission requirements across multiple Navy Type Commands (TYCOMs). Selected in 2025 as one of only 36 officers for the Chief of Naval Operations research fellowship, he is contributing to solutions that enhance maintenance availability for ships submarines, aircraft, and weapons systems His attainmentoftheCertiﬁedEnergyManager credential in 2024 further underscores his commitment to continuous improvement, energyefficiency,anddata-drivenengineeringexcellence

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by being selected for this honor During my tour at Naval Weapons Station Earle I

havebeenextremelyfortunatetoworkwith outstanding mentors throughout NAVFAC MIDLANT, and the region truly has an exceptionalgroupofPWOswhoseguidance has been vital in helping our team address complex challenges at the installation. I could not ask for a more talented group of professionals, both across the region and on my own staff,” said Lt Cmdr Male “Our team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure mission success, supporting the delivery of ordnance to the Atlantic Fleet’s CarrierandExpeditionaryStrikeGroups.” Delgado-Navarro,aPortsmouth,Virginia native, carries forward a family legacy of service his father also served as a CEC officer He brings to NAVFAC a distinguished blend of military experience, civil engineering heritage, and extensive global and technical expertise He earned a BachelorofScienceinCivilEngineeringfromthe University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a MasterofScienceinCivilEngineeringfrom the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,andisaregisteredProfessionalEngineer in the State of Wisconsin. His Navy career began through the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program and includes more than a decade of active-duty service in the Civil Engineer Corps, followed by continuedserviceintheNavyReservesince

TurntoEngineersoftheYear, Page 2

ByDestinySibert Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON, D.C. Commander, Navy Installations Command has announced the winners of two distinct installations awards the inaugural 2025 Shore Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) Award and the 2026 Installation Excellence Awards These awards recognize installations for their outstanding performance in supporting the Fleet, Fighter, and Family, ensuring Navy readiness around the clock andacrosstheglobe Thetwoawardshonor different aspects of installation performance The Shore Battle “E” is an operational award that recognizes installations as vital battle forces speciﬁcally for their excellence in generating and supporting combat capabilities. The CNIC Installation Excellence Award recognizes overall outstanding performance consistent with Shore enterprise strategic goals and qualiﬁes the winners to compete for the highly covetedCommanderinChief’sInstallation Excellence Award.

“The outstanding performance of this year’s winners is a direct reﬂection of the dedication and professionalism of our Sailors and civilians,” said Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command. “They are the backbone of our shore enterprise, and their relentless work ensures our installations are true force multipliers, enabling ﬂeet readiness and power projection around the globe I am incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and their unwavering commitment to the Fleet, the Fighter, and the Family.”

Congratulations to this year’s winners for their world-class support and ongoing contributions to the U.S. Navy

2025 Shore Battle “E” Award Winners

Fleet Concentration/Extra Large Category: Naval Base San Diego, CA Naval Base San Diego, the largest naval installation in the Pacific, earned this award for its world-classoperationalsupportto58afloat tenantsand251ashorecommands Thebase managed over 1,300 ship movements and welcomed more than 13 million personnel, whilealsomakingsignificantquality-of-life and sustainability upgrades by adding 680 EVchargingstationsandincreasingshuttle ridershipbyover200%.

LargeCategory:NavalStationMayport, FL Naval Station Mayport distinguished itself as the most operational base in the Southeast, supporting over 80 tenant commands by flawlessly executing more than71,000flightsand525shipmovements The station significantly enhanced warfighter readiness by increasing its ordnance storagecapacityby25%andwasalsorecognized with the CNIC Crystal Award for its outstandingunaccompaniedhousingtenant

satisfaction

Medium Category: Naval Air Station WhitingField,FLNavalAirStationWhiting Field, the busiest aviation complex in the world, enabled over 1.3 million ﬂight operations and is responsible for training 100% of all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots. The installation also demonstratedexceptionalresourcemanagement by surpassing SECNAV goals with a 26% reduction in energy consumption and a50%decreaseinwaterusage

Small Base in the Continental U.S.: Naval Air Facility El Centro, CA Naval Air FacilityElCentrowasrecognizedforitscriticalroleasapremiertacticaltraininginstallation, supporting over 25,000 mishap-free ﬂight operations for U.S. and allied forces

As the winter home for the Navy’s “Blue Angels,” NAF El Centro’s vast ranges were essential for thousands of air-to-ground training sorties that directly enhance the combatreadinessofthewarﬁghter.

Small Base Outside the Continental U.S.:Paciﬁc Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands, HI PMRF Barking Sands earneditsawardforexcellenceastheleading multi-domain integrated test and training range providing vital support in the IndoPacific. The installation enhanced Fleet readiness by modernizing its infrastructure,improvingQualityofLifeofferings,and ensuringmissioncontinuitythroughalandmarkenergyresiliencepartnership,whileits security programs achieved a 96% complianceratingfromCNICassessors 2026 CNIC Installation Excellence Award Winners

LargeCategory:NavalStationMayport, FLNavalStationMayportearnedtophonors

foritsexceptionalperformanceinsupporting warﬁghter readiness while providing a superior quality of life for service members andtheirfamilies Theinstallation’scommitment to continuous improvement was evident in its award-winning public works, unaccompanied housing, and emergency services setting the standard for shore excellencethroughouttheFleet

Small Category: Naval Air Station WhitingField,FLNavalAirStationWhiting Field was celebrated for its central role in meetingtheDoD’sglobalmissionbyproducing nearly 600 new aviators annually The installationwaslaudedasaDoDstandardin communityoutreachandaleaderinmission resiliency, safeguarding over 20,000 acres of land to protect aviation missions while advancing smart-growth initiatives with localpartners

Nominations were highly competitive, and all installations and activities across the enterprise are commended for their outstanding leadership and world-class support of the Fleet, Fighter, and Family Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as quality of life programs CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 48,000 employees who are focused on warﬁghting and manning, training and equippingtheShoretoﬁghtandwin.Navy installations are warfighting platforms essentialtoeveryFleetoperation.Formore information, visit https://www.cnic.navy mil or follow us at facebook.com/navyinstallations,

MSC debuts revamped communication course

ByMollyBurgess

USN Military Sealift Command

MilitarySealiftCommand(MSC)recently rolled out its overhauled communication course, restructured to better prepare Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) for success as theyenterreal-worldenvironments.

The three-week pilot Basic Communication Course was held onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and concluded onDec.5,2025,andincludedin-depthtraining speciﬁcally focused on naval communication fundamentals The course is part of MSC’s year-long Radio Electronics TechnicianAdvancementProgram(RAP).

“Communication is a big part of how we receive our tasks and without it we can’t do exercises or events,” said Myron Johnson, MSC, Operations Course Supervisor and an instructor for the course. “This course gives [Radio Electronics Technicians] the knowledgetheyneedtobreakdownamessagetoits barebonesandbeabletoread,write,process androutethem.”

According to Montague Andrews, MSC, RAPcoordinatorandtrainingspecialist RAP isdesignedforandopentoallactiveCIVMARs in any position, who desire to advance and serveasSecondRadioElectronicsTechnician (RET2)orFirstRadioElectronicsTechnician (RET1) in the Communications Department aboardMSCships

2020 HeﬁrstsupportedNAVFACduringhis active-duty tour in 2014 and returned to the organizationasacivilianin2022.

Over the course of his career, he has executed engineering projects around the world, from constructing facilities in war zonesandsupportinghumanitarianmissions to managing complex military construction efforts and developing infrastructure for underserved communities. These experiences reinforced his belief in enduring trust placedintheengineeringprofessionandthe responsibility engineers carry to safeguard thepublic.

“Theprogramgivesindividualswhodon’t have the specific communication area of expertise, the opportunity to come into the programandlearntheintricatepartsofshipboard communication,” said Andrews “The communication course gives the individuals above-the-baselineknowledge.”

Johnson said the course curriculum was revamped to better ﬁt the RET job assignmentandcurrentMSCneeds

“Wetooktheoldcurriculum,broughtitin andchoppeditupandmadeitmakesensefor today’s mariner,” said Johnson. “We delivered a course that is not only beneﬁcial for CIVMARs when they go to a ship, but beneﬁcialtoindividual’spersonalgrowthaswell.” Johnsonsaidoneofthechangeswasbringingmoderntechnologyintotheclassroom.

