demonstrateits abilitytoprotect the installation andits population.The
Navy Region Mid-Atlanticclosed the curtains on Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain2026
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NORFOLK,Va. —Commander,Navy RegionMid-Atlantic(CNRMA)concluded itsparticipationinthelargestforceprotection exercise in the continental United States,Feb.6
CitadelShield-SolidCurtain2026 (CS-SC26) wasatwo-weekexercise designed to enhance the readinessof Navy security forces andensure seamless interoperability among commands,other agencies, andcivilian law enforcement personnel to protect sailors,families and critical assets The two-part,anti-terrorismforce
ByPettyOfficer1stClassJacobMilham
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)
protectionexercise wasconducted by Commander,U.S.Fleet Forces Command (USFFC)and Commander,NavyInstallationsCommand(CNIC)onallNavyinstallations in the continentalUnitedStates. Theexercise involved aseries of realistic, challengingscenarios,includingresponses to activeshooters,improvised explosive devices(IEDs),andthreatsfromunmanned aerial systems (UAS).
“It’sabout being prepared,”saidSteven Murley, CNRMA’s DirectorofEmergency Management.“[Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain]isaboutexecutingouremergency management and force protection plans to protect our criticalassets.
NEWPORTNEWS,Va.—Pre-CommissioningUnitJohn F.Kennedy(CVN79)andhercrewdepartedHII’sNewport News Shipbuilding (NNS) and steamed to sea for the first time for Builder’s Sea Trials,Jan. 28,2026.After eightdays ofat-seasystems,equipmentandoperationaltestingbythe Sailors working alongside industry and government partners,theshipreturnedtoNNS,Feb.4,2026—theoperation asuccess
“Therewerecountlesshands that contributedto this successful sea trial, bothofthe hard-workingpatriots who builtthisgreatshipandoftheSailorswhoarenowbringing hertolife,”saidCapt. DougLangenberg,JohnF.Kennedy’s commandingofficer.“John F. Kennedy going tosea for thefirsttime is trulymomentous.Thisevent is aresult of yearsofhardworkandanincrediblesharedeffortbetween ourshipbuilding partners and thiscrewwho have worked side-by-side to get to this day. I’m proudofthiscrewand this opportunitytofinally take this ship to seawhere she belongs.”
The underway is another important milestone towards John F. Kennedy’s delivery to theoperational fleet. John F. Kennedy nowreturns to Newport News Shipbuilding to complete the remaining construction, testing,and activation work. Followingasuccessful Builder’s Sea Trials, AcceptanceTrialsisonthehorizonforthecrewandcivilian stakeholders,butfornow,Sailorssavorthemomentandthe firststheyareapartof.
“Thishasbeenalongtimecoming,”saidLt.WardWilkin-
Theexercise is aregularly scheduled, annual eventand is not in response to any specificthreat.Thisyear’strainingfocused on reinforcing the seamless integration between installation security, tenant commands,and local first responders, ensuring aunified andeffective response in acrisis CNRMA will incorporate thelessons learned to further refineits force protection posture. Thecontinued focus on realistictrainingensurestheU.S.Navyremains aformidable and ready force,capable of protecting its home front and projecting powerglobally
“Whenwedothese drills,takeevery
opportunitytolearn,”saidMurley.“Always think about whattodoand whyyou do it The moreyou know, the better prepared youare.” Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’smission is to provide support to the fleet,fighter, and family. It is thelargest of the Navy’s 11 regions.CNRMAfunctions as the regional coordinator for allshore-based navalpersonnel and shoreactivities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations,and numerous NavyReserveCentersfromMainetoNorth Carolina and as far west as Illinois
Soldier-Olympiantocompete for firstU.S.biathlon medal
ByJoeLacdan Defense Media Activity-ArmyProductions
As thesoldierbreathedinthe piercingcold, shereflectedonthejourneythatbroughtherto herfirstOlympicGamesin2022.
“I definitely waslike, once Istart this race, I’manOlympian,”saidIrwin,amemberofthe Army WorldClass AthleteProgram.“AndI thinkthatkindofemotionkindofjustlikecame overmelike,Igettosaythat.”
Shequicklywiped thetears away before they frozeonher face.The soldier clutched herski polestightertokeep thebloodcirculating in herfingers and narrowedherfocus Irwintookan unorthodox path to become an Olympian,fromtraining as across-country skierinIdaho to attendingher first biathloncampinupstateNewYorkandfinally toanenlistmentintheArmy.
Asachildwatchingthe2008SummerOlympics, she dreamedofone dayreachingthe pinnacleoftrackandfield.Daysbeforeherfirst Olympicrace,she attended theopeningceremoniesatBeijingNationalStadium,inthesame citythatcaptivatedherontelevision.
“Itfeltdefinitely full circle formetokindof have those firstmemoriesgrowing up,” Irwin said.“TheOlympic dreamkindofwas always there.
Atthetime,Irwindidn’trankamongthetop 50 female biathletes in theworld.But that day she wouldski faster and fire more accurately thaneverbefore
Thetemperature grew so coldthatIrwin couldn’t feel herfingers during shooting sessions,yet shestill hit19of20targets. The colddidn’tfazeIrwin,asshefinishedinseventh place,the highest 15-kilometer finish ever by aU.S. biathlete. Irwinfella singleshotshy of winningthe firstU.S. Olympicmedalinthe sport. After crossingthe finish line,Irwin letout a nervous,excitedlaugh
“Ihadacrazyday,”shesaid Still runningonadrenaline, Irwinsaidshe didn’tsleepfordaysfollowingtherace.
Nowather second OlympicGames at 33, Irwinand herU.S. teammatesvie to become thefirstAmericanstomedalinthebiathlonat the2026 MilanCortina Olympics that began yesterday.
“Ithinkwehavereally,reallystrongathletes onboththemen’sandwomen’sside,”Irwinsaid. “AndIthinkIshowedatthelastOlympicsthat anythingispossible. Irwin, who ranks 26thinthe world and No.1inthe U.S.,has acontingent offriends and family who traveledtonorthern Italy to supporther,after COVID-19 restrictions prevented spectators from attending the Gamesin2022.
Irwin notched her second top-10World CupfinishoftheseasonrecentlyattheNove MestoWorldCupinPrague.Shehit19of20 targetsandfinished10thinthe12.5-kilometermassstartrace
“Mystoryisaunique waytoshow persistence and just believe in yourself,” Irwinsaid.“Andreallyjustkindofcontinuingon,evenwhenyou’remetwithchanges.”
To preparefor the Olympics,Irwinand the U.S. Biathlon team traveled to what she calledan“elevationcamp”innorthernItaly to grow accustomed to competing at ahigh
altitude.The Antholz-AnterselvaBiathlon Arena, one of thehighest biathlon competition venues in the world,sitsmorethan 5,200 feet above sea level. The athletes log 12-20hoursofendurancetrainingeachweek andworkonintervalsetstomaintainpeak physicalfitness. Irwinwill be joined by Army Spc. Sean Doherty on the U.S. Olympic team, and as shelearned in theArmy, theUnitedStates willcompete as ateam. Doherty,aneighttime WorldChampionship team member, will be competing in his fourth Olympics having placed seventhinthe mixedrelay at Beijingand42ndinthemen’sindividualrace ABiathlete in the Making Irwindidn’tknowitthen,butshelaidthe groundwork forher future athletic career while growing up in the ruralMidwest.
Unlike manyofher teammates,Irwin discoveredthesportlaterinlife. Irwin competedinbasketball, trackand cross-countryinPulaski,asmallWisconsin town 20 mileswestofGreen Bay. At age 16 she began Nordic skiing during theBadger State’sfrigidwinterstostayinshapeforthe trackandcross-countryseasons Irwin attended Michigan Technological University in Michigan’sUpper Peninsula.Thereatthe remote rural campus,she competedincross-countryandtrack.Irwin joinedMTU’sNordicskiteam,whichtrains at Mont Ripley, aski area in thewilderness ofHancock,Michigan.Followinggraduation in2016,shefellinlovewithNordicskiing Irwin movedtoSun Valley,Idaho,inthe Pacific Northwest, to pursue aspotonthe U.S.OlympicSkiteam.Thereshejoinedthe SunValleySkiEducationFoundation’sCross CountryGoldTeam
ArmySgt.DeedraIrwin,ahuman resources specialistassignedtotheVermont National Guardand amemberoftheArmyWorld Class Athlete Program,competesinthewomen’s 7.5-km sprint during the International Biathlon UnionWorld Cupraces in Utah, March 10,2024.Irwinwill represent the U.S.when she competesinthe biathlon in the 2026 Milan CortinaWinterOlympics. (PHOTOSBYMARCUSTRACY,JOINTFORCE
Irwin had to humble herself andlive withinherfinancialmeans
Shesaidshebecamehomelessforashort time,driving hercar from house to house sleepingonfriends’sofaswhileworkingasa dogcaretaker.Shestruggledtoearnincome whiletrainingandremainedonherparents healthcareplan. Irwinpostedsomeofthebesttimesinthe nation,butsheknewsheneededtocompete at ahigher leveltomakethe WinterOlympics Whenitbecameclearthatshewouldnot qualifyfor theOlympic team following the 2017-2018WorldCupseason,shedecidedto moveawayfromcross-countryskiing Then,herbestfriend,JoanneReid,asked hertogivethe biathlon atry,inviting Irwin to attend theU.S.biathlete camp in Lake Placid,NewYork. Thementalshiftfromracingdownaslope to firing at atarget became amotivating addiction. She learnedthe nuances of sight adjustmentandtriggerpressure “Whenyou know you’re doingwell,” Irwin said. “And then youget on therange and yousee allthose shots go down; it’s the coolestfeelingintheworld. Irwinstillstruggledfinancially.Shecould barely affordgas,and fortunately,a friend
NAVIFOR
Information Warfare Battle ‘E’
ByJoshuaRodriguez Naval Information Forces
SUFFOLK, Va The Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) command announced the winners of the first 2025 Information Warfare (IW) Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) awards, recognizing commands that have demonstrated sustained, superior performance and strengthened warfighting readinessintheIWdomain.
The Battle “E” award program was recently expanded by the Chief of Naval Operations to include the Information Warfare community, acknowledging the criticalwarfightingcapabilitiesIWprovides to the fleet. The winning commands representthetoptenpercentofallIWcommands, selected based on their performance throughout2025
“The competition was exceptionally demanding, with those nominated demonstrating sustained superior performance, strengthening overall warfighting readiness, and fostering a culture of excellence,” saidViceAdm.MikeVernazza,commander of Naval Information Forces “This award is a clear reflection of Naval information warfare’sroleasaprimarywarfightingcapability withourinfluencespanningfromthe seabedtospace.TotheentireIWenterprise: yourdedicationispivotaltomissionsuccess. Your unwavering pursuit of excellence directly strengthens our warfighting readiness and I couldn’t be more proud of our winnersfortheirremarkableperformance.”