“The course was streamlined from old-fashioned note and test taking, to the incorporation of iPads and other technology,”Johnsonsaid.“Theintegratedtechnology provided the students with an extended numberofresourcesandinteractivelearning tools.”

Another update to the course Johnson highlighted was the implementation of a shipboard communication familiarization tour that took place aboard the John Lewisclass replenishment oiler USNS Robert F. Kennedy(T-AO208).

“The two-day tour consisted of live onboardpracticalswherestudentswereable

age such a wonderful team of engineers and architects, and I attribute much of our success to my former supervisor, and now colleague, Charles Madary.” (Note: Madary wasawardedthe2025Architect,Landscape Architect&InteriorDesigneroftheYear.)

to take part in real-world communication simulations,”Johnsonsaid.“Theyusedvarious types of message writing, talking on and patching radio circuits, and demonstrating communicationskillswhileunderpressure.”

Johnsonsaidcontestedmaritimeenvironmentsimulationswereimplementedintothe curriculum,aswellastheoperationalaspects of the anti-submarine countermeasure, AN/ SLQ-25Nixie

The revamped course extended the traditionalBasicCommunicationCoursefromtwo weeks to three, and according to Andrews, will provide skillsets for a more successful CIVMARcareer

“I believe that this program is going be a lot more successful because we’re closely monitoring managing and mentoring these individuals,”Andrewssaid.“Withthisnewly revampedcourse,wearegettingthestudents the right training they need to get them on boardandmakethemmarketabletotheship’s communicationofficersandChiefRETs.”

MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships thatreplenishU.S.Navyshipsatsea,conduct specialized missions preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move militaryequipmentandsuppliestodeployedU.S. forces

two phases of what was originally a 12-year, three-phase effort, enabling environmental remediation to begin in 2026 Balancing demanding project responsibilities with family life and continued Navy Reserve service,hehasconsistentlydemonstratedthe engineeringacumen,leadership,andprofessional integrity that deﬁne the Navy’s most trustedtechnicalexperts “In my professional career I’ve noticed thatacrossthespectrumofjobsI’veheld the amount of trust and respect people have for theengineeringprofessionisunwavering,”he said. “When people need to rely on a technicalsubject-matterexpert someonewhohas spentyearsstudyingandistrainedtoputthe interest and safety of the public ﬁrst engineering is held among the top professions in theworld.” NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering public works and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South CarolinatoMaine,asfarwestasIllinois,anddown to Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Naval Installations Command team, NAVFAC MIDLANT helps to ensure regional facilities and infrastructure are managedefficientlyandeffectively Engineers of the Year

“This was truly an unexpected but very welcome surprise While many in my office are equally deserving it means a great deal to have the hard work we put in this year recognized, saidDelgado-Navarro.“Having started work with my team as a Design Manager, I’ve gotten to know each of my colleaguesbetterandappreciatedhoweveryone supported one another After stepping into the Co-Design Director role, I couldn’t be more pleased to help lead my team and witness their dedication and professionalism firsthand. I feel honored to co-man-

Throughout his tenure at NS Great Lakes, Delgado-Navarrohasplayedapivotalrolein delivering more than $158 million in critical Navy infrastructure projects His leadership has been especially impactful over the past three years, during which he guided three urgent, high-visibility efforts For the Navy’s Facility Structural Inspection Program, he was a member of the team that assessed the structural condition of 100 buildings across the installation, producing comprehensive, actionable reports well ahead of schedule. Healsospearheadeda$27millionemergency repair effort for the station’s potable water treatment plant, demonstrating exceptional technical judgment in requirements development, scope deﬁnition, design evaluation, and contract award, setting the foundation forconstructionworkthatbeganinlate2025.

He also served as the initial planner, technical reviewer, and estimator for the $120 millionHalseyVillagedemolitionandrestorationproject,acongressionallyvisibleeffort involving 352 Public-Private Venture housing units. His planning accelerated the ﬁrst

ByPettyOfficer2ndClassSashaAmbrose U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

For47years,theU.S.Navy’sReligiousProgramSpecialist (RP) rating has carried on a legacy of service that stretches back to the start of the Chaplain Corps 250 years ago Numbering about 750 Sailors, these specialists are tasked withamissionunlikeanyother,bothcombat-readyprotectorsandcompassionateleaders theyareentrustedtoguard thespiritualwell-beingoftheirfellowSailors.

Master Chief Religious Program Specialist Christopher Johnson, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves as the ForceReligiousProgramSpecialistattheU.S.NavyBureau ofMedicineandSurgeryinFallsChurch,Virginia.

“Myroleentailsensuringourreligiousministryteamsare properlymanned,trained,andequippedtodelivertoolsthat enhanceourwarﬁghters’spiritualreadiness,”saidJohnson. “Essentially we want to make sure that every warﬁghter is ready to meet their maker. I know that sounds harsh, and that’s the extreme, but if we can prepare them and their families to accept the worst, then we know they can meet smallerdifficultiesandrisetotheoccasion.”

Johnson initially enlisted in 2004 as an undesignated Sailor, but a friend in boot camp who was striking for RP inspired him to select the rating for himself during career week,andoncehewasaccepted,heneverlookedback

“Thejourneyhasbeenastruggle butinagoodway,”Johnson explained. “As a junior Sailor I never got the billets I wanted; I always ended up in the assignments the detailer needed ﬁlled. However, each one of those prepared me for thefuture,thoughIhadnoideaatthetimehowitwouldall makesense.”

Johnson wanted to be assigned to an operational unit, but he got orders to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS

FALLS CHURCH,Va (Jan.13,2026) U.S.NavyMasterChief Religious Program Specialist ChristopherJohnson,assigned to U.S.NavyBureau ofMedicine and Surgery poses fora portrait in his office Jan.13.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS COMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSSASHAAMBROSE)

AbrahamLincoln(CVN72),whichwasundergoingarefueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding at the time

“That tour ended up being one of the most demanding yet most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had, Johnson recalled. “I had only been on board for about six to eight months, and we bombed our department in the spotlight inspection, and our chaplain had been there for maybe 60 days He stood up in front of the CO and said, ‘Sir, the failure of this inspection is my fault because I did not prepare

myteam.ButIpromiseyou,bythenextinspection,wewill be ready. He had only caught the tail end of the inspection period, but he didn’t run from the department’s failures He accepted it as his own responsibility instead of making excuses About a year later, at the next inspection, we scored in the high 90th percentile.”

Asoneofonlysixmasterchiefreligiousprogramspecialists Johnson, alongside Capt. William Hlavin, the Navy Medicine chaplain, are responsible for keeping the Navy’s healthcare providers in the ﬁght so they can ensure warfightersarephysicallyabletogettotheﬁghtandstaythere.

“I just try to carry myself to the highest standard and ensurethatwhatSailorsseeiswhattheyget,”Johnsonsaid. “As I teach about spiritual readiness, I try to exemplify it in my own life I hope Sailors see something different in me, not because I want the spotlight, but because I’m trying to be a lighthouse shining a light so others can see the way. Hopefully that allows them to gravitate towards me just to haveaconversation.

Johnsonbelievesthattherearefourcorecomponentsthat every warﬁghter should identify for themselves and carry withthemthroughouttheircareerandlife theirmeaning, purpose,values,andacalltoservice

“The mission remains the same, whether you’re at sea or ashore; the only thing that differs is the focus,” Johnson concluded. “Being an RP is all about service It has to be in your heart to want to help others this is a calling to a higher purpose It’s about putting yourself last in order to lift others up.”

The Navy Medicine Enterprise’s 44,000+ talented and ready forces optimize health readiness, deliver quality healthcare, and provide global expeditionary medical supporttowarﬁghters

ByNatashaWaldronAnthony Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington has completedatransformativeeducationfacility at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Va deliveringastate-of-the-artmiddleand high school that replaces 1960s-era infrastructure with a modern, 116,000-squarefoot campus designed for 21st-century learning

The Quantico Middle/High School Replacement project represents a significant milestone for military-connected students and their families.

“This project is signiﬁcant because it represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the education and well-being of

military-connectedstudentsatMCBQuantico,” said Stephen Preston, construction manager for NAVFAC Washington’s FacilitiesEngineeringandAcquisitionDivision at Quantico

The$54millionfacility,whichwelcomed students on January 7, 2026, features ﬂexiblelearningneighborhoods Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics laboratories, a modern media and virtual learningsuite,full-sizegymnasium,performance space and a centralized commons serving as the academic and social heart of the school.