The winners of the 2025 Information Warfare Battle “E” are:
O6East:FleetWeatherCenterNorfolk
The Battle “E” is not only a command achievement but also an individual honor. Sailorspermanentlyattachedtothewinning units during the competitive cycle are now authorized to wear the Navy Battle “E” ribbon,asymbolofthehardworkanddedication.
“The commands recognized today have set the standard for excellence in the Information Warfare community,” said Capt. Sharon Pinder, NAVIFOR’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Training. “Their success is a directresultofrigoroustraining,innovative thinking, and a relentless commitment to
building a battle-ready force These teams have demonstrated that superior readiness andacultureofcontinuouslearningarethe cornerstonesofourwarfightingadvantage.”
NAVIFOR’s mission is to generate, directly and through our leadership of the
IW Enterprise agile and technically superior manned, trained, equipped, and certified combat-ready IW forces to ensure our Navy will decisively DETER, COMPETE, andWIN FormoreinformationonNAVIFOR,visit
the command Facebook page at [https:// www.facebook.com/NavalInformationForces/](https://www.facebook.com/ NavalInformationForces/)orthepublicweb page at [https://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil] (https://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil).
Talking Shop: Multiple Shops make a team to assist with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower maintenance period to keep
ByTroyMiller Norfolk Naval Shipyard
When the nuclear Nimitz-class aircraft
carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), affectionately known as “Ike,” entered NorfolkNavalShipyard(NNSY)inJanuary 2025 for a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) period after completing a historic nine-month deployment, the clock started ticking Everydayintheyardisadaytheship isnotservinginthefleet—andastheNavy’s operational tempo remains high, returning Iketotheseaonschedulebecameamission initself Whatfollowedwasauniquecollaboration:14SailorsfromNNSY’sFleetMaintenance Submarines (FMB) and Fleet Maintenance Shop (FMS)—who normally operate in very different worlds—came togetherasoneteamtogetthejobdone
In most circumstances, FMS personnel are associated with administrative work: production reports, paperwork, and supportingcontractorsfrombehindadesk.
FMB Sailors, in contrast, are the hands-on experts,typicallyworkingonactivesubmarines fabricatingandrepairingcustomparts that cannot simply be ordered from a catalog.TheseSailorsarefamiliarwiththetight confines and systems unique to the silent service—not the sprawling complexity of a Nimitz-classaircraftcarrierindrydock.
ButtheEisenhowerprojectteamneeded all hands on deck. The workload was immense,thetimelinetight,andship’sforce was already tasked in many other areas. So FMS and FMB Sailors were brought together—insomecasesoutoftheircomfort zones—toeffectivelyintegrateandassistthe Ike project. This was not just about additional support on the availability; it was about combining skillsets, sharing knowledge, and receiving on-the-job learning for theSailors
For FMS Sailors like NNSY Operations Department (Code 300) Machinist Mate SecondClassParkerPasqualandMachinist Mate Second Class Josemari Mamalaylan, whoareusuallyimmersedinadministration, themovetoIkewasawelcomechallenge.
“AtFMS,Idoproductionreportsandhelp contractors—but it’s all behind the desk,” said Pasqual. “Now, I’m out here turning wrenches, maintaining the hands-on skills Itrainedfor.”
Mamalaylen echoed this: “Since I do admin work every day, working on the Ike teamkeepsmefromgettingrusty,plusIget tolearnnewthings.”
FortheFMBteam,thenewenvironment was just as instructive. Sheet Metal Shop (Shop 17) Hull Maintenance Technician First Class Merin Oakley, a seasoned pipefitter and welder, noted that the carrier’s scale and systems were very different from submarines
“Beingthemiddlemanisaunique,helpful opportunityforthecivilianstoincreasetheir knowledge and for the ship to increase its production, Oakley explained. “We’re the jack-of-all-trades Everydayisdifferent,and there’salwayssomethingtolearn.”
The integration team quickly became more than just extra hands—they became liaisonsbetweentheship’sforceandcivilian contractors With knowledge of both Navy life and the realities of shipyard work, they helpedbridgeanycommunicationgapsand speedupproblem-solving
“It’s called integration, said Inside Machine Shop (Shop 31) Chief Machinery RepairmanRamanSingh,wholedtheteam.
“We are integrating civilians with the military, so we help each other out and learn what we do Our mission is to get ships out of the yard on time and working hand-inhandishowweaccomplishthat.”
HullMaintenanceTechnicianFirstClass
Alejandro Guajardo, of the FMB training office,summeditup:“Wecanweldasmuch aswewantintheshop,butactuallyapplying itonacarrieristotallydifferent.Theexperiencemakeseveryonebetter.”
This effort was not without its difficulties including adapting to a ship whose systemsandlayoutwereunfamiliartomany
But the consensus was clear: the teamwork and cross-training not only accelerate Ike’s return to the fleet, but made every Sailor involvedstrongerandmoreversatile
The success of the Ike’s integration team isalreadyshapingfuturemaintenanceperiodsforothershipsandsubmarines “Thisis going to be a continuous thing,” said Chief Singh. “We’re going to integrate civilians with military work together as a team, and move toward a final goal—to get ships and submarinesreadyfortheirmission.”
The story of FMS and FMB coming together for Ike is more than a tale of meetingadeadline—it’satestamenttotheNavy’s adaptability,teamwork,andtheprideSailors take in their craft As Eisenhower prepares to leave the shipyard in 2026, she does so thankstotheeffortofateamthattrulyexemplifies “Service to the Fleet”—across rates shops,andspecialties
on schedule
ships,ultimatelydrivinginteroperabilityand missionsuccessworldwide.” The program, approved by the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command in 2025 prepares officers to safely control shipboard launches and recoveries This new school will focus on the unique procedures for the F-35B’s short takeoffs and vertical landings aboard amphibious assault ships, which are distinct from the catapult and arrested-recovery operations taughtattheNavy’sLandingSignalOfficers school. The Marines’ school will expose its students to a broader range of events including day
CourtesyStory
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Strengthening Navy Medicine’s operational readiness and advancing standardized, joint trauma capability for future combat, Navy Medicine Readiness and TrainingCommand(NMRTC)FortBelvoir hosted the Joint Trauma System (JTS) Valkyrie Course to operate Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion (EFWBT) programs,Jan.19—23.
FortheNavyMedicineEnterprise(NME) and joint forces, blood is both a clinical necessity and a strategic resource. Maintaining adequate blood supplies requires
refrigeration, transport, protection, and continuous resupply, all of which become increasinglydifficultandcostlyincontested anddistributedenvironments
“JTS-Valkyrie standardizes Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion programs across the joint force, explained Lt Cmdr Josh Kotler, JTS-Valkyrie program directoratNMRTCFortBelvoir “Thisprehospital course provides the capability to project fresh whole blood resuscitation very far forward where cold-chain stored blood may not be available The JTS is currently developing additional course tiers to standardize walking blood bank protocols and bulk whole blood collection for battlefield
firstaidandenhancedexpeditionarymedicalplatformsacrossthejointforce.”
NMRTCFortBelvoiristhefirstcommand within the NME to achieve accreditation from the Defense Health Agency JTS to conduct the Valkyrie Course This training marked the command’s second iteration sinceprovisioncertificationandrepresents ascalablemodelforimplementation.
“Blood is a strategic resource that drives real operational decisions,” concluded Kotler “Artificial, shelf-stable blood allows commanders to preposition resuscitation capability forward without needing to activate or transport large quantities of blood in the lead up to or during combat. This preserves flexibility and protects a critical strategicresource.”
By integrating joint trauma training with emerging medical technology at NMRTC Fort Belvoir, Navy Medicine continues to movetowardanoperationallyfocused standardized, and scalable approach to combat casualtycare.TheJTS-ValkyrieCourseand exposuretoprogramslikeFSHARPdemonstrate how the medical force continues to evolveasacriticalenablerofnavalandjoint forceoperationsinfutureconflicts
The JTS-Valkyrie Course prepares multidisciplinary medical teams to operate EFWBT programs effectively during large scale combat operations and in distributed maritime environments where evacuation timelinesareextendedandtraditionalmedicalinfrastructuremaybelimitedorunavailable This training directly supports Navy Medicine’s operational transformation by aligningclinicalskillsustainmentwithexpeditionary medical requirements and joint standards
TheNavyMedicineEnterprise’s44,000+ talented and ready forces optimize health readiness deliver quality healthcare, and provide global expeditionary medical supporttowarfighters
For more information on DARPA’s FSHARP:https://www.darpa.mil/research/ programs/fieldable-solutions-for-hemorrhage-with-bio-artificial-resuscitation-products
“Becoming a certified Valkyrie site is about more than hosting a course,” said Capt. Andrew Lin, commanding officer of NMRTCFortBelvoir “ItdemonstratesNavy Medicine’s ability to generate and sustain standardized interoperable trauma capability that directly supports the Fleet joint, andpartner-nationoperations.” IncollaborationwithU.S.Army’sProgram Executive Office - Soldier Integration Facility the course emphasized trauma decision-making, team coordination, and system-based care under operational constraints Participants integrated clinical judgment with operational awareness, ensuringtheycanoperateaspartofanintegratedjointmedicalnetworkratherthanas isolatedmedicalassets Thisjointapproach reinforces interoperability across services and strengthens the medical force’s ability tosupportcontestedoperations Onthefinaldayofthecourse,Kotlerdeliveredabriefingandhands-ondemonstration oftheDefenseAdvancedResearchProjects Agency’s (DARPA) Fieldable Solutions for Hemorrhage with bio Artificial Resuscitation Products (FSHARP) whole blood analog which was injected into a practical exercisescenariocallingformorebloodthan aValkyrieprotocolcouldotherwiseprovide. Observersincludedrepresentativesfromthe Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Defense Innovation Unit, DHA, and U.S. NavyBureauofMedicineandSurgery
MARMC team supports USS Iwo Jima
Amphibious Ready Group in the Caribbean
ByOscarPope
Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center
NORFOLK, Va A Sailor and civilian teamfromtheMid-AtlanticRegionalMaintenance Center (MARMC) completed a two-week assignment in the Caribbean in December 2025 to deliver repair services in support of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Amphibious Ready Group, reinforcing the Navy’s ability to project maintenance capability forward in dynamic operational environments
TheassignmentoccurredwhileU.S.military forces were deployed to the Caribbean insupportofOperationSouthernSpear
“When the Fleet needs us, distance and complexity are not limiting factors,” said MARMC Repair Officer Lt Cmdr. Brent
Spicer “Our Sailors are trained to deploy assess and execute repairs wherever they arerequired. Sailor and civilian experts completed a series of planned repairs essential to ship safety and mission readiness aboard Iwo Jima and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Work included repairs to a plenum bulkhead, bolted access points and bulwark door access aswellasmultiplestructuralrepairs
The team also conducted non-destructive testingandcompletedassociatedrepairson oneoftheship’sleveldecks,ensuringstructural integrity and continued compliance withFleetstandards
Executing these repairs required close coordination with ship’s force and the flexibility to adapt maintenance plans in a time-constrained, expeditionary setting
According to Spicer “This success highlighted the command’s depth of technical expertise and its ability to rapidly integrate with operational units The civilian planning portion was especially essential to the successoftheassignment.”