The integrated campus serves grades 6 through 12 and emphasizes adaptability, collaboration naturaldaylightingandtechnology integration.

“Beyondacademics,theschoolsupports the broader Marine Corps community by

providing a safe, secure and resilient facility that reﬂects the importance of family readiness,”Prestonexplained.“Formilitary families, continuity of high-quality education is a critical quality-of-life factor, and thisschooldirectlysupportsmissionreadiness by taking care of Marines’ families.”

The project team navigated signiﬁcant challenges includingunexplodedordnance investigations that impacted site grading and excavation sequencing Construction proceeded while maintaining base operations and force protection requirements, with careful coordination to ensure safe traffic flow for students, staff and base personnel.

NAVFAC Washington collaborated closely with key partners including the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Americas,

MCB Quantico, architectural ﬁrm Ewing Cole and prime contractor John C. Grimberg Co., Inc. Preston credited the project’s success to strongpartnershipsandtheteam’sabilityto adapt under challenging conditions “This school was intentionally designed not just as a replacement facility but as a modelforfutureDoDEAschools,”Preston noted, highlighting the building’s ﬂexible layouts,integratedtechnologyandsustainability features An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for March 9, 2026, providing an opportunity to formally celebrate the achievement and recognize the collective effort behind this vital community investment.

U.S. Naval Test Pilot School changes command

NavalTestWingAtlanticCommodoreand Class 133 USNTPS alumnus Capt. Daniel Kittspresidedovertheceremony.

“Yourleadershiphasleftalastingimprint onthiscommand onedeﬁnedbyintegrity, steady judgment, and a genuine commitment to

for the past 18 months

“I’mhonoredtocontinueservingthetest community,andI’mcommittedto‘embracingtheorange’asItakeontheresponsibility ofleadingthisexceptionalteam,”Kingsaid.

King is a Mount Airy, Maryland native who graduated from the University of Maryland in 2006 commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program, and earned his wings as a naval aviator in 2008 He began his career as an electronics technician aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) before deploying multiple times with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 14

tute of Technology in 2022 and served as assistant program manager for the Navy’s Multi-MissionHelicopterProgram.In2024 hereportedtoUSNTPSasexecutiveofficer

“Leading this command has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Hartman said.“Workingwith[King]hasbeenfantastic,andIlookforwardtowatchinghimguide USNTPSintoitsnextchapter.” Hartman is originally from Missouri and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005 Washington University in 2007 and USNTPS in 2014 with Class 145. He began his flight test career with VX-23. In 2015, heearnedasecondmaster’sdegreeinaerospace engineering science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He served as a departmentheadwithStrikeFighterSquadron 146 as well as VX-23. In 2021, Hartman reported to the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs as deputy program manager for the Next Generation AirDominanceProgram.In2022,hetransitionedtoUSNTPSasexecutiveofficerandin 2024asUSNTPScommandingofficer. USNTPS is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the test wing under Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The schooltrainsdevelopmentaltestpilots,flight officers, engineers, industry and foreign partners in full-spectrum test and evaluationofaircraftandaircraftsystems USNTPS leads development of modern test techniquesandstandardizationofflighttest.Itis theonlydomesticsourceofrotarywingtest pilots serving as dedicated test pilot school oftheU.S.Army.

F-35 pilots and Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft hone tactics in Joint Simulation Environment

ByNAWCADVisualInformation

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) achieved a milestone in advancing F-35 Lightning II aircraft integration with the Navy’s Collaborative CombatAircraft(CCA)duringarecenttactical demonstration in its Joint Simulation Environment(JSE).

The event demonstrated how advanced modelingandsimulationcandeveloptactics and strategies for ﬁfth-generation aircraft like the F-35 operating with uncrewed combatsystems

“Modern warfare is demanding more from our aviators, said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans “This milestoneshowstheJointSimulationEnvironment’s impact on equipping them with theadvancedtacticstheyneedtowinfuture battles.”

During the demonstration, F-35 pilots used touch-screen tablets to control multiple CCA during simulated missions Using advanced operational communication systems and precision-guided missiles, pilotsengagedcomplexthreatsintheJSE’s highlyrealisticvirtualenvironment.

TheJSEistheDepartmentofWar’sstateof-the-artdigitaltestandtrainingrangethat replicates real-world combat scenarios in a virtual environment Built by NAWCAD engineers the JSE combines cockpit simulators advanced software and domed visual displays to allow pilots to train and testsystemsinasafe,controlledsetting The JSEenablespilotstoﬂymoresortiesinone week than they can on open-air ranges in a year, sharpening their skills and improving readiness

TheNavy’sCCAaremulti-roleuncrewed combat vehicles that will operate with crewed fighters enhancing the mission effectiveness of crewed platforms in highly contestedenvironments Theyarecentralto the Department’s future strategy, enabling pilotstofocusonhigh-leveldecision-making while expanding operational capabilities. The JSE is playing a key role in developing tactics and operational concepts for integrating these systems with ﬁfth-generation platformsliketheF-35

NAWCAD’S JSE continues to integrate additional platforms and enhance the ﬁdelity of its simulated environment with planned additions of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler to enable integrated test andtraininginﬁscalyear2026

NAWCADhostsdozensofsquadronsand hundreds of pilots annually fostering joint andinternationalcollaborationinadvanced air combat training The JSE is expanding with additional Navy and Air Force facilitiesunderdevelopmentatNavalAirStation Fallon, Nellis Air Force Base, and Edwards AirForceBase,totraintacticalpilots

NAWCADemploysmilitary,civilian,and contract personnel. It operates test ranges, laboratories and aircraft in support of test evaluation, research development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviationplatforms.BasedinPatuxentRiver, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey;andOrlando,Florida.

II MEF Advanced AI Command Course

By2ndLt LukeLindsey II Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.

As the U.S. military faces increasingly sophisticated threats, the Marine Corps is prioritizing the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artiﬁcial intelligence to maintain a competitive edge II MarineExpeditionaryForceisattheforefrontofthis effort,usingAItoenhanceoperationaleffectiveness, streamline processes, and improve decision making acrossitsranks

OnDec.12,2025,theforcehostedanAdvancedAI CommandCourseformajorsubordinatecommanders including Brig Gen. Joel Schmidt, assistant division commander for 2nd Marine Division, to demonstrate the effectiveness of large language modelsandteachhowtocraftAIpromptstoimprove lethalityandoptimizeprocessesacrossIIMEF “Gainingtheadvantageofspeedcomesfromproperly using prompt engineering,” said Ben Brown, senior consultant for Joint Computer Technologies and Training Management. “This is the way of the future.”

Thisparticularcourseemphasizedtheimportance ofpromptengineering acriticalelementinmaximizingAIeffectiveness Brownprovideddetailedexamplesofdifferentpromptingmethods,explaininghow eachcouldbeappliedtospeciﬁcroleswithinasection toenhanceoperations

Thecourseispartofaseriesofmonthlyworkshops focusedonAIcapabilitiesandtheintegrationofdigitaldatasystemsliketheMavenSmartSystem(MSS) into daily operations at II MEF MSS is an AI tool designedtoanalyzevastamountsofdataformilitary applications, improving decision making and operations through machine learning and advanced algorithms II MEF’s emphasis on AI comes as the Marine Corpscontinuestomodernizeitsapproachtocombat readiness, ensuring that the force remains agile and competitiveinaneraofrapidlyadvancingtechnology To date approximately 170 Marines from II MEF, ranging from lance corporal to general officer, have participated in these workshops At every level, Marines are learning how to leverage AI to streamline daily tasks and improve operational planning, marking a signiﬁcant shift toward prioritizing technologicalintegrationthroughouttheMarineCorps.

An F-35 Lightning II is shown operating alongside Collaborative CombatAircraft in a conceptual graphic illustrating theirintegration.The unmanned systems serve aswingmen,enhancing mission

ByStaffSgt.MaximilianoRosas

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

“Primarily, the mission is to develop an aircrew” said Maj. Connor “Axe” Robertson, a Michigan native and a CH-53K King Stallion pilot instructor with HMHT-302 “The ideal goal is to send a proﬁcient crew memberthatisableandreadytobeaco-pilot[orcrewchief]intheﬂeet.

HMHT-302’scoremissionistoteachthe fundamentals of assault support heavy lift. The HMHT-302 training cadre ensures students are focused on Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization procedures a vital line of effort necessary to reinforce a culture of safety and readiness into the trainees Students also train in basic flight maneuvers utilizing the CH-53K’s modernized fly-by-wire systems, which enhances aircraft performance and eases pilot workload by helping to stabilize their aircraft in flight or while hovering HMHT-302’s training syllabus aims to continue the development of pilots and crew chiefs, continually reinforcing brilliance in the basics while emphasizing crewresourcemanagement Ultimatelythis trainingpreparesthestudentpilotsandcrew chiefs to operate with proficiency in a fleet unit.

Students at HMHT-302 run through a roughlysix-monthcurriculumhoningtheir skills on the rudimentary aircraft systems as well as maneuvering the aircraft. While at HMHT-302 they are run through the gamut of a detailed course curriculum and accumulate over 50 additional ﬂight hours.

Thesyllabustheyadheretoservesaseither a refresher to those transitioning from the CH-53E, or as indoctrination for new MarineCorpspilots “In ﬂight school, they ﬂy a much smaller aircraft than what they’ll strap into here, said Robertson. “We are kind of the middle

ground between ﬂight school and the ﬂeet. Wetrytogivethemanopportunitytogrow.” AstheMarineCorpsundergoesitsheavy lift helicopter transition from the CH-53E SuperStalliontotheCH-53KKingStallion, HMHT-302 will continue to play a critical role in developing pilots and crew chiefs

as the Marine Corps’ sole fleet replacement squadron for the CH-53 platform. The CH-53K is designed to carry 27,000 pounds at a mission radius of 110 nautical miles which is almost triple the baseline of the CH-53E under certain conditions The aircraft’s “Glass Cockpit” upgrades to its digital systems improve visibility and user interfacefortheypilotswhoflyit.TheKing Stallion provides the Marine Corps with a vast leap forward in assault support capability, but doing so requires the dedicated trainingandexpertiseprovidedbyHMHT302’sinstructorcadre. As one of the squadrons responsible for trainingthenextgenerationofMarineaviators every flight at HMHT-302 involves a balance of innovation, readiness and risk mitigation.“Whatwedoisinherentlyrisky, you don’t just strap people into a warfighting machine and say there is no risk,” said Robertson. That reality drives HMHT-302 to approach every evolution with deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and constant evaluation. In doing so both instructors and students at HMHT-302 apply sound risk management principles and use common sense to mitigate unacceptableriskbeforeandduringeveryflight. “There is a lot of learning that still has to be done once you get to the fleet Your focus shouldn’t be how good you are at 302 to just check the box. Learn your craft and be prepared.”

Naval Postgraduate School and Office of Naval Research announce Tactical Missile Innovation Prize Challenge

CourtesyStory

Naval Postgraduate School

MONTEREY, Calif The Naval PostgraduateSchool(NPS),incollaborationwith the Office of Naval Research (ONR), today announcedthelaunchoftheTacticalMissile InnovationChallenge aprize-basedcompetitiontoaccelerateinnovativeapproachesto tacticalmissiledevelopment.

Interested parties should review the CompleteChallengeDocumentandSubmissionFormforfullsubmissionrequirements, evaluationcriteria,andadditionaldetails

“The Tactical Missile Innovation Challenge addresses not only technical requirements but accelerates the speed for how critical capabilities get to the Fleet, said Kaitie Penry, NPS Director, Emerging Tech &Innovation.“Asthreatsevolvefasterthan traditional development timelines, we need new ways to rapidly design, test, and transition concepts to capabilities NPS is uniquely positioned to help in this effort bringingtogetheroperationallyexperienced students world-class faculty and trusted industry and government partners in a collaborative environment built for learningandexperimentation.

Penry added that the Tactical Missile InnovationChallengealsohelpsstrengthen the innovation operating concept that will underpin the future Naval Innovation Center at NPS—a purposefully designed facility to accelerate capability solutions at greaterspeedsandscale

TheU.S.militaryfacesanurgentneedfor tactical missile capabilities that are more affordable,scalable,andadaptabletorapidly evolvingthreats.TheTacticalMissileInnovationChallengeseekstoaddressthisneed by inviting industry and research teams to propose new development methodologies and executable plans that can underpin

futureall-up-round(AUR)missileconcepts

Unlike traditional acquisition solicitations this challenge emphasizes how missiles are developed, not a completed hardware design or prototype The challenge is intended to surface innovative development pathways that can transition more rapidly and efficiently into naval and jointoperationalcontexts

Submissions will be evaluated on the strength,credibility,andexecutabilityofthe proposed development methodology and

plan Phase 1 submissions are due February 26, 2026 A winner will be announced in early April following ﬁnalist pitches and evaluationperiods One winning participant will receive $200,000 provided by ONR. The winning team and other strong candidates may also beofferedopportunitiestopursueaCooperativeResearchandDevelopmentAgreement (CRADA) with NPS to enable continued collaboration with naval research or acquisitionpartners AnyCRADAwouldbenego-

tiatedseparatelyandisnotguaranteed

The Tactical Missile Innovation Challenge is open to for-proﬁt U.S. businesses Academic institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated ResearchCenters(UARCs)mayparticipate, butprioritywillbegiventofor-proﬁtentities withacrediblepathtoproduction.

NPSwillhostanAskMeAnythingsession with the challenge lead on January 29 at 8:30a.m.PaciﬁcStandardTime Registerto attend at https://www.npsfoundation.org/ askmeanything Program administration for the Tactical Missile Innovation Challenge is provided under a Partner Intermediary Agreement between NPS and the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to supporting the people, research and innovationatNPS

NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness technological leadership andwarfightingadvantageofthe navalservice Establishedin1909 NPSoffers master’sanddoctorateprogramstoDepartment of War military and civilians, along withinternationalpartners,todelivertransformative solutions and innovative leaders throughadvancededucationandresearch. The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader inscienceandtechnologywithengagement in50states,55countries,634institutionsof higher learning and nonprofit institutions, andmorethan960industrypartners

NCIS Forensic Consultants crack the toughest cases with advanced technology, creativity

ByDeniseCaskey Naval Criminal Investigative Service

(NCIS)

QUANTICO,Va Faroutsideofworldof Hollywoodtelevisionandso-called“magic tools,” such as photographic enhancements or instant DNA results, NCIS forensic consultants focus on the real science of evidence—ﬁnding the key details that help bring investigations to the ﬁnish line and provide prosecutors what they need to see justice served.

The reality is that most of the tools used byfictionalforensicconsultantsdon’texist. There is no centralized, searchable military database cataloging the fingerprints or DNA for every service member A DNA profile can take months to process Even under ideal conditions, zooming in on a surveillance image rarely produces a clear license plate number

According to Special Agent Garrett Radke, a forensic consultant stationed at NCISResidentAgencyMarineCorpsBase Camp Pendleton, Calif., the notion that valuable, clear-cut evidence will be found at a crime scene is often unrealistic.

“It’s such a mess of mixed proﬁles and mixed prints that you really can’t discern which is the one that would be relevant,” Radke said. “It happens a lot with weapons It’s virtually impossible for us to do anythingwithamilitaryweapon,forexample, because there’s literally hundreds of people who have touched that weapon.”

Despite the lack of cinematic shortcuts, NCIS forensic consultants remain at the forefront of their ﬁeld using sophisticated 3Dimagingtechnologies,suchastheFARO terrestrial laser scanner, unmanned aerial system (UAS) imaging, and other cuttingedge technologies to bring order to often chaotic and complex crime scenes

The FARO system uses lasers to create a map of its surroundings with accuracy within one millimeter at a distance of 10 meters Thedatacanthenbeusedtogenerate 3D graphics and virtual “ﬂy through” videos helping juries understand the spatial relationship of evidence within a scene Following the catastrophic 2020 fire aboardUSSBonhommeRichard(LHD-6), forensic graphics specialists used imagery collected with FARO to create a 3D model of the area where the ﬁre occurred, as well asthesuspect’sallegedrouteoftravelfrom the lower decks to the living quarters The model was used by both prosecution and defense teams to assess whether a key witness could have seen what he claimed. The model ultimately showed that a wall would have obstructed the witness’s view Radke is also one of four NCIS drone pilots certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of War, and NCIS to operate drones around crime scenes including within the restricted airspace of military bases under special authorization.