“Our strategic advantage is our people,” said Capt. Daniel Hemminger, MARMC’s commandingofficer “Theytaketremendous pride in supporting readiness both at home andwhenourNavyneedstheirworld-class technicaltalentinforwardlocations.”
By completing high-impact repairs on site,MARMChelpedminimizeoperational disruptions and reduced the likelihood of more extensive maintenance actions later in the deployment. This forward maintenance capability is increasingly important as naval forces operate across broader and
moredispersedmaritimetheaters
The assignment underscored MARMC’s core strength: delivering responsive, expeditionary maintenance support that preservesreadinessandenablesoperational commanders to remain focused on mission execution.
“This is a clear demonstration that MARMC can support the Fleet anywhere, under any conditions,” said Spicer Our commitment is simple—keep ships ready, wherevertheysail.
MARMC,afieldactivityunderNavalSea Systems Command, provides surface ship maintenance,managementandoversightof private sector maintenance and fleet technicalassistancetoshipsintheMid-Atlantic regionoftheUnitedStates
ByHarrisonCox
Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center
NORFOLK, Va A dedicated team of engineers and technicians from Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center’s (MARMC) Submarine Towed Systems Branch (Code 274) is improving the operational capabilities of the Navy’s fleet by buildingandinstallinganewcriticalcontrol system.
Functioning as an alteration installation team, the group has taken a hands-on approach to modernizing the equipment used to manage tactical sonar sensors This equipmentreplacesacriticalcomponentof thelegacyunitsfacedwiththegrowingchallengesofcomponentobsolescenceandparts availability, making replacement a priority Thismodernizationnotonlyresolvesthese part-sourcingissuesbutalsointroducescritical capabilities and functions for the operators In a unique approach, Code 274 partnered with the Naval Undersea Warfare CenterNewportandtheSubmarineAcoustic Systems program office to oversee the manufacturing process from start to finish Once the materials are sourced, the assembly is performed entirely in-house by Code 274 technicians and engineers Each unit is assembled piece-by-piece and cableby-cable, a meticulous process ensuring high-quality construction. After assembly, each unit undergoes specific programming and testing before being certified for use in the fleet. Installations are proceeding at a rate that satisfies the needs of all candidate platforms
“From my perspective, reliability and supportability are the biggest improvements,” said Andrew Thurmond, senior engineer, Code 274. “With the previous unit,youcouldn’tgetcomponentsanymore, the software wasn’t maintainable and the government didn’t own the software Now, we have a government design with all modern parts that are procurable It’s easier for operators on the ship to operate the system remotely, and they have more optionstomaintainit.”
son, the officer of the deck who led John F. Kennedy getting underway from Newport NewsShipbuilding “Thisisproofthathard work pays off and to say that I had a part in this ship pulling out for the first time the weightisnotlostonme.”
JohnF.KennedyisthesecondFord-class aircraft carrier and represents the next generationofAmericanaircraftcarriers The platform is designed to improve survivability, increase lethality and advance aspects from the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers Mr Deron Hathaway, with Fleet Power Plant Engineering, Navy Nuclear Laboratory, has beeninhiscurrentrolefor30yearsandwas impressed with the changes he saw during his first time underway on a Ford-class aircraftcarrier
“Ihavebeenonanumberoftrials butthis steam plant impressed me in several ways,” said Hathaway “The overall capability, the automation,thereducedworkloadonwatch standers is a notable improvement from [the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers]. There hasbeenplentyoflearningin[Builder’sSea Trials] and my team appreciated the hospitabilityfromthecrewandjustbringingusin onthisspecialoccasion.
While John F. Kennedy’s Sailors trained hard leading up to Builder’s Sea trials, there is only so much that can be simulated pier-side Personnel from Newport News Shipbuilding;theNavy’sSupervisorofShipbuilding, Conversion and Repair; Naval Sea SystemsCommandandProgramExecutive Office Aircraft Carriers came underway for Builder’s Sea Trials They represent just a portion of the industrial base and governmentteamthatsupportsbuildingtheFordclass aircraft carriers, including the more than 2,000 businesses across 46 states that supportconstruction.
“ThisisawinforAmerica,nomatterhow you look at it,” said Capt. Sam Morrison, John F. Kennedy’s executive officer “This
Alejandro RayGarcia,from Del Rio,Texas,both assigned toAirDepartment aboard Pre-Commissioning UnitJohn F.Kennedy(CVN 79),remove chocks
underway isn’t the ultimate goal, the finish lineforthisshiporthecrew But,itissomethingtheteamhasbeenworkingtowardsfor years Now is the time to take this momentum further and push towards joining our brothersandsistersinthefleet.”
The Ford-class improves upon its prede-
Lt j.g William Baldwin (middle),from Riverside,California, and Lt j.g John Garcia (right),from Englewood,Colorado complete an underwaychecklist on the bridge in preparation fortaking Pre-Commissioning UnitJohn F.Kennedy(CVN 79) to sea forthe first time forBuilder’sTrials,Jan.28 2026 Builder’sTrials provide an opportunityto test ship systems and components at sea forthe first time and make required adjustments priorto additional underwaytesting (U.S.NAVY PHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALISTSEAMANPARIS MCKEE)
Soldier-Olympian from Page 2
donatedherfirstrifle
IrwinsignedacontractwiththeVermont
National Guard Biathlon Program in 2019 andeventuallyjoinedWCAP
“Idon’tthinkIwouldhavegottenthisfar in biathlon without the support of the U.S. Army, Irwinsaid.
Gradually, she grew faster on the slopes She started hitting targets more accurately and refined her shooting discipline At the 2019 Biathlon National Championships, Irwin placed seventh in the sprint, fourth in pursuit and eighth in super sprint. Soon aftershebeganimprovingontheWorldCup circuit, finishing in second in the women’s relayatthe2022WorldCupinAntholz,Italy
After qualifying for the 2022 Olympics, Irwinreachedanewpinnacle
“Iwasneverastatechampioninrunning,” Irwinsaid.“IwasneveranNCAAchampion in Nordic skiing or anything like that. But I justknewthatIhadmoreinmeandIwanted tokeeppushingmyselfandIwantedtokeep seeinghowfarIcouldget[inthebiathlon].”
cessor in numerous ways, including three times the electrical generating capacity and a larger, more flexible flight deck. As the U.S. Navy continues to innovate in aviation, the Ford-class improvements ensure the ship can support those innovations and the aircraft carrier’s indispensable role in
SeniorChiefGunner’s MateAlejandro Martinezrodrigues,from Makakilo Hawaii,assigned toWeapons Department aboard Pre-Commissioning UnitJohn F.Kennedy(CVN 79),scouts and directs Small CraftActionTeams (SCAT) from the bridge during Sea andAnchoras the ship departs forBuilder’sTrials, Jan.28 2026 Builder’sTrials provide an opportunityto test ship systems and components at sea forthe first time,and make required adjustments priorto additional underway testing (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION SPECIALISTSEAMANPARISMCKEE)
Irwin attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 2019, followed byadvancedindividualtrainingatFortJackson, South Carolina, where she studied to becomeahumanresourcesspecialist.
The discipline and learning to work with othersoldierschangedIrwin.
“[Basic training] was one of the most mentallydifficultthingsI’veeverdone,”she said “But I learned a lot about resilience andworkingasateam.
Atbootcamp,IrwinlearnedtofireanM16 rifle,amuchheavierweaponthanthelightweight, .22-caliber long rifle used by biathletes Guard, Army comes to her aid
Irwin had repeatedly shielded Reid from the advances of a ski wax technician who abusedReidforyears,accordingtoanAssociatedPressreport.
Irwin recalled learning about the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, a concentrated effort by the service to eradicate sexually related
U.S.militarypowerprojection
F. Kennedy goes and the mission the ship partakes in is an unfinished story, but the crewstandsreadytoanswerthenation’scall.
Sailors assigned toAirDepartment
priorto additional underwaytesting (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST1ST CLASSJACOBMILHAM)
crimeswithinitsranks Irwinreportedherteammate’scasetoher chainofcommandattheVermontNational Guard. Her leaders took immediate action, eventually prompting an 18-month investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which safeguards Olympic athletes from abuse
“Being able to tell my chain of command in the Vermont National Guard and having suchoverwhelming resources,theyreally madesurethatIwastakencareof,andthatI wastalkingtotheprofessionals,”Irwinsaid.
During the PowHERful podcast, Irwin added that she risked her athletic career to bring change to the misogyny and abuse against women within the U.S. Biathlon program.
“Wehavetostarttheconversationforthe 12-year-old athlete who wants to be in our position, Irwin said. “How do we make it betterforthem?”
During the investigations, Irwin still stayed on top of her fitness and used biathlon training as therapy. Irwin got lost in her training; running, skiing and shooting harder
She said she never considered walking
awayfromthesport.
“Continuingtotrainwastherapeutic, she said. “It was my way of continuing to be in control of my life. A lot of that anxiety and stressorwhateveriscausingthatinmylife, itmeltsaway.”
Irwin said she not only represents the U.S. but also the Army and National Guard inthisyear’sWinterOlympics WCAPplaces athletes on active-duty orders during their pursuit of Olympic glory while supporting athletes with health care and training resources Irwin works remotely with nutritionists who analyze athletes’ bloodwork and provide vitamin supplements Irwin communicatesdirectlywithArmynutritionistMaj.KellyKaimthroughtextsandemails “It’s been a really amazing program to be a part of and the resources,” Irwin said. “Everybody within their program has been areally,reallyhugehelpinthislastpushfor the2026Olympics.”
Irwin competed as part the U.S. Biathlon teaminthemixedrelay4x6kilometerevent yesterday,finishing14th.
John F. Kennedy
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class DylanAllsopp,left,from Hemet,California,andAviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class
CourtesyStory
uarterdeck
Navy Exchange Service Command
FemaleSailorscannowpurchasethenew optionalServiceDressWhitelong-sleeved overblouseforwearwiththeServiceDress Blue uniform. This is the second uniform item to be designed usingsize modernization tools. This optionaluniformitem is nowavailableforpurchaseatNEXNorfolk andNEX Arlington, Virginia,and NEX SanDiegoUniformShopsaswellasonline at myNavyExchange.com. Other NEX UniformShopsaroundtheworldwillbegin sellingthenewoverblouseinsummer2026
The Service Dress Whitelong-sleeved overblouse is madeof60% cotton and 40% polyester fabricwith apartial stand collar.Proper sizing and fit can be determined using the modernized sizing and fit charts available in NEXUniform Shops and on myNavyExchange.com (https:// www.mynavyexchange.com/uniformfit). Manner of wear canbefound on MyNAVYHR.navy.mil (https://www.mynavyhr. navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/ Uniform-Regulations/Uniform-Components/3602_1b/).
Overthepast11years,theNavyExchange Service Command’sNavyClothing & TextileResearchFacilityhas been workingwiththe Fleet to modernizesizeand fit types to better represent today’sSailors’ bodies.Previously,the patterns used to manufactureuniformsweredeveloped based on body types from the 1980s and outdated methods for achieving proper uniform fit. Data captured by NCTRF in recent years indicated thenecessity to address outdatedpatterns and fitto modernize sizing and fit typesfor both female andmaleSailors.The tools developedprovidegreater accuracy inmeasuringSailors’height, circumference ratios and body proportions,which arecritical to achieving the best fit thefirsttime,with minimal alterations
“Thegoalofthemodernizationofsizing and fit is twofold,”said Dr.Brianna Plummer,Group Leader at NCTRF.“First, we want to accurately reflectthe body types and sizes of today’sU.S.NavySailors.
Second,wewantconsistentandclearsizing across all uniform items,soSailors know what to expectand get theright fit with feweralterations.”
Throughouttheprocess,Sailorsprovided critical data points needed by participating in fit evaluations. NEXCOM’sNCTRF utilizedboth quantitativedataand direct feedback about their experiences with uniform items.This information is used to strategically introduceitems to the Fleet and improveexisting uniforms,soSailors canmoreeasilydeterminetheirsizeandfit typeacrossmandatoryuniformitems.The firstuniformitemtransitionedtoamodernized sizing wasthe SummerDress White short-sleevedoverblouse,whichwasintroduced to the Fleet duringthe 2024 Chief Petty Officerseason.
“Improving uniform fit to enhance performance is importantfor the future of Navy readiness,” said Plummer.“By modernizing sizing and fit, we areable to accomplishjustthat—deliverbetterfitting consistentlysizedprofessionaluniformsfor our Navy warfighters.”
Currently,NCTRFisfocusingonmodernizingfemaleuniformsizing,whilethemale sizing system will also be modernized over thecomingyears.Thisapproachofferslongterm gains andwill provide the Fleet with aclearly defined size and fit for tops and bottomsbasedonspecificbodytypes
Female Sailorscan nowpurchase the new optional ServiceDressWhite long-sleeved overblouse forwearwith the ServiceDress Blueuniform.Thisoptional uniform item is nowavailable forpurchase at NEXNorfolk andNEXArlington,Virginia,and NEXSan Diego Uniform Shops aswell as online at myNavyExchange.com.TheNavyExchange ServiceCommandenableswarfighter readiness and strengthens the Navy’s qualityoflifemission.Providingessential products,services,hospitalityand outfitting Navycommunitiesaround the globe, NEXCOMiscontinuouslyevolving to meet the demands oftoday’smilitaryoperational environment (U.S.NAVYPHOTO)
U.S. Navy completes final flight testofthe Harpoon Block II Obsolescence Update PageB3
ByVictoriaPendleton Norfolk NavalShipyard
Formorethan100years,theNorfolkNaval Shipyard (NNSY)Apprenticeship Program hasgrownpeoplefromthecommunityinto thejourneymenwhobuilttheshipyardinto whatitistoday.ThistimeonHeritageHour, welookbackthroughtimetorememberthe graduatesthroughthedecades
Whilethe waterfront and the clothing styles have certainlychangedsince the apprentice class of 1915,the dedication to completing the program isthe sametothis day. Long beforethe firstnuclear powered submarinewouldcomeintothedrydocksfor maintenance,thesejourneymenbuiltfriendshipsalongwiththeirskills.Somecameinas soonastheymettheagerequirement,others cameinlaterintheirlives.Many,butnotall, wouldearnthedistinctionofhonorgraduate andberecognizedfortheirefforts.Allthese aspectswerejustastrueforthe1915classas the2025classandallthoseinbetween.
1985 sawthe largestgraduating class up until that point with almost350 personnel. That year,the graduation took place at Chrysler Hall instead of Willett Hall due to
thesheernumber.Latergraduationswould take placeatWillett Hall untilitcould no longer support theneeds of NNSY.Once more,the graduates would walk across the stageinNorfolkthatalsohostedsymphonies andBroadwayshows Throughout thedecades,the apprentice classes haveshifted in thenumber of graduates.While some boasted hundreds,some years only had afew dozen. The apprenticeshipprogramisnotaneasyone,andnot everyonewhostartsitwalksacrossthestage after four years.In1965,over50ofthose whostartedfailedtograduate.Throughthe decades,thereisvisibleandwarrantedpride inthosethatmadeittoend
USS Truxtun departs Naval Station Norfolk for deployment
NORFOLK Va Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissiledestroyerUSSTruxtun(DDG 103) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduleddeploymentonFeb.3,2026
The ship’s company includes approximately 300 Sailors, with an additional 26 embarked air wing personnel assigned to the“Valkyries”ofHelicopterMaritimeStrike Squadron50
Theship’sindependentdeploymentdeparture comes after several months of training and maintenance, preparing the ship for a multitude of operations Truxtun is a multi-missionguided-missiledestroyerwith air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval surface fire support, and surface warfare capability
“Truxtun’s recent experiences in the 5th and6thFleetareasofoperationshavesharpened our technical and tactical mastery translatingprovenoperationalreadinessinto immediate effects,” said Cmdr James Koffi,
The Heritage Hour from Page 1
In 1975, NNSY Commanding Officer RearAdmiralElmerWestfalladdressedthe graduates and told them to see themselves 25 years into the future: “When you recall the successful years between now and the year 2000, let it be said with pride that we knew who and what we were We set our sightshigh,andwekeptfaithinthefuture.” Fifty years later his words can be carried forward for the graduates of 2025: in 2050, whatsuccesseswilltheyreflectuponasthey lookbacktothispointintimeastheyadded theirchaptertothehistoryofNorfolkNaval Shipyard
commanding officer of Truxtun. “Our presenceatseawillnotmerelybea‘deployment,’ but a decisive application of Peace Through Strength.
Truxtun’s last deployment concluded in October 2025, where they conducted operationsinU.S.5thand6thFleetareasofoperations During this time, the ship successfully worked alongside the Harry S. Truman CarrierStrikeGroup,theCarlVinsonCarrier StrikeGroup,theNimitzCarrierStrikeGroup, andtheHMSPrinceofWalesStrikeGroupin variouscapacities Truxtunalsorepresented theU.S.Navyinthemulti-nationaloperations MediterraneanStrikeandBrightStar,which fosteredrelationshipsbetweenvariousallies andpartners
“The Sailors of USS Truxtun are ready to deploy and accomplish our nation’s work at sea,” said Capt Bryan Carmichael, commodore, Commander Naval Surface Group Mid-Atlantic “The combat capabilities that thisshipbringstoafightwillbereadywhenevertaskedtodeter,and,ifnecessary,defeat, aggression in defense of America’s interests aroundtheworld.”
Truxtun was commissioned on April 25 2009 The ship is named for Commodore ThomasTruxtun whowasselectedasoneof theNavy’sinitialsixcaptainsonJune4,1798
“We proudly carry the namesake of Commodore Thomas Truxtun,” said Koffi “Commodore Truxtun’s primary aim as the commanding officer of USS Constellation, oneoftheU.S.Navy’soriginalsixfrigates,was protectingAmericancommerceintheCaribbeanduringaperiodofdeepregionaluncertaintyinthefledgingyearsofournewnation.”
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order toensureaccess,deteraggressionanddefend U.S.,allied,andpartnerinterests.
For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet https:// www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/ X - @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/ commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.
ABOVE:This photo from the Nov.5,1965 edition ofService to the Fleet features class speakerRobert L.Greiner(Shop 17) receiving his certificate during the 1965 graduation.(COURTESYPHOTO,NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)
LEFT:The program forthe Dec.4,1975Apprentice Graduation andAwards Ceremonythat tookplace in theT.A.WillettAuditorium atWoodrowWilson High School,whichwould laterbe known asWillett Hall.(COURTESYPHOTO NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)
BELOW:This photo from Nov.19 2015 features the graduating class of2015 at theTrophyParkgazebo (COURTESYPHOTO,NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)
U.S. Navy completes final flight test of the Harpoon Block II Obsolescence Update
ByJamieCosgrove Naval Air Systems Command
The U.S. Navy successfully completed the third and final planned flight test of the Harpoon Block II Update (HIIU) ObsolescenceUpdateprogramJan.16,markingakey milestoneinmodernizingandsustainingthe weaponsystem.
ThePrecisionStrikeWeapons(PMA-201) programoffice,inpartnershipwithBoeing, conducted the test at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and the Point Mugu Sea Range in California The event demonstratedasuccessfulCoastalTargetSuppres-
sion mission against a representative land target, with all test objectives met based on preliminaryassessments
“This milestone reflects the strength of the integrated government and industry team and their commitment to delivering reliable, relevant capability to the fleet,” saidCapt.SarahAbbott,PMA-201program
manager
During the mission, the missile executed multiple altitude changes to simulate a coastal engagement After launch from an F-15 at approximately 12,000 feet above ground level, the missile descended to an initial waypoint altitude of 5,000 feet, then
proceededtothetargetareaandperformed asteepterminaldivepriortoimpact.
The HIIU flight test series consisted of three events designed to progressively validate system performance across mission sets The first test verified guidance and aerodynamic performance, the second demonstrated engagement of a moving maritime surface target, and the final event confirmedeffectivenessagainstaland-based target—highlighting the weapon’s operationalversatility
“This achievement reflects the coordinatedeffortsofprofessionalsacrossprogram management, engineering, logistics, test
and evaluation, aircrew, ground support, and range teams, alongside our industry partners,” said Bob Cress, SLAM ER/HIIU developmentteamlead. Following this event, system-level flight testing for the HIIU Obsolescence Update is nearly complete, with initial deliveries plannedforlaterthisyear
HIIU builds on the Harpoon’s 50+ year legacybyaddressingobsolescenceitemsand preparingtheweapontoextendproduction around the world. The U.S. Navy and more than 30 foreign partners use the Harpoon in support of anti-ship and land-strike missions
U.S. Navy awards contract for nextgeneration fixed wing helmet system
ByJamieCosgrove
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
The Navy recently awarded a $22.6 million contract to Gentex Corporation to deliver morethan5,000Next-GenerationFixedWing Helmet (NGFWH) systems and spares to support the fielding of these systems across all Navyfixedwingaircraft.
Thefirm-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is intended streamline and modernize life-support capabilities for fixed-wingaircrewsandwilleventuallyreplace the aging HGU-55/P and HGU-68P legacy helmets, which have served as the fleet standardfordecades
“The NGFWH is a leap forward in aircrew ergonomics By utilizing a lighter more balancedcarbon-fibershell,wearesignificantly reducingthelong-termphysicaltollonouraviators,”saidCapt.JosephKamara,NavalAircrew Systems (PMA-202) program manager “This isn’t just a piece of safety gear; it’s a modular platformthatallowsustorapidlyintegratethe next generation of digital cockpit technology withoutneedingtofieldanentirelynewhelmet everyfewyears.”