Drones, Radke said, serve as “eyes in the sky” for operations, especially in large or difficult-to-accessareas.Theycanalsoﬂyin gridpatterns,capturingimagesthatcanbe stitched together or integrated into FARO modelsusingphotogrammetry,atechnique that produces 3D representations from photographs Theuseofdronesrecentlyprovedinstrumentalinadeathinvestigationafterabody was found in a courtyard surrounded by tall barracks buildings According to Radke,whorespondedasoneoftheforen-

sic consultants, there was initially no clear indication of how the individual had died or how the body had reached the location.

“There were wounds on the body but nothing that appeared fatal and no woundsconsistentwithafallfromasignificant height, he said. “We found blood in several locations that could have indicated the person was killed elsewhere, then transported and dumped in the courtyard, suggesting homicide However, by using a drone to examine the roof of the nearby, I discovered a sledgehammer, a 27-foot skid markthatlookedlikesomethingheavyhad slid off the roof and footwear impressions matchingtheshoeswornbythedecedent.

Using the evidence, and the autopsy results, NCIS determined the death was accidental, caused by a fall. Forensics, Radke said, is rooted in the

scientiﬁc method but still leaves room for creativityandinnovation.Designingexperiments, testing scenarios, and developing uniquewaystoretrieveevidenceareallpart oftheprocess Inonecase Radkeevenused a pool skimmer and rake to safely retrieve evidence from a roof

“It wasn’t ideal, and certainly not textbook,” he said, “but it was much safer We weretherebecausesomeonehaddiedfalling off that roof—it didn’t make sense for any of us to risk the same.” NCIS forensic work is a careful balance of creativity technology and traditional evidence collection ensuring every scene is documented to the highest standard. Even when answers aren’t found right away, preserved evidence remains ready for future breakthroughs. Using tools like FARO, drones, virtual reality, and mobile

Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Garrett Radke,a forensic consultant assigned to NCIS ResidentAgencyMarine Corps Base Camp Pendleton,workswith the FAROTerrestrial LaserScannerto document a crime scene on Oct.16 2025.FARO is capable ofcreating 3-dimensional graphics of crime sceneswith a high degree ofaccuracy enabling the creation ofvirtual“ﬂythrough” videos and the abilitytoverifyordiscredit witness testimony.(COURTESYPHOTOS, NAVALCRIMINALINVESTIGATIVESERVICE)

device LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), paired with scientiﬁc expertise, turns even the most complex cases into successful investigations that deliver justice for victims and their families Forensic consultants are essential to the NCIS mission of investigating major crimes involving Department of the Navy personnel and assets While many arrive with crime scene or forensic science backgrounds, others—like Radke—begin their forensic careers at NCIS His opinion, the bestwaytobecomeaforensicconsultantis to be involved in the work.

“Be an active part of the Major Case Response Team, go to scenes go to autopsies,andconsidertheNCISForensicAssociate Program, he said. “It’s designed to identify and develop special agents interested in becoming forensic consultants.” A career as an NCIS forensic consultant, Radke said, can be very rewarding for thosewhothinkbeyondthestandardinvestigative steps and embrace creative problem-solving AtNCIS thepathtobecomingaforensic consultant starts with becoming a Special Agent. For more information, visit https:// www.ncis.navy.mil/Careers/SpecialAgents/.

On iberty

International psychic comedian sensation and AGT mega-star Peter Antoniou to perform at the new Virginia Beach Funny Bone January 28

InterviewByYiorgo

International superstar, psychic comedian Peter Antoniou, is making his return appearance to the newly relocated Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, now located at Pembroke Square, 4554 Virginia Beach Boulevard Suite 100 Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462. The last time Peter was at the Funny Bone, he was so wildly popular, thatheiscomingbackthisWednesdayJanuary28th Andspeakingofbeingverypopular, Peter’s ﬁrst show on the 28th sold out, and asecondshowhasbeenaddedat9:30pm.

FromsellingoutshowsatLondon’sWest End,toamazingthejudgesonAmerica’sGot Talent,toheadlininginLasVegas Peterhas astounded his audiences around the world and left them speechless with his highly entertaining show. His uncanny ability of mindreading,improvisedcomedyandgreat storytellingisaoneofakindexperiencethat will tickle your funny bones and not to be missed.

AGT’sSimonCowelltoldPeter “Youarea wizard.” Fellow AGT judge Howie Mandel said, “It’s unbelievable what you can do” with Heidi Klum, another AGT judge, adding, “You are the total package BroadwayBabesaid,“Shouldbeoutonapedestal abovehiscompetitors.”

All events at the Funny Bone are 21+ and you will need a valid ID to enter For tickets tothesecondshowWednesdaynight,goto: https://vb.funnybone.com/events/category/ series/peter-antoniou/virginia-beach-funny-bone-comedy-club/ (Editor’s note: Here is Yiorgo’s interview with Peter Antoniou from a couple of years ago.)

Yiorgo: Tell us Peter, why should people cometoyourshowattheFunnyBone?What willtheyseeandexperiencelive?

Peter Antoniou: It is a fun interactive, hourandahalfshowwhereIreadmembers oftheaudience’sminds Iknowthatsounds spooky but really it’s a lot of fun and there is a lot of comedy involved in it as well It is a great way to experience the impossible because I talk about facts from their pasts that I couldn’t possibly know or random numbers, or people they have not thought of in 20 years It’s my job to try and ﬁgure outdetailsaboutthosethingsandeveryone gets involved to some extent. So it’s a lot of funandveryinteractive.

I’ve also designed some new psychic demonstrations Ispendsomuchtimetraveling around, I have a lot of time in planes and cars to think of new ideas and I always like to try them with audiences I have a routine where I put up my skills on the test andgamblesomemoneyandobjectsandit’s alotoffunwithalotofsurprisesaswell.Itis a21andovershowbecauseofthevenuesellingalcohol.Myshowisveryfamilyfriendly

Y: Since you mentioned it. What is that processlikeofcomingupwitharoutine?

PA:Itvariesofcourse,butsometimesI’ll see something in a movie or there will be a funny, silly idea When I was on AGT I did a routine where I used a thousand cans of food. That idea came from when I had my covid jab/shot and I had a fever dream and when I woke up I had dreamt the whole routine in its entirety and I scribbled it down. I wish the creative process was that easy Sometimes I’ll think of a little nugget of an idea. The show is what people’s ﬁrst impressionofmeis Whataretheythinking andItrytobuildfromthere,ﬂeshitoutand

getmorepeopleinvolved.

Y:Whataresomeofyourfavoritepartsof your show that you can’t wait to do and see thatreactionfromtheaudience?

PA: So much of my show is improvised because it involves the audience I have no Ideawhat’sgoingtohappeneverynightand that’s so much fun for me I try to ﬁnd that skepticinthecrowdandsay,okthinkofthat questionthatIfIcanknowtheanswerto,it would convince you of my skills That can taketheshowinsomanydifferentdirections depending on what the person decides to think,orwho’stherethatnightandhowthey respond. It makes the show different every nightandthatkeepsmeexcited.

Y:Thebeautyofliveentertainmentisjust that live and given the different venues you performin,canyousharesomeanecdotesof unexpectedinteractionswithfans,skeptics, hecklersetc.?

PA: One of my favorite things that happened was that one of my segments is wheretheaudiencemembersthinkofquestions they would like to ask me, and I try to

ﬁgure out what the question is I ﬁnd out facts that they never told anyone So one time, I’m doing a show in London, talking toawomananditdawnsonmethatithasto dowithherbeingpregnant.I’mstressedand I asked permission if I could say it. So I say, you are pregnant with twins The woman says yes. She had been to the doctor earlier thatdayandhadnothadachancetotellher daughter who was sitting next to her The daughtergaveamassivereactionanditwas such a fun, special moment. I was very glad sheallowedmetosharethatwitheveryone Because the show is so interactive, I very rarely get any hecklers because I’m talking totheaudienceandtheyaretalkingbackthe wholetime Iquiteenjoytheskepticsinthe show because if you fully accept that I can readmindsthentheythink,wellofcoursehe can do that. Whereas those that say it can’t bedone,it’simpossible,it’snicetogetthem to experience something that’s impossible, you’ll see their heads spin I’m not trying to convinceanyoneifpsychicsarereal.Aslong astheyarehavingafuntime,Iconsiderthat

tobemyprimaryjob

Y: People are very familiar with your performancesonAGT.Let’stalkaboutthem. Howdidtheinitialauditionhappen?Can youtalkusthroughtheprocess?