The NGFWH provides several critical upgrades designed to improve both aircrew health and combat effectiveness Its advanced carbon-fiberconstructionsignificantlyreduces head-borneweight,whileanoptimizedcenter of gravity mitigates the chronic neck and back strain often caused by long-duration missions and heavy flight gear. The system’s internal linerensuresthehelmetremainssecureduring high-G maneuvers preventing the displacement of critical night vision sensors or flight datadisplayswhenprecisionismostvital.
Beyond physical protection, the system’s modulardesignensureslong-termoperational relevance Thismodularityallowsfortherapid integrationofemerginghead-mounteddisplays and enhanced communication systems withouttheneedforafullequipmentoverhaul.The design creates a flexible, combat-ready system capable of addressing changing operational requirements ensuring that Navy and Marine Corps aviators flying the F/A-18 EA-18G and otherfixed-wingplatformsremaincompatible withevolvingtechnologywellintothefuture. PMA-202 is responsible for the lifecycle management of all equipment worn or used by aircrews, including helmets, oxygen masks, flight suits, and survival equipment, ensuring thesafetyandmissioneffectivenessofNavyand MarineCorpsaircrew
U.S.Navyawards contract fornext-generation fixedwing helmet system has been updated NAVAIRNews U.S.Navyawards contract fornext-generation fixedwing helmet system Navyaircrewman in the Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) The Navyrecentlyawarded a $22.6 million contract to GentexCorporation to delivermore than 5,000 NGFWH systems and spares to support the fielding ofthese systems across all Navyfixedwing aircraft.(U.S.NAVYPHOTO)
United States Naval Community College releases 2024—25 Academic Year At-A-Glance
CourtesyStory
U.S. Naval Community College
QUANTICO Va The U.S. Naval CommunityCollege(USNCC)hasreleased its“UnitedStatesNavalCommunityCollege 2024—2025 Academic Year At-A-Glance” informational graphic ahead of the “State of the College AY 24—25 Annual Report,” outlining outcomes and achievements that occurredfromAugust2024toJuly2025**.**
The infographic highlights USNCC’s efforts during Academic Year (AY) 20242025 reflecting institutional impact program offerings and enrollment, as well asstudentexperiences
Thefullreport,whichwillbereleasedthis month, illustrates how USNCC expanded accesstoflexible,high-qualitycollegepathways designed for active-duty enlisted service members pursuing part-time education while balancing operational requirements, duty schedules and other responsibilities
USNCC President Dr. Randi Cosentino emphasized the institution’s continued growth and strategic investments in warfightingadvantageandoperationalreadiness, stating:
“During Academic Year (AY) 2024 to 2025, the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) advanced intellectual readiness across the Navy Marine Corps, andCoastGuardwhilesustainingacademic rigoratscale USNCCexpandedenrollment, strengthened academic pathways, and matured institutional systems to support a globally deployed force Service members continuedtoengageatincreasingrates(61% growthfromlastyear),reflectingconfidence in the relevance and credibility of USNCC programs.”
Dr Cosentino added, “As the new academic year begins, I celebrate the commitmentandacademicachievementof ourenlistedstudents,appreciatethesupport of the naval services, naval leadership and commands, and thank the committed USNCC faculty and staff for their continued service to the USNCC mission and to ourservicemembers.”
KeyAchievementsfromAY24—25
61% enrollment growth reaching 7,406 studentsacrosstheNavy,MarineCorps,and CoastGuard. Strongacademicperformance, with 82% overall passing rate with 89% of students earning a passing grade in courses with letter-graded outcomes. 55% retentionrate,reflectingtherealitiesofpart-time enrollment among globally deployed, operationally committed learners. More than 90% of surveyed students reported a positive overall experience across two of three
Access Code: Code 107 Office of Counsel
ByTroyMiller Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Tuckedawayfromthebustlingdrydocks andpiersofNorfolkNavalShipyard(NNSY), a small team of legal professionals works tirelesslytodefendandenabletheshipyard’s criticalmission.TheyaretheOfficeofCounsel,Code107,thein-houselegalteamtasked with navigating the complex web of laws and regulations that govern one of America’s oldest, largest and most complex naval shipyards.
Led by Counsel Jim Metcalfe, the office functions as the shipyard’s dedicated law firm, providing crucial legal guidance and defendingtheNavyandourshipyardinlitigation. Their scope is vast, covering everything from contracts and environmental regulationstoethicsandlaborrelations
“Wearetheshipyard’slegalcounsel, said Metcalfe “Wedefendtheshipyardinlitigation,andweassistwithallaspectsofthelaws thattouchNorfolkNavalShipyard.”
Asignificantportionoftheirworkinvolves civilian personnel law, advising managers on employee-related issues ranging from misconduct investigations to disciplinary actions Thissupportisvitalforaworkforce of thousands The team also represents the DepartmentoftheNavyinemploymentlitigation,includingdiscriminationclaimsand appeals, and contract litigation covering a widerangeofsuppliesandservicesacquired tosupporttheshipyard
This constant churn of high-stakes work presents significant challenges The office operatesinafast-pacedenvironment,often tackling novel legal questions under tight deadlines
“Ilovethisshipyardbecauseit’sjustthere isneveraboringweek, Metcalfeexplained. “There’salwayssomeissuethatrequiresan attorneytoassistthemanagementingetting through the process We get to do a lot of work on issues that are often the first Navy orevengovernmententitytodealwiththat problem.”
The volume of work, from advising on multi-million dollar contracts to handling congressional inquiries, can be daunting. Kimberly Karle, Associate Counsel and CivilianPersonnelLawSectionLead,noted thatmanagingthe“constantchurn”isoneof theoffice’sprimarychallenges
To overcome this, the attorneys rely heavily on collaboration and teamwork “We overcome them by working together as a team, and we work with our shipyard management team…to defend the shipyard andtheNavy,”saidMetcalfe.
This collaborative spirit extends beyond their own office Associate Counsel Pascal Nkenglahighlightedtheimportanceoftheir
major surveys Expanded academic developmentpipeline,includingnewcredentials approved for AY25—26. New pathways in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning aligningwithemergingnavalworkforce priorities. Operationalresilience,maintainingcontinuityofinstructionthroughfederal hiring, staffing, and contracting changes, as well as a federal shutdown. Progress toward accreditation, advancing through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education(MSCHE)self-studyphase
The outcomes accomplishments and ongoing improvements highlighted in the report reflect USNCC’s continued maturation as an institution Accreditation and governance remained central priorities
As a candidate for accreditation with the MSCHE as of November 2024, USNCC advanced into the self-study phase and strengthened the evidence base required for final accreditation and congressionally authorized degree-granting status These effortsdemonstratelong-terminstitutional accountability within the Naval University System and support USNCC’s permanent degree-grantingmission.
Looking ahead to AY25—26, USNCC enters the year positioned to continue scaling its academic portfolio and strengthening fleet alignment. and strengthening fleet alignment. The institution recently expanded its consortium through a new academic partnership with Bismarck State College, further increasing capacity to deliver relevant, high-demand programs to service members across the fleet. USNCC now offers over 40 accredited degrees and certificates to eligible enlisted Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen via the USNCCConsortium.
Cosentinoexpressedappreciationforthe high-quality partnerships that continue to contributetothesuccessoftheinstitution’s mission.
“Our partner institutions deliver a lion share of our academic support, and we are thrilled to be a part of an entity that impactsourservicememberssopositively,” said Cosentino “This period of reflection affords a great opportunity to extend our most sincere appreciation for the consortiumandourpartners.”
TheUSNCCConsortium,whichrecently expanded to eight partner institutions, includes:
AlexandriaTechnical&Community College
ArizonaStateUniversity
BismarckStateCollege(recentlyadded)
Embry-RiddleAeronauticalUniversity
NorthernVirginiaCommunityCollege
TidewaterCommunityCollege
UniversityofMarylandGlobalCampus WesternGovernorsUniversity
Throughout the year USNCC strengthened governance operational reliability, and data-informed continuous improvement. Faculty, Department of the Navy civilian professionals, uniformed staff, and partner institutions collaborated to deliver instruction, advising, and student support underdynamicconditions Astheinstitution continuestomature,USNCCremainspositioned for continued scaling that supports warfighting readiness enlisted force development,andlong-termcareeroutcomesfor servicemembers
Thefullreportwillbeavailableonlinevia theUSNCCwebsitesoon.
About USNCC: Founded in 2019, the United States Naval Community College provideseducationprogramstothenation’s maritimeservicesthatenhanceoperational readiness, support warfighting advantage, andempowerlifelonglearning USNCC is currently accepting applicationsforallavailableprogramsforthe20252026 academic year Active-duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as well as Coast Guard Reservists are encouragedtofilloutanonlineapplicationtoday. For more information and to apply visit http://www.usncc.edu
internal and external networks “We have a good community of practice We share informationwitheachother,notonlyinour office but in the Department of the Navy,” Nkenglasaid “Ilovetoworkshopmyissues and cases with each of the individual attorneys here, and I learn so much from everybody.”
ThisteamworkdirectlysupportsNNSY’s primary mission: repairing, modernizing, and inactivating the U.S. Navy’s fleet. By providing sound and timely legal advice, Code107helpsmanagersnavigatecomplex legal issues efficiently allowing them to remainfocusedongettingshipsbacktothe fleetontime
“Ithinktheprimarysupportthatwegive isintryingtoassistsupervisorsandmanagers in being more efficient at that part of
ABOVE: NNSYOffice ofCounsel (Code 107),the in-house legal team,is taskedwith navigating the complexweb of laws and regulations that govern one ofAmerica’s oldest and largest naval shipyards.Front row,from left:Assistant Counsel Davone“Norra”Pe Benito,Associate Counsel Colleen Shook,CounselJim Matcalfe; backrowfrom the left:Associate Counsel and Civilian Personnel LawSection Lead KimberlyKarle,Associate CounselWilliam Stoddard, andAssociate Counsel Pascal Nkengla.Not pictured: Associate Counsel RyanJames and Paralegal Specialist JacquelineThompson.(PHOTOBYDANIELDEANGELIS, NORFOLKNAVALSHIPYARD)
LEFT: NNSYCode 107 Paralegal Specialist JacquelineThompson discusses a document needed foran upcoming reviewboard. (PHOTOBYTROYMILLER NORFOLKNAVAL SHIPYARD)
their job so that they can also focus more ongettingtheshipsoutontime,”Karlesaid When a supervisor faces an issue from a mishap on the waterfront to an employee dispute Code 107 provides the guidance neededtoresolveitproperlyandswiftly
Ultimately, the attorneys of Code 107 see themselves as partners in the shipyard’s success They provide the legal framework that allows the engineers, mechanics, and technicians to perform their vital work for thenation.
“They’re out there doing good work for the Navy and the nation,” Metcalfe said. “Welikesupportingourclientsandhelping themexecuteforAmerica. Itisasentiment echoedthroughouttheoffice—adeeppride in serving not only their clients within the shipyard but also the larger mission of the
U.S.Navy Karle extends an open invitation to shipyard leaders: “We are a resource for them… We are very friendly and we want to be as helpfulaspossible.”