PA: I had sent some videos to them a couple of years before. They said come and audition but it never worked out because I waslivingintheUKatthattime Imovedto America in January 2021 and about three weeks after I landed, I got an email from them checking on me and wanted me to audition for them We’ve seen your videos, we know we like you, we want you to be on the show. It was perfect timing because I knew it would restart my career now that I was in America. I would have the opportunitytogoonAGTandbeseenbyeveryone I agreedtoitandstartedworkingonademonstrationthatwasgearedtothem.Everything IdidonAGTwasdesignedjustforthatshow, maximizing the space, thinking about the judges building demonstrations around

Page 3

NORFOLK, Va The Virginia Zoo will host Kiss & Tail, their annual adults-only (21+), strolling brunch event celebrating Valentine’sDay,onSunday,February8from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets include tasty bite-sized appetizers, cocktails, a behindthe-scenes tour of World of Reptiles an exclusive Super Bowl themed ZooLive! Stageshow,thechancetonameacockroach after your ex, spicy facts about dating and matingintheanimalkingdom,uniquegiveaway prizes, and more. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event designed for both singles and sweethearts to have fun while learning what separates the birds from the beasts! Attendeeswillenjoyaleisurelyvisittothe World of Reptiles spotting scaly creatures in a less crowded environment. Tickets to thiseventoffertherareopportunitytobask in the joy of private access to the World of Reptiles building, as it will be closed to the general public. Plus, guests will have the chance to take a peek at behind-the-scenes areasandchatwithourHerpetologyKeepers. Expert Zoo staff and volunteers will be

Page 2

International psychic comedian sensation andAGTmega-starPeterAntoniou to perform at the newVirginia Beach FunnyBoneJanuary28 (COURTESYPHOTO)

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-ﬂagship/submit_news/

Hampton Roads Transit and HOT91 team up for “Tracks on Tracks” Dance Party, Jan. 28

PressRelease

NORFOLK Va Howaboutsomemusic thatmovesyou?

HamptonRoadsTransit(HRT)isteaming upwithWNSB-FM(HOT91)for“Trackson Tracks,” a live soul-themed dance party on Jan. 28 onboard a regularly scheduled Tide lightrailtrain.

Beat the winter blues as DJ Bee spins tunes on the round trip between Newtown Road Station and EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station.

The party train featuring décor to match the theme leaves promptly at 5:20 p.m.fromNewtownRoadStation.Thetrain will then depart EVMC/Fort Norfolk at 5:56p.m.forthereturntrip,arrivingbackat NewtownRoadat6:22p.m.Spaceislimited, sobesuretoarriveearly FreeparkingisavailableatNewtownRoad Station. Ifyou’re closer to another station feel free to join the party at any Tide stop Followtheregularlightrailscheduleforthe trainleavingNewtownat5:20p.m.

Transit tickets are required. Roundtripticketsare$4.50andavailableday-ofat any Tide light rail station. Listeners of the radio station’s Fresh Start morning show weekdays between 6-10 a.m. can win free passesfortheparty

“HRTisdelightedtohostHOT91toaswe celebratemusicthroughtheconnectivityof transit, said William E. Harrell, President andCEO

“We are excited to partner with HRT for Tracks on Tracks, a collaboration that enables us to spread music and joy beyond the airwaves,” said Toni B. Jones, WNSB’s marketing and community engagement director “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to public transportationandcommunity.”

The event is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) as part of a grant to promote publictransitandgenerateridershipduring wintermonths

Lookingforsomethingtodoaftertheride? GroovedowntoanyofDowntownNorfolk’s restaurants accessible from MacArthur Square,Monticello,orYorkStreet/Freemason stations Downtown Norfolk’s Restaurant Week offers specials at participating restaurants

AboutWNSB-FM(HOT91):WNSB-FM 91.1, licensed to Norfolk State University’s BoardofVisitors,isanon-commercialurban radio station serving the Hampton Roads region. First signing on the air in February 1980, WNSB has grown from a campus broadcast into one of the area’s most recognizedvoicesforurbanmusic,culture,news, and community engagement. Operated out of Norfolk State’s College of Liberal Arts department, the station provides students with hands-on industry experience while delivering compelling music, local content, andcommunity-focusedprogramstolisteners across the region. As a trusted platform for music, education, and connection, WNSB-FM continues to champion local events, artists, and voices that reﬂect the spiritofHamptonRoads About HRT: HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable safe efficient and sustainable For more information on transitservices visitgohrt.com.

posted throughout the building to answer your burning questions about love in the animalkingdom. The Zoo has also added several new activities to the event lineup, including the chance to send your favorite Zoo resident anenrichingValentine,tonameacockroach after your ex, or to shop a Valentine’s Day themed vendor market. Every guest can writeheartfeltnotestotheirfavoriteanimals on heart-shaped cards Messages will then bedeliveredtotheZooanimalsonFebruary 14tomaketheirValentine’sDayasenriching andspecialasyourKiss&Taileventexperience!Plus,foradonationtotheVirginiaZoo, you can name a cockroach or rodent that

will be fed to an animal! With your donation, you will receive a digital certiﬁcate to shareonyoursocialmediachannels,andyou will be named in the credits of a Valentine’s Day video post showing the named cockroaches and rodents as they are fed to the Zoo residents Local vendors will be in the Fountain Plaza for attendees and general admissiongueststoshopforValentine’sDay giftsduringeventhours

Assorted brunch menu items include a charcuterie board with cheese, meats, crackers and dips; shrimp cocktail platter; assorted mini quiches; fresh baked pastries and muffins; strawberry and blueberry yogurtparfaitswithgranola;minicrabcake balls; and mini Dutch pancakes with fresh berry compote Orange mimosas, bloody Marys, prosecco, orange juice, and coffee willbeavailabletodrink.

Theeventwillconcludewithanexclusive ZooLive! Stage Show featuring Carson the Superb Owl (Eurasian eagle owl) who will bepredictingthisyear’sSuperBowlwinner at11:30a.m.Butthefundoesn’thavetostop at 12:30 p.m. - ticket holders have all-day admissiontotheZoo!

Kiss & Tail is guaranteed to be the most unique way you’ve ever celebrated Valentine’s Day! Interested mates, friendly or romantic, are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as possible as this event has limitedcapacityandislikelytosellout.Tickets cost $31 for Virginia Zoo Members and $50 for non-members To ﬁnd full event details or purchase tickets visit the Virginia Zoo’swebsiteatvirginiazoo.org/event/kissand-tail/. About the Virginia Zoo: The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home

to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifullylandscapedacres theVirginiaZoohas demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world

The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums andisrecognizedasagloballeaderineducation, recreation, science, wildlife conservation,andanimalcareandwelfare.Formore thanacentury theZoohasconnectedadults familiesandschoolchildrenwiththenatural world and its wildlife The Virginia Zoo is opendailyfrom9:30a.m.to4p.m.withlast admissionat3p.m.Foradmissionpricesand tolearnmore,visitvirginiazoo.org

Staying in the know is easy. Each weekday,you’ll get the latest stories curated by our editors on your smart speaker or streaming service. Available on Amazon Echo, Apple Music, Google Home, Spotify and more. Start now at PlayOurNews.com

Kiss & Tail from Page 1

Listen to our top news stories for free.

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them and how they would react. It was a realfunexperienceandagreatopportunity toworkwiththem.

Y: Also, congratulations are in order I read that you performed from May to December in “America’s Got Talent Presents: Super Stars Live” at Luxor in Las Vegas How did that opportunity happen?

PA: It was an incredible experience I came to the show initially to cover for The Clairvoyants who are another mind reading act. They had some commitments and they asked me to come in for a few weeks initiallytocovertheirslotwhichwasquite exciting AndwhileIwasthere,theyoffered me the job of hosting the show for the rest of the year So I became the MC for the wholething,gottowelcomethecrowdsin, introducethemtoalltheseincredibleacts talk about my experience on the show and gettobethefaceofthisginormousproduction. It was so exciting Being in Vegas and getting to perform is always a fun dream but not anything that I thought was likely tohappen Gettingtobethereandperform every night was a dream come true

Y: And then you returned again in 2023 on “AGT” for its ﬁrst “All-Stars” season. How did that happen?

PA:Igotanemailsaying,heywe’redoing anAllStarsshowandwewouldloveforyou to be on. There was not a lot of warning so I decided to show them a different side of me then of what they have seen Usually I havebigprops,butIscaleditdowninprop size but bigger in emotions.

Y:Let’sdosentenceassociationwiththe AGT judges and host Terry Crews I’ll say theirnamesandyousharetheﬁrstthought that pops in your head about them. Let’s start with Terry

PA:Terryissoloving Heshowsupearly, says hello to all of us and is really welcoming He is a great energy to have around He is always so positive. Also he smells incredible The nicest smelling man I’ve ever encountered. He is exactly what you see on the screen.

Y: Simon Cowell.

PA:Simonislikeatoddler Sometimeshe isalwayshappyandjolly,butifhe’sinabad mood he will throw a strop, a tantrum and you have to give him attention He’s very exactwithwhathewantsandIthinksometimes that’s good and sometimes he needs to learn to be a little more patient.

Y: Howie Mandel.

PA:IreallyrespectHowie He’ssomeone

who has done comedy for over 40 years

He’sbeenonstageandhasdoneitall.When HowiegivesfeedbackItakeitallinbecause out of all the judges he’s been in the same arena that I’m putting myself in. I want to hear that wealth of experience

Y: Soﬁa Vergara.

PA: I absolutely love Sofia, she is pure kaos As I experienced in my season, If I need to do something that is quick, Sofia is notthepersontochoosebecauseshewillbe distractedandoverwhelmed Sheisexactly the energy I love in a live show but when the producers are on the side saying we have to throw it to a commercial can you rap it up, with Sofia, it can be slightly more stressful.

Y: Heidi Klum. PA: Heidi is really great. She is quietly demanding what she wants She has very high standards who watches quietly and pays attention. I really appreciate that When you see Heidi make a big reaction, you know you’ve earned it.

Y: Let’s talk about you. Where were you born and what made you fall in love with mind reading, psyching and entertaining?

PA: I was born in London, England and when I was about 9, I decided I wanted a superpower I was a big fan of comics like X-Men and in only the way that kids think, I said to myself ok, I’m going to learn how toreadminds I’mGreek-CypriotandIrish and I had seen my Cypriot auntie read the future of someone by looking at the coffee groundsinacoffeecupandtarotcardsand palmssoitdidn’tfeelthatweirdofanidea And then I just spent years learning from psychics, hypnotists and magicians I put italltogetherandnowIdomydemonstrations of mind reading

Y: How about a wow, pinch me moment or two?

PA:Therehavebeensomany.Gettingto perform in the Dolby Theater on AGT live infrontof16millionpeoplewasanincredible experience Also performing in Vegas I had gone by the set of AGT in 2023 to say hello to some people and to support an act that I knew was auditioning. Heidi Klum walkedpast,didadoubletakeandsaid,“Oh Peter, hello. And just the idea that supermodelHeidiKlumwouldrecognizemeand know my name is still a bit wild and crazy to me

Y: There is a documentary in the works about you. Can you tell us all about it?

PA:ThereisagroupinSeattle,Washington that primarily makes documentaries Theyhaveseenmyshows reachedoutand now they have ﬁlmed my shows and have interviewedmeaboutmyprocess.It’svery

International psychic comedian sensation andAGTmega-starPeterAntoniou to perform at the newVirginia Beach FunnyBoneJanuary28 (COURTESYPHOTO)

ﬂattering whenever someone reaches out like that.

Y: Besides the tours, what else are you working on now?

PA: I am working on a full special that willbeanhourlongwithmindreadingand demonstrations that were too big or too longforAGTandarealotoffun.Peoplecan

follow me on Instagram at peterantoniou and can ﬁnd out more about me at https:// www.peterantoniou.com/home

Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer educator motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

Peter Antoniou

Simple, satisfying meals for the new year

ByFamilyFeatures Source: Bush’s Beans

Whileyou’reeasingyourfamilybackintoroutinesinthe new year simple wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchenagain. Satisfyingandapproachablerecipesthatcometogether quicklyusingadependablebaseingredientlikebeansare resonatingwithhomecooks,helpingtakethepressureout ofcooking Grown,cookedandcannedinAmerica,Bush’s RecipeBeansaddplant-basedproteinandfibertoanydish, makingiteasytoachievenewyear’sgoalswhilebringing flavorfulmealswithhigh-qualityingredientstothetable. Forawarm,colorfulwaytostartyourmorningwithout spending extra time in the kitchen, consider this Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl, which satisfies both eyes and stomachsthroughacombinationofblackbeans,eggsand sauteedvegetables OrputaMediterraneantwistonlunch and dinner with this Greek Dense Bean Salad, a bright, freshdishthatincludeschickpeasandcannellinibeans. Visitbushbeans.comformoremealideasthathelpyou cookmore,spendlessandgatherwithlovedones.

SweetPotatoBreakfastBowl

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2 2tablespoonsoliveoil

1smallyellowonion,ﬁnelychopped

1smallredbellpepper,ﬁnelychopped

salt,totaste

pepper totaste

2cupscookedsweetpotatoes

1can(15ounces)Bush’sBlackBeans,drained

1teaspoonchilipowder

2friedeggs

1avocado,sliced

cotijacheese,crumbled

limewedges,forserving

In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally until peppers are softened, 5-7 minutes Season with salt and pepper,totaste Add sweet potatoes, black beans and chili powder; stir to combine Cook until potatoes and beans are warmed through,4-5minutes

Dividebeanmixturebetweentwobowls Topeachbowl withfriedegg,avocadoslicesandcrumbledcotijacheese

Servewithlimewedges

GreekDenseBeanSalad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Dressing:

¼cupextra-virginoliveoil

2tablespoonsredwinevinegar

1tablespoonlemonjuice

1teaspoonDijonmustard

1garlicclove minced

1teaspoondriedoregano

salt,totaste

pepper,totaste

TzatzikiSauce:

½cupplainyogurt

¼cucumber,grated,excesswaterdrained

2teaspoonslemonjuice

2teaspoonsextra-virginoliveoil

½teaspoongarlic,minced

2teaspoonsfreshdill,chopped

salt,totaste

pepper,totaste

Salad:

1can(16ounces)Bush’sChickPeas, drainedandrinsed

1can(15½ounces)Bush’sCannelliniBeans, drainedandrinsed

1cupcherrytomatoes,halved

½cupredonion,diced

1cucumber,seededanddiced

½cupKalamataolives,pittedandhalved

½cupfetacheese,crumbled

¼cupfreshparsley,chopped

Greekdressing(directionsbelow)

1cuptzatzikisauce(directionsbelow)

chickenskewers(optional),forserving

Tomakedressing:Infoodprocessororblender,blend olive oil; red wine vinegar; lemon juice; Dijon mustard; garlic; oregano; and salt and pepper to taste until well combined.Setaside

To make tzatziki sauce: In bowl, stir yogurt; cucumber;lemonjuice;oliveoil;garlic;dill;andsaltandpepper, totaste,untilwellcombined.Setaside

To make salad: In large bowl, combine

cannellini beans, cherry

olives fetacheeseandparsley;tosswithdressing

Top with tzatziki sauce and serve with chicken skewers,ifdesired.

Chef’s tip: Store leftover tzatziki sauce separate from salad.

A convenient homecooked solution without the slow cooker

ByFamilyFeatures

Source: Culinary.net

Walking in the door to the smell of homemade chili is suretowarmyouupfromtheinside-out,butifyouforgot to set up the slow cooker before heading out the door in themorning don’tfret aheartybowlofbeans beefand stewedgoodnesscanstillawait.

Foraquickandeasyversionofthecomfortfoodclassic, consider this Quick Homecooked Chili that’s made in a skillet and ready in half an hour Just brown ground beef with a chopped onion, stir in beans, tomato sauce, cubed sweetpotatoandafewsimpleseasoningsandyou’rewell onyourwaytoawinterwarmup

FindmoreeasywaystofeedyourfamilybyvisitingCulinary.net.