Whiletheirworkisdoneinofficesrather than on the dry docks and most of the time, behind the scenes, the impact of Code 107 is felt across the shipyard This small team provides the essential legal framework and defensethatallowsthousandsofshipbuilders to focus on their primary mission By expertly navigating the intricate legal landscape the Office of Counsel ensures that America’s Shipyard remains ready and able todeliverfortheU.S.Navyandthenation.
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NAVSUP Business Systems Center installs Hazardous Material Inventory Control System 4 aboard USS Comstock and USS Boxer
ByJamesFoehl Navsup Business Systems Center
MECHANICSBURG, Pa
Informa-
tion technology (IT) specialists from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) completed installation of the Hazardous Material InventoryControlSystem4(HICS4)aboard Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4),January9,inSanDiego,Calif
The installations provided an opportunitytoequipSailorswithamodernizeddigital platform to inventory, issue, track, and storemission-essentialhazardousmaterials in accordance with Navy policy and regulations
Previously Sailors tracked hazardous materialsusingHICSforWindows
“HICS4replicatesdatabetweenshipand shore, allowing the shore system to update data as needed. Data can also be sent via secure file transfer, eliminating the need to sendupdatestotheshipbymail,”saidJamie Strine,ITspecialistandHICStechnicallead atNAVSUPBSC
From paint to lubricants and corrosives
Sailors rely on the availability of hazardous materialstomaintaintheship’sreadiness.
“Readinessmeansthatashipandthecrew areavailableandcapableofperformingtheir duties when called upon,” said Capt. Juan CarlosUribe,commandingofficer,NAVSUP BSC “Effective installation and continuous sustainmentoflogisticsinformationsystems arethedigitalbackboneofreadinessaboard Navy ships. Afloat systems, such as HICS 4, are part of an invisible framework that ensuresSailorscanmaintaintheship’sphysical components and deploy, operate, and fight. These systems are not merely administrativetools;theyareacriticalwarfighting enabler.”
Personnel assigned to NAVSUP BSC design, develop install, and update HICS aboard ships across the fleet and provide end-user support to Sailors using the platform.
“Our team delivers comprehensive technical and operational support for HICS
4 deployed on Navy ships,” said Strine
“Through direct collaboration with shipboard IT personnel, we provide real-time assistance to ensure the continuous availabilityandsecurityoftheapplication
“Our support services include managing user access overseeing data and file transfers andperformingessentialserveradministration, such as certificate management and rapid system recovery This close partnership guarantees that warfighters have
reliable access to the tools they need to executetheirmission
Since January 2025, NAVSUP BSC has installed HICS 4 aboard 27 ships, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carriers USSTheodoreRoosevelt(CVN71)andUSS George Washington (CVN 73), in support ofthefleet’smodernizationandreadiness NAVSUP BSC is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP, and delivers IT and information management solu-
tionswithspecificemphasisonlogisticsand financial-related products and services for the Navy, Department of War, other federal agencies,andinternationalcustomers For more information about NAVSUP BSC visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/ NAVSUP-Enterprise/NAVSUP-Business-Systems-Center/.
U.S., South Korea Strengthen Naval Supply Chain in the Indo-Pacific
CourtesyStory NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support
NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support’s director of international programs, Capt. Albert Sonon, led a team to the Republic of KoreaFeb.2-6,2026
They met with key defense partners to boostnavalreadinessandenhanceregional sustainment.
The team held discussions with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration,RepublicOfKoreaNavyHeadquarters, ROK Naval Logistics Command, and ROK NavalAirCommand. With DAPA, the focus was on expanding local maintenance, repair, and overhaul opportunities for spare parts in the United States Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility Using the Republic of Korea’s strong industrial base supports the Department of War’s regional framework andstrengthensourcollectivedefense.
Meetings with the ROK Navy Headquarters, Naval Logistics Command, and Naval Air Command aimed to improve supply support for their MH-60R, P-8, P-3, and AEGIS programs The goal is to streamline processes,givingtheROKNavyfasteraccess tonecessarysparepartstomaintainmission readiness
This visit highlights our deep commitment to our allies and to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. The collaboration between NAVSUP WSS and our Republic ofKoreapartnersisatestamenttoourstrong alliance and shared dedication to maritime security
This engagement aligns with the U.S. National Defense Strategy, which emphasizestheimportanceofalliesandpartnersin aneraofstrategiccompetition.Asecureand stableIndo-Pacific,supportedbyanetwork of capable allies who can work together seamlessly, is a cornerstone of this strategy. By investing in the logistical and industrial capabilities of partners like the Republic of Korea,NAVSUPWSSishelpingtheDepartmentofWarbuildamoredistributed,resilient,andlethaljointforce NAVSUP WSS provides the U.S. Navy, MarineCorps,andalliedforcestheprogram andsupplysupportfortheweaponsystems that keep naval forces mission ready With locations in Philadelphia; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania;Norfolk,Virginia;andTucson, Arizona, NAVSUP WSS manages operational readiness for almost 300 deployable ships, 92 submarines, and 3,700 aircraft worldwide
USS Kearsarge namesake visit
On iberty
ArmySgt.Ben Loomis,assigned to the Utah National Guard,leads the packduring a patrol race at the Goms Nordic Centerin Geschinen,Switzerland,March 28 2025.Loomiswill compete in the 2026 Milan and CortinaWinterOlympic Games in the Nordic combined event which consists ofski jumping and cross-countryskiing (U.S.ARMYNATIONALGUARDPHOTOBYSGT.DENISNUNEZ)
Meet the military athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics
ByKatieLange,PentagonNews
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are fast approaching As always, there’s a contingent of U.S. military athletes who have qualified to representtheircountryonthebiggestsports stageintheworld.
While this Olympics will not feature any athletes from the Navy or Marine Corps, there are plenty of World Class Athlete Program participants from the Army and Air Force including one who was named asaflagbearerfortheopeningceremony.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is looking forward to speaking with several of these athletes during morale calls ahead of the games
Army Sgt. Ben Loomis: Nordic Combined
Army Sgt. Ben Loomis, 27, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, will compete in his third Olympics in the Nordic Combined event, which
combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing Loomiscompetedinthe2022Beijing Gamesandthe2018PyeongchangGamesin SouthKorea.
According to Nordic Combined USA, Loomis started ski jumping at age 5. His talentsgrewsoquicklythat,at15,hemoved to Park City, Utah, to find higher-caliber trainingandcompetition
In2019,afterhighschool,Loomisenlisted in the Utah National Guard as a motor transport operator to join the WCAP for its opportunities He told the Army that training for his sport requires power, endurance and strength physical traits that are also requiredtocarryouthismilitaryduties.
“Beinganathleteandasoldiergohandin hand, Loomis said. “What I’ve learned in the military has helped my athletic career, and my athletic background has helped me asasoldier.”
Hesaidhisexperienceinthemilitaryhas beenincrediblypositive.
“Iwanttostayinaftermyathleticcareer, maybe even for a full career,” Loomis said. “My reasons for joining and my reasons for stayingarecompletelydifferentnow.
After earning silver in the 2016 Youth Olympic Games, Loomis was named the U.S.SkiandSnowboardAssociation’sNordic combined athlete of the year He’s been a memberoffourworldchampionshipteams, andhisbrother,Adam,isalsoaformerworld championinthesport.
WhenLoomisisn’tonthesnow heenjoys
hiking,fishing,bikingandwaterskiing Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis: Skeleton
Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis 37 of Princeton, New Jersey ranks 16th in the world in skeleton, a daring sliding sport in whichathletesliehead-firstandface-down on a small sled as they fly down a steep, icy track Curtis happens to be the sport’s top-rankedU.S.athlete
Being athletic is a bit of a Curtis family trait. Her father, John, was an All-American football player, while her two brothers also played college sports At Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts Curtiscompetedintheheptathlonandwon theeventatthe2011PennRelays Soon after graduating in 2012, one of her coaches introduced her to bobsled, which she tried out for in 2013 But during her training, she saw skeleton athletes practic-
If you ever wondered how to become a comedian, improve life and people skills, boost your confidence and so much more, wonder no more. Thanks to the Virginia Beach Funny Bone and Tim Loulies, the famous comedian and instructor, your wait is over and you can start learning the craft of stand up comedy February 23rd at the VirginiaBeachFunnyBone Yiorgo: With us today is Comedian extraordinaire Tim Loulies Thank you for being with us today Tim Can you tell us about your comedy school classes coming up?Whatistheclassdescription?Whatwill
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HAMPTON ROADS,Va. —For over35years,DriveSafe HamptonRoads(DSHR)hasjoinedforceswithcommunity partners to collect old, used and potentially unsafe child safety seats during the “Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Round-Up” program. Thisprogram also servestoeducateparentsandcaregiversaboutthepossible dangers of using car seats pastthe date recommended by themanufacturer,usingsecondhandseats,and seats with missingpartsornotraceablerecallinformation.Thiscould leadtosignificantinjuryorworse.AccordingtotheNational HighwaySafety Administration, an estimated 161,478 childrenwereinjuredintrafficcrashes(aged0-14)in2023.2023 Data-Children DriveSafeHamptonRoadsandtheircommunitypartners: Walmart, AAA Tidewater Virginia,Hoffman Beverage Co WasteManagementofVirginia,Huffman&Huffman-BrothersinLaw,andtheChildren’sHospitaloftheKing’sDaughtersencourageeveryoneto“round-up”theiroldchildsafety seatsandturntheminfora“reward”throughoutthemonth of February.The goal forthe Round-Upistoconvince parents and caregivers toturn in old, usedorpotentially dangerous safety seats so they arenot resold or given to unsuspectingparentsorcaregivers As an incentive,individualscan receive a$5giftcardfor eachseatturnedin(limit2rewardsperperson).Safetyseats canbedroppedoffatWalmartSupercenterselectlocations oratanyoftheeightAAATidewaterVirginialocationsfrom February1—28,2026
All collected safety seats will be recycled by Waste Management of Virginia, Inc. Notonly will recycling these seats eliminate the potential danger tochildren,but itwill alsoprovidepositivebenefitstothecommunitybyutilizing a“greener”alternativefordisposal
Virginialawrequiresallchildrenundertheageofeightbe
Y: So let’s talk about your journey.What madeyoustartofferingclasses14yearsago?
TL:Ithasbeenquiteaprettyfunjourney Ienjoyteaching.I feel likeit’smypurpose It’sbeenagreattime.Iliketomakethisclass acorelife experience.It’sfocusedaround comedyandeverything,butIliketoprovide an experiencepeoplewill remembertheir entirelives
Wedotheclassesaboutthreetimesayear. Ididn’treally adventuremyselfasbeing a comedyschoolteacher,butthemanagement oftheVirginiaBeachFunnyBonedid.They sawhow well Iworked with theyounger talent,howwellIwashelpingthemandthey offeredmethepositiontoteachthecomedy school14yearsagoandIhavereallyenjoyed teachingiteversince
Y: That speaks volumes that they came to yourather thanyou asking them if you could teach it. Bravo, bravo. Can youshare asuccess story or twoabout some of your students?