QuickHomecookedChili

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

1poundgroundbeef

1onion,chopped

1can(15ounces)tomatosauce

1can(15ounces)kidneybeans

1can(14½ounces)stewedtomatoes

1can(10ounces)dicedtomatoeswithgreenchilies

1sweetpotato cubed

water(optional)

1teaspoonchilipowder

1pinchgarlicpowder

salt,totaste

pepper totaste

sourcream(optional)

slicedavocado(optional)

Inlargesaucepanovermediumheat,cookgroundbeef and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender, 5-7 minutes Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes with juices diced tomatoes with green chilies and cubed sweetpotato Addwatertoreachdesiredconsistency Season with chili powder and garlic powder Add salt andpepper,totaste

Bringtoboilthenreduceheattolow.Coverandsimmer 15minutes Servewithsourcreamandslicedavocado,ifdesired.

chick peas,

tomatoes, red onion, cucumber,

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va.—The TRICARE Pharmacy Program helps youget the prescription drugs youneed in asafe, easy andaffordableway.ExpressScriptsadministers theTRICARE pharmacy benefit and offers tools to help youmanage your prescriptions

“TRICARE offers several ways to fill your prescriptions,” said Lt.Col. Leighcraft Shakes,DeputyChief,Pharmacy Benefit Integration Branch, at theDefenseHealth Agency.“These options giveyou flexibility and allowyou to pick what worksbestfor you. Here’s what to expect when using your pharmacybenefitin2026

Pharmacy costs

Pharmacy copayments arechanging for mostTRICAREbeneﬁciariesin2026.What youpaydependson:

Yourbeneﬁciarycategory

Whatdrugyouneed

Whichpharmacyoptionyouuse

Check out Pharmacy Costs (online at https://tricare.mil/Costs/PharmacyCosts) tolearnmore.LookattheTRICAREFormulary to see what your medication costs (online at https://www.express-scripts com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/ fst/#/#/).

Pick thebestpharmacy option for you

TRICARE offers four ways toﬁll your prescriptions.Each has differentcosts and beneﬁts.Notethatsomeprescriptiondrugs maynot be available at every pharmacy option. Some restrictions mayapplywhen using home delivery or retail pharmacies overseas

Military pharmacies: At military pharmacies,you can getupto a90-daysupply of mostmedications at nocost. Most take prescriptionsfrombothcivilianand militaryproviders.

Home delivery: TRICARE Pharmacy HomeDeliveryisagoodoptionformedications youtakeregularly.Withfreeshipping andconvenientorderingoptions—online,by phone,orbymail—managingyourprescriptions is simple.You’ll receive order updates and reﬁll reminders when youuse home delivery.The service can even helprenew expiredprescriptions.TRICAREPharmacy Home Delivery ships to anyU.S.address. It also ships to U.S. territories,and APO/FPO addresses Youmight not be able to use home delivery if youhaveother healthinsurance with drug coverage.IfExpress Scriptsalso managesyourOHI’spharmacyhomedelivery, ExpressScripts will coordinateyour homedeliverybeneﬁt.

Network pharmacies: Youcan fill prescriptionsatTRICARE retail network

pharmacies.Use the Find aPharmacy Tool (online at https://militaryrx.expressscripts.com/find-pharmacy)tofindanearby network pharmacy.Check out Pharmacy Coststo comparewhatyou’ll payatother pharmacies Non-networkpharmacies:Youmayalso fillprescriptionsatTRICAREnon-network pharmacies.Ifyouuseanon-networkpharmacy,you’llhavetopay fullprice for your drug up front. Then youcan file aclaim. Reimbursementsare subject to applicable deductibles,cost-shares,andcopayments. Usingthe ExpressScripts Pharmacy Mobile app

ThefreeExpress Scripts Pharmacy MobileApphelpsyoumanageyourprescriptions from your phone.Visit theAppleApp StoreorGoogle PlayStore to download the freeapptoday.

Howyoucanusetheapp

TheExpress Scripts Pharmacy Mobile Appmakes keepingtrack of your prescriptionseasier. Order medications See which

prescriptions youcan reﬁll andcompare costs.Pick themedications youwant, and they’llcometoyourdoor

Trackmedications Get updates as Express Scripts ﬁlls and ships your order

To viewyour order status online,log in to your account and go to “Prescriptions.” Next, select “Order History,” and check “Recent OrderStatus.” Youcan temporarily change shipping addresses within the U.S. If youmovepermanently,your order willautomaticallyshiptoyournewaddress However, overseastravelrequires different procedures.These includeusing amilitary pharmacy or an overseasretail pharmacy. VisitFillingPrescriptions When Traveling for moreinformation (onlineathttps:// tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/ FillPrescriptions/WhenTraveling).

Requestreﬁlls See which prescriptions areready to reﬁll and get costsbased on availableoptions Setupdosereminders Theappreminds youwhentotakeyourmedications Payonline. Payand set up automatic paymentsforhomedelivery.Asnotedinthe TRICARECostsandFeesFactSheet(online at https://tricare.mil/Publications/Costs/ costs_fees), active duty service members

have a$0copayment for up to a90-day supply of medication if they use amilitary pharmacy, TRICAREPharmacy Home Delivery,oraretailnetworkpharmacy

Setupyour Express Scripts account

Youneedanaccounttousetheapp.Create anExpressScriptsaccounttogetstarted. Get help any time

Express Scripts pharmacists can help answer your questions 24/7. Call877-3631303forhelp

Make2026theyearyougetthemostfrom yourTRICAREpharmacybeneﬁt.Whether youprefermilitarypharmacies,homedelivery, networkpharmacies,ornon-network pharmacies, TRICARE offers convenient optionstailoredtoyourneeds Would youlikethe latestTRICARE news sent to youbyemail? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to getbeneﬁtupdates, news, andmore.

Get your health resultsfasterin2026:Lab and testresults immediately availableinyourMHS

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va.—Doyou get care at amilitary hospital or clinic? Starting Jan. 20,you’llbeabletoaccesslabresults,radiology reports, pathology reports,and clinical notes immediately throughthe MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. MHS GENESIS willreleaseyourelectronichealthinformation the moment it enters the system. This change is aresult of the21stCentury Cures Act,afederallawthatgivesyoufasteraccess toyourhealthinformation.

“Thischangeputsyou in controlofyour health care,”said Dr.Paul Doan, Chief, SpecialtyCarePolicySupport,attheDefense Health Agency.“You’ll get your results sooner,whichhelpsyouaskyourhealthcare team better questions and decide the care that’sbestforyouoryourfamily.”

What this meansfor you

Starting Jan. 20,the MHSGENESIS Patient Portal will sendyou anotiﬁcation when new results or notes areavailable Sometimes,this maymean yousee your resultsbeforeyourcareteamreviewsthem You’ll need to verify that an activeemail account is associated with your patient portaltogetthesenotiﬁcations.Checkyour settingstoverifyyouremailaddress. Whenyoulogintoviewresults,you’llsee abanner.The banner will explainthatyour providerorcareteammaynothavereviewed them yet. Your provider will contact you if your results needfurtherdiscussionor explanation.

What youshouldknow

Results appear quickly. The system releases information right away.You might see your resultsbeforeyour providerdoes. Yourproviderwillreachoutaboutanything that requiresimmediateattention. If you have anyquestions aboutyourresults contactyourprovider

Take time to review. Read your results carefully.The patient portal mayinclude

explanations forcertain values or findings.Reach out to your provider or care teamifsomething confuses youorseems unexpected. Some resultsmay be sensitive You might view emotionally difficult results before speaking with your provider.Your providerorcareteamcanwalkyouthrough what the ﬁndingsmean and discuss next steps

Youcan choose whentoviewyour results Do youwant to discussresults with your provider ﬁrst? Youcan wait to

open them in the patient portal until your providercontactsyouoruntilyournextvisit

Why thischange matters

Federal lawrequires health systems to give patients real-timeaccess to theirelectronichealth information. Thischange improvestransparency. It enables faster moreinformedconversations about your care.Yougainmorecontroloveryourhealth information.

Questions?

Reach out to your providerorcareteam for context, next steps,orfollow-up care. They’reheretohelp youunderstand your resultsandsupportyouthroughyourhealth carejourney Tostartviewingyourresultsin2026,visit theMHSGENESISPatientPortal. Would youlikethe latestTRICARE news sent to youbyemail? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to getbeneﬁtupdates, news, andmore.