TL:I’vehadabunchofstudentsthathave goneontogetquiteabitofwork,doingstand up.Some of them even get morework than me and that puts abig smileonmyface. But, youknowwhat I’m most proud of? Therewas agentleman that took my class and he was55years old and he’s suffering from extreme social anxiety. He said allhe wantedtodowastobeabletolooksomeone in the face and have aconversation. And by theendofthecourse,whenhegraduated,a yearlater,hebecameapastor.
Y:Wow,goosebumps.OhmyGod,whata story,whatablessing
TL: Yessoalot of people take theclass not justfor hopes of fameand fortune and stand-up.Theyalsotakeitto provepublic speakingordeveloplifeskillsandforsome, it’s abucket listitem, youknow, theycan saythat they did it, that they got to that performance.Thegraduationperformance is alwaysavery euphoric experience for people Y:Isthereanagelimit?
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properlyrestrainedinanapprovedDepartmentofTransportation (DOT) child restraint.This lawappliestoany driver, not justthe parent or guardian,inany vehicle,onany highwayinVirginia.Inaddition,allchildrenageseightthrough seventeenyearsofagemustbeproperlyrestrainedinasafety beltwhileseatedinanyseatingpositioninavehicle
Formoreinformation: www.drivesafehr.org or call (757) 498-2562
About DriveSafeHampton Roads: DriveSafeHamptonRoads (DSHR) is anon-profitregional coalition whose
missionistoimproveroadwaysafetyandreducedeathand injury from vehicle crashes using initiativesthat include educational programs,informationsharing,and partnershipswithpublicandprivatesectororganizations.Forover 35 years,DriveSafe Hampton Roads hasbeen dedicated to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on theregion’s roadways.DSHRistheoldest,continuoustrafficsafetycoalition in the Commonwealth. Formoreinformation: www drivesafehr.orgorcall(757)498-2562.
TL: It’s typically 18 andup, but Ihave taughtchildren as young as 15,with their parents’consent Y:Let’slearnaboutyou.Wherewereyou born and what or whomade youfallinlove withcomedyandentertainingpeople?
TL: Iwas born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Myfirstinspirationincomedywaswatching BillCosbyandseeingallmyfamilylaughing whenwewould watchhis TV showorhis TV specials.Ofcourse that wasway before all the things that came out about him.We didn’tknowthatbackthen. Ialso enjoyed Eddie Murphy, alot of SaturdayNight Live stuffalwaysinspiredme.WhenIwasgrowingup,itwassomethingIalwayswantedto do.IhavefollowedstandupeversinceChris Rock. They were alot of my big influences
Ofcourse,GeorgeCarlinonceIgotalittlebit older,Iappreciatedthethingshewassaying. Sothoseweresomeofmyinspirations
Y: Howold were youwhen yougot started?
TL: Iwas 30 years old.Ialwayshad this stagefrightissue.Iusedtoworkinthemortgagebusiness,thenIwenttobillcollecting Thatnegativityreallyatemeup.andIfinally decided, I’mgoing to go do it now. Then I wentout,gotonstageandit’sbeenniceever since.
Y: Talk alittleabout that firsttime being onthestage?
TL:ItwasactuallyattheCozzy’sComedy Club andTaverninNewport News andit wasgreat. Therewere32comics on the showandIwasnumber32.SoIhadtowait
that entire time with my nerves eatingme up.OnceIgotupthereIforgotmyactalittle bit, and once Igot my firstlaugh,itall came backtome.Itjustwentfullspeedahead.It’s suchahigh.
Y: So very proud of you! Youwent from Cozzy’s andthe 32 comediansout of 32, to really having quite alegacyfor yourself, performing at theApollo and Hollywood Improv and at theComedy Storeand now theFunnyBone! Youwerealso thehead instructorforthePBSdocumentaryComedy BootCamp.Youtrulyhavehadandcontinue tohavequiteacareerandyourdebutspecial SugarGliderisnow streamingonAmazon PrimeandSpotify
Y: You’realso involved in theexciting world of professional wrestling,with VirginiaChampionshipWrestling.Howdid yougetstartedwithVCW?
TL: Well,Igot aroast battle calledthe Comedy SmackDown,and it’s wrestling theme.SoIwantedtodoacrosspromotion andIreachedouttoJerryStephanitsis,Itold him about my aspirations of howI’d liketo be involved in professionalwrestling,and he gave me an opportunity to do backstage interviews,whichIreallywasn’ttoogoodat first.EventuallyIgotgoodenoughtowhere they actually putmeinaring with amicrophone and then IstartedLoulies Lounge. This is my 10th year in professional wrestling andnow Iamstartingtodabble as a wrestlingmanager,sostaytuned.
Y: Howabout awow,pinch me moment or 2thatyou got to experience being in this wonderfulworldofentertainment?
TL: WorkingwithMickFolley,both in comedy and in thering,was apretty,pretty amazing experience,especially taking the sockofromhim. That’s probablyone of my career highlightsand so wasworking with TracyMorganandJohnWitherspoonbefore hepassedaway.
Yiorgo is an arts,entertainment and sports writer.Astage, TV andmovie actor,heisalso asports entertainer,educator,motivational speaker,writer,storyteller andcolumnist
Funny Bone from Page 1
TimLouliesduring his standup routine (COURTESYPHOTO)
inganddecidedtoswitchtothatsport
When she’s not racing, Curtis serves her country and trains at Aviano Air Base, Italy, wheresheworksininformationmanagement She joined the Air Force and its World Class AthletePrograminAugust2020tosupporther careerasanathlete whichseemstohavepaid off Her talents took her to the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games where she became the first Black athlete to represent Team USA in skeleton Just last month, Curtis earned silver at an International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation World Cup event in St Moritz-Celerina, Switzerland, climbing her way to the podium afterinitiallybeinginninthplace Inthesame competition in December 2022 she came in third. She’s also raced in multiple world cup and international competitions consistently rankingamongthetopcompetitors.
Curtis has a master’s degree from Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, and is marriedwithonedaughter
Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca: Bobsled
Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca, 34, of Bethel, Maine,willcompeteinthetwo-manandfourman bobsled events in Milan Cortina This willbehissecondOlympics,havingcompeted in the 2022 Beijing Games, where his fourman team placed 13th. His experience as an Olympianmaybewhyhewasnamedasoneof thetwoU.S.flagbearersfortheopeningceremony alongside veteran speed skater Erin Jackson.
DelDucagrewupasaworld-classathlete, earning accolades as a high school state championinalpineskiingbeforebecominga sprinterandlongjumperattheUniversityof MaineinOrono,Maine
According to the Team USA website, Del DucajoinedtheU.S.BobsledTeamasabrakeman after college in 2016, but after failing to make the 2018 Olympics he switched to pilot. That’s also what brought him into the Army World Class Athlete Program, which he joined shortly after enlisting in 2019 as an infantryman.DelDucasaidhewitnessedthe unit’s discipline and leadership and thought itwouldupgradehistraining.Itturnsout,he wasright.
“I’ve learned so much about leadership team building accountability, setting standards scheduling punctuality big things andsmallthingsthatmatterwhenyou’repart of a group working toward a common goal, DelDucatoldArmywriterSteveWarns.
AttheMarch2025InternationalBobsleigh &SkeletonFederationWorldChampionships in Lake Placid, New York, where Del Duca happens to train, he piloted his team to a fourth-placefinishintwo-manandfour-man bobsledevents HetoldWarnshe’sexcitedfor what’stocomeinItaly
“Whenthecamerasandlightsareon,Ifind anothergear,”hesaid.“Ipushbetterandfocus harder because the competition demands it Therearesomanygreatteams,andeveryone hastohavetheirbestday.”
DelDucaismarriedwithtwosons
Army Spc. Sean Doherty: Biathlon
ArmySpc.SeanDoherty,ofCenterConway, New Hampshire, might be the most experienced military athlete this year, as he will compete on his fourth Olympic team in as manyassixevents
Doherty began competing in biathlon, a sportthatcombinescross-countryskiingwith rifleshooting atage12 Bythetimehewas18 hewascompetinginthe2014SochiOlympics becoming the first teenager and the youngest U.S athletetocompeteinthesport.
In 2018, Doherty enlisted in the Army as a carpentry and masonry specialist and is now a member of the Vermont National Guard. However, he didn’t join the WCAP until after hecompetedinthe2022BeijingGames Now 30 Dohertysaidtheexperienceshe’shadwith theWCAPcontinuetoshapehim
“WCAP supports you not just as an athlete but as a person and a soldier,” he told Warns “They care about my athletic performance, but they also care about my development as a wholeperson,andI’mgratefulforthat.”
Doherty trains at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont, which is home to theArmyMountainWarfareSchool Outsideof biathlon,he’sanavidhunter archer fisherman andwoodworker
Army Spc. Azaria Hill: Bobsled
Army Spc. Azaria Hill, 27, of Santa Clarita, California, comes from a family of Olympians She’s the daughter of track and field star
Denean Howard-Hill, a three-time Olympian whowongoldandtwosilvermedals;andVirgil HillSr.,whoearnedthesilvermedalforboxing inthe1984LosAngelesOlympicGames Hill’s aunt,SherriHoward,isalsoathree-timeOlympic medalist in track and field relay competitions
“I just knew ever since I was a little girl I wantedtobelikemymomandaunt,”shesaid inherTeamUSAbiography.
Hill was a sprinter on the track and field team at California State University, Long Beach,California,beforefinishinghercollege athletic career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas While there, she met U.S. bobsled pilotKayshaLove,whocompetedinthe2022 BeijingGames LovetalkedHillintotryingout for the bobsled brakewoman position after graduation.
HillfirstcompetedwithLoveforTeamUSA inbobsledattheNorthAmericanCupinLake Placid,NewYork,November2023,finishingin firstplace Thepairwentontofinishfourthat the2024IBSFWorldChampionships
Hearing the WCAP could provide benefits tosupportherathleticandprofessionalcareer, Hillenlistedin2024asamotortransportoperatorandjoinedtheunit.
“It provides resources such as going back to school to obtain my master’s and helping to become an officer,” Hill said. “We work on all aspects of ourselves, not just athletics. They make sure we stay on top of classes and training,evenoverseas Theypushustogrow professionallyandathletically.”
Like Del Duca, Hill is stationed in Lake Placid,NewYork.
Army Pvt. Spencer Howe: Pairs Figure Skating
ArmyPvt SpencerHowe,29,ofLosAngeles, followedhissisterintothesportoffigureskatingstartingatage9.Bythetimehewas18,he’d transitionedfromasoloskatertopairsandwas makinganameforhimself
Unfortunately, in the spring of 2023, Howe neededsurgerytorepairatornlabrum,andit took a lot of time for him to recover before he couldmakeaseriousreturntothesport. Duringthatdowntime,Howelearnedabout theWCAPprogram.So,heenlistedinFebruary 2025asamotortransportoperatorandjoined theunitshortlythereafter He’sthefirstfigure skatertobeapartoftheprogram
Last month, during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Howe and his skating partner of seven years Emily Chan qualified for the Olympic team for the first time Howe told Warns that they finished eighth in theshortprogrambutsecuredtheirspotonthe teambyplacingthirdinthefreeskate “We’regratefulandhonored,”hesaidafterward “Being able to serve my country and participate in my sport at the same time is an unbelievableopportunitythatIamincredibly gratefultohave.”
Howesaidhisinitialmilitarytraininghelped shapehimintoabetterathlete “Istartedlookingatskatingfromasoldier’s perspectiveandnotjustanathlete,”Howesaid. “Takingontheresponsibilitytocompeteatthe highestlevel notjustforTeamUSAbutalso for the Army is a different level of commitment.”
Aftercontinuinghiseducation,HoweeventuallywantstojointheChaplainCorps Inhissparetime HowecoachesfigureskatingandhockeyatTheSkatingClubofBoston, nearwhereheandChantrain.
Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin: Biathlon
InherfirstOlympicsin2022,ArmyStaffSgt. Deedra Irwin placed seventh in the women’s 15-kilometer individual biathlon the highest finish for an American in biathlon history IrwinisnowthetopfemaleathletefortheU.S. Biathlon Team, and she could compete in six eventsinMilan.
Irwin,33,ofPulaski,Wisconsin,isahuman resourcespecialistwiththeVermontNational Guard. She enlisted in the Army in 2019 and competed for the National Guard Biathlon Team in the 2022 Games In 2023 she joined theWCAPforitsconsistentsupport,whichshe saidhasmadeallthedifferenceinbothcareers.
“With WCAP, I have full-time orders, fulltime benefits and direct access to resources,” Irwinsaid.“Beingbothaplatoonsergeantand anathletehavepushedmetolearnalot.
Growing up, Irwin wanted to be a track and field athlete. She picked up cross-country skiing in the winter during high school to stay in shape between the fall cross-country andspringtrackandfieldseasons Irwinthen wenttoMichiganTechnologicalUniversityin Houghton,Michigan,whereshecompetedin allthreesports
After college, Irwin tried her hand at a professional skiing career She didn’t get started in biathlon until she was 25, when a
fellow cross-country skier talked her into attending a talent camp She told Team USA sheinstantlyfellinlovewiththesport.
“It has been an honor to be able to representmycountryasbothaU.S.Olympiananda U.S.Armysoldier,”shesaid.“Ihopetoinspire thenextgenerationtoserveandrepresentour country,too.”
Outside of biathlon, Irwin enjoys knitting, baking,puzzlesandmusic.
Air Force Senior Airman
Jasmine Jones: Bobsled AirForceSeniorAirmanJasmineJones,29, ofGreensburg,Pennsylvania,isabrakewoman inthetwo-womanbobsledevent.AftercompetitionthisJanuaryintheSt MoritzWorldCup inSt Moritz,Switzerland,thefirst-timeOlympiancannowsayshe’sagold-medalchampion. Inhighschool,Joneswasastandoutbasketball player and a two-time state champion in the4x100-meterrelay.Shewentontobecome a sprinter for Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti,Michigan,whereshewasafive-time individualconferencechampion.
Jones’successledfive-timeOlympicmedalist Elana Meyers Taylor to reach out, encouraging her to try out for the U.S. bobsled team. Jonestookthatadvice Intheyearssince she’s competed in world championships and made theNationalWorldCupteam.
JonesenlistedintheAirForceinApril2023 as a material management specialist She joinedtheWCAPtohelpbringstabilitytoher busylifefilledwithwork,trainingandraising herdaughter,Jade
“They allowed me to have the support fromthemilitaryasfaraspayandbenefitssoI cantrulyfocusonmysport.Then ontheback endofmycontract,Igivemytimeback,which is fine with me because I want a career in the military,”shetoldtheAmsterdamNewsoutof NewYorkCity
Just last month, Jones and her teammate, Kaillie Armbruster-Humphries, earned gold at the aforementioned IBSF World Cup two-woman bobsled race in St Moritz, Switzerland. A few weeks later they took silver at anotherIBSFWorldCupraceinGermany.
“[The] Olympics has always been a dream I’ve had. Now I can
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLSCHURCH,Va Areyouenrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan? If you see a primary care manager at a military hospital or clinic, you may now have a new way to get urgent care. The Defense Health Agencyhasexpandeditsvirtualurgentcare options in the U.S. This allows TRICARE Prime enrollees ages 12 and older to schedulevirtualurgentcarethroughtheMilitary HealthSystemNurseAdviceLine **UnitedStates,Guam,andPuertoRico Visit MHSNurseAdviceLine.com for web chat and video chat, or dial 800-TRICARE (874-2273),option1.**
“Now if your local military clinic is booked, you can call the MHS Nurse Advice Line A nurse will assess if you can get a virtual urgent care appointment for the same or next day, said U.S. Army Lt Col. Ryan Shubat, chief, Primary Care and Mental Health Healthcare Optimization at the DHA “This is part of the Defense Health Agency’s effort to improve health careaccess.”
What conditions does virtual urgent care treat?
Virtual urgent care providers can work withyoutotreatthesecommonurgentcare issues:
Sinuscongestionandinfections
Cough
Allergies
Soreorhoarsethroat
Rashes
Acne
Muscleandjointpain
Headaches
Where is virtual urgent care offered?
Currently, it’s offered in the U.S. It isn’t availableoverseasorinU.S.territories
How to schedule an appointment
Getting virtual urgent care is simple
Call the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 800-TRICARE or visit MHS Nurse Advice Line24/7
Anursewillaskyouaboutyoursymptoms
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLS CHURCH, Va Screening for breast cancer is important. That’s because it’s the second most common cancer in womenintheU.S.,accordingtotheCenters forDiseaseControlandPrevention.It’salso the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Fortunately, getting preventive screenings can help detect breast cancer before youshowanysignsorsymptoms
“Screeningforbreastcancercanhelpyou findbreastcanceratanearlierstage,whenit maybeeasiertotreat,”saidDr StacyUsher, lead nurse, TRICARE Health Plan, at the DefenseHealthAgency
There are different ways to screen for breast cancer Your age and your risk for breast cancer determine which tests are recommended for you and covered by TRICARE. Read on to learn about your options
Getting preventive care
Breast cancer screenings are preventive services Thismeans:
You have no out-of-pocket costs for TRICARE-covered preventive services whenyoufollowyourplan’srulesforgetting care.
In most cases, you don’t need a referral forpreventiveservices Butyoumightwant to talk to your primary care manager or provideraboutwhichbreastcancerscreeningsarerightforyou.
Do you have TRICARE For Life? In the U.S.andU.S.territories youmustalsofollow Medicare’srulesforgettingpreventivecare Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray exam of your breasts Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer for most women of screeningage accordingtotheCDC. To screen for breast cancer TRICARE coversmammogramsevery12monthsfor: Womenages40andolder
Women ages 30 and older who have certain risk factors or a 15% or greater lifetimeriskofdevelopingbreastcancer Go to Mammogram Coverage (online at https://tricare.mil/mammograms) to learn moreabouttheseriskfactors
Note: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years Talk to your provider about how often you should getamammogram.
BreastMRI
Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of inside your body Breast MRI is used with mammograms to screen women whoareathighriskforgettingbreastcancer
TRICARE covers an annual breast MRI screening for women ages 30 and older
and decide if your condition can be treated virtually If virtual care works for you, the nurse will set up your virtual appointment withprovidersfromtheVirtuallyIntegrated PatientReadinessandRemotecareclinic.
Appointmentsareavailablefrom6:30a.m to 11:30 p.m. ET This extended availability makes it easier to get care when you need it most Youcanexpecttogetanappointment thesamedayorthefollowingday.
Quality care you can trust
Allvirtualurgentcareprovidersmeethigh standardsforpatientcare.Eachproviderhas credentials and privileges at a DHA militaryhospitalorclinic.Yourvirtualvisitgets recorded in MHS GENESIS keeping your healthrecordscompleteandcurrent.
Virtual urgent care providers can also
write prescriptions and send them directly toyourpreferredpharmacy Benefitsofvirtualurgentcare
This new virtual option improves your access to care and reduces wait times for urgent medical needs Instead of waiting for routine appointments or visiting emergency rooms for nonemergency issues, you canreceivequalitycarefromhome Virtual care saves time and helps you get treatment faster This approach supports DHA’sstrategytobuildahealthcaresystem that gives you more choices in managing yourhealth.
Supportingservicemembers DHAcontinuestoexplorewaystoexpand
virtual health care options for service membersandtheireligiblefamilymembers Virtual health care represents a key part of building a more modern and integrated healthcaredeliverysystem.
More information
For more details about your TRICARE benefitandvirtualcareoptions,visitVirtual Health or call 800-TRICARE. The MHS Nurse Advice Line can help you determine ifvirtualcareisrightforyoursituation. Would
who have a 20% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer or have these risk factors:
Youorafirst-degreerelativehasaknown BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation or a historyofcertainsyndromes.(Afirst-degree relativeisaparent,child,orsibling.)
Youorafirst-degreerelativehasahistory of Li-Fraumeni, Cowden, or BannayanRiley-Ruvalcabasyndrome
You had radiation therapy to your chest betweentheagesof10and30
Learn more about breast MRI coverage onlineathttps://tricare.mil/BreastMRI. Geneticcounseling&testing
You’re at greater risk for breast cancer if you or a first-degree relative has a known BRCA1orBRCA2genemutation
TRICARE may cover genetic counseling before BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing as preventive care if your PCM or provider identifies you as being high risk for breast cancer TRICAREmayalsocoverthiscounselingincertainothersituations.
You must see a TRICARE-authorized provider for TRICARE to cover this counseling Learn more about BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic counseling coverage online athttps://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/BreastMRI. TRICAREmaycoverBRCA1andBRCA2
genetestingaspartoftheLaboratoryDevelopedTestsDemonstrationProject.Callyour regionalcontractortolearnmoreabouttests includedinthisdemonstration.
Breastexams
Aclinicalbreastexamisaphysicalexamination of your breasts Your provider will use their hands to feel your breasts and underyourarmsforlumpsoranythingelse thatseemsunusual.
TRICARE covers clinical breast exams during covered Health Promotion and DiseasePreventionExaminationsandwellwomanexams Keep in mind that a clinical breast exam onitsownisn’tadequatetoscreenforbreast cancer Your HP&DP Examination or wellwoman exam is a good time to ask your provider about your breast cancer risk and whichscreeningsarerecommendedforyou.
Screening for breast cancer vs diagnosing breast cancer
A screening test isn’t the same as a diagnostictest.Breastcancerscreeningtestslook for breast cancer before you show signs or symptoms Your provider may order diagnostic testing if your screening test shows
abnormalresults
Diagnostic tests are also used if you have signs or symptoms of breast cancer For example, if you have a lump in your breast, your provider may order diagnostic testing to determine if you have cancer or another medicalcondition.
TRICARE covers medically necessary diagnostic testing Mammograms breast MRI, breast ultrasound, and biopsies are examples of tests used to diagnose breast cancer
Other health services for women
Fromcancerscreeningstocontraception
RAINOR SHINE
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